Page 72 of Tis the Season to be Bullied

He said I’m safe here, and look what’s happened? I’ve been bullied and falsely accused without a say in the matter.

Would he honestly let that happen?

A few minutes later, I’m standing in front of Father Gabriel’s door. It takes every ounce of courage I have to knock. I’m still not convinced I can tell him everything, but I’m craving his comfort. I need someone to hold me and tell me everything’s going to be okay.

Like a toddler with a boo-boo. Real mature, Trinity.

My knock sounds too loud in this broad, empty hallway.

But obviously, it isn’t loud enough because there’s no response.

I try again.

My hand goes over the doorknob. Locked.

Ha. So much for him trusting his things are safe. I guess that only applies to orphans like me who don’t have anything valuable to steal.

I step back, bristling with a sudden anger.

I’m about to give the door the finger when movement catches my eye.

Reuben walks down the hallway. I stiffen, and like the idiot I am, I don’t even think of fleeing.

“He’s not here,” Reuben says.

“Yeah, I figured.”

“He’ll be back tomorrow.”

“You his PA or something?”

There’s not a hint of what he might be thinking in those black eyes. “Or something,” he says. “You should be in your room.” His eyes dart down to the clothes bundled up in my arm. “What are you doing up here?”

I’m not big on lies. My mother had a good nose for them, and she’d catch me out every time. It was easier to tell her the truth. But lies come easier when you’re dealing with strangers. The past few weeks have been a learning curve for me.

I’m fine.

No, I don’t need to speak to a counselor.

Yes, I’ve said my prayers.

I’m still the furthest thing from a conman, but I’m pretty sure I sound convincing when I say, “Father Gabriel said I could use his bathroom so I don’t have to share with the boys.” I cross my arms, lifting my chin as I mentally dare Reuben to see through my lie. “But he forgot to leave me his key. Do you have one?”

The faintest smile touches Reuben’s generous mouth. “I wish I did.”

“Well, then, it’s pointless us standing here, isn’t it?” I put on my iciest expression and swing around to leave.

A hand closes around my shoulder and turns me back. I wince as my skirt shifts against my sensitive backside. But I smooth away the pained look before Reuben can notice.

“You should be careful around him,” Reuben says.

“Father Gabriel?” I laugh. “You know he’s a bishop, right?”

“Not anymore.” Reuben dips his head, and the dim lighting in the hallway casts pools of shadows in his eye sockets. “And even if he still was, titles don’t mean anything around here.”

“I’m sure theprovostthinks different.” I snatch my shoulder away from his fingers and take a quick step back.

He doesn’t touch me again, but his eyes fall to my chest instead.

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