Neophyte

Arrival

It was the day.

The day that Padre Fermin was to arrive in the San Gabriel Mission. The Bishops, Padres, and Tongvas woke up at four to do the last preparations. Metztli and Valentina woke up early; Mariana arrived at their room and brought them white dresses to show their respect. Although Valentina dreaded wearing the dress, she still did so for her mother's sake. Mariana assisted in braiding her daughter's hair. Metztli did small braids while letting the rest of her hair down. As she was about to start, Valentina called out to her. "You are missing something."

Valentina walked toward her side of the bed, knelt, and took out a wooden box. Inside were handmade jewelry, stones, and feathers. She got a white feather, tied a string, and motioned it to Metztli. "Since you will sing before the Padre, then you must put this to give you...strength."

Mariana was surprised by her daughter's actions. She knew that Valentina distrusted and disdained Metztli. She looked at Metztli, who also looked at her and smiled. "It seems they are tolerating each other." 

Metztli thanked Valentina, got the feather, and braided it with her hair. When Mariana finished braiding the rest of her daughter's hair, she went to Metztli and motioned out a colored cloth. "I made this for you, for guidance. Please accept it."

Metztli smiled as she took the cloth; there was something inside. When she undid the cloth, she found handmade wooden earrings. The earrings were of wooden crosses with beautiful linear designs and stones on the top and bottom parts of the crosses. "You made this?"

"Of course! It has been a tradition among our people. We women were taught since were children. Perhaps I can show you how to make jewelry."

"I would like that." As Metztli finished putting the earrings, there was a knock on the door. 

Mariana walked toward the door and opened it slightly. "Oh, Bishop!" 

The door was opened, and Bishop Victoriano was on the other side; he smiled. "May I enter?" Mariana nodded and motioned him to enter, closing the door behind him. The Bishop looked at Metztli and Valentina. "You both look lovely."

Valentina scoffed while Metztli smiled. "Thank you Bishop. I must imagine that everyone is getting nervous."

"Indeed, the Bishops and Padres were up earlier than usual. We want to ensure that we leave a good impression on Padre Fermin. We wouldn't want to be scolded." The Bishop chuckled, and he cleared his throat. "I wanted to see how you were. Since you will sing before the Padre, I wanted to ensure of your confidence."

"I am nervous, but I sing with passion and heart. If I remember my reasoning, then I have nothing to fear. I will ensure that I do not disappoint you or anyone."

"You will not. Go and sing from the heart and soul." Bishop Victoriano then looked at Valentina, who stood silently and inexpressively. Pascual may arrive today." He noticed her slightly flinch. I also came here to reassure you and your mother that you both will stand and sit closer to me. I will assure you that Pascual will not get close to you. If he does so, he will have me to deal with."

Mariana nodded at her daughter. "I will keep you at your word." Mariana and Victoriano looked at one another. They were happy that Valentina was being agreeable. 

"I shall meet you all outside. People from nearby towns are arriving." The trio motioned to follow the Bishop. The cold air hit them; the skies were gray, indicating more rain was to come. Small puddles were everywhere, and the dirt floors were made into mud, but some workers tried hard to make everything look more presentable. Flowers were displayed in different parts of the walls, and white cloths were hung and decorated to give the Mission a livelier feeling. When getting to the Mission's entrance, the trio saw the gates open, and the Padres lined up as they welcomed guests from nearby or faraway towns and cities. Many men, women, and children arrived with flowers or gifts for the Mission and Padre Fermin when he arrived. 

As they walked toward the entrance, Bishop Victoriano noticed Padre Federico standing beside Padre Lucas as they greeted the guests. He noticed that the Padre would make glances at Metztli. "What Esteban said was true. I cannot let my eyes stray away from him." The Bishop went along with the other Bishop, who stood in the center and in front of the entrance. He looked at the women and said, "Stand behind us; you will be our attendees."

