Habit to Heels Chapter 03

Chapter 3 Tara's Plan/ Dance Class

Tara is taken by surprise. She sits on the floor across from Asia, a novice nun, crying. Tara understands--guilt, doubt, and fear. Asia has just started with the sisters of St. Rose. No one really knows her past, not even her best Novice Sister, Alexa.

Asia fights her sniffles and tears. "I posed for them over a year ago. He said they were for an art class. No one would ever see them. I guess he sold them to a magazine without my knowledge." Sniffling and gasping with singultus. "I was a kid on the street, it is a different world over there when you're on your own. No money, no family."

Don't worry, Asia," Tara looking Asia in the eyes. "We all have a past."

"But, what if they find out? What if the other sisters know?" Asia's voice trembled, still gasping, but able to make full sentences before hiccups.

Tara realizes that St. Rose is Asia's safe place. "You're not that person anymore. You need a fresh start. You have that here." Since Tara knows that at least Sister Tabby and Sister Evelyn are onto Asia, she is careful with her words.

Asia nodded, her lips trembling as a few tears fell. "I'm just afraid. I do not want to go back..."

Tara reaching out and places a reassuring hand on Asia's. "You have nothing to fear.  Besides, if anyone does find out, they'll see the person you've become. "

Alexa, holding a hot cup of tea in each hand."Tara," Speaking quietly, in a relieved tone. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

Tara smiling. "Now Asia you are my sister. Let's both go to St. Rose together, and I will stay with you in your room tonight. No one will question you."

Walking into St. Rose they pass a few sisters. Tara nods in friendly gestures. In the morning before prayers, she quickly finds her friend Sister Andrea.

Tara taking Andrea aside. Biting her lip. "I do not have time to explain, I need your help. During prayers this morning follow my lead." Like Tom Swayer, Tara develops a plan and enrolls Andrea.

"Sure whatever you need." Nods Andrea. Sister Andrea is usually more conservative than Tara, but she trusts her friend.

Andrea and Tara make sure that they sit directly behind Sisters Tabby and Evelyn. During the quiet time of self-meditation, Tara wants the ruse of a private dialog. Tara leans over to Andrea, just audible enough for Sister Tabby's ears. " Asia did not feel well last night so I spent the night in her room. I got to know her. She has had a rough life. She was on her own homeless at a young age. She did many things she is trying to overcome. The nuns here at St. Rose are family to her now. She is a good kid, I see now why my roommate Alexa likes her so much."

Tara smiles toward Andre when Sister Tabby turns around, but 'shhhh' at the same time.

Sister Tabby, our villain here,  whispers inaudible to Sister Evelyn. They look at each other and nod.

Inaudible for Tara to decipher, but she did hear. "Sweep rug."

For self-preservation, and a very small bit of understanding as morning prayers finish, out in the open Sister Tabby walks right up to Novice Sister Asia. Now speaking clearly but not particularly loud. Tabby stands right in front of Asia and holds both of her hands. "Asia, my child. I have not spoken with you much. Rest assured, you are one of us here at St. Rose, and I know you will do great things."

Asia looks right into Tabby's eyes, and cannot speak. She fights away the tears and wipes her eyes. She knows Sister Tara has cleared her storm.

Days later at Maple Tree Rest Home Jenna mentions the dance class with some of her friends. Trying to coerce Tara. "I promise, you'll have a blast," Jenna insisting. "It's just a bunch of us getting together to blow off some steam. You've got to come. It'll be fun!"

Later in the afternoon, Tara runs into Pauline from accounts. (Her son is the photographer Taylor.) "Oh, Sister Tara. " Pauline gets Tara's attention. "I always contribute to St. Rose's coat drive. Can I give you some coats?"

"Of course," Tara with a warm smile. "We collect them during the holiday season. Thank you so much! Do you have the coats with you?"

Pauline shaking her head. "I've got them at Taylor's studio. He has them all packed in a box. You can swing by after work, and he'll load them into your car."

Tara hesitant at the thought of seeing Taylor, didn't want to turn down the donation. "Okay, I'll stop by after a dance class I am doing with Jenna. Give me the address."

Tara soon finds herself in the locker room at the dance studio, pulling on a pair of baggy sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt. The class had about a dozen girls in leotards, tights, and leg warmers, the iconic style of the late '70s. Tara feeling out of place is waved to by Jenna.

"You look great!" Jenna, clearly trying to reassure Tara as she slightly rolls her eyes.

The class is in a large exercise room and the place smells like plastic exercise mats. Despite Jenna's eye roll and her dress. Tara decides to participate with an open mind.

The instructor begins class, standing in the front,  looking straight at Tara as a new student. "Hello I'm Deb, let your body sway and have the music guide you."Deb swaying her arms and bending her knees. She has on a one-piece electric blue French cut leotard not covering much of her thighs and hips, with purple leg warmers, and barefooted.

Pelvic thrusts, hip rolls, and sensual movements dominated the routine--The music was flirtatious. Quickly surmising the class to be far more suggestive than Tara had anticipated. The moves are a stark contrast to the graceful, controlled gestures Tara had grown up with.

A song from the musical A Chorus Line begins. Looking at Tara Deb says. "Some of us are the opposite of the song; Looks 10 Dance 3." The song is a parody but mentions tits and ass. To Tara's amazement, Deb adds. "OK, ladies move your goods like a man is watching you dance without pants. Move your tush like a lap dance." She starts to grind her hips and spins around.

Giggling can be heard around the class at Deb's jokes.

Eventually, despite being overdressed, and out of place, the uncomfortable language and song lyrics Tara catches herself laughing and relaxing.

Jenna flashes her a grin across the room, clearly enjoying herself. "See. Told you it was fun."

Tara is a little breathless. "I guess I wasn't expecting..." Admitting. "Interesting songs, still not quite sure."

Jenna shrugs. " Letting go, just for a little while. Ya know...Deb teaches nude dancers how to let's say um move and strut." Jenna never had much of a filter around her friend the nun.

"I can tell from her comments that she teaches umm other types of dance," Tara states while putting on her coat and walking outside. Looking up at the overcast sky, and inhaling through her nose. "Looks and smells like winter's first snow is coming."

Jenna politely trying to make small talk, holds out her hand as if to catch the first snowflake. "Yea, are you going to evening prayers?"

As she reaches her car and opens the door, Tara. "No, first I'm picking up for St. Rose's coat drive." Purposefully not telling Jenna the coats are at Taylor's studio.

As each drives away a windy light snow flurry begins.