Apocrypha

Chapter 32

"Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."
Micah 7: 8

HOME WAS THE PLACE that never had a definite solution. It can be in the largest of mansions or in the tiniest apartments. A place to live yet was not worth living for.

Hence why, we fill those homes with what we cherish. And among those are the people we love and hold dear to our hearts. And the compass in our hearts will always point at those we love.

Voices crying, heavy footsteps, and clatter of pots and pans. Cheers and cries, arguments and wails. It was what made their house into a home.

Gabriel knew he had found a home. A place that feels safe for him. And those others will say the same too.

The TV had been set with Gabriel watching intently. It was time for the Consecration of the Youth.

A carriage drove through the streets of Washington DC, where the baby was held inside by its mother. The streets were lined with citizens who threw white roses, which were trampled by the car's wheels.

"Has it started?" Lysander asked.

"Not yet." Gabriel replied.

"Do you remember what the event was like?"

"Sort of. It's a mass but the center of attention is the child."

The car parked in front of the First Church. Getting out of the carriage was Martha Barrington with her son, Micah Barrington, in her arms. The baby was draped in white clothing with a large cross on his chest.

Following close was Joseph Barrington, stepping in as father. Gabriel felt a bit of jealousy seeing his father carry out a duty that was meant for him.

"Here come the Innocents." Gabriel said.

A line of black cars then followed. A man and woman stepped out, all holding their own children. The boys ranged from infants to toddlers.

The procession began. The First Family walked up the stairs with the National Anthem playing, followed by the other families.

Inside, the church was draped in white cloth. When the family made it to the front, Gabriel saw his other siblings seated in the front pew.

"What's your brother wearing?" Cassio asked, referring to Joshua.

"He was supposed to be deployed to Texas earlier this year. He came back quickly for the ceremony." Gabriel answered.

Zadok, Anointer of Presidents, appeared in the pulpit. He did the normal ceremony, then called upon the child to be placed on an altar, draped with the American flag.

"The Lord, Almighty, bless this child with your beautiful hands of grace. And maketh him the inheritor of this great land, your proper Kingdom." Zadok announced.

Gabriel also muttered those same words.

Monsignor Zadok then began to splash water onto Micah. The screen showed Micah, resting on the altar. His blonde hair glowed from the sunlight entering the church. Anyone could see it was Gabriel's son.

David Barrington, the current President, appeared and placed a wooden chalice of frankincense oil. Next was Benjamin Barrington, the former President, who placed a gold cross. Then, Levi Barrington, the President from before the former, placed myrrh incense.

"The child has been bestowed with the gifts!" Zadok announced while raising his arms in the air. "It is now time for the dissolution."

Martha Barrington was given a candle that was lit. She held onto it until it melted, hot wax touching her hands. When the candle was done burning, a teary Martha dipped her hand into a cold bowl of water.