A Gift of Grace (11 page)
Authors: Amy Clipston
J
essica breathed a sigh of relief when another customer headed out the front door of the store. She’d helped several since the open sign went up this morning. The flurry of customers and phone calls had given her a crash course in answering questions, taking orders, and balancing the ledger. So far, it wasn’t so bad.
Glancing down, she spotted her cellular phone and recalled that it had vibrated a few times while she’d been taking an order for a desk earlier. The display read “1 voicemail.”
She dialed the voicemail box and smiled when Brian’s voice spoke into her ear.
“Hey, Jess,” he said. “It’s me. Sorry I haven’t called, but I’ve been studying like crazy for finals. My dad told me I better pass chemistry, or I won’t get to work at the oceanfront this summer.”
Jessica leaned back in her chair and shook her head. Things hadn’t changed. Brian was still flunking chemistry, and his dad was still on his case about it.
“I hope things are going all right in Amish world. I hope the horse smells aren’t gettin’ to you yet.” He snickered, and Jessica rolled her eyes. “Well, give me a call when you can if they let you use a phone. Bye.”
Her heart sank when he disconnected without saying he missed her. Was he too embarrassed or hurried to say it? Did he still have feelings for her?
She stared down at the display and found only one bar left inside the battery display, indicating it was close to dead. If she dialed him without charging it, the phone would most likely turn itself off before the end of their conversation.
She cut her gaze to the phone sitting on the desk. She could call Brian from the shop phone. But what would happen when the phone bill came in? Would she have to pay the long distance charges? It seemed silly to run up a long distance bill when she had a cellular phone in her hand that had free long distance. However, it needed to be charged.
She remembered Jake’s truck and began to think about how she could convince Jake to let her charge her phone.
“Hey, Jessica,” a voice behind her said as if on cue.
She turned and found Jake standing in the doorway. Had he been reading her mind? “Jake. Hi.” She sat up straighter and smoothed her shirt. She absently wondered why she should care how she looked. She didn’t even know the guy.
“So, are you ready to quit yet?” He leaned back on the doorframe, folding his arms across his wide chest.
“No way.” She waved off the thought. “This job is a breeze.”
A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “A breeze, huh? Wait until July when folks are here ordering their lawn furniture. By then you’ll be ready to either quit or get an assistant. Trust me.”
“I can handle it.” Her finger brushed her pocket holding her phone. Taking a deep breath, she worked up the nerve to ask him. “Jake, I was wondering if I could ask you a favor.”
“Oh?” His eyes widened with curiosity.
“Could I possibly charge my phone in your truck? It’s almost dead, and I wanted to call my boyfriend back. He left a voicemail earlier, and the battery barely has enough power for me to dial.”
Still smiling, he rubbed his chin. “You want to charge your phone in my truck to call your boyfriend, huh?”
“It won’t take long.” She yanked the phone from her pocket and held it up. “It’s one of those new ones, so it charges real fast. I’ll get it back from you before I leave today. I promise.”
“Hmm.” He folded his arms again. “And what do I get from the deal?”
Jessica stared at him for a moment, wondering if he were joking or if he really expected something in return. How could a phone sitting on the console in his truck possibly inconvenience him?
“Well?” he asked. “I’m waiting for an answer.”
“Look, Jake, I don’t see how this is a big deal.” She gestured with emphasis. “You’re just letting me use a little bit of juice from your battery.”
“And? What do I get? You get to use your cell phone.” His grin was back.
She narrowed her eyes and folded her arms, giving him her best pouty look. “You get the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone out of the goodness of your heart.”
“That’s not enough.” He stepped toward her. “Have you had lunch?”
“Not yet.” She pointed to the desk. “It’s been crazy busy. I was thinking about walking up the street to that little pizza parlor you mentioned if I can get someone to watch the front.”
“I haven’t eaten either. Have lunch with me.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Why not? Your company would be sufficient payment for using my truck’s battery.”
