Englisch on Purpose (Prequel to Amish by Accident) Read online

  Richard glanced up at a clock on the wall. “You have any dinner plans?”

  “Actually, I should get back to the motel.”

  “Motel?”

  “Uh, yeah. I haven’t found an apartment yet.” She grimaced.

  “Yikes, I bet that’s pricey.” He scratched his head and squinted. “Let me see if I can find something for you.”

  “Really? You’d do that for me?”

  He walked to his desk and reached for his cell phone. “No big deal. Besides, I don’t know if I’ll be able to find something.”

  Mattie stared at the rip in her skirt and frowned. It was one of her favorite articles of clothing and also one that went well with several different blouses. She’d only purchased two skirts and a pair of jeans, along with a few tops. All of her Mennonite clothing stayed in her closet at home. She figured it wouldn’t have been appropriate city attire and quickly discovered she’d been correct.

  Richard pressed his phone to end the call and looked to Mattie apologetically. “She doesn’t have any rooms available now. I’m sorry.”

  “Who was that?”

  “It was a lady from church who sometimes takes in boarders. She has a few rooms that she rents in a small duplex, but they’re all taken right now.” He shook his head. “I wish – wait a minute.” He picked up his phone once again and dialed a number. “Jackie, would you be willing to rent out one of your rooms?”

  While Richard conversed, Mattie wondered who Jackie was.

  “Let me ask her.” He covered the phone’s mouthpiece and looked at Mattie. “Can you do six hundred a month? It’s just a room – you’d be sharing a bathroom and the kitchen.”

  She nodded with a smile. Six hundred a month, even if it was only a room, was a great deal. Most rooms she’d looked into started at twelve hundred and went up from there. “When can I move in?”

  “She’ll take it, Jackie.” He smiled and clicked off the phone. “Tomorrow.”

  “Who’s Jackie?”

  “My sister. I know she can use the extra money right now, so I thought she might say yes.”

  “Does she live alone?”

  “She has two kids.”

  “And no husband?”

  “He’s in the military overseas. He won’t be back for another year.”

  “That must be hard.”

  “It is, but she manages.”

  “My father doesn’t approve of the military. He thinks we should turn the other cheek.”

  “What do you think?”

  She shrugged. “I guess I’ve never really thought much about it. My people have always taught that it was wrong. The Plain people are non-resistant, you know.”

  “No, I didn’t realize that. So, they’re pacifists?”

  She nodded.

  “So, let me get this straight. Your father would have allowed you to be assaulted by that thief if he were with you today? He wouldn’t have done anything?” Richard’s face darkened.

  “I don’t know.”

  “You could have been killed. I don’t know how anyone could stand by and watch an innocent person be assaulted. That’s ludicrous!”

  “They would say it was God’s will because He allowed it to happen.”

  “Since when is sin and hurting the innocent God’s will?” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I wholeheartedly disagree with their stance. The Bible says that he that provideth not for his own is worse than an infidel. Providing protection for a family that God has entrusted to you is a basic need. I don’t understand their position.”

  “Jesus said to turn the other cheek.”

  “That’s true, but I think that’s taking it out of context. That doesn’t mean we don’t defend our loved ones. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Soldiers risk their lives every day so we can enjoy the freedoms we do. This nation never would have survived if brave men and women didn’t fight for our country.”

  Mattie was quiet. She really didn’t have any response to his words.

  “I’m sorry. I tend to get passionate about things I believe in.”

  “I noticed.” She smiled. “Were you a soldier?”

  “No. But I’m here if my country ever needs me.”

  Mattie nodded, then glanced up at the clock. “I should probably go now.”

  “Was that a ‘yes’ to dinner?” He smiled.

  “I don’t know. I’ll need to pack my things up if I’m going to move tomorrow.”

  His brow lifted. “Perhaps, but you still need to eat. Come on, my treat.”

  She looked down at her clothing and frowned.

  “Don’t worry. We can stop by the motel first, if you’d like.”

