Chapter Text
Cold water rushed out from a rusted pipe built into the ground, attached to a large church. Anybody could tell the place was worn with age. It had covered itself in vines and moss, and the stained glass windows were barely legible to look at.
A young girl stared down at this pipe, quick to cup the water into her hands as to not waste any. She knew of this places age, and she still welcomed it with open arms.
Hillary, she’d remind herself, is her name. Her smaller hands were covered in mud and she could barely get past the grime to see her skin.
She hummed, Hillary lost herself in thought as the sun beat down against her long, blonde hair. It felt almost nice, familiar enough that anytime she left the church during the summer, it would be there for her.
The calmness of rushing water was not to last long enough for her though, as voices in the distance made themselves known. Hilary’s head snapped up, and quickly scuttled the water around her palms til she felt clean enough.
However, she wasn’t able to flee in time away from the intruders. She felt the giggles of a group of girls quiet down as they saw her. “Hey, Hillary!” One of them called out, and she stood stock still for she knew it would be more trouble not to.
She kept her back to them, unsure if she should turn around. Her nervousness ran deep, but so did her defense. Hillary felt like guilty animal, a dog that got caught eating out of the trash can. She was ready to bite, if she had to.
The three girls fell into giggling fits again however, “Wow! Mrs. Agathe isn’t going to be very pleased with this, hm?” The shortest said, causing them all to laugh. It was true, her mother wouldn’t be pleased with how she’d muddied her dress… but the thought of them finding it amusing, caused her fists clenched.
“Well, yeah! It’s not everyday she disappoints her parents. Er- well.. I suppose that’s a bit of a lie now, isn’t it?” She felt the snide of her smile on her face. She couldn’t take it, Hillary trembled at the words. She almost said something, “Hillary, turn around.” One of them commanded.
It was condescending, embarrassing even that she responded so quickly. Hillary turned around to face them. Mud beneath her nail beds, tattered dress and fluffed up hair. She looked rather a mess. The girls cackled this time.
With each laugh, Hillary felt herself grow weaker at containing herself. Apart of her wanted to scream at them, and another wanted to hurt them somehow. She pushed away the transgressive thoughts, and tried to remember what sister Lorenza had told her.
‘Identify the thoughts you want to change, not act on them.’
She took a deep breath, and looked up at the girls. “So, you just don’t talk now? I mean, you get to sit out in choir! Isn’t that enough for you, Hillary?” Another teased, and Hillary sighed.
“It’s probably from all those worms she’s been eating!” It was a childish taunt tagged on at the end there, with no real merit or reason to it. Yes, had she been looking for worms in the mud… but not for any of those gross reasonings.
As the claim floated around, she finally brought herself to speak, even as meek as it was. “I- I would never eat worms...” Hillary’s voice was so quiet, yet audible, that the three girls all stopped simultaneously.
Hillary bit back a scared expression, instead keeping her bitter and calm one. The middle one stepped forward, getting into her space, almost.
She smiled at Hillary, in a cruel and startling manner. “Mind repeating yourself, Hill’?” That nickname, oh how Hillary hated that nickname. It was taking away any decency that was left to just pronounce her name normally.
Her once clenched fists balled together now, grabbing at the hem of her muddy blue dress. “I said, I would never eat worms!” She yelled loudly, and she didn’t realize but the girl in her space was on the ground now, in the mud.
How did she get there? Then, she saw her arms, hands held in front of her as she witnessed what she had just done.
Hillary pushed her, she realizes. And as she does have this revelation, the girl stares in horror at Hillary. She looks down at her own tattered, muddied clothes… and screams.
“Sisters! Help! Hillary hurt me!” She was yelling out, and as soon as she did, two tall nuns flood around the side of the building with concerned expressions.
As she watched them help the girl up, the two begin speaking to the nuns. “She pushed her, sister Amelia!” One said, the other nodding in agreement.
