A few days later...

29th of December,1964

Jude's POV

Those 2 days passed as swiftly as the summer's breeze. How unbelievable is it, isn't it actually? 

Anyway I was back at home a half an hour ago, had already changed myself from my outdoor outfit which contained a pale green sweater, followed by pair of black trousers with swallow pockets, black knee length boots into my casual clothing for indoors only such as my white overgarment to the ankles that I used to wear as a nightgown in Briarcliff, over my red slip. Additionally, I wore a pair of plain clean white socks onto my bare feet, hopped up into red polka dot slippers which were pretty comfortable, cosy and keeping your feet warm. 

In this moment, I was watching TV with Tim in the living room, lying on the couch as I was positioned my head lying on his chest, whilst my legs touching his, stretched and relaxing in the same time. Currently we were watching an interesting and amazing retro romantic comedy movie from the late 30s. It wasn't my cup of tea but I relished to watch it with the most special person on this world with me instead of complaining cluelessly and in infantile way. Meanwhile, our glasses of orange juice were onto the coffee table, next to each other. Unfortunately, today it didn't snow and it carries on with the snowless weather though the ordinary winter temperatures in the end of the year. 

All of a sudden we heard sounds of ringing door around 2 times at least. I was pretty sure it was Mother Claudia. 

-I am going to open the door, darling!- I exclaimed hastily.

-No, no. I am going to, sweetheart! Don't worry! *kissing my lips romantically as he got out of the sofa whilst I turned off the TV via the remote* I am coming. - Timothy whispered to himself as he hopped up in his slippers, rushing to the hall so that to take care of what he had promised just a moments ago.

Once I turned off the TV, further, I stood off the sofa, stretching my body, thereafter following Tim as I was approaching him. 

-Hi Timothy!- Mother Claudia shaked his hand friendly as he let her to arrive inside. 

-Hello Mother Superior! Feel welcome in my and Judy's sanctuary! - He welcomed her warmly with a hospitable smile across his lips.

-Thank you!*taking her very first steps in the hall, meantime glancing at me, thus our eyes meeting* Judy!- The older nun evoked my name with dimly louder voice than the usual.

-Mother Superior!- I woowed, my eyes widely opened, my jawline dropped for a while, consequently embracing Claudia.

-You have really changed for this period of time.- As we broke the embrace, she studied my appearance from head to toes, being astonished what she beholds currently. It was like she sees another person instead of Sister Jude who I used to be, remembered with the primitive black habit, ankle length; including the veil that covered almost my hair, leaving a few long curly locks to prance. 

-Well, the only difference between the old me and the new me is that I don't wear the sainted habit and veil, being a part of the invincible God's army. - I stated with a pretty obvious irony, thereafter cackling all together.

-I am deadly serious, Jude! Just look at yourself! *touching my mellow hair with her thin, wrinkled but cold and delicate fingers,  enacting them through honey hair locks like a traveler* You look much younger, fresh and wonderful! Even happier. - Claudia's sky blue eyes staring at every detail of mine, rendered dumbfoudned by what she is beholding. Her smile grew since the first seconds she saw me.

-Aww!*blushing so hard and nervously* Thank you a lot, Mother Claudia! 

-You are welcome, dear child! You aren't obligated to address me officially how you convinced. Just call me Claudia, okay? *nodding my head* Good! -Dabbing lightly my left shoulder, followed by chuckles.

-Pardon Claudia but every time when Judy receives a compliment, she blushes so hard and her trepidation is tougher than her! I think you have to get used to it as soon as possible or I suppose you had already.- Tim grinned to us by justifying me and my demeanor in the same time.

-I convened with that though I haven't seen her for a few weeks which rendered me to forget a bit about her. 

-Don't worry at all! You can come in the living room if you wish. - Tim suggested to the Mother Superior who couldn't neglect his suggestion due to her benevolent nature. 

-Of course, I do, Timothy!- We headed all together to the living room as I sat on the couch whilst Mother Claudia took a seat on the deep purple goth sofa, feeling comfortable to sit on its leather material. 

-What do you want to drink or eat, Claudia?- My darling asked graciously the nun with a broad smile across his lips.

-No, no, no, Timothy. I don't want to eat or drink anything with exception of glass of water which I couldn't reject, of course.

-Okay. I will be right back in the next few minutes!

When he went to the kitchen to bring a glass of water for the Mother Superior, the older lady striked the conversation with me, discussing together from how we are to some personal questions once she glanced at my hand especially noticing the proposal ring which left her speechless. Concurrently it attached her conscience to interrogate me about it including the fact that she opened the topic about my future husband in not pleasant gratifying way at all.

-You have a proposal ring?*tilting my ring finger, looking at the ring more detailed with timid facial expression, her blue eyes widened like she has seen the most majestic marvel in the world* Timothy did that? *nodding my head in agreement with a humble smile* That is really promising and splendid, dear. But how did it happened? - At this acute second, all I can recognize in Claudia's tone and expression was not only astonishment, besides bewilderment and somewhat aloofness.

