Neophyte

Late

Victoriano ensured that he was far from the women. He quickly walked through many hallways until he reached the Padres' quarters. There was no one in sight; Victoriano stopped in his tracks. Putting a hand over his heart, he tried to calm himself. It was difficult for him to admit that hearing Metztli speak about losing her faith hurt him. 

"How could anyone believe in god?"

He also admitted that he wasn't a man of god; he was a sinner. 

Victoriano lied to his children; he killed and only converted himself to protect his, not because he wanted to serve god. Looking at dark gray skies and the rain, he slowly walked away from the building as the rain fell upon him. The cold air and rain slowly drenched him as the thunder echoed through the skies. 

"Have you sent her to punish me?" It was painful to think about such a question, but it was on his mind. Metztli's sudden appearance changed everything. When meeting her, Victoriano couldn't help but feel a need to protect her. It was as if she were very special to him, though they had never met. She brought out the worst in Federico and discovered Victoriano and Mariana's dark secret. 

Everything was falling apart. Victoriano didn't know how long he could fight on. 

"Victoriano."

The Bishop looked behind him and saw Mariana standing in the hallway; she watched him get wet in the rain. "Mariana." 

"Please get out of the rain. You will become ill."

"I feel that I already am."

Mariana motioned with her right hand. "Please. We need to speak. We must do so before the others awake."

Victoriano chuckled as he walked toward Mariana, holding her hand. It had been so long since he had done such an intimate act. Ever since he put himself in the priesthood, he couldn't show any affection for a woman. Today was different. Victoriano needed some comfort and reassurance. Touching Mariana's hand and seeing her, even then, made his heart soar. 

Mariana then led him toward a storage room where the door was closed. She lit a single candle that was left. "Victoriano, Metztli told me what happened, what she saw. She is traumatized and may never be the same again."

"I know. I feel terrible for her. I thought I could protect her here where I would always be but now I realize that it was a foolish idea. She needs to get out of here."

"But why? I know Esteban was there and witnessed what Federico tried to do to Metztli. You have a right to send him away. Metztli and our children will be safe and-"

"It will not be so simple, Mariana. The Bishops and Padre Fermin will want to know everything, and Federico will try to paint himself as a victim. He would try to blame Metztli."

"Is that why you wanted Metztli to make a decision now? If Federico is given a chance to defend himself, then Metztli would be put at a greater risk, and I may be overruled if the others decide to send her away somewhere unsafe."

Mariana bit her lower lip, so that is why you gave her a choice where to go, but why give her an option to marry Esteban?" Her eyes widened with the realization. "Did Esteban think of the proposal?"

Victoriano nodded. "I was as surprised as you were, Mariana. I realized that he has feelings for Metztli. Though I wished Metztli to go with the nuns, I believe being with Esteban is a safer choice. He would love and take care of her. Esteban is strong and will take her far from here."

"B-But, do you think that Metztli will choose to marry him?"

"I don't know, but that would be the safest option that she would have. Metztli knows that Esteban is a good man. It would bring me relief that she would be safe with him."

"What about our children, Victoriano? I also worry for them."

"As do I, Mariana."

Mariana put down the lit candle on a holder and thought about many possibilities that could go wrong. "Victoriano, I am scared. I cannot help but feel that something terrible is about to happen. Our children may be in danger."

"I also feel that something is amiss, but I cannot think what it is. Once the news reaches everyone about what occurred, it will not be easy to convince the Bishops to send Federico away. Also, with Padre Lucas away, the situation is getting dire."

"Victoriano..." Mariana slowly walked toward him, gently holding onto one of his hands, as she used to when returning his feelings. "What if Metztli is right? Perhaps we should tell our children the truth about us."

"It would devastate them, especially Valentina. She is vindictive and will never forgive us for lying to her and Guillermo. My biggest fear is having my children hate me. I did all of this for you all. To protect you all." Victoriano gently squeezed Mariana's hand.

Mariana nodded. "I know that you wanted to protect us, but we could have had a better life elsewhere, farther than here. Imagine how we could have lived. Sometimes I wonder if this was the right path to have taken."

"I don't know, but it is too late to focus on the past. We must focus on the now. I will speak with the Bishops and Padre Fermin regarding the situation. Be with Metztli and ensure that she makes a decision as soon as possible."

"Victoriano, please. There must be another way."

"I am sorry, but there is no other way. I fear the Bishops and Padre Fermin will want her out of this since she knows too much of the dark secrets of this Mission. Metztli is right. I am getting older and I will not be able to protect you all forever." 

The look of his eyes changed; Mariana noticed and she let go of his hand. "Wh-What are you trying to say?"

"You all need to leave this Mission. Valentina and Guillermo are of age, and it is time for me to find them spouses. I have secretly saved enough money for them so that they can live comfortably with their future families. It is something we have always wanted for them."

"Victoriano, please, you are speaking nonsense. You-"

"It's my decision."

"Why can't we leave together? There is no need for us to hide and-"

"It is too late. If everyone knows the truth, our children will be disgraced. They will know of my crimes, and I will have to face them. I cannot do that to our children. You will go with them and ensure their happiness."

Tears formed in Mariana's eyes. "Please, don't do this..."

Victoriano opened the doors. "Go to Metztli and inform our children of my decision." Before Mariana could respond, he walked away.

Mariana was heartbroken.