Bless Me Father//Joshler

Thirty One ✝️

(Josh's pov)

The next morning after our communion with Ella, the three of us were sitting in the waiting room of St. Mary's Parish outside of Father Thaddeus's office. We were summoned there, as we had already told him that Ella was ready to be confirmed.

It had been over 2 weeks since we stopped attending services, and Father Thaddeus knew of that. I knew in my heart he suspected our secret relationship, and only time would tell under he really discovered the ultimate truth. But, if we get Ella confirmed and finally leave, he might not come after us.

As we sat in the waiting room. Tyler and I held hands tightly, and Ella was praying her rosary. As Tyler held my hand, he laid his eyes upon a picture of Mother Mary that hung on the wall, who signified her gaze of protective love.

I could hear Tyler's repeated whispers: "oh sweet Mother, keep us alive."

In response, I squeezed Tyler's hand.

"She will, babe." I whispered. "She will."

Tyler hugged onto me; desperate and frightened. I could feel his shaking body pressed against mine, which slowly eased down when I wrapped my arms around him.

Ella, sensing the growing fear, finished her prayers and took Tyler's other hand.

"It'll be okay." She said confidently. "I know it."

When she said this, I looked over to Ella, seeing the bravery in her eyes. I've never seen her feeling so confident, until now. It seemed to lift poor Tyler's spirits.

That was until Father Thaddeus opened the door and saw the three of us sitting together.

He was dressed in his priest suit, and his face looked cold and menacing, but clearly not so tempered. He was normal, which was outside his usual smiling demeanor. When he saw him, the three of us stood up and let go our hands, but we knew he saw it.

"My children." He said. "You have come back."

I nodded and spoke on our behalf.

"Yes, Father. We have."

Father Thaddeus smiled.

"I am glad to see that you have not abandoned your faith."

"Never." Tyler answered; desperately. "My Catholic faith is part of me."

"Good." Father Thaddeus replied; a cold smile brushing his lips.

Tyler stood his ground, but he was very fearful. I rubbed his back; assuring him that I was not leaving him. Ella stood with her confidence. She was not afraid.

Together, we walked into Father Thaddeus's office and took a seat at his desk. As usual, he lit a cigar and opened his Bible; preparing some verses if he needed to share any, which we were used to. At last, after long agonizing minutes, Father Thaddeus spoke to us.

"I hear that Ellaria is now ready to be confirmed." He said.

As Tyler and I were prepared to speak, Ella spoke first.

"Yes, Father." She said. "I am."

When he heard Ella's reply, Father Thaddeus was stunned. He had never heard her speak so boldly before, and it seemed to give him something to think about.