The Restoration (11 page)

“Why would she do that?” Dad asked. He took a piece of chicken and handed the platter to Elam.

Elam shrugged. “She didn’t even tell me she was doing the dinners till the night we went to Yoder’s Kitchen. Then it was only brought up because Elaine, who was there with Ben Otto, mentioned it.”

“I’m sure Priscilla wasn’t keeping it from you on purpose, son.” Mom took a piece of chicken. “She probably got busy and forgot to mention it. Besides, Elaine’s helper left town suddenly, so Priscilla had to fill in rather quickly.”

Dad nudged Elam’s arm. “If you’d marry the girl, you wouldn’t have to worry about her not telling you things. You and Priscilla have been courting awhile now. Maybe she feels you’re not interested since you haven’t asked her to marry you.”

Elam grunted. “I’m not ready for marriage yet, Dad. Even if we were married, there’s no guarantee Priscilla would tell me everything.”

Dad chuckled, looking at Mom. “Some women like to keep their men guessing. Right, Virginia?”

Mom rolled her eyes. “Now, Marcus, you know I’d never do that. Let’s talk about something else while we eat supper, okay?”

Elam and Dad both nodded.

As Elam’s parents discussed the weather, Elam tuned them out. The only thought on his mind was Priscilla. How he wished he felt free to ask her to marry him now.

M
onday morning, Cora headed toward the Amish schoolhouse on her way to the clinic. She’d gone to and from work this way since she’d first spotted her granddaughters walking on the shoulder of the road.

So many thoughts went through her head as she drove along the winding country road.
Too bad Jared didn’t grow up around here instead of the big city. Maybe he would have a different attitude about things.

Lately it seemed he’d been trying, but a friend’s influence could change it all. In the Arthur area, life seemed so much simpler, although not immune from normal life experiences. The tragic accident that took her granddaughters’ parents was a prime example.

Tears welled in Cora’s eyes, thinking of those poor little girls.
They’re so young to have gone through such a tragedy.
Wiping a tear that had fallen to her cheek, she felt consoled knowing the girls had Adam and Leah now and were being brought up in a good home. Being as young as they were had its good points, though. Children were more resilient than adults and, in some cases, accepted things quicker. Other situations could mess up a person’s life forever. Cora would never know how her deceased daughter, Mary, felt about her, but unfortunately, Adam had made his feelings quite clear.

“I wish I could talk to my granddaughters,” she murmured. “I wouldn’t have to tell them who I am. Just say a few words.”

Cora clenched the steering wheel until her fingers ached.
But would talking to them be enough?
She really wanted to be part of their lives—to spend time with them and get to know them.

Some days, Cora thought she deserved a second chance. Other times, she berated herself for running out on Adam and Mary and figured she was getting what she deserved for being a terrible mother. She’d asked God’s forgiveness; now if she could only forgive herself. If she had the chance to be the girls’ grandmother in every sense of the word, maybe it would help make up for the past. Cora was well aware that the only chance she had of making up for her past would be if she could work her way back into Adam’s life. She would not force herself on Adam, though; doing such a thing would only push him further away.

Cora had started attending a local church and had tried getting Jared involved with the youth group so he would have some new friends, but so far he hadn’t shown much interest.

Worshipping helped to strengthen her faith, but she hadn’t made any new friends there.

As she rounded the next bend, Cora noticed a lone tree in the middle of a field. From its size, she figured the tree must have been there for years, but she’d never noticed it before. Barren of leaves and silhouetted against the sky, it stood in stark contrast against the snow-covered landscape.

Cora sighed.
I feel like that tree: all alone with no one surrounding me.

Up ahead, Cora spotted a group of children on their way to school. It didn’t take long to realize two of them were Adam’s nieces, especially since one looked so much like her daughter, Mary, when she was around the same age.

Heart thumping in her chest, Cora pulled her car to the side of the road and got out. “Good morning. Can any of you tell me where I might be able to buy some fresh eggs?” To hide her swirling emotions, Cora took slow deep breaths. Her nerves were at the breaking point from being this close to Mary’s girls.

“Don’t know of anyone sellin’ eggs on this road,” the younger girl said. “But on the next road over, there’s a place where you can buy ’em.”

“Good to know. I’ll check on it soon.” Cora smiled. “You must be heading to school.”

The girls nodded. “We can’t be late, neither, ’cause tonight’s our Christmas program and we’ve gotta practice,” the younger one said.

The older girl spoke up. “Come on, Linda, we don’t have time to talk or we’re gonna be late. Besides, you know what Uncle Adam’s told us about talking to strangers.”

I’m not a stranger.
Cora rubbed her arms where the cold seeped in under her coat.
I’m your grandmother.
Oh, how Cora wished she could utter those words. But she didn’t want to alarm the children. “I’ll let you go. Danki for telling me where I might find some fresh eggs.”

