|
Post by Miss Sinclaire on Jan 21, 2007 0:45:23 GMT -5
*Virginia scanned the foyer furtively before making a dash for the door. It was nearly empty but for a few working maids and the odd Opera employee.*
|
|
|
Post by Diana on Jan 21, 2007 0:53:23 GMT -5
Diana walked into the foyer after visiting the pharmacy to check on the medication again.
When she spotted Virginia, she quickly made her way over to her with a smile. "The medication, the pharmacist says, will be arriving within the week--" Diana suddenly noticed her red, puffy eyes. "Is everything alright?" she asked concerned.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Sinclaire on Jan 21, 2007 0:55:06 GMT -5
*Virginia swallowed and bit her dry, cracked lips.* "Everything's fine..." *she said in a rough voice.*
|
|
|
Post by Diana on Jan 21, 2007 0:59:50 GMT -5
Diana furrowed her brow, "No, no...everything isn't alright."
She took her by the shoulders, ushered her to the steps of the grand stair case and sat her down. "Now, really...what's wrong?"
|
|
|
Post by Miss Sinclaire on Jan 21, 2007 1:03:32 GMT -5
*Virginia took a gulping breath, glancing around the foyer with crimson-cheeked embarassment before she burst into quiet sobs, hot tears running down her cheeks.* "I...I...we...there was...I don't know what I..." *she shook her head, sniffled, and continued.* "I'm going...to take my vows. As soon as I can. This afternoon, maybe. Tomorrow morning, if I must wait until morning mass or whenever the priest can..." *she wiped her nose on her sleeve.* "I made a mistake, and...and something happened. This is the only way I can fix it."
|
|
|
Post by Diana on Jan 21, 2007 1:07:12 GMT -5
Diana frowned as she processed what she was saying. "Oh..." she muttered.
"Do you...love him?" she asked cautiously.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Sinclaire on Jan 21, 2007 1:10:18 GMT -5
"I...I don't know. I've never...I never planned on...this." *She plugged her nose to stop it from running.* "But...I could never have...let that happen, if I didn't feel some kind of...I mean...I've sinned! It's a sin!"
|
|
|
Post by Diana on Jan 21, 2007 1:18:14 GMT -5
Diana looked away and sighed, deep in thought.
"I know there are strict rules...clear and important rules that govern the relationship between God and a woman who has pledged her life to Him," she said quietly. "But...also between a man and a woman? I think not."
|
|
|
Post by Miss Sinclaire on Jan 21, 2007 1:24:15 GMT -5
"...but I can't...I can't be that kind of woman to him. I wasn't supposed to be!" *protested Virginia weakly.* "My only option is to take the veil as soon as possible--to eliminate any temptation on foolish fond feelings on my part, and to hide myself...make myself undesirable in anyone's eyes. He will see, then, that it all ought to be forgotten."
|
|
|
Post by Diana on Jan 21, 2007 2:11:11 GMT -5
Diana pressed her red, painted lips into a thin and sighed deeply line before beginning slowly.
"During my third year of medical school, my childhood sweetheart...he proposed to me. I said 'yes' and we were engaged but...but my studies were keeping me busy--much too busy. One day, he sat me down and gave me an ultimatum: give up medicine or call off the engagement because he couldn't bear having a wife who would never be home for the children,” she said as she uncomfortably fidgeted with her hands.
Diana pointed to her nurse cap and continued.“As you can see, I chose to leave him and pursue my career...but I sometimes wonder what life would’ve been like if I hadn’t. Then again, if I hadn’t, I know I would be wondering what my life would’ve been like if I had.”
“I’m telling you this because whatever you choose, there are going to be ‘what ifs’-- you’re going to wonder and possibly regret. And, in the end, it is you who is going to decide and, whatever you choose to do, you must be happy with; I’m not going to make your mind up for you or try to convince you... all I can do is give you this bit of advice: there’s more than one way to serve the Lord and make him happy; becoming a nun isn’t the only way,” she said, looking at her sympathetically.
|
|
|
Post by Miss Sinclaire on Jan 21, 2007 13:11:58 GMT -5
*Tears sprang to Virginia's eyes at Diana's story, but she still looked grim in response.* "I will not be his mistress for a month or two until he loses interest. That's all I could be to him, and I can be more--be better--as a nun. Thank you for...trying to understand," *Virginia half-smiled gratefully, then stood, patting Diana kindly on the shoulder before she turned and left the foyer to go to the church.*
|
|
|
Post by Diana on Jan 21, 2007 14:58:15 GMT -5
Diana sat there after Virginia left, staring at a spot in the wall with vacant eyes.
She was making a mistake if he really did love her...
|
|
|
Post by Declan on Jan 21, 2007 23:08:24 GMT -5
Declan strode into the foyer and spotted the nurse sitting by herself on the stairway. The young man walked over to her and asked if she had seen Virginia. He tried to mask the fear in his eyes but felt that he wasn't doing that much of a good job.
|
|
|
Post by Diana on Jan 21, 2007 23:11:45 GMT -5
Diana stood up and studied him for a moment. "Answer me this: do you love her?" she asked bluntly.
|
|
|
Post by Declan on Jan 21, 2007 23:15:26 GMT -5
Declan sneered but the look in his eyes had not changed.
"Do you think? No, I just need to ask her something..." he trailed off.
|
|