The Divided Family (4 page)

“I’ve wanted to come by and see how you’re doing,” Anna said breathlessly, “but things have been busy at the schoolhouse with the Christmas program coming up soon, and I couldn’t get away.”

“Well, you’re here now, and I’m glad to see you.” Doris gestured with her head toward the living room. “Come inside and we can sit and visit.”

“Jah, we do need to sit, because you should get off your feet.” Anna removed her outer garments and draped them over a chair. “How are you feeling? Is your leg still painful?”

“It hurts sometimes,” Doris admitted. “It feels better when I keep it propped up.” She took a seat in the recliner, and Anna seated herself on the couch across from her.

“How are things at school? Do all the scholars know their parts for the program?”

“Some do, but others are having a hard time remembering their recitations.” Anna smiled. “I’m sure everyone will do fine on the evening of the program, though.”

“I remember when I was nine years old I was given a poem to recite. When I looked out and saw my parents that evening, I became
naerfich
and forgot what I was supposed to say.” Doris rubbed the bridge of her nose, as the embarrassment of the moment came back to her. She’d taken some teasing from Joel on the way home, and of course, he’d bragged about the fact that he’d done well with his part.

“I felt nervous during some of my Christmas programs when I was a girl, too.” Anna sat quietly, as though pondering something. Then she looked at Doris and said, “I’m sorry you lost your boppli. I know how much you looked forward to becoming a
mamm
.”

Tears welled in Doris’s eyes, but she tilted her head up and blinked to prevent them from falling onto her cheeks. “It’s hard to say this, but I guess it was not meant to be. Maybe Brian and I aren’t supposed to have any
kinner.
”

“Is that what you really think, or is it your way of accepting what happened?”

“I–I’m not sure. My desire to be a parent hasn’t left, but I need to accept whatever God’s will is for me and Brian.”

Anna nodded slowly, as a flush of crimson color crept across her cheeks. “I understand. I’ve had to work through my feelings for Joel and accept the fact that he and I are not meant to be together. He’s engaged to marry someone else now, so there’s no hope of us ever being together.”

“Actually, he’s not engaged anymore.” Feeling a sudden chill, Doris picked up the coverlet and placed it over her knees, appreciating the warmth it offered.

“Really?” Anna’s eyes widened. “What happened?”

“It’s not my place to give the details, but I don’t think Joel and Kristi will be getting back together.”

“Can you tell me this much—did he break up with her, the same way as he did me?”

“No, it was Kristi who ended their relationship.”

Anna glanced out the window, then looked directly at Doris. “Do you think …? Is there any chance Joel might return to the Amish faith?”

“I honestly doubt it.” Doris wanted to say there was a possibility Joel might return and show an interest in Anna again, but he had given no signs of making such a change. Even if he had, she couldn’t imagine him giving up his modern ways for the plain life—not after he’d been gone for more than seven years.

“I need to forget about Joel and move on with my life, don’t I?” Anna’s chin quivered.

“Jah, I believe you should. It’s the right thing to do.”

Akron

As Joel left the jobsite and headed for the bank, he felt thankful he was finally able to work again; although he still had to take it easy. The last thing he wanted to do was reinjure his back and end up out of commission once more. He’d been paid for the first half of a kitchen remodel and wanted to put the money in the bank.

I’ll put it in our joint account,
he decided.
If Kristi checks on the balance again, and discovers I’ve put some of the money back that I previously took out, maybe she’ll decide I’m deserving of a second chance.

A short time later, Joel pulled into a space in the bank’s parking lot and walked into the building. When he reached the first available teller, he explained, “I’d like to deposit a check into the joint account I have with Kristi Palmer.”

When the middle-aged woman gave him a blank stare, he realized she needed the account number. Having memorized it from previous deposits he had made, Joel gave her the information.

Peering at him through her metal-framed glasses, she let out a soft breath and turned to the computer, entering the necessary data. She looked back at Joel and squinted. “I’m sorry, sir, but that account’s been closed.”

“What?” His arm jerked, and he felt sweat bead on his forehead. “Are—are you sure?”

She gave a brief nod. “According to the statement on the computer, Miss Palmer closed the account several days ago.”

That’s just great.
Joel rubbed the side of his neck.
Is she trying to send me a message?

“Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Byler?”

“What?” Joel jerked his head.

She repeated herself.

“Uh, sure. I’ll put this check in my business account.” He gave her the number and rolled his shoulders in an attempt to shake away some of the tension he felt.
Maybe it’s really over between me and Kristi. Is it time to move on with my life?

T
he second Sunday of December found Kristi at her parents’ home, sharing a meal after church. Ever since she and Joel had broken up, Sunday dinners had become a regular occurrence. Last year during the holidays, Kristi and Joel had driven around, looking at Christmas lights. They’d picked out two trees—one to put in her condo and one for Joel’s single-wide. She remembered how they’d stayed up late to ring in the New Year, making a toast with sparkling cider at midnight. Those times together had been fun, but Kristi needed to start fresh, without Joel in the picture.

