The first Tuesday of August, Ellen went with Mandy to see an ob-gyn. While Mandy saw the doctor, Ellen sat in the waiting room. After almost an hour had passed, she wondered what could be taking so long.
I hope everything’s all right. Ellen picked up a magazine, then set it down. Too bad Ken can’t be with Mandy this morning instead of me. What a shame he doesn’t know about the baby.
Ellen didn’t feel it was fair of Mandy to keep her pregnancy from Ken. He had a right to know he was going to be a father. It would give him something to look forward to. But it was Mandy’s decision to make, and she would honor it.
She picked up the magazine again, flipping through the pages of prenatal information and advertising. Ellen scanned an article about different birthing methods, as well as classes expecting parents should consider.
Instinctively, she rested one hand on her stomach. I wonder what it would feel like to have a tiny life growing within me. If I never get married, I won’t experience the joy of being a parent.
Ellen set the publication aside, and browsed through a few more magazines. Finally Mandy came out. “How’d it go?” Ellen whispered as they headed for the door.
“I’ll tell you about it when we stop for lunch on our way to the farm.”
“I’m anxious to get to the hospital and see how Ken is doing,” Mandy said as they headed toward the farm in his SUV. “I hope you don’t mind if we eat at a fast-food restaurant. There’s a place up ahead that makes some tasty fish tacos.”
“It’s fine with me, but if you’d rather not stop for lunch, we can eat when we get to the farm.”
“Maybe that would be better. We can talk in private about everything that’s going on.” Mandy looked over at Ellen and smiled. “My mother-in-law always has plenty of food in the fridge, so I’m sure we can find something we like.”
“Okay. Sounds good.”
Kapaa
When they reached the Williamses’ place, Ellen went to see how Rob was doing, then met Mandy in the kitchen.
“There’s a three-bean salad, and you could use some ham slices for a sandwich.” Mandy pointed to the refrigerator. “Of course we have plenty of bottled water or juice.”
Ellen stepped over to retrieve the food. “Aren’t you going to join me?”
“I’m not hungry right now. Maybe I’ll grab a bite at the hospital later on.”
Ellen closed the refrigerator and placed the bread, ham, and all the fixings on the table. “You need to keep up your strength, Mandy. Remember, you’re eating for two now. And you want the baby to be healthy, right?”
“Of course, but the doctor said I’m doing fine. My pregnancy is going well, and I have another appointment set up, so you needn’t worry.”
“I don’t mean to sound bossy. I’m concerned about you.”
“I appreciate that, but my biggest concern is for Ken right now.” Mandy’s forehead wrinkled as she leaned against the counter. “Even though he’s been doing okay since his last surgery, Ken’s getting antsy waiting for them to make a cast, and then a brace, for his left leg. My poor husband wants to get out of that hospital.”
“I don’t blame him.” Ellen took out a paper plate and a napkin. “Have the doctors said how much longer he will have to remain there?”
“It depends on how much time it takes for him to be fitted and make sure the brace is functional and supporting his leg in order to help with the attachment of the muscle.” Mandy clasped her hands together. “I’ve decided to wait until Ken comes home from the hospital to tell him about the baby. He has enough on his mind right now.” She opened the refrigerator and took out two bottles of water, handing one to Ellen. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to head for the hospital right away. I’m sure by now Vickie needs a break, and I am eager to see Ken.”
“No problem. I’ll eat lunch and then see what Rob needs me to do outside.” Ellen gave her friend a big hug. “Everything will be easier once Ken comes home. And don’t forget. I’ll stay for as long as you need me.”
Mandy squeezed Ellen’s arm. “Thank you so much. You’re a good friend. Oh, and one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ve been working hard since you got here, so why don’t you take some time off for yourself?”
“No, that’s okay. I don’t need to.”
“You should see a few sights while you’re on the island. Your time on Kauai shouldn’t be all work.” Mandy stood with her arms crossed.
Ellen dished some of the three-bean salad onto her paper plate. “I didn’t come here for a vacation. I came to help out and be a support to you.”
“Even so, it could be a long time before you return to Hawaii, so you should have a little fun while you’re here.” Mandy moved toward the door. “Just think about it, okay?”
“All right. Tell Ken I said hello. Now that he can have other visitors besides his family, I’ll come see him soon. Maybe if Luana and Makaio are free, they’ll want to join me.”
