Believe

7 : It is Time

"You guys were...marvelous. I've never heard a choir sing like that, so melodiously. I'd suggest you to participate for Exodus, the inter-parish choir competition. You'll definitely win." Father Antonio, the main celebrant told them.

"We'd love to, but..." Derek said, paused for a second and continued "We've competed for it since the time it started, five years back. We lost all the five years."

"There are many other choirs out there, who're really worth of winning it. Let them compete and win father." Isaac said.

"Winning and losing is all part of a competition." Father said. "Besides, today is your last day as this church's choir. You'll probably have to wait for a year or two after this is re-constructed." Rebecca and Jake exchanged looks.

"We'll think about it father." Father Angelo said.

"Don't think. Just do it. You'll just have to pay an entrance fee of um, I don't remember how much. Just check out." Father Antonio said.

"Father, can I talk to you for a moment?" Father Angelo said, insisting him to walk him till the priests' private chamber.

"Should we give it one more shot Derek?" Sasha asked.

"No, I don't want to lose again." Jessica said immediately. "I don't want to see Jason's evil smile."

"I agree." Dexter and Jake said together.

"But guys, father seemed to be so confident for us. He made us believe that we're really gonna win it." Abel said.

"Abel, do you know when the competition is?" Derek asked.

"Um, no?" He said.

"Tomorrow." Derek said.

"Oh." He said.

"And do you know what we have tomorrow?" Derek asked.

"Yea." Abel said. "The demolition of our church."

"And do you think any of us here will be in a mood to sing ?" Derek asked.

"Absolutely not." Abel said.

"Nevertheless, we're the best in front of our father Angelo." Luke said.

"That's true." Derek said. "We wouldn't be this good if it weren't for him."

"I remember how terrible I sounded." Sasha said. "And remember Derek's usual dialogue?"

"There's a difference between singing loudly and shouting into the mic." Dexter and Abel said together.

"Derek, show us those pictures. We never got to see them properly." Maura burst out.

"Yea. Show us Derek." Diana also insisted. He took out the small white envelope-like cover, and handed it to Jessica.

"I can still see some of his finger nails. Wait, am I seeing things, or can I really see his finger nails? " Peter asked, examining one of the pictures. The picture was that of the hand of Saint Francis Xavier.

"Oh my God...his feet look...someone hold me. I feel like I'm about to faint." Maura said, holding onto the wall nearby.

"I can barely see any of his facial features. Just looks like a brownish-orange figure." Dexter said.

"Can you believe it? It's actually him. The Saint himself. I'm so blessed to have seen a saint." Diana said.

"Okay that's enough." Derek said, taking the pictures back. "I get scared every time I see it."

                                                                                                    *

"Father, you heard them, didn't you? It's pretty dangerous. We better get this demolished as soon as possible." Jacob said, trying to persuade father.

"Father...say something." He said.

"Go ahead." Father said, in a low voice. Everyone around him looked stunned.

"Did he just say that?" Jake whispered to Jessica.

"But keep this in mind. God will not spare you for this, Jacob Davis. I'm telling you. You can't change God's plans. Only he will prevail." Father said boldly, and walked back into his office. Jake followed him.

"Let me see what will happen. " Jacob said. All the people walked away, cursing him, but he didn't mind at all.

"I hope you know whom you're playing with, young man." An old woman who passed by him said.

"You don't teach me anything, old lady. Go read some bibles and pray for yourself." He said.

"Mark my words son. HE will come." She said, and walked away slowly.

"Okay, I'll wait." He said. "Just let me know when he comes, alright?"

"Dad, what are you up to? A pub? This is a church. Are you serious?" Rebecca came running towards him and said.

"It's no longer a church. St. Michael's church is no more. This whole area will be mine." He said. "Let this get demolished, after which I need to get you married to Frank."

"I'm not gonna marry that jerk." She said firmly.

"If I am your dad, I will make sure you marry him. You see, if I won't get this marriage done, or this church demolished, I will shave my head and walk on my hands around this church." He said, and walked away briskly.

Rebecca went to meet father immediately after that, but he wasn't in his office. He was sitting on the last bench in the right wing of the church.

"Father? I'm really sorry." She said, standing behind him.

"Why? Why are you sorry for this? He's responsible for this, not you." He said, getting up.

"But, I don't know why father, I feel guilty." She said. "What can we do father...we can't change fate." She said.

"But I believe we can." He said, and walked away.

                                                                                                             *

"So, you're getting married to Frank after our church will be demolished, is it?" Jake asked, flinging a stone into the pond in front of him.

"Apparently." She said. "But if my dad gives way for that to happen, I'll run away." She said.

"Where? With whom?" He asked.

"With you of course." She said.

"I won't come." He said. "They won't keep me alive."

"Are you insane? Why are you so scared? Gosh, how did I fall in love with you? I think I'd rather go with Frank." She said.

"Don't even think of doing that." He said.

"Then you better listen to what I say." She said. "The day after tomorrow, after the church is demolished, or wait, tomorrow night itself, we'll leave."

"Get my coffin ready." He said.