Tempted by Love

The Unlikely Encounter

It was a typical Saturday evening in the hallowed walls of the seminary where we would have the usual recollection and confessions. I was inside the chapel, kneeling with my hands clenched with my eyes closed reflecting on my recent endeavors trying to remember even the slightest sins I have committed.

As I sat at the farthest pew or the bench end waiting in line for my turn for confession, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Despite my efforts to be a good seminarian, doubts and fears crept into my heart, making me wonder if I was doing enough or living up to my full potential.

Suddenly, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, and I looked up to see seminarian Jeremy, one of the seniors of the college department whom I consider one of my closest friends in the community, standing beside me.

"Hey Andrei, is everything all right? You seem more serious than usual," he asked with a tone of genuine concern in his voice.

I took a deep breath and tried to collect my thoughts. "I'm just reflecting, kuya," I replied. "Thinking about my recent actions and trying to be a better person."

Before Jeremy could reply, a strange person caught their attention. It was a short-haired girl who entered the chapel and knelt on one of the front pews. Jeremy locked his eyes with me with a sense of surprise.

"Who's that lady over there?" I whispered. "I'm not sure. She does look familiar, though. Maybe she's a sibling of one of our brother seminarians," replied Jeremy. "She looks pretty, and she's got a great figure," he added and giggled.

I gave him a grin and pinched his arm. "I'm here to confess my sins, not to think dirty thoughts," I teased, jokingly questioning his sense of right and wrong.

Jeremy stood up, and let out a small laugh and said, "You stay here while I go say hi." But before Jeremy could approach the girl, a nun suddenly appeared in front of her and took her outside. I raised an eyebrow and looked at Jeremy, smirking as he walked back towards me.

Whispering to Jeremy, I said, "You look defeated." He replied, "Why does every girl I approach always end up failing? Am I so unlucky that I can't even find love?"

"Listen, you don't have to search for the right girl, she'll come to you eventually, if God wills it" I said in a soft voice.

"Says the guy who's refused to date several girls because of your vocation," Jeremy retorted.

I chuckled and replied, "Well, at least I have a valid excuse for being single. You, on the other hand, are just plain unlucky."

Jeremy playfully punched my arm and said, "Looks like I should follow in your footsteps and take the seminary formation and my vocation more seriously. It might save me from all the trouble of searching for love."

I shook my head and chuckled. "Don't be ridiculous, you'd make a terrible priest. Can you imagine trying to preach while checking out every girl in the congregation?"

Jeremy laughed and said, "Hey, it's not my fault that God made women so beautiful."

As we continued to share some lighthearted moments, more and more seminarians started coming into the chapel to pray and seek penance. As I knelt down and closed my eyes once again, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the strong bond of brotherhood that we had formed. Despite our individual struggles and imperfections, we were there for each other, supporting and encouraging one another through our journey toward priesthood.

After I finished confessing my sins, I opened my eyes and stood up, ready to leave the confessional booth. As I stepped out, the lady Jeremy and I saw earlier suddenly appeared in front of me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and intrigue. My heart raced as I struggled to compose myself and meet her gaze with a shy smile. The air was thick with a romantic tension, and I felt a rush of emotions wash over me as she leaned in closer.

Her soft breath caressed my cheek, and my heart skipped a beat as she whispered, "I couldn't help but overhear your confession. I hope you can forgive me for intruding, but I couldn't resist the urge to talk to you." As her words hung in the air, I felt a surge of excitement and anticipation, knowing that this chance encounter could be the start of something truly special.