“I don’t think it’s appropriate.” She held up the phone. “I told you that I wanted to use my phone to call my
boyfriend
.”
“I invited you to have a slice a pizza with me, not elope. Loosen up a bit.” He nodded toward the door. “We’ll go have lunch, and your phone can charge.”
“Loosen up?” Offended, she popped up from the chair. “I’m not stiff.”
“Jessica, you look like you haven’t laughed in years.” He touched her arm. “It’s almost one-thirty, and my stomach is growling. I’ll tell my grandpa to cover the front, so you can get a break from this nuthouse for a while.”
“But I need to—” she began.
“Let’s go.” He gently pulled her through the doorway to the shop. “We need to cut out before a customer comes in and ties you up for another thirty minutes.”
As they made their way through the shop, Jessica couldn’t help but smile. When Daniel’s gaze met her, he frowned, causing her smile to fade and her stomach to twist with foreboding.
Daniel shook his head while watching Jake holding Jessica’s hand and yanking her through the back door of the shop. An alarm went off in his head. Did Jessica have any idea how it looked for her to go off alone with a young man she’d just met? The other men in the shop may assume things about her that weren’t true. She might give herself a bad name merely by accident.
Jessica and Jake disappeared through the back door heading to the parking lot, while Daniel grimaced with concern. He was going to have to tell Rebecca to remind the girls of their rules and expectations again. Jessica should think long and hard about how her actions might look to other members of the community. She and Lindsay were English, but they had to respect the Plain ways. Going out alone with a boy could ruin Jessica’s name before she even had a chance to prove herself as a good girl.
“Daniel?” his father asked, stepping over into his work area. “
Was iss letz?
”
“Nothing,” Daniel muttered, lifting his hammer and turning his attention toward his current project, a bookshelf. “Nothing is wrong,
Dat
.”
“You aren’t being truthful.” His father shook his head. “I can tell by the expression on your face that you’re upset about something.”
Sighing, Daniel motioned for his father to follow him out of the shop. They sauntered over to the far end of the parking lot and leaned on the fence. Daniel gazed over the large field beyond the fence.
“What’s on your mind?”
Dat
asked. “You seemed upset last night at the gathering. Is it from changes in your home?”
“
Ya
. I guess you could say that.” Daniel kept his gaze on the field in order to avoid his father’s stare.
“I had my driver stop by Robert’s farm on my way in this morning,”
Dat
said. “I wanted to check in and see how he was doing.”
Daniel held his breath, waiting to hear the complaints his brother had reported. If Robert had something negative to say about Daniel, it was always reported through
Dat
. Robert had expressed his criticisms of Daniel through their father since they were children. If Daniel hadn’t finished his chores or had made some other mistake, Robert was always the first to run to
Dat
to ensure Daniel was properly punished. Irritation welled up inside him at the thought. He was certain that Robert had reported Jessica’s behavior to
Dat
.
“Robert had mentioned Jessica was sharing her worldly music with Katie Saturday night,” Dat said. “He was quite upset about it.”
Daniel bit his lip to hold back his feelings regarding his brother telling tales.
“Robert said Jessica needs to be reminded to keep her worldly ideas to herself.”
Dat
rested his foot on the bottom rung and leaned forward on the fence. “I saw her go off with Jake. The two of them alone will cause rumors. Jessica doesn’t realize what she’s doing to her reputation.”
Daniel nodded. He knew how rampant rumors flowed through the community. Not only would the rumors affect Jessica’s reputation, but they would also affect his and Rebecca’s.
However, he could still hear her sweet voice repeating that verse from Colossians echoing through his mind like a hymn—“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” He had to give the girls a chance—for Rebecca’s sake.
“Jessica and Lindsay are still figuring out the rules,” Daniel said. “I don’t think it would be fair to charge her with the things Robert is accusing her of. She’s a child, and she’ll make mistakes.”
“That’s right, but you should remind her of the rules. The pressure is on you to make sure your household keeps our beliefs.” His father’s expression grew grim. “If the girls keep making mistakes, someone may go to the bishop.”
