Something Old - Dianne L. Christner [30]
“I needed to get some saw blades sharpened today anyways, so I’ll stop by and have that chat with Ivan Miller on my way home. See if we can seal this deal. Now let’s cut that cake. You know it’s one of my favorites.”
Early the next week, Katy slid into the ripped seat of Lil’s Chevy Blazer, unconsciously poking the stuffing back into place so that it didn’t stick to her dark, freshly pressed skirt. “I can’t believe this is really happening.”
“I know. What do you think I should save up for first? A new car or one of those commercial stoves like they had at school?”
“I wish we could’ve bought one of those, but—”
Lil reached over and patted her hand. “Oh stop. I’m just dreaming out loud. But someday I will have both of those. You wait and see.”
Katy wondered if Lil would ever realize her dreams, for they weren’t normal dreams for girls who were born and raised in the Conservative Church. Must have been some other blood in her family line somewhere, too, she mused, thinking of her own Spanish ancestor. Beside her, Lil rambled on while Katy painted her own fantasy of whipping the house into order, clean and inviting, making it a place where she would be proud to—
Her thoughts jarred to a stop. Pride was the sin of the devil. But Mennonites did take pride in the work of their hands. The irony of the plain people had never occurred to her before. Everyone knew the Mennonites were hard workers and honest. They bragged about it among themselves. She tickled the inside of her mouth with her tongue, looking for a different word that would describe her feelings, one that would be acceptable. Responsible? A good steward? That worked.
When they pulled into the Millers’ farm, Lil drove to the back of the property and parked in front of the doddy house. For the first time, Katy realized there wasn’t any garage or barn to park the car inside. That would be cold in the mornings. Why, she’d have to scrape frost off her windshield. She supposed there were worse things. Next she noticed a truck that resembled Jake’s. Lil started to open her door, but Katy reached over. “Wait.”
“What?” Lil seemed impatient to go inside.
But the truck reminded Katy that Lil had been avoiding the subject of Jake’s sudden appearance. “That looks like Jake’s truck.”
Lil rolled her gaze heavenward. “You want to sit here and talk about Jake? Or do you want to go inside and see our dream coming true?”
“It’s just…you’ve never answered my question about Jake. I saw you talking to him at the skating party. I just want to know why he was there. Did you invite him?”
Lil closed her door again and fiddled with her gearshift. “Okay, here’s what I know. He’s moved back home. He’s coming back to the church. But the important thing is he’s changed. He doesn’t drink anymore or chase girls. He’s over all that wild stuff.” She shrugged. “He’s changed, and actually he’s an improved model from the old one. You’ll see.”
Kate absorbed Lil’s flippant explanation with shock. She released a moan. “No way. He’s not back to stay?”
“Yep.”
“But I can’t face him week after week.”
“He told me he’s really sorry for hurting you.”
“That’s so humiliating. I hope you never told him how I moped over him.”
“If it’s humiliating, he’s the one who’s ashamed. He regrets his wild fling. He’s the one who feels foolish. Just keep your chin up. Take it one step at a time. Now, let’s go inside. I’ve got my list. We need to double-check everything and then go shopping.” Lil let out a squeal and bumped her shoulder against Katy’s. “Shopping for our own place. Can you believe it?”
Giving in to Lil’s coaxing, Katy couldn’t help but grin back. “Alright. Let’s do it.”
She slid out and slammed the door, her boots squishing