The Restoration Read online

  “It’s a shame. I’ll stop by their place soon to see how he’s doing.”

  Iva opened the door wider. “You’re welcome to come in if you like. I’m sure Priscilla will be up soon. Maybe you’d like to have a cup of coffee while you’re waiting for her.”

  He shook his head. “I’d better not. My daed’s store opens in an hour, and he expects me to work there today. Would ya tell Priscilla I dropped by? Oh, and unless I hear differently, I’ll come by around six to take her out to supper this evening.”

  “I’ll give her the message.” Iva smiled. “It was nice seeing you, Elam. Tell your mamm I said hello.”

  “I will.” Elam stepped down off the porch and sprinted to his buggy, leaving more boot prints in the freshly fallen snow. It had been two years since he’d last seen David. I wonder why he waited so long to pay his grandparents a visit.

  “Guder mariye,” Mom said when Priscilla entered the kitchen, rubbing her eyes.

  “Good morning.” Priscilla glanced at the clock on the wall and grimaced when she saw it was almost ten o’clock. “I didn’t realize it was so late. Why didn’t you wake me, Mom?”

  “I figured after being out so late last night you’d be exhausted and need to catch up on your sleep.” Mom handed Priscilla a cup of coffee and motioned to the table. “Have a seat; I’ll fix you some scrambled eggs.”

  Priscilla moved to the window, squinting as the sun glared off the new snow. “It’s so bright out there. Looks as if we got a couple more inches overnight.”

  “The snow is sure pretty.” Mom turned on the gas burner to heat up the frying pan. “I must say, though, I was relieved when you finally got home last night.”

  “David’s grandpa is a good driver and took his time on the road. I was careful with my horse and buggy when I brought it home, too.” Priscilla took a seat at the table. “Don’t trouble yourself, Mom. I’m not really hungerich this morning.”

  “You may not be hungry, but you need to eat.” Mom went to the refrigerator and took out a carton of eggs. “I’ve never understood why you and your daed think you can start your day with only a cup of kaffi.”

  Priscilla smiled. She did take after Dad in some ways. But Mom was right; she would have more energy if she ate a good breakfast.

  “Elam was here awhile ago,” Mom said, cracking two eggs at the same time into a bowl.

  “What’d he want?”

  “He came by to see you. Wanted to know if you’d be free to go out to supper with him this evening.”

  “Did you tell him about David?”

  Mom nodded as she added a little milk to the bowl of eggs then mixed them with a wire whisk. “He seemed surprised to hear David was back in Arthur.”

  Priscilla blew on her coffee and took a sip. “I’ll give Elam a call and let him know I can’t go to supper this evening.”

  Mom tipped her head. “Why? Do you have other plans?”

  “I need to check on David. I’m pretty sure Letty and Walt will be bringing him home sometime today.”

  “Can’t you and Elam stop by there before or after you go out this evening?”

  “I guess we could. David and Elam are friends, too, so he’s probably anxious to see how David is doing. When I finish eating breakfast, I’ll go out to the phone shack and give Elam a call.”

  CHAPTER 4

  It’s turned into a beautiful Saturday evening,” Priscilla commented as she and Elam headed down the road in his buggy toward Yoder’s Kitchen.

  Elam nodded. “With all the snow we got last night, I wasn’t sure how the roads would be. With the sun’s help and the roads being cleared, they’re pretty much dry now, making travel a lot safer.”

  “For a Saturday evening, the traffic is light,” Priscilla noted.

  “Jah. Guess most people decided to stay home tonight.”

  As they pulled into the area where buggies were parked, Priscilla noticed the sun was getting ready to set. She wished they could stay outside and watch the show of colors, but Elam had said awhile ago that he was anxious to eat, so they headed inside as soon as he secured his horse.

  “Have you heard how David’s doing?” Elam asked after he and Priscilla were seated inside the restaurant.

  “I talked to his grandma this morning, and she said they’d be bringing him home today.”

  “He must be doing pretty well if they’re letting him go home so soon.” Elam’s forehead wrinkled. “Guess he’s not really going home, though, since he lives in Chicago.”

