Savior

Friends of Yours

Chapter 3

Maybe he was new to town, I started to think to myself. That must be why I've never seen him before. The wind started to pick up around us. He has a blank smile across his lips as if he's either looking through me or has it for himself.
"How long have you been the voice for those little lambs?" He asks suddenly, catching me off guard. It was a rather odd way of phrasing it if the way I was guessing is correct anyway. I try to think of the closest time my mind remembers.
"I've been in the church since I was young...and I became the priest last year in November," I answered. There's a gleam in his eyes when he looks at me, his smile no longer blank.
"That must've been a lot of work, huh? You seem pretty young to be in charge of so much." His words make me tense.
"It was work... I was trained, but the transition was sudden when the last priest passed on before we could plan anything."
He crosses an arm over his chest to hold the other arm as his hand goes to his chin. "You usually plan a dead man's funeral before his time?" He grins when I scowl.
"He only told us a few things that he wanted for the church before he died. He was my mentor, and they decided that was my purpose." Of course, I would be defensive about this topic. I had known him for as long as he took me in the church, all those years ago. The stranger licks his lips, quietly repeating the last few words I said.
"Your purpose...his purpose...my purpose..." He mutters.
At this point I'm frustrated. "I'll have to leave you, now," I say before I start to turn. He looks up, surprised.
"Where?" He asks. I narrow my eyes.
"You're a complete stranger who I've only spoken to today," is all I say. I start walking down the street. For some disturbing reason, I can imagine a smile he would give me.
I walk down the chilly streets with only the wind and my own footsteps making noise. The town is starting to get darker as people close their stores and reunite with family or friends. I think back to Melinda's invitation. At some point, I have a feeling she won't accept my empty excuses for long. I sigh to myself. My house starts to come into my view after a few minutes. I go up the stairs and open the gate, wincing as it creaks. I unlock the front door and relock it when I'm inside the empty room. This isn't my actual house. Technically, people say I live in the church. This house belongs to my uncle, who requested I tend to it when he's gone. He usually leaves for most of the year, returning for the summer events the town holds. I go into the living room, finding the watering can I left before. I pick it up and water the small plants he has near the window, then I go outside and water the garden by his garage. I go back inside, lock the door, and refill the can. I read the clock in the kitchen; it's already nine. I leave the house, making sure the doors are locked, and start walking back to the church. Someone is standing outside by the small stairs. I can't recognize them until the distance is too close to go another way. He turns around. "Oh, if it isn't Mr. Always-Busy." A groan escapes my throat.
"Hi, Dave," I say, ignoring the nickname. He shows a sympathetic smile.
"Long day?" He asks.
I shrug. "Something like that, but it's over. How are you?"
He rubs a hand over the back of his neck. "I've been better. Just waiting for Pam and Melinda right now." I raise an eyebrow.
"I thought the three of you would be out watching a movie already." Dave chuckles at this. He walks down the steps to stand in front of me.
"Yeah, well...Melinda was waiting around for a bit until Pam started planning for the breakfast tomorrow."
I grimace. "Melinda was waiting and you're standing outside?"
He bit his lip, seeming to be in thought. "I guess she was waiting for you at first, and I was too," he admitted. I felt bad, imagining Dave being alone with those two now.
"Ah...I'll say hi to her, and tell Pam about the schedule." He nodded with a weak smile. Suddenly, the door opened. Pam looked down at me.
"Change your mind?" She asked, voice heavily filled with hope. I shook my head, making her shoulders fall quickly. Melinda was at her side now, and when she saw me, she grinned. She looked between Dave and Pam, biting her lip.
"Stop by some time at least, Zach?" Melinda requested. I turned to Dave, who shrugged.
"Maybe tomorrow..." I decide, feeling reluctant. Pam looked like she was about to say something until Melinda got in front of her, nodding fast.
"We can make that work! Tomorrow, it is." She smiled at the other two, going down the steps. She wrapped her arms around me before I could react, and just as quickly she let go. "Goodnight, Zach." Pam walked down to all of us.
"Goodnight, everyone," I say, moving past them and going to the door. I can hear Pam's scolding tone as I shut the door behind me, and I sigh. May tomorrow have less work, and I get some rest. I go upstairs and down the hallway to my room, shutting the door and sliding off my shoes. I'm about to take off my coat and notice the pink contrast to the black. I tentatively take the flower out of the pocket and set it down on the desk beside my bed. I undress and change into my nightwear before brushing my teeth and washing my face. I turn off the light, sliding into my bed under the covers. The window has an almost shine from the moonlight, barely settling on my desk as I drift off to sleep.