Rob entered the kitchen and found Ellen at the table with her back to him. He had to fight the sudden urge to step up behind her chair and kiss the back of her neck. What a dumb idea. Ellen would wonder what made me do such a thing. And how could I explain my behavior to her when I can’t even justify it myself?
Rob cleared his throat to announce his presence and was surprised when Ellen didn’t turn around. He tried again, a little louder this time.
She jerked her head. “Oh Rob, I was deep in thought and didn’t hear you come in. Would you like me to fix you something to eat?”
“Thanks anyway, but I brought a sack lunch with me today.” He opened the refrigerator and returned to the table with a paper sack.
“As soon as you finish eating I’ll help you outside with the chickens.”
Rob shook his head. “No need. I’ve been busy all morning, got a lot done, and there’s nothing left to do till the chickens are put away this evening.”
“Okay. Guess I’ll go back to the B&B.”
“Say, I have a better idea. Why don’t you and I go somewhere for a few hours and do something fun for a change?”
“Where do you want to go?”
“Well, there’s Spouting Horn. Have you ever been there?” Rob pulled out his sandwich and chips.
“Just once. It was the day Mandy and I missed the ship. We didn’t stay long, so it would be nice to see it again and not be hard-pressed for time.” Ellen smiled.
Rob was pleased that she wanted to go. “As soon as I’m done eating, let’s grab some bottles of water and head out.” He had to admit he too was eager to go.
Ellen picked up her tote bag. “I have some trail mix in here. Should I bring that too?”
“Sure, why not?”
Spouting Horn
When they arrived at their destination, Ellen went to the restroom to check her appearance. Although the ride on Rob’s motor scooter exhilarated her, it left her feeling windblown. After removing the scarf she’d tied around her traditional head covering and tucking in a few stray hairs, Ellen returned to the grassy area where Rob waited for her.
She smiled, pointing to the hens and chicks roaming around. It still amazed her how many chickens ran wild on the island. It was one more thing that made Kauai unique. She’d even seen some in the parking lot by the airport the day Makaio and Luana had picked her up.
“Before we go to the overlook, why don’t we check out some of the trinkets and souvenirs being sold along the walkway?” Rob suggested. “Who knows, you might find something you like.”
She shrugged. “We’ll see.”
Many of the vendors sold jewelry, which Ellen had no interest in buying. When they came to a booth selling potholders made by a local woman, she stopped to look at them. “These remind me of the potholders some Amish women make back home,” she told Rob. “Only most of ours aren’t this colorful.”
“Would you like one?” He pushed his sunglasses on top of his head.
“I probably shouldn’t spend the money on something I don’t really need.”
“No problem.” Rob reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. “I’ll get it for you.”
“Oh, no, you don’t have to do that, Rob.”
“I want to.”
“Thank you, Rob.” She picked up the purchase and placed it in her tote.
“A‘ole pilikia—You’re welcome, no problem.” He grinned and took hold of her other hand. “Ready to see the water spout?”
“Oh, yes.” Her fingers tingled beneath his grasp. Does Rob feel it too?
As they approached the lookout, Ellen’s thoughts went to her friend. This is the spot where Mandy met Ken. Ellen had often wondered if Ken and Mandy’s meeting was a coincidence or God ordained. They seemed to be meant for each other. Mandy had once said that she believed Ken was her soul mate.
Staring out at the ocean, Ellen clasped the handrail in front of her. Do I have a soul mate somewhere? I hope I discover him before I’m too old for marriage. Ellen thought about her aunt, Dianna, who hadn’t gotten married until she was forty-five. I certainly wouldn’t want to wait that long.
Unexpectedly, a plume of water shot up from one of the blowholes, causing Ellen to gasp. “Oh, what a magnificent sight! And look over there, Rob.” She pointed. “Did you see the rainbow that formed?”
“It is pretty awesome, isn’t it?” Rob reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll wait for the next one to spout and get a picture. But first, let’s take a selfie.”
Before Ellen could offer a response, Rob pulled her close, held up his phone, and snapped a picture. Then he showed her the photo. “Turned out pretty good, don’tcha think?”
“We Amish don’t normally pose for pictures, Rob.”
“Sorry about that. If the photo offends you, I’ll delete it.”
Ellen studied the picture. “Oh, look, the water spouted behind us, and you even captured the rainbow.”
“That makes it even more special.” He smiled. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep the photo. It’ll help me remember this day after you leave Kauai.”
Ellen swallowed hard. She didn’t need a photo to remember this day, but how could she say no when he looked at her so sweetly?