Dark Angel Amish

Chapter 1 – Escape

Sharon eased her car out of the hustle and bustle of Philly, heading for the peaceful sights of Lancaster County. Traffic wasn’t too bad on this early spring getaway Friday. Everyone in Philly was looking for the signs that the cold, snow, ice, and dirty slush of winter was behind them. Today just might be the day of clear signs.

Yes, escape! I’m so outta here! Sharon shouted over the tunes on the radio, then burst out laughing.

She was trying not only to escape the cold and chills of a Philadelphia winter, but also the cold and chills of a romance gone awry. It seemed that she was finally beginning to shake the burdens of a whole lot of unfair pressures. Her emotions vacillated from anger to sadness to some measure of relief. The pleasant trip away from the city was already starting to bring a little calm to her feverish mind. Her mission was to meet with Michelle Wenger, the Marketing Manager at Dutchland Paper, a new client in Lancaster city.

Upon getting to the edge of Lancaster County, Sharon took a deep breath and took a minute to reflect on this weekend’s trip. Her days at work had been stressful. Her relationship with boyfriend, or maybe now ex-boyfriend, Brad, had become unhappy. Her career direction was somewhat muddled, but yet strangely positive. And she felt that the unending burden of a meddlesome mother was something she was now beginning to handle. So, she was hoping for a little relaxation and rest to help her get back on track.

Her relationship with her mother was brought to a head, strangely, by her father’s filing for a divorce after almost 15 years of marriage. When Sharon was ten, her father confessed to a one-night stand affair after an office Christmas party. He tried to do everything to hold the marriage together and repair the damaged relationship, but her mother responded by asserting control over her dad, never letting him forget his errant failing. She took advantage of her husband’s willingness to be guilty of hurting her, and slowly destroyed any semblance of family life. She adamantly controlled everything, the household budget, his career moves, and then began encroaching on Sharon’s life.

Her father left when he just couldn’t stand this witch any longer. Taking only his clothes and one car, he left the rest to his wife. Privately, he told Sharon he’d always be there for her, and he kept his word. Sickened by her mother’s controlling manipulations, Sharon took it until it came time to enter college. She left her home in Binghampton, NY, to go to Philly to study at Temple University, filling her summer vacations with either work in the city or extra classes to speed up her graduation date. She made only one weekend trip back home each summer. That was all of her mother she could stand.

After college, she struck out on her own to build a career. She was willing to sacrifice many personal desires for long enough to free up her psyche and give herself the opportunity to be successful. She had not planned on, and in some ways, did not want, a romantic relationship. But, it happened. She continued to be amazed that it brought a fair measure of excitement and warmth, but also very much stress and just pure anxiety to her life.

Fortunately, Sharon landed an entry-level position at Penn States Marketing, a marketing and advertising firm headquartered in downtown Philadelphia. She had started right out of college as a Junior Account Rep, meaning that she was in training in all facets in this tough, competitive business. She had done very well in her business and marketing studies at Temple University, and now had to build on that foundation, while trying to keep the rough and tumble of her new venture from defeating her.

While being well aware of the tough nature of the advertising profession, Sharon was shocked when she began to understand just how cutthroat it could be. While she might have expected this from others, she never thought that Brad would come at her the way he did. He was her mentor, a Senior Account Rep, and the one who was supposed to guide her along her early career path.

Brad’s charge was to show Sharon all aspects of the business, having her follow him as he worked through his many projects. As time went on, and as Sharon demonstrated ability to handle more important tasks, he would turn over sections of his work to her, then monitor her progress. In the two and a half years of Sharon’s tenure, the process had begun to take shape, and Sharon was seen as a rising star.

As is often the case, working closely together leads to other things. As Sharon and Brad spent much of each day together, and many late evenings completing a project, their personal relationship began to firm up. Sharon saw Brad as someone she trusted, and he reciprocated by helping her understand not only the duties, but also the behind the scenes politics and corporate jockeying that are prevalent in the ad business. Eventually, their respect for each other grew into love, and their relationship took on a new direction. What surprised her was that it was exciting and fun, but why did it also cause conflict and tension? Brad would tutor her, then berate her for being slow to grasp an idea. Then he used sex as almost a painful punishment, just to show that he could dominate her.

Sharon grew in the work and she wanted to take a more active role in projects. And, she sometimes overstepped her bounds. Normally, a supervisor and mentor would control the process by correcting a fault, showing options, and training further. The goal for the mentor would be to correct the direction without stifling the ability and creativity of the student. Brad, however, started to approach things from the perspective of, I’m your mentor, and we’re a couple. So, just listen to me. I know what’s best. While he never spoke those exact words, that was often the message she heard.