  Priscilla’s attention turned toward the window, taking in the beautiful sunset. The mix of reds, golds, and pinks was breathtaking.

  Elam bumped her arm. “Did ya hear what I said about David?”

  Priscilla’s face heated. “Sorry. I was watching the sunset. What did you say?”

  “Said I guess he’s not really going home, since he lives in Chicago.”

  “His grandparents’ place is home for David right now.” Priscilla studied the menu. She didn’t know why, though. Whenever she ate supper at Yoder’s she usually ended up having the dinner buffet, where she enjoyed moist and tasty roasted chicken and plenty of delicious homemade noodles. To accompany her meal, Priscilla ordered a glass of iced tea, while Elam asked their waitress for chocolate milk.

  “I know David’s been away at college, but you’d think he would have visited his grandparents in all that time.” Elam’s brows furrowed. “Not very considerate, if you ask me.”

  “I’m sure Letty and Walt have gone to Chicago to see David and his parents.”

  “Maybe so. Should we pray before we go to the buffet?” Elam suggested.

  “Jah.”

  They bowed for silent prayer. When they were done, Priscilla and Elam joined several others in line for the buffet. “I see Elaine and Ben ahead of us.” Priscilla gestured in their direction. “Would you mind if I asked them to join us at our table?”

  Elam hesitated but finally nodded. “If that’s what you want to do.”

  Priscilla stepped out of line and tapped Elaine’s shoulder.

  Elaine whirled around. “You startled me!”

  “Sorry. I wanted to get your attention before you sat down.”

  Elaine smiled. “Are you here with your family?”

  “No, I came with Elam. I was wondering if you two would like to join us.”

  Elaine looked at Ben. “Is it all right with you?”

  Ben’s broad shoulders lifted in a brief shrug. “Sure, why not?”

  “Our table is right over there.” Priscilla motioned to it.

  “Okay. Ben and I will join you after we get our food and have told our waitress where we’re going.”

  “Did Priscilla tell you she helped Elaine with her dinner last night?” Ben asked, taking a seat across from Elam.

  “Nope.” Elam looked over at Priscilla. “How come you never mentioned it?”

  “I haven’t had a chance.” Priscilla cut the meat off her drumstick. “Besides, we’ve been talking about other things so far tonight.”

  “True—like David’s accident.” Elam waited for Priscilla’s response but then realized she must not have heard him. Her peculiar expression was hard to read, but ever since they’d arrived at Yoder’s, Priscilla’s attention seemed to be somewhere else. Like now, as she stared out the window again. What’s she thinking about?

  Elam glanced out the window, to be sure he wasn’t missing something. The sun’s already set, so it couldn’t be the sky.

  “Who’s David?” Ben asked, breaking into Elam’s thoughts.

  “David Morgan. He’s English and used to visit here a lot when we were teenagers,” Priscilla explained. “Until last night when I witnessed David’s motorcycle accident, neither Elam nor I had seen David for two years.”

  Elam noticed how Priscilla perked up when David’s name was mentioned.

  “I remember David.” Elaine massaged her forehead. “Was he injured in the accident?”

  Priscilla explained what had happened. Since Elam
had already heard the story and didn’t want his food to get cold, he started eating. When Priscilla finished telling about the accident, Elam jumped into the conversation. “Maybe we oughta stop by the Morgans’ place when we’re done eating and see how David’s doing.”

  Priscilla’s eyes brightened. “Good idea.”

  As their meal progressed, Elam became irritated. So far, Priscilla had spent more time talking to Elaine than him. He’d hoped to have Priscilla all to himself tonight and had been trying to get in a word with her, but to no avail. Even though he liked the food here, Elam wished they’d gone someplace else to eat supper.

  Maybe I shouldn’t have suggested we stop and see David on the way home, either. Elam crumpled his napkin. It’ll be one more opportunity for her to visit with someone other than me. Guess it’s too late to worry about that now. Said I’d go, so I’ll have to follow through. And it will be kind of nice to see David again.

