hug. “Don’t tell anyone about our escapades. You like sex, I like sex and there is nothing wrong with that. Okay?”
Gloria smiled. “Sure, of course.”
I got out of her car and waved goodbye to her as I stood in the empty parking lot.
Chapter Eight
A week had passed and Sister Janice, fresh from her arrival from Zaire, knocked on my door.
“ Sister, how are you feeling?”
I was sitting at my desk reading Leviticus, trying to make sense of my hormonal-induced drive.
“ I’m fine.”
“ Do you know why I sent you home?”
I turned to her and gave her a stern look. “No, I don’t know. Why?”
“ I wasn’t born yesterday Sister. I was once young like you. If you want to take this seriously, you’re going to have to control your...urges.”
I continued making eye contact with her. There was a quiet pause before I responded. “You don’t know me. I am committed to serving God and making sure my father is proud of me. I do not want to live my life here under suspicion.”
Sister Janice gave me an angry glare. She crossed her arms and said, “Remember, if you aren’t serious and I catch you doing questionable things, you’ll be kicked out of the order. Without a formal education, without a committed mate, without any discernible skills, you’ll be alone to fend for yourself. Once you commit to the order, its a lifelong commitment and there is no turning back.”
Sister Janice was right. As I got older in this order, the more difficult it was to recuperate and get back to starting over in my new life. I had to control my longings, while I explored my options outside the convent.
“ You’re right, Sister Janice,” I said. “I’m committed.”
“ Good, I’ll see you downstairs in a couple hours for afternoon prayer.”
Sister Janice turned around, but I had one last request before she headed downstairs. “Sister?”
“ Yes?”
“ Can I have the internet back?”
Sister paused and contemplated the question for a moment. “Yes, but remember what I said.”
“ Of course.”
She left my room. I sat back in my chair and stared at the crucifix hanging on the wall. I asked God, “They say you create us in your image. Then why do you condemn?”
I didn’t know the answer. In fact, I suspected few did. But one thing I did know was this: I would never, ever forget my days of sinful pleasure.
“ Bad girl,” I whispered...and smiled.
The End