Gram Cracker

1

The sun beat down upon the dry land like an unforgiving god of fire. His palm touched the Earth, caressing the smooth cheek of flat grass and stealing every drop of morning dew that clung to the blades. Despite the dryness, it was a beautiful start to the day. The brightness of the sun along with the cloudless sky acted as the perfect alarm clock to Sister Annabelle. A smile met her gentle, youthful face as she stared out the stained glass windows of the church and up at the trees over the hill. In the distance she could faintly hear the early birds sing a good morning song as they sit perched up in the warm branches. Branches that were shaded by leaves from the harsh sun. Annabelle wished to linger her sight on the trees, she wished to see if she could spot a robin or two nestled in the safety of the wood. But no, she had other duties to attend to. There is to be a visitor coming soon to see that the church was in good hands, a high priest, which put more stress on the young maiden to ensure that everything went smoothly. With a sigh, she hoisted herself out of the comfort of her bed and routinely got ready for today's work.

Sister Annabelle had a gentle soul. Her eyes held both understanding and patience, which went well with her delicate complexions. So young, so innocent, yet old enough to have the right experience to be a teacher. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a braided bun, and over it was placed a nun's cap to match her black and white dress. First things first, she had to wake her student, whom was under her care. Those caring eyes searched for a familiar face as she glided around the church, heading to his room. Sure enough he had escaped his crib once more. She was not surprised, but she swore, that boy had grown too fast for her to keep up with. The next step was to simply ask around. She went to Father Charles who was enjoying his breakfast peacefully on a bench.

"Good morning, Father." She greeted with a smile, the elderly man turning his head back at her. "Ah- good morning Sister." He returns the smile, faint wrinkles at the edges of his eyes from years of smiling reappeared at the sight of Annabelle. "Have you seen Gram today? I cannot find him." Charles shakes his head disapprovingly as the young women carefully sits next to him, mindful not to let the chipped wood snag her robes. "Afraid I haven't. He's such a tiny thing and so quick, these ol' eyes wouldn't be able catch him." Charles had a neutral stance when it came to accepting Gram. He didn't show anger or fear toward taking the kid in, but he wasn't too thrilled when the decision was made either. "Oh- and one more thing." He added, "Did anyone tell you that the high priest rescheduled his visit to today?" Annabelle's heart skipped a beat, "What? No I was not told this! When will he be here? What changed his mind?" She now had a sudden urgency to find her student and hide him from the visitor. Gram must not be seen by anyone outside the church. "I think this afternoon. Something about another trip he has to make so he has to come today instead. Once I'm done with breakfast I was going to start doing my chores right away." Annabelle couldn't afford to waste anymore time if it meant finding Gram and making the dusty building look presentable. She had to cut Father Charles off short,  "Thank you anyway, Father. Enjoy your breakfast." Just as soon as she sat down, Annabelle gets back up again to quickly look elsewhere.

The teacher did not have to search for long, as a sudden swift movement caught her attention the minute she turned her back. Her gaze glanced over the area, and a little puff of blue fuzz peaking out from behind another bench caught her attention. She couldn't help but smile at the child trying his best to hide from her, worries seemingly melting away. "Where oh where can Gram have gone off to?" She asked herself as she slowly approached the bench, her question causing him to stifle a laugh. "I've searched all over. Far and wide, and no Gram is to be seen anywhere." Her smile widens, "He knows he has to study today." She came upon the bench, the blue fuzz twitching back behind the wood in another attempt to keep hidden. "Maybe... He's been here all along." That earned a soft giggle, the boy knowing by now that he's been caught. He slowly rises from his crouched position behind the bench, soft, dark brown horns protruding first. "Oh my goodness- there he is!" Annabelle lightly chuckles, watching as the rest of him came into sight.

Gram was an odd child indeed. Annabelle calls him a kid, but technically he is not of this Earth at all. No, Gram was actually a demon. A creature of luck of all things. The very thought of a demon being amongst people of God was absurd, and it was. However, somehow Annabelle convinced them all to give the newly birthed demon a chance to prove himself good. A chance at life. Impossible odds were made possible with her gentle, forgiving voice and her way with words. Now, here the demon stood, alive thanks to her.

"Morning, Sister." Gram said sheepishly, looking down, his jet black bangs falling over his circular glasses. "Good morning, Gram. I hope your mind is refreshed from that because you are late to start your studies." He folds his blue colored hands, tiny, filed down claws at the tips of his fingers. "Sorry Anna." She takes one of his hands, "Don't run off without telling me again, or else I'll have to punish you." She sighs and leads her student back onto to the path of God.