A Life of Joy (38 page)

“I was so appalled and uncomfortable,” Lindsay continued. “When I refused to drink, two of Vicki’s friends called me a nerd and a prude and told me to go back to my Amish family.”

Trisha grimaced and stepped toward her. “I’m so sorry.”

“I gave them a piece of my mind and told them that I stand up for what I believe in, and I don’t consider myself a prude or a nerd. After I defended myself, I went outside because I knew I didn’t belong there,” Lindsay continued. “Vicki followed me and tried to get me to stay, but I just wanted to leave.”

Trisha gingerly lowered herself onto the bed next to Lindsay and put her arm around her neck. “I’m sorry that they did that to you, but you never should’ve walked home.”

“I felt like I had no choice,” Lindsay said, staring down at her lap while her tears flowed. “I had to walk and clear my head.”

“You should’ve called Frank. Do you know how dangerous it is to walk these narrow streets at night?” Trisha asked. “You could’ve been hit by a car.”

“I only walked a block to the beach and then walked the rest of the way on the sand,” Lindsay said.

“Still, it’s not safe to walk alone at night. You never know if you might run into someone who likes to prey on pretty young girls,” Trisha insisted.

Lindsay cleared her throat and looked Trisha. “Anyway, I haven’t even told you the worst of it.”

“What else?” Trisha pushed a stray lock of Lindsay’s hair back behind her shoulder.

“My friend Andrea from church called my cell phone,” Lindsay said. “She’s the one who also volunteers at the nursing home.”

“Oh?” Trisha asked.

“Mrs. Fisher died today,” Lindsay said, her voice breaking on the last word. She dissolved into uncontrollable sobs, and Trisha pulled her into her arms and rubbed her back while she cried.

“I’m so sorry, honey,” Trisha said. “But you were there for her in her last days. You helped her contact her daughter, which means she died knowing that she’d made things right with her. You were a blessing to her, Lindsay. You should be proud that you helped make her last days here happy.”

Lindsay held onto Trisha and closed her eyes, praying that Mrs. Fisher was out of pain and resting in peace with Jesus.

“Would you like a drink?” Trisha asked, standing. “I’ll get you some iced tea. I just brewed it.” She headed for the door.

“Thanks.” Lindsay snatched a tissue from the box by her bed and wiped her nose.

Trisha returned with a glass of iced tea. “Here you go. Would you like to come out to the family room and watch a movie with Frank and me?”

Lindsay shook her head. “No, thank you. I think I’m going to go to bed. I’m exhausted.”

Trisha squeezed her hand. “Feel free to come join us if you change your mind.”

“Thanks.” Lindsay watched Trisha leave and then changed into her bedclothes. She watched the dark waves out the window for a few minutes and considered writing to Matthew. However, she was too emotionally distraught to form the words she wanted to express to him about her day. Instead, she curled up on her bed. Within a few minutes, she was asleep.

23

L
ate next morning, a knock sounded on Lindsay’s door. She looked up from her Bible. “Come in,” she said.

“Hi,” Frank said while standing in the doorway and holding an envelope. “How are you doing?”

“I’m okay.” Lindsay leaned back against the headboard. “I’ve been reading the Bible and thinking about Mrs. Fisher.”

He gave her a sympathetic expression. “I bet you are. I’m sorry you had a horrible time at the party and then you got the news about your friend.”

“Thank you,” she said, pushing back a lock of hair that fell into her face.

“Do you feel like going to the nursing home today?” he asked while leaning on the door frame.

“No,” she said, running her fingers over the cover for her Bible. “I think it would be better just to stay home instead of looking into her empty room, you know?”

“Yeah.” Frank nodded. “I can understand that.” He held up the letter. “The mailman came early today. This is for you.” He handed it to her.

“Thank you,” Lindsay said.

“I’ll give you some time alone, sweetie. Let me know if you need anything.” Frank disappeared through the door, gently closing it behind him.

Lindsay opened the envelope, finding a letter from Katie.

Dear Lindsay
,

I have to tell you some important news that may upset you. I feel that it’s your right to know, even though I’ve been asked specifically not to tell you
.