Hillary stared in shock as one of the nuns turned to her. The other was rushing the girls inside. “Hillary… again?” It was disappointment, at best.
She tried to open her mouth, reply and be coherent. But all that came out was mumbles. The nun seemed tired however, growing annoyed and snatched Hillary’s wrist to drag her inside.
The other children outside watched in awe as she was being brought inside, her still muddy figure was now met with a scowl.
As Hillary was sat in front in the front of the pews, the nun looked down. “You will pray, yes? Beg for forgiveness, because what you’ve done today isn’t the first time.” She sighs, “And please… just try be normal, Hillary.”
She walked off, and Hillary was left now with her hands together and head down. She wanted to pray, yes, and in a way she knew exactly what to pray for, but she couldn’t bring herself to. Perhaps this action alone is the damnation she deserved. A hell she lived in, on earth forever.
-
“Hillary?” A familiar voice rung out, and Hillary turned towards her close friend as the two were entering her car.
She was putting on her seat belt and closing the door at the same time, quickly grasping the wheel and turning towards the other now. “Sorry for being late, Adeline! I couldn’t help but over sleep, had the weirdest of dreams.”
As Hillary spoke, the car pulled out of a parking lot attached to an apartment complex. It was nice, reasonable place to live with its occasional downsides. Sometimes, yes, the water had no between of hot or cold. But the two managed together.
The woman next to her smiled, always seeming to have an expression of furrowed eyebrows. Always worried. “It- it’s fine, Hillary. Just don’t rush yourself too much on my behalf. Usually it’s you awake before me, y’know?” She explained. Her shorter form was beat by Hillary’s ability to look down on her.
Hillary laughed, and finally they were on the main road. “I understand, Adeline! But in rebuttal, I’ll try to have a normal schedule for you. Even if it means getting up early just to cook breakfast for you.” She winked at Adeline, the woman next to her.
She seemed embarrassed by this, looking away for a moment, til she brought herself back to life. “Um… Hillary?” Adeline began. “What was your dream even about? If- If I can ask.” She was quick to correct.
The car turned left, and Hillary hummed as she tried to think about it. What was her dream about? Well, in an odd turn of phrase, she knew exactly what. The same dreams that always kept her up, but nothing she wanted to worry Adeline about.
“Nothing much really, Adeline! Just one of those super eventful dreams that you can never remember what happens, then you feel suuuper’ frustrated at the fact you can’t bring yourself to remember.” She replied matter of factly.
Giggling, she continued, “I wish I did though. Or at least were one of those type of people who can control themselves in their dreams!” She was rambling nonsensically, but Adeline didn’t seem to mind at all. “I’d dream up of so many fun things, sleeping would become less boring.”
Adeline raised an amused eyebrow, “Sleeping is boring? I’m quite fond of it, myself.” The two broke out into giggles. Most of their conversations were like this. Silly things that didn’t matter, it was like being children again in their presence.
As the two continued, it fell into a comfortable silence as Hillary drove. Eventually, they found themselves outside an office building, the place where they worked.
Hillary was quick to exit, and was already opening the door for a tired Adeline. “Ah, well thank you!” Adeline curtly nodded.
“Why, of course, your majesty!” Hillary playfully teased, and Adeline just rolled her eyes.
The two begin their journey to their rightful places in the office. “I just wish they’d bring back some of the sweeter flavor… like cake batter! No one wants another chocolate flavored ice cream.” Hillary argued, swinging her hands back and forth.
Adeline thought about it, playfully looking up at Hillary. “Yes, well I do! But maybe my tastes just aren’t high caliber enough for the judging of new flavors. I like any.”
As they continued their journey, Hillary opening the main door to the offices on the first floor, a commotion was heard.
“Yes, they will be observing and helping around… I hope that you all can come to an agreement on that, of course.” Hillary recognized the voice immediately, and hurried to the front of the office.
Hillary and Adeline worked at a law firm together, one where their jobs and schedules were usually completely different. Today just seemed to be an exception.
