“But I’m not a teacher, not anymore.” Brian squirmed on his seat. If anything, inside the house was hotter than outside. He had all the windows open, but there wasn’t so much as a breeze stirring the air.
“Ya, but you were.” Joseph crossed his arms and leaned back. “No doubt all that you learned in your previous life is still in here.” He tapped his head and smiled.
Luke cleared his throat. It was an irritating habit he had, possibly to bring attention to himself. Another uncharitable thought. Brian sighed inwardly. He seemed to be full of them today, but then Luke had a way of bringing out the worst in him.
He realized suddenly that Luke reminded him of his father—arrogant and blunt. No wonder he didn’t like the man.
“You have been a member of our congregation only a month, and we do not wish to do anything which may cause you to slide back into your old lifestyle—”
“I have no intention of sliding anywhere.”
“And yet it happens.” Luke tapped the table. “Still, you are a member of this community, and it seems that perhaps you could be a help in this situation.”
“Because I was a professor?” Brian’s voice rose in disagreement.
“Because you have taught in a classroom before.”
“If pupils are willing to learn, the age shouldn’t matter.” Joseph placed his thumbs under his suspenders and studied him.
Levi again popped his gum. More than once Brian had watched him have bubble-blowing contests with his grandchildren. Levi was a gem, and if enjoying life in this community meant Brian had to put up with the likes of Luke Hershberger, so be it.
He’d put up with worse in his previous life. He’d been worse in his previous life.
Levi crossed his arms on the table and leaned forward. “Last year’s teacher won’t be available. We just found out, and school starts on Monday.”
“Why—”
“Not something I’m willing to share. We’re looking for a proper replacement, but it isn’t likely we’ll find one before the first of the year.”
Brian nodded. He wasn’t surprised Levi wouldn’t share specifics. Personally, he couldn’t remember the woman’s name from the year before. He’d attended the Christmas presentation, but that was the first time he’d ever been in the schoolhouse. It wasn’t as if he had children of his own. There had never been a reason for him to take an interest in the school or what happened there.
“Maybe you don’t understand what I did in California.”
“You worked at a university.” Joseph combed his fingers through his beard. “Big, fancy school. This should be easy.”
“No. It won’t be easy. I taught adults. I lectured.” When the three men only stared at him, he added, “I didn’t even grade papers. I had an assistant who did that.”
A picture of Bridgette flashed through his mind, but he pushed it away. Now was not the time to wallow in the regrets of his past.
“We have an assistant,” Luke said. “New girl. Her name’s Katie Smucker.”
Brian was sure the look on his face confirmed he was not following this conversation.
“She’s JoAnna Lapp’s little schweschder,” Joseph explained. “Never taught before, but she thinks she’d like to give it a try. Their parents live in Ohio, but Katie rode the bus down in time for the start of school.”
“You want me to teach elementary school with an assistant who has never stepped inside a school before?”
“Nein,” Levi said. “Katie grew up in an Amish school, Brian. She’ll be a big help to you, and she isn’t as young as most of our assistants. I’m sure she will be more mature and focused on the task at hand.”
Joseph sat back in his chair, causing the wood to creek. “In truth, we found only one other person who could start this late in the year—a Mennonite woman who requires a higher salary than we’re able to offer.”
“So we need you.” Levi looked pleased with himself. “And it’s not as if the farming thing is feeling natural.”
When Brian started to protest, the bishop held up a hand. “You lived with me a year, son. I know what you are and aren’t good at. Not to say you won’t learn, but I’m suspecting you didn’t grow enough crop to make any money.”
“And it seems your tractor is broken,” Joseph added.
“Perhaps it is Gotte’s wille that you are in a place where your skills are needed.” Luke dared him to argue. No doubt the man was waiting to put a mark against his name.
“I have my first harvest, though it’s not as big as I’d hoped.” He glanced at Levi, but he couldn’t find it in his heart to be offended. “Additionally, this place isn’t ready for winter, as you can see.”
Levi waved away his concerns. “We’ll help with all of that. You teach the children. We’ll take care of what needs to be done around here.” As an afterthought he added, “And the salary will help you financially, son.”
The number he named almost caused Brian to laugh. It was a fraction of what he’d earned in California, but what had he expected? Cash was scarce on a farm, and the parents wouldn’t be able to pay much. There was no question he could use the income. He’d spent what was available in his trust fund to purchase the thirty-five-acre place.
“How many students?” Brian asked weakly. He knew there were a lot of them and all grades were taught in the same room.
“Forty, last count.” Levi stood and pushed in his chair. “Our district is growing. Gotte is blessing us for sure and for certain.”
Brian stared at the three men and wondered how he could say no. How could he make them understand he hadn’t been that kind of teacher? He’d taught literary theory and Greek literature. He’d lectured with PowerPoint presentations and given computer-generated exams.
Perhaps this was another type of penance. Maybe God was working through his past, creating a completely new creature in him.
As they walked back out onto the front porch, he heard himself say he’d do it.
The three men nodded in approval. Then they waved goodbye, unhitched their horses, and drove their buggies back down the lane. Brian sat on the porch and watched the sun make its way toward the horizon. There were a dozen things he should be doing, but suddenly he only wanted to sit there. He wanted to soak in the quiet and the peace.
Fear and regret fought against that peace, but he sat and he waited, and eventually his emotions settled.
He’d found a rhythm on the farm, finally, and now this.
He was starting over—again.
He shook his head, attempting to scatter feelings of desperation. He’d only be serving for a few months. Levi had assured him they would have a replacement by January. How bad could it be?