Page 4 of Desert Wind

“There could be another option,” he said with a sad expression. He pushed the brochure for the Sisters of the Carmelite Convent.

“A nun?” she frowned.

“Yes. You are still a virgin, aren’t you? I mean, it honestly doesn’t matter as much any longer, but it helps,” he asked nervously.

“Of course,” she blushed.

“Well, you could become a nun, earn your degree, and work for the convent. It’s not a lot of money, but they would support you while you were there. All of your pay could go to your parents. It’s not uncommon, Jenna. I was the oldest son, and it was normal in my family for the first son or daughter to go into the church.”

“I-I know,” she stammered, “but a nun? I love my religion, I love my faith, but I never intended to devote my life to it.”

“Well, you have some time to think on it. A few weeks anyway. Maybe you could visit one of the convents and get a sense of what it’s like.”

“Maybe,” she said quietly. “Thank you for your time, Father George.”

Every time Jenna saw her high-school crush, Nash, her heart would stop, and she wanted to run to him, beg him to marry her, and allow her to go away with him while he was serving in the Marines. But it was a ridiculous, school-girl thing to dream of. They’d never even kissed or held hands. They were just buddies.

No, this wasn’t something you shared with the kids you went to school with. Not even someone that you knew was a special boy. Young man. That’s what he was. A young man.

Nash was someone special, and that had never been more clear than the day she saw what he did at the reservoir. She couldn’t prove it, but she knew that somehow Nash had parted that water and allowed Josie to survive a near drowning.

It made sense. Superheroes were humble, always in the background, and that explained Nash to a tee. Kind, generous, an athlete, and great student. He was the guy everyone wanted to be friends with. In her case, she hoped for more than friends but couldn’t bring herself to do anything about it.

“Honey, are you sure?” asked her mother.

“I don’t think there’s any other way, Mom. This is a good vocation for me.”

“Jenna, women become nuns because it’s a passion, a calling, not because they need the money. You could continue to live here, find work, and we’ll all be okay. Your father and I will think of something else. We’re going to be okay.”

“I’ve made up my mind,” she said with a forced smile. “I’m ready for a new chapter in my life.”

On the last day of school, Nash and Jenna promised to write to one another. She didn’t have the heart to tell him that she was going to become a nun. He thought she was going off to college.

He promised to write, and he did.

What Jenna didn’t know was that the convent wouldn’t allow letters from men who were not family members. She never received one letter sent in the care package by her parents. She never saw Nash again.

That is until the worst event of her life had him sitting directly across from her, attempting to hold her hand. The one thing she’d wished for her entire high school career was happening, and she couldn’t stand the thought of this man touching her.

“Nash,” she mouthed without a sound.

“Jenna. Jenna Brooks,” he grinned, slowly walking toward her. Irene quickly moved toward him, whispering to him.

“She’s scared and skittish, baby. Take it slow. Let her lead.” He nodded, then continued toward her.

“We can stay if you like, Jenna,” said Angel.

She turned, smiling at the two very sweet protectors sent for her. Although she believed the older woman might be the one to truly fear, she knew that she was safe.

“No. No, he’s an old friend from Arizona. A very old, very dear friend,” she smiled with pain, embarrassment, and trepidation.

When Nash stopped in front of her, she looked him in the eyes, memories flooding her soul, filling her with joy, fear, terror, and regret, then crumbled to the floor, sobbing. Nash kneeled beside her, gently placing an arm around her shoulders.

“It’s alright, Jenna. You’re safe now,” he said softly.

Bree kneeled beside them, along with Doc, both of them introducing themselves to the woman.

“Let’s get her to the private clinic space in the office,” said Bree.

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