When she was assigned an important responsibility on the new Dutchland Paper account, things took a turn for the worse. Brad began belittling her qualifications and insinuating that she was in over her head. He even expressed his negative opinions to Carl Shaeffer, the Director of the Retail Division, or Sharon and Brad’s big boss.

That son of a bitch! was all she could think when Carl called her in to discuss it. All she could say to Carl was, This is so wrong on so many levels. You know of our relationship. We’ve not made it a secret, and now I can only think he’s used me and now has tossed me aside.

Carl quickly replied, I won’t comment on how you and he should manage your personal lives, but this is an example why office romances are strictly forbidden in some companies. This will work out, and I urge you to learn from it and try to find a way to grow and move on.

At first, Sharon felt that Carl was being trite and condescending, but she soon realized that he was helping her see her own folly and how she should start getting over it.

OK, here’s the deal. I want you to go to Lancaster, as planned, and meet with the client. If all goes well, I’ll review your contact notes, and we’ll find a way to move on. I didn’t hire you to fall off the wagon when we hit the first bump. Take the weekend to decide what your goals are, and come back next week ready to go, Carl explained.

Carl, Michelle Wenger at Dutchland Paper and I have spent a lot of time getting to know each other over the phone. She has suggested that I visit Lancaster for the weekend, and after business discussions, we do a little touring. I could use the time to sort out my whirring thoughts that have seemed to come at me all at once. But, I’m concerned with developing a close relationship with a client. I’d appreciate your thoughts.

Carl studied for a moment before he began to answer. It can be dangerous, but also can be quite advantageous for both companies. My advice would be to set the ground rules right up front with Michelle. Create a relationship that is all business when needed and friendly when it can be. I trust you to use your head and protect our interests while doing the right thing for the client. Can you do that?

I believe I can, and Michelle seems very professional while being quite friendly. I like the idea of broaching the subject up front so we both know where we stand.

As she drove, Sharon ran both Carl’s comments and Brad’s snide remarks through her mind repeatedly. Carl’s tough, knows the business, and I think he is telling me to get tough if I want to stay in it. Brad, on the other hand, is being a spoiled prick! I feel he wants to be in total control, and I won’t stand for that. If I’m not going to make it in this business, it won’t be because of a spoiled brat that thinks he can get in my pants, then rule me! Bastard.

Oh my, Sharon thought. Did I just utter that spew of invective? I hope I just thought it.

So, she was heading out of town for the weekend, trying to deal with a jumble of tensions. She was establishing her own presence at work, in her romantic life, and in her family relationships. While she had prepared for the day when she’d be her own woman, she wasn’t prepared for handling them all on one weekend. She decided to just slow down and handle each area, one at a time. Maybe!

It was warm enough to turn off the heater and crack the windows a bit. The warmish spring air soon filled the car. The scents were much different from the bus fumes and heavy city smell that she was used to. She was now smelling fresh air! My goodness. It does still exist.

Sharon had packed a simple wardrobe for the trip. After her flamboyant days in college, she had learned to tone it down a little in the corporate world. At her first interview, and onward, she could only describe the coworker ladies’ style as sensible. Since she was meeting with a client, in an area that had a reputation for conservative views, she took along sporty, but dark-colored sports clothing. Her five-seven frame handled clothes well, and her attention to staying in shape kept her slim. She had a full head of very light brown hair that fell to her shoulders. The color was just a notch or two under blonde, and she was proud that it was a natural color, not one purchased at a salon.

Her green eyes were sometimes more hazel, and sometimes looked slightly bluish. Not given to wearing a lot of makeup, she nevertheless was careful to add eye shadow and mascara that would highlight her eyes. Her complexion still enjoyed the clarity of a youthful vibrance, and her high cheekbones and long, straight nose were outstanding features.

Pulling down the rear view mirror, she gave herself a once-over. Damn, I look good today! Must be all this fresh, clean air.

Because she was enjoying this drive, it didn’t seem to take her long to reach Morgantown, where she stopped for a quick bite at a local Mennonite owned eatery. The experience of the simple place, with delicious, hearty food, and the oddly dressed characters she saw, made Sharon think she was heading into almost a different world.

The moving traffic wasn’t too heavy yet. The strange thing was the rut down the middle of each lane. It was about a foot wide and just deep enough that, if you crossed it, you could feel your tires rumble a little. While this was, at first, a puzzle, it soon became clear. All those buggies with a horse! Of course. The horses’ hooves had horseshoes that chipped out the road. Something to ask Michelle about.

