Page 31 of Bad Habit
“Yes. I showed her into the library.”
“Her?” Disappointment shot through me so hard I had to step back. “Who is it?”
“I don’t know.” Sister Agatha headed down the hallway, her shoes squeaking with each step.
Curiosity propelled me along the narrow corridor of the sleeping quarters, then down the winding staircase to the floor of the mission where the library was located. This corridor was grand, wood-paneled—meant for the priests and parishioners.
I stepped into the library and stopped short when I saw who it was.
“Aunt Astrid.”
“Faith!” She crossed the room in an instant and bundled me into her arms.
I stiffened. So strange to have this woman be so familiar. Yes, we were family, but we’d only met once—at Mother’s funeral. Before that day, I hadn’t known she existed. In fact, I now wondered whether she’d lied. I was so naive four months ago, and I’d just taken this woman on her word. Was she my relative at all?
I backed out of her arms. “Why are you here?”
A flash of hurt crossed her face, followed by a warm smile. “I’ve been worried about you. You weren’t easy to track down, you know.”
“Worried? Why?”
“Let’s sit.” She crossed to one of the worn leather chairs and gestured for me to sit opposite her.
My skepticism shields on high, I joined her.
“After Britt’s funeral, you disappeared. I was so worried.”
“I didn’t disappear.” I rested my hands firmly on my lap. “I came here. Father George set it up for me.”
“Yes, he told me where to find you. He thinks you plan to become a nun?”
I nodded.
“Oh, honey, why?” She shifted forward on her worn leather chair, and I straightened my back.
“Because I have a calling. Because I want to serve God.”
“Because Britt talked you into it.”
“No.” I pressed my hands into my knees.
“Listen, honey. Your mother…”
“How do I even know that you’re her sister? She never mentioned a sister.” She’d never mentionedanyonein her family and had made it clear I wasn’t to ask.
Astrid frowned, opened her mouth as if to speak, then bent to pull a few folders of papers from the small backpack beside her. “These are some things I thought you might want to have. Family photographs, some of your mom’s old report cards, and some notebooks.”
My heart raced as I slowly reached forward to take the bundle of folders. Tears rose in my eyes, and I blinked to clear my vision. A few tears escaped down my cheeks.
“You must miss her so much.” Astrid touched my hand lightly.
“I’m sorry.” I looked up from the rug to my aunt.
“Why are you sorry?” Her head tipped to the side.
“For accusing you of lying.” I smiled. “I… Since moving here, I’ve learned that not everyone who seems honest, is honest.”
“That’s a good lesson to learn. Your mom… I can’t believe she kept you so isolated, the two of you out there all on your own. It wasn’t right.”