The girls looked at her strangely then hurried along. Were they wondering why she’d said the Pennsylvania Dutch word for
thank you
?

I’ve made a decision. I am going to that Christmas program.
Cora returned to her car.
I’ll sit at the back of the room so I won’t be noticed.

“Are you two excited?” Leah asked, helping the girls into Adam’s buggy that evening.

“I’m
naerfich.
” Linda climbed into the backseat next to Carrie.

“There’s no reason to be nervous.” Leah stepped aside so Amy could get in. “I’m sure you and your sister will do fine.”

“Leah’s right,” Adam chimed in as he settled in the driver’s seat. “And I’ll tell ya a little secret. She and I have been looking forward to this all week.”

Leah smiled at Adam’s sincerity as he talked to Linda and Amy. He had come a long way in his relationship with his nieces.

As they approached the end of their driveway, preparing to enter the road, Adam reached across the seat and clasped Leah’s hand. “Tonight’s gonna be a good night.”

Leah squeezed his fingers gently and smiled. “Jah.”

Carrie, Linda, and Amy chatted as they traveled while Leah sat quietly, listening to the
clip-clop
of the horse’s hooves, and watching the gentle snowflakes starting to fall. It was pretty to see how the little flecks of white clung to the horse’s mane and tail.

In no time, they pulled into the school yard where many other buggies were already parked. The program they’d soon be watching brought Leah fond memories of when she was a girl. One year in particular, she, Priscilla, and Elaine had taken part in a play depicting the birth of Jesus. Leah and Elaine had been angels, while Priscilla played the role of Mary.

“You and the girls can go inside while I tie my horse to the hitching rail.” Adam touched Leah’s arm, pulling Leah out of her musings.

“Okay.” She got out of the buggy and helped the girls down. Then they all tromped through the snow to the schoolhouse.

Cora paused at the door of the schoolhouse, hoping she could sneak in the back, unnoticed. She’d seen other cars parked outside, which meant she wasn’t the only Englisher who’d come tonight. Since Jared was doing homework at Scott’s this evening, it gave Cora the chance to attend the program without him knowing where she was. He’d probably wonder why his mother wanted to attend an Amish school program, and she wasn’t ready to explain. How would Jared respond if he knew she had grandchildren? All his life she’d let Jared assume he was an only child.

Pulling her head scarf a little closer to her face, Cora seated herself on a wooden bench along the back wall of the schoolhouse. Coming here reminded her of the day she’d slipped into Leah and Adam’s wedding without them knowing. She’d left early that day, not wanting to be noticed, and would leave tonight as soon as she saw her granddaughters perform.

Cora glanced around the room, looking for Adam and Leah. All she saw were the backs of people’s heads, so she couldn’t be certain where they were seated.
I hope no one recognizes me. If Adam knew I was here, he’d be upset. It’s asking a lot, but I wish he’d give me a second chance.

Cora sat in rapt attention as the program began. Several scholars sang and gave their recitations, some shyly, some wiggling and giggling. A lump formed in her throat when the two young girls she was certain were her granddaughters said their parts.
If only I felt free to tell them who I am
, she thought once more.
How much longer can I go without talking to Adam again?

“I thought you were going to the school Christmas program tonight,” Mom said when she came into the kitchen where Priscilla sat at the table, making Christmas cards.

“I was planning to go, but I’ve been busy helping Elaine with her dinners and haven’t had time to make cards, let alone do any Christmas baking or buy gifts.” Priscilla frowned. “I’m not even sure what to get for Elam or David.”

Mom pursed her lips. “Why would you buy David a Christmas present? He hasn’t been courting you.”

“I realize that, Mom, but David’s a good friend, and he’s laid up with a broken leg. I thought it would be nice to get him something.” Her defenses rising, she plunked the rubber stamp she’d been using into the ink pad a little too hard. “I’ll bet Elam plans to buy David a gift, too.”

“Does Elam know you’re planning to give David a gift?”

“I haven’t told him, but I’m sure he’d have no objections.”

Mom folded her arms across her chest. “I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, daughter, but you’re making a
fehler
.”

“It’s not a mistake.” Priscilla realized where this was going and was ready to nip it in the bud if Mom went too far with giving her opinion about David. She’d already expressed her disapproval, but Priscilla thought her mother was wrong. Time and again, Priscilla had reiterated there was nothing but friendship between her and David. She was sure Elam was aware of it, too.

Mom took a seat at the table. “If you keep showing David so much attention, Elam is bound to be jealous.”

Priscilla shook her head determinedly. “I think you’re wrong, and I’m sorry you disapprove of David. I can assure you, though, my friendship with him is not going to come between me and Elam.”

“I hope you’re right.” Mom turned and ambled out of the kitchen.

Looking at her ink-stained fingers, Priscilla huffed.
If Mom got to know David better, she’d see how nice he is. I wish she wasn’t so controlling.