Mary, guess what? He smiled nervously. Mister Noirson paid for you to live in building #7. Lucky you! Youll have security, free room service
The girl just stared at him.
You should thank Mister Noirson, sister Augusta said, trying to take Marys hand, but the girl gasped, side stepped both adults and ran out and along the corridor, haring downstairs into the basement.
Her thoughts were mixed, her mind confused, in a panic.
Get away! Get away! was beating like a drum inside her head. What should I do? What should I do? was the chorus.
She knew one secret window in the basement. Nobody, unless they wanted to break their necks, dared enter through it, but she often used it as a means of escape.
She reached the wall, routinely spat on her hands, and, like a lizard, climbed up the brick wall to the window. She slid through it effortlessly.
The window frame was at ground level. Mary crawled out into the dusk, and once away from the building got to her feet.
The darkness of the summer night helped her calm down. She looked up at the sky.
In the middle of the city, surrounded by tall gloomy buildings, the girl felt as if she were stranded at the bottom of a well.
One or two stars were visibly twinkling from far above, and not for the first time in her life, Mary wept and cried out, Oh, dear God! Please help me be strong!
Wow! What a passionate plea! somebody said in a deep gentle voice.
Flabbergasted, the girl literally jumped in surprise. She glanced around, and her hair stood on end. Usually this street was empty but not today. A few cars were parked nearby, and a group of rough, hefty men, accompanied by their matching playmate girlfriends were getting out and gradually making their way towards her.
Mary had grown up in this part of the city; she knew all the local gangs and went to great lengths to avoid any and all contact with them. She was perturbed, not so much that she was in gangland, but that she had never laid eyes on such people before. It was not just the menace of their appearance; it was the military-like orderliness that made Marys blood curdle.
Oh my God, she thought looking about her, having shivers. Whoever they are, Im not a welcome guest here, thats for sure.
What a nice prayer, continued the same bizarre voice; tender and soft, yet threatening in a very obvious way.
Mary licked her dry lips.
There is no way I am going to survive this little party, she mused, grimly. She casually slipped her hands into her jacket pockets and prepared her trusted brass knuckles and switchblade for battle. Self-defense classes are an obligatory part of monastic training, and the congregation that Mary had attended was no exception. But theyve got it dead wrong if they think they are going to have it easy.
Taking the initiative, she tried to buy herself some time.
Guys, she pronounced as peacefully as she could in the direction of the dozen ferocious night stalkers. Im a local, okay, a real nobody. I am so much a nobody it is sad. Her declaration was met with disinterest, but she persevered. Look, I didnt see you, and I dont know you. I live just along from here, so please, I only want to go home.
But it was a strange way to leave the church gym, the man, invisible in the shadow, said, mocking her. If you wanted to say a prayer, why didnt you go to the chapel?
Mary gazed through the dark in the direction of the voice.
Hes the boss here she understood. Hes my only hope.
Look, she addressed the shadow. Nobody wants trouble. It seems you know me, and I am begging you, just let me go.
Maybe I will. But only if you answer honestly why you left like you did.
Mary swallowed hard and said quietly yet audibly, I wanted to keep my purity. But now I see, Im in shit up to my eyeballs!
Everybody laughed, even Mary in her nervousness. She had lost all hope, but one bonus to her advantage was that her sense of fear had also evaporated into the night air.
Oh, girl, the man said, shaking his head. That is rather improper language for a nun.
A nun? an angry whisper ran through the ranks of the gang members surrounding her. Marys heart throbbed again, not expecting the reaction she was getting.
Do you think God will protect you if I allow my men to do whatever they want to you?
No, she answered at once.
Why not?
God doesnt rule this world.
Good. Who then?
Satan, the Devil, Mary said calmly. Would you like to hear quotations from the Bible to prove it?
No, its okay, the man replied. We have already wasted a lot of time. Look, Mary, lets get to the point. Im a really busy man, but I want to talk to you. Could you give me two hours a day, maybe more, Im not sure? But two hours is what I have in mind. I promise, well meet only in public places. Is it okay with you?
You mean, all this scary shit was just to ask me out for a date? Neat!