She looked over to see the crowd of workers she knew, like Charlotte or Kimaya. But others she wasn’t, specifically three younger looking folk. “Mr. Ryan?” Hillary interrupted, stepping through the crowd. Adeline was soon behind her.
Mr. Ryan, or just Ryan as he insists, looked down at her. “Oh, good morning Hillary! And- and Adeline.” He moved over to see the other woman behind Hillary. “Can I help you both?”
As Hillary nodded, she motioned towards the newer people in the room. “Did something happen, Mr. Ryan? I didn’t know Quincey found new hires, unless these are.. clients?” She was trying to correct her thought process, but Ryan just shook his head with a patient smile.
“Oh no, no! These are our new interns. To which I was introducing right as you came in.” The three interns stared at Hillary, or at least two of them did. One wore large sunglasses on their face and Hillary couldn’t tell who they were looking at in the room full of people.
Ryan waved a hand, “No, but everyone do get back to work! Just make sure to be welcoming.” Hillary watched as the entire office went to their desks and specific rooms of work. And as Hillary turned to leave, Adeline stopped her.
Adeline had tugged her sleeve carefully, staring back at her. “Before we start.. um, don’t push yourself too hard. Just try to do what you can handle- y’know, because you said you were tired?”
She always looked out for her, and Hillary felt her heart swell as a smile took over her face. She carefully side hugged Adeline, squeezing her shoulder. “Oh- thank you, Adey! I will, nothing to worry about.”
The two smiled at each other as they departed, and Hillary was quick to get to her desk. She began by checking her emails on her desktop computer, and simultaneously drank one of the water bottles she left in her mini fridge.
She was always the type to deck out her small cubicle like area. Hillary’s desk had pictures, mugs, and even a little succulent she made sure to take care of.
Just as she was done with her first file as the records clerk, Charlotte walked up to her. Her long black hair covered over her, and she held a coffee drink in hand.
“Hey, Hillary.” She said, leaning against the wall and taking a sip of her coffee. Hillary was quick to swing her rolling chair to face her.
She smiled brightly at the other, waving. “Why, hello, Charlotte! How are you doing on this fine March morning?” Hillary leaned one arm against her table, propping up her face.
Charlotte smiled back, albeit slightly more tired and blank. “Doing just fine, actually. Got a headache, but when don’t I?” Hillary nodded at this.
They were close friends in the work place, Hillary respected the older woman as she knew her job wasn’t easy as a main staff attorneys. “I’ve always been grateful for my position, Ms. Charlotte! I think if I had a job as important as yourself, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at all!”
The remark was playful, and Charlotte smiled more. She had a snag tooth, and it was obvious when she bared her teeth. “Ah, well, you get used to it after awhile. Personally, I find it quite admirable you handle all those damn files. You’re like a living archive.” They laughed, and Hillary nodded.
As Hillary turned towards her computer, she typed something into her schedule document as she was listening. “Did you need anything, though? I don’t mean to keep you too long.” She pointed out.
Charlotte hummed, tapping her mug with a nail. “What do you think of the new interns?” She asked, almost conspicuously to her intent of the question. It was like asking ‘Do you think they’ll take their job serious?’.
She turned back to her, shrugging. “Honestly, I haven’t given in much thought! I barely even saw what they look like, to be very fair. I wouldn’t feel right making any sort of comment or judgement yet.”
There was a beat of silence as Hillary looked up at her coworker, who seemed lost in thought. “Well, I just ask because I know you always have the best assumptions, Hillary. I won’t bother it too much.” She took a sip, “I think I’m just paranoid.”
“Oh, but who isn’t, y’know? I understand, Charlotte. You want what’s best for this place! Who doesn’t?” She smiles at her, and Charlotte can’t help but smile back again.
Just as Charlotte opens her mouth though, Quincey is outside the cubicle. “Charlotte?” His voice challenged, a little unnerved. “Your client is here.” He told her, and she was quick to walk just outside it, enough for Hillary to still see her.