She felt thankful her parents were Christians and had always been there when she had a need. Although the pain of losing Joel had lessened, at times she missed what they’d once had.

“You’re not eating much today. Is the roast not tender enough?”

Mom’s question scattered Kristi’s thoughts, and she nearly lost her grip on the fork she held. “Uh, no, it’s fine.” She took a bite of meat and blotted her lips with her napkin. “Really good, in fact.”

“Did you get a chance to greet our new youth pastor when church let out?” Mom asked. “His name is Darin Underwood, in case you didn’t hear it when Pastor Anderson introduced him to the congregation.”

“No, I didn’t get to meet him today. Too many other people were talking to him, and it would have been awkward if I’d barged in.” Kristi brought her glass to her lips and sipped some water.

“I spoke with Darin for a few minutes before church started.” Dad picked up the salt shaker and sprinkled some on his meat. Then he glanced briefly at Mom, as though expecting her to say something. Dad’s blood pressure had been running a little on the high side lately, and the doctor suggested he cut down on salt and get more exercise. He’d joined the fitness center where Kristi sometimes went, but giving up salt seemed to be hard for him.

Mom didn’t say anything, but her narrowed eyes spoke volumes.

They ate in silence for a while, with only the sounds of utensils clinking against their plates. Then Mom looked at Kristi and said, “I’ve been thinking about inviting the new youth pastor over for a meal soon. It will give us a chance to get to know him better. I hope you’ll be free to join us that evening.” She nudged Kristi’s arm. “Darin is single, you know.”

“I hope you’re not trying to play matchmaker, Mom.” Kristi groaned. “As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not ready to pursue a relationship right now.”

Mom’s cheeks colored as she picked up her glass. “I’m not suggesting anything like that. I only thought—”

“Changing the subject,” Kristi interrupted, “have you done much on your own with the quilted pillow slip you’re making?”

“A little, but I’ll work on it more when we go back to the quilting class this Saturday. Our Amish teacher is so patient and good at what she does.” Mom chuckled. “I’ll bet she could sew a quilt in her sleep.”

Kristi smiled. “The quilt I’m making for my bed will take longer to make than our six-week class allows, so I’ve been working on it at home in the evenings.”

Dad smiled. “I’m glad my two favorite ladies have found something they can enjoy doing together.”

“It’s been fun, and after each lesson Mom and I try out a different restaurant in Amish country.” Kristi fiddled with her dress sleeve. They hadn’t been back to Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek since they’d seen Doris, but she hoped they could go there again sometime.

Berlin

“I’m glad you were able to make it to church today, but you must be tired.” Arlene followed her sister to the couch. Once Doris was stretched out, she put a pillow under her leg.

Doris nodded. “The trip there was tiring, and sitting for three hours wore me out. That’s why Brian and I didn’t stay for the meal.”

“Is there something I can fix for you now?”

“No, Brian heated some soup for us as soon as we got home. What about you? Did you have a chance to eat with your family before you came over here?” Doris asked.

“Jah. When I saw you leave, we decided not to stay for the meal, either.” Arlene leaned back in the rocking chair and started it moving slowly. “After we got home, I fixed sandwiches for everyone, fed and diapered Samuel, and then put him down for a nap. If he wakes up before I get back, Larry or one of the girls will keep him occupied until I get back.”

Doris yawned and covered her mouth with her hand. “You really didn’t have to come here today. Brian’s with me. If I need anything, he’ll take care of it.”

“I know, but I wasn’t sure if you’d eaten, so—”

“A van just pulled into the yard,” Brian announced as he walked into the room. “It’s your aunt,” he said, looking out the living-room window. “She’s getting out of the vehicle.”

Arlene hopped up. “I wonder what she’s doing here.” She turned to Doris. “Did you know Aunt Verna was coming?”

Doris shook her head.

“Guess we’ll find out the reason for her visit soon enough.” Brian opened the door and stepped outside.

Arlene grabbed her shawl and followed. Aunt Verna was walking toward the house with her suitcase, which Brian was quick to take from her.

“Are you surprised to see me?” Aunt Verna gave Arlene a hug.

“I certainly am. Neither Doris nor I knew you were coming. Does Elsie know?”

“Nope. When I heard about Doris’s accident, I decided she could probably use some help, so I talked it over with Lester, and he said I could come for as long as I’m needed.” She grinned. “I talked to him about joining me here for Christmas, and he agreed. He will be here on Christmas Eve. It’ll be nice to spend the holiday with our three special nieces.”

Arlene gently squeezed her aunt’s hand. “Having you both here will be
wunderbaar,
and your help will certainly be appreciated.”

As Joel drove through the town of Berlin, memories of the past flooded his mind. As a teenager, he and some of his buddies came here for pizza and to hang out together.
Those days were carefree,
he thought, turning onto the road that led to Doris’s house. While he’d never had enough money to satisfy his wants, Joel had been better off than he was right now. At least back then he wasn’t faced with a bunch of debts he couldn’t pay. Life seemed much simpler when he was still Amish.