Sharon reflected on the visit she was making to her host for the weekend, Michelle Wenger. Their somewhat new business relationship had begun to grow stronger, and Sharon was developing an affection for Michelle, just through their long business conversations. She hoped that their meeting would confirm her expectations.

Michelle was the daughter of the founder of Dutchland Paper and Sharon’s main contact.

When Sharon entered the front lobby of the beautiful colonial style warehouse building in the center of the city, Michelle answered her secretary’s call immediately. Glad you made it! Any difficulties? Sharon answered that it all went well, and she was overwhelmed by some new, very interesting sights. Michelle chuckled, and told Sharon that that was the normal reaction, and she’d explain much of what was happening in this very beautiful area of the country.

After being seated in Michelle’s office and catching their collective breath a little, Michelle told Sharon that she had a few items to settle for the weekend. Then her desk would be clear, and they could do whatever they wanted. Here’s a suggestion, Michelle added in. Right across route 30 from your hotel, the Farm Host Inn, is the Eastern Dutch Market. It’s a little ‘touristy’, but has many authentic stalls and shops. Why don’t you take a short walk over there, see the sights, and then I’ll meet you at the hotel desk in a couple of hours. How does 5:30 sound?

Then tomorrow morning, we’ll be back here and I’ll introduce you to the senior staff, give you the fifty-cent tour, and we’ll talk business for a while. Then, after noon, we can become tourists, and I’ll show you around my home area, and maybe explain some of those weird sights that you saw, Michelle continued.

That’s great, answered Sharon. What’s up for tonight, and, of course, how should I dress? Michelle told her they’d go to dinner at a place near her apartment, it would be quite casual, then spend some time at her place just catching up. That sounds perfect, Michelle. I can’t wait. I’ll be ready at 5:30.

If you’re OK with that, it’ll give me time to stop at home and change into something less businessy. Being tall, and with a strong frame, Michelle wore very conservative skirts and blouses to work. Mennonite women were supposed to be submissive, and she respected, but didn’t agree with, that doctrine. While not ravishingly beautiful, her beauty would probably be described as handsome, striking and imposing. Tonight, she would wear sports clothes, with some color, and a touch of tasteful makeup.

Sharon left and headed to the east side of Lancaster to the Farm Host, checked in, got unpacked, and headed across the highway to the Eastern Dutch Market House. It was a huge building with loads of traffic out front. But, when Sharon opened the door and entered, she was stunned by the quite calm inside. Several rows of counters and tables were loaded with quite an array of goods. And many of the people staffing them were the ladies dressed in those quaint clothes, mostly very plain, long dresses in light, pastel colors. All of these women wore strange little bonnets made of a fine white netting. Some were bigger than others, some had strings to tie; some didn’t. There were also a number of men in dark clothes, strange, very plain-fronted black pants, with their oddly trimmed beards, who were also manning stalls.

The first counter she stopped at was laden with cakes, cookies, bread, pie, and many more baked items that Sharon hadn’t seen before. Her first thought, I’m in trouble! But, it was all too good to pass by. Then she thought, Ginger…no, cinnamon…no chocolate! Oh, who cares? One of each!

The young Mennonite girl (although, at that point, Sharon didn’t know she was a Mennonite) mentioned that the cookies were 50¢ apiece, or three for a dollar."

Did you bake these? Sharon asked the young girl. No, ma’am. My mom and two sisters were up at five this morning to do it. I got to sleep in a little because it’s my day to tend the stand. They baked everything that’s here. It’s all fresh.

Sharon was just amazed at this simple, friendly young woman, and the quality of her home-baked goods. She had just paid a dollar for three huge, delicious cookies that would have cost her 99¢ each at the supermarket in Philly, and they wouldn’t have near the great taste that these have.

The aisles were filled with treats, like the baked goods, and also candy, but some were more staple items. There were a number of deli stands with assortments of luncheon meats, some of which Sharon hadn’t seen before. There was even a man selling horseradish. He ground it fresh, right at his stand, and if you stood real close, the horseradish cleaned out your sinuses and made your eyes water! She just had to have a jar. She asked the man if it would keep without refrigeration. It’s pretty strong, and will keep for an hour or two until you get home. But, it’s best to keep it in the fridge, he replied. Sharon remembered that there was a small refrigerator under the counter in her hotel room and bought a jar, knowing she could keep it safely. Then, the trip back to Philly and her apartment was just a little over an hour.