A tall, brown haired man stepped out in all black attire. He had a clerical collar, Hillary noticed.
Charlotte pursed her lips into a tired smile, offering a hand to be shaken. The man took her hands with both of his, shaking it gently. “Wonderful meeting you, Ms. Wise.” He craned to look around the place, and for a second, he caught the eye of Hillary.
“Is this your assistant, Ms. Wise?” He asked politely, and Hillary stood up while shaking her head.
Hillary smiled up at the priest, happy to be in the presence of something so familiar. “Ah, no. I am the records clerk here! It’s wonderful to see new clients though.”
He scaled her appearance in the matter of seconds, and something seemed to enamor him. “You’re a catholic woman, aren’t you?”
She paused, unsure how to respond but nodded slowly. Charlotte seemed to tense in the background, looking at her with sympathy. “I could tell by the silver around your neck, that must be a cross. Plus, you immediately recognized my attire.” He was formal, that’s for sure. His way of talking was clear and cut perfectly out of his throat.
Hillary brought a smile to her face, happy to be recognized for this. “Yes! You’re very correct, I attend church every week.. sometimes more, hehe.” A spark flew in his eye.
Something about it was so odd to her, as if only she could see the way his eyes would trace against her frame like pen to paper. As if she was a piece of art, and he was a passerby.
“My, that’s quite the commitment for your age.” He commented, “I’m Father Madden, newly ordained only 5 years ago.” His hand moved to shake hers.
Her smile brightened, “Ah! I am Hillary Agathe, but Hillary is just fine, Father Madden.”
She shook his hand tentatively, nervous to be in the presence of such an important figure. Just before either of them could continue, Charlotte butted in. “Ahem, Mr. Madden?” Hillary stared as she realized that she didn’t say father.
Father Madden smiled at her, it never left really. “Ah, my apologies, Ms. Wise. Let’s begin our discussion, yes?” And as he turned towards her, he looked back at Hillary, “I’d hope to see you again, Ms. Hillary.”
She nodded back, and tried to turn to her work but her mind seemed a little stuck on the man she had just met. She was familiar with the priests at her own church she attended, but meeting one outside felt odd. Almost inappropriate, yet comforting.
Her only real fond memories of the type was sister Lorenza, but she barely brought that to her mind specifically. Just the advice that she couldn’t ever ring out from herself.
As the day wrapped itself up, she approached Adeline at her own desk with her purse. “I’m going to head down early, I finished everything today already.” She commented with a smile to her dear friend.
Adeline looked up from what she was writing, smiling back at Hillary. “Ah! Okay, uh- I’ll text you when I am on my way down. Just give 15 minutes, yes?”
Hillary giggled, “Of course, Adeline! Never too much, take your time. Just don’t push yourself!” She teased, winking at her as she moved to the exit.
At the parking lot, she was approaching her car. One she would share with Adeline, because she knew she didn’t have one. This wasn’t an issue for her, she knew that Adeline had her own personal life she attended and cared for.
Plus they’d grown so used to the reliance, neither of them seems to care anymore. In fact, it’d been so long they barely teased each other for it anymore. Barely thought of the implications that is their closeness, only that she loved every second of it.
Just as she unlocked it, she felt someone approaching her. “Ms. Hillary?” It was a familiar voice, and she turned to greet the figure.
It was Father Madden! Quickly, she beamed at him. Hillary moved her purse over her shoulder and played with the keys in her hands. “Oh hello Father Madden! Everything alright?” She asked politely.
“I didn’t know if you’d still be here by the time I finished my meeting, but I really did want to express how happy I was to see someone here attends church, especially the younger adults around here.”
He was straightening his collar, and with a practiced motion, fixed it in place as to not unravel it. Father Madden had that preciseness about him, everything he did he had done a million times before, Hillary guessed.
