Chapter 5: Suspicious

Jenna/Sr. Claire's Pov

Mrs. Harrison showed me to my room. I step inside taking a peek around the room. I find it simple and beautiful. It is painted in faded yellow. There was only a bed and a chair nearby the window and a table besides with books on it.

It feels so comfortable and so nice to be here. It's like here is where I truly belong even though my home lies where my mother's superior and the orphanage are.

But it still feels like this is my home.

"Thank you, this looks beautiful and feels like-" I said while turning around and only to stop in mid-sentence. Mrs. Harrison stood there looking at me with tears that are about to fall from her eyes. I wanted to comfort the woman but I don't know how to do it.

"Mrs. Harri-"

"Jen...I mean Sr. Claire is it okay if I hug you?" she asked cutting me off.

A tear escapes her eye before the others dropped on her cheek. "I am sorry. You remind me so much of my Jenna...if..." she stutter but I moved forward and hug her to my chest. I do not know who Jenna was and why people mistook her for me but I hope wherever she is; May peace and happiness find her.

Mrs. Harrison let out a loud sob and she hugs me in return. "I am sorry" she apologizes and quickly pulls out of my hug wiping her tears and rushing out of the room.

Feeling sad for her, I stood there watching the space where she used to stand as if I am still seeing her. Emotions overwhelm me now as I thought of Mrs. Harrison and her lost daughter. I guess today was so strange to me or should I say eventful. The sorrow I saw in Mrs. Harrison's eyes made me feel strings pulling needles in my heart.

I should not have been affected like this but somehow Mrs. Harrison's sadness made me think of my parents. I wonder if they are missing me and perhaps are still looking for me. I also wonder what happened to them too. Are they happy or are they like Mrs. Harrison who still mourns for her daughter named Jenna? I must say Jenna is so lucky to still have loving parents and people mourning for her. At least she is still remembered by her loved ones. I do not know if I ever had people like hers once I am gone from this world.

"Bless her soul, Lord" I whisper in prayer before turning back and plopping onto the bed.

"Finally," I muttered looking up at the ceiling. "God, please guide me and never leave me," I silently prayed with a smile.

However, it was only a moment I did smile as another flash of today's incident in the forest came crashing back to me. It made me feel goosebumps growing on my skin. Recalling a creature shifting into a human when chased by another wolf and killed brought me fear.

Well, I did lie back there when the stranger ask me how I got into the woods. 'Oh Lord, have mercy on my soul for lying. I have to be cautious in case these people including the handsome stranger I met at the convent are with those creatures.'

I know I should have freaked out when I landed before them earlier but I did not want to give myself away. Even though I freak out from the horrible scene I witness which made me fall and roll down. Despite the horrible scene, the highlight was seeing the male's private property which I beg for more than one hour on our way here to God to forgive me for seeing such an unholy view.

I try my best not to look scared in front of the lady who fainted and the other two men. At that moment I also hope they wouldn't find out that I saw beasts in the woods. I do not want them to think I am crazy if they turn out to be just normal people.

Feeling lost and scared with my thought I find myself staring back at the door. I took a step forward and step out of the room. I walk out of there and downstairs only to find the place empty. There was no sign of Mrs. Harrison too within the house.

The place looks impressive and I didn't want to get lost. So, I just patiently waited in the corridor. My legs pumping up and down while nervously waiting for a living soul to pass by. Suddenly, I hear voices from somewhere.

I follow it and once I made it to where it comes from I heard a booming sound and then someone growling out loud 'SILENCE' which pretty much shook the house.

"Okay, I do not think they are normal," I told myself while taking another step. I stood there not knowing what to do I knocked on the door, "hello."

At first, nobody answered, and then I knock again and waited. I turn back facing the wall while waiting for the door to open up.

"Claire," someone calls me by my name and I turn around finding the door ajar. The stranger who talked to me in the car was standing at the head of the table. He was kinda far and I was about to smile at him when I saw that he wasn't the only one in the room.

Their eyes wander in my direction but my focus was on the man in the middle and head of the table. I also saw the silent one whom I met this morning staring at me. It's funny when I recall him going mute when we were in the car. Right now, I can't seem to take my eyes away from him, because honestly, it feels like we have known each other. I don't remember but I think I do know him.

"I am sorry to disturb you, Sir," I said while taking a look around the room and finding all eyes still on me. It is becoming weird but I tried to be polite.

"Hello, everyone," I said and they all just stare at me. "Oh God, why are these people giving me that look?" I thought to myself and tried to maintain my smile.

I gulp my saliva nervously as I wanted to say something but all these people were making it difficult for me. "Sr. Claire" someone called from the crowd and I turn to find an elderly man waving at me.

"Mother Superior has informed me of your arrival but I wasn't expecting to see you here especially when you resemble someone we know so well. Excuse me but it's Odega at your service," he said with a smile stretched on his face and his hand stretched out before me.

"Thank God, for this man. At least someone knows how to speak but not stare," I thought and facepalm myself. I step forward and take his hand into mine. "It should be I at your service, sir," I said.

"Oh no dear, how rude and utterly disrespectful of me if I let you work for me. You are a person of God and it is our privilege to serve you." His words flatter me but it is not my purpose as a servant of God. I am to serve his people too.

"So I assume Mr. McCarthy there already assigned you to a room," he said pointing to the man at the head of the table, the same one who gave Mrs, Harrison's order. "Indeed, he is very kind" I reply shortly. I glance their way and said "Thank you Mr. McCarthy and..." I look at the one beside him, not knowing what I should call him. I am so dumb for not asking any of their names.

The mysterious guy looks at me pointedly before answering "it's Shawn." I smile at him. "You can call me Shawn" he reaffirmed. "Thank you, Shawn," I said and nodded in his way.

The place was dead silent again but their eyes goes back and forth between Shawn and me. I wish to disappear in this instance but don't know how to exit the room. Someone clears his throat. Again I thank Mr. Odega million times in my head for saving me from this situation.

"Oh well Mr. McCarthy and everyone, pardon me but the meeting adjourned as you see I have a special guest to attend to," Odega said giving a salute to Mr. McCarthy before showing me the way out.