-He just proposed me. We are loving each other as a future husband and wife. Moreover, he proposed me in front of Kit, Grace and their children. They were shocked, however, extremely joyous to witness it. It was unbelievable and breath...*stammering, gulping embarrassedly* breathtaking experience!- I explained the essential part, without missing an exaggeration, gaping at her light eyes without taking my eyes away from hers, managing a long-lasting and tenseful eye contact.

-Proposed you? *meanwhile Timothy arrived with a glass of fresh water for the elder woman, giving it to her immediately* Thank you, Timothy! You are so kind!*sipping of her water around 2 seconds* He proposed you? That is marvelous though I doubt he is going to be next to you during the marriage.- Lastly the drama began as Tim sat next to me, one of his hands wrapped around my shoulder, pulling me towards him.

-I am deadly serious. He proposed me! I don't believe he is going to dump me ever again. How he did once back in Briarcliff! That snake pit! Where my chance to stay away from the gloomy past was a lost cause...that spitted on my cracked soul.- For sadly, I noticed Mother Claudia to glare at both of us especially at me, hardly believing what am I uttering right away. 

-I comprehend that discrimination against you back in Briarcliff due to that you were one of the most powerful women in the institution who was and is still madly in love with the former Monsignor but it is unbearable and pathetically how you are giving to this man a second chance. How you dare, you dear girl of the God?

-Wait a second, Judy! I am going to take care of this business. *Tim interrupted me once I was near the verge to respond to Claudia's verbal attack by promising him to keep quiet until it is found the solution itself* Firstly, I have changed a lot especially for Jude because I realised how dumb, goofy and vulnerable I were especially when Mary Eunice was still alive whilst being smitten by the devil himself. She was that little girl with the Satan's soul who raped me and somewhat ruined my life, trying to make me to stay away from Jude. I understood the contrast between those ladies and the cardinal motive why I have chosen Jude is because she is a deliriously loyal, compassionate, comprehending, affectionate and amazing woman. Whilst I realised what kind of a person is actually that innocent "girl" Mary Eunice. Second of all, I owed an apology to Jude for everything that I have done to her. Because I know how much it did hurt her to realise how I fell in the tangled trap of the Satan and his minions by being manipulated by them instead of listening to the discriminated victim. I discerned between the love and concerness of Jude including her warning and the nonsence that was spoken from Dr.Arden and Judy's rivals. In fact, I love Jude either too...*holding her hands into my palms, cupping them* with my entire heart...to the moon and back! My love for her started since 1959, despite it was pretty awkward back then. Compared to nowadays! That is the first and the last woman who has my heart and vice versa.*exhaling and inhaling in the same time* Likewise, we are planning our wedding to be in the beginning of February the next year. That is 2 months until we are married and we can happily call each other with Jude a husband and a wife for eternity. Until the death seperates us! - Timothy defended me by definitely clashing Claudia's words like an indomitable fallen angel, punished from God to defend the good, innocent and harmless people. As soon as he syllabled every sentence like he is a delivering a political speech, Mother Superior's reaction was rather apparent, recognizing her bashfulness, feeling numb and incapable to fight against his speech which could be delivered rather from a lettered person.

-I see.*stated timidly, impotent to keep on with the argue, hence, defending her own thesis* A wedding in February?- Claudia was about to get a heart attack as soon as she heard that our wedding is going to be quite soon especially in February the next year. Her eyes rolled by glancing at every room's angle like she was wriggling though she didn't actually. 

-Yes, we had already planned when the wedding is. Whilst the rest of the wedding stuff is going to be planned very soon also. - I answered directly and bluntly in the same time with a smile that gradually grows. 

-Oh Wow! That is amazing. I am looking forward to hear more about the upcoming wedding. My future children of the God to be married, possessing the last name Howard especially Judy. Judy Howard!*exclaiming proudly* As an addition, I would like to apologize for my stubborness just a moments ago.- Lowering her head due to shame and remorse.

-No problem, Claudia! Everything is fine.*rocking her right shoulder gently* We are rather too euphoric and impatient for the wedding except that we don't have the patience itself to plan the rest of the wedding stuff. - Meantime, my soulmate forgave her as I watched them how cute they were in my eyes, sheding a small tear. 

In this moment, they noticed my tear as it was wipped instantly from the love of my life, soothing me with the words "Babydoll, please don't weep! I am right next to you. Always and forever!", taking me into his strong arms, hugging him tightly. Whilst we were drowning into each other's embraces, I am wondering about Mother Superior's recent reaction.

Mother Claudia's POV

As soon as I spotted one of the sweetest things and that is literally the firm and warm hug of the both young birds in love, I couldn't resist it. Nevertheless, watching them how they were cuddling into each other with a broad, radiant and angelic smile, barely believing on my eyes what I am beholding currently. Judy was absolutely right. Timothy too! He had drastically changed, promised as a loyal, loving, studious and staunch future husband to keep his promises for themselves. Prone to be more frank to her, without pretending or faking it! I am indeed pleased to see and experience their happiness in my eyes. I hope they have a sparkling and stupendous future together! As a married couple!

To be continued...