Bad Habits: A Dark Anthology - Yolanda Olson Page 0,67
be something medically wrong with me because I can and will sleep pretty much anywhere. She soon deduced, however, that I’m remarkably lazy for a nun, and concluded I needed to work harder on my diligence to my chores and our faith. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been punished for slacking in my duties, but the truth is my faith has never wavered, it’s simply that I’m more diligent to Him than to anything or anyone else in my life.
“You’re a lazy, spoiled child, and you need to learn that the other nuns are not here to do your work. You will start to pull your weight, or you’ll feel the weight of my cane on your behind again, Sister Emily,” Mother Bitch chides me.
It’s nothing I’ve not heard before. She’s always harping on about me slacking and not performing my duties to the expected standard.
“Yes, Mother,” I say, injecting as much sincerity into my voice as I can muster, although it still sounds sarcastic even to my ears.
“In an effort to corral your wickedness and the lack of care you demonstrate in attending to your duties, I’ve decided drastic measures must be taken,” she continues as though I didn’t snark at her.
I can already feel the burn of the wood and the throbbing of my skin from the beating she’s no doubt planning to give me. I’ve occasionally wondered if she’ll ever tire of doling out her punishments, but the superior bitch gets off on the power she wields, lording it over us as though we should be worshiping Her instead of Him.
“Sister Faith, come in!” Mother Bitch calls out.
The door opens, and Faith enters the office.
“Yes, Mother?” Faith inquires in a soft voice and quietly sits in the chair next to me.
“I’ve decided that the two of you should be paired up for your duties. Sister Faith, you are a responsible and diligent young woman, so you should be a good influence on Sister Emily,” Mother Bitch announces, and I have to work to keep my expression composed.
I force a smile on my face and nod as though in agreement when really I’m horrified that she’d suggest such a thing. I know I’m difficult, but I didn’t think I was bad enough to need this angelic-looking babysitter.
“You’ll also share quarters. We have very little space as it is, so you aren’t the only ones who are going to find themselves having to share. Sister Emily, please wipe that look off your face. This is more of a reward than a punishment,” she scolds, no doubt catching my dismayed expression.
“Yes, Mother,” I say through gritted teeth and a painfully awkward smile.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Sister Faith says in her chirpy voice, and I almost want to spank her.
Now there’s an idea.
Maybe this arrangement won’t be so bad after all.
When I finally leave Mother Bitch’s office, I’m about ready to scream. Sister Faith and I couldn’t be more opposite. It was unpleasant sitting there while Mother Bitch continued to sing Sister Faith’s praises about how dedicated she is, and how she’ll be a good influence on me. If I'd died and gone to hell, it couldn’t have been a more unpleasant experience.
I had to fight not to roll my eyes at her observations about everything she deems to be lacking in me and how beneficial this arrangement will be. In some ways I agree with her, but for very different reasons, I’m sure. It’ll be harder to notice my lack of diligence in my daily life if I’m constantly around Sister Faith who can do no wrong, and since ‘she’s so dedicated’, she’ll probably be willing to pick up my duties when I slack off.
Chapter Three
Sister Emily
It’s been two weeks since Mother Bitch partnered me with Sister Faith and had her move into my room, and I’m already sick of my new roommate’s radiantly innocent presence. Mother Bitch would be horrified if she realized I’ve been speeding through my duties more than usual, finishing early so I can seek the privacy of my room without Faith’s presence.
When Sister Faith is hanging around I behave myself, like a good little nun, but I’m sure she’s not fooled by my act. I complete all of my chores, albeit to a less than satisfactory standard, and as far as she is aware, any time I’m not working is spent in prayer. She wouldn’t be entirely wrong in believing I was offering my fervent thanks to God, but I’m sure