The Days of Redemption (46 page)

“I know what hot chocolate is.”

“Would you like to have a
cuppa
with my wife and me?”

“
Jah
.”

Roman backed up a step. “I'll go talk to Mommi. Oh, and Grandfather?”

“
Jah
?”

“
Danke
.”

“
Nee
, Roman. I am the one who should be giving thanks. This little visitor of yours has brightened up my day.”

As Roman noticed how Regina was beaming at Aaron, he said, “I think the feeling is mutual.”

Chapter Twenty

Edward opened a thick, heavy wooden door with a flourish. “And this, Viola, is our main office and meeting area.”

As she stepped into the cool, large room with the cement floor, Viola took care to keep a smile on her face. It took effort because inside she was feeling slightly dismayed.

Though she'd loved their visit to the beach and the rain forest, somehow, she'd hoped the exquisite sights would make her feel more comfortable and at ease . . . even though she was in a foreign country.

Oh, she had found a number of things awe-inspiring. Her first view of the ocean had been mesmerizing, and she'd been intrigued by the beautiful trees and flowers that had surrounded them.

But it had also been a bit overwhelming.

Actually, more than a bit. She was realizing that she'd been terribly sheltered, living her whole life in rural Ohio. Experiencing a new place was far different from reading about it.

What she really needed was a few minutes to cool off and rest her head. It had been so long since she'd seen Edward—part of her just wanted a moment to give thanks that they were together again.

But Edward, on the other hand, seemed more intent on showing her everything about Belize and the mission as quickly as possible.

She hadn't wanted to disappoint him, so she'd listened attentively and followed him as quickly as she could.

But the tour was starting to take its toll. She was overheated, and feeling a little nauseous—surely the result of a nervous stomach, mixed with the sights and smells of unfamiliar food.

Now, this room smelled of a curious combination of disinfectant and mildew. In the middle of it were two old couches and a pair of older looking metal desks. Against the far wall was a pair of doors with heavy locks on them. And though it was cooler, and they were blessed with two ceiling fans, it didn't feel cool enough. Under her apron, her dress was sticking to her skin. She ached to rip off her hot dress and stand underneath an ice-cold shower.

“Come over and meet everyone, Viola,” Ed said.

She walked to where he was pointing. Several men and women were gathered near a table loaded with strange-looking food. Some of the people gathered were obviously Amish or Mennonite. Others were locals.

All of them were smiling at her.

She tried her best to smile back, but all she could think about were the trays of unfamiliar food. And of the skinned animals she'd seen in the street market.

And of how she was going to be expected to eat so as not to appear rude.

Her stomach gurgled. In an effort to keep her composure, she looked away from the food, toward the side of the room. There, a somewhat scrawny-looking orange cat was chasing a mouse. A lizard was climbing one of the walls.

All of a sudden, she felt a surge of resentment toward Edward.

Why had her fiancé never mentioned just how primitive things were in any of his letters? All he'd talked about were sunsets and smiling, grateful believers. Never had he mentioned the dirt and the mice.

Or the lizards.

Or that the mission was surrounded by sharp, ominous-looking barbed wire. And that he'd had to hire guards to stand at the mission's entrance.

When he'd talked about his living arrangements, he'd mentioned the thick walls that kept the rooms cool. He'd told her all about the way he could smell the ocean breeze while lying down in bed.

Viola felt like her feet were glued to the floor. Each step forward felt like she was inching toward oblivion.

Everything inside her screamed to turn around. To rush back home, where she could be in control of things. Where she knew the language, and knew the rules.

Where she was comfortable and felt safe.

Where she wasn't so, so terribly hot.

Edward moved closer to her side, nudged her a bit farther forward. Then grasped her shoulders. “Viola, I'd like you to meet our team.”

“Hello,” she said, wishing that he would remove his heavy, hot hands. They felt like brands on her shoulders, pinning her in place.

“This is Viola.”

She kept a smile pasted on her face like a porcelain doll as people introduced themselves. She muttered her thanks when they pushed a plate into her hands, full of food she didn't recognize.

