Eve

Part IV

Two days passed. Eve was inside the small kitchen in the back of the refectory, attending to her prepping duties, her mind elsewhere. Her thoughts were on her dream of the previous night. She had seen these eyes before, a long time ago. Buried in her mind was the memory of their red glow. The recollection of her past, before her time in the convent, had always been a blur. The Sisters had informed her about how her parents had abandoned her to the church, left her when she was a wee little girl. They had taken her in and had raised her as one of their own; for this, she was forever in their debts, forever grateful. For this, she had grown up worshipping, praying, and praising the words of God. She wanted to be as devout as Mother Mary, for she was perfection. The Lord had chosen her to bare humanity’s Savior. She had birthed salvation for the human race. Eve wanted to be as perfect. However, these unholy desires and visions, these nightmares, these inaudible whispers she had heard were an impediment to her dream. How did she know this taunting gaze? Where had she seen it before? She searched her soul, her mind but could not remember. As she continued scrambling her mind to remember, she heard the large, wooden door from the kitchen open and sounds of chatter advancing her way. She remained silent, diverting her attention to the conversation.

-I haven’t seen her all day. A voice Eve recognized to be Gabriella said calmly as she opened the pantry door and took out a can of food.

Eve silently moved away from her workstation and hid behind the counter. She knew it was wrong, spying on people, but she could not help it. The temptation was too grand.

-Kathrin said she went to confess. A second voice Eve knew belong to Abigail replied. 

-Boy, sure is taking her a long time. She must’ve done many bad things. Gabriella snickered mockingly as she opened one of the drawers and grabbed a can opener. As if. She’s the most obedient person I’ve ever met. If Mother Superior told her to eat her own shit, she’d probably do it.

Gabriella laughed, as Abigail remained quiet.

Eve retained a gasp best she could. They were talking about her, nay; they were demeaning her, mocking her. She always felt like Gabriella distant towards her, but she never thought she disdained her as such. 

-She has always been nothing but sweetness towards me. Abigail said bashfully. 

-Of course she has. She’s nice with everyone. Gabriella replied, rolling her eyes. She doesn’t know how to be anything else. She’s a sheep Abby, a sheep. A goddamn sheep.

-Sister Gabriella…Abigail started, startled by the language used by the other nun. 

-Oh grow up Abby. Gabriella cut her off sharply, rolling her eyes once more. It’s just a word.

Abigail remained silent.

-What of the new priest? Gabriella asked a hint of titillation in her tone. 

-He seems to be a very good friar indeed. Abigail replied naively.

-A very good friar! Gabriella repeated in a laugh as she searched in a large, medieval-looking armoire and grabbed a pile of plates. I bet he’s good. 

She winked with a mischievous grin on her face. Abigail remained silent once more as she opened one of the many drawers and took some cutlery out. Gabriella waked to her, the can of food and can opener in her pocket, the pile of plates in her hands. 

- Well, she wasn’t here either. Mother Superior will be glad to hear it. Gabriella said maliciously. 

-Perhaps she is still with Father David. Abigail suggested.

-By the way they were looking at each other at Father Roberto’s funeral, if she is, they’re not talking about her sins, they’re sinning. Gabriella joked scathingly. Ah, but no. She would never. She’s in love with Jesus!