Aenti Rebecca is having complications with her pregnancy, and she could possibly lose the boppli. The doctor has put her on complete bed rest, and I’m going to get my parents’ permission to move in with her in order to help her with the kinner and make certain she stays in bed
.

Aenti Rebecca doesn’t look well at all. She’s very tired and pale. It breaks my heart to see her this way. The kinner also don’t understand why their mamm can’t play with them or hold them
.

Aenti Rebecca asked me not to tell you how ill she is because she’s worried you’ll come home early out of obligation to her. She wants you to enjoy your time in Virginia and help Trisha as much as you can. I know we’re supposed to obey our elders and respect their wishes. However, in this situation, I felt you would want to know
.

Lindsay, I’m not suggesting that you should cut your trip short and come home, but I wanted you to know what’s going on. Follow your heart and trust God to lead you in your decision about whether to stay in Virginia Beach or come home to Bird-in-Hand
.

You’re like a sister to me, and it breaks my heart to have to share this news with you. I know how much you love Aenti Rebecca and the kinner
.

I’m thinking of you and praying for you
.

In His Name,
Katie

A wave of panic washed over Lindsay as she finished reading the letter. She stood, jammed the letter in the pocket of
her jumper, rushed from her room, and crossed the den to her shoes.

“Where are you going?” Trisha called from the kitchen.

“Out for a walk,” Lindsay said, pulling on her sneakers. “I need some time alone.”

“But where are you going?” Trisha asked, making her way into the den.

“I’m just going out to the water,” Lindsay said, yanking the door open. “I’ll be back soon.”

She hurried through the door and ran down the stairs, not stopping until she hit the beach, which was like quicksand under her feet. She tried to run, but she was stuck, forced to move in slow motion.

She dropped to her knees in front of Trisha’s deck, which overlooked the vast Atlantic Ocean. Lindsay pulled Katie’s letter from her pocket and reread it, memorizing each word as fresh tears filled her eyes.

Rebecca needed Lindsay but was afraid to tell her. Reading between the lines, Lindsay knew what Katie was trying to say: It was time for Lindsay to come home.

Her work in Virginia was done.

Bird-in-Hand was where she belonged.

Lindsay jumped up and ran back to the house, hugging her arms to her chest.

Once in the house, Lindsay stood before Trisha and Frank in the den. “I have something important to tell you.”

Frank flipped off the television, and Trisha looked concerned.

“I’ve made a decision.” Lindsay took a deep breath. “It’s time for me to go home.” She held up the letter. “Katie wrote to tell me that
Aenti
Rebecca is having complications with her pregnancy and could possibly lose her baby. She’s been restricted to complete bed rest.”

“Oh no.” Trisha cupped her hand to her mouth. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“I feel like I’m needed back at home.” Lindsay pointed toward Trisha’s leg. “I think you’re doing better now, and you can get around okay without much assistance.”

“Oh yes,” Trisha said. “I was going to tell you that you’re welcome to stay, or you can leave as soon as you’d like.”

“Thank you,” Lindsay said. “I really appreciate all you’ve done for me. Thank you for helping me get my GED and for giving me the cell phone.”

Trisha stood and hugged Lindsay. “Don’t be silly, Lindsay. You don’t need to thank us. You and your sister are the daughters we never had.”

Frank stood and also hugged her. “And you got that GED all on your own.”

“I enjoyed my time here,” Lindsay said. “But I know that Rebecca needs me now. And I’ve realized that Lancaster is where I need to be and where I want to be. It’s where I belong. I want to be Amish.”

“I understand and I respect that decision,” Trisha said. “Frank and I will also support you, no matter what you want to do. We love you.”

“Thank you.” Lindsay looked at Frank. “Could you see if there’s a bus that leaves tomorrow morning?”

He sat on the sofa and opened his laptop. “Have a seat, and we’ll check out the schedules.”

Lindsay sat with him and they booked a ticket for her to leave in the early afternoon the next day.

Trisha stood over Frank and Lindsay while they confirmed the ticket. “Are you going to call Rebecca and let her know that you’ll be home early on Monday?”

Lindsay considered the question. “No, I think I’ll surprise her.” She walked toward the kitchen. “I’m going to go arrange for a ride from the bus station and pack.” She grabbed the phone from the cradle and then started down the hall toward her room.

