Chapter 15
E LLIE
“You ready to go?” Eli pops his head into my room. His ice hockey skates dangle from his arm, socks sticking out the top. “Duke’s all hitched up.”
“I’m not going tonight.” I spare him a quick glance before I continue to survey the array of fabrics I laid out on my bed, trying to figure out how many items I’ll be able to sew this evening. If I make simple items, I can get quite a few finished and prepared to sell. I always try to make my items look prettier by adding a fancy ribbon or even a piece of twine, along with a simple but cute handwritten tag. Special touches make me smile.
“What? Why not?”
In my mind, I’m thinking it’s obvious. But I’ve learned over the years that sometimes brothers can be clueless and need things spelled out for them.
“I need to get my projects done before I go see Missy tomorrow. I want to take as many as possible.” I frown. “I never knew Ivan Miller’s place would be so motivating.”
“Right?” Eli rolls his eyes. “What am I going to say to Henry? He wanted to talk to you.”
I scoff. “And you were going to let him?”
“Maybe.” I know he’s teasing by the grin inching up one side of his mouth.
“I can’t. I have too much work to do. I have to help out as much as I can, Eli. It would be selfish for me to go when I need to be here. Can you just tell Henry that I’ll see him at the singing on Sunday?” I hate that I can’t go and have fun with the others, but this is where I need to be.
Eli’s eyebrows lift. “Does this mean you’ll go riding with him?”
“Maybe.” I say, throwing Eli’s word back at him. Then I shrug, as though I haven’t been thinking about Henry and our kisses every waking moment. “If he asks nicely.”
Elijah snorts as though he’s reading my mind. “Whatever. Okay, I’ll tell him. That should make him happy enough. You just better hope some other maedel doesn’t turn his eye tonight.”
I spin around and stare at my brother. “What?”
“You know Nancy Eicher has had her kapp set toward Henry for quite some time.” Eli’s trying to bait me and I know it.
“Many a maedel has their kapp set toward Henry Yoder. He’s a handsome guy.” I shrug, then point at my brother. “And don’t you dare tell him I said that. He’s prideful enough.”
Elijah just shakes his head. “It’s your loss. As for me, hockey helps to relieve some of my stress.”
“You’ve been working all day. You deserve a break, bruder . Go have fun without me.” I try to assure him.
“You deserve a break too, you know? I know you’ve been helping Mamm with the kinner .” He sighs. “Are you sure you don’t want to go?”
“This is where I need to be. And sewing helps relieve my stress.”
Eli eventually gives up and walks down the hall. My heart pangs just a smidgen as I watch him go without me.
But I remain happy.
Happy that Elijah will be able to work out some of his stress while doing something he loves with his friends.
Happy that I’ll be able to pitch in for our family and contribute to the farm fund.
Happy that I might just allow Henry Yoder to court me.