Chapter 19 #2
They walked a little farther, and Emma spoke again. “I made pancakes for breakfast Monday morning, and they turned out pretty well. At least, my grandparents said so.” Emma slowed her footsteps. “In fact, Grandpa even said I had the makings of a fine cook.”
“I believe he’s right.” Ivan walked slower as well. After all, there was no hurry, and moving along at an easy pace meant he could hold Emma’s hand a little longer.
After their walk, Ivan and Timothy spent some time tossing a Frisbee around, while Emma and Norma sat on the quilt and visited.
Emma watched the two men fling the saucer-looking toy back and forth.
Ivan had invited Emma to join them in the game, but she’d declined, wanting to let her stomach settle from all the food they’d consumed not long ago.
“I’m curious about something,” Norma said. “What do you like about my bruder?”
Emma blinked. She hadn’t expected such a direct question. Was Ivan’s sister simply curious, or had Ivan put Norma up to asking Emma what she liked about him?
“Your brother is kind and helpful,” Emma replied. “We also have several things in common.”
“Like what?”
“Hiking, fishing, and playing ball.”
“Guess that makes sense,” Norma said. “Ivan has always liked doing things outdoors. He also enjoys fiddling around with old clocks.”
Emma nodded. “He has a clock my grandfather owns and is trying to fix it so the chimes work again. I do like to listen to your brother describe how he tinkers with the inner workings of clocks, even though I don’t know much about it.
The history and how they work is fascinating, and Ivan seems to love sharing his interest in them. ”
“Trouble is, he doesn’t get to mess with clocks as often as he’d like.
” Norma swatted a fly buzzing overhead. “Our daed doesn’t understand Ivan’s fascination with clocks and pocket watches.
He thinks Ivan ought to be satisfied with working at the harness shop and forget about his dreams to do clock repairing for a living. ”
“What kinds of things do you enjoy doing?” Emma asked Norma.
“I like reading, baking, and putting puzzles together.” Norma glanced at the area where Ivan and Timothy were playing with the Frisbee.
“And I enjoy being around people who make me laugh the way Timothy does.” She yawned and stretched both arms over her head.
“The warm sun is making me sleepy. In fact, I could lie down right now and take a nap.”
Before Emma could respond to that comment, Ivan and Timothy ran back to the quilt and plopped down. They were both huffing and pulling back their damp hair.
“We need a break. I’m gonna get my mouth harp out of Ivan’s buggy and some water for us all too,” Timothy said. “Then we can sit here and sing for a while. How’s that sound to you girls?”
“I’m all for it if you’re not too tired, Timothy.” Norma turned to face Emma. “How about you?”
Emma liked to sing, so she didn’t take long to respond. “As long as we’re not disturbing anyone else in the park, I think singing is a nice idea.”
“I don’t think that’ll be a problem,” Timothy said. “There’s no one but the four of us in this area right now. Be right back.” He jumped up and took off for the buggy, and Ivan went with him.
When the young men returned, everyone drank some water, and while Timothy played his mouth harp, Emma, Ivan, and Norma sang several of their favorite songs.
Before Timothy packed his mouth harp away, the four of them remained on the quilt for a bit, taking in the afternoon’s golden rays.
Finally, they collected the rest of their possessions, and when Emma helped Norma fold up the quilt, she glanced at Ivan, and an inkling of warmth entered her chest when she saw his tender expression.
How she wished this pleasant day didn’t have to end.
Emma was sure she would remember it for a good many years to come.
Shipshewana
Dianna was about to get her laundry basket and go outside to check the clothesline when a knock sounded on the front door.
When she answered it, she discovered their closest English neighbor, Linda Carlson, on the porch.
Dianna smiled and invited Linda in.
“I can’t stay, but I came over to give you a message from your mother.
” Linda tugged at the floral collar of her dress.
“She wanted you to know that it’s fine with her and her husband if your daughter Rachel comes to visit them for a few weeks.
She also stated that they would appreciate knowing when they can expect her to arrive. ”
“Thank you for letting me know,” Dianna replied. “As soon as we know the date, would it be all right if I come over to your place and use the phone to call my folks’ neighbor so she can give them the message?”
“Of course,” Linda said with a nod. “As long as either I or my husband is at home, you’re welcome to use the phone.”
“I appreciate that and will be over as soon as we have things set for Rachel’s travel to Arthur.”
Rachel had entered her room to clean the windows and sweep the floor, when her mother came in.
“Linda Carlson came by a few minutes ago,” Mom announced.
“She’d received a phone call from my folks’ neighbor, stating that my mamm had asked her to call and let Linda know that it’s okay for you to visit your grandparents for a few weeks.
They just need to know when you’re coming. ”
Rachel sagged against the bedpost with relief. “I’m so glad to hear that, Mom. I feel sure that getting away for a few weeks will help to heal my emotional wounds.”
Rachel’s mother gave her a hug. “I hope so too, but it might take longer than two weeks to heal your broken heart. My concern is whether you will be able to face David when you return home and see him with Alice again.”
Rachel dropped her gaze to the floor. “I hope so, Mom, but if two weeks with Grandpa and Grandma isn’t enough, then I’ll have to either stay longer or come up with something else that will help me forget about David.”