Claimed By Sin: Father Levi

Chapter Two: Father Levi

Levi

I sat there on the bench in front of the statue of Jesus. The rosary within my clasp, a totem to weigh me down to the wooden seat I sat upon.

“Father Levi–” The soft spoken voice of one of my nuns caused me to halt my thoughts. Inhaling deeply, I placed my hands in my lap, turning to Christa. She was a young woman in her early twenties. Her cheeks were rosy as her gaze landed on mine.

“There’s someone in need of guidance in the confessional.” She smiled softly, tilting her head to the booth in the back. I tilted my head in a nod, then turned to the statue in front of me. I brought my hands together, closing my eyes and finishing my prayer in my head. It’s better to have it finished in my head anyways. Not everyone needs to hear my demons. I kissed my cross, standing up and smoothing out my shirt.

As I approached the confessional booth, some people filtered in from the side, where the entrance is. Most of them nodded toward me as they dipped to the free spots to sit. Today's mass will be run by Father Thomas. When I do them, I tend to get more on lookers than actual members of the church.

Sighing, I reached the door. I opened it, stepping through the threshold. I froze as the scent of rose petals and lavender hit my nostrils . A very– delectable smell that made my heart flutter. Clearing my throat I went and took my seat. I immediately made the sign of the cross as a sweet voice slid through the lattice.

“G–good morning Father.” The beautiful sound was hushed and had me turning my head. I saw a silhouette, nothing more, which oddly–pained me. My jaw tightened as she continued.

“Bless me father for I have sinned…” her voice cracked as sorrow layered her tone. Everything in my body yelled at me to reach out to her.

“It’s um… It’s been a while since I’ve been here, so please forgive me. I–haven’t been here since my mother passed.” I could hear her shifting in her booth.

“That’s quite alright. Take your time, child.” I tried to keep my voice steady, my body leaning toward the wall between us unwillingly.

“Well– it’s been ten years since my last confession. I… I don’t even know if this calls to be labeled as a confession.” She let a small weary giggle escape her lips as she sniffed. “But, I–I got mad and cussed someone out.” Silence. A small snicker formed in my throat, as I forced myself to clear it.

“Mmm–was it in a fit of rage or due to lack of control?”

“B..both.” She whispered. “I found out some news that made me lose my temper with my father. I called him a slew of horrible words and wished death upon him.”

“Well, if I may ask, what was this news?”

“I– I don’t wish to say at this moment. It’s… it’s not for sure.” Her voice trembled. “I’m just lost father. I don’t know where my life is going. I figured, coming here would be a start.”

I sat there as she continued on, my grip on my rosary tightening as she spilled her life to me. Her mother passing away was due to a tragic accident, and ever since then her father has gone down hill. He’s supposedly one of the richest men in the city but has run into some trouble and owes some bad men a debt.

“Child…” I finally said after she finished. “I don’t think you need a confession, but..” I shifted in my seat “ God, the Father of mercies…Through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

“Amen," she whispered. I stood up, my ears perking up as she rustled in her booth.

“We have a mass happening soon. I think you’d benefit from that more than a confession.”I reached out grasping the door. She was silent as I opened the door. Part of me was wanting to take my time so I could see her, but she obviously wanted to stay anonymous.

As I exited, my heart ached for me to stay. Why? I hung up my– old ways ten years ago, yet… a lock on that demon is wanting to rip itself off. I shook my head, heading to Father Thomas’s sermon. I need to keep my mind off this.

I silently made my way back to the main room. The benches were filled. The only section left was in the back. I made my way to the free seat as Father Thomas was reciting Psalm 23. The words circled my brain as I sat on the edge. Closing my eyes, I let his words fill my core.

Flashes of my old life slid through my vision as his tone intensified. My bloody deeds, the lives I took. The families that called upon me. My chest tightened as a child slid across my mind. My eyes flung open, my jaw tightening so tight my teeth grinded.

“Excuse me–” My breathing stopped as that familiar voice hit my ear drums. “Is this seat taken?” Her whisper calmed my thoughts. My hands clasped tightly around each other as I slowly turned my head.

There she was— her hazel eyes entrapped me while she tucked a piece of her magnificent blue-black hair behind her ear. Her cheeks were a peony pink, as her lips were a rosy red. Her skin, God her skin was so perfectly milky I could just…

“No. It’s free.” The words sprung out of my mouth. She smiled softly, turning and sliding next to me. She was just inches away from me, just like in the confessional.

I kept my eyes fixed on the floor while Father Thomas continued on. My mind was in shambles– her scent teasing me. Her closeness was having my heart slam into my chest. Why… Why am I feeling this? My teeth clenched while I desperately clung to my rosary.

“Amen!” The sound echoed in my ears. My lungs tightening, my heart slamming into my ribs as the rest of the room spoke in unison, “Amen.”

“Amen.” Her voice– f**k her voice hit me like a wave from the ocean. My core burned, my groin raged as it pressed into my seam. I quickly dropped my hands, covering myself. I sucked in air through my teeth, forcing myself to speak those words in return.

“A–Amen.” The words came out more like a growl. I could see her turn to face me. I bolted up and quickly made my way out of the small aisle.

Fuck, f**k! What the hell–is going on. My panic flooded over me as I exited the room, flinging myself against the cool stone that lined the hall outside of mass.

Ten years– ten f*****g years I’ve been doing this. Repenting for my sins, for the horrible things I’ve done… Why now? This must be a test from God. Panting, my groin raged even more against my fabric. I have to get out of here.

I took in a few deep breaths before pushing off the wall, heading outside. I prayed the cool air would provide me with some relief.

Clasping the rosary in my hand, I made my way into the church's garden. The scents from the flowers wafting into my nose did little to get my mind off that goddess that sat next to me.

The sky was riddled with thunder clouds, the threat of the rain looming above me had my body wanting to be drenched. I needed to be cooled down, and as if my prayer was heard, the sky opened upon me and unleashed its cold wrath.