Neophyte

Convince

Metztli found out where Padre Fermin was staying, and it was part of the Mission she didn't fully recognize since the Mission from her era was smaller than the one in the past. Although Valentina told her what she was about to do was pointless, Metztli refused to give up. She left before Mariana arrived. It was still early, but Metztli learned that the Padres always woke up early for prayers.

When she got closer, the door to Padre Fermin's room opened, and Padre Federico walked out. The young woman stopped and felt a chill down her spine. She didn't want to before him, even though the Padre hadn't done anything to her...yet. While contemplating whether to hide or wait later, Metztli didn't realize that Padre Federico caught sight of her. "Metztli?"

"Huh?" Being called got Metztli out of her thoughts. "Oh, uh, good morning, Padre Federico."

The Padre walked and stopped before her. "Good morning to you as well. I am surprised you are awake so early."

"Y-Yeah. I have always been an early bird."

"Early bird?"

"Oh, it's a saying that I have created. Birds have the tendency to wake up very early in the morning. Henceforth, early bird. Get it?"

The Padre chuckled as he crossed his arms. "Clever. It is good that you have come before me. I wanted to tell you that you sang beautifully in the church. I couldn't believe that you had such an angelic voice."

Metztli nervously chuckled. "I guess. I mean, it would depend on the listener. You liked my singing?" She didn't want to have too much conversation, but she didn't want to be rude. 

"Indeed. You made many people weep, and I must say it is a difficult task just by singing alone. Were you taught?"

"Yeah, I was taught since I was a child; my family always believed that song is a gift of God."

"Your parents were Neophytes?" Metztli nodded; he let off a tiny smirk. "Well, I can see that our duty to bring your people to the way of God is working. We wouldn't have seen and heard such talent if we hadn't."

His words made Metztli's mood sour; she slowly began to dislike him. The death of Anna Maria and her child still plagued her mind; the trauma was still there. The fact that Padre Federico spoke so candidly and ignored how much her people suffered in the hands of the Padres made her realize that he was a psychopath. "Though, it was done through fear."

Padre Federico's mood changed, and he noticed the disgust on her face. Metztli, the woman who made him slowly lose his sanity, looked at him as if she didn't want to be near him. "I have upset you, forgive me. I forget that I can never understand what you and your people have gone through. I have been inconsiderate."

"I want to talk with Padre Fermin."

"Pardon?" The Padre didn't expect Metztli to want to speak with Padre Fermin. "He is having his breakfast, and it would not be wise to-" Metztli didn't wait for him to speak; she walked past him. Padre Federico immediately held onto her arm, stopping her. Padre Federico saw Metztli looking at him, shocked. "Her arm is soft to the touch." A shiver of excitement went down his spine. He immediately let her go. "Forgive me for being rash, but Padre Fermin is having his breakfast. He may not like to be interrupted since he has a long day ahead.

Metztli took back her arm, frowned, and said, "Don't we all?" She immediately went to the door and knocked.

 Padre Federico watched as Metztli knocked again. He was stunned that she answered back at him. He wouldn't tolerate it but didn't feel angry, only amused and excited. The Padre Federico felt his penis getting an erection and he decided to walk away so Metztli wouldn't see him. Hiding behind an empty classroom, Padre Federico took deep breaths to soothe his nerves. The urge to release was strong, but he knew it wasn't the right time. Metztli made him feel desperate to feel the pleasure of a woman. He couldn't contain himself anymore. 

Meanwhile, Metztli knocked again and heard Padre Fermin giving her permission to enter. She knew he didn't know it was her on the other side. Taking a deep breath, the young woman entered the slightly lit room. There was a simple full-sized bed, a small fireplace, and a large wooden cross on the wall where the bed was located. On the left side of the room was Padre Fermin sitting in front of a small round table, eating breakfast. He didn't look up.

"P-Padre Fermin." She noticed him slightly flinching and finally looked at her, confused. "F-Forgive me for coming to you early in the morning. I-I know I shouldn't have arrived unannounced."

Padre Fermin sat silently, looking at her. "Unannounced indeed. Though you still arrived here. You are the first to do so. I assume you came here without the Bishops' permission."

"Y-Yes. They don't know that I am here. To be honest, 

The Padre swallowed his piece of bread. "Your arrival is a surprise, but you have piqued my curiosity. How may I help you, young one?"

Metztli heard her heart pounding; she was alone with a historical figure she had learned about in her classes in the Mission.  "Well, um, I have been a follower of God ever since I can remember, and I know that you and everyone here only wish for the greater good of my people."

"Indeed, that is why my predecessor and I have made many of these Missions. You must have understood that the way of your people is quite heathenous. It delights me that you and many of your people have seen the proper way of God."

Hearing him speak badly about her people dwindled Metztli's expectations. Her teachers didn't teach her that Padre Fermin and the other Padres were very racist and ignorant. "Well, um, the thing is. I wanted to speak to you about some concerns I have regarding this Mission."

Padre Fermin became serious. "Regarding?"

"Well, a while back, I witnessed the lashing of a couple who lost their newborn. The mother was not at fault since she was forced to work in horrid conditions. Pregnant women shouldn't work since it would put their health and their baby's life at risk. Yet, she and her husband were punished for it. The young mother died while her husband survived, traumatized to have lost his family. I was hoping that you could help change the laws and the treatment of my people." Metztli felt her fingers trembling, her neck sweating, hoping that Padre Fermin would see her reasoning. 

"I see. It is a tragedy of what happened to that couple and their child. I agree that some changes need to be done when it regards to pregnant women working." 

Metztli smiled, feeling hopeful that changes would happen. "Th-Thank you, Padre! W-Will you also help with the working conditions of the others? They also need breaks and-"

"I agreed only for pregnant women, young one. You mustn't involve yourself too much in matters of the Mission; that is our duty as men of God. The Tongva's labor is very vital for the finances of the Mission. It is something we cannot afford losing."

"But, they-"

Padre Fermin raised his hand. "That is enough. I wish to keep eating my food peacefully, for it is getting cold. I appreciate your concerns, but may this be the first and last time you speak of this before me. I will not speak of this to the Bishops but do not make me change my mind. You may leave."

Squeezing her hands into fists, Metztli walked out of Padre Fermin's room and closed the door. She walked far away and took deep breaths. "Valentina was right, there was no point after all." It was too much to bear.

Metztli wept.