Bad Habits: A Dark Anthology - Yolanda Olson Page 0,69

my own thoughts, not paying attention until I stumble and nearly crash into Sister ‘Pally’ Paloma Grace, who quite frankly scares me even more than Mother Superior. There’s something about her which sends shivers down my spine. I straighten myself up and open my mouth to apologize, but she’s already turned the corner, hurrying away and leaving me alone again. Shaking off the eerie feeling she gives me, I continue heading up the stairs to my room.

Lying on the soft mattress, I close my eyes and let out a sigh. I can’t help but eagerly contemplate how Faith’s skin would look beneath my palm if I were the one in a position to dole out her punishment.

In spite of her outwardly meek appearance, I’ve now seen fleeting glimpses of Faith’s spirit underneath. I’m beginning to suspect she could prove more interesting than I’d initially anticipated. I wouldn’t mind carving into her soul to see what lies inside. I want to see if there’s a sinner lurking within her like there is inside me, no matter how hard I try to suppress it. When did I start to find her so fascinating?

I’m taken aback by the sudden rush of darkness that’s swept over me, and I frown before sliding from my bed to my knees to pray for patience, strength, and the diligence I will need to stay on His true path.

Chapter Four

Sister Faith

Of all the nuns in this place that Mother Superior could choose for me to be partnered with, she had to choose the one who is my polar opposite. Sister Emily is lazy, and I’ve seen how she slacks when doing her chores. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen her rush through her work so she can go back to our room. I prefer to think that she’s gone to pray, and certainly there are many of us who do so, multiple times a day, but I suspect that’s not the case with Emily.

My curiosity peaks every time she ducks out during her daily chores, whether it’s cleaning, making bread, or fixing clothes. So far I’ve managed to refrain from letting it get the better of me and going to find out what she’s up to. If she really is conversing with our Lord, then I’ll feel very wicked for doubting her. Emily chooses very inopportune moments to escape, though, and several times now I’ve had to finish both our chores to keep us under Mother Superior’s sharp radar.

I should confront Emily about my concerns, or better yet, I should tell Mother Superior of them, but the responsibility bestowed on me by our Mother holds me back. I don’t want her to think I’m incapable of coping with the task she has entrusted to me. I was chosen by her to help Emily stay true to all we must uphold in our everyday lives and our faith; it’s my God given purpose to see it through. I hope I don’t let Mother Superior down, especially as it’s been hardly any time at all since I embarked on this mission. I shall bear my burden with dignity and patience and do everything I can to achieve what’s been asked of me.

I wish we hadn’t been assigned to the same room, though. I know it’s for more than just the duration of our partnership, and I’m lamenting the lack of privacy. Not to mention that Emily looks at me strangely sometimes, and it makes me feel very exposed under her scrutiny. I’ve put it down to her annoyance at our situation, in much the same way I feel. I confess I don't like Emily, and sharing quarters and spending so much time in her company, when we are so different, is taxing in the extreme. However, this is the life I’ve chosen for myself, and like all worthwhile things, it doesn’t come easily. This task I’ve been given is no different. I have to work hard and prove myself to not only Mother Superior and our Lord but to myself as well, no matter how difficult the trials ahead may be.

Thankful, that by the time Emily left earlier, our chores were nearly complete, I finish up for the day and decide to head back to our room. I need to change, find some solitude, and reflect on the meeting with Mother Superior and how I will move forward and overcome the challenges ahead of me.

Chapter Five

Sister Emily

My roommate is slowly driving me insane. I feel like a rampant,