Strange Aeons [Book 1]

10. The Final Countdown [part II]

The Choir emitted their last, perfect note, and the mass was over. The people huddled in the pews of St. Patrick's church started to recollect their things, while the last remnants of the wonderfully performed hymn still lasted in the high vaults of the church.

Banshee came down from the altar, exchanging handshakes and smiles with the other choristers. The tall, large and burly figure of Father Browning soon got to them, to compliment on the evening performance. His squared, wrinkled face was open in a kind smile.

«My dear child, you've sung with more heart than many nights.» he said, patting a giant hand on Banshee's back. «Is it because of tomorrow?»

«Uh... yes and no, Father.» she answered, her smile failing to reach her eyes.

«Do you want to talk?» he asked, frowning.

«Nay, not tonite at last. I have to get home fast and go to sleep. Hard day tomorrow.» she explained, folding the green band every chorister wore. Hers, she being one of the lead vocals, was thinly lined with gold. «Wonderful mass, Father. Really appreciated the sermon.»

«I hoped to give you some solace, before tomorrow.»

«What? "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled?". In our case, with a giant pile of sh...»

«"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"» he interrupted her. Banshee scoffed, but ultimately smiled. She returned the pat on the back.

«Thanks, though. It helps. Being here tonight has helped, a lot. Singing and praying always does.»

«I'll see you next Friday for rehearsals, then. Don't be late.» he warned her, with fake menace in her voice. She smiled and moved to the exit. She just stopped when she came across a well-known face.

«Fabrice!» she exclaimed, waving her hand to catch the attention of the green-eyed man a few rows forward, picking up a little girl of four years. The man turned his head and his face opened in a nice smile when she recognized Banshee. Beside him, a small woman with long blonde hair recollected in a bun on her head and a very elegant aquamarine dress wave at her back as soon as she noticed her.

«Oh, I thought I missed you! The choir tonight was on fire. And your soloist part in the Ave Maria was grand.»

«You really sang like an angel tonight dear.» the woman smiled.

«Thanks Diane. And how are ye, little pumpkin?» Banshee smiled at the kid, tickling her belly. The kid laughed.

«The little pumpkin has to go to bed.» Fabrice said. Diane smiled, and recovered the girl from her husband's arms. She said goodnight to Banshee and went to the car, leaving the two to chat some more.

«Aye, it's strange to see you at evening mass. You usually come in the morning.» Banshee noticed.

«There are two or three kids here, needing attention, and they needed it this morning. Nothing a good talk and a shoulder to cry on couldn't cure, mainly, but it doesn't hurt if the shoulder has a degree in psychiatry.» Fabrice smiled.

«Fabrice Grasshopper, you are too good for your own two shoes.» Banshee shook her head. «You're taking some time to relax, every now and then, I hope.» Banshee put on a half-smile, well remembering him on the roof of Eva's apartment.

«Don't worry. I love my job. I am one of those annoying people who will never work one day in their lives.» Fabrice laughed, guiltily. «What can I say, I have been blessed. I'm happy to give back for what I can. You all right? You did seem a little off tonight.»