Neophyte

Suggestion

Singing echoed in Metztli's mind, making her sad. Men and women sang together softly, making Metztli want to weep. Her eyes were closed, but she noticed she was standing outside when she opened them. The Mission was viewed from far away. 

"Where am I?

"Why am I here?"

Women weeping echoed behind her, making her turn around. A group of people had their backs turned to her; smoke flowed up to the cloudy skies. The scent of smoke was strong, but another scent was unknown to Metztli. "H-Hello?"

No one responded or turned to look at her; many kept weeping as they surrounded something burning smoke. Metztli didn't know whether to see what they were looking at, but curiosity got the best of her. When getting closer to the group of people, some of them slowly made a path for Metztli. What confused her was that they weren't looking at her as they made a path. It made her nervous, but there was a clear path. She slowly walked into the path while passing many men, women, and children who looked angry or sad.

The scent of smoke got stronger as Metztli approached the end of the path. Once at the end, what looked like a pyre was slowly burning. Something wrapped was on top of the pyre, and Metztli realized it was a body when they approached it. "What is going on?"

Metztli slowly lifted her hand to uncover whose body it was.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed her shoulder and-

"GAH!" Metztli woke up as she yelped from the shock. Her eyes opened wide, and she saw Mariana standing beside her. "M-Mariana!?"

"Oh, perdon (sorry). You haven't woken up yet, and everyone has begun their daily chores. You also looked as if you were having a nightmare."

Metztli slowly sat up from her bed as she looked at her surroundings; she was still in the room. "I-I'm still here?" She slowly got off her bed and looked out of the room. Many Tongva people were working, and she wasn't at her present time. "How is this possible? I-I thought I was going to return home."

Mariana watched from afar, concerned. She slowly walked to the young woman who was watching everyone doing work. "Young one, it is best that you have something to eat. You need your strength to work today." Standing by Metztli's side, she noticed her confusion. Perhaps the food last night was not to your liking."

"I can't still be here. I thought by sleeping, everything would be returning to normal," Metztli mumbled to herself. She then bumped her head at the doorway, thinking she would return to her era. 

"Metztli, por favor (please), do not embarrass yourself further. You must eat before beginning your duties. You will help serve the Padres' breakfast before the morning mass ends."

The shock slowly dissipated, and Metztli accepted that she was stuck in the past; her hope faded. "I can't give up! I have to find a way to get back home!" She got out of her thoughts and looked at Mariana. "S-Sorry about that. The nightmare had an effect on me. What were you saying?"

The older woman shook her head. "I said you will help serve the Padres' breakfast since morning mass is almost over. The food is already cooked, but you will help serve. I believe getting acquainted with the other Padres of the Mission will do you good." Mariana then walked back inside the room and motioned out clothes. "I brought these for you since you seemed only to have one pair of dresses; I brought you more."

"Oh, thank you for your consideration." At the corner of her eye, the other empty bed was noticed. "Where is Valentina?"

"She is at the infirmary helping the ill and injured. My daughter is not thrilled of staying here in the Mission and she dislikes going to mass. I hope you accept helping with serving food for the mornings."

Metztli closed the door behind her as she walked into the bedroom. "It's not a problem. I would be happy to help with anything. Let me change, and I will go serve the food."

....................................

Bishop Victoriano had finished leading the mass. The other bishops and the Padres made the holy cross sign. Victoriano motioned everyone to stand and led them out of the Mission's church to the small dining room, where wooden tables and chairs were ready. 

The three bishops sat together at the main table while the rest sat before them but sat once the Bishop did. The Padres spoke to one another about their daily tasks or anything new happening far from the Mission. 

Padre Federico felt he was getting a headache due to the lack of sleep and the long mass. Metztli and singing plagued his mind all night, and sleeping wasn't possible. He couldn't help but think of her beautiful long hair and skin, imagining how soft they were. Padre Federico sighed while massaging his forehead. "Padre, you do not look so well."

"Worry not, Padre Lucas. I didn't sleep well last night."

"Was it because of the savages? I could hear them sing even from afar. Curse their kind."

"Careful of what you speak. Bishop Victoriano may hear you and may reprimand you."

Lucas gulped as he put his hands together on the table. 

Footsteps echoed in the hallway as people arrived at the dining room. Federico was surprised to see Metztli holding a large tray of plates along with three other women. Bishop Victoriano noticed them and smiled. "Bienvenidas (Welcome)."

The three women bowed; Metztli looked confused but bowed back, struggling to hold the large tray of heavy plates of atole (corn or barely gruel). She followed suit as the women served the Bishops their plates of atole and cups of milk. Metztli was instructed to give plates to the many Padres as she tried to hold onto the tray. Then, she got to Padre Federico; they looked at one another.

"Buenos dias (Good morning)," he said.

"Oh, buenos dias, Padre," she responded while handing him his plate.

"I assume you were part of last night's festivities."

Metztli nodded. "S-Si, fue divertido (Y-Yes, it was fun)."

Before Federico could respond, Bishop Victoriano cleared his throat. "Everyone, I have an announcement. The Bishops and I learned that Padre Fermín de Lasuén will visit us in three days, so the Bishops and I have thought about choosing the best singer to sing at mass upon his arrival."

The Padres murmured, and Metztli couldn't help but overhear. Fermín de Lasuén was the President of the many Missions in California. She couldn't believe the possibility of meeting an important historical figure. 

"Henceforth, we must choose one of the best singers to-"

Padre Federico stood from his seat; he glanced at Metztli, who was about to leave. "If I may give a suggestion, Bishop. Last night, I heard Metztli here, sing last night. Although, it was far, I could tell she had a lovely voice."

All eyes were on Metztli, making her feel like a deer in front of headlights. "Uh, me? I-I am not that good, I-"

"Ustedes tres. Todos fueron a la reunión de anoche. ¿Cómo cantó (You three. You all went to last night's gathering. How did she sing)?"

The three women looked at one another; they feared what would happen if they lied. "Sí, cantó maravillosamente anoche (Yes, she sang beautifully last night)."

"I suggest she sing for us for tonight's mass. What do you think, Bishops?" asked Pasdre Federico as he sat back down in his seat.

The Bishops looked at one another. Victoriano glanced at Metztli, who looked uncertain. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable, but showing too much protection could lead him in trouble with the other Bishops. "Very well, we will consider it. Dear child, you will join us for tonight's mass. After your duties, I want you to go to Guillermo, for he will show you what to sing."

Metztli noticed how Victoriano eyed her to go along with it. He was very kind to her and said it was best not to refuse. "Okay, Bishop." She and the other women walked out of the dining room. "What is going? How am I getting into these situations? Damn it, I won't be able to get myself out of this one."