Neophyte

Kiss

The kitchen was empty, and Metztli was grateful for it. She didn't have the energy to be around people after what happened in the last couple of hours. Although Federico was imprisoned, there were more problems. 

Her primary concern was Guillermo and Valentina. Guillermo finally learned the truth about his parents, but not Valentina. Metztli wanted to scream the truth, but it wasn't her place to tell someone so serious. She watched the water slowly boil in the pot, her reflection vanishing in bubbles. Seeing the boiling water made her realize that everything was boiling. Everything Metztli was taught boiled away before the truth of what happened at the San Gabriel Mission; in all the Missions created in California. 

Her faith in god dwindled. How could anyone still believe in it after what she and her people experienced because of his name? Metztli was taught that god loved all of his creation, but why did some people suffer more than others? Many people prayed to him, but still died with nothing to their name.  

She still wondered how she had ended up in the past. Metztli remembered all those people who came out of the prison she didn't know about it. Thinking it over, Metztli wondered whether the people she saw in the prison were spirits trapped within the Mission. Did they want to show her the truth of what happened to them? If so, why her? Why was she chosen to see everything?

"Metztli?"

"Huh?" Turning around, Estaban stood at the kitchen's entrance. He looked drenched from the rain. "E-Esteban? What happened to you? You're all wet."

Esteban wiped some of the water away from his face. "Yes, I had to do other errands before coming here."

"You all still have to work in the rain?"

"Yes, no matter what happens, duty always calls, but I had to inform my men to take on my duties today. I couldn't help but worry about you, and I wanted to see how you were feeling. Though you weren't with Mariana, she looked distressed. I decided to look for you, and now I found you." Esteban walked into the kitchen and couldn't help noticing that something was off with Metztli. "I am sorry you had to go through what you did, Metztli. I wish that I had gotten there sooner and you wouldn't have-"

"I am grateful that you were there, Esteban. Please don't feel guilty. It was only going to be a matter of time before Federico's facade would break. Unfortunately, he couldn't contain himself." Esteban closed the door to keep the cold out, then gently blew warm air onto his hands. He then went to the fireplace and lit it, bringing warmth. "I am making tea for Mariana, but would you like some?"

"I would like some. What tea are you making?"

"Simple mint tea. Luckily, the ladies found some that were grown. My mother used to make it for me whenever I had a bad day." Metztli gathered some mint leaves, washed them, and dropped them into the boiling water. "Would you like me to add some milk to it?"

Esteban raised an eyebrow. "Milk? You put milk on tea?"

"Yeah. I was surprised when my mother mentioned putting milk in tea. I thought it would taste disgusting, but it balances the strong mint plant. Try it, and you will be the judge of the taste."

The two were silent as the crackle of the fire echoed in the kitchen. Metztli turned back as she watched the water and mint leaves simmer. She couldn't look at Esteban for long, remembering what Victoriano told her about her decision. 

"Metztli, do you hate me?"

"Huh?" Metztli gave him her attention. "Hate you? No, of course not! Why would you think that!?"

Esteban looked at the fire as he gently massaged his hands. "I am certain that the Bishop must have told you about, well...you know."

"Oh, that. He did. Did you propose that idea?"

"I did..." Esteban massaged the back of his neck, trying to soothe his nerves. He was nervous about speaking with Metztli regarding his proposition. Metztli was a strong, independent woman who may not have wanted to rely on anyone. Unfortunately, they lived in a world where strong women were discouraged and were seen as a threat. Still, he had his reasons why he thought of the proposition. Esteban couldn't fathom Metztli being sent away, where her freedom would still be limited. 

So, he thought of the only solution he could think of: marriage.

"Why would you think of that?" Metztli asked in a faint whisper, afraid of asking the wrong question. Mariana told her of one possibility, but the young woman wanted to hear Esteban's truth. She turned slightly to see Estaban, who watched the fire intently, looking hesitant. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Ah, the water is ready." Metztli got a clay cup, filled it with mint-flavored water, then poured milk over it, blending the flavors. Slowly, walking to him, Metztli slowly motioned to him the cup of tea. "Here."

Esteban slowly looked at her, accepting the cup of tea as the scent of mint tea hit his nose. "Gracias (Thank you)." Blowing on the tea to cool it down, he took a sip. His eyes widened, amazed by the flavor of mint and milk. "This is delicious. The mint is not too strong, but I cannot explain why the flavor is just right."

"I told you. You tried something new."

Esteban took a couple of sips and said, "I made the proposal because I...I couldn't fathom the thought of being far from you."

Metztli flinched and noticed a blush on Esteban's cheeks. There were many things she wanted to ask, but her mouth and throat grew dry. However, one question was on her mind. "Why?"

The Soldado squeezed the cup, then set it atop the fireplace. His heart raced, unsure whether his next move would be the right one. Slowly giving his attention to her, he took a deep breath. "Because it would break my heart." Esteban got closer, gently held on to Metztli's face, and motioned her to his.

Their lips touched; they kissed.

Metztli's eyes widened with the suddenness of the kiss. She felt her brain go blank at what was happening. It had been a while since she had been kissed. Metztli had a couple of boyfriends, but none of them lasted because none of them wanted something serious. Whenever she kissed them, it felt like a chore; there was no love. 

Esteban's kiss was different. It wasn't forced, it wasn't a chore. It was filled with warmth, with love. He was patient, understanding, and kind. The qualities a man should have, but unfortunately, many men viewed as weak. Metztli slowly closed her eyes and returned the kiss. 

Feeling her body calm down, Esteban deepened the kiss. Metztli then wrapped her arms around his shoulders as their kiss deepened. Esteban wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. They kissed passionately until they pulled apart, trying to catch their breath. The two looked at one another, blushes on their cheeks. "I guess you speak with your actions rather than words."

"It's difficult for us men to say what we feel, so we show you what we feel."

Metztli chuckled while playfully shaking her head. "Men..."

"Metztli, will you be my wife?"

He asked her the question. She was unprepared. If Metztli accepted, then she would be away from the Mission. Would she ever return to her timeline? Would she stay in the past? Metztli didn't know. All she knew was that there was only one choice between two options. Metztli didn't want to be forced, but there was no choice since women in the past had no other option. 

Esteban showed what he felt for her. He was the kind of man she had always wanted as a partner. Metztli smiled. 

"I accept."

Esteban suddenly picked up and swirled her mid-air. He then hugged her, relieved that she accepted his proposal.