27: I Appreciate Your Insight

When Zola saw Cora sitting at the table, it was effortful not to quicken her pace. She radiated confidence and even from a distance, Zola could see she was enjoying the group's discussion. Zola realized that her only experience in seeing Cora engaged at work was when she first met her years ago.

Cora looked across the table and saw Chaplin David's eyes widen slightly as he looked beyond the table. When she followed his gaze, she understood entirely why. Zola wore classic grayscale pencil skirt, white blouse, jacket, black heels that Cora was certain no other woman owned. She made the business-casual outfit look deadly. Her hair was down and it shined with depth, just like her cinnamon eyes.

Cora stood to greet Zola. Resting her hand gently on her tricep and kissing her lightly on the cheek, she whispered into her ear. "You look ." Cora turned to the table. "This is Zola Basilio."

Cora went around the table making introductions. Cora smiled to herself, enjoying the spectrum of reactions from the table. All, she was certain, were put slightly on tilt by Zola.

Zola sat, listening intently to the conversation. She was fascinated by the nuance of four people trained in communication and religion having a conversation. There was deep respect for one another but also a gentle sparring as they presented their perspectives on their roles in the hospital system, society's ills, and God.

Once the table settled into the meal, David, a Rabbi, engaged in conversation. His curiosity was shining through. "Ms. Basilio, have you ever been to this area before or are you an Austin native?"

"This is my first time here. It's a quick trip, so I'm afraid I haven't been able to enjoy much of what the area has to offer." Zola smiled, captivating the table. "I grew up in Austin but attended Parsons in New York."

David raised an eyebrow, trying to make a connection. "So, you don't work at the hospital with Cora?"

Zola laughed. "Oh no! I'm afraid I would be well out of my depth. I sell shoes. A friend of mine is responsible for our introduction." Cora could see laughter in Zola's eyes as she responded.

Sister Madelyn could see in the two women the body language of a couple that is more than just friends. She smiled softly, meeting Cora's eyes. "Cora, you're from near here, right?"

"Yes, I grew up near Winston Salem and attended Wake Forest for my undergraduate degree, U.T. for my masters. I love this area. I miss the dogwoods."

"Would you consider a permanent move to the area or are you just looking to move here for your training and your PhD?"

Cora's shifted her eyes to Zola and smiled gently. "I'm not sure about the long-term move. I think one of the challenges of what we do is that we can go anywhere and find people in need of our services. The need is so great, everywhere." The table nodded in agreement.

"Zola, you grew up in Austin but you don't have an accent."

"Oh, no. My parents and grandparents speak both English and Italian at home and I attended a private Catholic school with many students from different parts of the world." The chaplains all nodded, Zola's socioeconomic status beginning to take shape.

Sister Madelyn beamed. Her eyes shifted between the two women and she chuckled. "That must make for a wonderful dinner conversation! A Buddhist and a Catholic!"

Zola grinned at the Nun's genuine good nature and amusement. "Sister, may I ask you a philosophical question?"

The older woman grinned. "Of course, Zola, they're my favorite kind!" Cora laughed lightly.

"How do you reconcile same-sex relationships and marriage, with Catholic dogma?"

Sister Madelyn chuckled. "Wow! No warm up?!"

Zola grinned, liking the woman more and more. She laughed. "I'm sorry, maybe a question about birth control and global resources first?" The table laughed and Cora's heart swelled seeing Zola engage with skilled social grace and nuance.

Sister Madelyn grinned. "No! No! Let me try to answer your 1st question. I suppose my first thoughts are of my personal religious and what that means to me. For me, it includes the basic tenets of Christianity and the basic tenets of the Catholic Church." Zola nodded, smiling.

"The basic tenets of Christianity are the . So I believe that Jesus was the living embodiment of God. God is Love. During Jesus's time, access to Gods was unequal and based on socioeconomic status. Jesus taught that access to God and Love was everyone's ."

Zola was grinning and nodding in understanding. "God is love. What is the Church?"

"A much more complicated question, Zola. But one I ask myself often. I believe that the of the Church is important in rising to meet the challenges that we face as a Catholic family. The Church isn't infallible, but ."

Sister Madelyn smiled softly. "So I suppose I do my best to love and , as Jesus and our Lord does. And I of the Church in hopes that if we continue to have faith and patience that ultimately the purpose and discipline of the Church will lead us to ."

A comfortable silence fell over the table as everyone considered the Sister's words. "Thank you, Sister Madelyn, I appreciate your insight." Zola found Cora's eyes and could see them flooded with deep thought and love as she returned Zola's gaze. "Cora and I have spoken often about compassion, kindness, and love in all its forms and doctrines."

Kerem, a Muslim Chaplain around Cora's age, reflected out loud. "The most important thing is your spiritual journey, Zola. As you continue to ask questions, examine your and your . Face them with ."

Zola grinned, bringing levity to the table. "We should have dinner more often. What is everyone doing next week?"

David laughed in agreement. "Yes! As long as Duke is paying!" ----

It was nearly midnight by the time Zola and Cora found their way back to their bed. With a 9:00 AM flight out they were looking at about 6 hours of sleep before they would need to be up and moving.

Cora and Zola laid in the bed on their sides, whispering in the darkness. "Do you like it here, ?"

"(Yes, my love)." Zola beamed. Cora's use of short Italian phrases was becoming more and more prevalent. "It's a great program, a familiar place, and the people here are wonderful. It's an easy flight to Austin. Zola, I love you." Cora's voice was beginning to wane, her breathing slowing. "You were incredible tonight."

Zola's entire body warmed at the sound of Cora's voice and her declarations. ". You changed my life."

"Mmmmmm."

"We'll make this work, right?"

"Yes, Baby." Cora was fading fast. " ..."

Zola pushed Cora's hair back and ran her thumb gently over her eyebrow and along her temple and down the edge of her face until she fell asleep. Zola heard Cora's deep rhythmic breathing, but she murmured before she fell asleep, Will you stay with me forever?"