Neophyte

Secrecy

The trio walked toward the infirmary, where Juvencio and the ill stayed. Metztli remembered that there were the ill and injured and felt terrible that they could not take part in the festivities. Esteban and Mariana volunteered to bring trays of food and drinks to the people in the infirmary. Metztli and Valentina volunteered to assist, but Esteban and Mariana insisted they were fine. 

Mariana noticed that her daughter was slowly opening up to Metztli and wanted to maintain that closeness. 

The young women slowly walked through the halls, where the echoes of the celebrations were still audible. Valentina couldn't forget what Metztli had done to Pascual. She had never seen anyone, much less a woman, embarrass Pascual. She was also amazed by Metztli's confidence, but felt a slight jealousy. Valentina wanted Metztli's confidence when facing men like Pascual, but they made a deal to teach each other the skills they wanted to learn. 

Eventually, the women arrived at the infirmary and were surprised to see Nicolas Jose and Toypurina. The bedridden patients were awake and sat up as if listening to the trio's conversation. One of the patients saw the young women and said, "Visitas (Guests)." 

Nicolas Jose was the one who was speaking with Juvencio and Toypurina, and eventually stopped when he caught sight of the women. His face was ever serious, but he nodded toward them. "Metztli, Valentina, un milagro veros a los dos juntas (Metztli, Valentina, a miracle to see you two standing side-by-side)," said Nicolas Jose.

Metztli and Valentina cleared their throats as they slowly entered the infirmary. The other patients cautiously scrutinized them as if they were trying to guard a secret. "Sí, entramos a darle comida a Juvencio, pero Esteban y Mariana fueron a buscar bandejas de comida para todos los demás (Yeah, we came in to give Juvencio some food, but Esteban and Mariana went to get trays of food for everyone else)."

Toypurina watched the women, particularly Valentina. Valentina was known to have few friends due to her quick temper, but seeing her walk beside Metztli made her curious if Valentina saw something in Metztli that was slowly strengthening her trust. She watched as Metztli walked toward Juvencio and gave him the plate of food, which he took. Metztli glanced at Toypurina and stood in front of the bed. "I am surprised you're not out in the festivities, Toypurina. Although, it's nice of you to keep Juvencio company."

Toypurina was slightly silent as she glanced at Juvencio and Nicolas Jose. "I do not wish to celebrate the arrival of Padre Fermin; he and his predecessor, Junipero Serra, are the cause of the continuation of the suffering of my people. All of our people."

It became tense, and Metztli noticed and felt everyone's stares; something was wrong. She was afraid to ask, but now she was involved in the Mission. It was noticeable that not everyone was happy about Padre Fermin's arrival, and that they all looked secretive. Juvencio slowly and quietly ate his food, but didn't look up at her or anyone. Metztli and Toypurina looked at one another. Toypurina's eyes looked as hard as stone; it was difficult to understand her feelings and thoughts. "What is going on?"

Valentina felt and saw the tension; she knew what was going on. Her mother knew it, but didn't want to spread or speak of it.

"I am returning to my village soon, but the tension is slowly worsening. Everyone here is hiding their disdain for this Mission and the Padres, but many of my people are slowly breaking."

It made sense for Metztli since it was felt in the air. There was something she wanted to ask, but was afraid to. "Is everything thinking about...war?"

When Toypurina displayed no emotion, a chill ran down Metztli's spine. The mention of war would shake people, but not her. It was as if Toypurina always knew of the possibility. Seeing Nicolas Jose look at her, Metztli believed that he understood parts of what she spoke of.

"The people are tired, Metztli." Valentina slowly walked beside her with her arms crossed. "You have seen what they have done to Juvencio's wife. She was punished for losing her baby, which was not her fault. You haven't stayed long enough to see even the worst secrets of this Mission."

"I know, but I can speak with Padre Fermin to tell him what is going on. He can-"

"Padre Fermin knows what has been happening not only in this Mission, but all the other Missions. He does nothing because he knows the ones in charge will not make changes. The Padres and Bishops are corrupt; they are greedy and love wine and money, Metztli. Your actions will be for not."

Metztli didn't want to believe that nothing could be done. She didn't want to give up on bringing possible change and peace for the Tongva. "I can't just give up. At least let me try."

Valentina sighed in annoyance, but remembering Metztli's earlier actions, she decided to calm herself. "You can try, but it is as Toypruina mentioned, your actions will be in vain."

Toypurina slowly stood up from Juvencio's bed, her eyes never leaving Metztli. "I wish to invite you to visit my tribe. It would do you some good to be out of the Mission's walls for a couple of days."

The invitation was unexpected, but she was curious about where Toypurina lived. "Really? I don't think I am allowed to leave the Mission, Bishop Victoriano said it was dangerous."

"I will speak to him tomorrow morning. I know Mariana and her children will not hesitate to come along."

Metztli was thoughtful. Being closed in the Mission was tiring, and it would be interesting to explore more outside to see how San Gabriel was in the past. "I would like that. It would be a nice change of pace."

Toypurina nodded. "Very well. I shall speak with the Bishop tomorrow morning to receive permission. You can try to speak with Padre Fermin but I know that this travel is what you will need when you are told the horrid truth."

Metztli wanted to speak up, but she contained herself when she heard footsteps from afar. She knew that Esteban and Mariana were coming. Wanting to maintain the peace, Metztli kept quiet. Her determination to bring change was all that was on her mind. Toypurina and Valentina believed that speaking to Padre Fermin wouldn't make a difference, but Metztli refused to give up. However, Toypurina admitted that many of the Tongva wanted war. 

She knew that wanting war was forbidden. Looking at Toypurina, Metztli wondered if she had been told this on purpose. 

But why?

If she told on Toypurina and everyone, it would mean instant punishment or death. Metztli may suffer the same fate. It was a sense of blackmail; clever but cruel. Metztli realized that she knew a secret.

A secret that would be a matter of life and death.