After some more browsing, Sharon’s eye was caught by a booth with various pieces of wooden furniture and other items. The man tending the display was wearing the black garb and had the strange beard. There were small tables, some footstools, a couple of children’s benches, all nicely done. What really caught her eye, however, were several small trunk-like boxes setting together. The tops were inlayed with a beautiful design made from different colors of wood. It shown with a glossy finish that highlighted the colors of the stained woods.

Sharon slowly rubbed her hand over the top of the small chests as she stepped up. Did you make them? The Amishman quickly answered that he did and opened one to show her the inside of the box, finished inside as well as it was outside. She could just imagine her jewelry or other valuables being stored in this beautiful box on her dresser.

Sharon felt the warmth of the wood and appreciated the fine craftsmanship that went into building it. The inlaid wooden pieces fit so well together that they almost looked like a painting. At that point she knew she had to have at least one of these truly unique chests.

Thinking that this quality of work would be quite expensive and she was not prepared on this trip to be a spendthrift, she hesitantly asked what one of these would cost. The Amishman replied, The two smaller ones are $65.00 each, and this larger one is $90.00. That’s because it’s a little bigger, and I made the inlay on top a little more complicated. The box is maple, with mahogany and cocobolo wood on top, plus the white trim is holly.

Sharon almost gasped out loud. In Philadelphia, in a gift or department store, any of these would top $200.00! She thought two things. I have to have one, and I know where I’ll be doing my Christmas shopping. Then she asked, Are you always here?

The market is open all day Friday and Saturday. I’m here most of that time. My name is Jacob Stolzfus. Sharon explained that she couldn’t pick one up now, but that she’ll return. She was not only impressed with the fine woodworking, but also with the calm demeanor of the woodworker. He seemed so relaxed and comfortable discussing his goods. There was just something about him…

Sharon realized that he seemed to gaze only at her. While he made no threatening gestures, he seemed to be mesmerized by her presence. His tone was almost too smooth for a country bumpkin like him.

Damn, another weirdo man to deal with. Then she chastised herself for trying to put this man in the same class as Brad.

As Sharon turned to leave the market, she noticed a man standing in the corner. It seemed he could see down both sides of the L that the room made, and he appeared to be watching intently. What caught her eye was the dull-looking stare of his eyes. She could see he was aware, but he had a blank look about him. She couldn’t be sure, but she thought he might have been watching her for a while. What a creepy feeling!

Back in her hotel room, Sharon put her horseradish in the refrigerator and started nibbling on one of the cookies. It was so good that she knew she wouldn’t stop until it was gone. Then it was into the shower to get refreshed. She dressed in a pair of dark slacks and a pastel blouse that was sure to be comfortable for the evening.

While she waited for Michelle, she picked up the hotel’s tourist guidebook and sat out on the little balcony at the rear of her room. The guidebook explained that Lancaster City and Lancaster County actually were dual tourist attractions. The area, especially the city center, was known for its historical significance. There was a picture of a roadway marker that said Lancaster was the first inland town settled in Colonial times. The town had been the state capitol for a short while, very early on, and had even been the seat of the Continental Congress in 1754, but just for one day, as the congressmen traveled through to York, a more westward town.

The second distinction for Lancaster was the county-wide residence of the Plain People. Sharon wasn’t quite sure what this actually meant, but the book explained that many Mennonites and Amish settled here, invited by William Penn in the late 17th century. These people had been persecuted for their rigid religious views in Europe and were migrating to America. Penn recognized their plight, and was also aware of their hardworking attitude. He realized that this was just the type of group that he wanted to help him settle and populate his new territory.

The area was rife with history, and Sharon was particularly interested. She decided to ask Michelle about all this and hoped that their would be time to see some of the sights on her weekend visit. Then the phone rang.

Hi, it’s Michelle. I’m in the lobby. Ready to go? Sharon quickly answered, I’ll be right down.

As they drove, Michelle pointed out some of the sights of Lancaster. They passed the Mennonite Visitor Center, the old County Jail, then entered downtown. Michelle made a loop of the downtown area. That storefront there is DeMuth’s Tobacco Shop. It’s been there since 1770 and is one of the oldest in the country. It’s known for having some of the finest tobacco products available, but, with today’s anti-smoking movement, there having a rough time. I just don’t know what side I’m on. I don’t smoke, but I hate to see a historical institution go by the wayside.

How do the townspeople feel, Michelle?

