Chapter 2 Vaudeville Photography

Tara, donning her wimple, Walks into the foyer of Maple Tree Rest Home. To her, the mix of antiseptic aging furniture represents independence. Tara is Maple Shade's social worker, even though her job has been arranged for her by St. Rose.

Tara chuckled to herself, changing her morning mood, "Ready for another day at the salt mines?"

Jenna, the zaftig receptionist at the front, is dressed head-to-toe in black. Her makeup, too thick and dark for the '70s, thus adding to the enigma. Her hair tumbled around her face in untamed curls. Jenna was Goth way before the style became famous. "Good morning, Sister Tara," Jenna waving toward a man in the lobby, camera slung over his shoulder. "We've got a visitor today. A photographer. Taking holiday pics for publicity".

Tara in a neutral tone, "Sounds like a plan."

Jenna shocked, "You're not the least bit curious?"

Brenda, the nutrition specialist, wearing the whites of the kitchen staff, joins them. As soon as she spotted the photographer, her attention shifted.

Brenda speaking directly to Jenna as if Tara the nun was not even present, "Who's the hottie with the camera?"

Jenna fires back, "Hubba Hubba, right, his name is Taylor. He's Pauline from accounts' son. He's here taking pictures for the holidays." Ignoring the nun standing right beside her.

Brenda's eyes sparkled with interest as she giggled. "I'd pose for some pictures."

Jenna's eyes still watching Taylor from across a crowded entryway. He was a bit out of place in his oil-stained jacket.

Tara clearing her throat, following Jenna's line of sight, "I take it this guy's got your attention?"

Brenda takes paper from a notepad and writes a secret note. Acting like Tara can not see her, even though she is right there. Guys like that always go for the, then she draws a quick tiny sketch of a nun. Slides it over to Jenna.

Jenna snorted audibly, rolling her eyes, "Yep. Ain't that the truth."

Tara shook her head in amusement, "You two are incorrigible. Worse than the Novice nuns I deal with at St. Rose."

Jenna, adds to the note and slides it back to Brenda,  "He's all mine." And slides it into Brenda's palm. Brenda crumples the note.

Tara is amused but not surprised.

Within moments Tara walks away and sits with Ruth Daniels, one of the oldest residents at Maple Tree. Ruth is well over eighty, rocking in her chair while knitting.

Tara engages, "How's the knitting going, Ruth?"

Ruth smiles, "Knitting's fine. But tell me, child, did I ever tell you what I used to do when I was young?" Ruth was known for her stories--wild tales from her days as part of the vaudeville circuit.

Tara is intrigued, "You? On the stage? Yes, you have told me in the past, but remember I'm a nun." Laughing with her old friend.

Ruth presses on, "Oh, yes. Back when I was very young maybe 15 or 16 years old, I used to dance in front of crowds. Small crowds, mind you. Stages were set up in large white tents outside. I wore the most scandalous outfits. Practically nothing."  Her voice rich with nostalgia. Continuing, "I was quite the hit in the theater, you know. When you're young, you don't think much about modesty."

Tara snorted, chuckling nervously, "Wow you were not even legal age, times must have been different then."

Ruth nodding and looking around to see if anyone else was in earshot, "Oh yes times were different, no one used the term Legal age.  Back then, I could shimmy and shake my tits, ass, and flash my coochie."

Tara is a bit uncomfortable knowing her 80-plus-year-old friend had no filter regarding adult situations.

"While dancing I felt a surge of power and entitlement--an electrifying sense of control over men,"  Ruth was speaking with drive and her right hand was clenched. "I loved the attention. An empowerment and self-worth that I haven't experienced since. An expression of my sexuality as a woman. In over 70 years I have not felt the same," finishing with a sigh.

Tara, now blushing slightly and chuckling nervously, shook her head, "I think I'm more suited to my quiet life as a nun."

Ruth goes over to the only dresser in her small room, "I want to show you something saved from another time. Here, take a look at this, Sister Tara." Holding up a beautiful taupe-colored sheer gown, "This is my favorite negligé--it even comes with gloves and a beautiful silk belt to match."

Tara gazing, mesmerized by the gown's beauty, "You've kept it in such perfect condition. Ruth. How old is it?"

Ruth smiled, "Yes, it's completely sheer. Looks as good as new, but it's over 60 years old."

