Neophyte

Inform

Dark gray clouds filled the skies; rain was arriving. 

Metztli hoped the rain would allow the Tongva to rest from their labor. "The Padres can't be this cruel to let them work in the rain," she thought. 

"Metztli." Mariana walked toward her from the kitchen, wiping her hands. "There you are! Where were you?"

"Oh, good morning, Mariana. Yeah, about that. I practiced almost all night, and I decided to go to the church and pray. Before I knew it, I fell asleep inside due to exhaustion. Sorry for worrying you."

Mariana sighed, noticing the dark circles around Metztli's eyes and a scent from her. "When was the last time you bathed?"

"It has been a while. Sorry about that."

"I prepared your bath in your room. Go and get in, and I will help you wash your hair." 

Metztli decided not to argue and did what she was told. Arriving at her room, she noticed Valentina wasn't there, which relieved her. Seeing Valentina after what she had told her would be awkward. 

In the center of the room was a large wooden bath bucket filled with steaming water. Next to it was a small wooden bucket with a cloth, a bar of soap, a comb, and small flowers. 

Metztli ensured she was alone and undressed. Once nude, she climbed over the wooden tub, and the warm water was felt throughout her body, making her shiver in delight. It had been a while since she had bathed. 

While enjoying her bath, there was a knock on the door. "C-Come in."

Mariana entered. "Metztli, I came here to help you wash your hair, or do you wish to do it on your own?"

Metztli remembered that shampoo wasn't available in the past, and people had to rely on water and other plant life to wash their hair and skin. She was afraid of messing up her hair and responded, "I would appreciate your help."

Mariana nodded, closing the door behind her, took a small wooden chair, flowers, a wooden mortar, and a pestle, and began crushing the roots. 

The two were silent, but Metztli noticed the plant that Mariana used. "Is that the chlorogalum  plant?"

"It is. It will refresh your hair. I have used this often with my children since they were young." Mariana combined the liquid from the root with water and lavender. She then took the small wooden bucket, put it under Metztli's hair, and soaked it in a handful of water. "You have lovely hair."

"Thanks, I try to take care of it as much as I can."

With the mixture, Mariana put the handmade shampoo on Metztli's hair and massaged her scalp. While massaging and washing Metztli's hair, Mariana couldn't help but feel a motherly instinct toward her. "So you have practiced all night? Do you feel nervous about singing in front of Padre Fermin?"

"A bit. I mean, I heard about him, and I know that he is a man of influence. I-I..."

"I know you want to make a difference, young one. Even if you impress him, nothing will change. Padres and Bishops in charge will not change how they were used to. Corruption will always rule the Missions." Metztli looked thoughtful, but there was determination in her eyes. "You remind me so much of Valentina. You two share some similarities but have your differences." Metztli slightly pouted, making Mariana giggle while shaking her head. She gave the bar of soap and shampoo mixture to Metztli, who bathed herself and washed off the handmade shampoo. "I also brought you a new pair of clothes. The ones you have are dirty, and I will have them cleaned."

Metztli nodded as she finished bathing. She got out of the wooden tub and was given a towel to dry herself. She was then given a new pair of clothes: a long dark green skirt and a long-sleeved white shirt with polka dot designs. They were simple but clean. Metztli put them on and was assisted in putting on a rope-like belt to ensure the skirt wouldn't slip off.