Neophyte

Padre Fermin de Lausen

Metztli was slightly trembling as she finally looked at Padre Fermin de Lausen, the person she had learned about from her history classes in the Mission. She remembered his many portraits, but he looked older than she had seen. The Padre was short and stout, walking with a limp. He was bald with faint white hair that looked like it was disappearing; his ears were big. His skin was pale, and he had many light brown age spots on his face. Wrinkles were all over his face, almost making him unrecognizable as a man. His lips were chapped, and his nose was slightly crooked, but what was most noticeable was his light hazel eyes.

Dark bags under his eyes made him look ain't. Metztli couldn't help but feel that the Padre looked like the most miserable creature she had ever seen. Seeing that such a historical figure walked closer to her and the Bishops, she tried to remain calm. 

The choir eventually finished their song, and everyone was silent. They focused on Padre Fermin. The Padre eventually stood before the Bishops, who bowed before him. He then motioned out his right hand, and each of the Bishops took it and kissed it. "Padre Fermin, it is an honor to see you again after such a long time," said Bishop Samuel. 

"Thank you, Bishop Samuel. Blessed be to God that your health is doing well." Padre Fermin looked at Bishop Juan. "It had been a while since you have become Bishop. I hope the stress of the responsibility hasn't affected your health."

Bishop Juan bowed. "With your prayers and with God's guidance, I am always prepared for the hardships."

Padre Fermin and Bishop Victoriano looked at one another. "My, my. It had been so long since we had seen one another, Bishop Victoriano. Still handsome as ever." The two men hugged one another as they laughed. 

"You haven't lost your humor, Padre Fermin. I remember how we both trained under Padre Junipero Serra. I knew that you would be the one to take his place."

Metztli gasped; she couldn't believe that Bishop Victoriano knew Junipero Serra. She was shocked that she didn't realize that Padre Fermin was looking at her. "And who is this?"

The Bishops, Mariana, and Valentina, looked at Metztli, who flinched and looked down. Bishop Victoriano walked toward her and gently motioned the young woman to walk closer. Angelina did so and stood before Padre Fermin. She was very nervous to be before him. "If I may introduce Metztli De La Cruz; she has been chosen to sing after today's mass."

"P-Padre F-Fermin! It-It-It is an honor to meet you!"

"You know how to speak English?"

"Y-Yes. I have traveled to many places as an...herbalist and I have been taught the language as well, Padre."

Padre Fermin raised an eyebrow. "Surprising that a mestiza can speak the English language."

Metztli still had her head lowered, but the tone of his voice almost sounded...displeased. "I-I was taught that Padre Fermin was a gentle man. Unless I heard him wrong."

"I'm sure you had a long journey, and if we start the mass now, you and the others will have time to eat and rest." Bishop Victoriano motioned Metztli back to the women and then motioned Padre Fermin to follow him and the other Bishops. When the Bishop and Padre Fermin walked toward the main church, everyone else followed. 

When walking to the church, Metztli felt anxious, afraid of messing up the song she would sing. While walking, she noticed many of the Soldados de Cuera standing in formation, keeping guard. When approaching the entrance, she saw Esteban standing by the entrance. Memories of what she told him the day of Anna Maria's death made her feel terrible, saying the things she did. Metztli walked toward him, and before Mariana could say anything, she motioned for her to go inside without her. Valentina motioned her mother to enter the church along with the others.