An Angel's Redemption

Preparation

~Pat-Car/Carlo's POV ~

I hugged her tight. I let her go as soon as I realized that she could not breathe. Sorry Pip.
She laughed.
Robert turned to face us.
' It is...9pm. Pope Mortati, is there anything else you would like to say to them before we let them go home? '
' Yes. It is your turn, Carlo. Come, I would like to talk to you. '
I took a deep breath and nodded. Oh please be good. As we exited the room, I looked at Pip and smiled. Her reply was a smile that I could never get tired of.
I expected our conversation to be just outside my old office but the Pope took me to my old bedroom; where I grew up. I knew the corridors by heart. There was silence between the Pope and I, only to be broken by my inquisitive mind.
' How is life, Father? '
' Well, ever since you became missing, things have been rough; people come in, saying that they are the you or they have found you...just for the prize. It did break my heart to see other Catholics lie just for a big prize. '
' I am sorry, Father. This is all my fault. '
The Pope changed the subject.
' Do you know where we are going? '
' To my...bedroom. '
' Correct. '

As we reached the entrance to my old bedroom, an earnest smile formed on the older man's face.
' You know what is to happen to you, right, Carlo? '
' Yes, Father. '
' I am certain that you know the effects of excommunication and that is why I am glad to find out that Allison is here with you, not because she is to be excommunicated as well. I am glad that she is here because she would be informed of what you shall go through. I believe in your capacity to change, Carlo. I believe that even if your faith had been shaken badly on that fateful night, you will stay strong as I had first known you. '
His words ran through my mind. Too much to handle, Carlo. I just smiled.
The Pope added. ' Was that too much to be said? '
' I believe so. Hard to take it all in, you know. '
' I understand. Do you have any plans after your trials and exile? '
' Wha-What? '
' I meant if you have anything you want to do after what is to happen to you. As a lay person, you won't be officiating any ceremonies and preaching right? You are no longer a Camerlengo, Carlo. ' The Pope added.
Upon hearing " You are no longer a Camerlengo ", it slowly broke my heart. I was at the brink of tears. I clenched my fists, trying to stop myself from crying. Carlo, no.

The Pope continued.
' I am sorry if that broke your heart. I could see it in your eyes, Carlo. You are free to love; free to choose other paths of serving the Lord. '
I took a deep breath.
' Father, I can't get a job...because of my reputation. '
' How about studying or like what I have mentioned, love? Starting a family? '
I giggled upon hearing "starting a family".

' Studying is fine...but love? Uh...I don't know, Father. Isn't it because I am too old to become a father or husband? '
' Why, you've always looked much younger than your true age. How old are you again, thirty eight? YOU DON'T EVEN LOOK LIKE THIRTY-EIGHT! You look like someone in their late-twenties! Okay, back to being serious. Ehem. Remember this, Carlo. After all that you will go through, I want you to be happy with your life, Carlo. Choose wisely. By the way, all your things, as well as your cassocks, are at the porch. '
' Well...I don't know what to say...thank you? '
' Hahaha. Just admit it, Carlo. You know it. ' The Pope said, raising an eyebrow.
The Pope continued.
' Wanna look around your bedroom for awhile? '
' Yes, Father. '

I walked away. From the corner of my eye, I could see that he is staring at me, with a smile on his face. I eyed the paintings on the wall. My first painting...ever since I got here. I painted when I was a kid. I even tried to recreate the Mona Lisa but...I failed...hard. Tears trickled down my face as I eyed a picture frame. Mother, I am sorry for my behavior. I will change...I promise you. I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was the Pope.
' Sorry, I think Chartrand forgot to take that. You may take it with you. Be strong, Carlo. Come, lets go back to your old office. '
I wiped my tears away and followed him back to my old office. The Pope locked the door to my bedroom.
' This bedroom will always be yours. No one can enter it, Carlo. '
' Thank you, Father. '