As she stared at it in wonder, Ed's easy expression turned determined. “They made this in your honor,” he whispered. “You've got to eat.”

“I have no silverware.”

Picking up a tortilla from his plate, he scooped up some of the strange-looking meat into it and brought it to his mouth. “Like this,” he said, demonstrating easily.

Feeling sick to her stomach, she dutifully followed his lead, knowing she was being watched the whole time. But the food was spicy and she was exhausted and shaky. Nervous about making a good impression. And still full from their lunch.

And then, just as if she were right in the middle of an awful nightmare, her stomach began to churn and clench. In a panic, she thrust the plate at him and looked frantically for the bathroom.

But of course there wasn't one.

Standing up, she covered her mouth with a hand. Looking left and right, she searched for an exit. For anywhere to go.

“Here,” a lady said, grabbing her wrist. In no time at all, she dragged Viola out back into the scorching sun, across a dirt yard, to a dilapidated outhouse. Once there, she yanked open the door.

Viola ran in and promptly threw up just as the door slammed behind her.

Tears stung her eyes as she heaved, then as she tried to regain some self-control.

And though it was dark and hot and the stench was terrible, she stayed inside. At least here she had some privacy.

At least here she could admit to herself that she wasn't okay.

Slowly, tears traipsed down her cheeks, dropping to the front of her dress.

She hated herself right at that moment. This wasn't the type of person she wanted to be.

Shame mixed with the heat. She'd just completely embarrassed Ed in front of everyone. She'd just been unforgivably rude and disrespectful to her hosts. Their first impression of her had been that of a flighty girl who couldn't take the slightest bit of discomfort.

And now she had to go out and face them all, without even being able to wash her hands or rinse out her mouth.

There in the tiny structure, she attempted to gather her courage. She needed to go out and apologize to everyone. To make amends.

And she was going to do that. She was. Just as soon as she was able.

But two knocks interrupted her plans. Yet again, she was causing trouble.

“Viola? Viola, are you all right?”

It was Edward. And he sounded concerned, not angry.

And, no, she wasn't okay. But how could she tell him that?

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and walked out into the blinding sunlight. And tried to look anywhere but at him.

 

“Did you have a nice nap?” Marie asked when Amanda walked into the front parlor of the Keim house.

“I did. That bed was so comfortable, the moment I lay down and closed my eyes, I fell fast asleep. I didn't mean to sleep so long, though.”

Roman's mother smiled kindly. “Please don't apologize. Traveling is hard work, especially with a child in tow.”

“I think you're right, though Regina wasn't any trouble,” she said, glancing around the quiet room. There were no signs of either Roman or her daughter. A mild undercurrent of panic bubbled in her stomach. “Marie, do you know where Regina is?” Hopefully, she added, “Did she fall asleep, too?”

“Oh no. She's been up the whole time. I believe she's currently having hot chocolate with my husband's parents.”

“But she left my room with Roman.” Had Roman already passed Regina off onto someone else? If so, her timid little girl was probably feeling lost and alone.

“Regina met my father-in-law when she was exploring the barn. Aaron invited her for hot chocolate. Aaron and Lovina live in the
dawdi haus
. You met Lovina in the kitchen earlier, remember?”

“
Jah
. But I didn't expect Regina to be with anyone but Roman.” Of course, as soon as she said that, Amanda realized that she couldn't sound any less gracious.

“I promise, Regina's in good hands,” Marie said, not appearing to be offended in the slightest. “If she wasn't happy, they would have brought her to Roman or you.”

Thinking about how Marlene both enjoyed Regina's chatty personality but sometimes yearned for frequent breaks from the girl's exuberance, she frowned. “I hope she's not bothering them. Regina can sometimes be a chatterbox.” That is, if she felt comfortable.

Marie waved off her concerns. “If she is a chatterbox, I'm sure they are enjoying every minute of it. It's been too long since we've had a four-year-old keeping us company. She's a sweet child, Amanda.”

“
Danke
.”

“Now, please sit down and relax. I'm eager to get to know you.”

Hesitantly, Amanda sat down. She was used to being in charge of Regina, and it felt odd to accept a stranger's help. Even more peculiar was coming to terms with the fact that Regina was happy with them.

