Father and Mother Superior

chapter 1

Its cold here at the Convent this time of year. It's only August, but the leaves are starting to turn, and everything is moving slower. As the air starts to get colder, and everything starts freezing, my mind always tends to wander. I try to read my scriptures during these months, to bide the time, and keep my thoughts focused. But I often find myself staring out the window, at the trees and their vibrant leaves.
The trees always remind me of Father Cole's sermons. He loves referencing the fruits of our labor, and reaping what we sow. Today is no exception, considering how chilly the air is in the rooms, and how low the fire has gotten. I realized how long I'd been daydreaming when a chill ran through me, and I pull my blanket tighter around my shoulders. The sun was starting to set and I knew the dinner bell would be ringing soon. I turned to my Bible, and blink a few times. Rubbing my eyes, I set my Bible on my desk and reach for my glass. Perhaps they needed help in the kitchens. Might as well, considering I needed more wood for the fire anyways.
I straightened my habit, tucked some stray hairs back in place, and smoothed the front of my dress. I wouldn't want Reverend Mother to see me disheveled and decide I needed further lessons on appearance and cleanliness.
I wandered down the halls towards the kitchens and the warm smell of bread baking. The crackle of the kitchen fires greets me after the sweet smells of dinner, and a smile pulls at my lips. Gluttony has always a sin I begged forgiveness for, but it never stops my heart in swelling from the idea of a delicious meal.
Voices drifted towards me as I made my way forward, but a lower baritone flooded me in flushing. Giggles met me as I stopped in the doorway. And there he was.
His black button up was starched and perfect, although his sleeves were pushed up to expose dark hair and bulging forearms. Father Cole was in our kitchen, and he was kneading bread. I blinked, sure I had walked into a dream. I must have been asleep. He looked from Sister Shay and towards the door. I swallowed when his gaze met mine. As I'm sure I was dreaming now, I must have also imagined how his eyes hesitated on mine for a second too long, and dropped downwards before returning to his bread with tight lips. I blushed.
Had I offended him somehow? I cleared my throat, and moved towards the center block everyone had congregated around. "Anything I can do? I'm going silly up in my room counting leaves and memorizing verses." Sister Shay looked for something to hand me, and Sister Nell turned to me with a smile. "That's kind, nonetheless. Thank you, Sister Mary." She handed me some potatoes and a bowl. And sister Shay handed me a knife. When I reached to grab it, I looked to my right and saw Father Cole staring. 'Is he staring at my- at my hand?'
I swallowed again, my mouth drying out completely when his eyes rose to mine. Through dark lashes I could see flecks of green in his dark blue eyes. I quickly retreated to my side of the block and attempted to focus on my task.
"Has your sermon been coming along well, Father Cole?" Sister Shay said casually. He chuckled and I sensed his eyes move from me to her. "I wish I could say yes, but unfortunately the cold in the parcenage is much worse than last year. I thought being warmed by your spirits and cooking might offer me a breath of inspiration. Or at least an escape. Thank you so much for having me Sisters." I looked up to see his eyes sweep, and stop on me. And drop back to his dough . I couldn't look away though, not from his hands.
"We'll always welcome you, Father. Your smile is God's light shining down." Sister Nell smiled again, and continued with the carrots.
"And how are your studies going, Sister Mary?" His rumbling words registered too late, and I looked up to see his eyes catching me. My lips parted.
"I'm sorry?" I croaked.
"Your studies. Are they going well?" The side of his mouth quirked upwards as I reddened "Oh yes, very well. Thank you, Father." I responded to the potatoes.
"And how are you enjoying Exodus?" He chuckled, and my other Sisters joined.
"Oh, it's slow reading certainly. But Mother Superior is pleased with my progress." I breathed out.
"I've heard you've been an attentive student." He continued, voice lower than before. Or maybe I imagined that.
I looked up too quick. And in his eyes was where I stayed until there was a flash, and the knife skidded off the potato I was working on. I sucked in a quick breath and clutched my hand.
My sisters turned, and Father Cole's brow furrowed.
"Sister! You're hurt." Shelly squeaked. She rushed to my elbow, and I was frozen. Blood had started dropping to the floor as Nelly brought me a towel and wrapped my hand.
"Too careless. What has Mother Anna told you? You must focus. Come now." Sister Nelly cooed. I swallowed shallowly and couldn't bring myself to offer anything in response.
"Careful now, let me have a look." Father Cole was suddenly there, grabbing my wrists with firm hands. "You don't need this anymore, do you?" His deep chuckle brought a little clarity to the daze I'd fallen into. He took hold of the handle of the knife I was still clutching.
Putting the knife back on the block, he held my injured hand more tenderly than I knew how to process. I winced as he pulled the towel away, and winced after glancing at the blood already starting to flow again.
"Oh dear, certainly a bad one. But nothing I can't fix. Apply as much pressure with the towel as you can stand. Here now, come with me." He puts a hand on my right elbow, his forearm brushing my back. I cannot breathe.
"Do you know the way, Father? The infirmary can be a bit difficult to-" Sister Shelly, asked quietly but didn't finish her sentence. She is rather queasy when it comes to blood, so she stood back a distance with a paleness to her that touched on ghostliness.
"I'll show him." I let out in a breathy voice.
Sister Nelly crossed her arms. "I'll go with you. You've lost a lot of blood, Mary." She looked conflicted.
"Dinner still needs preparing, and I've disrupted things enough. I know the way better than anyone. You know how clumsy I am, and how many trips I've made in the last month alone." I offered a weak chuckle. Nell didn't look convinced, but Shelly went to her.
"She'll be fine, Sister Nell. And Father Cole is with her. I'll check on her after." And Nell nodded.
"The Spirit of Christ follows us always, fear not little lambs. I'll have her back in no time." He said, and turned me to head out of the kitchen.