  “Okay.”

  Chapter 10

  “Jackie, I’d like you to meet Mattie. Mattie, this is my baby sister, Jackie,” Richard introduced Mattie to her new landlady.

  “Nice to meet you. Thank you for taking me in.”

  Jackie eyed Richard. “I trust my brother.”

  “Yeah, usually she’d do a whole background investigation and call references to be sure you’d be a good candidate for renting.” Richard smiled.

  “You can never be too sure,” Jackie added. “There are a lot of unsavory characters out there and I don’t want them anywhere near my children.”

  “I understand. We met one today.” Mattie sighed, and gave Richard a smile of appreciation once again.

  “Hence, the busted lip and cut above my eye,” Richard pointed to his battle scars.

  “Who won?” Jackie raised a brow.

  Richard chuckled. “That’s a tough call.”

  “I’m just glad we’re both still alive and in one piece,” Mattie said.

  “Me too.” Richard winked.

  <><><>

  “Miss Riehl, it’s good to have you here.”

  Mattie reached her hand out to shake her new boss’ hand. “Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Bonneville. I will do my best for your company.”

  He nodded. “Richard Greene spoke highly of you. He recommended that I at least interview you. I’m glad I did.”

  Mattie’s eyes widened. “Richard? You know him?”

  Mr. Bonneville smiled. “Richard and I go way back. We’re old colleagues. He explained your situation. I’m sorry you didn’t receive a positive welcome to New York City. I hope your scuffle in the alley won’t taint your view of all New Yorkers.”

  “I’ve met several kind folks since I’ve moved here, so, no, it didn’t taint my view. I just learned to be more cautious and to stay far away from alleys.”

  “Richard says you’re from Amish Country.”

  “Yes, Lancaster County, but I was Mennonite, not Amish.”

  “I’m not familiar with the Mennonite group. Are they similar to the Amish?”

  “Well, there are different groups of Mennonite and different groups of Amish. But the Amish were born from the Mennonites originally.”

  “So first there were Mennonites?”

  “Yes.”

  “But the Amish seem more popular.”

  “I think that is because many of them tend to be strict. Most only drive horse and buggy.”

  “And their dress is…peculiar.”

  Mattie chuckled. “I think they would like that word to describe their dress. Of course, Conservative Mennonites dress in a plainer fashion as well.”

  “Is that what you are?”

  “Were. And yes, that’s the group my family is from.”

  “How is their dress different from the Amish? Is it easy to tell them apart?”

  “It is for me, but it might be a little more difficult for someone who doesn’t know the differences. Mennonites tend to wear lighter colors with patterns on them. Amish dresses are usually darker colors with no pattern or design on the material. Of course, like I said, each group pretty much has their own regulations on dress, transportation, how their homes can be decorated… those kinds of things.”

  “Wow, I think I’d hav
e a difficult time being in one of those religious groups.”

  “Most people who are Amish were born into an Amish family, so they grow up that way. My best friend is Amish.”

  “Really? And they allow that?”

  “Well, our families are pretty close. The community that I’m from tends to be more accepting, because my grandfather is the Amish bishop there.”

  “Wait. So your grandfather is Amish?”

  “My father used to be Amish and my mother’s parents and siblings are still Amish. My mother never has been Amish.”

  “But your grandparents are? I’m confused.”

  “Let’s just say that it’s a long story.”

  “Sounds like it.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “By the way, there are two things we don’t discuss here: religion and politics.”

  “Why?”

  “Let’s just say that things go a whole lot smoother when those two subjects are not mentioned.”

  Mattie shrugged. “Works for me.”

  “However, what you discuss with other employees after hours is totally up to you.”

  “Got it.”

  “Well, it looks like we’d better get to work. I’ll have my assistant give you a tour of our office and introduce you to everyone. Every Friday at two, unless you receive a memo stating otherwise, we have a mandatory meeting for all employees.” He stretched out his hand. “Once again, welcome to the team, Mattie.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Bonneville.”

