For some reason, I let her. She's blissfully unaware and ignorant, and I can't help but feel bad for her because of it. She walks through the doorway and invites herself to sit on the edge of my bed. There isn't anywhere to sit, though. I join her with a heavy thud as my ass hits the hard mattress.
"Oh, my!" Sister Suri, what happ--?"
I forgot all about my cheek. My hand flies up, trying to cover it, knowing its too late.
SIster Dawn takes my hand and gently removes it from my face.
"Mother Superior."
It wasn't a question.
I stare at the floor across the room, avoiding her statement.
"She does have a mean streak. I'll never forget the first time she hit me."
"You? But I thought--"
"That I was her side-kick? Everyone does. It's not true, though."
I look at her skeptically.
"Well, not exactly true. I don't just go looking for things to tell Mother Superior. She, gives me assignments, sometimes."
"She asks you to spy on people."
"Yes," she bows her head in shame, "I'm so sorry, Sister Suri."
"It's not your fault. I'm sure it would have happened eventually even if you hadn't gotten involved."
"What do you mean?"
I take a deep breath. Do I tell her? It might not be awful having someone to talk to about my secret.
"I, I'm not really a nun," I say, shocking her.
"I don't understand," she crinkles her forehead in confusion.
I remove my hood, revealing myself to her.
"My name is Suri, but I am not a nun. I'm here under an order of protection for testifying against my ex in a murder case."
Sister Dawn's eyes go wide, and she makes the sign of the cross.
"I'm sorry for telling you. I shouldn't, I don't want you getting into any trouble. Mother Superior is a kitten compared to Tim."
Her eyes gloss over with tears.
"Oh, Sister Suri, I'm so sorry," she grabs my hands.
"It's okay," I pull my hands away, uncomfortable with the touch, "thank you."
She offers me a small smile.
"So, did you need something?"
"Oh! Well, Mother Superior told me that you're to shadow me for the next few days."
"Ah, I see."