Alex

The next day, Alex anxiously awaited service. He was pretty sure that Jack would come and he was determined to talk to him. He would do it softly and carefully though as not to scare him away. He went out in front of the community with a knot in his stomach which dissolved when he saw Jack. Alex breathed out, a small smile stole itself onto his lips and he was instantly more relaxed.

He read his sermon, a speech he had written for Jack. It was about how nobody deserved to be mistreated in any way. He looked at Jack while the words floated through the air that was heavy with incense. Jack hid his face for the most part but he looked up to Alex a few times. It broke Alex’s heart to see him like this, battered and beaten up. He had to help him.

When the service was over, he walked up to Jack who was staying behind for a bit like he always seemed to. He sat down next to him on the hard pew, keeping a respectful distance. He folded his hands in his lap and spoke, not looking at Jack.

“You know that anyone can come for a confession, right? I’m doing confessions tomorrow from 3 pm to 4.30 pm. I will be waiting in the confession cabin, right over there.” He pointed to a small wooden box with two entrances to their left.
“Anyone can come. I can’t see who comes; I can’t tell anyone anything about what I’m told. People can get things off their chests and I give them advice and physical help if needed and wanted. Keep that in mind,” he said quietly. He looked at Jack once more, the shock clearly visible in the bruised face but Alex tried to smile at him.

Alex couldn’t resist, he had to add one more thing. “Jack, even if I’m a new, young priest, I care a lot about my community. I love each and every one of you. And I want to help wherever I can. I care,” he said, looking him deep in the eyes.

He turned around and left, sending one more glance to Jack on his way to the sacristy. The boy sat there, shocked and with tears in his eyes, but if Alex wasn’t completely mistaken, his lips were curving up just the tiniest bit. And that made him smile too.

Notes

Aww Alex c:
Do you think Jack will (be able to) come?

I'm so sorry for the inexistent chapter yesterday but the website went down right after I had finished writing and was ready to upload. I hope you can understand. :)

-Laura