English Version: Sands & Sparrow

57

Sophia hurried to catch up to Margo, who was already several paces ahead, wheeling her bicycle along the narrow dirt path that wound through the convent gardens. "Where are we going?" she asked curiously, slightly out of breath.

Margo glanced back over her shoulder, one eyebrow raised. "Are you done with your prayers?"

Sophia couldn't help but laugh at the question, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, I'm done with my prayers," she confirmed, still chuckling.

Margo's other eyebrow rose to join the first. "What's so funny?"

Impulsively, Sophia skipped forward until she was walking beside Margo, craning her neck to look up at the taller woman. "You're treating me like a child," she accused playfully, grinning so widely her dimples stood out in sharp relief.

The corner of Margo's mouth twitched, and she reached out to pinch Sophia's nose teasingly. "Aren't you one?"

Sophia let out a mock outrage, batting at Margo's hand. "There! You even like to squeeze my nose!" she protested laughingly. Without thinking, she stretched on her tiptoes, intending to pinch Margo's cheek in retaliation. But as soon as her fingers made contact with Margo's skin, a jolt of electricity seemed to arc between them, stopping Sophia in her tracks. A wave of déjà vu washed over her, the sensation of Margo's smooth cheek under her fingertips achingly, inexplicably familiar. "Aahhh... hmm, let's stop," she stammered, snatching her hand back as if she'd been burned. She could feel a heated blush crawling up her neck.

If Margo noticed Sophia's odd reaction, she gave no sign. She just smiled, inclining her head towards the bicycle. "Shall we go?"

Sophia blinked. "Wait, I'll get mine." She turned to return the way they'd come, but Margo's fingers closed around her wrist, stopping her.

"Let's take this one; I'll drive," Margo suggested, patting the worn leather seat of her bicycle.

Sophia frowned. "But I'm heavy. You'll get tired."

Margo just shook her head. "No, you're not that heavy. I'm taller, so I should drive."

Sophia's brow furrowed. "What does your height have to do with riding a bicycle?"

Margo's smile widened. "I'm taller. Therefore, I'm heavier," she said as if that explained everything.

Sophia stared at her for a long moment before breaking into giggles. "Okay, then," she agreed, shaking her head amusedly.

Rolling up the sleeves of her button-down shirt, Margo swung a leg over the bicycle and settled herself on the seat. The sun beat down on them, and within minutes, a light sheen of sweat glistened on Margo's forehead, her cheeks flushed pink from the heat. She cocked her head to the side, smiling up at Sophia. "Shall we go?"

Sophia hesitated, glancing at her wristwatch. "Where are we headed? It's three in the afternoon."

Margo just shrugged. "Let's just enjoy a ride on this lazy afternoon," she said, invitingly patting the seat behind her.

After a moment, Sophia hitched up the skirt of her habit and climbed somewhat awkwardly onto the back of the bicycle, arranging herself on the small seat. Almost automatically, she looped her arms around Margo's slim waist and rested her cheek against the wing of the shoulder blade. The fabric of Margo's shirt was sun-warmed and slightly damp with sweat, the faint scent of her perfume clinging to the threads.

"Hold on to me, Sophia," Margo murmured, and Sophia tightened her grip as Margo pushed off, the bicycle wobbling for a moment before finding its balance.

As they quickly picked up speed, the breeze whipping through their hair, Sophia closed her eyes, feeling strangely at peace. With her arms wrapped securely around Margo and her face nestled into the curve of her neck, she felt a sense of belonging that she'd never experienced. It was as if some vital part of herself that she hadn't even known was missing had suddenly clicked into place.