The Garden of Eden by L.L. Hunter Page B

and airy. A crystal chandelier hung over the entry. The walls were all painted white and the floor was covered with glossy white tiles, reflecting the light of the chandelier causing everything to glimmer and glitter. Several silver mirrors were also placed strategically around the place to capture the light and give the illusion of space. A grand white staircase to the left of the doors carried you to the second level. The style was quite French but I felt I could get used to it. I had forgotten all about the priest who had let us in and it frightened me when he spoke again.
    “Mother Superior will see you soon. For now, you will be shown to your rooms. This is Sister Cecilia, she will guide you.” I hadn’t noticed the young nun enter. She did so quite silently, and what shocked me most was not her lack of noise, but rather her youthfulness. She had to be around my age, if not a bit older.
    “Hello, welcome.” She said, bowing slightly.
    “Hi.” My mother and I said in unison. Mum shot me a look and decided to do the talking for me. I hated how she always did this. It was as if she thought I wasn’t good enough to speak and my words would embarrass her.
    “This way,” said Sister Cecilia, grabbing all our bags (she was strong, I’ll give her that) and headed up the stairs.
    “Mother Superior said that you were raised with the Michaelites when you were young, Rachael. Is that true?”
    “Yes, it’s true. They took my brother and me in when we had no one. They were very kind to us.”
    “Is that why you come to us now?” asked Cecilia as they reached the second floor.
    “Yes, and because my daughter needs help.” My mother shot me a warning look, as if to say don’t speak. But I couldn’t help myself.
    “I don’t need help. I’m fine, really. Anyway it’s not like this place is like any kind of rehab.” I said and waited for some offence to take place. But there was none. Instead, she just said this.
    “Actually, The Michaelites offer help to all those who need it,” she paused and fixed her gaze on me before speaking again, did she know something? “Except demons and the Lucifites, that is.” I noticed Mum was tense but her shoulders seemed to relax a bit after hearing those words.
    “That’s good.” We had stopped outside a door. Sister Cecilia pressed her palm up to the security pad and a blue light came on. She entered a sequence of digits and there was a two-toned beep before she twisted the doorknob and opened the door.
    “These are the female sleeping quarters, while the male sleeping quarters are through that door over there.” I followed her pointed finger and looked at a door to the right of the one we were in front of now. This door was a complete mirror image of the one we were about to enter. I couldn’t help but wonder if there were any guys my age who were staying here, too. I made a mental note to investigate after lights out.
    “Oh, and in case you were wondering, yes, it is against the rules to enter the sleeping quarters of the opposite sex.” My eyes must have gone wide because my mother placed a firm hand on my shoulder, turning my attention to her.
    “Don’t even think about it.” She whispered harshly. I scowled and turned away. What she didn’t know won’t kill her. That was my motto. And I was sticking to my plan. I had to try to make my stay here somewhat exciting.
    As soon as we entered the female sleeping quarters, I couldn’t wait to get out to explore. The walls were dull and painted a dull, plain white. There weren’t even any art pieces on them. I began to think the foyer was all a façade. The sister opened a door to the left and paused.
    “This is your room, Rachael. Eden’s is down the hall further.”
    “Thanks.” Mum stood in the doorway of her room and fixed me with a look of concern. I returned one to reassure her and followed Sister Cecilia down the hall.
    “As soon as you get settled in your rooms, I will come get you. Mother Superior can