WOULD IT MAKE me evil if I said I was glad to have a breather?
Well, to begin, I am sitting on a bus, travelling down to my hometown. And I must say, I was so glad I decided to go home. Those aunt and niece duo were giving me headaches! They needed to sort out whatever family problem they had. Maybe then I could go back there and deem it as a vacation.
Initially, Principal Stonefield was against my plan to go back alone. She said that it was dangerous and began telling me random stories of what might happen to me if I left. Would it surprise you if I said I wasn't afraid? She kept telling me that my ending was death. Unfortunately (for her), I wasn't terrified of it. Only pain could make my heart beat erratically (with dread). But then, again, before death comes pain, right?
I sighed.
She eventually agreed, though. Aseyana's magical power might be that powerful if Principal Stonefield said 'yes' (although reluctantly) with just a word from the girl.
Looking at the familiar path at the window, I suddenly felt nostalgic. My home, my family, my 'blind dates', and Brittany—- everything seemed like a dream. And 'normal life' seemed like a long time ago. This was the right time to relax, ease my mind, and forget about the supernatural, even if it wouldn't last long.
The travel was exhausting. But I still stopped at the monastery. Since it was on the way, it would be rude not to visit. I also missed the abbess. She was a fascinating nun. I didn't know why, but as soon as I landed my eyes on her, I thought of donating to the monastery. Of course, I also looked at their programs and other matters. The children hit my heart. And since I couldn't give them my attention and care (cause I'm not good at it), I thought of giving them my spare money.
I harrumphed arrogantly—- though only inside my mind.
My mother told me, once upon a time, to concentrate on my studies and stop writing ridiculous stories. Yet, here we were, having a good life because of the money I got from writing. I got freedom and a sense of relief. Unlike when I was doing my profession, the one I graduated with, I felt suffocated and like a slave! I didn't mind working for someone, but I wasn't happy! So, what was the point?
I realised at the time to never hinder the children's talent. Their talents were there for something. So, I discussed this matter with Mother Clemencia. We made programs to enhance the children's skills inside the monastery. And outside, they would be bombarded with knowledge that schools could teach.
"Tatia!"
Several children shouted my name and waved at me. I replied with the same enthusiasm, flashing my white teeth and waving like a beauty queen.
"Hello, Mother Seria," I greeted the nun, who was watering the bonsais in front of the church. She was the same age as Mother Clemencia. If I wasn't mistaken, the two are around 55 years old.
"Hello, Tatia," Mother Seria greeted back, stopping her activity to look at me. "It's been a while. We haven't seen you for almost two months. We thought you finally succumbed to temptation and dated someone. Then, eventually married right away," she teased and chuckled.
My mouth twitched. That was a terrifying thought.
"I have been busy lately," I replied, smiling. "Life's hard," I sighed. "Everything's about money in this world. I cannot sleep well to earn that money and to live well in this scary world." I didn't lie. The first month after coming here, I confined myself to my room to write my novel. That was for money and peace of mind. For the latter month, I didn't think Mother Seria would want to hear my out-of-the-world experience. She might even deem me insane.
I sighed.
I hope I can tell this to someone—- someone not part of the supernatural world. That would help me decrease my mental burden.
"Indeed," Mother Seria nodded. "We live in a mundane world where nothing is more important than money. We cannot blame humans for giving it more importance, though, as we cannot live without it." Then, her eyes suddenly gleamed to my confusion. "How about you enter the monastery and be a nun?"
Pff—-
I almost choked on my saliva!
"You jests, Mother Seria!" I laughed.
Mother Seria shook her head. "How can I joke about something like this? Since you don't want to get married, enter the monastery. I can tell that you will fit here."
Now, that was the greatest joke I heard in my lifetime. I wonder if Mother Seria would think the same if she read the contents of my novel. I hoped she would look at me with the same kindness and still think I would fit in the monastery.
"No," I simply answered.
Mother Seria sighed in regret. "Well, if you change your mind, you are always welcome to tell me."
"Sure, Mother Seria," I winked. "I'll go inside now. I'll look for Mother Clemencia."
"Go on, then. She's in the main office!"
I ran to the third floor, where the main office was located. I knocked three times and mentioned my name. When I heard Mother Clemencia's voice telling me to enter, I did so happily.
"Mother Clemencia, it's been a while!" I said. Then, I comfortably sat on the vacant seat.
Mother Clemencia put down the paper on her hands on the table and scrutinised me with her eyeglasses lowered. "You're beaming," she observed. "It's good if you're happy. Every time you come here, you're always wearing a gloomy face."
"Blind dates suck," I sighed. But I didn't mind having it now. After all that happened in Arcane Town, I suddenly missed everything I left behind in my hometown, even those blind dates.
"Language!" she glared at me.
Was that word not acceptable as well?
Then, I heard her sigh. "The children miss you. Have you played with them yet before coming here?"
I gave Mother Clemencia a confused look. "Have you ever seen me play with them?"
"No," she answered emotionlessly. "But I hope you did."
My eye twitched. Was the abbess in a bad mood? Should I go now? I don't want to incur her wrath.
Then, another sigh came from her lips.
"Mother Clemencia, are you alright?" I asked, a bit hesitant.
Sighing again, she answered, "Our donors keep pulling out. Out of the original twenty, only seven left, including you."
I froze.
"The children are growing. Years from now, they will enter college. Although there are public colleges, the miscellaneous and other materials they will need will be more expensive."
"Why are they pulling out?" I frowned.
"I pray I know the answer to that. I questioned them, but their answers were vague."
I pursed my lips. "The children are understanding and talented. Once they reach a certain age, they can look for part-time jobs to support their needs in college. That will help them understand the world more. We cannot protect them here forever. Plus," I smiled, "we still have years before that time. Monica, the eldest, is still twelve. We can look for more donors before she enters college."
Mother Clemencia didn't respond. Hence, I added, "God will provide. You always remind me that those things I longed for, wished for, and prayed for—- God will give it to me at the right time." I paused. "When I was at my lowest point, you arrived at my door and told me not to give up. I did. And I'm glad I listened to you. I'm happy now." Not totally if we think about Arcane Town, but overall, I was satisfied!
Mother Clemencia chuckled bitterly. "Look at me," she said. "I'm supposed to be the one saying those words." Her smile widened, and her eyes finally brightened. "Thank you."
I winked. "Glad I am always of help!"
We talked for a while before we went down and played with the children. For the sake of making Mother Clemencia happy, I sacrificed my temper and patience to play with the children. After a sweaty and exhausting game, I swear I would never let emotion take over my rationality! Doing something you're not used to because you felt soft—- I promise you will regret it in the end!
But all in all, it was gratifying!
It was already five in the afternoon when I bid goodbye to the nuns and children. I circled around the spots I remembered, visiting even the hardware shop to chat with Ms. Yan. Then, finally, my feet walked towards home.
I was on the sidewalk when I stopped and stared at our house. I blankly gazed at it for almost a minute before I hesitatingly moved forward. Why was I feeling tense?
When I reached the lawn, my movement slowed down. Then, facing the door, I couldn't help but take a deep breath. I held the doorknob. But before I could open the door, someone beat me to it.
I thought I would see my mother. To my surprise, what I saw was a tall man.
I blinked. I immediately looked up and saw a familiar face.
"You!" I exclaimed. "What are you doing inside?!"
The man smiled kindly. "It's nice seeing you again."
Oh, yes, 'again'. But I really didn't expect to see him 'again'. At least, not inside our house! The guy whose knees got scraped deeply!