Chapter 23
E LLIE
Aside from the embarrassing moment when his Englisch neighbor showed up, I’d say my date with Henry went well. He apologized several times, which wasn’t necessary but thoughtful, nonetheless. It wasn’t his fault our romantic moment got interrupted, after all.
When he went into the house to get something to take all my leftover food home in, I took the opportunity to use his restroom and check Ivy’s hand mirror to see that my kapp was pinned on correctly and be sure I didn’t have any more straw in my hair. Because I can only imagine the interrogation I’d receive from Elijah if he found even a speck of hay.
And then, what would I say? That I was rolling in the hay with Henry in his haymow? It’s not like I’m going to lie. If I tell the truth, though, my bruder very well might string Henry up to his buggy. Okay, maybe he wouldn’t do something that extreme. We are nonresistant, after all. But I wouldn’t want to find out what he’d do. Probably forbid me from seeing Henry Yoder again, at the least.
I am excited about going to a hockey game, though. Henry insisted he’d pay for all the extra stuff, i.e, the driver, hotel, and whatever else we required for the trip to Indy. I don’t even know much about hockey other than what I’ve seen of the guys playing on the pond.
Henry said Jude’s team is relatively new, but their team, Indy Ice, is up and coming. They show Jude on TV and everything. Henry warned me about that. The fact that we might possibly be on TV too has me nervous. I hope the deacon or bishop doesn’t get a glimpse when they’re eating out at one of those restaurants that have screens all over the place.
Also, since we’re Amish, that will give people something extra to talk about, so there’s a good chance we will be videoed.
Early the next morning, Mamm grins when I walk into the kitchen. “What is all this then?”
She holds out all the sandwiches and apples and chips and whoopie pies. “More whoopie pies? Am I to believe they’re from Henry?” Her countenance is hopeful.
I bite my lip, then feel my cheeks heat. “ Jah . He made me a picnic last night.”
“ Ach , what a sweet boy.” I’m afraid Mamm will only ever see Henry as a boy. She was likely around when Henry was a boppli , since both of our families have lived in the community for generations. “Am I to assume you and Henry are courting?”
“ Mamm .” I try my best please don’t ask tone.
Elijah walks into the kitchen. “Yep, they’re courting alright. At least, Ellie left the singing in Henry’s buggy. And he dropped her off last night. It was pretty late too.”
I use all my resolve not to swat my brother with a dishtowel. But I’m hoping he didn’t see our goodnight kiss, because… jah .
“You’re not getting any of my leftovers.” I stick my tongue out at Eli, to Mamm’s disapproval.
“Well, I’m glad you finally said yes to that boy. Henry’s been pining over you for as long as I can remember, and all you’ve done is turn your nose up at him.” Mamm has never mentioned that she noticed this, and it takes me by surprise.
I gasp and try to defend myself. “I had good reason. He was mean to me.”
Mamm points to the food. “Then what do you call all this?”
“That’s Henry making up for being mean.” I swat Elijah’s hand when he reaches for a whoopie pie.
Mamm frowns. “And you know you’re not supposed to harbor unforgiveness in your heart.”
“I’ve forgiven him now.”
Mamm turns around at a knock on the backdoor. “Now who could that be at this hour?”
Eli goes to open the door, then returns with our visitor. “Look who I found.” My brother smirks.
My eyes widen. “Henry? What are you doing here?”
“May I have a word with you, Ellie?” Henry’s words and sheepish tone cause Mamm to practically swoon. Oh, brother .
I lead the way to the living area, where we can have a bit of privacy.
“I…uh…my work was called off today. So, I was thinking that maybe I can help you.” His feet shuffle, like he might be second-guessing himself for coming over at this hour.
“Help me?”
“You know, with your sewing projects and whatnot.” He shrugs.
“Oh.” I’m kind of at a loss for words. “Do you know how to sew?”
“ Ach, nee . But maybe you can teach me?” Goodness, he’s adorable. I love the vulnerability in his voice and his willingness to help.
“Aww…Henry wants to learn to sew.” Elijah sings from the doorway.
“Elijah! Geh , now!” I love my brother, but he’s on my last nerve this morning. “Isn’t your driver here yet?” I tap my foot.
Dat shows up behind Elijah and cups his shoulder. “Hello, Henry. We’ll be going now.” Dat hauls a grinning Eli out the door.
Mamm appears in the doorway. “Henry, have you had any breakfast yet? I can pour you a cup of coffee and you and Ellie can sit at the table.”
Henry nods. “ Denki, I’d love some coffee. I brought you some eggs from our hens and bread that Ivy made. They’re just in my buggy. I’ll go get them.”
And there goes my theory about his white teeth and not drinking coffee. Maybe I’ll have to inquire about his toothpaste.
“Well, aren’t you thoughtful?”
Henry smiles at me, then disappears out the door he entered through.
Mamm spins toward me. “Ellie, I’m telling you. That boy is a keeper. You better snatch him up before someone else does.”
And at that moment I realize that Mamm is probably right.
By the end of the afternoon, Henry and I have sewn dozens of new items to take to Trinkets and Treasures. And I can’t stop thinking about my very own newfound treasure.
Henry Yoder.