Abandoned

Abandoned (Part Three - Chapter 42)

CHAPTER 42: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ ...... (Your review here)

Father Mark and his dad were content. Dinner had been great: salad, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and pan-fried okra. The cafeteria was located on the ground level of the Manor; always a smiling face and plenty of laughter. On their way back to ninth floor Mr. Penrose stopped a few times to say hello to friends, each time introducing his son, as they made their way back to his apartment. He was so proud of his son: Father Mark Penrose.

Back in his dad's room they both got ready to settle down—two big easy chairs inviting them to get comfortable. A pot of fresh coffee filled the apartment with a rich aroma. From the bedroom where Mr. Penrose had accessed the Ancient Faith Radio website from his laptop, the Chanters of St. Lawrence were softly singing The Cherubic Hymn through a pair of powered speakers.

While his dad placed a few oatmeal cookies on a plate and poured the coffee, Mark gazed out the window at the city below, always impressed by the view. With the long summer nights quickly becoming a thing of the past and the first week of October already upon them, flickering lights were becoming more plentiful, although it was only a little after six. Both men sat down.

"So tell me dad, how have you been? You look great."

"Oh, I have no complaints but I might be a pound or two heavier. But you know me, I try to keep busy. I'll tell you Mark, it's really great to have you back. I never realized how long four months can drag on—guess I kept an eye on the calendar a little too often."

Mark chuckled. "I'm sorry but I just felt that since I made the commitment to go that I needed to take enough time to see a bit more than the average tourist—plus there was the additional time I wanted to spend in Spain."

"Oh yes, I remember that you had mentioned something to me about a convent in Spain. What was that all about?"

"Yes, that's right; but I wanted to get all my facts together before I told you more. That's why I flew to Madrid first. Dad, you know that I like to read but the history of this part of Texas in the early 1600s and the mystery surrounding what happened here, somehow that had totally escaped me—even at the seminary."

"I guess I don't follow you son. Why do you say it's a mystery?"

Mark took a sip of coffee and then continued. "Dad, the history I'm talking about is as interesting as it gets—full of details, eye-witness accounts, intrigue, geography, and covering enough material to fill a book. But all of that is just window dressing. The real story, as I see it, is the unexpected conclusion that has made me think long and hard about something that I never even thought was remotely possible."

"Well, that's not a bad thing, is it?"

"Oh no, but it's one of those, what if's and I know how much you like that kind of stuff."

"I must say it hasn't taken you long to get my full attention." After sharing a laugh, Mr. Penrose continued, "I'll tell you what, just give me a brief outline and we'll get right to the point. We can backtrack at another time."

Mark had always appreciated how his father helped him simplify his thoughts. The music from the bedroom changed and the rich voices from a Russian men's choir chanted the beautiful, Doxastikon for the Praises. Not exactly your normal Catholic music but very beautiful just the same.

"Yes, that's a good idea. Dad, have you ever heard of bilocation?"

"I think you mean when somebody defies the laws of science and is somehow able to be in two places at the same time."