—
Part VI:
“And that’s why her parents sent her here?” I asked, incredulous. “As her punishment?”
For the first time during our conversation Father John actually looked uncomfortable. “Her parents are very busy people and—”
“I can’t believe that you’re condoning this,” I said.
“I condone nothing,” Father John said in a stern voice. I actually got nervous; it was so seldom to hear him use that tone of voice and the fact that he’s using it now really surprised me. “I am doing this as a favor to her parents, who are very good people and are a very vital part of our community. Now I am merely asking you to do this for me while I am away, as a favor to me. Would you do it?”
I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I was at a loss for words. The way he was looking at me was so severe that all I could do for a few seconds was shift my gaze from Father John’s face to the girl’s stern face staring at the wall. With a sigh I said, “Of course, Father John. Of course.”
Father John let out a big sigh, telling me that he was very relieved. The creases of worry on his forehead eased into nothingness as his features relaxed and transformed into his jovial smile. “Thank you, really,” he said. “And as another favor to me, would you be so kind to escort her to the empty room in the second floor, the one right beside the library? I have to get ready for the mass now,”
I nodded and made my way to the back of the church, to the pew where Rin was seated. During my chat with Father John she’s tucked away her earphones and MP3 player. With a deep breath and a smile I greeted her again. “I’m supposed to show you to your room?” I picked up the large green duffel bag on the floor. “Is this all of your stuff?” She didn’t respond; she only stood up and started walking out of the chapel. I saw that she had a big yellow backpack on, where a blue jacket was stuffed through one of the straps.
I hurried after her, determined to make conversation. Besides, she was going the wrong way. “Uh, this way, to the right,” I huffed. “So, I hear that you’ll be staying with us for a few weeks,”
She kept on walking, pretending not to hear me. I shrugged. Having taking the exit of the long way round, we traversed the length of the courtyard onto the building where everybody in the parochial staff was housed in.
We reached the landing of the second floor, and I lead her to the only vacant room in the second floor, right beside what we call the library, even though its contents are nothing to brag about. I assume that Manang Fely’s already cleaned up the room; the last time I went there everything was covered with white sheets.
“Well, here you go,” I said, handing her the duffel bag, smiling.
She stopped walking. “I…” she hesitated, looking at the floor. “I’m sorry for the way I acted earlier; I know I was being rude. But as you’ve said, I will be staying here for a while and I think it’s best that you get out of my way until I leave,”
With a turn she entered her room and shut the door in my face.
-To Be Continued-
