“Looks like we got here just in time.”
Katie Rose stood on the school porch handing papers to the children as they headed out for the day. “And don’t forget, sixth grade, you have a readin’ test on Monday.”
One tall boy with too-short pants waved in recognition to her words. “Jah, Katie Rose. I’ll study hard.”
The fact that only one child responded to her warning made Zane wonder if there was only one sixth-grader in the crowd of milling children. He made a mental note to find out more about the tiny school.
“Goedemiddag, shveshtah,” John Paul called out what Zane surmised to be a greeting.
“Goedemiddag, bruder,” Katie Rose returned. She kept her gaze firmly locked on the children as they disappeared down the road.
Zane thought he recognized a few of Gabriel Fisher’s boys in the mix, but he didn’t stop them. He had learned a thing or two about Amish life since he had been in Oklahoma, and the boys would have a chore list as long as their arm to complete after they got home. He surely didn’t want to slow them in their attempts to get everything done before they enjoyed whatever after-school fun activities Amish children liked to indulge in. He made a mental note to find out what those activities included. It would make a great side note to his feature.
“Wie geht?” John Paul called.
“Gut, gut,” his sister answered.
“English?” Zane protested lightly around his Astro Pop. He hated the fact that Katie Rose still wouldn’t look at him. What had he ever done to her? Nothing. He was English and different from her, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t have a working friendship while he was here. It was going to be a long three months if she kept this up.
“I asked her how everythin’ was, and she replied—”
“Good. That one I know.”
John Paul nodded his head, as if impressed with Zane’s efforts.
They crossed the yard under the oak tree, and Zane experienced another blast of nostalgia. Swinging from a rope and splashing down into an icy cold, clear-as-air creek. He must have been about eight. His stomach dropped at the mere thought of letting go of the rope and flying through the air. Where had the time gone? He hadn’t done anything like that in years. Something he needed to correct and fast. Perhaps on this trip. What better place to get his feet wet than rural Oklahoma?
Katie Rose stood on the schoolhouse steps as her brother and the Englischer approached. As usual, Samuel had his hand fisted around the folds of her skirt as they stood outside in the beautiful Indian summer sunshine.
“Zane Carson wanted to see the school,” John Paul explained.
“I was just leavin’ for the day. But you can come in if you like.” Only politeness forced the words from her lips. She wasn’t in a hurry. There was nothing more urgent waiting for her at home than starting supper. But she didn’t want to be around the Englischer any more than necessary. And a tour of the empty schoolhouse was not necessary.
“That’s okay,” Zane Carson said. “Maybe another day.”
“Jah.” Secretly she hoped that day wouldn’t come. The thought made her feel rude and ungrateful. This man had come to help bring people to Clover Ridge, visitors that would spur their economy and indirectly fuel the coffers that paid for her mother’s cancer treatment. She should be more thankful for the blessing. But when she looked into those brown eyes she had to fight the urge not to run as fast as she could in the other direction.