Neophyte

Away

Metztli was wide awake and dressed; she couldn't sleep all night. She was overwhelmed with anxiety about returning to Jachivit Village. If Valentina weren't found anywhere near the Mission, the village would be where she went.

Victoriano was certain that Valentina was there.

Metztli sat up on her bed and looked at Valentina's empty bed. She remembered times when Valentina made her uncomfortable and upset. Metztli wanted her approval to get along, but after learning what had happened, she realized that Valentina was putting up a front to hide the truth.

Valentina was frightened.

She was frightened of being hurt, of being seen as weak. 

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

Metztli flinched, then went to the door and opened it. 

Esteban stood on the other side. Metztli noticed light bags under his eyes as she looked at him. "Esteban..."

"Metztli, Victoriano, and the others are fully awake and wanted me to inform you that they are packing everything and wish to go as soon as possible. They apologize."

"There's no need. I wasn't able to sleep either." Esteban nodded, then turned and walked away. Metztli believed that everything she told him was too much on him. She hurt him since he wanted them to get married. Going after him, Metztli gently grabbed his left arm. "Please wait. I feel that you're ignoring me."

"I am following orders since the others want to arrive at their village as soon as possible."

"I understand that, but we can't ignore what happened yesterday. I know it was a lot to take in and that I destroyed...our chance." Letting go of his hand, she then wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'm so sorry..." Her voice quivered; guilt overwhelmed her. "I wish it wasn't like this that I had to lie about my origin. That I was brought here for what knows reason. It's not fair! I never expected to meet someone like you! I wish life were different! That we could have been born at the same time, but it's not fair! I'm so sorry!"

Esteban remained silent as she tightened her hug. "There is no need to apologize," he said in a whisper-like tone. "It's not your fault."

"I wish I could believe that, but I should have to tell you and everyone else the truth sooner so you all wouldn't feel so hurt."

"You were different from everyone I have met, Metztli. Your mannerisms, your language, your character, and everything else were different. I still cannot forget the moment when you tried to stop the lashing of Anna Maria and Juvencio. You had more bravery than any person I met." Esteban slowly turned to face Metztli and gently touched her face. "I fell in love with a woman from the future. A woman that I will never be able to be with."

His words tore her heart even more. Esteban still loved her even though they couldn't be together. Metztli still didn't know how to get home, and she didn't know if she ever would. A plan had to be made, but it would be a while before it happened. 

An idea came to mind. 

"Esteban, I want us to get married."

"Huh?" Her words were unexpected as Esteban felt his mind go momentarily blank. Massaging his forehead, Esteban carefully inspected Metztli. She was serious. "A-Are you realizing what you have spoken to me? You will have to return to your time, and you wish for us to be married?"

"I will return; I hope. However, we don't know what time will tell, and if I do return, I want to be married to the man I have always wanted as a husband.  I also want you to remember that you have married the woman you loved. It's only if I can return."

"What if you can not return?"

Metztli knew that there was no certainty that she would ever be able to return to her timeline. She felt that she didn't know the entire truth, and there was more to discover. If Metztli was going to be stuck in the past, then so be it. "Well, I will at least be with the man I love. Will you still marry me?" Realizing what she had asked, Metztli wanted to face-palm. "Geez, now I am sounding like the man."

Esteban laughed, surprised by her question. Still, he couldn't help but feel flattered that she would still ask him to marry her. "You are always filled with surprises."

Metztli blushed, knowing that Esteban was slightly teasing her. "So...will you still marry me?"

"Of course I will." Esteban hugged her; their warmth intertwined. "I wouldn't have it any other way." Both hugged one another until they let go. "I will help you with your belongings. We cannot let the others keep waiting."

"Right."

The couple went into the room where Esteban carried the wooden chest holding Metztli's belongings. Metztli carried her bag and some blankets since it was a cold morning. The two walked through the Mission, but Metztli couldn't help but look at it. She didn't know why she felt saddened about leaving.

"You feel sad?" Esteban asked.

"Yeah, I don't know why, but I have been in this Mission for most of my life. My family has been a part of it for generations, from what I have been told. Now, I wonder if it has been a lie."

"What do you mean?"

Metztli was momentarily quiet but shook her head. "Never mind. Let's go on."

The couple continued onward until they exited the Mission, where they saw a couple of lit torches attached to a large wooden cart, with Victoriano and Guillermo loading materials into the back. Mitena sat motionless in the front. There were two horses apart from the wooden cart, while oxen were connected to the cart.

"We have arrived," Esteban announced.

Victoriano and Guillermo stopped what they were doing. "Good, we have just about finished. Metztli, we are sorry, but we wished to go on ahead earlier than expected," Victoriano said.

"There's no need to apologize. I couldn't sleep, to be honest." Metztli noticed that there was no one else with them. "Is Esteban the only Soldado to join us on our journey?"

"Yes, I believe it would be best since we haven't been informed of the village's situation. Also, I don't know how my daughter will react. Esteban volunteered, and with his high rank, there wouldn't be a problem."

Esteban walked forward and handed Guillermo the wooden chest, which was put away.

"Everything is put away; we have food and water that will last all of us through our journey," Guillermo announced. 

"Good. Esteban, you and I will ride horses, as I also have weapons if the time comes. Guillermo, you will take charge of the transportation. Metztli, please get on."

Guillermo assisted Metztli to the back of the wooden cart since there wasn't space in the front. He then went to the front and sat next to his mother; Esteban and Victoriano mounted their respective horses, weapons in hand. Mitena still sat silently as her son commanded the oxen to move forward. 

Metztli sat silently, watching the Mission from afar, unsure whether she would return. As they got further away, Metztli then noticed the hung bodies of Pascual and his men. It was dark, but their figures were still noticeable.

She didn't look away. The cold chill made her shiver as she got a blanket and covered herself. Metztli didn't know why, but seeing the hung bodies made her feel that something even more terrible was going to happen.