Chapter 10
Harmon Stoltzfus III woke up with a start on Saturday, December 15 at 4:56 am. His father’s deafening yell had just ripped through the house and our hero was out of his bed in 2 seconds. He rubbed his eyes as he put on his clothes. He was thinking of the first thing he always thought about when he got out of bed – Arvilla. Throughout the past week he had spent countless hours trying to decipher the look Arvilla had given him upon his left foot’s meeting with her right foot at a table for four in Friendly’s.
The look had meant something, but he wasn’t sure what. Sometimes he told himself she was angry, other times that she was glad, and sometimes that she was just really annoyed at him. He didn’t know and no matter how much he thought about it, he came no closer to an answer.
Harmon was feeling excited as he milked the cows on that cold December morning. He was happy because this was the day the youth group was going to
The cows were milked in a quick and orderly fashion and the Stoltzfus children headed to church. Harmon, Pete, Gloria, and Pharon arrived at 6:27 am. Youth of various shapes and sizes were stumbling toward a bus parked in front of the church. Harmon loved bus trips with the youth. Most of the other youth did too.
Sylvester was loading several large boxes of tracts and Arvilla and Millie were loading boxes of lunches for the homeless people when Harmon and his siblings walked up. Harmon walked up to the girls and said, “Do you need any help over here?”
Millie whirled about to face her boyfriend. She looked chipper. Her face was aglow and she was wearing a neat dress and a funny looking coat. Arvilla didn’t even turn around. She was busy pushing the boxes of lunches into the bus. “Hey, Harmon,” Millie said excitedly. “How are you this morning?”
“I’m ok.” How are you?”
“Oh, I’m great.” I can’t wait to spend the day with you.”
Harmon cringed. If there was anything he could do about it, Millie would spend most of her day with Pete, and he’d spend most of his with Arvilla. “Yeah, it’s gonna be fun.”
Pete walked up behind Harmon and poked him. “Hey Millie,” he said gruffly. “What’s up?”
Millie looked at Pete and her smile brightened a bit. “Hi there Peter,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be coming.”
“Of course I came,” Pete replied. “Here let me help you with that.” He awkwardly ripped the box Millie was holding from her hands and walked toward the bus. Somewhere in the next two steps, he lost his footing and fell down, spilling the lunches all over the parking lot. A few lunches hit Arvilla, who was still ramming boxes into the bus. She turned around in shock.
“What’s going on?”
Pete looked up from the pavement in embarrassment. Harmon was standing there laughing loudly, and Millie looked very concerned. She ran up to Pete and bent over him. “Are you ok?” she asked.
Pete groaned for awhile and then he finally got up. Harmon was still standing there laughing at him so Pete grabbed a brown lunch bag and threw it at him. Harmon ducked and kept on laughing. Millie told him to shut up.
Arvilla chuckled a little bit. Pete is weird, she thought.
Harmon quickly ran and got the paper lunch bag his brother had thrown. He took it back and gave it to Arvilla. “Thanks,” she said. “I guess a homeless person won’t mind a little smashed up lunch.”
“Yeah, I guess not,” said Harmon. “How are you this morning anyway?”
“I’m good.” I can’t wait to go to
“It’s gonna be fun,” he said, “as long as my brother doesn’t kill me.”
“Your brother is a klutz,” Arvilla said, laughing.
Before long the bus was on the road and 27 youth were settling down for the trip to DC. Harmon was sitting beside Millie. Pete was sitting a few seats away by himself. Arvilla and Karl were sitting 7 seats from Harmon and this made him very angry. He looked around and tried to figure out a way he could sit closer to Arvilla. But nothing presented itself so he looked out the window. Millie sat beside him and looked mad. She told Harmon he was dumb for laughing at Pete when he fell down and Harmon just ignored her. Millie kept whining and finally Harmon said, “Why are you so worried about Pete?” If you like him so much why don’t you just go sit beside him.”
