Changing Habits Read Free Page A

have to go another minute without talking.”
    Angie glared at her friend.
    â€œWhat about you?” Dorothy pressed. She stared at Angie. “Don’t tell me this silence doesn’t bother you, too?”
    In response, Angie shook her head, slid past her and left the chapel. She’d been deeply involved in saying the rosary and resented the intrusion. Fearing someone else would distract her, she walked out of the building anddecided to do the Stations of the Cross. The fourteen stations, which illustrated the stages in Christ’s journey to crucifixion, followed a path that meandered through the lush grounds. The air was warm and perfumed with the scent of spring, and Angie felt an unmistakable surge of well-being.
    It was at the fourth station, where Jesus met His mother on the road to Calvary, that Angie came upon an older nun sitting on a bench, her head bowed and her hands clasped in prayer. Not wanting to disturb the other woman, Angie decided to leave.
    Just as she was about to turn away, the nun glanced up and as she saw Angie, a flash of recognition came into her eyes.
    Angie took a second look. No, it couldn’t be. “Sister Trinita?” she whispered.
    The nun smiled. “Is it really you, Angie?”
    â€œYes…oh, Sister Trinita, I’ve thought of you so often over the years.”
    â€œI’ve thought of you, too. Are you a high school senior already?”
    Angie nodded. “St. Mary’s School for Girls.”
    â€œThe years go past so quickly.” Sister smiled gently. “I can hardly believe you’re almost grown-up.” She moved farther down on the bench, silently inviting Angie to join her.
    â€œI was so disappointed when you were transferred,” Angie told her. “I looked forward to fifth grade for two years.” After her mother’s death, Sister Trinita’s departure had been the second big loss of her life.
    â€œIt was difficult for me to accept that I wouldn’t be your teacher, but it was for the best. The decisions of the motherhouse always are.”
    Angie didn’t agree. Sister Trinita’s transfer, her disappearance from Angie’s life, had seemed so unfair. “You had no choice?”
    â€œNo, but that’s not the point. When I became a bride of Christ, I promised obedience in all things.”
    â€œI could never do that,” Angie told her. She didn’t like admitting to such a weakness, but it was true.
    Sister Trinita laughed softly. “Of course you could. When God asks something of us, there’s no thought of refusing.”
    Sister sounded so calm and certain, as though there was never any question when it came to obeying God, never any doubt. Angie was sure she’d turned God down any number of times.
    â€œYou’ve grown into a fine young woman,” Sister Trinita said, her eyes soft with affection. “I imagine your father is very proud.”
    Angie shrugged. “I suppose so.”
    After another moment she asked, “You’re assigned to the motherhouse?”
    Sister Trinita smiled, but she hesitated before she answered. “For now.”
    â€œOh.”
    There was a long silence, or maybe it only seemed long to Angie. Just as she started to speak, Sister Trinita rose slowly to her feet, tucking both hands in the capacious sleeves of her habit.
    â€œIt’s been good to talk to you,” Sister said.
    â€œYou, too.” Angie wasn’t ready to leave, and it seemed she was being dismissed. “Sister,” she said, “could I ask you about being a nun?” It was the only question she could think of that would prolong the conversation.
    Sister Trinita sank back onto the bench. “What would you like to know?”
    Angie clasped her hands and gazed into the distance. It was so peaceful here in these gardens. The sound of traffic was muted by the many trees throughout the property. “When did you first realize you had a