A month later...

8th of March, 1965

Timothy's POV

Today was my interview as well. Today it is my judgment's day. Either if I am going to be hired, as a result of the successful interview. Or otherwise the failure is apparent. It is so dependable of many factors.

Anyway I woke up around 6AM in the morning with my wife Jude as we rubbed our eyes, whikst stretching our bodies as I wore pajamas unlike Jude who had on herself a big white T-shirt with black lace panties as a sole undergarment. As the first sun rays beamed through the window, enlighting with its light the room itself. 

Then we kissed each other sweetly as we chuckled.

-Morning, Tim! - She uttered with her soft voice, applying her firm Boston accent.

-Morning, Jude! - I said with somnolent yet voice as got out of the bed as soon as possible, doing our daily, cliché things every morning, of course.

Around a couple of minutes later, we descended the stairs, heading directly to the kitchen as we started to prepare the breakfast along such as a fruit salad with fruits like apples, bananas, strawberries and some other exoctic fruits, as a result being sliced. Further we haven't changed our current clothing yet. Meanwhile we took off 2 mugs from the kitchen cupboards above us as we waited for the tea to boil on one of the hobs in the pot. It didn't take more than 15 minutes for the breakfast. 

Once it was ready, we served each mug and dish with fruit salad per a person as we remember perfectly well where we are sitting with Jude every morning and every evening. When we sat next to each other, sipping from the hot herbal tea whilst tasting from the fruit salad, we striked a conversation during our early morning breakfast:

-How you slept, honey?- I questioned her with a broad smile across my lips as my voice sounded tranquil and casual one. 

-I slept well. Furthermore, I am well, thanks. How about you too?- She inquired as usually, with her amorous voice which sounds like a tweeting bird in the woods, her smile was vivid, our eyes met as we developed a long eye contact, eye for eye.

-Great! I slept well, besides I am anxious and excited for the interview in the same time. - I sip from my tea in submissive way.

-*she extended her arm as she reached for my hand, taking it into her small, brittle feminine one, squeezing tightly, whilst her ashing hazel eyes were gradually encouranging me with its burning flame in these eyes* Well, all I am capable to do is to wish you good luck with your interview. Besides there is a high chance to be hired on your working place unless the boss has a mercy and knows what she or he does want actually. - Jude opted to reassure me, subsequently it was successful as her broad smile could soothe me as my insecurity drastically reduced except her eyes and the way she syllabled each word. 

-Thank you, rare bird! Though I do somewhat believe that the interview isn't going to be a particular failure. - I cupped Jude's cheek with my only available hand for this moment, as she smiled, purring like a cat with halfly opened eyes, sensing the warmness. I couldn't benefit myself but my smile grew, consequently she sipped of her warm tea, leaving it aside as she cupped apart of my face with her small palm.

-It's not going to be a failure, sweetheart! I am the only person who truly believes in you that you are going to take this position once you pass your interview today. 

-Aww, you are so sweet, Jude! *sensing my cheeks heating unlike hers which were prone to be more reddish in its hue* If I am being hired from tomorrow to work as a kindergarden teacher, do you plan to visit me whenever you can?- I posed the question with enthusiasm as I couldn't feel the fear, prejudices and self-consciousness that used to gnaw me anymore.

-Of course, I do,Tim. *her fingertips touching in downy way my cheek's skin including my cheekbone like a mother; her smile was candidly shining* However, it depends of my schedule and if I am either a second or first term at work.

The breakfast continued as we discussed some things and drinking from our already cooled teas. As soon as we had finished with our breakfast, Jude decided to wash the dishes and the mugs with the eating tools until I told her:

-Rare bird, you don't need to exhaust yourself. Save your energy for work while I will do all this.- We kissed our lips after my promise to her.

-Thank you, sweetie!- It was clearly evident her gratitude as she dissipated the dining table.

A couple of hours later...

Jude was gone to work from a long time ago. I was home alone as well. Once I remained home alone, I determined myself to take a fresh air for a while in my villa's yard as I wandered around the alluring yard with its ablooming flowers, trees. On the whole, an extraordinary spring landscape in front of me which couldn't be better drawn. Neither by an amateur or hobbyist artist, nor even a professionalist. The air was so fresh, the sky was clear and lucid, scarcely having any clouds, hiding the gleaming sun. What a sanctuary! It was around 9:30AM in the morning yet. I had still time until the interview.

As I took enough fresh air outdoors, all of a sudden, unexpectedly, the phone was ringing in the kitchen as I couldn't miss the opportunity to remain the call unanswered. Rushing to the kitchen, I hanged the phone as I heard similar voice of an elder woman calling me. Mother Claudia!

-Hello?

-Hello Claudia!- I exclaimed calmly as I scratched my head with my fingertips.

-Oh hello Timothy! How are you?- Her voice with that firm accent, inquired in a gleeful way as she was rather delighted to call me again.

-I am excited and excellent, thank you. What about you too?

