Mary took a pack of brochures, and leafed through them. She adored the design.
The second page made her smile. There was an article about Noirsons Corporation, and hot wave of excitement washed her all over when she saw the photo of her beloved Robert.
But then, with her heart in her mouth, she carefully read, and re-read a section of text.
Frowning, Mary pointed her slender well-manicured finger at a line that had grabbed her attention for rather less warming reasons than she expected from studying a brochure about good works in the community. She addressed the priest. Look, Father.
Frank obliged and read out loud; I, the LORD, do all these things. Isaiah 45:7. So, Mary, whats your point?
Out of context this phrase sounds as if Mister Noirson is the Lord, and it is his Corporation that the rules the world!
Father Frank was surprised with her words.
Mary, you did study marketing, didnt you? The designer just abbreviated the passage to save some place. They pay by the word, you know, and every penny counts!
He frowned at the irony of his words, picturing the sorry state of affairs with the orphanage budget. He continued, And, anyway, it sounds okay to me.
Read it again, insisted Mary. Frank sighed, shook his head and repeated it slowly. He looked at her again. Mary, when I read it, I do not detect any connection between Mister Noirson He paused, and added, unable to hold back a smile. However, I do understand why you did.
Mary blushed, ashamed, Oh My God, is my crush on Robert so noticeable?
She grabbed a mouse-pad with combined logos of Noirsons Corporation and her team, and subtly used it as a fan to try and disperse the warm feelings that had made her mouth dry and her fingers tingle.
Making a complete hash of staying cool after Father Franks throwaway comment, she stuttered, Nice work! and treated the mat like an antique dealer would a delicate Etruscan vase, studying it all over, practically holding it up to the light. Who designed this?
The priest was enchanted by her naive reaction.
Not all the youth of today have lost their innocence, he mused. You probably know this girl. Last month she won the award in the art contest for the best sports sketch.
Oh, yes! Mary beamed. Sure, I know her! Shes a gifted girl all right. We should send her to design classes.
I dont know, Father Frank drawled, thinking. Im not sure we have that sort of spare money on hand at the moment.
Drawing on another aspect of her charm, a quiet but clever line in persuasion, Mary persisted, Father, you paid for my management training. Isnt that investment paying off?
Yes, my child, of course it is. We are a non-profit organization with limited resources, but thanks to your skilful management we now enjoy the luxury of a successful gymnastics team.
Flattered by his appreciation, Marys heart again pounded in her chest. Unable to press Father Frank further, in an attempt to calm herself down, she lowered her eyes, placed the mouse mat back on the desk and took a bookmark instead.
But what she observed did quite the opposite of reduce her body temperature. On one side was the information presenting the orphanage, and on the other, smiling young soldiers and the quotation from the Bible; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34
Oh, dear, heres another example, Mary thought. This phrase has been torn from the text and now it is conveying a completely different message to the one intended originally!
An awful suspicion struck her like a lightening bolt from the highest heavens. Her hands were trembling. Unable to breath properly, she browsed through the promotional material again.
Oh, my! Mary blurted. Look at this, Father, all of this stuff contains Biblical quotations, but the context is so
Without looking up from an article he was speed reading, Frank sighed, So what, Mary?
It is so strange, Father. What is this all about, do you think? Editorial errors or blasphemy?
She looked intensely at the priest, who seemed totally unmoved by her concerns.
After a brief hesitation, she decided not to continue with her argument. He obviously thinks I am being stupid and picky, maybe even paranoid. Father did read them, after all, and if he didnt find anything strange, its probably only my imagination.
She took a deep breath and exhaled gently through her nose. It was an effective trick and instantly she pacified the thought processes that were upsetting her, a good catholic girl.
However, despite her peace of mind, an unwelcome concern had quietly settled on the very bottom of her sensitive soul.
***
The day had come.
From early morning Mary bustled, getting ready for the first ball of her life.
She did her make-up and hair thoroughly, as never before. Then checked the invitation, and the pack with promotional materials.
She laid down on her bed, still, relaxing in a state of meditation.
The doorbell rang at her door, which made her jump, and her heart ran fast, like a horse under starters orders. She took her purse, and opened the door.
It was Ron. He showed a polite wide smile, but when he saw Mary, his jaw dropped and his black thick moustache went up. His dark brown eyes glinted yellow like bears before an attack. The girl involuntarily stepped back under his gaze.
Thats not the dress that Mister Noirson sent you? he asked, frowning.
It was a brusque greeting, and Mary responded, shooting from the hip.
Its none of your business, she answered with the same haughty voice that she liked hearing Robert use. Like an arrogant sensual queen she stalked passed by Ron. The guard had to follow her, stroking his moustache in confusion.
***
Mary left the building feeling very upbeat. She was a beautiful young woman in love, dressed to kill. She enjoyed the almost fairytale opportunity to show herself off. It made her feel rather sexy to know so many people were gazing at her, as she was regally walking toward the limousine. Jerry was there to welcome her, and he could do nothing but smile with adoration.
In fact, he couldnt tear his eyes from her décolletage. He forgot about everything except the scented vision before him. He even forgot to open the car door for her. It was a nudge in the ribs from Ron that alerted him to his negligent behavior and the young guard quickly came back to his senses.
Mary got into the car, and was struck with disappointment.
She expected to see Robert sitting patiently, smiling serenely at her, but all she had for company was the oafish Jerry. She felt him leering at her with a cheesy grin from the other side of the plush stretch limo.
Where is Robert? Mary asked, upset.
Hes late, answered Jerry in a great burst of energy. Would you like to call him?
Mary shook her head no; she felt offended at being stood up.
Cool dress, señorita! The young bodyguard winked.
Er Suddenly feeling there was nothing to be gained by being miserable, she smiled and said, Thanks!
Really, its very fetching. Mister Noirson is a lucky guy.
Mary beamed with pride. Like a purring feline in heat, she stretched her leg out, showing him her pump. How do you like it?
He could only stare at her well-defined leg, moving from her ankle to her knee and on up. Careful, buddy, keep it polite! Jerry brought himself down a notch. What a foot! he thought. Cinderella! What Id give to suck these little toes! But unable to resist looking past her knee, and physically salivating at the shape of things to come as her dress rode upwards, a little voice piped up, Hey buddy, come on, dont even go there!