Well, I think most feel as I do. But, some want to judge our old institutions by today’s moral standards, and I think it’s often not fair. Look at alcohol, and how it’s fortunes have changed through the years. It was one of our first commodities and helped build both farming and business in early times, then was prohibited, and is back again. So, what is the one answer? Then she added, I’m sorry. I’m venting about some of my frustrations. I struggle with trying to tie the past in with today.

I know what you mean, Michelle. My Mom and I have slowly worked our heated arguments, some beginning years ago, down to very calm discussions about how I should live, based on Mom’s values, of course, Sharon said. I really don’t know if we’ll ever find the common ground.

Just then, they arrived at Michelle’s apartment building, a newer brick structure about three storeys tall, built in the colonial style to fit in with its older neighbors, sitting back off the street, almost behind a store on one side, and an office building on the other. A small, landscaped entranceway could almost be called a mini-park, making it feel more homey. In fact, it was very near to the Dutchland Paper building that Sharon had visited just a few hours earlier.

I’m going to park the car here, and we’ll walk just a short block or two to the Dispensary, just behind the Central Market Building. It’s the oldest continually operating farmers’ market in the country. The Dispensary is informal, and we can just relax. Plus, the food is great, and they have a huge selection of beer! Are you a beer drinker?

Sharon replied that she liked to have a beer with a meal, but couldn’t handle an evening of pounding them down. First, I get silly. Then, I get stupid. Then, I just fall asleep! It’s not a pretty sight for a rising young executive!

They walked into an old fashioned saloon type eatery, dark wood, heavy tables, and dimmed lighting that made it just warm and welcoming. They started with a Yuengling draft and a small nachos basket, and began to get to know each other better. They talked about the area, and the colonial history and architecture. They were sitting in what had once been the center of the small village of Lancaster, now a modern city.

As they talked, the conversation began swinging into many of the things they had discussed, mostly over the phone for the past month. Even though this was their first in-person meeting, both ladies felt a familiarity with the other because they had spent so much time developing both a business and a personal relationship.

Michelle mentioned why she chose to live downtown. It’s almost right beside our offices, and because I’m independent, I don’t want to live out on my folks’ farm. I love the farm, but I feel, just,….separated from what I like here in town. And, yes, I like a beer now and then. It’s strictly forbidden by the Church, and my parents would be aghast if they knew I drank one once in a while.

After ordering, they just kind of sat back and watched the Dispensary fill up with the Friday night crowd. The meal was great, and Sharon remarked that she never had pork chops that were that moist and tender.

One thing you’ll soon find, we love our food, and there are many, many really good cooks and chefs here. Then, when you head out into the country, you run into farm restaurants staffed by Pennsylvania Dutch women who think it’s their mission in life to increase your slack size by two or three notches!And on Sunday, I have a treat for you. We’ve been invited to Mom and Dad’s house for Sunday dinner.

And Mom’s a farm wife, right? asked Sharon. Oh my, will I be able to stay awake until I get back to Philly?

Because her brain seemed to be spinning inside her cranium, Sharon asked what the weekends plans were.

I’ll collect you about 8:00 AM tomorrow for a visit to the plant and offices and for a short meeting with Dad and my brother David. We should be there about two or three hours and have the rest of the day for touring. Then, we’ll head back to my place for an evening meal. We can kick our shoes off and just relax. Sound OK?

My goodness, Michelle. It sounds great! But I really didn’t expect you to give up your weekend to be my vacation host. I don’t want to overstay my welcome!

No problem. We’ve done so much business over the phone and seem to be doing more and more that I thought it was time for us to get to know each other in an atmosphere away from computers and marketing plans and balance sheets. My company is growing and we need help. You’ve been willing to give us more than we could ask for. So, let’s just be girly-girls and enjoy the weekend.

This show of kindness really knocked Sharon back on her heels. She was used to the stress and tension of her firm, where either the client was on your back, or your superior was. The whole advertising industry seemed to thrive on tension. Now she was faced with a client who actually was friendly and not asking for ridiculous concessions. At least not yet.

After eating, then topping it off with warm apple pie and ice cream, the two ladies had just enough energy left to take a short walk around the downtown. The evening was a little cool, but not too much so. The fresh air helped the great dinner and dessert find its proper place in their systems.

Soon, they were in the apartment, and Michelle said, First, the shoes go. I wear them all day at work, and here I can relax.

Sharon was impressed, Michelle, it’s lovely. It’s so pretty, and not at all overdone. I like the fact that every piece of furniture I see just seems to fit in. I wished mine was like that!

"I guess it’s my Pennsylvania Dutch heritage coming out. That means that one should have only those things needed for a simple life, without any extras. I don’t really believe it that strongly,