The Ecstasy of Sister Amata

7.Saturday 21st July, 2018 - morning/lunchtime

Beatrice stood in her kitchen plaiting a section of her hair behind her left ear, going mainly by feel. She secured the end with the small hairband she had between her teeth, and was halfway through doing the same on the other side when Ella clattered in through the back door after her run, Madeleine the music prefect in tow.

'Found a waif'n'stray hopping about, trying to get in your blocked front door, Bea.'

Bea smiled at them both. 'Morning, Maddy. Have a seat, I won't be long.'

She liked the early-morning-confident version of Ella. Glancing over her friend, noticing the tight top and shorts and the sweat glistening on her toned body and thighs, Beatrice felt a tiny, unexpected, and entirely inappropriate, flicker of new interest. She secured the second plait and pulled at the sides to loosen it.

Madeleine perched on a chair and glanced over Beatrice approvingly. 'Nice dress, Miss.'

'Thanks.' Beatrice held one of her plaits in place across her head like a headband and fumbled on the worktop for a hairpin. 'There's tea in the pot, help yourself. Might be a bit stewed by now, though.'

'Want a hand, Bea?' Ella stepped forward and took up a couple of pins. 'What is it you're trying to do?'

Beatrice explained how she needed the plaits to cross over and form a headband from her own hair, and Ella leant in close to pin one plait gently in place near the opposite ear. Beatrice didn't quite know what to do with her hands so smoothed the skirt of her dress, accidentally brushing Ella's thigh with the back of her hand. Ella's smooth skin was hot and slick with sweat. Beatrice approved, despite herself.

Raphaela slipped, unprepared for Bea's touch. She accidentally stabbed the hairpin into Bea's scalp.

They both apologised at the same time. Beatrice crossed her arms and stood still while Ella finished pinning the plaits in place; gently burying her hands in Bea's remaining loose hair, Ella settled it around her friend's shoulders, then stepped back. 'Looking good, Bea.' She flicked her eyes over Beatrice's face carefully, especially her eyes and lips. 'Make-up, too. Seeing a whole new side to you this weekend.'

Beatrice smiled shyly as she took up a small pair of treble-clef-shaped earrings from the side and began putting them in. 'Do you want breakfast?' She nodded to the packet of bacon she'd taken out of the fridge.

'Shower first. I stink.' Ella grinned at them both and made to go up the stairs in the corner of the kitchen, gesturing at Madeleine. 'This one looks like she needs feeding up, though.'

'Have you actually had breakfast, Maddy? With the kitchens being closed this morning?'

The girl waggled a hand. 'Just an apple.' She glanced at the clock on Beatrice's oven. 'Didn't you want to get going, Miss? You said to call by and collect you by 9 o'clock...'

Ella tutted. 'You've got time for a bacon and egg sandwich. You can't be responsible for Miss Sullivan here on an empty stomach, it's too much. She's hard work, you know. It's barely ten-to anyway.' She started up the stairs two at a time. 'I won't be long, Bea, so put some on for me too. Cheers.'

Beatrice grinned at Ella's back, then at Madeleine. 'Really, we just need to print off the programmes. I won't do more than ten minutes warm-up.'

'Did the programmes last night, Miss Sullivan. They're in the chapel already, just waiting to be put out in the pews.' She smiled awkwardly. 'I added my name, like you said.'

'You are good, Madeleine. You did a good job on the notes, so it's only fair people know about it. I was thinking about swapping one of the pieces for the one Sister F liked last night, but if you've already printed them, that's fine. We'll stick with what we've got and not waste paper.' Beatrice turned and pulled the grill pan from the oven. 'That also means we really do have plenty of time. Now, make yourself even more useful and get a fresh pot of tea going.'