An Angel's Redemption

Third Day of Trials

        ~ 3rd Person POV ~

      ' Why...you look great today, Father. ' Hayden exclaimed, trying to cheer Carlo up.
      ' Well, thank you. ' Carlo replied. He was at a loss of words and that was the only thing he could say. He scanned the crowds, looking for Nicole, Thomas and Allison. He clutched his fists as he waited for the trial to start. The live telecast has started.
     ' Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca: Angel or Demon? ' One reporter shouted.
     ' How can we believe in God, now?! ' Another man shouted.

    There was silence in the room. He was expecting it. The world was too. Every human being watching him held his or her breath; the punishment was to be dropped like a bomb. The time has come. This was it.
     ' Guilty '
    ' Guilty beyond reasonable doubt on the grounds of murder, fraud, conspiracy, and distortion of faith, ' He paused. Carlo was standing the way a dying tree would; obstinate, refusing to fall even with everything taken away from him. His head was still turned down until he lifted his blue eyes to look at the judges. ' Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca, you are sentenced to 5 years of excommunication. Five years of non-reception, non-celebration of sacraments, no communication with The Roman Catholic Church, as well as its members, whether clergy or laity. This will end at absolution from the Holy Father. Terms of your excommunication will be discussed later. Your sentence will not start immediately. If I were you, I would spend the last few hours or days with the people I care and love. Do not waste it. ' The judge smiled at Carlo. Why is he smiling? What? Carlo said in his mind.

    The Sistine Chapel was solemn and silent; nothing like in the beginning. Some people even fell asleep.
     No violent reaction came from Hayden or Carlo's mouth. One just sighed, the other prayed.

~~~~~~

    Many was delighted in his punishment. A few were saddened, a few were hurt, and a few did not care. One man was laughing hysterically; the only one in the whole entire world. As the fall breeze entered his hideaway, the chill of his gaiety could strike through any intruder's bones.

    ' Well, well, lucky you... Father Carlo Ventresca. A few centuries back and you would have been burned at stake; no chances given. Here's to a life of depressing soltitude! ' He raised a glass of wine and drank it with a searing look in his eyes.

     Alfred stood behind Levin, worried about his sister, Allison.
' Any news? '
' Got some from Janus. He's really happy because the Camerlengo was sentenced to five years of excommunication. '
' Woah. That's a long time. Wait...if Carlo will get punished, that means he didn't turn us in. '
' That's what I was thinking. I'm afraid to tell Janus, though. '
' Same here. Let's just wait and see. '
Alfred walked away and someone popped into his mind.
' Levin, did my sister get involved? '
' Her face has been on the newspaper everyday. She won't be punished, though. I heard she'll be under the Vatican's protection when Carlo leaves. '
' Okay. I hope Janus' revenge won't involve her. '
' I guess you're not aware. She is. '

~~~~~~

Hayden turned to Carlo. A smile appeared on his face momentarily.
' This session is adjourned. ' The judge shouted. The sound of wood on wood echoed throughout the room. The judge left his seat and left the room.
The policemen came and pushed all the reporters, newscasters and interviewers out of the room. Although Carlo said that he would be answering some questions from the media, he was too depressed to do so.

After one day, the State and the Church had decided on the final punishment. Five years of excommunication with the details provided by the Church. Excommunication was partly light so the government added exile. Carlo's home would be Poligano a Mare in southern Italy on the Adriatic Sea. People there were Orthodox and he knew nobody. That was the place that was to be his home for five long years. People who lived there were pretty angry at the Vatican's request that Carlo stays there but at the end, they still allowed him to stay there despite his reputation. 
      Carlo found himself in the office His Holiness being given a long list of instructions.
       ' Tomorrow is Monday, Carlo. You have exactly 24 hours to say goodbye to your loved ones. I feel kinda bad that I decided to give you five years...instead of a number lesser than that. The helicopter of the Swiss Guard will bring you to the town. It is a wonderful place so do not worry...you won't get beaten up or anything. I hope you have done some research on what it looks like. Trust me, you'll like it. The moment you hit the town's ground, you are considered excommunicated. Make sure you have said everything you needed to say to the Swiss Guard so they could pass the message to your loved ones. You will be notified when your day of return is near. Good luck, Carlo. I have faith in your capacity to change. '
     ' That's a lot to take in, Father. This whole situation is hard to cope with but...I'll try my best.  '
     ' If you want to work or whatever, you are free to do so. Find ways to support yourself and adapt to the community. Most importantly, stay out of trouble. Are we clear, Carlo? '
    ' Yes, Father. ' Carlo replied, nodding his head.
    ' Before you go, you may want to say goodbye to a few people. Like what I said, you have exactly 24 hours. Be back here by 7.30 AM tomorrow morning. I am sure that there is one person in your mind that you really want to visit. '
    That person popped into Carlo's mind. He smiled.
    ' See? I told you. ' The Pope smiled.
    ' There are many, Father. I hope 24 hours is enough. '
     ' Well, then. Have a good rest tonight, Carlo. May the Lord be with you and forgive you, but most importantly, bless you. ' The Pope laid a hand on Carlo's shoulder and sighed.
     You have been given a second chance, Carlo. Do not waste it. I know you will change for the better. Have faith, my son. I believe you will have to go a million miles before you reach the fullness of your existence. May God be with you, Carlo.

     Carlo bowed slightly and smiled. He exited the room, remembering all the people he wanted to visit. There is one person whom I won't forget to visit...Allison...and of course, Obi.
    
  ~~~~~~~~~~
Kind of felt bad to choose 5 years of excommunication. Heh. Sorry for not uploading for a few days. I would appreciate the feedback :))
    Hope you enjoy today's chapter! Byee :))