Closing his eyes, a deep scowl grew on Daniel’s lips. The last thing he needed was a visit from the bishop.
“You’d mentioned that the girls wanted to live with their friends, the McCabes,”
Dat
said.
“
Ya
, they do.” Daniel cut his eyes to the elder Kauffman.
“It would make sense to me. Why would they want to give up their worldly ways to live Plain like us?”
“I’ve wondered the same thing myself,” Daniel said. “But Grace wanted them with us, and Rebecca also wants them here. We need to make the best of it. Rebecca loves them, and she loves her sister. I need to support her. She blames herself for not having children, and she sees this as God’s gift to her. We need to try to make this work for her sake and to honor her sister.”
Dat
nodded. “That makes sense.”
“Rebecca says we need to be patient with the girls, so I’m giving them time,” Daniel said. “I’ll just give Jessica some pointers tonight at supper.”
“
Dat!
” a voice bellowed. “We need your help with this bed frame.”
Daniel spun to find his younger brother Timothy standing in the doorway with Peter Troyer, their brother-in-law. Both were motioning for
Dat
to come back in.
“I better get back to work,” Eli said. “Duty calls.”
Daniel nodded. “I’ll be there in just a moment.”
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”
Dat
smacked Daniel on the shoulder before shuffling toward Peter.
Daniel waved at his brother-in-law and then turned toward the field. His thoughts turned to his youngest sister and her husband. In less than nine months, Sarah and Peter would welcome their first child, making Daniel the only married Kauffman child not to have children.
He knew it had broken Rebecca’s heart when the doctor had said that she couldn’t conceive. He wished they could have children of their own, but he’d given up on that hope a long time ago. It was God’s will. It didn’t change their marriage, and he’d gotten over the disappointment long ago. He still loved his wife as much as he did the day they were married. Perhaps more.
Sauntering back toward the shop, his father’s words echoed through his mind. He had to remind the girls of the rules before the rumor mill began dissecting Jessica’s behavior. But he also needed to keep in mind how important the girls were to his wife and respect her wishes with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
W
hat do you think?” Jake asked while he sat across from Jessica in the booth at the pizza parlor.
“It’s delicious.” She lifted the slice of extra pepperoni from the plate. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He lifted his cup as if toasting her and took a long gulp.
“So, how come your grandpa’s Amish, and you’re not?” She sipped her diet soda.
He placed his cup on the table and lifted his pizza. “Same reason your aunt is, and you’re not.”
“I’m guessing your mom left the community?”
“Bingo.” He nodded while chewing.
“So, your mom was Amish and then decided she didn’t want to be. How come?”
He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “She believed their teachings, but she wanted more freedom. She also fell in love with my dad, and he’s Mennonite.”
“Is that similar?” Jessica swirled her straw in her glass.
“They’re real close.” He gestured toward his clothes. “But we don’t believe in the formal dress as you can see. There are some subtle differences.”
“So, your mom left the church, but her family still accepts her?”
“That’s right. She said it was rough in the beginning, and my grandpa was disappointed in my mom. However, he wanted to stay a part of my mom’s life. When the grandchildren came along, there were no questions. My grandpa didn’t want to be left out.”
Stunned, Jessica shook her head. Her mom was treated like an outsider for leaving, yet Jake’s mother was still a member of her family. That just didn’t seem fair. How is it Christian to shun your own child?
“What’s bugging you?” He leaned forward, his eyes full of concern.
“I just don’t get it. My mom was treated like she didn’t exist after she left the church, and yet here you are working in your grandfather’s store.” She sat back in her chair, disappointment and hurt overcoming her. “I feel like an outsider here, but you fit in like your mom never left.”
“You’re not an outsider,” he said. “Well, you are to a certain degree, since you’re not really Amish, but you’re still welcome in the community.”
“What made you want to work in the furniture store?” She took another bite of pizza.
