Dragging her trunk out into the middle of the street exhausts Ava. It is almost as big as she is, but not very heavy.  She opens the lid and dumps it unceremoniously onto the ground. She then pulls out a small container of gasoline and pours it over the top.  Out of her pocket comes a book of matches and as all her friends’ watch, Ava_Marie burns the last shred of evidence that connects her to the Sisters of The Lake Convent.

Ava begins relating the story she has been told since she can remember:

Sister Mary Therese said it was a bitterly cold January in Chicago during the height of a blizzard when Ava was left with them.  A beautiful young girl, no more than 15 trudged up the steps to the gloomy looking stone building and dropped off her little bundle of joy with a wistful look, and tears in her eyes.  They promised her that her child would be well cared for, but would also live a life of servitude and hardship.

Despite the lack of any outside friendships, and only having her basic needs met, Ava grew up strong and graceful with a quiet beauty.  She also had a curious nature and an artistic talent that could not be beaten down. Most of her free time though, was spent in prayer and meditation.

Ava flashes back in her mind to her some of her recent memories and tells of them.

The graveyard behind the convent becomes my solace.  It is the only place I am allowed to go unescorted by a horde of cackling sisters.  It is there that my life becomes a twisted illustration of reality.

Daily, new gravesites appear and I am bewildered by it.  No funerals or graveside services.  No grieving widows or screeching family members.  What can this mean?  Since I am the only one who ever visits the graveyard apart from funerals, no one else notices anything amiss. 

As all this is going on, I am informed that I will be taking my final vows in the morning.  I have no intention of going through with this plan that was made for me.  Although I am perfectly happy meditating and praying, I have no plan of taking final vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.  My mind is conflicted with what I feel is my family destiny.

 As I contemplate this most recent information, I sleuth about the cemetery looking for clues.  Out far in the back, near the wrought iron fence, there is another freshly dug grave.  I poke about and see that it is barely covered. I almost believe that I am hearing a moaning sound from under the grave.   I look around for others and quickly begin digging the loose dirt with a quickening heartbeat.  Soon I have unearthed a metal box.  I tug and pull until it opens and imagine my surprise, when I find a living person.  She is young and badly beaten, but not dead at all. I quickly pull off my cloak and drape it across her half clad body.  I run as fast as I can to the convent for water and medical supplies.  After a few minutes I am able to revive her and tend to her wounds.  She quickly tells the chilling story of white slavery.  One of the nuns, it seems has been helping someone hide the unconscious girls until they can be smuggled out of the city. 

 As quickly as we can, we form a plan of escape.  We bury the box back into it’s shallow grave and I show her a place deep in the forest where she can stay hidden until my return.

I ready myself for evening Vespers and then for bed, as if it was a normal day.  I make conversation with Sister Mary Therese about the Solemn Vow ceremony.  When everything is quiet I dress quickly and with stealth.  I only take as much as I can carry.  I don’t have much anyway, so it is not a problem.  Out of routine, I put on the habit over street clothes and head out to find the girl. As an after thought put a small garden shovel in my outside pocket and take a paring knife from the kitchen. 

When I get to the place where I left her, I feel that something is not right.  All too late I sense a presence behind me.  I drop my bags to run, but I am outmatched in the end.  A hand comes around my face with a handkerchief and I fall to the ground.  Time passes, I don't know how much, and I am loosely tied and being dragged toward the shallow grave where the girl was buried.  I know my only chance for survival is to pretend to be unconscious.

I breathe in and out slowly, trying to wait for the right opportunity.  I am still uncertain what happened to the girl, and cold as it sounds, I can’t concern myself with her now.  I check for my makeshift weapons, which are in my outer pocket.  It has not been thought of to frisk me, and I can’t believe my good fortune.  I keep my eyes closed as I am left on the ground while the box is unearthed once again.  I hear voices now, one is soft and familiar.  Can it be Sister Maureen?  The other is a gruff voice, saying we’re gonna have ta’ kill her, no doubt about it. She’s too nosey.  Sister Maureen gasps at this information.  I take the opportunity of their distraction to make my move.  I wheedle out the knife and very carefully cut myself loose and then I take out the spade and hit the stranger over the head as hard as I can.  I don’t even bother with The Sister, as I know I can out run her in a flash.

