Neophyte

Night

Mariana led Metztli out of the Mission; once outside its doors, there was almost nothing but land. Metztli felt as if she was in another world since there were mountains, small bushes, and dome-shaped huts where many Tongva people lived. The city of San Gabriel was nothing like Metztli remembered; she remembered the beautiful buildings, the trees, and the streets. "Wow, I am in the past. I really am..."

Metztli got out of her thoughtful gaze and saw three bonfires where meat was hung close to the fire as it was being cooked. Children were running and playing around, and the adults who looked exhausted smiled as they spoke and gathered together as a community. It brought warmth into Metztli to see the Tongva people coming together at a gathering. The people looked like they didn't have much, but having each other brought happiness. Memories came to Metztli as she remembered how she, her family, and her community would come together to eat, dance, and sing prayers and stories.

"Are you feeling well?" asked Mariana.

"Huh? Oh, yes. Sorry, I dozed off. It's just that moments like these brings back memories of my community and how the togetherness brings happiness."

Mariana stopped, and Metztli did the same. The older woman watched as her people were preparing the night's festivities. She wondered how much freedom Metztli had before arriving at the Mission. Also, it wasn't easy to concentrate on what Federico told the young woman about what was happening outside the Mission walls. It was a cruel reality that was difficult to face, but it couldn't be ignored since Valentina faced a similar threat. Either way, Mariana believed her daughter and Metztli would be safer in the Mission since Victoriano was in charge. The older woman forced herself to smile. "Yes, young one. It is not often that our people can eat together in harmony. We all try to enjoy every moment before returning to reality. Now, let us go. There are more people I would like to introduce you to."

The women walked toward the group of people who noticed them. The people greeted Mariana with respect since she was a well-respected herbalist and medicine woman. Many of the neophytes and unbaptized who weren't introduced to Metztli noticed her. Mariana calmly introduced her; the people noticed Metztli's shyness. Also, the people couldn't help but notice her beauty; they asked if she was a mestiza. 

Metztli was silent and couldn't help but feel offended that her people thought of her as mixed. She wanted to say that she was from another time, and people in her time took more care of themselves. Metztli was of the Tongva tribe and held pride in being descended from the tribe. However, it wasn't a good idea to say anything since Metztli hoped to return to her time once she woke up from a good night's rest. Mariana noticed the young woman's discomfort but reminded the people not to speak of things one doesn't know or understand. 

Many of the people felt embarrassed; they welcomed Metztli. The tension lessened, and the women went to everyone in attendance. While being introduced, Metztli couldn't help but feel that she was being watched, a feeling she hated. Hoping to find where the feeling was coming from, she was about to look around until a man walked toward her and Mariana. 

The man was short compared to her, but although he lacked height, he made up for it with sternness and strength. The unknown man had eyes that were dark as coal and hardened; his face had wrinkles forming, although he had a hint of youth. His skin was almond-toned; his hair was black with a hint of gray that was very short. What made him noticeable was a scar on his nose. The scar was deep into the skin and looked like a small part of the skin almost exposed the bone. It made Metztli almost shiver by looking at it. 

When Mariana saw the man, her demeanor changed; she became serious. The two looked at one another, and the people close to them noticed the tension. Everyone slowly became silent until the crackles of the fire were only heard. 

Footsteps echoed toward the duo; Toypurina and Valentina arrived. "Nonantzin, nican."

Mariana looked at her daughter and Toypurina; she looked disappointed. Meanwhile, the mysterious man noticed Metztli, who looked uncomfortable with the silence. He was expressionless but eyed her from head to toe. "Piyalli, na notocah Nicolas Jose. Huan ta (Hello, my name is Nicolas Jose. And yours)?"

Metztli bit her lower lip; everyone looked at her. She didn't understand or speak the language. People confused her about being a mestiza; she didn't want to prove them right. It wasn't her fault that she wasn't taught the language of the Tongva. Mariana went to her and whispered into her ear; she was told to speak what was whispered to her. "P-Piyalli, Nicolas Jose. Na notocah Metztli De La Cruz. Ni-Nimītztlahpaloz (Greetings to you)." The language wasn't simple; the pronunciations were challenging, and she clearly couldn't speak it.

"Así que tú eres el recién llegada. Aunque no sé por qué has venido a este lugar (So you are the newcomer. Although, I do not know why you would come here in this place)."

He spoke Spanish, which made Metztli feel at ease. "Sí, la vida funciona de maneras misteriosas (Yes, life works in mysterious ways)."

"Tal vez fuera una tontería o la posibilidad del destino. Puedo ver algo en tus ojos que viniste aquí con un propósito (Perhaps it was foolishness or the possibility of fate. I can see something in your eyes that you came here for a purpose)."

Metztli's eyes widened. "A purpose?" she thought. If it was for a purpose, what was it for? Why her? The young woman considered herself unimportant since she wanted to live peacefully.

Mariana, Toypurina, and Valentina watched. Mariana glared at the two young women and whispered, "You know that he always brings tension to gatherings. Many of our people did not wish for him to arrive. You invited him, did you not?"

"Whether or not he speaks his mind, he is still part of our people, Mariana. He had just lost his second wife, and he still holds pain from losing his previous wife and the child they were supposed to have. Nicolas needs the support of our people," Toypurina whispered back.

"Buenas noches a todos (Good evening, everyone)," said a masculine voice.

Everyone looked at where the voice came from, and a man was taller than anyone in attendance. His skin was warm beige, with a messy, trimmed, dark brown beard, which made him look masculine. His diamond-shaped face looked youthful, but dark circles under his eyes made him look as if he hadn't gotten sleep. The man's eyes were light brown, and his long dark brown hair had some light brown tips that went past his chin. He looked more well-built than the other men Metztli had seen in the Mission. Toypurina and Valentina's moods changed. "What is he doing here?" asked Valentina.

"I invited him," said Mariana as she motioned Metztli to follow her.

The rest of the people were silent as they watched the two women approach the new guest. Toypurina instructed everyone to ready the food and noticed Valentina standing still. "Valentina, it is best not to cause a scene. We are here to have a peaceful time without people. Besides, I understand your brother is coming soon so you must be ready."

Valentina scoffed as she went off with the others to help.

Mariana and Metztli stopped before the man. "Mariana, forgive me for breaking the silence."

"It is no trouble at all. I am happy that you arrived since you are my special guest. Also, we have a new member of our Mission. This is Metztli De La Cruz."

Metztli and the guest looked at one another. The young woman couldn't deny that the man was handsome, but he didn't have the same looks as Padre Federico. However, his eyes showed a hint of kindness, even with his gruff exterior. "A pleasure to meet you, sir..."

"Ah, the name is Esteban Morales. Un placer (a pleasure)." He motioned out his hand, and Metztli slowly grabbed his hand, then motioned her hand to his lips. Esteban gave a quick peck as he looked at her light gray eyes. "Que bella (How beautiful)." 

Mariana cleared her throat and smiled. "Well, let us not stand in the cold, let us get ready for tonight's festivities."