24. Trinity
Chapter 24
Trinity
A bell sounds. I peel open my eyes with difficulty as I shift a body weighing ten tons.
What time is it?
What day is it?
I’m dimly aware a lot of time has passed since Zachary laid me on my bed. The pain woke me up a few times since then, but I only stayed awake long enough to nurse my bruises with ointment. Surprisingly, no one’s bothered me. I guess Miriam had no choice but to give me a sick day.
I lie here in the dark, wincing as I fumble for the jar. I screw open the lid and scoop out some salve.
It stings going on but not nearly as much as yesterday. My bruises are healing but my pride is still battered and blue.
It seems so stupid not telling them about Cassius’s drawing. I can’t fight against the certainty he’ll do something even worse if I rat him out. After all, what’s stopping him from sneaking into my room and finishing what he started?
I’d love to know what I did to earn this. I mean, I’ve heard of hazing but does everyone really go through this when they arrive here?
I’ve heard of bullying too, but nothing like this.
I set down the jar on my side of the desk. There’s barely enough moonlight coming in through the window to make out Jasper’s body humping up the blankets on his bed.
I really, really need to pee.
I don’t even bother sitting on the edge of the bed. I go straight to my feet, grimacing when my skirt brushes over my underwear.
Lord, this hurts. The worst I’ve ever gotten from Mom was a slap on my rump with her bare hand when I threw a tantrum. I think I was like ten or something.
Dad never laid a hand on me. He’d wanted to once, but my mother had stopped him. I can’t even remember what I’d done wrong.
It’s pretty late though, right? If Jasper’s here and asleep, then it has to be sometime after ten.
Pretty sure I’m the only one awake on this floor. Which means I’d have the bathroom all to myself.
It’s gonna hurt to go shower. But at least I’ll be sure no one’s going to walk in on me. And maybe the hot water will soothe out the pain.
I take out some pajamas, clean underwear, socks. I ease open the door and check the hallway before stepping outside.
Then I hesitate.
I thought Father Gabriel would come see me yesterday, but the only person I saw was Jasper. I could go there now. To Father Gabriel’s room. I could tell him what happened.
Everything.
He said I’m safe here, and look what’s happened? I’ve been bullied and falsely accused without a say in the matter.
Would he honestly let that happen?
A few minutes later, I’m standing in front of Father Gabriel’s door. It takes every ounce of courage I have to knock. I’m still not convinced I can tell him everything, but I’m craving his comfort. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything’s going to be okay.
Like a toddler with a boo-boo. Real mature, Trinity.
My knock sounds too loud in this broad, empty hallway.
But obviously, it isn’t loud enough because there’s no response.
I try again.
My hand goes over the doorknob. Locked.
Ha. So much for him trusting his things are safe. I guess that only applies to orphans like me who don’t have anything valuable to steal.
I step back, bristling with a sudden anger.
I’m about to give the door the finger when movement catches my eye.
Reuben walks down the hallway. I stiffen, and like the idiot I am, I don’t even think of fleeing.
“He’s not here,” Reuben says.
“Yeah, I figured.”
“He’ll be back tomorrow.”
“You his PA or something?”
There’s not a hint of what he might be thinking in those black eyes. “Or something,” he says. “You should be in your room.” His eyes dart down to the clothes bundled up in my arm. “What are you doing up here?”
I’m not big on lies. My mother had a good nose for them, and she’d catch me out every time. It was easier to tell her the truth. But lies come easier when you’re dealing with strangers. The past few weeks have been a learning curve for me.
I’m fine.
No, I don’t need to speak to a counselor.
Yes, I’ve said my prayers.
I’m still the furthest thing from a conman, but I’m pretty sure I sound convincing when I say, “Father Gabriel said I could use his bathroom so I don’t have to share with the boys.” I cross my arms, lifting my chin as I mentally dare Reuben to see through my lie. “But he forgot to leave me his key. Do you have one?”
The faintest smile touches Reuben’s generous mouth. “I wish I did.”
“Well, then, it’s pointless us standing here, isn’t it?” I put on my iciest expression and swing around to leave.
A hand closes around my shoulder and turns me back. I wince as my skirt shifts against my sensitive backside. But I smooth away the pained look before Reuben can notice.
“You should be careful around him,” Reuben says.
“Father Gabriel?” I laugh. “You know he’s a bishop, right?”
“Not anymore.” Reuben dips his head, and the dim lighting in the hallway casts pools of shadows in his eye sockets. “And even if he still was, titles don’t mean anything around here.”
“I’m sure the provost thinks different.” I snatch my shoulder away from his fingers and take a quick step back.
He doesn’t touch me again, but his eyes fall to my chest instead.
Ugh. Why are men so disgusting? They see anything with boobs, and they can’t seem to think straight.
I whirl around and hurry down the hall as fast as my sore ass allows. Just before I take the stairs, I glance back over my shoulder.
The hallway is empty.
Reuben is gone.