Neophyte

Proposition

Metztli sat deep in thought on a wooden bench under the hallway's roof. She had sat there for hours, unmoved. Rain fell upon the ground and the gardens, giving them a tranquil sight. She couldn't stop thinking about her meeting with Juvencio. Seeing him calm was unexpected since Juvencio had lost his family; he was used to the trauma. It was difficult for her to wrap her mind around everything she had witnessed and what she had been taught since childhood. 

The Padres were very cruel and viewed the Tongva as slaves to bring them profit. It made her sick to her stomach, but it made Metztli slowly question her view of the Mission of San Gabriel and the other Missions in California. The Padres made it clear that they didn't care for the well-being of the Tongva people and whether or not they lived or died. She received her education from the San Gabriel School and wasn't taught the dark realities of the Padres and the Mission. 

Metztli remembered the protests outside the church that day. People protested against Junipero Serra's canonization. She often wondered why many people in her era were against it. Like many people, Metztli didn't understand their disdain for Junipero Serra, but the more she stayed in the past, the more she understood. Junipero Serra founded many of the Missions of California and passed down the belief to his successors. Junipero Serra created places where many abuses and deaths occurred. Metztli watched the flowers drenched with rain and then questioned her faith.

It was the first time in her life that she would ever do something like that. Her family has always been Catholic; her father once said that their faith in God made their family overcome difficult times. However, Metztli wondered if their ancestors were forced to believe that way or if they indeed found comfort with the concept of God. She wanted to hold her rosary but still couldn't find it. The one that Mariana had looked exactly like hers. Still, the young woman didn't want to cause a stir. 

Footsteps echoed in the hallway; Metztli turned to the right side of the hallway and, surprised, saw Toyourina. Metztli was about to stand, but Toypurina held her with her hand and shook her head. "May I sit beside you?"

"Yeah, sure."

Toypurina slowly sat next to Metztli as she looked at the rain. "The rain soothes the mind and spirit, don't you agree?"

"You could say that. I ave always seen the simple beauty of rain. Rain brings life and comfort."

"It could also bring destruction," Toypurina added while she noticed Metztli tense up. "Mother Earth can be generous but also cruel. Like us. However, even among destruction, hope grows."

The women were silent as the rain echoed. "I-I have been raised about the concept of God and of Catholicism. I was raised to believe certain things but after being here for long periods of time, now I am starting to question everything I have been raised in."

Toypurina crossed her arms while focusing on the rain. "It is normal for all of us. Even before the Spaniards arrived on our land, our people have been battles with other tribes for land and other resources. Many of us have lost loved ones or things we cared about even amongst our own. No belief has its perfections. Still, sometimes we cannot ignore the parts of our beliefs that can bring us and other pain. Sometimes we need to teach ourselves of what is right and wrong." She slowly looked at Metztli, who then slightly lowered her head. "Now that you have seen some of the cruel realities, what do you wish to do now?"

"I...I just want to help, to make a difference."

"And if you can't?"

Metztli stood up from her seat and looked at Toypurina. "Try again. People who do nothing only contribute to their suffering." Toypurina raised an eyebrow, surprised by the response. "Now if you shall excuse me, I got to go. Tomorrow will be the day when Padre Fermin arrives." Metztli walked away and wondered if she should help with the preparations, but since many didn't have to work due to the rain, everything would be prepared. She decided to go to her room and try to sing, but when she got closer, she didn't know that someone was walking behind her. The young woman stopped and turned. "V-Valentina?"

Valentina stopped in her tracks but looked as if she was thoughtful. She was so thoughtful that she accidentally bumped into Metztli. "Huh?"

"I called out to you but you bumped into me before you could react."

"Oh..." Valentina walked past Metztli toward their room. Looking at her, Metztli knew something was wrong. It had something to do with Pascual. 

Metztli followed her to their room, and when they entered, she said, "Valentina." Valentina didn't stop. She walked toward her bed and lay upon it, her back turned. Her actions frustrated Metztli, but she knew anger wouldn't solve anything. Metztli closed the door behind her, walked, and sat on her bed. She wanted to break the tension between them. "Valentina, you don't need to look or speak to me but at least hear me." When there was no response, Metztli continued. "I have been hearing about this Pascual and I must imagine you are frightened, even though you are trying to hide it."

Valentina slowly turned around and sat up, glaring at Metztli. "You think you know everything? You-"

"I know how you feel. I felt the same way. I was in a similar predicament." Metztli noticed Valentina flinch and was intrigued, but she also expressed doubt. "You may not believe me, but I am about to tell you a truth I don't like talking about." She took a deep breath. "In my community, we don't live in the best area, and many of us cross many dangers, especially women. Women in my community go through a lot, especially with sexual violence from men who are not of our community. A man approached me when I was walking alone from my studies." A shiver went down Metztli's spine. She felt the experience had just been yesterday since it had impacted her. When looking at Valentina, she knew she got her attention. "The man was old enough to be my father, and I knew he had bad intentions. I ran but was caught."

Valentina's eyes widened as she put her hands together. Although she didn't like her, she was surprised that Metztli would tell her something personal. "D-Did he-?"

"I was taken to a remote location and he was going to rape me. I never felt so scared that I thought everything would be taken away from me. There was the possibility that he was going to kill me after he did the deed, and that was when I knew that it was now or never. I was able to escape his clutches and when my attacker was about to get me, I got a heavy rock and bashed it on his head."

"Y-You did? What happened afterward? Did you get punished for your crime?"

Metztli remembered that she was in a different time, where the Spaniards controlled California. Natives were seen as second-class citizens or worse; they were blamed for situations that weren't their fault. She also remembered that the justice system was different in her era, so she had to say something else that sounded convincing. "I told my parents about it, and they decided I should remain silent. People found his body and believed that thieves killed him." The truth was, Metztli told the police about the kidnapping and attempted rape since the man survived. Luckily, since the perpetrator had a record, he was imprisoned for only two years. Her parents told the tribe's leaders and threatened the man to have his picture exposed not only in the tribe but also in the city. The man moved away, but Metztli knew that there was a possibility that he would strike again; it tore her heart.

The women were silent until Valentina sat on the edge of her bed. "So, you got away from-"

"Look, it's not a crime when you haven't started the action. It's self-defense; everyone has a right to defend themselves when someone else tries to harm them. Look, I know it's not my business but I can't ignore what you are going through, especially since I have been through it. I-I want to help you."

"You, help me? Even the Bishop cannot do much. How can you-?"

"I can teach you how to defend yourself. Ever since that incident, I have been taught fighting skills and if you want, I can teach you some moves."

Valentina's eyes widened. "You were taught how to fight?"

"Yeah, it's more of self-defense moves. Although, I can teach you under one condition."

"Which is?"

Metztli smiled. "If you teach me your language. I want to learn."

The proposition came as a surprise. Valentina was surprised that Metztli wanted to learn the Tongva language. She didn't fully trust her, but the proposition didn't ask for much. Valentina didn't want to admit she was nervous, but if she learned some self-defense skills, it would put her at ease. "I still don't like you or fully trust you, but I accept your proposal."

Metztli sighed in relief and smiled. "I expected as much."