"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned."

Chapter 4 - Good night, Father.

"Hello, Calliope." He said it while staring at nothing in front of him. I was taken aback by his statement. When he didn't hear a word from me, he turned his head and smiled at me.

"Oh, sorry. Did I startle you?" Father asked as if we were friends. He knows my name though.

"Oh, no, Father. I'm just surprised you are here." I smiled at him and composed myself.

This priest, in my opinion, is the most attractive in our town. This may appear biased because I like him, but he is charming. He's also rather amusing. He laughs with his widest and warmest smile and fully squinted eyes. His grin has the power to make all your problems disappear into nothingness.

"Cal, are you okay?" He waved his hand to check on me. Oh God, I was staring at him.

"I'm sorry, did I bother you? I'm just gonna leave." He stood up and was about to leave but I stopped him by grabbing his hands. I saw the surprise in his eyes and I just realized what I did. I touched him!

"I'm sorry, Father. And no, you are not bothering me at all. Please have a seat." He sat back down and laid his head up on the back of the chair. There was silence between us. I heaved a deep sigh and laid my head to rest.

"Are you okay?" he asked while his eyes are still closed.

"Yes, Father." "Father, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, what is it?" He tilted his head facing towards my side and opened his eyes. I hesitated to ask him for a minute because I don't know how to drop a question like this.

"I'm just surprised, Father, that you knew my name."

"Why wouldn't I? You've been serving the church for years, singing in front of people, of me. How could I not know?"

"Oh..." I didn't even finish what I'm about to say because he spoke again.

"I know you but you probably didn't notice. You are so distant towards everyone, even with your org mates."

"Ah, that explains it." I am not distant. I just don't talk a lot, especially when I don't need to. Talking is a waste of energy, and I am not obligated to use my words to engage in discussion. I notice a lot but communicate a lot less. And if I were the person I'm talking to, I'd be grateful for the silence and serenity.

"I apologize for coming unto you like we knew each other. Do you feel uncomfortable, Cal?" he asked, but this time his body turned with his head to see me. I immediately waved my hand to imply that I'm not.

"Oh, no, no, Father. It's totally alright with me. I'm just surprised that you see me, knew me." I gave him my sweetest and most genuine smile.

"I see you, Calliope. I see you." He smiled back and stood up. He walks towards me and lightly brushes my head with his hand. He then put his hand on his back and walked past me.

"See you later." I was left standing there, watching as he turned his back on me. However, as he walked away, he left me with the biggest smile on my face.

"I'll see you later, Father," I said to myself. I think I was there for an hour or two. When I noticed that the sky was getting dark, I decided to go home. Mom was preparing food for dinner when I arrived.

"Where have you been?" she asked without glancing at my spot.

"Church," I replied and proceeded to my own room. Lied down and started going through the media. I spent some time watching video clips and listening to music. Suddenly, a photo appeared in my feed. It was an outreach initiative for the elderly. The name who posted it piqued my interest, so I stalked his wall and noticed the events and programs he'd participated in over the last few weeks. Metanoia...what a strange name for a fascinating priest like you. I thought to myself as I looked at his photos.

"Cal, dinner is ready." My stepfather summoned me to dinner. I didn't realize it was already 8:00 p.m. I couldn't wait any longer, so I put down my phone and got out of bed. My brothers were preparing the table when I arrived in the kitchen. I assisted them in arranging the plates so that we could begin our meal.

"Cal, are your bruises healing?" Mom asked me while serving some soup in my bowl. I didn't know how to respond but the bruises on my body aren't really healing that fast.

"Yeah, it is." I lied. I just lied in my mother's face. I finished my food as fast as I could to avoid any interrogation there is. I just don't want to talk about THAT incident. I was about to stand up and leave but...

"Don't forget our appointment tomorrow at Atty. Laurel's office."

"I can't go. I have to go to church. We have a singing engagement."

"So, you can't cancel that? I think our appointment is more important than that." She sounds irritated at having to cancel her plans for tomorrow.

"Yes, I think it is. I'm sorry." I stepped out of the kitchen and went to my room. To avoid hearing another word from my mother, I grabbed my phone and plugged in my earphones. I don't want to see that attorney and return to my nightmare. I just want to forget everything and get back to my life. I wish to return to my true home. To go back to where I truly belong. I'm not used to being in this situation. To be a part of a family other than my own. She is, indeed, my mother. But she hasn't been a mother to me for how long?

I was taking my time in my room when my phone started buzzing. Someone had sent me a message with a notification. I checked and, to my surprise, it was from him.

Hey, Cal. Are you free tomorrow? I would like to invite you to an event at the Cathedral. Beep me if you are interested.

I felt like jumping up and down on my bed after reading his message. I'm not sure what to say in response to this message, but I'm delighted he messaged me. He's like an unearthed blessing. I desperately want to escape the attorney's appointment, so I must answer this in order to leave this house.

Hello, Father. I'd be delighted to accept your invitation. Can you tell me what time the event starts tomorrow?

I hesitated before pressing the send button, but I was desperate enough. When I saw it was delivered, I covered my head with a pillow, hoping that the apprehension would fade. For a minute, my phone buzzed again. I was excited to see who it was, but I was also a little scared.

10 am, sharp. I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, Cal. Good night.

Oh my god! He's looking forward to it. So am I, father. To be honest, I look forward to seeing you every Sunday. And now, even if it means nothing, it feels nice to know that he is looking forward to seeing me.

Good night, Father.

I put down my phone and went to bed after sending that message. Tomorrow will be a great day, I think.