Chapter 2: Julia and Helena

Ana O’Shea---I was not surprised when my secretary told me that the Bishop was here to see me. My pilot, Chip, had called and told me he had three special passengers on this trip.

“Your Excellency, what a surprise, so nice to see you. What brings you up to this part of the country?”

“Ana, I feel that every time I see you or your father, I have my hand out asking for something.”

“Nonsense your Excellency. Your idea about training the young men to be cowboys and giving the girls jobs here at the resort has worked out very well for the most part. How can I help you today?”

“I have brought two young women with me. One, Helena, she is the tall Morena (dark skinned) girl. She was an orphan and has lived with us at the orphanage since she was a baby. In high school she developed a fondness for cooking, so we let her help in the kitchen. After she turned 18, she became an assistant cook and she has done quite well. She is not a chef, but she can handle a lunchroom menu. I never had a problem with her, never.”

“But now?” I am curious.

“The other girl, Sister Julia, I am sorry I have to stop calling her ‘Sister’. She is no longer a nun.”

“She was a nun?”

“Well almost. She had yet to take her final vows when ... I’m getting ahead of myself. I want to tell you about her, Julia Ortega. Do you know the Ortegas?”

“No, I’m afraid not.”

“They’re a good family. The father is a mechanic who owns a garage. The mother is an Italian immigrant. Very devout Catholics. Know what I mean?”

“I think so, go on.” This story is getting interesting!

“Ana this could not come at a worse time. There is talk about the Holy Father naming me Archbishop for the country.”

“Your Excellency, please what happened?”

“Helena and Julia came to me, together. They explained that they are in love! They are in a lesbian relationship and have been for the past year! That’s what happened! I was stunned! I had no idea. The woman running the lunchroom for not only the orphanage but for the school as well, a lesbian! And with Sister Julia, a teacher! Ana, you know the atmosphere in today’s schools. The parents will not permit a lesbian nun or even a lesbian teacher taking care of their kids. And if they would find out that the person responsible for the food their kids are eating is a lesbian? Who knows what would happen?”

“So, your Excellency, where do I fit in this mess?”

“Thankfully both girls understand what my position must be. Which is neither girl can work for me. Julia quit the sisterhood but when she went to move back in with her parents, they said she could, but she would not be allowed to see Helena again. She would not agree to those terms, so I permitted her to move in with Helena at the orphanage. But only temporarily. I prayed about this and thought of you. Maybe you could use both girls up here?”