“I enjoy working with wood.” He shrugged. “I always wanted to be a carpenter, ever since I was a little kid. I took some classes in it and then started out as an apprentice in my grandfather’s store. I just learned all I could and worked my way up.”
“And your grandpa’s okay with you being Mennonite and still working for him?”
He finished chewing and then took a drink. “Yeah, he’s okay with it. I don’t think he was happy when my mom left, but he got over it. He still wanted to be a part of her life and know her children.”
“You have siblings?”
His smile faded. “I had a brother.”
She studied his face.
He said “had.”
She wondered what that meant, but she didn’t feel comfortable asking him since they’d just met.
“I bet you miss your friends,” he said.
Jessica lifted her glass. “Absolutely.”
“Does your boyfriend go to school with you?” he asked.
“We’re both sophomores.” She nodded. “His name is Brian.”
“It must be difficult to be away from him.”
“It is, but hopefully I won’t be here long.” She lifted her pizza. “My godmother is going to get a lawyer and get custody of my sister and me. We want to finish school and go to college.”
“But your aunt is guardian, isn’t she?” he asked. “Isn’t Rebecca the person your parents wanted you to live with?”
“Yeah, but we want to live with my godmother.” She finished the slice.
“So, you don’t like it here at all, huh?” he asked, swirling his straw in his cup.
“It’s okay.” She leaned her elbows on the table. “I just want to be in Virginia. That’s my home. My sister and I have gone through school with the same kids. That’s where we want to be.”
“Makes sense. I guess you’ll just have to see if that’s what God has in store for you.”
She bit her bottom lip. She hadn’t thought about it that way. What was it that God wanted for her and Lindsay? How would they know?
He gave her a sympathetic frown. “I’m sorry about your parents. I can’t imagine how it felt to lose them that way.”
She rested her chin on her hands. “It was a shock. I never in a million years imagined they wouldn’t come home that night.” She swallowed the lump swelling in her throat, hoping she wouldn’t break down in front of this guy she’d just met.
“I know exactly what you mean,” he said, his voice much softer than it had been.
Jake stared down at his plate, and Jessica wished she could read his thoughts. She had a feeling he really did know what she meant. She wondered if it had something to do with his brother. She wanted to ask, but she couldn’t form the words. The question felt too personal, too intimate, even though she felt comfortable with him. What was it about him that made her feel so welcome, so accepted as a friend? She wondered if he felt it too.
He glanced over at her plate. “You about done?” he asked, breaking through her thoughts.
“I’m full.” She rubbed her stomach. “It was delicious. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, smiling again. “We’d better head back soon. Grandpa is a slave driver.”
She chuckled.
“Ah-ha!” He pointed to her face. “I knew there was a pretty smile in there somewhere.”
Her cheeks heated. He thought her smile was pretty.
But why should she care what he thought? She had a boyfriend back home in Virginia Beach. Jake was just a friend.
“Let’s head back before your uncle thinks I kidnapped ya.” Jake cleared their dishes and then led her to the parking lot where they climbed into his truck.
“Thanks for lunch,” she said while buckling her safety belt. “You didn’t have to pay.”
“My treat.” He jammed the key in the ignition and cranked over the engine.
“Next time I pay.”
“Next time?” He raised his eyebrows. “So that means you’ll go to lunch with me again?”
“Maybe.” She gave him a coy smile. “If you promise to keep my phone charged.”
He grinned. “There’s a price, huh?”
“Of course. You said so yourself.” She settled back in the seat and smiled, happy to have found a friend in Lancaster County.
“So, how was your first day?” Daniel asked while they headed down the road from the furniture store in the van.
“It went okay.” Jessica stared out the side window at the beautiful farmland. “It was really busy, but I could handle it. I figured out a system with the ledger and the customer orders. I think I did okay.”
“My father and Milton said they were very happy with your work.” He glanced back at her. “They were pleased with how organized and thorough you are.”
