Before Their Story Began

Chapter 42

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️
⚠️ RELIGION ⚠️

Alessio's POV

I'm on my way to Cuba with only the clothes on my back. Mom didn't let me take any of the clothes in my bag with me. She felt the stuff inside was too expensive and didn't want my cousins feeling jealous.

I don't see how that's my problem. They always find a reason to take my stuff even though their parents buy them expensive things too.

I don't want to go back there. I told myself I'd never return. I don't get to be a kid there.

At the Airport

A/N -> Dialogue will be in Spanish while he's in Cuba. I feel the translations are too bulky and make the chapter appear much longer than it actually is.

"Alessio, you've grown so much." Father Luis from my church greeted me

"Hi father." I greet him

"Since your new family is still looking for you. You can't stay with us. They asked me to house my favorite altar boy. You'll attend the private school in the church and live in the dorms." Father Luis explained

Anything was better than being with my family. I was truly relieved to be going back to the church. Even though I endured many punishments at church I later learned how to avoid them altogether.

I followed the priest to his car and put my nearly empty backpack in. He was going on and on about how excited he is to have me back in church. Growing up I loved going to church because it was the only break I had from school. I'm good at memorizing things so I always excelled in Sunday school and could play with my church friends.

When we arrived at the church Father Luis had another student show me to my room.

"I'm Oscar." The boy introduced

"Hi, I'm Alessio."

"It's overwhelming right now but once you get the hang of everything it becomes easier. Friends can make or break your experience here. Let be friends." He extended his hand

"Sure." I nodded

"I'm gonna be the head altar boy soon so listen to me and you'll stay out of trouble. This is your room. Let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you for the offer but I think I'll be okay." I smiled

I entered the empty room and threw my backpack on the chair. I should've ran away with a suitcase. I had no bedding to put on my bed which I didn't realize was an issue until now.

The only thing left in my bag was bar soap, travel size lotion, my toothbrush, glasses, and retainers.

I sat on my bed and frowned. I don't know how long I sat there for but I was pulled back into reality when someone knocked on my door.

I stood up to open the door but it was in vain since father Luis let himself in anyways.

He was pushing a laundry cart

"Good evening Alessio. Since your bag was so small I assumed you were without bedding and clothes so I brought you some. I also brought you two bibles, one in Latin and the other in Spanish. There are unused notebooks and stationary supplies in your desk. Since you're once again a member of the altar service you'll be expected to wear the white for school and brown alb at all other times. Other students wear the uniform but you get to honor of being exempt. On Sundays you'll wear the red alb with the white surplice over it. Oscar will show you around and take you to your classes. Your schedule is tucked into the rulebook in this cart. Read that book tonight to avoid getting punished. That's all welcome back." He patted my shoulder then left