Neophyte

Careful

Everyone cheered for Metztli as she stood before everyone and the altar. Metztli smiled nervously, but when seeing the smiles and tears, she couldn't help but feel the tears in her eyes. Her tears washed away all her anxiety and doubt; she felt empowered singing before many people, especially a historical figure like Padre Fermin. 

Bishop Victoriano stood and walked up to her, clapping his hands and then extending his arms to her. Metztli went to him, and he hugged her; his hug brought her comfort. The Bishop reminded her of her father in her time. Metztli began to feel homesick and wondered if her family and friends were looking for her. 

The Bishop finished hugging her and then raised his right hand, and the cheers slowly died down. He thanked Metztli for her beautiful performance and announced that there would be food distribution outside. The Padres and Padre Fermin were to go to the main dining room, where they would eat. Metztli was told she would have to eat outside but didn't mind. Metztli wanted to stay with Mariana since she was uncomfortable in a room full of priests. She immediately went to Mariana and Valentina while the Padre Fermin and the Padres stood and walked out of the church.

Esteban walked toward Metztli and was slowly surrounded by other onlookers trying to ask questions or speak with her. He politely asked everyone to begin walking out of the church for the upcoming celebrations, giving Metztli and the others a reprieve. Metztli sighed, "Thank you for that Esteban. I was feeling warm while everyone was surrounding us."

"Must they be blamed? You sang beautifully! Do you not agree, Esteban?" Mariana asked with a hint of deviousness. 

Valentina eyed her mother and knew what she was trying to do. She noticed how Esteban looked at Metztli; her mother must have caught onto it. Valentina had to admit that Metztli sang better than she imagined. She sang a prayer that her mother used to sing to her and Guillermo since they were children. Valentina once asked her mother why she sang that particular verse, and the response was, 'it meant the world to her.'

Esteban smiled while looking at Metztli. Listening to her voice, he felt like he was in heaven. Her voice was so angelic that it made his emotions run rampant in his heart and mind. "I agree, Mariana. How did you learn how to sing so well, Metztli?"

The young woman blushed while massaging the back of her neck. "I always sang since I was a child. You can say it came naturally. Singing has always been a part of my family."

The two looked at one another; Mariana cleared her throat, making the two flinch. "Well, we mustn't stay in the church for long. We must go and be a part of the festivities."

"Before we go with the others, there is someone I want to visit."

"Who?"

"Juvencio. I must imagine that he is still in the infirmary and I don't want him and the others that are ill to be alone. Maybe we can bring them food!"

Mariana smiled. "That is a wonderful idea! I know it would mean so much to Juvencio."

"Then, it's settled. Let's get food and go visit him."

Meanwhile, Padre Fermin, the Bishops, and the Padres were inside the beautifully decorated dining room, where the tables were filled with plates, bowls, and cups of food and wine. The Padres drank their wine to their heart's content, but Padre Federico sat silently, looking at his cup of wine. He looked at his reflection and hated what he saw.

Padre Federico hated to see his current situation of being a Padre, feeling he had lost his purpose and his identity. Also, the Padre hated that he could go after what he desired: Metztli. He knew he was attracted to Metztli the first time he saw her, but the more she stayed, the more she questioned his interest and himself. After listening to her sing, Padre Federico felt his world shift when Metztli sang. She sang with passion and tranquility, her eyes filled with innocence he had never seen before. The Padre believed Metztli held more beauty and innocence than the Virgin Mary, and he wanted to possess it.

He wanted to possess Metztli. Looking at his reflection, Padre Federico remembered what he had said aloud in the church. His belief in God wasn't imminent, but his life didn't go how he wanted, and he wondered if his lack of belief in God caused his predicaments. Was there a possibility that Metztli was to bring him more misfortune? What almost surprised him was that he didn't care. The desire to have Metztli was getting stronger, and it wasn't easy to contain himself. 

However, there was another problem: Esteban. Padre Federico didn't know Esteban fully, but he had seen him occasionally to follow the Bishops' orders. When getting inside the church, Esteban and Metztli were noticed speaking to one another; it didn't sit well with the Padre. He didn't want to think of the possibility of having a rival for Metztli.

"Padre Federico, you haven't touched your food. Are you feeling well?" 

The Padre got out of his thoughts and noticed Padre Lucas looking at him with concern. "I'm fine. There is no need for concern."

Padre Lucas ate a piece of meat; he knew something was wrong. Padre Federico was a private man, and it wasn't easy for him to understand. His fellow Padre was also quick to anger, but Padre Lucas noticed that Padre Federico was more private and quiet. It was difficult to ignore that since Metztli arrived, Padre Federico had become more reserved than he already was. When listening to her sing, Padre Lucas couldn't deny that Metztli had a heavenly voice, but he believed she was a nuisance. "Did you enjoy today's service, Padre Federico?"

"Yes, it was lovely."

"I believe that the woman was the main attraction. She had a lovely voice, and I imagine she may attract potential suitors." Padre Lucas noticed how Padre Federico glared at him and believed his suspicions were slowly being proven. Padre Federico seemed interested in Metztli, but it didn't sit well with Padre Lucas. "Forgive me for speaking of this, but that woman has an undeniable beauty with the talent of song. Many men desire wives with Spanish or Mestizaje blood."

Padre Federico glared at his colleague and felt that Lucas was suspecting his interest in Metztli, which could cause him trouble. He realized that the more Metztli stayed, the more it became dangerous for him. Still, Padre Federico couldn't fathom the thought of Metztli leaving. How else would he be able to see such a beauty again? "Quite, Padre Lucas. By the sound of it, you seem to have a distaste for the woman."

"Well, she is educated in things a woman should not know. She-"

"Ah, so you hold jealousy for a Mestiza? Padre Lucas, what a shameful feeling to have for a man of your standing." Padre Lucas stuttered, trying to find the right words to say. "You call yourself a man of God but you feel the sin of feeling jealousy, especially against a woman. You view her as a threat?" Padre Federico took a sip of his wine and slowly took bites of his food, enjoying seeing Padre Lucas' discomfort. He had to be extra careful and know who would be helpful to him and who needed to be rid of.