Chapter: Two Feb 9, 2012 Evening
(Gabi, your feelings have never changed and nor have mine. The facts have not changed I am a priest and called serve God. Oh Holy Father, I have been struggling with my thoughts of what path I should take, since I have returned to north America from Argentina, I have questioned issue of celibacy since I was there to the point of asking for a sign for what path I should take. That is why have spent the last twelve years questioning my vows and studying out what the Bible says about them. Father, is this a sign, of Gabi and that she still loves me,) I thought and prayed as I followed Gabi and Ash up the hill to the schools dining hall. (Gabi you have not changed one bit, you're still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and to see that you have become a counselor, a doctor and these girls are your life, you have found a way to serve God,) I thought as Gabi's other girls that were in her cabin joined us a stream of white and navy blue and denim in work boots or ridding boots. (Gabi, what was that confession about, you are still in love with me... Antonio you never lied to her on your feelings but you cannot have a relapse of twelve years ago, even if you are questioning the Churches reason for your vows they are still there, but if she is the sign that you should leave the order to serve the Lord or to just leave the church and join the another church,)My mind raced I as we came upon the dining hall. (God, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I believe that and I know that that you will not tempt me beyond what I can bare, she still hunts my dreams, but you have called me to this life I lead, for the moment I still am a priest and that she is off limits, until you show me Your path for me,) I prayed as I stepped through doors of the dining hall, the Reverend Mother spots me from across the room and motions for me to sit with her.
"Father Antonio, I hope you first afternoon at school, has not been that eventful," Rev. Mother Trinity greeted me.
"No, had a very good introduction to what your ministry is her at San Dwynwen," I gave her a truthful answer, as the girls went and gathered their dinner and the dishes for every table and set each one, for a family style meal.
"I heard what happened with Ash, you'll soon learn that is normal here. As you know every girl has some sort of challenge that only God can heal, but he placed us here to help in ways by showing them His grace," Rev. Mother Trinity explained to me, as she lead me to where Gabi and her cabin was sitting. "Each Cabin eats as a family with their Dorm Mom, helps grow unity and allows for agape love to be truly shown and experienced, that many of this girls don't get at home. I encouraged us who serve that are not dorm parents to dine with students and dorm parents." Rev. Mother Trinity told me as looked me in the eye. "Father Antonio, make it a point to be noisy and know everyone who serves here with me and just so you know; I do know about you and Dr. Gabi had once very close relationship, the very relationship that should not have happened in the manner it did, but I truly believe Christ gave us the gift of love and showed us the greatest gift of love and when we find it here we should be grateful for it. I say this if you are bitter about what happen please remember that Christ loved you first a poor hopeless sinner let the girls here see only the love of Christ in you, and not a bitter priest," She explained quietly in a whisper to me as girls were finishing setting their tables with the food from the kitchen.
"You have nothing to wary about Rev. Mother, my falter was my choice, God gave us free will and I have accepted my folly and I have no regrets only mistakes but it's what you do with what you have learn. Both of us have learned to work together before and I know we can again. I promise it is only Christ love you will see as best as feeble human can show only through the grace of God," I answered my respect for this woman was growing, in her mamma bear mentality that she is a protector.
"That is all any of us can do, now would you care to join me with Dr. Gabi and her girls for dinner," Rev. Mother Trinity asked me with a big warm smile.
"I would love to," I agreed as she led the way to their table set up for nine.
"May we join you Primrose cabin," Rev. Mother Trinity asked the table of girls who welcomed us with opened arms, all but one of the girls a gothic girl no more than fourteen years old who looked almost familiar. "Primrose let me introduce you to our new priest, Father Antonio," She introduced me as I helped into her chair and I take my sit at the head of the table.
"Hello, Primrose is it," I greeted them but my eyes travel to Gabi sitting at the opposite end of the table as me.
"Yes, Father Antonio we are the Primrose cabin as I am sure Rev. Mother told you ever cabin is named after a flower for their meanings. Now would you please do us the honor of blessing the meal," Gabi asked.
"All you need do is ask Gabi, shall we pray," I agreed as I bowed my head and folded my hands as the others join me. "Thank you God for all the many blessings and love you have placed before us now among our friends and family, we thank you for this food and the hands that made it. In the Fathers name Amen," I finished the prayer as I crossed myself as the table echoed amen and food started to be passed around. "So how about some introductions, I know Ash and Sammie so I am minus four of your names, "I asked trying to makes some small talk as dinner was passed around.
"I'm Lydia Carter, "A bright eyed brunet greeted with smile who sat next the Rev. Mother on my left.
"My name is Mia Carlos," The girl with dreadlocks on Lydia's left greeted.
"Camila Rodriguez, we all happy you are here Father," A girl with light blue bandana in her hair who was on Gabi's right. There was a pause at the table from the girl who looked somewhat familiar the gothic girl who was sitting on my right.
"Meadow Stevens," She greeted me with a look of bitterness and cool tone, that reminded me of Mamma.
"Father Antonio, how do you know Dr. Gabi?" Sammie asked as took roll from the bread basket.
"Well Gabi and I knew each other when we both lived in Sunset Beach, and she was married my brother for a short time and we became very good friends," I answered truthfully.
"Does that mean…" Sammie started to say something when got what must have been a kick from Meadow under the table. The meal was finished with the Rev. Mother doing most the talking. When it was finished I knew I had to talk to Gabi and finish her confession.
"Do wish to finish your confession," I asked Gabi as everyone was leaving the dining hall.
"We do need to talk; I'll meet you in the chapel in few minutes." Gabi agreed as escorted her girls out.
