A Joyful Break (Dreams of Plain Daughters) by Diane Craver Read Free Book Online Page A

a whole year, she’d been responsible for the laundry, housework, cooking, garden work, and canning last summer. Well, Judith had taken over all the sewing of new clothes and mending. That was something, I guess.
    I hope my issues with Daed will be resolved by getting away from him. Her stomach turned just thinking about her father.
    It was the first time she’d ever gone on a trip without her family. She’d miss them but felt a sense of freedom and excitement that she’d never felt before in her whole life.
    Her father cleared his throat a couple of times. “ Danki , for baking enough bread for the week and making my favorite cookies.”
    Aunt Carrie smiled. “When I saw everything Rachel prepared, I thought maybe Judith was coming with us too.”
    He glanced at the cooler and bags in the car. “With all this food, it looks like you’re taking all my kinner . Did you leave any food for Weaver’s other customers?”
    She agreed with her father. Aunt Carrie had bought a lot − pies, bread, noodles and cookies at Weaver’s Bakery. Then her aenti bought meat and cheese at Yoder’s Market to put in her cooler. Will I ever get a chance to eat English food? she wondered.
    Aunt Carrie’s dark blond hair came loose from her bun, and she immediately redid the thick strands back into a neat chignon. “You know I always stock up on Amish food whenever I visit. The bad thing is I eat a lot of it and gain weight, but this time Violet will be home to help us eat some of these goodies. And I’m giving some to the women in my prayer group.”
    He grinned. “I’m glad you and Rachel aren’t eating all of it. Have a safe trip.”
    “Thanks, David.” Aunt Carrie briefly patted his arm. “I’ll be sure to see Peter, Judith and the boys when I bring Rachel home. I hope those two nephews of mine behave while Rachel’s gone.”
    “ Ya . Those two are something.” Turning to Rachel, his eyes became serious. “Remember to pray during your visit and stay close to God.”
    His worn and wrinkled face touched a chord in her. She knew her father worried about her rumschpringe in the English world. “I will.” In spite of her unhappiness with her father, he did love her. She gave him a quick hug. “Take care of yourself.”
    “We better get going.” Aunt Carrie opened the car door. “I don’t want to be late picking up Violet.”
    “I can’t wait to see my cousin.” Violet’s flight was scheduled to land at four-thirty at the Lexington Airport. Rachel had never been at an airport, so she looked forward to seeing the big jets arrive and take off; she couldn’t imagine flying. She’d have to ask Violet what it was like to get on a plane and get some place so quickly. Driving by car was definitely faster than traveling by buggy, but she understood why her people couldn’t own cars. Avoiding worldliness and keeping the family close to home was essential to their plain way of life. The temptation to just hop in the car and go to town or farther places would expose them to a fast and glitzy world. But it’s fun to ride in a car occasionally, she thought.
    Before Rachel shut the car door, she overheard Aunt Carrie speak in a lowered voice. “David, don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”
    As Aunt Carrie drove away, her chest felt heavy leaving the only home she’d ever known. Glancing back at the white two-story house she grew up in, Rachel saw her daed staring at the car. She waved to him before whirling back around in the seat.
    “I can’t wait until we get to the beach.”
    Aunt Carrie grinned at her before turning on the road. “Violet and I adore going to the seashore. I hope you’ll like it too.”
    “Will the beach be private?”
    “We’ll have a private entrance to the beach, but there are other guests who might be vacationing at their nearby houses. I don’t think it’ll be crowded since the beach isn’t open to the general public. The swimming pool’s private, though. Each property has a