Neophyte

Favor

Metztli and Manuel led Mariana to her room, where they gently motioned her to bed. The older woman was still in shock from the events that had just unfolded. 

"Gracias por tu ayuda, Manuel (Thank you for your help, Manuel)."

Manuel let out a soft smile and said, "No fue ninguna molestia. No hablo inglés, pero por lo que he visto, hoy nada salió bien (It was no trouble. I cannot speak English, but nothing went well today from what I have witnessed)."

"Las cosas no salieron como esperábamos. Lo siento, pero ha sido un día difícil y ni Mariana ni yo queremos hablar de ello ahora mismo (Things didn't turn out the way we all expected. I am sorry, but it has been a day, and neither Mariana nor I wants to speak of it right now)."

"Lo entiendo. Por favor, descansa lo suficiente. Yo me quedaré de guardia aquí esta noche. Esteban tuvo suerte de que fuéramos nosotros quienes te custodiáramos en lugar de nuestros compañeros (I understand. Please get enough rest. I will keep guard here tonight. Esteban was fortunate to have us guarding you rather than our counterparts)." Manuel walked out of the room, leaving the women alone.

Metztli went to the fireplace, lit a fire, and looked at Mariana. She couldn't imagine what Mariana was feeling. Valentina finally learned the truth, but in an unexpected way. Still, Metztli begged her and Victoriano to tell their children the truth so they could find their peace and their willingness to forgive or not.

The trial made it worse.

What Metztli couldn't understand was how Federico was able to get Victoriano's journal. She was worried about what Victoriano wrote and how severe the consequences would be for him and Mariana.

"Why do you worry for us, child?" Metztli snapped away from her thoughts. Mariana wore a sad smile. "It pains me that you worry because of us. It is the duty of us elders to worry for the younger generation."

"Mariana..." The young woman sat beside her elder, gently holding her hand. "The older generation shouldn't feel to have the whole weight of the world on their shoulders. Sometimes you have to admit that you can't do everything alone. I'm worried for you and Victoriano. I'm worried that-"

Mariana held Metztli's hands, squeezing them. "Worry not, young child. We have lived our lives and we are ready to face our sins."

"Sins? You guys were at no fault! You both fell in love, but this system was created by these Spaniards, who made it difficult for you and your people. Victoriano was also a victim of this system, which he opposed."

Letting go of her hand, Mariana looked down at her own hands, remembering all the times when Victoriano held them with care. She also remembered when her children were born, holding them in her arms and hands. She could still remember Victoriano's tears of joy as he held his children, calling them his pride and joy. "We never had the opportunity to become the family we always wanted. Sometimes I wonder if Victoriano made the mistake of saving me that day and-"

"Don't you dare say that! Mariana, please don't let what happened today get the best of you! You two mustn't give up! You still have your children to think about! They're hurt and angry, but that will pass! I know that they will forgive you, but they need time to heal. You and Victoriano still have a chance to be together."

"Oh, child, how can you have so much faith in us? You were right all along. We have destroyed our children's trust and identity."

Metztli held onto the rosary that Mariana gave her; the rosary she wanted to take when first arriving at the Mission. She wanted to tell her the truth of where she came from and what she knew. Metztli wanted to tell her, but when she tried, the words felt stuck in her throat. "Why can't I tell her!? I want to! I know there is more to us than she believes! I know it!" Knowing it wasn't the right time, Metztli got another handmade blanket and wrapped it around herself. "I will sleep here to keep you company. I don't want you to be alone."

Mariana was tired of trying to convince her that she would be okay on her own, but deep in her heart, she needed someone by her side. "Very well, whatever you decide."

Meanwhile, Victoriano sat by the fireplace in his room as he faced Esteban, who sat before him. Esteban was still trying to wrap his mind around what he heard during the trial. Victoriano had two children: Guillermo and Valentina. "Victoriano, if I may."

"You may."

"I am still in shock from the truth. Guillermo and Valentina are truly your children?"

Victoriano let out a small smile. "Yes, they are."

"You and Mariana are...?"

"We are not married in church. You may say that we married using our own vows after we left the Mission San Diego de Acala."

"I see. Are you worried? What have you written in your journal?"

"The truth. I have kept everything for so long that it was destroying my mind and soul. I had to keep the truth somewhere." Victoriano massaged his forehead. "Now it will lead me to my downfall."

Esteban stood, moving his chair closer to him. "You cannot think that way. You must have faith that Padre Fermin will be just. You served this Mission for most of your life; he will give you leniency."

"He may or he may not. I am prepared to face the consequences of my actions. I worry for my family and for the Tongva people. I have protected them as long as I could, and now that I am to lose my position, I will no longer be able to protect them. I failed everyone." Victoriano felt his heart break at the realization that everyone was in danger. 

All because of him.

"I believe you, and I know that the Tongva were going to be in danger eventually. They cannot be protected forever. Victoriano, we cannot let Federico win. He must be punished severely."

"I remembered something that made me suspicious of him. Padre Lucas went missing; Federico was the last to see him."

"Padre Lucas?"

"Yes, supposedly, Federico said that Lucas left out of his own choice since he confessed his feelings to Federico."

Esteban flinched; homosexuality was a sin, and if a Padre were heard to act in such acts, it would mean brutal punishment. "Are you trying to say that Federico may had something to do with Padre Lucas' disappearance?"

"Yes, I cannot help that something is amiss. Most of Padre Lucas' belongings have not been moved. I want you and your men to try find Padre Lucas or any indications of him. Also, please care for Metztli when you two leave this place. These may be among the last favors I ask of you."

"Of course. What of Mariana and your children. Would you like me to-?"

"No, they are my responsibility. Yours is Metztli, and what I asked of you. Please go, as time is of the esscence."

Esteban stood as he nodded. "I will do as you command."