Page 157 of Immortal Bastard

She instantly turned with interest. Dane’s Magdalene?

He nodded. “Sister Magdalene, this is my mate, Delilah.”

The young girl smiled. “How lovely. You can call me Maggie.”

He stepped away just as Delilah said, “Hi. I have no idea what I’m doing here.”

Magdalene was a personable female who would put her at ease.

After briefly meeting with the elders in the back, Christian returned to the main room. The Order opened with a hymn, and Delilah’s wide-eyed stare looked from side to side. His mouth pressed tight, hiding a smile. Her thoughts were shooting off like fireflies.

This is what you guys call singing? They sound like the oh-Eee-oh monkey soldiers in the Wizard of Oz.

I do not understand that reference, pintura, but try to quiet your mind and be respectful.

She frowned as some of the females dabbed their eyes with handkerchiefs, the high German hymn carrying much emotion for many of the parishioners.

Opening the book of scriptures, he stood and delivered a reading. When he finished, a traveling creek rolled through the room as everyone kneeled. Delilah did a double take and then moved to her knees. Silence followed.

What are they doing?

Praying.

She watched the others curiously. Don’t you guys believe in cushions? This floor’s killing my knees.

Try to focus, pintura.

On what? Nothing’s happening.

Just be still.

She mentally scoffed. I have the attention span of a fly and the energy of a bunny. I don’t know how to be still.

Try.

She shifted her weight from side to side, her thoughts overly dramatic as she decided she wouldn’t last long in any sort of torture situation.

Dear God, just tell me what information you want and it’s yours! I need to sit!

Several heads turned toward her and Christian’s neck heated.

Fuck. They can hear me?

He had warned her. I’m afraid so, pintura. And that’s eight.

She looked down at her folded hands, attempting to blank her mind. Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t know’s on third. Well, who’s on first? Yes. That’s the fellow’s name. Who. The guy on first. Who.

Christian frowned, as did many of those overhearing her unguarded thoughts. She seemed to be having some sort of mental fit in an attempt to occupy her mind. When everyone returned to the benches, she rubbed her knees. The bishop stood to deliver the sermon.

She could only maintain silence for small increments before her inner monologue ran wild again.

She silently hummed, her thoughts projecting over the bishop’s words. Beer-neer-neer, neer, neer, neer, neer, neer, neernt… Beer-neer-neer, neer, neer, neer, neer, neer, neernt… So, no one told you life was going to be this way. Bop-bop-bop-bop! Your job's a joke, you're broke, you're love life's D.O.Ayyyyy…

Eleazar paused from speaking the sermon and cleared his throat. Several of the females hid giggles.

It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear, when it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year…

The males turned to scowl at such disruptive behavior and the laughter stopped, many of the females blanked their minds and straightened in their seat, but Delilah continued to silently sing, her eyes scanning the rafters and moldings, completely oblivious to the others’ scrutiny.

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