-Pleased to hear that! I am well, thanks. As always, being occupied with nuns, doctors and whatever comes to your mind when you hear about Briarcliff.

-Yes. The almost same thing which me and Jude used to do when we worked along in the institution. 

-Exactly! *bursting out in a giggle together, thereafter abiding grave* Why are you that excited, Timothy?- She questioned inquisitively.

-Today is my job interview which should take a part around 11 o'clock. Besides I am very excited for one more thing which you might not believe or somehow you had predicted.- I responded with serene voice as I couldn't avoid to apply my British accent in every word that was spelled until this moment.

-That is amazing. *exhaling sharply* Is it something to do either with you or Jude?- Her posed question sounded rather concerned and brutally serious.

-With both of us especially Jude. *pausing for a moment as I swallowed a gulp in my throat* She's pregnant! - I answered Mother Superior's question, neither attaching any kind of a sarcasm,joke or even irony, nor exaggeration. Despite some people might find it for astonishing and fascinating in the same time how a woman who was infected with syphilis a long time ago could be pregnant either if she is 40 or whatever age, wearing a large smile across my face. My heart raced as I was pending for the elder nun's response especially expecting as a positive one.

-What? *coughing like she had caught cold* Jude is pregnant? If you say so, that's marvelous news to hear, Timothy! - Suddenly it was certainly visible that her voice changed from stern and grave into cheerful. 

-Indeed! I have never been that happy in my life for having a woman who loves me and vice versa. Especially with our whole hearts! Even expecting a child in the upcoming months. 

-That's a God Bless, remember that! Also I am afraid that you are going to leave Jude again during her pregnancy or after she gives a birth to her baby. 

-I am never going to leave my rare bird ever again. I had already promised her and had declared my utter love to her. I am going to be always next to her, regardless our painful and sorrowful past. 

-Well then! I hope you are behind your words. 

-I am behind my words as well.

-Alright! When Jude is going to be available so that to see her again? Even you?

-She is available in daylight for 3 days when she is at 2nd term work so that to pay a visit to Briarcliff to behold you. Likewise I cannot say anything about me when I will be available if the interview passes successfully. We can talk about it later on if you wish or whatever.

-Okay! By the way, I am wishing you a nice and wonderful day, moreover good luck with the interview and send greetings to your beloved wife Jude. Bye, Timothy!

-Thank you and you too, Claudia! Goodbye!

As the phone conversation ended, I checked the clock what time it was and it was around 10:15AM in the morning. My hairs bristened once when I saw the clock that was hanged on the wall as I hasted to go upstairs, starting to prepare myself for the interview as I have a big clothing choice. 

As I opened the wardrobe, I decided to put on something neutral such as a light gray, long-sleeved shirt, buttoned; followed by a pair of dark pants, a red tie, black Oxford shoes. I sprayed on certain parts of my body with the newest perfume that Jude brought me such as palms, collar, hair and muscular chest. I brushed my messy hair, checking myself in front of the dresser table's mirror, as I could see my neat reflection, smiling to myself. I took with myself my CV and keys which were the most important items that would be needed. It was already 10:34AM. I really should leave before it was too late.

A several minutes later...

As I walked in the region where we are currently living with my wife, I asked one of the strangers where is located the kindergarden that I am looking for, hence, receiving an efficient answer to what I am searcing. Thanks to the stranger who orientated me where is exactly located the facility, I found it within a few minutes. 

When I established myself in the yard of the kindergarden, there were plenty of little children, playing, laughing, jumping, screaming and so forth. They were accompanied by a teacher who was a young woman, visually looking in her late 20s. A red-haired, slight tanned skin color like a premature mango, wearing yellow clothes. She looked sympathetic at least. That is all what I could say about her, without entering in a direct conversation with her in face-to-face. 

Unfortunately as I gazed at the children how they were playing and having so much fun, suddenly somebody touched my shoulder, asking me:

-Sir?- This woman's voice sounded rather similar to me. I am completely sure it's Angela Lynch, my future boss. Firstly, I startled as I turned my back, facing the older woman who was visually in her 50s with a plump face and cheeks, brunette with neck length, straight hair; chocolate brown eyes like mine, mildly wrinkled face especially having bags under her eyes like she had spent sleepless nights.

-Hello Madame! Are you Mrs. Lynch? -I posed the question a bit awkwardly so that to make sure if it is either the woman who was on the phone, arranging our interview or somebody else who is amongst the kindergarden's working staff. I wore a nervous, unsure smile, sensing my cheeks dimly heating.

-Yes, I am, Mr.Howard!- She extended her hand as a sign to handshake each other's hands in friendly and professional way. Meantime her pleasant, mildly grinned smile emerged from nowhere else a little after the awkward situation.

-It's such a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Lynch. I am actually the candidate for the kindergarten's teacher position, Timothy Howard!

-It's my enormous pleasure to meet you, Mr.Howard. I am Angela Lynch, your boss. *thereafter we broke off the short lasting handshake as she gestured to enter inside the institution which she runs* This is the kindergarden "Felicity" where you might have the chance to work if you pass your interview if you are lucky enough, young man.