  Chapter 11

  Elisabeth perused the assortment of fabric, searching for the perfect colors for a double wedding ring quilt. Several of her peers were getting married this year, and she wanted to make something special for them. The quilt wouldn’t be very large, just a simple lap quilt. Perhaps she should use a different design. Jah, she’d make a mini nine patch heart quilt, she decided then and there. She quickly chose some favorite colored fabrics.

  “Hullo, Elisabeth.”

  She spun around at the familiar voice. “Ach, Rebekah! How are you?” She hadn’t seen any of the Riehl family since Mattie had left.

  “Okay. I miss Mattie.” She frowned.

  “Jah, me too,” Elisabeth sympathized.

  “Have ya heard anything from her?”

  “Not since she arrived in New York. She left a message at the phone shanty saying she’d made it. Other than that, I don’t know anything.” Elisabeth sighed.

  “I hope she’s all right.” Elisabeth heard the concern in Mattie’s sister’s voice.

  “I’m sure she’s doing great, Rebekah. If I know Mattie, she’s having the time of her life,” Elisabeth smiled in reassurance.

  “I hope so. I just wish I knew for sure.”

  “When I hear from her, I’ll let you know, okay?”

  “Thanks, Lis.” They quickly bid each other farewell.

  Elisabeth watched Rebekah walk out of the store.

  “Hey, you ready?”

  She turned and looked at Luke, who’d accompanied her today. “Almost. I need to pay for this.”

  Luke walked to the register with her and waited patiently while she paid for her items. He relieved her of her bag of fabric and notions and the two of them sauntered out of the store. Luke helped her into his buggy and they quickly set off toward home.

  “Lis, where do you see yourself in five years?” Luke’s voice was low.

  Elisabeth frowned. “Where did that question come from?”

  He shrugged. “Don’t know. Just thinkin’ about the future is all. Our future.”

  “Our future?”

  He nodded.

  “I don’t know where I see myself, honestly.” She thought of Mattie. “You know, Mattie always knew that she’d go to New York someday. It was a fire that burned deep in her soul. I don’t have that fire. I mean, I can’t really imagine what my future will be like.”

  “You don’t wish to spend it with me?” She heard the disappointment in his voice.

  She shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m unsure of what I want. Maybe I’ll have a clearer picture in the future, but right now I just can’t say.”

  “I love you, Elisabeth. I really do.” Luke swallowed. “I can wait another year, if that’s what it takes. I want to marry you someday.”

  Elisabeth sat quietly. She’d always considered Luke handsome, and he was a kind young man. He certainly deserved to have a good Amish wife. Was she being selfish, keeping him for her beau when she knew she most likely would never marry him? She briefly wondered if maybe she should break up with him.

  Luke reached over and grasped her hand.

  “I think I might want to taste the Englisch life, like Mattie.”

  Luke frowned. “I was wondering if you were thinking on that. Are you not happy here in Paradise?”

  She shrugged.

  “We could maybe take a trip to New York and visit Mattie,” he suggested.

  “We?” She frowned. Although she enjoyed spending time with Luke here in Paradise, his joining her and Mattie in New York was not a part of the thoughts she’d been entertaining.

  “Jah, after we’re married. I don’t suppose your folks would let ya go with me before.”

  “No, they would never approve of something like that.”

  “Will you be baptized next year, then?”

  Elisabeth cringed. She knew this question would be coming. “Like I said, Luke, I don’t know.” She was unsure whether he felt the frustration in her tone, but at least it stopped the questions.

  “I sold my car,” Luke said flatly.

  “Why?” As soon as she asked the question, she regretted it. She hoped it wasn’t in anticipation of getting married. Usually young folks held on to their vehicles until they were to be baptized into the church and they had to get rid of them. Of course, that’s why he’d sold it.

  He shook his head. “I guess it doesn’t matter.”

  When Luke dropped Elisabeth off, he was unusually silent. She knew she’d disappointed him. He’d wanted an honest answer, didn’t he? Well, that was exactly what she’d given him.