  “Are you all right?”

  Elam turned to look at Priscilla. “Huh? I’m sorry. Were you talking to me?”

  “No, I was asking Elaine.”

  “I have a koppweh.” Elaine rubbed her forehead again. “I’ve had it most of the day, but it’s suddenly gotten worse.”

  Ben looked at her with concern. “Should I take you home?”

  “I apologize. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s evening, but that might be a good idea.”

  “I have a better idea,” Priscilla interjected. “Why don’t you go over to Leah’s and see if she can give you a foot treatment? Reflexology has always helped whenever I have a headache.”

  Elaine’s forehead wrinkled. “I hate to bother her at this time of night. She’s probably fixing supper for her family.”

  “Maybe they’re done eating by now,” Ben put in. “We ought to drop by and see if she’s free to give you a treatment.”

  “It’s worth a try.” Elaine pushed her chair aside and stood. “Danki for inviting us to join you.” She offered Priscilla a weak smile. “Sorry I wasn’t better company.”

  Priscilla reached out and clasped her friend’s hand. “It’s okay. I hope you feel better soon.”

  While Elam wasn’t glad Elaine had a headache, he was pleased he would finally have Priscilla to himself—at least until they got to the Morgans’ house.

  “Are you comfortable, Davey? Do you need another pillow under your leg?”

  David shook his head. “I’m fine, Gram. You don’t need to fuss over me.”

  Gram squinted at David over the top of her glasses. “If a grandma can’t fuss over her grandson, then she ought to quit being a grandma.”

  Gramps chuckled as he seated himself in the recliner across from where David lay on the couch. “You may as well give in, Davey, and just let your grandma fuss to her heart’s content.”

  David held up his hands. “Okay, but I really don’t need two pillows.”

  Gram placed the second pillow at the end of the couch. “All right, but it’s here in case you change your mind.” She took a seat in her rocking chair across from him. “By the way, as soon as we knew you were being released from the hospital, we called your folks again, to let them know we’d be bringing you here. Said not to worry, that we’ll take good care of you.”

  David grimaced as he tried to find a comfortable position for his sore ribs. “I hope you told ’em I’m gonna be okay and there’s no need for them to come here.”

  “Actually, we haven’t heard anything from them yet.” Gramps frowned. “When I called, I got your dad’s voice mail, but he never returned my call.”

  Gram smiled. “I’m sure we’ll hear something from them soon.”

  A knock sounded on the door, and Gramps went to answer it. When he returned, Priscilla and Elam were with him. David’s mood brightened.

  “How are you doing?” Priscilla rushed to the couch.

  “I’ve been better, but I could be worse.” David managed a smile. “It’s good seeing you, Elam. Did Priscilla tell you about my accident?”

  Elam nodded and moved to stand beside Priscilla. “Priscilla and I went to Yoder’s Kitchen for supper this evening, and we decided to come by here to see how you were doing.”

  “I’m glad you did.”

  “Let me take your coats. And please, have a seat.” Gram gestured to the love seat near the couch.

  After Elam and Priscilla were settled, Grandma went to the kitchen to get everyone something to drink. When she returned with coffee and doughnuts, David sat up so he could eat and drink without spilling.

  “Are you in much pain?” Priscilla questioned.

  “I’ll admit it hurts, but the doctor gave me something to help with the discomfort.” David blew on his coffee before taking a sip. “Truthfully, though, I’d rather deal with the pain instead of taking medicine. It makes me too drowsy.”

  “Rest is what you need right now,” Gram interjected.

  “She’s right. A person’s body heals better during sleep,” Elam added. “If it were me, I’d be takin’ the pain pills.”

  “I guess so, but I don’t like the idea of sleeping all the time; especially since I just got here.” David ran his fingers through his thick hair. “While I’m staying here, I’d like to help Gramps with chores especially if something needs to be fixed.”

  “I appreciate it, Davey, but there’s no need to worry about those issues right now.”

  “Your healing is what’s important.” Gram looked tenderly at David. Her smile intensified, causing the laugh lines around her eyes to deepen.

