Exhausted but calm and relaxed, Brooke had nestled peacefully in Lucas's secure and manly arms. Wrapped in a pleasant, soft and comforting warmth, she had ended up falling asleep against his chest. Despite the silent cogs turning in Lucas's head, Brooke fell asleep peacefully that night. The priest, for his part, was thinking, introspecting, cogitating and finally had to surrender to an inevitable evidence... That of noting that he and Brooke were brought together by something deeper than sexual desire... Like a visceral, real, undeniable bond... Fatally inexorably destined to take root. He understood better than ever why marriage and sex went hand in hand in the Catholic religion... Because he had this implacable and completely unreasonable feeling that Brooke was now his wife, his partner.
With these considerations tormenting him, Lucas finally turned off the light and fell asleep, also against Brooke.
SISTER KAREN : Brooke, are you still asleep?!
Brooke frowned in her sleep and moaned softly, rubbing her head against the pillow.
SISTER KAREN : Brooke, you're worrying me there... Can I come in?
Brooke realized that she wasn't dreaming at all. No, it was a real voice calling her and talking to her.
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : And it's coming from the other side of the door...
Suddenly, Brooke jumped and sat up on the bed, completely panicked. She spoke a little too loudly, by the way.
BROOKE : Lucas wake up... There's Sister Karen at the door, you have to...
Instinctively, she moved her hand to shake him but it hit the mattress directly. Disconcerted, she noticed that he was no longer there. Her eyes stopped on a piece of paper on the pillow. She heard the handle open, then Sister Karen mutter something and finally enter the room. Brooke barely had time to hide the note under the duvet before Sister Karen was already next to her bed.
SISTER KAREN : Hello, my daughter... Oh, but you were still asleep, weren't you? I knocked several times... I heard you say something but I didn't understand anything... My ears play tricks on me sometimes!
BROOKE : No, I... I was still half asleep... I was talking to myself, sorry!
SISTER KAREN : Don't look so embarrassed, it happens to me too!
Brooke couldn't help but smile as she thought back to last night's scene in the kitchen. She mumbled under her breath.
BROOKE : Yeah, I know...
As Sister Karen walked over to the window, she stopped and turned back to Brooke.
SISTER KAREN : Excuse me?
BROOKE : Oh! I didn't say anything... I was just stretching.
SISTER KAREN : Okay. Well, I'll open the blinds and let you open the window when you've had something more... decent.
Sister Karen kindly pointed out to Brooke that she had noticed her nakedness but didn't comment further.
SISTER KAREN : What a marmot you are! Come on, my child, it's already 8 a.m... You didn't rest this weekend?
BROOKE : Yes...
SISTER KAREN : Good, then... Because Mrs. Debie is expecting you in thirty minutes for a busy day! You should get ready.
Brooke didn't move from her bed but curled her lips to indicate that she was waiting for her to come out to do so.
SISTER KAREN : Oh! Of course... I'll leave you to it!
As soon as Sister Karen had left, Brooke fell back limply on her bed. The week was starting strong! Nevertheless, a little bitter taste returned to her memory ... That of having woken up alone after a night like this one. Even if she had to admit it, Lucas had saved their ass by having left her room earlier. Brooke supposed that they would have the opportunity to discuss it again later and opened the little carefully folded message.
WORD FROM LUCAS : I had all the trouble in the world to detach myself from you, my body did not consent ... Good morning, my pretty and thank you for this incredible night ... We see each other today ... L.
Brooke sketched a smile. His words pleased her and reassured her as to her state of mind. She got up ... It was high time to get dressed for this beautiful day that was coming!
Later, Brooke found Debie in her office. She was already working... The Charity Gala was coming up.
DEBIE : Good morning Brooke! Did you sleep well?
Debie didn't even give her time to answer as she continued on her way.
DEBIE : We have a whole bunch of things to do... We're going to start by checking out the venue for Thursday night! Are you ready? We're going to get going right away...
BROOKE : Yes, yes I'm following you...
They both went out to head towards the comionnette. Brooke then saw a silhouette she knew intimately. Lucas had his back to her, his head in the hood of the old comionnette. Brooke couldn't help but stare at his ass... While she only wanted to pinch his buttocks by surprise, she refrained from any initiative.
DEBIE : Tell me she's ready for service, father! I'm already on the verge of a heart attack!
Lucas didn't turn around but chuckled heartily as he closed the hood. He rubbed his hands on his jeans. Brooke and Debie arrived at Lucas' level, obviously Brooke felt like a teenager almost impressed to see him again... Apparently, she wasn't the only one to feel that way because Lucas blushed as soon as his gaze fell on her. Chasing away his confusion as best he could, he addressed Debie first.
LUCAS : I wouldn't say it's like new, but it'll do the job until Thursday, I give you my word.
While Debie was exulting with joy, Lucas, all smiles, then moved slightly to face Brooke.
LUCAS : Good morning Brooke...
BROOKE : Good morning Lucas... Did you sleep well?
Lucas blushed even more but at the same time gave a half smile that was a little restrained.
