Neophyte

Inform

Dark gray clouds filled the skies, indicating that 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." The young woman stopped, knowing Mariana had called out to her. She saw the older woman walking out of the kitchen, wiping her hands. "There you are! I went to your room, and Valentina said you weren't there. 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?"

The question was unexpected, and when she smelled herself, Metztli realized that she was beginning to smell horrible. "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. When she arrived in her room, she noticed Valentina wasn't there, which relieved her. Metztli felt that seeing Valentina after what she had told her would be awkward. The young woman felt terrible because she had said it out of anger and trauma. However, there was some truth to what was said, and Metztli believed that she had to stop feeling guilty and tell people the truth no matter how painful it was. 

Inside the room was a large wooden bath bucket filled with steamed 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. 

The young woman sat on the bottom of the wooden tub as the warm water engulfed her, relaxing her sore body. Metztli couldn't remember the last time she could enjoy bathing since she would always shower quickly and be on her way. She forgot that people in the past would take their time bathing themselves. While enjoying her bath, there was a knock on the door. "C-Come in."

The door opened, and Mariana entered. "Metztli, I came here to help you wash your hair. 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. "I would appreciate your help."

The older woman nodded as she closed the door behind her. She noticed Valentina wasn't in her room, which made her sigh. Mariana took a small wooden chair, flowers, a wooden mortar, and a pestle and began crushing the roots. 

The two were silent, and Metztli wanted to break the tension. "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. Although she had known the young woman briefly, Mariana felt very protective of her. "So you have practiced all night? Do you feel nervous for 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. The older woman gave the bar of soap and shampoo mixture to Metztli, who bathed herself and washed off the handmade shampoo from her body and hair. "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. When she was done, she was 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. Afterward, Mariana helped her brush her hair into two braids and combine them with dark green ribbons. 

When finishing the braids, a knock on the door rang out, "Come in." The two women faced the door, thinking Valentina would enter. Metztli braced herself for a possible argument, but to her surprise, Toypurina entered. 

Toypurina entered the room and closed the door behind her. "Cualli tonalli, Mariana, Metztli."

"Cualli tonalli, Toypurina." Mariana looked at Metztli. "She said, 'Good morning,' in our language."

"Oh, c-cualli tonalli, to you too." 

The women noticed Toypurina's grim look and knew something had gone wrong; Metztli feared the worst. "Toypurina. I thought you would be returning to your tribe soon," said Mariana.

"I will after Padre Fermin finishes his visit. I want to see everything happening before I tell noicniuh (my brother)." Toypurina crossed her arms. "I am here to tell you that Anna Maria's husband has finally awaken and he wishes to speak with Metztli."

Metztli flinched as she pointed at herself. "Me? Why?"

"He asked about his wife but Valentina told him what happened; you were mentioned and he wishes to speak with you."

"I-I-" Metztli felt stunned that Anna Maria's husband wanted to speak with her. Many thoughts trailed through her mind as she wondered what he wanted to tell her.

"That's not all." Toypurina then focused on Mariana. "Some people said they saw Pascual coming toward the Mission."

The mention of Pascual made Mariana's blood boil. "What!? How dare he!?"

"There is a possibility that he will be in attendance upon Padre Fermin's arrival. He may meet with the Bishop after the morning mass. I wanted to inform you."

Metztli looked at Mariana, who was filled with rage. She remembered Pascual being mentioned, but she knew little about him. "Wait, I remember Valentina being ordered to stay here because of this Pascual. If that is the case, that means he is bad news." She wanted to know about the situation, but seeing Mariana seething, Metztli knew it wasn't wise. If Pascual were going to arrive, it would mean bad news for Valentina.

Mariana slowly calmed herself and looked at Metztli. "Let us go; there is much for us to do."