SOC 101 (SUBJECT 2)✓

15

- SECOND DAY -

With the way we were all tired from the strenuous works the Sisters had assigned us to, no one had the time to go out when it was midnight. Today, though, I could see the beaming smiles on their faces. They were definitely going to do it tonight. I also shook in excitement because I was curious about what they were going to do. We had all been woken up by the sound of the heavy bell hung high at the tower. The time was 5 am when it rang. We groaned as we stood up, already hating our routine.

The Sisters had insisted that the girls showered first while the boys slept till 6 am; they gave us the chance to go back to sleep after our baths. Our bathing was following our last names. Mine was Smith, which meant it would take a long time for me to have my bath. I envied those that went in first. I sat down on my bed in my towel as I waited for my turn. We were given just 3 minutes individually to have our baths, so we would have used an hour for our baths before the boys woke up. They also gave the boys one hour to finish up.

The two girls that had been scolded yesterday were pardoned because it was the first day, any recurrence and they would have to sleep in the quarters with the Sisters.

"Smith?" Sister Cecilia called from the entrance and I hurried to my feet, tying my towel tightly around my chest.

I got into the bathroom, sighing deeply as I scrubbed down my body, watching the soapy suds flow down. I hurried so I wouldn't get kicked while I still had soap on my body. As I rinsed my face, the knocks on the door had me pulling my towel on my body and walking out. I quickly pulled out our house wear, just a plain brown dress. It had a rope to tighten it slightly around the waist. I looked down at the snug dress and looked at the other girls, catching as one of them pulled hers higher than it was supposed to be. I shook my head at her, returning to pick up the scarf and cover my hair with it.

We stayed inside while the boys took their turns to have their baths. The clock seemed to take forever as we waited. When it was 6, some girls had slept off, and it did not surprise me since I had been dosing before Sister Margaret came to call us for the morning devotion. At 7 am, we all scattered out of the rooms into the main area for devotion.

I found myself blacking out through most of it, only remembering snippets when I was woken by the roars of their responses. I couldn't understand the reason why I couldn't stay awake, I had gotten enough sleep.

"Wake up!" She said as she pinched my side which led to me yelling a louder amen than anyone else.

Delilah snickered beside me before closing her eyes. My knees itched, and I adjusted on my knees as subtly as I could. My attention drifted in and out as they continued praying. It lasted for one hour before they finally rounded up.

"May our prayers be answered, may we find our salvation." The Sisters echoed as they stood from their position.

"Amen." We chorused and got up from our knees as well.

They led us into the dining area, the rich smell from the broth tingling our noses. Of course, there was no way they would have meat in them and I knew that, but I could tell that meat would have been perfect with the broth. I took my seat, watching the Sisters pour the broth onto our plates. I could see the carrots and the greens in them.

The soft groans from the other children had me grinning, it was obvious I hadn't been the only one that had tasted meat during my time in the outside world. Delilah sat some seats away from me and she happily gulped the broth and chewed on the vegetables. I did the same, hurrying as well.

"For your cooperation," Sister Naomi started as she pushed in the trolley filled with some things I wasn't sure I had seen, "Your treats."

With curiosity, we all picked up a piece. The goodness that burst on my tongue after I did was heavenly, I stopped myself from moaning and I swallowed the piece.