The Hawaiian Quilt (16 page)

“You’re right, and the Amish women’s help is appreciated, but they won’t be here much longer. As soon as they’re able to get tickets, they’ll be on a ship taking them back to the mainland.” He reached for his glass of water and took a drink.

“No they won’t. Mandy and Ellen have agreed to stay with us for as long as we need them—until your leg has healed and you can take over your responsibilities again.”

“Why would they do it, Luana? They barely know us.”

“Because they care and want to help.” She smiled. “They’re putting their Christianity into practice.”

Makaio fell back against the pillow and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Luana saw tears. He looked at her and asked, “Remember, when you believed God sent those young women to us for a reason?”

Her throat constricted, and she could only manage a slow nod.

“I’m certain now that it was so they could help us during our time of need.”

Luana squeezed his fingers gently. “You may be right. But whatever the reason, I’m thankful Mandy and Ellen are staying with us.”

Ensenada, Mexico

“Do you see the green, white, and red Mexican flag greeting us near the cruise terminal?” Sadie pointed at the huge flag waving in the breeze.

Barbara lifted her hands over her head to stretch her arms. “I could see it for some distance as we approached the harbor.”

“I heard someone say Ensenada is a major cruise ship destination and thousands of tourists come here ever year.” Sadie reached into her tote and removed her camera. Then she took a picture of the Mexican flag. “First Street is supposed to be another busy spot for tourists, so we ought to check it out.”

“I’m glad we’re sticking with a tour group today,” Barbara commented. “I wouldn’t want to be stranded in Mexico. The people speak a language we don’t understand. It could be a little frightening.”

“That wouldn’t be a problem. Our tour guide mentioned most of the people who live here—especially those selling their wares—understand English.”

“Even so, I’d be umgerrent if the ship left us behind, like what happened to Mandy and Ellen.”

Sadie nodded. “You’re right, so we shouldn’t venture too far on our own today.”

“I’m going to call Mandy when we get back to the ship and see how she and Ellen are doing,” Barbara said as they began walking up Avenida Lopez Mateos, the main tourist street of Ensenada, lined with paved, red brick sidewalks. “I’ll bet they’re as eager to get home as we are.”

“Jah, but unfortunately their luggage will reach their homes before they ever do.”

“That’s right. We’re in charge of extra suitcases.” Barbara’s lips compressed. “Seeing that they make it off the ship and then onto the train could be a challenge, since we’ll have our luggage to deal with as well.”

“I’m sure we can manage.” Sadie pointed to a store up ahead. “Let’s go in there and see what souvenirs we can find.” They paused to look at some colorful Mexican blankets and sombreros. “If nothing else, I’d like to buy a few postcards and maybe a handmade basket. After we finish shopping, I want to try one of those fish tacos I’ve heard others on the ship talking about.”

Barbara’s nose itched, so she paused to rub it with her finger. She hoped she wasn’t allergic to something in the air. “I’ll pass. Don’t think I’d enjoy eating fish in a soft-rolled taco shell. I may try a regular ground beef taco if we can find any.”

“I’m sure they’re available.” Sadie’s next step caused her to stumble on the slippery brick. Suddenly, she was flat on her back.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

H
ow nice it is to finally be heading home.” Sadie shifted in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position. “I only wish we could get there sooner.” Normally, the
clickety-clack
of the train’s wheels against the tracks would lull her to sleep, but not today. They’d only been riding the train since yesterday, and already she was tired of sitting. Her biggest problem was her bruised tailbone from the fall she’d taken in Ensenada. Fortunately, the only thing that had been seriously hurt was her pride. If she’d broken a bone, she may have ended up in the hospital and missed the ship when it left Mexico. Then she’d have been in the same predicament as her friends who were stuck on Kauai.

“Are you doing okay?” Barbara’s anxious expression showed the extent of her concern. “You took a pretty hard fall on that brick sidewalk the other day. You must still be quite sore.”

“I am, but I can deal with the pain. I’m having a hard time sitting, though.”

“Should we go up to the café car and get a snack to eat? It might do you some good to walk awhile.”

“Maybe in a little bit. Right now I’m trying to enjoy the scenery, even though my body is screaming to get up.” Sadie pointed out the window. “I’m watching for some wildlife, like we saw on the train as we were heading to California near the beginning of our trip.”

“We did see a lot of deer, as well as some turkeys, antelope, and coyote. I hope we spot some elk this time.” Barbara leaned against the window and released a sigh. “I wonder what Mandy and Ellen are doing right now. Sure wish I could have talked to Mandy longer the other evening, but she said they were busy so she couldn’t talk long. I’m still surprised they’ll be staying longer than planned. I wonder how their families are dealing with this.”

Kapaa

Ellen and Mandy had been working hard, keeping things at the B&B well organized and running smoothly. Makaio had come home from the hospital, but since he couldn’t be on his feet, he’d been watching a lot of TV. It bothered Ellen because she wasn’t used to having a television in the house, much less dealing with the blaring noise. Luana kept after Makaio to keep the volume down—especially when they had B&B guests. But the sound crept up as soon as she left the room, like it had this afternoon.

