The Father

The clock on my dash reads 4:30 am. The darkness outside of my headlights is so thick that I can't see anything to the left or right of me. There isn't a star in the sky and the moon is eerily absent. The phone call I received last night assured me though, that the church in Havens Creek is nice and the congregation was wonderful. I wanted to get there early, get the lay of the land, and put my own little flair to the place. I'd been driving for some time when I finally came up on my turn for the church. I pulled into the parking lot and what my high beams fell on took my breath away. A large, beautiful white church with long columns, a bright red double door, and beautifully stained glass windows with depictions of our lord and saviour.

I stepped out of the car, turning off the headlights and the night was heavy again. Outside of the interior lights of the church and the solar powered lights lining the path to the door, I could see nothing. Ill admit I felt a bit unsettled, but my mentor, Father Reynard had me come here as a guest pastor, and I was not going to let him down. I made my way up the stairs and into the church. The inside was even more glorious than outside. 50 yards of pews lined down both sides and a gold lined red carpet from the door to the pulpit. Getting the full view of the stained glass I see our lord and saviour, the cross, our Virgin Mary, cherubs with wings, and the angels up above. Just being inside this place filled my heart with love. I made my way down the gold lined carpet and to the first pew. I took a seat to relax and just take it all in. Directly next to me was a book I'd come to know very well over my 40 years of life, the Bible. I picked up the very pristine book, and sat it in my lap with my hands folded, resting on top of it and took a deep breath. At this point I was just trying to take it all in, when I heard the front door open.

The persons feet sounded hard off of the floor with each step, which was strange seeing as the way up was thickly carpeted. Each step drew nearer and nearer to me until finally a man came into view. He was extremely handsome and well dressed. A black suit jacket and pants, with a red vest, and black tie with red lacey inlays. The man had long blonde hair pulled back out of his face and an air of authority about him that I just couldn't place. The man walked past me and removed a chair from the rack and walked back toward me. He sat the chair directly in front of me, sat down, and crossed one leg over the other.

We both stared at each other in silence for a short time and just as I was about to speak up he said, "Forgive me father, for I have sinned." His voice rolled out like honey, sweet yet sinister. I stared back at him. This isn't how we usually do things at my church, I thought to myself. But I am a guest in this house, so I won't push.

"What is your name, my child?" I asked the man sitting in front of me.

He cocked his head to the side and smiled. "You can call me Sam, father...." he held out the word so I knew it was a question.

"Ah," I replied. "Salazar, father Marcelo Salazar." He gave a slight smile and his bright blue eyes shone vibrantly.

"It is very nice to meet you Father Salazar, as I said before my name is Sam, and It would be greatly appreciated if you could assist me. I have sinned and I fear I may wind up in hell."

I shook my head softly. "Oh my child, do not worry. Our father is a forgiving God. Please tell me of your burdens so I may absolve you of your sins."

Sam adjusted in his seat then un crossed his legs and crossed them the other way. "I drink to excess and then judge others in church when they admit to doing the same."

I nodded. "Well my child, I said-" Sam quickly cut me off and continued.

"When I was married I would have my wife stay at her mothers when she was on her period."

I looked at him, as I tried to assure him that the Bible speaks of it being a time of uncleanness, Sam quickly cut me off again.

"I sent my son off to a conversion camp when he came out as homosexual." I didn't respond this time and he continued. "I raised my hand to my wife if she tried to leave the house in anything other than modest clothing. I wanted my wife to be modest but I also received...less than modest photographs from my 19 year old babysitter, Brittany."