She nodded, giving an understanding look. “I didn’t know I’d meet someone who also practices today, let alone a priest!” They laughed together, and Hillary was curious, “What church do you attend, Father Madden?”
His face fell a tad, as if the subject was sore. She almost mentally berated herself before he answered. “Actually It is quite complicated! I was here today discussing estate, specifically coming in ownership of a property.”
Hillary startled, not knowing whether he should have told her that or not. “O- oh? May I ask what?” She’s digging herself a hole here.
Father Madden nodded, “It’s an abandoned church, one I have actually discussed and worked on with alongside other law firms. They recommended me here to finally sign off the deal on ownership.” He explained.
“Wow! Really? That sounds-… amazing!” She wanted to ask so many questions in that moment, but the sun was setting, and she couldn’t keep him the parking lot all night.
His smile stayed the same, nodding as she seemed to be excited at such a project. “Yes! And now that everything with legality is finished, I plan to continue the work on reconstructing it and finding hires.”
Hillary thought for a moment as he spoke. He needed assistance, most likely. Especially doing something all by himself as it seemed. Hillary couldn’t help it, she had to offer some sort of support. “Father Madden? I apologize if this… far too forward, considering we just met but-“
He looked at her, his smile just now dropping in confusion.
“Would you need any help perhaps? I- I could offer advice or any help around the management aspects, I used to work at my own church in community service and was a manager in retail for a long while..”
She was rambling, and Father Madden didn’t seem to process much of it til he offered out his hand. “I’d love that, Ms. Hillary. You’re beyond kind!” They shook hands again, and he continued. “Do you have a card of some sort I could contact you with?” He asked earnestly.
He was quick to respond, and Hillary barely processed that fact. Maybe he really did need the help, but the glint never left his eye. She’s unsure if it could, or if it even meant anything at all in the grand scheme of things.
She nodded excitedly however, quickly taking out one of her many work cards from her purse. “Here! Hope this helps.” Hillary smiled brightly, and Father Madden looked off in the distance.
The sky was bright with orange, they’d been standing out there for some time. Hillary couldn’t help but wonder what goes through his mind, or anyones.
He looked at her, just for a few seconds then. “I must get on my way now, but I will absolutely email you, yes?” He asked, as if the interaction needed reassurance.
Hillary nodded once more, “I’d love that, Father Madden. Thank you!” and as he nodded down at her, she turned back to her car, waiting for him to leave.
She tried to process what just happened, but she didn’t feel any sort of guilt about it. In fact, this was a wonderful opportunity to have! She needed this new change, especially with the bond she can grow for her religious faith.
Just as she finally sat in the car, she saw Adeline hurrying over. “Ah! So sorry, Hillary…” She was quickly entering, buckling herself in and seemingly had to have been in a rush. “I- I had one last phone call, but they just wouldn’t stop talking…”
As the car started, Hillary laughed. “Oh! Adeline, don’t worry. You’re perfectly fine.” She was smiling as she began pulling out, entering the main road once more.
“Y- You seem to be in a good mood? Happy to get home, Hillary?” She joked, and Hillary turned towards her, grinning softly at her with fondness.
The sun had set, and the night sky enveloped them as she drove. With every turn and stop, her heart thumped happily with joy. As if it was a sign, maybe. That this was for the best. “You could definitely say that. Though you know I love my job! Maybe I’m just excited to see Skittles.”
Her pet rabbit was home at the moment, and she was always the most doting owner. She loves Skittles. “Ah, okay- okay. I’ll take your word for it.”
And as they arrived, Adeline turned towards her. “Just- um, maybe get some good rest tonight? I’m sure you’ll be busy.” Hillary couldn’t help but envelope her in a hug, squeezing her before she could even take her keys out the car.
“Ohh!! Thank you, Adey. You always look after me.. I just hope I can do the same.”
The two laughed, hugging each other. “Y- you do! Now, let’s get inside… M’ hungry.” Adeline replied between the squished hug. Hillary was too happy to even be around her, that she forgot to check her email that night.