Millie looked at Harmon. He pretended to be asleep. Two minutes later she got up and sat beside Pete. Harmon opened his eyes a little bit when he heard her go. I smile crept across his face as he watched her sit beside his brother.
Henry and Willard, who were sitting across the aisle looked over and snickered. “What’s going on?” Henry said quietly.
“Oh I don’t know,” Harmon replied, “She’s mad at me for some reason.”
“I’m sure glad I don’t have a girlfriend,” said Willard. All the boys knew this wasn’t true, but Harmon agreed that it was a pain sometimes. He wanted to have a girlfriend, he just didn’t want Millie.
The bus rolled along Route 30 and by the time they were south of York, the children were fully awake and stirring about. Several Rook games started and a few boys were trying to flirt with girls they liked. Near the front of the bus, Arvilla sat beside Karl. She was bored. Karl, Sylvester, and Noah Beiler were having a conversation about the Christian’s role in government. Arvilla listened and didn’t say anything. She had a few things to say, but knew Karl would shoot down anything she said and make her feel dumb. So she just sat there. Lately she had gotten more and more annoyed at her boyfriend. She liked dating him. He was smart, funny, and good looking and the coolest guy in Bird-in-Hand, but the bad times were beginning to outweigh the good times in their dating relationship. Karl seemed to know everything. He knew exactly what he believed and Arvilla was afraid to say much about herself because Karl always made her feel simple. She thought of their date on the previous Sunday. Karl had gone on and on about his work with inner city youth. Finally Arvilla ventured that her mission field was at Kling House Restaurant in Intercourse. At this Karl had looked at her like she was an idiot and said, “That’s just a job.” I think I’m really making a difference.” It was stuff like this that bugged Arvilla and she couldn’t get it out of her mind.
Do I really want to live the rest of my life with a guy like that, she thought as Karl proclaimed that anyone who is in government cannot be a Christian. How can he judge who is a Christian. At that moment Arvilla heard a yell from the back of the bus. It was Harmon and he was starting a Scum game. When Arvilla heard the word, “Scum,” her ears perked up. She wasn’t real good at a lot of games, but Scum was a game she could win. She looked at Karl and said, “I think I’m going to go play Scum.” Karl hardly looked at her and continued his discussion about government and Christianity.
Arvilla got up and headed toward the back of the bus. Seven seats back she came upon our hero. He looked up eagerly as she approached. “Are you playing Scum back here?” Arvilla asked.
“Yes,” Harmon replied, “and there’s an empty seat right here. Arvilla sat down beside Harmon who was furiously shuffling a deck of Rook cards. Henry, Willard, Mandy, Mary, and a few people who are mere spectators of our story joined the game.
As Harmon shuffled the cards, he couldn’t believe his love was sitting right beside him. He tried to delay the start of the game so she could stay beside him, but finally the game started. Arvilla was quite skilled and quickly became president. Harmon finished last on purpose so he could be scum. He wanted to be scum because he would have to trade cards with the president. It didn’t matter that he’d have to give his two best cards to her. He happily handed her a black 1 and the Rook card. She looked at them and giggled as she gave Harmon a 2 and a 3.
The Scum game was fun and soon the children were yelling and teasing each other. Harmon gave Arvilla a 10 and a 11 and she shrieked, “Those are not your two best cards.” She grabbed the cards from his hands and took out two 1’s. Harmon grinned at her. She looked back. That annoying twinkle was back in his eyes. What does he want from me?Why is he flirting with me and why do I like it?
As the bus finally rolled around the Washington Beltway, Harmon finally became president and Arvilla was vice. They were sitting right beside each other and the sly little fox took the opportunity to make his life better. He said, “I think the game’s over now.” Let’s stop playing and look out the window.” Luckily the other children were tired of playing and also wanted to look out the window. So the game ended and Arvilla stayed in the seat beside Harmon. She looked up at Karl and he was still in a deep conversation. Fred Beiler, the youth advisor, was sitting beside Karl and she was glad to stay with Harmon, Willard, and Henry. They were more fun anyway.
