An Angel's Redemption

What A Relief

      ' Wh-Where am I?? Wait a minute... I'm not dead. A-Allison? What are we doing here? And you...you saved me... '
      ' I'll explain everything to you later. For now, just rest. '
      ' Okay. '
Such an obedient guy. Hahaha. I said in my mind. I was clueless of where to go - where to take him. He had burns all over his body. His black cassock tore. I took off my jacket and put it over his cold and bare shoulders.
     I suddenly remembered my car. My car was parked in front of Mark's Cafe. How could I have forgotten that? I'm growing old. I told myself.
'Padre, we have to go. '
'Please. Don't call me Padre or Father. I do not deserve to be called such holy names. I have done such a demonic thing...to my father. ' He said, looking down. 'Okay, uh...Carlo. ' I said, almost forgetting his name. Gosh, that was stupid of me.

     I stood up, offering my hand to Carlo. There were some people strolling around. He walked slowly, avoiding putting pressure on his burnt feet. We had to hurry and run across the street so I had to carry him again.
     'What are you doing? Are you gonna-' He said, I cut him off.

    I ignored his question and carried him. I sneaked a peak at the back gate. No guards. Thats good but they might come out at any second. I still decided to carry him.
     I ran while he just stared at my eyes. I felt like I was babysitting someone. ' Thank you, Allison. ' He said, trying not to laugh.
      Once I reached the car, I put him down and opened the car door. I sat him down and slammed his door shut. I sat on the driver's seat. ' Where are we going? ' He asked.
      ' To the hospital. I have a friend that is a nurse there. He might be able to help us. '
      I took out my keys from my pocket and pushed a button. The headlights of my black car flashed. Forgive me Father, for this will not be a leisurely ride.

        I went past the speed limit. No one was around because all of them were at St. Peter's Basilica anyway. In a surge of urgency, I reached the place in a few minutes. I was worried that his burns might get infected and his condition would be worse. I parked my car on impulse.  I turned off the engine, got Carlo out and ran. I did not run to the Emergency room. I went to through a back door, hoping no one would notice us.

     I spotted my friend, Thomas. I yelled his name. ' Thomas! Come here and help me please! '
     He eyed Carlo, the priest I was carrying. He came running towards us with a stretcher. He took Carlo from my arms and laid him down on the stretcher. I just realized that he was unconscious again. I covered his face with my jacket. Nurses and passerby, looked at Carlo's black cassock as we ran. Thankfully, no one followed us. God help me save him.

' Can you take us to a private room? No one can know about this. '
      ' Sure. '
      ' Thank you. '
      I eyed Carlo. He was still unconscious. His black cassock did not even look like a cassock anymore. His feet, face and arms were all red and burned. Thankfully, he could still talk. Well if he is conscious. The Camerlengo did not look old or frail. He had a surprisingly handsome face, eyes that shone as if they were somehow fueled by the universe and a swirl of coarse brown hair. He seemed to be in his early-thirties or late-twenties.
     ' Allison, who is he? ' Thomas asked.
     ' I'll tell you later. Please do not tell anyone - not even the other nurses. Only you and I can know. '
     ' Seems like this is a serious case. Okay then. '

      Finally, we reached the room. It was on the highest level so we boarded the elevator. There were only a few patients in the hospital. Thank God.
     Thomas carried him onto the hospital bed. ' You can go wherever you like now. I'll take care of him. I'll tell you when he wakes up. '
      ' Thank you, Thomas. '
      ' That is what friends are for, Allison. ' He replied with a grin on his face.
     ' I'll be at the chapel and maybe I'll buy some food at McDonalds afterwards. What do you want? '
     ' A burger would be great.'     ' Okay. Just call me if anything happens. Thank you again, Thomas.'

     I left the room without making another sound. I completely forgot to tell him who he was and what happened but he knew what to do with him. I went to the chapel and knelt after gazing at the crucifix for a long time.

Forgive me Father, I do not know if I had made the right decision of saving him or not. Please give me the courage and strength to face whatever happens to us. Somehow, I am thankful that he is alive. Restore his sanity, guide him with light and help him change. I am now a "caretaker" of  the most despised man at this very moment. Help me and...him. I ask for your guidance, my Lord. I prayed in my mind. ' Amen. ' The only word I said after ending a long prayer in my mind.

      I stayed at the chapel and daydreamed. I hoped that he would be okay. I felt so sorry for him. Although he did such a demonic thing, he does not deserve to be the most despised man at this very moment. He probably had a good reason for doing that but...he really should not have done that. I said in my mind.

    I left the chapel and went to McDonalds. Thank goodness that it was open for the whole day. I was starving and I was sure that when Carlo wakes up, he will be starving too. I bought some burgers for the three of us to eat. I owed Thomas a lot because I had put him in a situation that he should not be in. He could get in trouble. He had no idea that he was helping to restore the life of the most despised man on Earth at that moment - the man who poisoned the former Pope - Carlo's father.
    My phone suddenly rang on my way back to the hospital. I jumped with happiness, thinking that it was Thomas and that Carlo has been saved and is awake.

I was wrong. It was...Mr. Langdon who was calling me.

      Shit, well I'm dead. I said in my mind. I answered the phone.
' Allison! Where the heck are you? You suddenly became missing. The same time as the Camerlengo. Have you seen him? Everyone is worried sick! ' He yelled.
' I'm at McDonalds getting some food. I haven't seen the Camerlengo too. Uhh...whats going on? ' I replied, pretending to be clueless.
' Oh. You should've told us before you left! Its 2 a.m. for god's sake. Never mind, go home and get some rest. I'll contact you later. Stay safe. '
' Stay safe too, Mr. Langdon. ' I said, then hung up.

I felt uneasy. I hid my face in my hands and laid against the wall. Passersby looked at me with much curiosity. I had no idea what to do. Should I tell him that I saved him? Should I tell him that the Camerlengo is with me and is safe?
I was dumbfounded. I went back to Carlo's room and I heaved a sigh of relief.