The women did as they were told and stood afar from the Bishops, but not too far where they wouldn't be seen. Victoriano got into position. Bishop Samuel eyed him and said, "You have finally arrived, Victoriano," he said roughly.

"Indeed I have, Samuel. Slept well?"

"As well as I could. Mercy upon us that more rain shall fall on the day of Padre Fermin's visit."

"We should give thanks to our Lord, Samuel. The rain gives us plenty; it helps with our crops and animals. It will bless us with food and profit. I am certain Padre Fermin would be in agreeance," said Padre Juan. 

As the Bishops Juan and Samuel spoke to one another, Bishop Victoriano noticed one of the guests that entered: Pascual. He tried to maintain his composure, but seeing Pascual's arrogance and smug expression made his blood boil. Pascual wasn't alone; he brought his men along, and they made their way to the Bishops.

Pascual cackled. "¡Buenos obispos! ¡Cuán bendecidos somos todos de estar aquí en este día (Good Bishops! How blessed we all are to be here on this day)!"

"Temprano en la mañana, gritas tan fuerte como las gallinas. Tener algo de respeto dentro de la casa de Dios (Early in the morning, you yell as loud as the chickens. Have some respect within the house of God)," scoffed Bishop Samuel.

"Ah, por favor perdone mi tono, obispo. ¿Se nos puede culpar a mí y a los demás por sentir tanta emoción al ver al Padre Fermín(Ah, please forgive my tone, Bishop. May I and the others be blamed for holding such excitement in seeing Padre Fermin)?" Pascual saw Bishop Victoriano and, behind him, the women. He couldn't help but notice Metztli and was amazed by her beauty. "Bueno, bueno, bueno. Veo que tienes una nueva incorporación a la Misión. Nunca habia visto tanta belleza (Well, well, well. I see you have a new addition to the Mission. I have never seen such a beauty)." Metztli flinched as she saw Pascual; she couldn't believe how horrid he looked. She noticed that he was full of himself and sensed his danger. "Ah, también veo a Valentina en persona. Blanco te queda precioso (Ah, I also see Valentina in the flesh. White looks lovely on you)." Valentina didn't respond to him; she looked away. Mariana gave him a deadly glare as she held onto her daughter's arm, motioning her closer. Pascual chuckled. "No quise crear tensión. Como es un día maravilloso, como regalo a la Misión dono cien reales (I did not mean to create tension. Since it is a wonderful day, as a gift to the Mission, I am donating one hundred reales)."

Bishop Juan nodded. "We are grateful for your donation, Pascual. We hope you join us in the after-mass."

"De hecho, lo haré. No todos los días puedo estar dentro de la Misión (Indeed, I will. It is not every day I can be inside the Mission)." He looked at Valentina and Metztli. "Si todos me disculpan, iré junto con los otros invitados (If you all excuse me, I will go along with the other guests)." Pascual looked at Bishop Victoriano, smirked, and went with his men.

Bishop Victoriano knew Pascual wanted to try his patience but would not give in to his games. His thoughts were interrupted when trumpets echoed outside the Mission; he knew it meant one thing: Padre Fermin arrived. Everyone got into their positions. Guillermo was seen in front of a group of boys in the choir getting ready to sing. 

Soldados de Cuera were lines outside the Mission, making a pathway, while others led groups of Padres, their assistants, and other Natives. However, before them was a large wooden wagon that horses pulled. Padre Fermin was on the wagon.

The Soldados de Cuera saluted the Padre as he passed by, who then received the sign of the cross from the Padre. When arriving at the entrance, the wagon and everyone else stopped; Padre Fermin was assisted down from the wagon, where he was led into the Mission. When setting foot inside the Mission, Guillermo looked at the choir boys and motioned them to sing as he led them. 

The echo of the choir boys singing made everyone silent as they watched the Padre enter, as he did the cross sign to everyone in attendance.

Padre Fermin finally arrived.