LUCAS : Very well, thank you. I would even say that I hadn't slept so well in a long time. And you?
BROOKE : Surprisingly well! Even if waking up was a little difficult...
Lucas' face darkened a little... He probably thought Brooke wanted to talk about his absence. Brooke added:
BROOKE : Sister Karen came to my room to wake me up...
Lucas opened his eyes wide in surprise and astonishment. He then understood what could have happened ...
DEBIE : I sent it ... I didn't want to start this day already behind schedule! But I'm sorry if this awakening was a little abrupt, Brooke, but Karen is surely gentler than me ...
BROOKE : Don't worry, I'm just not a morning person ... I'm even starting to get used to these personalized alarms. Besides and against all expectations, I even have the impression that I'm starting to appreciate the place.
Lucas rewarded her with a nice smile, understanding her roundabout way of making compliments.
DEBIE : I was sure that you would end up appreciating this bucolic and rustic charm! And the people who live there! Because we, we appreciate you a lot, you know! Don't we, father?
LUCAS : Certainly. The most beautiful encounters are always the most unexpected.
Lucas and Brooke lost themselves in each other's gaze. It was warm, tender, sincere, and even a little naughty.
DEBIE : Well, that's not all, but we're going to have to get going! Lucas, are you coming with us?
Brooke stopped for barely half a second when she heard Debie's proposal... Surprised but delighted by the idea. She scrutinized Lucas' reaction... He seemed to hesitate as if it was a perfectly possible option for him. As he was about to answer, a small male cough caught their attention a few meters away. Father Luc looked at all three of them at first with a slightly circumspect air but nodded with a smile. Lucas returned his nod, Brooke said nothing.
DEBIE : Hello, Father! You don't forget Thursday night, eh! I reserved a place for you at the most prestigious table...
FATHER LUC : Thank you Devie, and I know how much this evening means to you, but I pity my guests... Your guests are likely to find me undistracting company, you know that I am a man of few words.
DEBIE : Don't say anything stupid, you are the dean and the soul of this Community... They will be honored, on the contrary! This evening is an opportunity to collect subsidies to carry out several of our projects, don't forget that!
FATHER LUC : I will do everything I can, even if I know that it will be your talents as a hostess that will make them generous.
DEBIE : You flatter me! Besides, I still have to finish some details by Thursday...
FATHER LUC : I won't keep you, ladies. Prepare us a great evening!
Debie gave him a frank smile accompanied by a hand on the shoulder, then she turned to Lucas.
DEBIE : You don't mind if we borrow Lucas for the morning?
The priest frowned and looked alternately at Lucas, Debie and then at Brooke. Brooke didn't like the look in his eyes.
FATHER LUC : I'm afraid that's not possible.
His tone was hard and cold. Lucas seemed both embarrassed and surprised by the situation and the priest's categorical refusal.
FATHER LUC : Will you be able to manage without him or do you want me to go get Brother Skillz or Brother Chase?
DEBIE : No, it'll be fine, don't bother yourself! We're two strong women... Are you coming, Brooke?
Really disappointed, Brooke knew she couldn't afford to react. She glanced at Lucas who was already walking away. Barely a few meters later, Debie stopped dead.
DEBIE : Damn! My cell phone!
BROOKE : Do you want me to go get it for you so you can start the car already?
DEBIE : Very good idea, thanks Brooke! He must be stupidly on my desk ...
BROOKE : I'll take care of it!
Without a second thought, Brooke turned around. She made sure that Debie resumed her walk before deviating near the alley. Lucas was there, with the Abbot. They were facing each other, barely a few meters away. Brooke didn't hear anything. She moved further behind the hedge in order to almost reach their height, while remaining well hidden. She listened ... She heard Lucas.
LUCAS : I understand but you have no reason to worry about me, Father.
FATHER LUC : Where were you last night?
Brooke could make out their conversation. What she heard made her shiver especially since Lucas remained silent.
FATHER LUC : You didn't sleep at the Community, my son, did you?
LUCAS : Indeed, father. But let me explain...
FATHER LUC : Believe me, I'm all ears...
LUCAS : At the home ... I was at the home. I decided to spend the night there because it was late and I was tired.
Lucas tried to answer as confidently as possible but his voice was slightly trembling.
FATHER LUC : At the home ... Mmh ... I see. It is honorable to invest yourself in this way for these young people, truly admirable. But it is also extremely unfortunate that you forget the most elementary rules of life of our Community ...
Lucas said nothing and looked at his feet.
FATHER LUC : My son, would you allow me a second question?
LUCAS : Certainly.
FATHER LUC : Do you remember what you came for when you joined the Abbey?
LUCAS : Of course, and I will never be grateful enough to you for having welcomed me and my brothers so well.
FATHER LUC : Faith, but also security, shelter, a new family, peace, serenity and appeasement... All this is precious to you, isn't it?
LUCAS : More than anything, father. It is essential to me.
FATHER LUC : So, I would advise you to do everything not to turn away... By anything... Or anyone.