Harmon sat there and tried to think of something to say. He looked out the window at the passing traffic. The bus was in a black section of town. He told Arvilla to look at some crazy boys sitting beside the road. They were dressed weird. She giggled. The conversation finally became fluid and they had a good time as the bus moved closer to center city.
After a while Fred Beiler got up and went over the day’s itinerary. The children would spend the morning passing out tracts in the city. At noon they would pass out lunches to homeless people and in the afternoon they would do some sight seeing. Arvilla looked at Harmon and said happily, “This is going to be so much fun.” I’ve never been to the city before.”
Harmon felt happy as he looked at her. It was also his first trip to the city. At that moment, when everything seemed perfect, a girl walked up behind Arvilla and tapped her on the back. “Can I sit beside my boyfriend please?” Arvilla looked up. Millie was looking angrily at her.
Arvilla looked at Harmon. “Yeah, you’d better go,” he said. So she got up and went back to sit beside Karl. Millie sat down beside Harmon and said curtly, “Why are you flirting with her?” It’s so embarrassing.” Everyone can see what you’re trying to do.”
“Whatever,” Harmon replied, “you were sitting with Pete.” Millie didn’t say anything else and the two children sat there in silence until the bus arrived at its destination. Willard and Henry sat across the aisle snickering.
The 27 youth and four adults jumped out of the bus and dispersed throughout the city to pass out tracts. They took little booklets titled, Where are you going, Hell is real, and If No One Loves You God still Does. Harmon wasn’t thinking about saving souls as he, Millie, Willard and Mandy headed down
After the first successful pass, tract giving became easier. Harmon and his friends passed out all their tracts by 11:00. They had a few discussions with people about what they believed. People looked oddly at Millie and Mandy. One man asked if they were Pilgrims. They tried to explain they were Amish Mennonite, but the man looked at them with much confusion. Another man tried to tell them Christians were dumb and one old woman screeched, “Get out of my way, you stupid kids.” Millie and Harmon chuckled as they jumped out of her way. Harmon had fun passing out tracts. He almost forgot about Arvilla at one point, but couldn’t forget how mad he was when he saw her and Karl heading the other direction with a bag full of tracts.
The youth reconvened at the bus and loaded up with lunches. They had seen many homeless people lying around on the streets and they were going to feed them. Harmon managed to get into Arvilla’s group and as they walked along he asked her about her tract passing.
“Oh, it was great,” she replied with a smile. “One weird man tried to ask me out.”
“What did you do?” asked Harmon.
“Oh, Karl told him he was my boyfriend and he went away.”
Harmon looked mad when he heard this.
Their conversation was interrupted when they came upon a few homeless people lying in a park. They were wearing a lot of clothes and a few garbage bags full of things lay beside them. Harmon walked up to one and said, “Here’s a lunch for you.” The homeless person looked at him like he was insane. His eyes were hollow and his breath reeked. Finally he took the lunch bag from Harmon. He rooted through it and mumbled some words. He took out a twinkie and smelled it. Then he stuck the rest into his garbage bag.
Arvilla looked at Harmon and smiled. “What a weirdo,” she said. She passed out a few lunches too, as did the rest of the children.
After awhile they came upon a hairy black man who was yelling loudly. He stood beside an old shopping cart filled with all his earthly possessions. Karl walked up to him with a lunch and held it toward him. The man shouted, “Back thou child of satan!”
Karl quickly jumped backward. Harmon chuckled. The man stared ranting at the children. He had a wild look in his eyes and he was preaching. They stood there and looked at him. Finally Karl and Sylvester walked up to him. Karl said, “We are Christians and we are trying to give you a lunch.”
The man paused for a bit. Then he kept preaching wildly. Karl and Sylvester tried to reason with him to no avail. Finally Karl threw the lunch at his feet and they all walked away laughing. The man followed them for a little bit yelling wild prophecies.
