Two-Spirit

Chapter 7

Me and Corie enter the church, which is full of people might I add.

"Connie?" I hear a voice that sounds eerily familiar to Henry's behind us.

Me and Corie both turn around and sure enough there he stands in a white button up shirt, suspenders and trousers. An outfit similar to Cories and every man in the holy establishment.

"Henry." I smile falsely and glance at Corie who looks as if he pities me.

Henry looks Corie up and down with judging glare. "Who are you?" He asks rudely.

I answer for Corie. "This is my brother Corie."

His eyes widen and he straightens his posture. "Pardon me." He holds out his hand.

Corie shakes it. "Good day."

He nods. "Indeed. If you don't mind I'd like to steal her for a bit." He doesn't wait for Cories reply and doesn't even bother asking me if I wish to go with him. He grabs my hand pulling me away before I can protest. We stay inside but go to the back corner of the church.

He lets go. "I didn't expect to see you here but I am grateful. I'd like to apologize for last week. I well deserved what happened I am not angry but won't you give me another chance?"

"No." I reply simply.

"Why not?" He frowns.

I decide to tell him most of the truth. "I'm not looking for a lover." Not in a man at least.

"Oh, well surely we can be friends until you change your mind."

"Yes we can be friends but I can assure you I won't change my mind."

He scoffs. "Nonsense. You must get married and have children one day." Pardon me?

"No, I do not wish for children." I say the annoyance seeping through my words.

He frowns. "But that is your only purpose." He is getting on my last nerves.

"It isn't but I think the service is soon to start I am going to sit." I begin walking away but he follows me not able to take a hint.

"I will sit beside you."

I frown and stop walking. "No I do not want you near me." I glare at him.

He frowns. "Why not? I thought we were to be friends until you change your mind."

"That was before you insulted me."

He looks confused. "I have not insulted you."

I sigh having enough. "Just leave me be."

"Wait, You are aware that this weekend we are to have dinner at your house." He says before I can walk off.

"Who says this?"

"Your parents."

"What day?"

"Sunday after church."

Why can't mother leave me be! Times like these make me wish to runaway and never return. The only person from my family I'd miss is my twin.

"That won't be necessary."

"Oh, but it will be fun." No it won't. Why is he so persistent?

"Fine." I grit. Clearly there is nothing I can do about this. I find me seat by Corie and Henry sits to my right.

Every word the priest speaks is about the things that will get us sent to hell. Nothing different from our old church in London. We never really learn about the lord himself it's always what not to do. Everything you do according to these mad people will get you sent to hell.

I don't listen to most. But when he mentions sodomy I'm all ears.

"The worse of them all is Sodomy it is from the presence of a demon that possess's one's mine, they are unaware of this possession. It is the work of the devil. If any of you ever feel sinful urges for a person of the same parts please come to me and we shall heal you." A demon? I've never heard it preached as a demon. Back in my old church it was only a sin. Hopefully if I was possessed by one I would know.

Corie who is to my right whispers so low I can barely hear him. "Connie tell him."

"I will not." I whisper back, hurt that he would even suggest such a thing.

One young man raises his hand. "I must confess that the ever since I was a lad I'd find myself having unholy thoughts of some boys I call friends. Till this day I still feel these urges towards men. Won't you help me sir? Rid my mind of this evil, cast this demon out."

People start whispering.

"Yes, you are a child of god and I wish for you and everyone in this room to walk through the gates of heaven. Come up here please."

The man stands and starts to walkup to him.

"Disgusting." Henry mutters. "Wouldn't you agree?"

I frown. "If I am honest I do not concern myself with matters that don't affect me. Only god can judge."

"No it's disgusting. You can't be fine with demons lurking around us. They once would hang the ones like this."

"How do we know It's demons?" I've read the entire Bible. These same people use it to say that slavery is alright and I don't believe in slavery. I for one don't believe a book that was written by man.

"How do we not?" He counters stupidly only proving my point. I'm sure if it was a problem we would know.

I sigh. "I said what I said. If it doesn't affect me why should I care. You shouldn't either." Except I really should because I am affected.

A women in the row in front of us stands up. I squirm a little anxiously.

"Father, I have felt such urges towards women. Forgive me." Why would we need forgiveness for something we can't help? This is a waste of my time, time I could be spending with Amadah.

"Child you are forgiven. Come up and we will rid you of this demon. But it is process that both of you have resisted your urges that is a sign of you choosing god." This is ludicrous.

"Connie just go. It won't hurt." Corie whispers again.

I frown. "It will hurt if these people are acting which I'm sure that's what it is." I say trying to convince myself and not just him.

The priest puts a hand on the man's head and then his other on the women's. He says some words and at the same time they both the man and women fall to the floor and start speaking in a language never heard before. Soon they stop and stand back up.

The man stands up with a smile. "I am cured. The urges are gone." Yes, I'm convinced this is surely a play. I'm sure god laughs at these fools. He didn't even seem to think about the urges.

"Mine as well." The women says the same. Lord please get me out of here.

Five hours later of this actual hell and everyone is leaving the church. Henry and Corie follow me out.

When we get out of the church, Corie goes to the wagon and Henry stops me to talk.

"I shall see you this weekend." He smiles.

"Yes unfortunately you shall." Maybe he will be kind enough to not come if he sees I don't want that.

He chuckles. "It is not unfortunate."

I sigh. "If you say, Bye." I leave and get on the wagon not wanting to talk to him any longer.

"I'm sorry." Corie says once we've made it down the road. "I shouldn't doubt you, you are my twin. Surely you aren't possessed by a demon you aren't evil."

I smile. "I forgive you."

Me and Amadah will have something to discuss. Henry is ridiculous, children. I can't have children if I prefer women and I don't have a desire to have any. Although If I could have them with a women I love I would of course.