I suppose it is a bit over the top, but that is exactly how it is. So, assuming you arent intending to smash my teeth in with that knuckleduster in your pocket, are you in agreement to meet me for friendly conversation?
Mary was unnerved by his remark about her weapon hidden from view, but nodded anyway.
Great! Tomorrow, wait for me in the Green Streets cafe, its just across your street, between McDonalds and the book-shop.
I know where you mean. Fine. She hoped he would let her go before arranging a time. No such luck.
Wait for me until 1:00 p.m. if Im able to make it, Ill come. By the way, Im going to pay you for your time: thirty dollars an hour. Is that okay with you?
What, you mean sixty dollars a day? she had never earned that amount of money before.
Some day, there may be more, if Im able He misinterpreted her look of amazement. Ah, you want more? Ill pay you cash so you wont have to pay any tax What a Scroogette! Out of interest, before you go, Mary J, do you remember, Im paying for your campus apartment?
You? she yelled angrily. She rushed toward him, but the man also stepped forward out of the shadows. In the ghostly streetlight the girl recognized Robert Noirson.
He was smiling smugly, but when their eyes met, his grin faded, and a worry washed out his self-confident expression.
Are you okay? he asked, uncertain.
Y yes. I think so. She puffed her mouth out and exhaled, as if in the middle of a breathing exercise, taking herself under control again. I just realized that there is no running from fate. I honestly tried.
Mary, dear, I beg you, dont think about me this way! Wait a second! A thought had struck him. What did your tutors say to you?
Nothing much. Only that you are paying for my apartment in the most fancy building in the campus. So I have to be an obedient girl in any way that you decide. And we all know what that means.
Mary regretted saying what she had said. Roberts eyes flashed yellow and all-consuming anger distorted his beautiful face to such an extent that Mary stepped back in fear.
But he instantly calmed down, and smiled. Sorry for that.
He turned to the man and the girl standing closest to him, said something very quietly, then walked back to Mary. Lets go.
Robert walked her to her old apartment.
Pack your stuff, dear, he told her. Ill be back.
***
Moving into her new apartment took less than an hour. Mary was unpacking, when she heard a bell, and when she opened the door, there was Robert.
He looked tired, upset and gloomy.
Oh poor man, Mary thought. She involuntarily reached out her arm to touch his cheek, but dared not. She was deeply surprised with herself at the strong attraction to a man twenty years her senior. What happened?
I have just talked with your tutors. Dont worry theyll never disturb you again. Can I hug you or do you think Im going to abuse you?
No, its okay. Im thankful towards you.
It was a father-like hug. Mary finally calmed down; she melted with a feeling of security and peace. Robert unclasped his arms, and Mary J. felt a loss.
Mary, Im no ordinary man.
The statement drew a smile from Marys stern face.
Right, youre my guardian angel, she joked.
Well, Robert faltered. Sort of. Look, Mary, its going to be a very long talk, I really have to go. See you tomorrow, I hope.
Good night, she whispered.
He left, and Mary locked the door.
Not bothering to finish her unpacking, she jumped onto her new bed, drowning in the honey-heavy dew of slumber even before her head touched the pillow. And in her dreams, she relived the hug that she had shared with Robert but in a much different way.
The First Date
That morning Mary woke up in her new apartment. She opened her eyes and could not determine for a moment if she was dreaming or if it was real. Her entire bedroom was decorated with flowers.
She got up, ran to the living room, to the kitchen Flowers, flowers everywhere Even in the bathroom.
Mary called the security service: Its 726. Who sent me the flowers, and at what time were they delivered to me?
Sorry, Miss, what do you mean? Nobody has called in here with a delivery since I started my shift.
When was that?
Unfortunately for me, I had to start at 9 oclock last night.
With her face flashing, Mary smashed down the receiver. She hated not knowing.
***
Mary sat down in front of her mirror, and did her make-up, then pinned her hair up, as usual.
She twirled from side to side checking herself out from all angles. The ponytail bundled on top of her head seemed like a magical golden snake, bathing in the sunlight.
For the longest time, Mary rummaged through her pitiful wardrobe.