  “Your grandmother’s right. You were fortunate your stay in the hospital was only overnight. You’ll be up and around before you know it.” Priscilla’s reassuring words gave David comfort. Deep down, he was glad to be here, surrounded by all this love and attention. He felt fortunate, but at the same time, he was more than ready to change the subject.

  “Enough about me,” he said. “What’s been going on around the area since I’ve been away?”

  While Elam and Priscilla filled him in, another knock on the door sent Gramps to see who it was.

  Elam grabbed a doughnut and dunked it in his cup of coffee. “What brings you back to Arthur, David? Was it just to visit your grandparents?”

  “I wasn’t happy with the way things were going for me in Chicago,” David answered honestly. “I left a week before Christmas break and decided to come live with Gram and Gramps for a while—till I figure out exactly what it is I want to do.”

  “And what would that be, son?”

  David blinked when his folks stepped into the room. “Mom! Dad! What are you doing here?”

  Dad’s bushy eyebrows rose high on his forehead. “What are we doing here? More to the point, what are you doing here, David? And what did you mean when you said you left school early and were going to live with my folks for a while? I thought you were coming home for Christmas break.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Well, David, I’m waiting for an answer.” David’s father tapped his foot impatiently, looking sternly at his son.

  Mrs. Morgan stepped forward and placed a hand on her husband’s arm. “Stop badgering our son, Robert. We came all this way to see how David is, not ply him with questions about what he’s doing here.”

  “I know why we came, Suzanne, and I don’t need you to remind me.”

  She glared at him.

  Priscilla cringed, seeing David’s hurt expression and knowing how embarrassed he must be. Having his parents argue like this—especially in front of her and Elam, whom they barely knew—had to be uncomfortable. She’d also found it odd how David’s father had jumped on him right away, without giving him any kind of greeting.

  “By the way, it’s nice to see you, too.” David’s tone was sarcastic. “But okay, you want to hear the truth, then here it is.” David looked directly at his father. “I’m not going back to college after Christmas. I’m gonna stay here with Gram and Gramps until I figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.”

  David’s fath
er’s grim expression made it clear he wasn’t happy to hear this news. Knowing David, he wouldn’t back down.

  “What do you want to do with your life?” Robert stretched out his hands. “I thought you had your heart set on becoming a veterinarian.”

  “No, you had your heart set on me following in your footsteps. I’m not sure now I have the same dream.” David wiped his brow and threw the afghan off his lap.

  The room grew quiet when Suzanne pointed at David’s cast and gasped. “Oh, son, how bad is your leg?”

  “I broke it—in two places,” David said dryly.

  David’s grandpa jumped in and explained that they’d tried calling several times after they found out the extent of David’s injuries. “All I got was your voice mail, but apparently you didn’t listen to any of my messages.”

  Mr. Morgan scratched his head. “I did but not till this afternoon, when I turned my phone on.” He gestured to his wife. “Suzanne suggested I turn it off last night when we attended a musical, and I forgot to turn it back on.”

  David then told them about his accident and how lucky he’d been to have Priscilla close at hand.

  “I’m so sorry.” Suzanne sat on the couch beside David and gave him a hug.

  “Not too tight, Mom.” David sucked in his breath. “A couple of my ribs are broken, and they’re pretty sore, too.”

  “You should have known better than to take a trip on your motorcycle this time of the year. The weather and travel conditions can turn on a dime,” David’s dad scolded.

  “Robert, we should just be grateful our son wasn’t hurt any worse.” Suzanne looked at Priscilla and smiled. “Thank you for staying with David until the paramedics arrived.”

  “It was a good thing you were there.” Robert nodded in Priscilla’s direction. “But none of this would have happened if David had come home instead of here.”

  Priscilla was about to change the subject, when David’s grandma said, “Why don’t we all relax and let our thoughts settle a spell?” Priscilla could tell Letty was trying to smooth things over. “We can talk more about this in the morning. Right now, I need to go upstairs and fix up the guest room. Oh, and Suzanne, when was the last time you and Robert had anything to eat?”