  “Denki for the ride, Luke.”

  He nodded without comment and set the horse in motion.

  Chapter 12

  Mattie glanced out the window of the high-rise, both thrilling and a little frightening still after three weeks on the job. Even with the other giant skyscrapers surrounding the building she worked in, she still had a decent view of New York Harbor. The view from the twenty-first floor was simply amazing. She didn’t think she’d ever get over the grandeur of the Big Apple.

  Her heart swelled with gratitude toward Richard for speaking with her boss about her missed interview. She still couldn’t get over the fact that Mr. Bonneville and Richard were friends. After Richard informed her boss about the circumstances behind Mattie’s missed appointment, he was gracious enough to offer her another interview. She couldn’t help but wonder if Richard also put in a good word for her.

  Her father had been wrong. There were good people in the city too. Not all the good folks lived in the country. It was true that the people here were more reserved, and most were not as friendly as those in Lancaster County. Although, her home town had its share of snooty people too, she mused.

  Richard had been a true friend. She hadn’t had too much contact with him since landing her job, but he did check up on her every now and then at his sister’s apartment. She got the feeling that he and his sister visited more often now that she was living there. Mattie enjoyed watching Richard interact with his young niece and nephew. The fact that he was good with children hadn’t escaped her notice.

  Mattie declined his latest invitation to church. Again. For the life her, she just couldn’t bring herself to say yes. Of course, her coworkers’ opinions of church hadn’t help either. She’d have to agree that city folk were less religious than those in her hometown. And it seemed like the ones who were religious believed things she’d never even heard of. She still found it rather odd that discussions of religion were not
acceptable or welcomed in the workplace. Wasn’t that a First Amendment right or something? She briefly wondered what kind of people attended the large cathedrals with the beautiful stained glass windows she’d noticed while driving in the city. They seemed the exact opposite of the plain, unadorned, simple church house her Mennonite community attended – or of the houses and barns where her Amish friends met for worship.

  She thought about her best friend, Elisabeth Schrock. Oh, how she missed her. What was she doing now? Mattie felt guilty that she hadn’t even written to her yet. Aside from a brief phone call the day she’d arrived, she hadn’t had any contact with anyone in her home community. And, even then, she’d just left a message on the machine for Elisabeth. She’d promised she’d keep in touch, but life seemed so hectic since she arrived. She’d have to make time to pen a letter to her friend, lest she get worried about her wellbeing.

  Dear Elisabeth,

  You’re not going to believe this. I saw you today! Well, it wasn’t you but I could have sworn it was. I passed this woman who, if she hadn’t been in Englisch clothing, I would have thought it was you. I’m serious! You wouldn’t believe it. I heard her say something and even her voice sounded like yours – except for her Englischer accent, of course. She could easily pass for your twin. Hmm…I wonder if I have a twin somewhere out there too! Ha! Ha!

  I am so loving New York! You would not believe all the different kinds of people here. It’s amazing! Every single day, I see people from probably at least a dozen different countries. Some of them don’t even speak English.

  The buildings here are so tall. Imagine my grossdawdi’s barn about twenty times taller! And that’s just the building I work in. Some are much higher than that! It hurts my neck to look up at them from the street.

  I’m so glad I took those computer classes in college. If I hadn’t, I don’t know what kind of job I would have found. If you get a chance, go to the library and use the computers there. I think they have some classes online for free. If you ask one of the library workers, they can show you how to use it. Now, I wish I had shown you while I was there. Just type ‘free computer class’ into the box at the top of the screen and hopefully it will take you to an online video. You’ll need to buy some headphones from the library so be sure to take a few dollars with you. Remember, if you don’t know what to do, just ask. They will help you and they probably won’t mind doing it. If all else fails, call me and I’ll walk you through it. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever come to live in New York, learn it anyway. You never know how it might come in handy. But I hope you will come! I miss you. Imagine the two of us living together in New York! You’d have a blast, I know it!