Neophyte

Blood

Padres Federico and Lucas said their goodbyes to Pascual, and the two men led the horse away from the ranch. Padre Federico felt the weight on his chest leave after speaking with Pascual. Parts of his plan were going into motion. It would take a while for the information to arrive, as San Diego de Acala was far, but Padre Federico knew it would be worth it.

While he was thinking and taking pride in himself, the Padre didn't notice his fellow brother being quiet and looking disturbed. Padre Lucas would glance at Federico occasionally; his fellow brother didn't even spare him a mere look. He looked pleased with himself, and Padre Lucas couldn't stand that look. The young Padre squeezed his right hand into a fist when the image of Metztli came to his mind. Padre Lucas knew that Metztli would be trouble when she entered the Mission. 

It was noticeable how Padre Federico would look at her, and it made sense why he would always be silent during prayers.

Federico was thinking about her.

Padre Lucas couldn't stay silent any longer; he felt compelled to express his sentiments. The young man stopped, but Padre Federico didn't; he continued walking. "I cannot believe that he still does not notice me. He still thinks of her."  He took a deep breath. "Padre Federico." There was no response, and his fellow brother continued walking. "PADRE FEDERICO!"

Padre Federico stopped in his tracks; the yell got him out of his thoughts. He slowly turned around and saw Padre Lucas far away. "Hmm, I was lost in thought that I didn't notice him. What a bother." Feeling unbothered, he patted the horse. "Yes, brother? Forgive me, I have been lost in thought."

"I have noticed. I wish to know what you spoke of to Pascual." Padre Lucas knew, but he wanted to see if Padre Federico would tell him. To see if Padre Federico would have a sense of trust with him."

"Worry not. It something between us. It doesn't concern you." 

His heart felt as if it wanted to fall into the pit of his stomach. Hope drained from him; Padre Federico never viewed him with respect or as a person. Padre Lucas had high hopes since he had admired him ever since they met. "You were thinking about her, weren't you?" He noticed that Padre Federico's annoyance slowly began to dwindle. 

"What?"

"Do not act the fool....Federico. I know you were thinking of that Mestiza. That cursed woman!"

Padre Federico raised an eyebrow. He had never seen or heard Padre Lucas speak to him in that manner before. However, when he spoke about 'that woman,' the Padre knew it was about Metztli. It was only a matter of time before someone besides the Bishop would find out the truth. He was relieved that it was only Padre Lucas who, in his view, was a weakling—a person who had no power and position. Padre Federico believed it was pointless to hide who he truly was and felt before Padre Lucas. Letting go of the horse reins, he gave his attention to the young man. "You speak of Metztli. If I had her in my thoughts, why would it trouble you, Lucas?"

The young Padre shivered when Padre Federico spoke his name casually. What made him shiver was the emotionless quality of Padre Federico's eyes and voice. It was as if he lost his humanity the moment he spoke to him. The young Padre refused to cower and was determined to make his sentiments known. "It-it troubles me because you made a vow before God that you would forever be virtuous and forever serve him. Y-You know the sin of-"

"I was forced to make that meaningless vow. We are all sinners, and we will all die as sinners, Lucas. You thought I cared about being in my position? You thought that this was the life that I had wanted? You think that every man in that Mission is a saint?" A smirk came across the Padre's lips as he slowly walked toward Padre Lucas. "We all have our secrets and our sins, Lucas. Let us make our confessions to one another, now that we are outside God's walls."