When she called me a "young man" with somehow ironic tone, I felt my face weakly blushed as she guided me to her office. My heart beats were extremely rapid and intenseful in the same time. Howsoever, I am believing in myself that she is going to hire me.  As we established on the 4th floor of the building, she unlocked her office's door, letting her to step inside her office as I was taught to be a gentleman since my early childhood, syllabling the magical words "Ladies first!", throughout receiving from her "Thank you, Mister Howard!", meanwhile taking a seat on her swivel chair beyond the desk as she ordered me to take a seat against her. There were prepared two glasses of cool and fresh water. The first one was of Mrs.Lynch whilst the another glass is possibly mine. 

-That is your glass of water for the interview if you are either thirsty or sensing your throat parched. - Angela pointed at the glasses of water with her manicured in royal blue index finger with a stern voice.

I nod my head as I awaiting for my very first question from Madame Lynch. I sipped of the glass of water, consequently earning my first question at last.

-So Mister Howard...*stretching her fingers against each other, placing her both elbows upon her desk* could you explain once again what brings you here to work as a kindergarden teacher? I mean why do you want to be a kindergarten teacher. 

-My real motive why I would like to work as a kindergarten teacher is due to the essential fact that I love children very much. They are such wonderful little human beings who are curious about the world that surrounds them, besides the fact that they are our future as heirs of their parents and relatives or the people who have the versatility and stamina enough to change the world altogether. They can be forgiven for each mistake that they have done or a naughty accident. They just do deserve forgiveness like each of us but mostly they do unlike the adults. Furthermore, it is such a miracle to work with children or to have your own children either if they are biological or adopted.- Madame Lynch paid utterly attention to what am I saying as our eyes met, her assertive and secretive chocolate eyes were glued into mine, observing cautiously my body language and my manners as well. She was barely smiling, demonstrating any sign of happiness.

-Very good, sir! I like your philosophy so much even appreciating it! Are you married and do you have your own children? 

-Yes, I am actually married. If we are talking about children, not yet until the end of this year.- I replied cold-blooded as usually.

-Good! *nodding her head gently* It is so exciting to hear that you are expecting a child with your wife.- She smiled for a while, demonstrating felicity for a while, thus her smile disappeared as she kept on with the interview process.

-Yes, it is.- I replied in goofy and blunt way with a broad smile across my lips.

-Let's jump on the next question, gentleman! What you used to work before? 

-I used to be a priest. I have a long career as a priest not only in the USA, besides in England. 

-Well...*scrunitizing my face in a complex way with mesmerized eyes whilst her eyebrows were wrinkled* Are you British, Mr.Howard? *nodding my head in agreement which meant clearly "Yes!"* That sounds so amusing and marvelous! In my long career as an administrator of this facility, I have never employed or interviewed for a position an English priest or somebody who used to be a priest. You are the first one. *smiling timidly as she grinned* Do you feel so special?- Mrs.Lynch questioned sarcastically with a grin, her chocolate eyes twinkling like stars in the nocturnal sky. 

-I am! *cackling quietly as I wanted to abide serious* It is quite strange that you had never hired priests or other religious faces to work in this institution. 

-I know, sir! But that's how the things are apparently. And my last question before the interview ends is...*pausing for a while as she permitted herself to sip of her glass with water, asking me for a permission to hold on for a second* Would you rather work because of the high salary or to work due to your enthusiasm, ambition, talents and desire?

-I prefer to work something that delights me because the life is too short. The money would buy some things which you might like and appreciate even cherish for a while until you find something much better in the upcoming days, giving up from the older one like a trash. As an addition, I would like to add to my opinion the reason why I would prefer to work something that delights me is that you are going at work daily with a broad smile, enthusiased nature and open minded heart to everything. I am not interested in something that pays me a lot, in spite of the lack of motivation, ambition and happiness. 

-I like your worldview so much, Mr.Howard! I am cordially grateful for receiving you. You are officially promoted to work as a kindergarten teacher as I am going to show you tomorrow the children with which you are going to work from the next day. Congratulations! *I felt satisfied inwardly and externally in the same time, meanwhile the older woman gave me a sheet of paper with my schedule from Monday to Friday, starting in 8AM in the morning, consequently finishing my working day at 6PM* Here is your schedule! Thank you once again!

-Thank you very much for the schedule and for everything else, Mrs.Lynch! *swapping a final handshake a little before to leave Angela's office, wearing a vivid smile across her plump lips, standing off the chairs as she sended me to the door* Goodbye and have a nice day! 

-No problem. Also thank you and goodbye. Have a marvelous day! See you tomorrow.

Then I left her office in euphoria as I descended the spiral stairs, heading to the exit, passing through nurses and aunties who were taking care of the little children. I couldn't be much happier and proud of myself for being hired especially where I wish mostly. I can already foretell my rara avis's reaction. She would be insanely blissful due to the brilliant news!

To be continued...