“Thank you. I was taught by the best—my dad.” Jessica sighed. How she missed her parents.
“And you went to lunch with Jake?”
Jessica cut her eyes to Daniel. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was implying anything. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment. “We went to the pizza parlor up the street, and it was delicious.”
She hoped he’d drop the subject of Jake. She couldn’t imagine what the big deal was. She had lunch with a friend. She needed to change the subject. “I hope Lindsay and Rebecca had a good day too,” she said.
“
Ya
,” he said. “I’m sure they did.”
Daniel began to discuss the weather, and Jessica breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to talk about Jake. They were only friends, but she did look forward to seeing him again tomorrow. It was nice to finally have a friend.
“Dinner was delicious,” Lindsay said while clearing the plates. “I really like that chicken casserole. The cheese really adds flavor.”
“I’m glad you liked it.” Rebecca lifted her plate, along with Daniel’s and started toward the sink. “You did a great job helping me.”
Jessica stepped in front of her and snatched the plates from Rebecca’s hand. “I got it. You go sit.”
Rebecca studied her niece. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah.” Jessica smiled. “You worked hard all day and then cooked us supper. Go put your feet up or do whatever it is you do after supper. Lindsay and I will do the dishes.”
Rebecca glanced at Lindsay, who nodded.
“We got it, Aunt Rebecca,” Lindsay said. “You go relax.”
“Okay.” Rebecca smiled. “Call me if you need me.” She padded into the living room, where Daniel sat in his favorite wing chair while reading his Bible. He always read the Bible after supper and chose verses for their devotional time.
He looked over at her and tilted his head. “You all right,
mei Fraa
? You look perplexed.”
“For the first time in probably thirty years, I don’t have to do the dishes.” She sank into a chair and sighed. “I don’t know what to do.”
Her husband chuckled. “The girls are giving you a much-needed break. Enjoy it.”
“I don’t know how.” She smoothed her apron. “I guess Jessica had a good day. She was pleasant at supper.”
“
Ya
, I think so.” He placed the Bible on his lap. “She seemed to enjoy the work, and my father said she did a good job. She also had lunch with Jake Miller.”
“Jake Miller?” Rebecca’s eyes widened at the implication.
“The two of them went to the pizza parlor. She said he was very nice to her.”
“Well, he’s only a few years older than she is. Perhaps Jake can help her adjust to the move and missing her friends. I think he’ll be a good influence. He has a very strong faith.” She fiddled with the strings on her
Kapp
and contemplated Jake Miller.
Rebecca had known him since he was born, and he’d always been a good boy. She’d never once heard of him getting in trouble. His twin, however, was the one who’d often been in trouble. She’d heard there were rumors of foul play surrounding his death.
“I’m sure he’s a nice boy, but it’s not appropriate for her to go off alone with a boy. You know how people talk.” His eyes studied her. “I think you need to talk to her again.”
“I think we need to give her time to adjust. It was her first day on the job, and Jake is the only person at the shop who is close to her age. It only makes sense that she would befriend—”
Daniel leaned forward in the chair. “This is more than just a girl making a friend with a boy. Jessica has already introduced rock music and computers to Katie. Robert mentioned it to my
dat
, and he brought the subject up to me at work. Then she was seen being pulled through the shop by Jake. They left for lunch alone in his truck and were gone close to an hour. I would hate to see her get a reputation.”
“I’m sure it was innocent,” she whispered.
He frowned. “I know, but my father even mentioned her behavior.”
She heaved another deep sigh. The rumors were starting already. She imagined the rest of the men in the shop would tell their wives about Jessica and then the gossip would continue, moving through the community like a brush fire.
“What if someone went to the bishop?” he asked, lowering his voice. “Do you realize the pressure he would put on this household?”
“No one will tell the bishop,” she said, even though she knew she was wrong. There were members of the community who loved to tell the bishop every little rumor they overhead without going straight to the source for clarification. “Jessica isn’t a baptized member of the church, so the bishop can’t—”