“Do you need any help?” Trisha called.

“No, thank you.” Lindsay pulled out Matthew’s first letter from her dresser and glanced at his phone number written at the bottom. She wondered if Matthew would schedule a driver to pick her up at the bus station. It would be an added plus if he would come to the station to meet her as well.

She dialed the number, and after four rings, voicemail picked up.

“This is Matthew Glick,” his voice said. “Please leave me a message.”

Once the beep sounded, Lindsay took a deep breath. “Hi, Matthew,” she said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “This is Lindsay. I hope you’re doing well. I need to talk to you as soon as possible. Please call me back.” She rattled off her phone number and then hung up, hoping he would get the message soon.

She returned the phone to the cradle in the kitchen and then began packing her clothes. While she worked, she thought of Rebecca and sent up prayers for her. Although she was tempted to call and check on her, she didn’t want to get Katie in trouble for sharing the news of Rebecca’s condition. She would have to hold onto her faith that Rebecca would be just fine.

A little while later, a knock on the door frame drew her attention to the doorway, where Trisha stood grinning and holding up the phone.

“It’s for you,” Trisha said, handing her the phone. “It’s a boy.” She then leaned in close. “He sounds awfully cute.”

Lindsay raised her eyebrows with curiosity as she lifted the phone. “Hello?”

“Lindsay?” a voice asked. “It’s Matthew.”

“Matthew,” she said, sinking onto her desk chair. “Hi.”

“
Wie geht’s?
” he asked.

“I’m doing well,” she said. “How are you?”

“Doing fine,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed your letters.”

“Yeah,” she said. “Me too.” She wished she wasn’t so tongue-tied.
There was so much she wanted to say. An awkward silence passed between them for a few moments.

“I sort of got the impression from your message that you wanted to talk,” he said. “It sounded urgent.”

“Yes,” Lindsay said, leaning back on the chair. “Do you have plans Monday morning?”

“I don’t think so, other than work,” he said, sounding confused. “Why do you ask?”

Lindsay smiled. It was so good to hear his warm, smooth voice. “Would you arrange for a ride and come to pick me up at the bus station in Lancaster around eight on Monday morning?”

“You’re coming home?” His excitement emanated through the phone.

“Yes,” she said.

“I can definitely have a car there for you,” he said. “Is there a reason why you’re coming home now? I had thought you were staying longer. Not that I want you to stay longer, but I’m kind of surprised.”

“Trisha is doing much better,” Lindsay said. “She’s using a walking cast now, so I’m not really needed.”

“That’s
gut
to hear. I’m glad she’s doing better.”

Lindsay’s eyes moved to Katie’s letter sitting on her dresser. She wanted to tell him the truth, the whole truth, and she knew she could trust him. “There’s more, though. I got a letter from Katie that made me realize I’m needed at home,” she said, fighting back tears. “Katie told me that
Aenti
Rebecca’s condition is getting worse, and I want to be there to help her.”

“I didn’t know that,” he said. “I hope she’s going to be okay.” He paused for a minute. “That must be why Daniel has seemed so upset at work. He hasn’t talked much to anyone, and he seems very preoccupied and stressed. He must be very worried.”

“I’m worried too,” she said, wiping a tear.

“Is she gravely ill?”

“She’s pregnant and having complications,” Lindsay said. “Katie mentioned that she could even lose the
boppli
.”

“Oh no,” he said.

“The doctor has put her on complete bed rest, and Katie is staying overnight at their house to help out. I should be the one caring for her and the
kinner
.” Lindsay grabbed a tissue from the box next to her bed and wiped her nose and eyes.

“You’ll be home Monday morning,
ya
? And then you can help out and take
gut
care of her and the
kinner
.”

Lindsay smiled. “That’s right.” She gave him the details of her itinerary. “Now remember, it’s a secret that I’m coming home. Don’t tell Katie or anyone else, okay? And we have to keep Rebecca’s condition a secret too.”

“I promise I’ll keep it all a secret—everything you’ve shared with me,” he said. “And I’m glad that you told me.”

She asked him how his sister and her family were doing, and he updated her on his family and the rest of their friends.

“I guess I should let you go,” she said. “Are you doing chores this afternoon?”