That she didn't need her mother there to hold her hand.

But Amanda knew she should take the opportunity to get to know Roman's family as well. As she settled into an easy chair by the window, she wasn't sure what to say. She was used to people only asking about Wesley, or about being a single mother and widow.

Marie, of course, wouldn't be likely to ask her about Wesley. Not when she was here to see Roman. Which in some ways was a nice change.

So, what was she now, if not just a widow? It was disheartening to not be quite sure of that answer.

Marie gestured to a teapot wrapped in a bright green quilted tea cozy. “I brought an extra cup out in the hopes that you'd be able to share some tea with me,” she murmured, her voice as soothing as Amanda was sure the hot tea would be. “Would you care for a cup of spiced orange tea?”

“That sounds heavenly,” she said, relaxing. “
Danke
.”

“You're welcome.” After filling two cups with fragrant tea, she added a splash of milk and a spoonful of sugar to her cup. Then Marie sat back against her chair. “Before I forget to tell you, please let us know if you need to borrow some sweaters or stockings or anything. I imagine this cold weather is something of a shock to your body.”

“It is chilly, but I think I'm all right.”

“
Gut
.
Gut
, I'm glad. So, Roman tells me that you're not originally from Florida.”

“No, I'm not. I was born in Lancaster County. So, I do have a little bit of experience with winter weather.”

“I should say you do! Well, now, that is a pretty area. Are your parents still there?”

“They are. I moved to Florida when Wesley and I married. After he passed away, I found I wasn't eager to leave the sunny weather behind.”

“I can only imagine. Roman seemed to enjoy the beach tremendously, and I know my husband's brother and his family do as well.” Marie frowned slightly, as if she'd just said something awkward, but Amanda couldn't imagine what she'd said that was out of the ordinary.

“I like Florida,” she murmured. Feeling a bit uneasy, she sipped her tea. “And Pinecraft is a wonderful community.”

“I'd love to visit one day. So . . . is that where you intend to live? Always?”

Marie's questions were hardly subtle. But Amanda didn't mind. “I don't know,” she said simply. She really didn't. Amanda was learning that life was filled with unexpected circumstances, and it did no good to make lots of plans, at least the forever type of plans.

“Ah,” Marie said. Obviously she was waiting for Amanda to expand on her answer.

But what could she say? Instead of talking, she sipped her tea again.

Luckily, before the conversation got more stilted, the door opened and Roman came in. The moment their eyes met, she felt something inside her relax. His gaze was warm and loving.

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi.” Was she smiling as brightly as she thought she was? She felt her cheeks heat when she realized that she must look like a love-struck schoolgirl.

“Would you like to go find Regina with me?”

“I would like that very much.” She practically jumped to her feet. “Thank you for the tea, Marie.”

“I enjoyed our visit.” Roman's mother smiled as she crossed her legs and made no secret that she was pleased by her son's new relationship.

When they walked out the kitchen door and stepped onto the chilly path that led to the
dawdi
haus
, Roman's grin broadened. “So, was my mother grilling you? When I walked in, you looked like you would rather be anywhere but sitting in that room.”

No way was she going to discuss
that
conversation. “Your mother couldn't have been more gracious. I . . . uh, I think I was still waking up.”

“Ah, yes. That must have been it.” Taking her hand, he folded both of his around it. “Are you feeling better now that you got some rest?”

“I am. I think I just needed a nap.” Looking down at her hand in his, she once again felt a little burst of warmth flow through her. She'd missed Roman.

Running a finger along the back of her hand, gently tracing a line of veins, he said, “Don't worry, all right? No one has any expectations, least of all me. I want you to enjoy a few days in Ohio and for Regina to get a taste of the snow. If you two enjoy a few days off, then that's enough for me.”

“Truly? Because, Roman, I don't know what I'm doing.” There, that was as honest as she'd dared to be for the last few years.

“I'm glad you don't know. What is happening between us is something new for me, too. I want to enjoy every second of it.”

And then, before she could think of anything else to say, he gave her hand a gentle tug and pulled her into the
dawdi
haus.