Page 23 of Priest

Dan will be back next week and I’m already committing myself to being here more than I was before. I tell myself it’s because of the greater good, and not for Bella.

As the night winds up, that Rueben guy leaves without another word. I’ve decided that no matter what, Bella isn’t going to be walking home alone. The shelter may only be a few blocks away, but it’s late, cold and dark. She takes me up on my offer for a ride and she’s buzzing with excitement about how tonight went.

Everyone enjoyed the spread, and it’s clear Bella is feeling quite proud of herself, especially when Manny gave her applause. I think it’s done wonders for her confidence and I hope she takes my advice about culinary school. I make a mental note to talk to Linda about it, and Dan. He may be able to steer her in the right direction so she can get back on her feet.

“You don’t think Manny was just being kind, do you?” she asks as I chuckle to myself.

“Uh, you know how upfront and in your face he is. He wouldn’t praise you if he didn’t think it was worthy,” I say. “He’s a good guy, but he gets in trouble all the time with that big mouth of his.”

She smiles wide. “I can see that about him.”

“You did an awesome job, you should be proud of yourself.”

She hugs herself. “It felt good, being… useful, ya know?”

“I get it, and when other people enjoy it too, it feels even better.”

“Did people really enjoy the food that much?”

“Didn’t you see all the clean plates?”

“I guess I figured people were just hungry.”

“Nope. They loved it.”

Her whole demeanor uplifts and it’s palpable. It makes me feel good inside.

“I always knew my nonna’s cooking was excellent, but you never really know how other people will feel about it.”

“Well, you proved something tonight, Bella. We’re all proud of you.”

I feel her glance at me. “Thanks, Priest, that means a lot.”

“Hey, I didn't do anything, you’re the one who took a leap of faith.”

“It’s easy when you have encouraging people around you. I’ve never had that before.”

I don’t want to pry, but opening up is the only way she’s going to be able to free herself from the chains she drags around. It’ll lighten the load.

“I had a difficult family too. Growin’ up wasn’t the easiest, but I got through it and only just reconnected with my real Father.”

She turns to glance at me. “Really?”

I nod. “My mom was a junkie and not a good person. When my little sister was born, she cleaned up her act for a few years, but like most things it never lasted. We bounced in and out of foster care, and that was no picnic.”

“Priest, I’m sorry.”

I didn’t mean to make this about me, but I hope we’ll find some common ground.

“What happened? Did you eventually find a good foster family?”

“Luckily, yeah, but by then I was already doin’ my own thing. I left when I knew my sister would be taken care of. Landed myself in jail a coupla times, but it was the biggest wakeup call I’ve ever had. It changed me for the better. I found my calling, and now I try and help other people. I sponsor parolees as well, if I know they’re capable of rehabilitation. Like me, most were petty criminals…” The people I killed deserved it, so that hardly seems worth mentioning. Plus, I don’t want to scare her.

“That’s so kind of you.”

I snort. “Trust me, it didn’t feel that way at first. I was angry, but once I dealt with those issues, I found a higher purpose. I was free.”

“I like the sound of that.”

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