The following day, John could not believe all that had transpired the night before. The steaming bath scene seared into his mind. It was all he could think about. Sharon made it seem like nothing happened and smiled, "Good morning," as she sat his breakfast before him. John reddened, but as she walked away, his eyes bore into her back, now with a hyper realization of what was underneath.
"You are beaming; something wonderful must have happened to you last night," Viola, the young nun who had shrieked at his cock last night, was now helping him eat his breakfast. With some insistence, she persuaded John to let her feed him. She wanted to overcome her embarrassment and ensure nothing came between their friendship. Although he was raised there, he often felt like an outsider, and Viola was still adjusting to this life; the two were able to form a strong bond and friendship.
John now noticed how pretty she looked. Well, she always looked pretty, but now he noticed how her habit had folds and contours similar to Sharon's. That made John fantasize that Viola must also be pleasantly shapely under her garments. Her face, pale and slightly freckled, was stark because her lips were full and reddish. Accentuated by finely shaped auburn brows, she had long lashes that fluttered as she said, "Please tell me."
"Nothing," he smiled.
"You're such a terrible liar. I know exactly when you're lying to me."
John frowned a bit. It was true the two had grown close in friendship, and although he did like her, he had always fought to think pure thoughts and not be overcome with temptation.
"Well, I had a really vivid dream," although true, surely he could not tell her about the dream of seeing that wet hair draped down the front of Sharon's chest. The damp fabric of her shirt slowly revealed her voluptuous shape, and her nipples poked through the fabric--the sensuality of her careful strokes.
He shook his head and continued. He retold one of his recurring dreams. In the dream, he flew past distant stars into a wondrous new galaxy. As his body neared a close solar system, the sun and the moon bowed and praised him. All 8 of the planets bowed and praised him as well. Although slightly different each time, these details mostly remained the same. More consistently, the dream always made him feel whole.
"You've had that dream and told me about it before," Viola said suspiciously. "You've read that Bible story too many times, and the astronomer teacher who visited us from the Holy See and lectured you was full of kooky ideas about stars and solar systems. I can't believe the church has not squashed those silly ideas entirely." She was now pouting, sure he was not being honest with her.
"Well, this one felt so real. I've never seen it so vivid. So full of wonder. I felt home and complete."
Still not convinced, Viola decided it was best to leave it and coyly replied, "Well, next time you need to wash, I promise I won't freak out. Please let me wash you like I was supposed to."
"Mother Sharon finished; she did okay."
"Well, of course she did; she's always cared for you, and you did risk your life to rescue her bravely." At this comment, John grimaced more than the physical wounds; the fact that at the moment of the attack, he was physically helpless plagued him. Noticing, Viola quickly continued, "Besides, she's next in line to head this convent. She shouldn't have to worry about menial tasks like trying to clean up a dirty little boy like you."
"Well, maybe if you do a better job than her, I'll consider it." The devious smile behind his eyes made her flutter momentarily. She thought she had felt a shiver run through her. Shyly, he quickly added, "It won't be necessary. Sharon and the rest of the sisters have really helped me recover. It's almost magical how quickly I'm recovering. Even the paladins are recovering quickly. I talked to one to thank him. He seemed too young to be a paladin."
Viola smiled as she helped him to the last of his food. "Oh my gosh, they are both so dreamy."
The two paladins were staying to recover from their injuries. Their third, the one in charge and the one who beheaded the bandit chieftain had assessed all who were injured, spoke with Mother Superior briefly, and sped back to report at the Holy See.