The rest of the lunches were passed out with less excitement. Most of the homeless people took them gladly and thanked the Amish Mennonites. One man wanted two so Harmon gave him an extra one while the others weren’t looking. An old woman followed the group and said she wanted to go home with them. A few men rooted through the bags, frowned, and threw them onto the street.
After most of the lunches were passed out, the children were free to sightsee. Half of the group walked toward the Air and
“It’s cold out here,” she said. “I want to go inside.”
Harmon refused. “I always wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial,” he said.
Finally Pete walked over and said, “I’m going to the Air and
Harmon’s group headed past the
Meanwhile, Arvilla was watching Harmon and Millie’s argument. When she saw Millie walking away, she felt a strange feeling of satisfaction. What is my problem? she thought. I’m with my boyfriend and I’m happy.
After awhile, Karl launched into a discussion with Fred about the building of the
“Where’s Millie?” she asked.
Harmon looked excitedly at her. “Oh, she wanted to see airplanes so she went to the Air and
“Oh,” said Arvilla, “don’t you want to be with your girlfriend?”
Harmon looked at her. She looked at him. Suddenly she felt uncomfortable. That annoying look was back in his eyes. She looked away. They were lagging behind the others. Neither child said anything.
Finally Harmon said quietly, “I have something I want to tell you.” He grabbed Arvilla’s hand and pulled her behind a tree. Arvilla quickly pulled her hand away.
“What are you doing?” she asked in a scared voice.
“Quick, come over here!” Harmon was walking down a path into some trees.
Arvilla looked at him. Then she looked at the rest of the group. They were walking toward the Lincoln Memorial. She looked back at Harmon.
He was standing there with a pleading look on his face. In his eyes was something Arvilla had never seen before. She looked back at the group. Harmon beckoned her. Finally she walked toward him. Harmon could not believe his eyes.
They walked down the path through the trees. The winter sun was shining on them and a light wind blew through the trees. Arvilla turned to Harmon and said, “What do you want?”
Harmon’s heart was beating wildly and he didn’t know what to say. He looked at Arvilla. She was so pretty. Her cheeks were red, a few strands of brown hair blew in the wind, and her green eyes sparkled. They bore a mix of confusion and excitement. He wasn’t sure what to say. Finally he said, “Are you happy with Karl?”
Arvilla looked at him. Why is he asking me this? Is he crazy? Finally she said, “What do you mean?”
Harmon felt confident. “I mean, do you really love Karl?”
Arvilla didn’t say anything. She looked at the ground. This boy was unlike any Amish Mennonite boys she had ever known. Finally she said, “I don’t know.” I like him a lot, but sometimes….”
Harmon couldn’t contain himself. “You don’t love him, I knew it.” I don’t love Millie either.” I want to break up with her.” I’m going to break up with her.”
Arvilla looked at him stunned, “So what does that have to do with me?”
“Can’t you see?” I don’t love Millie and you don’t love Karl.” We love each other.”
Arvilla looked at Harmon. Her heart was beating wildly. She said nothing. They were standing in front of a long wall covered with names. She looked at the wall. I wonder what all those names are? She could not believe what she had just heard. She looked at Harmon. He looked scared.
“Who are you to tell me who I do and do not love,” she finally blurted, “you don’t know anything about me.” I mean are you crazy.” I have a boyfriend.”
Harmon looked beaten. “You know it’s true.”
Arvilla looked at him and tears came to her eyes. She turned and ran back down the path, leaving Harmon standing in front of the wall. She sobbed as she ran toward the Lincoln Memorial looking for her boyfriend.
Harmon stood there in silence. He looked at the names on the wall. A dark cloud passed in front of the sun, a cold wind whipped through the trees, and Harmon shivered. (by iw 6/10/07 to be continued).
Read Our Hero Harmon next week to see what Arvilla decides about Harmon’s proposition. Plus Harmon II makes a return to our story.