I run fast and hard, all my earthly possessions, left behind.  I don’t let up at all until I reach the middle of the city, looking disheveled and feeling disoriented.   Stopping for a brief moment, I panic and lose my balance.  When I do this, I run into a man who is much taller than I am.  I bounce back and land on the ground.  He chuckles softly, and I see a twinkle in his eye.

I extend my hand and say, I could use a hand, if you don’t mind.  He smiles warmly and says, Yes little lady, I would be happy to help.

As Ava finishes her story, 

Her habit goes up in flames as everyone stands and watches.  Ava is certain that she saw an image of a pitchfork in the fire.  She clasps her hands together and smiles joyously.  To think she was only hours away from taking her final vows when she escaped their grasp.  Perhaps she now has a chance at a normal life, although it seems she will be a criminal on the run.  Her new family makes it all worthwhile.  Ava knows that this is what is in her blood.

Harmony rushes over to her good friend Ava. Bouncing from pent up energy and excitement she hugs Ava.

I am so glad you didn't take your vows. I would never have gotten the chance to meet such a brave and amazing woman as you are. I'm so glad to call you my friend.

Smiling she takes in the warmth of the fire and warms her hands up. 

Smiles and hugs ava, Im Glad i met you, *Hands you some roses and some to harmony as well*

As Ava watching the fire with joy, Emelia walks up beside her

I never thought you would do it She whispers as she watches the flames dance around Ava's former life

Em laughs and says You know you should have told me to bring the marshmallows.

Emelia puts her arm around Ava's shoulder. So what now?

Baby's eyes widen as she watches her friend prepare to set her belongings on fire. She can feel Ava's excitement in the air at the new, fresh start she has just given herself. She knows, oh Lord does she know about breaking away and becoming your own person. It wasn't going to be easy, but thankfully Ava had her friends and family. She walks up next to her and places her hand in Ava's squeezing it tightly.

Whatever you need, you just ask...

Marley pats his pockets in search of a lite

Damn-it!!

Marley notices the fire and heads over to lite his joint

Chuck pauses in the streets he was walking just to see a beautiful lady burning someones body. He then listen to the story that has been more intriguing than what she did.

He then approach the lady and takes her hand and kisses it.

Ava, Im very curious about your life  and you deliver the story profoundly. Im also impressed to your courage that burning human body is like making a campfire to you. Bottomline, Im interested with you.

Chuck points a bar just down the alley

I would be lucky if I can take you there and have some drink

Epic walks towards Ava

"It seems that all the pain has been gone with the fire my dear friend."

"Are you ready to go?"

Epics waited to his friend to escort her way back to her home.

Ava stared into the fire as her friends and neighbors gave her their love and support. This had not been an easy task for Ava, as a cloistered life was all she had ever known. But, as you see her standing in the streets, she begins to take on the personality of a somewhat normal and strong, if a bit subdued young woman. "I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family." She says sincerely, and with emotion. I know my mother would be very proud of me, God rest her soul. I only wish I had known her."

I think thats beauty of My sister ava. She grew up in prayer most of her life. I find that remarkably beautifuly.

Singer hugs his sister and smiles.

How much of an honor it is to know you love.

Airhawk pats Ava on the back and focuses his attention to the fire burning in her eyes

Charlotte gasps, listening to the story.  What a harrowing experience for her to go through!

Well sugah, I'm glad you got through all that.  I wonder if you ever met up with the other girl again?  In any way, I am glad that you found your way here safe and sound.

Running down the stairs and out the door, Liz unties her apron as she makes her way to the street, excusing herself as she contours the growing crowd.

Ava seems so calm and content that Liz approaches her slowly and smiles at her friend.

You made the right decision. You will have a great life here with us and I'll be here whenever you need me.

She gives her a quiet hug before heading back to HQ.

Rich- approaches Ava and stands smiling at her.

You have come a long way and made the best choice possible. We are glad to heve you here.

Mccer walks up to Ava

" It seems you will be safe with your new family"