Chapter 12: Breaking Bread, Part 3

I am loving the interplay, it's fabulous!

As dinner wound down, Fairbairn and Bjornson grabbed a chest set from a nearby rack with games to play. As Colonel Larkin stood, Sister Helena asked:

“Colonel Larkin, would you like to play a game of chess with me?”

“No thank you, Sister,” he replied. “I have some paperwork and requisition forms to fill out for our mission.”

“Understandable,” Sister Helena said. “Well then have a good evening.” Colonel Larkin nodded and took Sister Helena’s and his empty plates to be washed and left the commissary. Sister Helena stayed in the commissary and watched Fairbairn Bjornson play for a short time. All the while she felt sad. She had done nothing wrong to Colonel Larkin personally, yet he was so cold to her.

Sister Helena discreetly left her seat and left the commissary for her quarters.

“It certainly sounds like a place of healing,” replied Fairbairn.

“Exactly,” said Sister Helena. “It is a special place for me to make amends for my past.” Larkin couldn't take it any longer. “Atonement isn't that simple, Sister Helena,” he said coldly and bitterly. The whole table fell silent. Sister Helen timidly met Colonel Larkin’s gaze with a sorrowful look.

“I know that, Colonel. But I'm trying one day at a time.” Fairbairn sensed tension brewing. She cleared her throat.

“So, would anyone like to play chess or cards after dinner?”

“I would, ma'am,” said Bjornson. “I could use some practice at chess.”

“Well, you're on,” Fairbairn replied. “Just don't expect me to go easy on you!”

“I wouldn't have it any other way.” Colonel Larkin remained silent. His thoughts were elsewhere. Sister Helena continued to eat but with a pensive look on her face.

Colonel Larkin, feeling slightly relaxed from the conversation, said: “What I miss about home is the deep-dish pizza and the jazz clubs. There’s something special about them.”

“That sounds wonderful, Colonel, I imagine the scene is vibrant,” Sister Helena said sincerely. Colonel Larkin gave her a curt nod.

“And what about you, Sister, what do you miss about Texas or North Dakota?” Fairbairn asked.

“What I miss about Texas is the Barbecue, Country Music and warm evenings! And what I miss about North Dakota is the serenity of the monastery. The grounds are peaceful, and I come to cherish it.” replied Sister Helena,

“How did you wind up in Chahinkapa? Bjornson asked. Sister Helena paused to choose her words carefully. After a moment she spoke:

“After... certain events in my life, I sought a place for peace and a purpose. The monastery offered me that.” Colonel Larkin shifted in his chair, uneasy at what Sister Helena said. He clenched his jaw.