Lynn Wood - Norman Brides 03 (34 page)

Mary elle

…Prologue

The little girl waited in line for her turn with Father Byrnes.  His line was the longest. She felt a little guilty that Father John’s line was empty. Was he sad that no one wanted to give their confession to him?  Though the thought disturbed her somewhat, the guilt she felt was not enough for the seven year old Mary Elle to give up her place in line. She exchanged a nervous but silent glance with her friend, Mary Jean, and noted her friend’s hands shook when the red light changed to white above the door to the confessional announcing it was her turn with the priest.

Mary Elle gave her friend an encouraging nod as she opened the door wide enough for her to slip through and then pulled it shut behind her. Mary Elle knew what the little room looked like inside.  Sister Connie showed them.  The space looked like a closet with a kneeler and a small screen, so the priest could hear her.  Some of the kids chose face to face confession, but Mary Elle preferred the privacy of the secret little room.  If she was going to lie to a priest, she thought it would be easier if she didn’t have to look him in the eye when she committed her sin…