Devil at the Vatican (BL)

Chapter 1

SUMMER - 1912

It was graduation day. Last day of high school. Last hurrah before adulthood. 

Elio walked home with his parents, wearing his Sunday finest and sporting a fresh diploma in his hands. He held it tight against his chest for most of the walk. Living on a share-cropper tobacco plantation in South Carolina, he hadn't often felt paper as fine as this—thick and royal with his own name printed in fancy lettering. 

His mother Sophia couldn't stop smiling the whole day. She was a beautiful woman who was very much aware of her beauty. She kept her hair perfectly curled and wore dresses that flattered her figure. Elio inherited her square chin and straight nose.

First high school graduate. And soon, college! He got accepted into Howard University on a full scholarship. It meant leaving home, but it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Saul, his step-father, was with them. Saul didn't often show emotion, but Elio could've sworn he saw a tear fall from Saul's eye during the ceremony. 

Elio's real father didn't attend. He was the white plantation owner, Oliver Ellsworth. A prestigious man who frankly scared Elio, but never spoke a word to him. Elio only knew of him after over-hearing Saul and Sophia talking about it years ago. Otherwise the man was unreachable in his mansion on the hill, a few miles from there but seemingly a different country to Elio.

They made it home just before sunset. Sophia whipped up dinner while Elio sat looking over his diploma.

"You're a man now," Saul said in his heavy husky voice. He sat down across from Elio at the dining table.

"And a fine one at that," Sophia said. She tapped the back of Elio's chair. "Don't slouch."

Elio straightened his posture. "Sorry, mama."

"And such an obedient one too," Saul said, eyeing Elio.

"Of course he is," Sophia said, stirring a pot on the stove. "Never had no trouble with him since he was born. Aint that right?"

"That's right, mama," Elio replied sheepishly. He ran his slender fingers over his name on the diploma.

Saul continued, "Aint so much as stole a piece of candy, aint that right boy?"

"That's right, sir."

"Ain't so much as skipped school."

"No, sir."

"Told a lie."

"No, sir."

"Hit another boy."

"No, sir."

"Climbed a tree."

"Not without mama's permission, sir."

Sophia smiled at Elio, who returned her gaze. He then looked at Saul. Saul squinted at him as he stroked his beard aimlessly. It was all true. Elio was the purest soul in all of South Carolina.  He would show mercy to a mosquito if it bit him.

He went to church every Sunday with Sophia and never missed a bedtime prayer. He praised God so passionately, it made him faint during intense sermons. He volunteered at the church every chance he got. He would have made a fine pastor if he did not aspire to teach instead.

"What you gonna do without your mama when you leave for college?" Saul asked. 

Elio shrugged with a soft laugh. "I don't know. I guess--"

"He's gonna keep his head in them books," Sophia said, not looking up from her stirring. "Forget them parties and all that other sinful nonsense. My boy's gonna focus on his studies and the Lord."