Tara holds the gown above her head, letting the light filter through the delicate fabric, "It's gorgeous, absolutely stunning--just like the woman who wore it. To keep it as new has been your dearest dream." She carefully folds the gown and gives it back to Ruth.

Ruth gently placing it back in the drawer, "I had a white one too--same sheer material, same style. I used to dance in it in front of crowds. But it didn't have gloves". She giggled softly at the memory. "Nothing on underneath." With a wink.

On her way out the door, Tara walks by Taylor chatting with Jenna in the hallway. Jenna immediately waves, "Oh, Tara, I'd like you to meet Taylor. He's Pauline's son. He's a motorcycle mechanic, but today he's here to take publicity photos of the residents for the holidays."

As Taylor sees Tara, the nun, for the first time he takes a moment. What a stunning beauty, her hazel eyes full lips, and soft expression. Clearing his throat, "Hi, Jenna and Brenda tell me you're a nun who works here."

Jenna, eager to chime in leans forward, "Taylor here, has an entire studio at home. Darkroom and everything. He's really into photography." She places a hand lightly on his chest, "I can't wait to see his shots from today."

Tara, unsure how to respond,  "Well then no interruptions."

Jenna says, "No worries, Sister Tara". (Rarely using 'Sister' when referring to Tara). Continuing, "We were just talking about Taylor's photography and his ideas for some new projects." Jenna snickers playfully, "You won't catch me posing for any pictures unless you pay me for drinks." Laughing more out loud at this point.

Taylor, looking almost apologetic for the teasing. All the time trying not to stare at the nun's obvious beauty, inner thoughts as to how to get closer to her. Unable to speak out loud.

"Well, I just wanted to ensure everything's going okay here," Tara, states trying to excuse herself.

Jenna quickly adding, "Oh, I almost forgot. Brenda wanted to know if you'd be interested in going to an exercise class after work sometime this week?"

Tara, grateful for the invitation, "Hmm, that sounds fun. Let me know the details." One final nod and Tara heads back toward the Sky Chicken.

Tara travels back to St. Rose to get donations ready for the Holliday Coat drive before evening prayers.

In a drafty office space at St. Rose Sister Evelyn and Sister Tabby sit alone in a large room behind tall Woden closed doors. Candles flicker with the weighty conversation unfolding between them. Sister Tabby is only temporarily the Mother Superior and has been waiting for formal approval from the ranking Abbot.

Sister Tara on her way to set up for the coat drive, walks in a large hallway with the sounds of footsteps on a rock floor. She passes Sister Willa, who adds some soul to the Sisters of St. Rose. Sister Willa is a music teacher and the Children's choir director. With the echoes of the children's voices practicing Amazing Grace, Tara recognizes familiar voices behind a large closed door. Curiosity piques as she leans closer to eavesdrop.

Sister Evelyn's voice is heard, "Reverend Mother a few photos have leaked into the public domain. She posed in front of a male photographer, her modesty was not preserved."

Sister Tabby's lower voice, " One of our Novices, Always so devout, so... so pure."

Tara heard people from behind, so she was not able to hear anymore and quickly proceeds down the hall. Guessing she had overheard them speaking about Alexa, What would this mean?

Evelyn, removing her glasses and rubbing the bridge of her nose, "We have had our fair share of moral crises at St. Rose. Remember the multiple pregnancies a couple of years back? This, however, is new. Her past is largely a mystery to us."  She pauses and continues, "This isn't about the photos themselves, it's about the secrecy."

Tabby was pacing and unsettled, "What if she was coerced? What if she was tricked into doing it? We cannot deny the impact these images will have. People will talk. They'll question her. And worse--they'll question us. No, they will question me."

A long silence between them soon becomes heavy and adds gravity to the large open room. "I am only a temporary Mother Superior," Tabby adds. As she finishes her thoughts, "Do we bring her  in for questioning?"

"We cannot ignore what's happened," Evelyn states. "Whatever has happened we are not sure how this will reflect on you Tabby," She hesitates then points a bent and arthritic finger.

Tara drives home, storms out of the Sky Chicken, and flies up the steps and into the apartment. She shouts, "ALEXA, ALEXA, you have done it this time".

Alexa steps out of her bedroom, quiet and solemn, "Not me." Hesitating she opens the door wide. Novice Asia is sitting on the floor legs crossed head in hands sobbing.