Not the most action packed update but I know where it's going. Please review.
Sister Bernadette could barely speak as she tried to voice something, anything to alleviate the sudden guilty in her chest. Sister Julienne looked at her Sister in God with sorrow filled eyes, understanding more than the other could verbalise.
They sat together in the chapel; the only sounds were that of Sister Bernadette's soft sobs becoming steady breathing. Sister Julienne held her hand softly, now and then rubbing her thumb along the other's knuckle in a comforting gesture.
They both suddenly looked up at the sound of hurried footsteps in time to see Jenny running in. She had to stop very quickly before hitting a row of chairs, as it was she stopped so quickly she stumbled backwards slightly.
"Oh, sorry." Jenny smiled apologetically, "Sister Julienne, Dr Turner has asked to speak with you regarding a patient." Jenny smiled again unsure whether to leave now the message was received or to wait and leave with her.
Sister Julienne nodded and turned her face back to Sister Bernadette who had tensed slightly at the doctor's name.
"Will you be okay if I leave you, Sister?" Her eyes sought her companion's, full of worry and unspoken compassion. Sister Bernadette slowly nodded and took in a deep breath.
"Yes Sister, I will be fine. You are needed." She removed her hands for Sister Julienne's and got up, straightening her clothes as she did. She then walked out of the chapel only pausing to smile slightly at Jenny as she passed. Her each step was slow and sad and even Jenny could see the concern in Sister Julienne's eyes.
At lunch Sister Bernadette listened quietly as Jenny spoke about a family she was worried about. It turned out this family consisted of eight children and the whole family lived in two rooms.
"It's unfair. The council won't rehome them because they're such a large family." Jenny's voice rung with the sadness of the situation.
"It's not right but it's not unheard of, they already have eight and one on the way, what can the council do?" Cynthia was once again the voice of reason
"You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair." Everyone turned their eyes to Sister Monica Joan who was sat looking at her meal, her fork poised ready to eat however she merely prodded her potato.
"Sisier?" Sister Julienne looked amused but didn't expect an answer.
The conversation returned to mundane things like music or the latest film playing and Sister Bernadette lost focus to her thoughts. She ran through the small conversation with Sister Julienne, not really remembering most of what she said.
As conversation ended people were getting up and moving off to their afternoon visits and other commitments. Sister Bernadette got up startling the last few members at the table.
"Excuse me." She went straight to her room intending to pray before her next visit. All she could focus on was Doctor Turner's face that was still etched into her eyelids. She imagined the hurt he felt as she had drawn her hand back and her chest ached.
She sat on her bed and open her trusted Bible, knowing God would show Himself to her when she most needed it.
"ˡ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me."
Psalm 51. It was one of her favourites so it wasn't surprising it was the natural opening place of the well-loved book. She thought about the words and the comfort God has always offered. Since she was young He had been there, her shelter. She did nothing to deserve His love, she was no saint and never professed to be but He knew that and every step of the way He had been there as her comforter and protector.
She loved God, and she never for one moment regretted joining the order. She had seen more of life living at Nonnatus House than she could have imagined and even when she felt alone and isolated from the conversations of the young midwives she would retreat and bask in the Lord's presence.
She smiled to herself finishing the Psalm, knowing all the promises God had made for her. She got up and made her way downstairs to gather her bag and set out for her afternoon visits.
The house was quiet as most of the nurses were doing visits, it seemed to be a busy afternoon and the added pressure of the local fate coming had them all working nonstop. Sister Bernadette collected her bag and went out to get her bicycle out.
On her way through she bumped into Sister Julienne who looked flustered.
"Are you well Sister?" This time the worry was Sister Bernadette's.
"Yes Sister. Just a trying day, I am concerned for Nurse Lee." A questioning look from the other made Sister Julienne continue, "the family that Nurse Lee was telling us about at lunch, well the mother is in hospital." She lowered her eyes.
"Was it…?" Sister Bernadette was not knew to the women of Poplar, a woman expecting her ninth child with no hope of being able to feed it could go to any length to get rid.
"Yes. She likely has septicaemia, her family may have to say goodbye soon. Nurse Lee feels guilty and we have fate business to finish." Sister Julienne looked tired and Sister Bernadette felt guilty for taking up her time for what seemed like a trivial matter.
"I'm about to do my afternoon visits, is there anything else you would like me to do as well Sister?" At that Sister Julienne smiled and shook her head.
"No, you carry on exactly as you are. I couldn't do without you." She smiled kindly and walked into the kitchen.
Sister Bernadette left and got on her bicycle heading for her first visit, wondering whether she would see Dr Turner at all. Catching herself she sighed and cycled on.
Okay CtM this week :O so happy I can't even! Anyway, yes, please review, new update soon, work permitting.
xx