Neophyte

Proposal

The stars in the night sky shone down on the Mission, and everything was slowly becoming quiet; everyone had finished their responsibilities and had eaten dinner.

Esteban was in the Soldado's barracks, where many of his men welcomed him by making a small banquet. He wasn't in the mood because of the memory of what happened to the adolescent girl who died in childbirth. She lost her parents, was raped by a Soldado, became pregnant against her will, and died because of those actions. Esteban believed that being a Soldado could lead him to make a difference, but after everything, he had come to the conclusion that nothing had changed.

The Soldados became drunk and were slowly returning to their sleep quarters to sleep. Esteban decided to go to the Mission. He wanted to speak with Bishop Victoriano.

Walking to the Mission was quiet and peaceful. Esteban knew that the inhabitants were sleeping; he ensured not to make much noise. He slowly made his way toward the Bishop's quarters until someone spoke from behind, "Esteban?"

"Oh, Bishop. Forgive me for coming this late, but I wish to speak with you," Esteban said as the Bishop walked before him.

"Yes, I see. It would be concerning to have a Soldado come to my chambers at night." The Bishop opened the door and motioned Esteban inside, and he complied. "Since you wanted to speak to me late at night, I assume you have concerns."

"Yes, Bishop. Apologies for coming at night, especially with all your duties."

Bishop Victoriano stood in front of the fireplace as he put his hands forward. "The nights are getting colder, and we must be ready for winter."

"Indeed. I came to you because I wanted to ask if Mariana told you what happened in the village."

"Yes, she did. The poor child, her life cut short." The Bishop slowly looked at Esteban. "I can see it in your eyes. You hate wearing your uniform because you hate what it represents."

Clinging to the uniform, Esteban momentarily looked away. "Yes, Bishop."

"You arrived at a perfect moment. I have been making plans for a while, and they need to be executed soon. I wanted to ask you for a favor."

"A favor?"

The Bishop faced Esteban as he put his hands on his back; he became serious. "One of our Padres has disappeared."

Esteban's eyes widened; he didn't expect such news. "Disappeared? How is that possible?"

The Bishop sighed as he massaged his forehead; he was exhausted. "We don't know. The other Bishops and I began an investigation. It's something we cannot ignore."

"Which Padre is missing, Bishop?"

"Padre Lucas."

"Padre Lucas?" Esteban met him a few times, and he felt something was off with the young Padre; he always looked miserable. There were also times when Padre Lucas acted secretive. "Does Padre Fermin know of this? I heard that he will be off soon."

"No, and it is best that he does not know. Our leadership will be questioned."

Esteban sighed, "Why should your leadership be questioned? You and the other Bishops are not to blame for Padre Lucas' disappearance. He could have-"

"Federico was the last one who saw him. Padre Lucas was worried that Federico was ill and went to visit him. Padre Lucas hasn't been seen since."

The mention of Padre Federico made Esteban concerned, but he couldn't think why Padre Federico would even try to do something against another brother. "Are you trying to say that Padre-I mean, Federico, would have something to do with Padre Lucas' disappearance? Why would he? What gain would he have?"

Bishop Victoriano explained everything that was mentioned within the meeting, and Esteban intently listened and was surprised to learn of Padre Lucas' possible homosexuality. "I see, but I have always found Padre Lucas odd whenever I met and spoke with him. Are you saying that Federico may have...?"

"I am certain of it. If Federico is innocent, as he says, then he should have spoken sooner."

"Perhaps, but there is a possibility that he may have wanted Padre Lucas to leave and-"

"It is more than that. I cannot help but feel that Federico has something planned; I cannot help but feel that it is something terrible. Which is why I wanted to speak to you about my plan."

"Plan?"

"Yes, Metztli is no longer safe in this Mission. Not as long as Federico stays here. He seems to have Padre Fermin's liking. I was contemplating having her taken to a nunnery."

Esteban's eyes widened. He couldn't imagine Metztli going to such a place. "A nunnery!? She is to be a nun and-!?"

"Calm yourself. She is to stay there to be an herbalist. It is where she can be safe and away from here. It is the least that I can do."

"She will never agree to it. Knowing Metztli, she will want to stay with Mariana and her children."

"I know. She will be as stubborn as Valentina, but this is for her safety. Mariana agreed to this. Will you agree to this?"

The Soldado stood quietly and contemplated. He agreed that Metztli was in danger, but then he thought of something. It was something that was nerve-wracking, but it was the only way to have Metztli close. He asked, "Would I be able to see her again?"

The Bishop raised an eyebrow but then chuckled. "You may, if time allows it, but it may not be frequent, for she will be far. No one else can know of this plan."

"I have a proposal."

"Pardon?"

"What if I ask Metztli to be my wife?"

Bishop Victoriano violently flinched; Esteban's solution. He and Metztli married? "You cannot speak with sincerity! You and Metztli!? Why would you think of...?" The Bishop slowly realized why the plan. "You love her. For how long?"

Esteban massaged the back of his neck. "Since we met. I cannot explain it, Bishop. It's just how I felt, and it is not just for her beauty but for her spirit. I had the opportunity to know more of her, and I couldn't help but fall more for her. I have earnings that I have saved throughout the years as a Soldado. I can take her far from here and keep her safe. I can provide for her and ensure her happiness. You all may visit, and we may do the same."

The Bishop was stunned. Esteban's proposal was unexpected. He didn't know if Metztli wanted marriage, but a young woman her age should be married. Bishop Victoriano didn't want to be cruel, but he knew that everything he did was for her and his family's safety.

He made his choice.

"I will consider your proposal. However, I will leave it for Metztli to decide."

Esteban sighed in relief. "Of course."