Ellen peeked into the living room and saw Makaio sleeping with the remote in his hands. She wouldn’t dare take it from him, as she’d seen Luana do last night when Makaio fell asleep in his chair. He wasn’t too thrilled when his wife woke him, either, and Ellen didn’t want to upset him.

Since all their guests had gone out for the day and wouldn’t be bothered by the noise, Ellen closed the living-room door and went to the kitchen, where Luana was showing Mandy how to make Hawaiian teriyaki burgers.

“Yum. It smells good in here.” Ellen moved close to the counter, watching as Luana mixed soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and several other ingredients into the ground beef.

Luana looked at Ellen and smiled. “My husband loves this kind of burger.”

“Speaking of Makaio, he’s asleep right now.”

“With the TV on, no doubt.”

Ellen nodded, and Mandy, who stood nearby, winked at her.

“I’m not surprised.” Luana lifted her gaze to the ceiling, while making a little clucking sound. “Normally he doesn’t watch much TV. But now he has nothing else to do but sit, and I fear he will become addicted to it.”

Mandy leaned toward the bowl and sniffed. “If these burgers taste half as good as they smell, then I may end up with an addiction.”

They sat down to eat lunch a short time later and enjoyed pleasant conversation during the meal. Luana seemed a bit more relaxed since Makaio was now home. She even told them about some silly things he’d done years ago. “My husband can be a character at times.” Luana laughed.

They had no sooner finished the meal than Ken showed up. Grinning from ear to ear, he asked if Mandy and Ellen would like to go watch the surfers with him.

“I would,” Mandy responded with an eager expression. “It sounds like fun.”

“How about you, Ellen?” Ken asked.

“Actually, if Luana doesn’t need me for anything, I’d planned to get started on making my new dress this afternoon.”

“You girls have been busy here all morning,” Luana said, “so you deserve some time off to do your own thing.”

“Why don’t you and Ken go without me?” Ellen suggested.

Mandy’s forehead wrinkled. “Are you sure?”

Ellen nodded.

“Okay then. Give me a few seconds while I get some things from my room to take along.” Mandy hurried off but returned promptly with her sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen.

“Why don’t you put your things in here?” Luana handed Mandy a colorful tote decorated with palm trees.

“Thanks.” Mandy and Ken said their goodbyes and headed out the door.

Ellen turned to Luana. “Would you mind if I use your dining-room table to cut out my dress pattern?”

“Not at all. While you’re working on the pattern, I’ll get Makaio some coffee and a burger. I looked in on him a while ago, and he’s awake now.”

On the way to the beach, Mandy and Ken pulled into the drive-through at a fast-food place, ordered drinks and some Maui onion chips, and then continued on their way. It was fun riding in Ken’s camouflaged SUV.

As they approached the beach, Mandy’s heart raced with excitement. Frothing white waves rolled in over the aqua-blue ocean, which in places appeared to be a beautiful turquoise. Being on an island, where the water could be seen from most places, was truly amazing.

Ken parked the car and shut off the engine. “Are you ready to watch some action?”

“Oh yes! I’m sure it will be exciting.” Mandy hopped out and grabbed the floral-print tote she’d borrowed from Luana, while Ken took out a blanket and their snacks.

As they walked toward the water, Mandy’s sandals sank into the soft sand, and she noticed the pretty golden color.

Ken pulled off his flip-flops. “Ah, now this feels more like it.” He picked them up and pointed at Mandy’s feet. “How ‘bout you?”

Smiling, she did the same. The sand felt warm as the grains sifted between her toes. “I couldn’t agree more.”

“Let’s pick a spot to sit and relax. My buddy, Taavi, is out there right now in the blue.” Ken pointed to one of the surfers.

They walked farther down the beach to get a better view of the ocean. It was difficult for Mandy to walk properly, since her bare feet kept sinking in the sand. She lowered her head.
I probably look foolish, wobbling with every step
.

“How about here? This looks like a good spot for us to sit.” Ken spread the blanket on the sand, and they both took a seat.

Watching the action on the water, Mandy was spellbound. Some surfers disappeared in the tube of a wave, then reappeared at the other end. She couldn’t imagine how they kept upright on a surfboard, nearly swallowed up by the ocean, and seemed to have no fear.

A young Hawaiian man paddled in toward shore, lying on his stomach on a colorful surfboard. “Hey, how’s it going, Ken?” he shouted after stepping out of the water and setting the board down.

“Not bad. The waves are lookin’ pretty good today. Come on over! I wanna introduce you to my friend.”

Hauling his board up the beach a ways, the young man came over to where they sat.

“Taavi, this is Mandy.”

“Hey, it’s nice to meet you.” He knelt beside Mandy and shook her hand.

“Hi, Taavi. It’s nice meeting you, too.”

“I take it you aren’t going out there today?” he asked, looking at Ken.

Ken shook his head.

Taavi snickered. “It’s okay. Leaves more waves for me to enjoy.”