The Confession
1267 Words
Riley's Pov
There is a crowd waiting to confide in the faithful mind of the priest. Luckily Freya insisted on arriving early, otherwise we would wait in the line for hours. I wonder if that would have been better since I am extremely nervous.
Freya finally steps out of the confessional with a smile on her face. She cannot have confessed everything, can she? The priest would be in shock. It's my turn. My stomach churns as I stand and head inside the tiny chamber.
One can barely see the figure on the other side through the thick seal of confession. I wish I could see his face, know if he is pleased to see me. But then I wouldn't be at ease confessing my dark thoughts and actions with his steel gaze on my face.
I have been searching for the names of this city's mafia, and my intentions were not benevolent. I feel so much rage that I am sure I would do something extremely wicked. Is it wrong to envision the worst for people that murdered my mother? I must have killed them a thousand times in my mind already.
"Forgive me father for I have sinned," I begin with the words Freya told me I am supposed to use a greeting in a confessional. I do not get a reply. Is he even in there?
Guess I shouldn't make a fool of myself by waiting for an unnecessary reply. I carry on to reveal every wicked thought I have had throughout the last six days of mourning my mother's death.
"Riley, there is nothing sinful about wishing for the right justice for your mother. It is however dangerous to do more than just imagine. Your mother would have wanted you to live," his deep, mesmerizing voice finally replies.
I nod gladly. He surprisingly didn't conclude that I am a lunatic as I had imagined he would. He is definitely better than his peers.
"Is there any other strange thought you would like to seek guidance or forgiveness for?" I hear him ask.
Too much confidence must have suddenly taken over my head as I blurt out, "I think I am attracted to you. I find your face quite enchanting and your wisdom profound."
I do not get an immediate response, and his silence is unnerving. When he finally speaks, his tone is incredibly harsh.
"Attracted to me?" he scoffs, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're expecting some kind of romantic chat? This is a confessional, not Tinder. Now, if you will excuse, there is a very long line of people waiting for normal confessions," he belittles.
He is angered by a confession of love? What a an egotistical as***ole.
I am overwhelmed by shame, but I am not running out like an embarassed child wishing to be invisible. I can defend myself.
"Wow, father, you really know how to kill a vibe. Actually all I wanted was to add a little spice to your day. But you had to be an uptight asshole about it, that’s on you. I’ll gladly take my unorthodox thoughts elsewhere," I say in the firmest voice I can master through my feelings of shame. "Good luck with your line of normal confessions. They must be quite exciting" I add before striding out.
What did I just do? What are the chances he will tell aunt Katniss about my confession? That would be terribly humiliating. Good thing he is forbidden by the laws of the church from sharing a word from the confessional.
Freya waits for me by the door. "You do not look happy," she observes.
"I am still getting used to having my precious secrets out there," I reply.
She chuckled. "You can trust Father Knightwood to keep them forever," she assures. "Let's not keep my mother waiting."
I follow her out. And immediately notice a young man with a tattoo on his neck approaching.
"Hey Freya. Wasn't expecting to see you here," he excitedly says.
Freya halts and turns. "Jacob! What are you doing near a church?" she asks while flashing her best smile.
"I was nearby when I saw your mom's car drop you two here. I must confess that I got fascinated by your beautiful friend. Do you mind introducing me?" he asks.
"Riley, meet Jacob. He is a friend," she introduces with disinterest. "Riley just lost her mother so I would suggest that you leave her alone for now," she tells him.
I would thank her for caring if only she said that out of genuine concern. She isn't that kind. And Father Knightwood's stunning face is the only reason she comes to church.
"Oh, I am extremely sorry. But I think she could use some fun instead of loneliness," her friend says. "My boss is hosting the best party tonight. Drinks will be free. I will let you in if you bring her," he adds.
Freya's face lits up once again. "You're right. Riley can use some fun. Text me the location and I shall bring her," she replies and her friend smiles back at me.
"Now leave before my mother sees you," Freya snaps, causing him to rush off immediately.
"You should have asked me if I want to go to wherever you agreed to take me," I say in protest.
"Jacob's boss is one of the richest men in the city. Surely you do not want to turn down the chance to get into an exquisite elite party that people of our class do not get invited to," she answers. "I promise to take care of Jacob once we are inside," she adds.
Gaining entry into an elite party sounds like a rare opportunity. I imagine eating an extremely expensive dinner without the stress of having to pay for it. There is however an issue with the person she said is hosting the party. I remember her mother claiming that the richest men in this city are heads of mafia.
"Is this rich man not a Mafia king?" I question.
She hesitates for a long moment then answers. "Yes, our host is mafia. But he cannot be the one that killed your mother since she was found in the southern parts of the city." she answers. "Let's go to this party and at least have good good food and wine in memory of your mother."
It's risky to attend a party hosted by an head of mafia, elite or not. I am however too curious to find out who murdered my mother to miss this opportunity.
"Fine, I will come," I agree before we get to aunt Katniss's car.
"I am so proud of you two. My house is now devoid of sin. It's calls for a celebration," aunt Katniss praises as soon as we have settled back in her car.
"Does that mean I can take Riley to a good party tonight?" Freya asks.
Her aunt glares back at her. "How many times do I have to warn you against those weird parties that reek of illegal drugs? You're not taking my precious niece to one," she reprimands.
Precious? That's the last thing I have felt like since arriving at her home. I am not foolish enough to outrightly complain though. I will be leaving as soon as my mother's lawyer arrives with that Will she is so eager to read.
"It's a noble party and I only wanted Riley to have some fun so she isn't sad all the time," Freya argues.
Her mother's stern expression softens. "That sounds like a good idea. Just be safe," she says.
- Writer
