Don't make me pray

Pleasure

I feel a hand tap on my shoulder, pulling me out of the trance that hit me for a few seconds.

I stand there, reminiscing about what I've just witnessed. Primarily, women like the one who just left are a pleasant sight in a place like this.

Clear, dark eyes, a slightly upturned nose, rosy lips, a small mouth with an almost natural shine, except that she is conservative enough to wear something transparent rather than something more ostentatious. It's lovely. Upon my arrival here, many thoughts crossed my mind. I didn't expect to see any woman without the traditional nun's garb. We are in a convent, and I didn't anticipate anyone beyond nuns.

It was intriguing to know that I would be here for a while, enjoying beautiful things like her, even if only to see her.

I'm in a convent, glancing isn't harmful; finding something beautiful isn't harmful either, but finding her bosom noticeable under her blouse... Forget that, you already understand.

Perhaps she is religious or married.

In both cases, I have answers.

First, she wasn't wearing a ring.

Second, if good guys take you to heaven, the wicked bring heaven to you.

Certainly, she doesn't know that.

But I do.

Although I won't be the one to tell her.

"Gentlemen, I'm glad you're here," the white bald man approaches but doesn't look at me, but rather at my bodyguard. "Pleasure, I'm Ivan," the man now looks directly at me. I let out a sigh to return to normal breathing. "You must be Vicente Barrete, right?"

"Indeed, but you can call me Vini. Pleasure," I move closer to the chair and pull it out, sitting down. "So, who was that lady? I thought there were only nuns here."

My companion sits next to me; the man comes around and sits down, smiling and taking off his glasses.

"That's Madeleine, one of our girls. She also takes care of the infirmary. You'll get to know her later. We're an institution with 37 residents; you know how health should be well managed," I nod in agreement.

Interesting, last night I had a horrible headache. It could be serious; I might ask for a painkiller.

Madeleine was an unusual name, but looking at me, I was different. I was in a different situation, and my name wasn't that common.

"Are you in charge here? The caretaker?" I ask; he shakes his head.

"It was a big surprise to have you here. I didn't expect this. But if it's to keep you safe, preserving your life and helping a greater good, welcome. This is a place of peace; I'm sure you'll find some of it here."

I flash a small smile.

If he knew the peace I wanted, he'd send me away without much thought. He'd just look at me and say that place isn't for me.

Sorry, God, I'm a terrible guy.

"I've briefed him on a few details; he's aware that he's now a priest who needs some time to write some things, his sabbatical year, right?" I nod. Escobar's laughter emerges beside me. I turn to him, giving him a look. "Are you laughing?" I ask, incredulous, turning back to the priest. "How long do mocking people spend in hell, Father?"

The priest sighs, handing me a paper and sliding it in my direction. I lean in and examine the protection agreement, similar to what I saw in the New York District, regarding the collaboration agreement I accepted, at the bottom of the page.

"We need your collaboration; no one will harm you, I can assure you. We are trustworthy, Mr. Vini."

"Exactly; this will be quick. I'm also sure, sir. I just didn't expect a place like this, nothing against it, but a convent never crossed my mind. Maybe the moon, but not a convent."

"For that reason, it was chosen; if someone comes after you, they won't think of a place like this, do you agree?"

I open and close my mouth. The priest was right. If the bad stuff were to hide, no one would find it in heaven.

It makes sense.

"Thinking about it that way. Escobar will be with me; he's great at protecting me," I jest. - "Anything else I need to know?"

"The morals and decorum in our home, sir. We have a routine; you may not follow it, but respect it. I'll send instructions to your quarters. You have to adhere like everyone else here. You may come from a life," the priest stumbles for a second.

"A chaotic life? Loose? Bad? Promiscuous? Immoral? Did you read my history?" I challenge.

"Turbulent."

"Okay, got it all. It's going to be quite a challenge, but..."

"Mind your profanity too; it can cast doubt on your calling."

"Of course, I'm a priest now," I sigh and get up. "Can I leave beyond the gates?"

"Yes, but don't go past ten; okay? And be very careful in the city," I'm perplexed.

"I noticed you don't have a TV, certainly not even internet or any other form of individual communication. What can I do in my free time? I'll have plenty of free time."

"Well, we have a calm and quiet leisure room, a library, and our garden."

"Not even a radio?" He shakes his head. "How will I watch the championship final next week?"

"In less than a week, someone tried to kill you; you're put in witness protection, and you're concerned about the championship?"

"Of course, we've been waiting 12 years for the title. I didn't want to miss it; they're playing really well. I already bought the..." I stop talking, remembering buying the tickets to go with the darn bastard. "Forget it."

I get up, take a deep breath, and look out the window at the greenery outside; Escobar and the priest stand up.

"If you need anything, talk to me. Keep discretion, and everything will be fine. We have golden people here."

"Thank you, Father. We'll follow all that without any issues, won't we, Mr. Vini?"

"Of course, it'll be as if I wasn't here." I shake my head incredulously, disheartened and irritated; stability disappears. "Can I go to my room? I'm not feeling well."

I say, slumping again, as I did one day after waking up from the accident. A drink could help.

I let out a laugh, remembering where I am. I'm in a convent, a blessed convent. The feeling I have is terrible.

I needed this.

Repeat after me.

You need this.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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Happy reading.