NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?

CHAPTER 27

On Thursday morning, I put the black outfit back on and step out into Florence Street wearing a smile that can brighten the entire string of islands. Through the scanty palm trees, I can see the lanky-looking Father Paul out front bidding goodbye to the last of his parishioners. And I'm probably the only person who knows what will happen next. He does it every day right after mass; retire to his private garden at the back of the church and sit in silence. Well not this morning, padre. I slip through the palm trees and join him.

The first thing that confronts me is Ebony's grave, made out from a distance because of the three tallest palm trees that mark the Vermont sisters' own graves, the first of Leer Island's citizens to die. Father Paul distracts me from staring to protect me from what he knows can turn into months of depression. And due to his appearance, that's an easy feat for him. I can never get used to the contrast of his bushy brows against his neat hair and facial features.

"Ah, Mary! Haven't seen you here in a while."

"I know," I reply and dive right in. "Things have been stressful lately."

"A bank has its moments like anywhere else."

"I'm not there anymore."

"You got fired?"

"No!" I say in normal language. Not everyone understands me like Hazel does. "I was forced to leave."

"Really? What happened? It seemed the perfect job."

"A Copper from Madawaur wanted me out," I explain. "The manager took her side."

"Oh, I see. But that's no reason to leave."

"They drove me crazy every day. I just couldn't do it anymore."

"Well, you came over for a reason." He changes the topic. "What can I do for you?"

"I have to leave the Bunny House by September 23rd."

"Just like that you decided to leave?"

"No! I owe rent, Father." I lower my head then look up with moistened eyes. "Four months."

"I've been here a while. You're certainly not the first. Just stay put and ride it out."

"The matron says I have to leave."

"Not Matron Caine. She's a kind woman," he says matter-of-factly. "She loves all her girls."

I dip into my pocket for the red slip I've been toting around and wave it at him.

"Like I said, I've got until September 23rd to leave."

"It's that serious, huh." He looks away then back again. "What are you planning to do?"

"Stocatta Embassy is offering jobs again. I need two personal references though."

"Two is easy. You've got me and Matron Caine."

"Thanks but I'm not so sure about Matron Caine."

"I'll talk to her." He looks away again. "So what are you going to do if they say no?"

"I applied for five jobs this week."

"Oh, good! Something will pan out. Just have faith and see."

"Why don't you keep the faith for the both of us, Father?"

"Only until you can handle it."

"So when can I pass for the letter?" I ask, already moving towards the scanty palm trees again.

"Give me a day or two unless you need it sooner."

"A day or two is just fine."

"And don't worry, Mary. I'll talk to the matron about that letter. The eviction too."

"That'll be a miracle. Do that and I'll owe you."

"Well, miracles just happen to be my thing," Father Paul says amused then quickly adds before heading off to the back. "Anyway, you keep good, Mary."