Neophyte

Padre Fermin de Lausen

It was the day.

The day that Padre Fermin was to arrive at the San Gabriel Mission.

Metztli and Valentina woke up early; Mariana arrived at their room and brought them white dresses to show their respect. Valentina dreaded wearing the dress, but 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.

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, trying it on Metztli's hair. "Since you will sing before the Padre, then you must put this to give you...strength."

Mariana was surprised by her daughter's actions. "It seems they are tolerating each other." She went to Metztli and motioned with 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 we were children. Perhaps I can show you how to make jewelry."

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

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

Bishop Victoriano was on the other side and asked, "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 your confidence."

"I am nervous, but I sing with passion and heart. I will ensure that I do not disappoint you or anyone."

"You will not. 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 Pascual will not get close to you. If he does so, he will have me to deal with."

Valentina huffed. "I will keep you to your word."

Mariana and Victoriano looked at one another. They were happy that Valentina was being agreeable.

"People from nearby towns are arriving; we must go."

The trio walked out of the room where 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. Flowers were displayed in different parts of the walls, and white cloths were hung and decorated to give the Mission a livelier feeling.

Getting to the Mission's entrance, the trio saw the gates open; 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.

As they walked toward the entrance, Bishop Victoriano noticed Padre Federico standing beside Padre Lucas as they greeted the guests. He noticed that Padre Federico 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 Bishops, who stood in the center of the Mission. He looked at the women and said, "Stand behind us; you will be our attendees."