An Angel's Redemption

See You Soon, My Friend

         ~ 3rd Person POV ~

   
    The door to the bookshop hissed open. It can't be an applicant. I didn't put up a notice on the door. Michael said in his mind. The gray-haired, hazel-eyed, owner of the bookstore, lifted his eyes when he heard the door open. He set aside his book and walked out of his office. A man stood in front of the door, looking at the bookshelves that were arranged nicely; his former employee who used the pseudonym Patrick McKenna.
    ' Sir Michael... ' Carlo said, walking towards Michael who stood motionless in front of the door to his office.
It can't be him... Michael said in his mind. He could recognize Carlo's calm and smooth Irish accent.
   ' A-are you, Pat--Carlo? ' Michael stammered, too stunned to finish his question.
   ' Yes, sir. ' Carlo said removing his sunglasses. His eyes filled with remorse and guilt. He knew that Michael would never look at him the same way he did before because he had found out what he did to the former Pope. Carlo walked towards Michael, slowly.
     Carlo's hair was styled so differently from what the public had accustomed to seeing; a pair of dark sunglasses, a sweater, and a pair of dark denim jeans. His outfit enabled him to go around Rome to meet his loved ones, incognito. He decided to meet his boss, Michael, first since the library was the nearest to the Vatican.
     ' I know what you think of me had changed but...I just want to let you know that I am trying for the better and move on. You're probably wondering why I came here. I came here to say that I'm sorry that I would be leaving the library and I want to say goodbye. My excommunication would take effect tomorrow. It won't be a short one...five years of not talking to any Catholics, five years of separation from the people I know...and love. '
     ' Carlo, just to let you know, you were my best employee. Everyone loved you! It's okay that you're going to leave the library. We're all sad that you are, to be honest. '
     ' I don't want to make you all sad. I would do anything once I get back from my excommunication to make you all happy...I promise. '
     ' Carlo, you don't have to promise anything. Just do us one thing. Reform yourself and prove the whole world wrong. You have good in you...and I know that. Your past does not determine who you are today and prove them that. I believe in you, Carlo, ' He sighed and laid a hand on Carlo's shoulder. ' My best employee. I'm gonna miss you. '
     ' Thank you, sir. It means a lot to me. I should get going. I only have 21 hours left until my excommunication takes effect. Goodbye, sir. I will change for the better...I promise you that. '
    ' Good luck, Carlo. ' Michael said, waving his hand at Carlo.
    Carlo once again looked at all of the bookshelves and motioned for the door. Before he stepped out, Michael called out his name.
    ' Carlo! You can keep the books. Keep it as a memory of me. ' Michael exclaimed.
    ' Thank you! ' Carlo beamed and left.

    Thank you, my Lord. Carlo sighed.
Your radiance has not diminished a single bit. You still look like a heaven-sent angel even after what you have gone through. You're a brave man, Carlo. Good luck, Carlo. Michael said in his mind, walking back into his office with a wide grin on his face.

    Piazza Navona was always a lively scene even during weekdays. Carlo walked through the crowd and headed to his home; where Obi and Allison lived. He looked around, trying to remember every detail of the place...for no apparent reason. He spotted a mother and a child who were happily eating their ice cream while walking towards the same direction that he was going to. He could recognize the faces.
The little girl dropped her teddy bear as they walked away, heading for their car. People around them were oblivious to the teddy bear who had just fallen onto the floor, except for Carlo who kept his eye at them from a distance and saw it fall on the ground. He picked it up and followed them to where they were headed to.
' Mommy! Where's teddy?! ' Mary shouted, tears trickling down her face.
' She fell out of your bag! Where could it- ' Janniel was cut off when she saw Carlo standing behind Mary with the teddy bear in his hands. Janniel clutched Mary's hand and led her away.
' Wait! I didn't come here to cause harm. She dropped her teddy bear and I found it on the floor. '
Janniel stopped and turned around. Mary faced Carlo and a smile appeared on her face.
' You're that guy! Mom! Its the guy who was wearing the skirt on the television! '
' It's called a cassock, Mary. ' Carlo said, trying not to laugh.
' Sorry, that was prejudicial of me. Carlo, right? ' Janniel said, feeling regretful.
' Yes. All I wanted was to say goodbye. My excommunication will take effect tomorrow. I won't be able to see you guys for the next five years. When I get back, I'll meet up with you both. '
Carlo went on one knee and looked at Mary.
' Mary, do not talk to people who will harm you. I promise I won't do anything like that again. Here's your teddy bear. ' Carlo said, handing the teddy bear to her.
Mary immediately squeezed him into a hug.
' Come back as soon as possible, please. ' Mary said, tears trickling down her face. Carlo wiped them away.
' Time will fly. Don't forget me, okay? I won't forget you and I promise that. '
Mary nodded and Carlo stood up. He put his sunglasses back on and smiled.
' Goodbye, my friends. ' He waved and walked away.
' Goodbye, Carlo. ' Janniel exclaimed.
' Goodbye, uncle Carlo! ' Mary beamed.
He turned around and smiled then walked away.
Carlo disappeared into the crowd, blending in with the populace. For the whole day, he went around Rome before he headed to Allison's house. He messaged Nicole and Thomas to go to Allison's house as well for dinner.
For some, five years would be like five days while for others, five years would be an eternity. He did not know what it would be like for him. All he knew was that time would fly by and he would be back with his family again.
    Night fell and Carlo knew where his last destination would be; his home. It was an uneventful walk. He was so tired from walking around Rome that he fell asleep at the park that he used to walk Obi at. It was already 7 PM when he woke up and realized that it was time to go home. The cool air fanned him. He returned to the apartment where he lived in for the past few weeks. As he drew near the apartment, he could hear voices laughing and talking. That should be them...oops I'm late. He glanced at his watch. 8.00 PM. I hope I'm not THAT late.