Benedict's Flight

Chapter 8- Francis And The Kitten

Benedict, now angry with the matter at hand, decided to have a word with the man behind the desk. 

"Excuse me, but can we delete the order to these two children? You see, they're better off with salads at the moment.

The man looked at him with gentle, yet confused eyes.

"I guess we can...but may I ask, you look quite familiar. Have we-erm- met before?"

"Well, I don't know. But you probably recognize me. I am the ex-pope! Pope Benedict XVI!"

"Ahhh...and you do not recognize me?"

"Why should I? Whom are you?"

"Pope Francis...but my friends call me Frankie..."

Benedict was at a loss for words. This whole time, what with all that has happened, he forgot that there would be a new pope. But so soon?

"The voting process was quite quick?", Ben questioned him. He was now very jealous, considering the name of Pope was no longer his. And anger began to spread all across his tired face.

"Yes, actually.", replied Frankie, "I think that I'm the first Argentinian pope!", he said with jolly, as if to gloat.

Ben became angrier. Not only was he the new pope, but he was the first Argentinian to be elected? He acted quick.

"We'll I was the second pope to step down from office!", he said trying to hide his anger and beat Frankie at this little game they were playing.

"Ahh...yes I heard that," said Frankie concerned. "Why'd you step down? Too much to handle?"

Ben was furious. He was bursting with rage.

"If you're Pope, why are you working at a diner?"

"Frankie's Diner, it's mine, yes. You see, I was thinking about how I could help the poor community. And what better way, than to open a diner that would serve people who can't afford food? It's almost like a soup kitchen I guess, except with more, how do you say...variety."

"Well, what are you doing feeding these poor children TOO MUCH food? I mean- I understand being hungry at all, but there should be limits, don't you think?!"

"Ah, I see. You don't like my techniques? I serve people what they wish for. I serve others in ways that God can't. I work for The Lord in feeding the hungry, and risking the fact that I may go hungry too, in the place of others. That is my goal."

"YES I UNDERSTAND! But think, if you feed the children too much, it will be horrible for their health! They could possibly die from it!"

"And if they die, at least they'll be healthy and fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Listen, I understand. But I'm trying the best that I possibly can to-"

"GIVE THE HUNGRY HEALTHY FOOD THAT CAN BENEFIT THEM! Let them live long healthy lives! And with the strength that they possess, may they help build the kingdom of God."

"That is true. Benedict, I am afraid I may have underestimated you...I apologize."

"It's okay."

The two children smiled up at him, and Ben knew he had succeeded.

Ben now felt very humble and happy as he helped Frankie dump all of the junk food into the trash and bring all the vegetables inside.

All of the sudden, while helping Frankie work behind the counter, Ben heard a soft 'meowing' sound coming from under the counter. 

He quickly looked down, expecting to see a cat, when he indeed saw a girl.

She has long blonde hair and blue eyes that stated straight into yours. He was memorized by them, when he stared into them, he could see visions of kittens jumping as crawling around.

"..hello....", said the girl in a soft and distant voice. "My name is Caitlin. I'm sorry to startle you...I just....I love cats...."

Ben knew there was something important about Caitlin The Cat Girl...but what was it...

Then he thought to himself...

"Harry Styles would be obsessed with her...", he quietly to himself and he stepped back from her.

She was truly, something out of the ordinary. But in a good way...