Darn, she mumbled, biting her bottom lip. The first date in my life, and I have nothing to wear!
Finally, she chose simple black pants and a matching figure-hugging shirt. It was her favorite emerald green color, flattering and turned her mood on as she looked intensely at herself in the mirror.
For the first time, she noticed that the fabric emphasized perfectly the curvy shape of her upper body. Her cheeks blushed.
In amazement, because this was not her normal way, she watched her hand move slowly up, and her tiny fingers, acting of their own free will, undid the first two buttons. In an effort at modesty, she patted down the edges of her almost plunging blouse.
Mustnt tempt themselves or others, she mumbled. A tint of shame flashed green across her kaleidoscopic eyes. So our clothing should be decent and chaste
She tried to compel herself to close her shirt as usual. She couldnt!
Come on, stupid! she snapped at herself. As if a man like him would fall for a little flash of skin. What, is he a virgin or a monk? Give me a break!
She noticed that the cross she was wearing around her neck accentuated the crevice between her breasts, and she took the necklace off.
Dont overdo it, girl, she mumbled, looking at her reflection again.
In the corner of her eye she caught the flowers next to the mirror, and she grew angry again.
Neat, she thought. Her lips parted slightly, revealing her pearly teeth, like a tigress displaying her fangs. While I was sleeping A man or maybe even MEN were walking around! Thank Goodness I didnt sleep naked!
She checked the time, took her purse and left. The café wasnt too far away, so she arrived within a few minutes.
The table had been reserved. Mary sat by the window and took a menu. But when she saw the prices, she nearly fell off her chair. Mary had never visited a luxury restaurant before and she was astonished.
Okay, she mused. Lets hope if he invited me here, hes going be the perfect gentleman and pay for my meal as well.
Mary ordered an orange juice and a chefs salad, and waited. She was still very angry about the flowers and was preparing a few harsh words for the suspected culprit.
But Robert was late and Mary had plenty of time to calm down, people watching through the window, entranced by the endless stream of pedestrians and traffic rushing to who knew where.
***
It was already 1:00 p.m., and Mary was growing impatient, but decided to wait a few minutes longer.
Almost as if on cue, a limousine stopped out front of the cafe at 1:03 p.m. A heavily built but smartly dressed man opened the door and Robert quickly got out.
Mary Js eyes flashed with joy. For the first time in her lonely life somebody stood up for her like he did last night and she felt more than just gratitude for Robert.
Mary observed Robert speaking on his cell-phone. At about five feet eight, with dark brown hair, Robert was very slender and elegant. He moved with masculine grace. When he was turning, his refined body curved like a snake, and his stylish business suit emphasized this serpentine likeness.
Mary involuntarily recalled the Bible: The Serpent, the Tempter, the First Snake. And she smiled. Robert impressed her, but unlike most women, she was not afraid of snakes, and she was also a strong believer in God, and plenty strong enough to fight Satan.
Robert looked at his watch and entered the cafe. Mary waved, and a smiling Robert came to her. The driver plus an equally hefty man followed him in and sat at the next table. She gazed at them with curiosity then playfully glanced at Robert.
Did you send one of those guys to bring me the flowers? She asked. There was no reaction, so she persisted. You did grease the palm of the security guard in my building. Didnt you?
No, birdie, Ill explain. Robert ordered his meal to the waitress and turned to Mary again. I wanted your first morning in the new apartment to be special. So, I just did this! He snapped his fingers, and Mary gasped, when she saw a cute tiny corsage of lilies of the valley appear on her plate.
Wow! Neat trick. You must have clicked your fingers quite a few times to fill my apartment, joked Mary J. She liked that she had made him smile then looked back down to admire the flowers. She continued to chat Robert up. Are you always with bodyguards? nodding her head in the direction of the men at the next table.
I have to be. Roberts face was serious. I have too many enemies.
They are both so gorgeous, I thought all bodyguards looked like gorillas.
I prefer them to be as strong as gorillas, but not necessarily quite so facially challenged, kitten Robert did not finish. He wanted to say: I only surround myself with things of the highest quality. But he was afraid she would misunderstand this.