The Old Lady and her flowers

CHAPTER FIVE

The next morning, we woke up all the children early and sent them to the orphanage. Sister Lisa stayed behind to help me with the packing of all our camping belongings; she was my best friend here; and even though she was 10 years older than me, I seemed middle aged besides her child like personality and tantrums. So, the first question which she asked me as soon as everyone was out of earshot was,

“Why did you have to be such a big mouth? You just invited trouble for yourself, be sure of that.”

I was expecting this very question. And I had spent the night formulating the conversation in my mind. Even so, I was disappointed a bit as I expected her to back me up and try not to make me realize that I am an idiot.

“Why, what’s wrong with that? I was trying to help.” I put on an innocent expression.

She made an incredulous face and her words came out mightily sarcastic,

“Oh, yes. Why didn’t I see that, huh? You are trying to help. You are going to make friends with that boy and teach him all good things in the world and he is going to sit there listen to you like a good boy and understand what you are saying. Quick and easy does it! There, you just save a lost soul and put him on a better path of life. God bless you, Maya. You just got a place reserved in heaven for doing such a good deed.”

I couldn’t resist smiling at her outburst for it was very comical; what with her throwing her hands up in mock admiration and funniest expressions on her face! She can be so calm and collected sometimes and now she was, well, pissed off.

“What?” she encountered, now quite serious.

I gathered some bundles and began to walk towards the building. She walked besides me, questioning me with her eyes,

“Well,” I said, “That’s obviously not what I am going to do. I would be kidding myself in thinking that this would be so easy. Also I alone can’t put sense in this guy, for sure. If my influence helps I ought to try, right? After that it is up to him. Besides, what harm is there in making a new friend?” I spoke with fake confidence as if I had made a strong plan of action overnight.

Her face told me she was not yet convinced,

“Oh! Open your eyes, girl. Sister Petards was playing at you. Even she knows that godforsaken boy isn’t going to come to the Church and learn goodness. Hell, even if he does somehow, that’s not any permanent solution. And, you, like an idiot, blurt out nonsense. She approved of your idea just to make Arthur feel good. And probably teach you a good lesson.”

“But that’s exactly what I am trying to do. I am going to try and help Arthur. He is such a nice person and has helped us so many times. Now, it’s our turn.” I retorted, determined.

“You don’t know what’s going to happen, Maya. There are so many things that could go wrong here. I have been thinking all night about all kinds of horrible things that could happen. Try to look at it from this perspective and you’ll see a larger picture.” She continued like this; talking in form of riddles as we reached the courtyard. Finally, when she stopped, I relied calmly, “I understand what you are saying, Sister Lisa. And I know it’s true.” “Yes, exactly what I am saying,” she said interrupting and I continued, “But, I am going to try once anyway.” I said unblinkingly with firm decision.

“You are just stubborn. Fine, do what you want. And I am going to complain against Sister Mackenzie; she has just brain washed you nicely!” Saying so, she hastened her pace and hurried towards the building in gruff. I sighed.

Reaction one-negative, I counted in my head.

                The day unfolded at its usual pace and it was the warmest day of the cold season that year. I would have said it was like just another day for me with the kids and their school. I was their favorite language mentor and I sat with them in the hall surrounded with their notebooks, picture books and all. Well, I should say, almost a usual day except for the watching eyes of people that I felt on myself. It was like my first day here; the only difference was that back then it were the surprised glances now they were uncomfortable peeks. But I kept my face straight, a fixed smile on my lips as always.

Later after lunch, I spotted Sister Mackenzie pruning some roses in the small flower bed in the backyard. I decided to go help her with it or to be truthful, talk with her about why she set me up last night so skillfully. I got down besides her without a word and started putting some manure in the soil which was freshly dug. And when she didn’t look up to acknowledge my presence, I decided to start a conversation by myself, “So, Sister, have I trodden over your favorite cat or something that you decided to take a revenge by setting me up like this?” I said playfully. She smiled dropping her garden scissor,

“Oh, Maya. You are funny sometimes. Is that what you think? Well, then, no I had no intentions to revenge upon you the abuse of my imagined cat. Thank god you didn’t say that I was jealous of your youth. ” She rolled her eyes and I couldn’t help smiling at her as she continued,

“I simply agree by your idea. Man is known by the company he keeps. I know that influence is a powerful tool. I just hadn’t expected you to be so bold as to suggest this to Petards; isn’t everyone terrified by her all the time?”

My breathing eased at this words and I found my self saying, “I know. I surprised myself too. It was a bad idea and I am going to pay for this.”

“No, it was an unorthodox idea and you are going to learn from this.” She said, picking up the scissor and continuing with the roses.

“Well,” I continued, “you are quite modern for your age, Sister; because everyone seems to think this would be a lot of trouble.” I voiced my worry for once.

“Everyone meaning yourself included?” she countered looking at me.

I nodded truthfully.

“But this was your idea. You can’t have said that without any reason.”

“I know, Sister. And I want to try and help Arthur. But I am worried about the consequences, the overall impact this could have on all of us if this went wrong. The nuns back there are saying all sorts of things already.” I sensed that I was saying more than I intended but for once I went on, “If I think from Sister Petards’ perspective, the people won’t take this in as modern way as you have.” She was silent for a long moment.

“I can see that you are no longer the girl I met 2 years ago,” she said slowly looking away, “The Maya I knew didn’t give a damn to what people said. I suppose living with us has erased that carefree aura of yours and endowed you with a measured and hesitant attitude towards things.”

I quickly recoiled. This was like a clash of opinions in a magnitude of a demolition zone. I wondered how Sister Petards and this lady can ever be friends. They would end up arguing over so many issues due to difference in their thinking. But, they never ended up quarreling at the end of the day, that too for last 35 odd years. Or so they tell me.  I decided to make my stand clear, now that she was being so open minded and all,

“I am not changing my opinion. I am going to try making things work out for Arthur. But I want to make sure how many people would welcome me back if I fail brutally.” My voice got smaller and smaller as she pierced at me with sharp gaze while I was speaking.

“Well, count me on your side. And I am sure Lisa too,” she said without much thought. I exhaled, slightly relaxed. “But,” she continued, now looking straight at me and smiled, “Be careful though. Understand the situation and see if you can handle it. If not, no problem. Sometimes a mere realization of the fact that you tried gives enough satisfaction to relieve the disappointment of your inability.” She took my hands in hers and squeezed them a little.

“Okay, Sister. I’ll remember that.” I smiled tightly. Though I don’t know about Sister Lisa’s front after this morning’s argument, I added to myself.

                So, this was not so ridiculous after all. As I began to think of it, I realized that if I could just ignore all other narrow minded beings around me, there was nothing wrong with it. I had begun to think from my perspective; the one which had got covered in layers of doubts, hesitance and rules in a grime like fashion. Reaction two- positive. That’s all I needed.