Chapter II: The Calling
The final bell of the day reverberates through the halls, marking the end of classes. Students pour out of their classrooms, some rushing to catch the early bus, while others linger to chat or finalize their plans for the afternoon. Liz walks amidst the crowd, her heart beating slightly faster than usual. Today feels different. She takes a deep breath as she clutches the strap of her backpack and heads toward her destination.
Her mind wanders to the anonymous voice that has been her guiding light. The memory replays vividly:
"Liz," the voice says, gentle yet firm.
"Don't be shy when you approach Bro. Padilla. He's a good man—caring and patient. He'll understand."
In the memory, Liz responds hesitantly,
"I saw him earlier, talking to the students. He seems so kind... like someone who really listens."
The voice chuckles warmly.
"That's exactly why you shouldn't hesitate. Be ready, Liz. You're doing something wonderful."
The flashback fades, and Liz blinks as the chatter of her classmates brings her back to the present. Wyn suddenly appears beside her, a mischievous grin on her face.
"Liz, where are you heading?" Wyn asks, holding up her phone.
"I was thinking we could hang out by the gate and watch some funny videos. You've gotta see this one—it's hilarious."
Liz hesitates but shakes her head.
"I... I'm going to the Campus Ministry Office."
Wyn raises an eyebrow, surprised.
"Really? What for?"
Liz shrugs, trying to downplay her nervousness.
"I want to... check something out."
Wyn's grin widens.
"Well, I'm not letting you go alone. I'll come with you."
Together, they navigate the bustling corridors and soon find themselves outside the modest wooden door of the Campus Ministry Office. Liz takes a deep breath, her hand hovering over the doorknob.
"You got this," Wyn whispers, giving her an encouraging nudge.
Liz opens the door slowly. Inside, the room is warm and inviting, filled with shelves of books and religious icons. Bro. Padilla sits at his desk, engrossed in paperwork. He glances up when he hears the door creak open, his kind eyes lighting up.
"Good afternoon!" he greets, setting his pen down.
"Come in, come in. What brings you two here today?"
Liz steps forward, her voice trembling slightly.
"Bro. Padilla, I... I want to be an altar server."
Bro. Padilla's face breaks into a delighted smile.
"That's wonderful news! Serving the Lord is a noble calling."
To Liz's surprise, Wyn steps forward as well.
"Actually, I want to join too," she says, her tone uncharacteristically serious.
"When I was a kid, I used to dream about serving in the church. I... I think it's time I make that dream come true."
Bro. Padilla clasps his hands together, visibly moved.
"I'm so glad to hear this from both of you. Joining the ministry is more than just an act of service—it's a journey of faith, growth, and community."
He stands and gestures for them to take a seat.
"Let me tell you more about this calling. Being an altar server means being close to the heart of the Mass, assisting the priest and helping the congregation. It's a chance to deepen your relationship with God and inspire others through your actions."
Liz and Wyn listen intently, their initial nervousness giving way to a growing sense of purpose. Bro. Padilla's words resonate deeply, and Liz finds herself thinking back to the anonymous voice.
"If you want to be an altar server," the voice had said,
"I'll be so proud of you. It's a small thing, but it's meaningful—and I'll teach you everything you need to know."
As the memory fades once more, Liz looks at Bro. Padilla with newfound determination.
"I want to make a difference," she says softly.
"Even if it's just a small one."
Wyn nods in agreement.
"Me too."
Bro. Padilla smiles warmly.
"Then let's begin this journey together. Welcome to the ministry, Liz and Wyn."
The room feels lighter as the two friends exchange a glance, both knowing they've taken the first step toward something meaningful. The anonymous voice may remain a mystery for now, but Liz is certain of one thing: she's exactly where she's meant to be.
As Liz and Wyn step out of the Campus Ministry Office, the warm afternoon sunlight bathes the cobblestone pathways of the campus. The soft chatter of students fills the air, but the two girls are lost in their own conversation.
"So," Wyn begins, her voice light and excited,
"how do you feel about becoming an altar server? It sounds like a big deal!"
Liz smiles faintly, clutching her bag straps.
"It does. Bro. Padilla made it sound so... meaningful. I think it's an opportunity to grow, not just in faith but as a person."
Wyn nods enthusiastically.
"I agree! And you know, it's not just about serving during Mass. I heard that altar servers also get involved in community outreach and special events. Imagine all the people we could help!"
As they walk, Liz suddenly slows her pace. Her smile fades, and her brow furrows slightly.
"Liz?" Wyn asks, tilting her head.
"What's wrong?"
Liz doesn't answer immediately. Her mind drifts into a memory, one that feels as vivid as the present. She hears his voice again—the voice that has been her anchor.
"Liz," the voice says, gentle yet serious.
"Being an altar server will be a lot of responsibility. It's not something you can take lightly."
In the flashback, Liz is seated under a sprawling acacia tree, her hands nervously fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. She looks up at Bennett, her lover, who's older than her just a bit few years.
"I... I don't know if I can do it," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What if I mess up? What if I'm not good enough?"
Bennett kneels in front of her, taking her hands in his. "Liz," he says softly,
"it's okay to be scared. Responsibility can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone."
Liz's eyes well up with tears.
"I'm scared, Bennett."
He pulls her into a comforting hug, his arms steady and warm.
"You're stronger than you think," he whispers.
"And no matter what happens, I'll always be proud of you mi amor."
The memory fades, and Liz finds herself back on the campus walkway. She blinks rapidly, trying to shake off the emotions that threaten to surface. Wyn's voice pulls her back to reality.
"Liz, is this about Bennett?" Wyn asks gently, her tone filled with concern.
Liz hesitates but then nods.
"I... I miss him," she admits, her voice breaking slightly.
Wyn places a comforting hand on Liz's shoulder.
"I can't imagine how hard it must be, but you're doing great. And you know he'd want you to keep moving forward, right?"
Liz smiles faintly, her heart feeling a little lighter.
"Yeah. Thanks, Wyn."
Before they can say more, a familiar voice calls out.
"Liz!"
Liz turns to see her grandma standing near the school gate, waving. The sight of her grandma brings a sense of comfort and stability.
"Looks like it's time for you to go," Wyn says with a playful smile.
"Don't forget to text me later!"
Liz nods.
"I will. Thanks for coming with me today."
The two friends exchange a quick hug before Liz heads toward the gate. Her grandma greets her with a warm smile, and together they make their way home.
Back at home, the comforting aroma of dinner fills the air. Liz's aunts, Dolores and Dominga, are busy setting the table. Her grandma sits in her usual chair, knitting something colorful.
"So, how was school today?" Dolores asks, handing Liz a plate of food.
Liz takes a seat and smiles.
"It was good. I have some news, actually. I joined the Campus Ministry today. I'm going to be an altar server."
Her announcement is met with cheers and applause. Dominga claps her hands together.
"That's wonderful, Liz! We're so proud of you."
Her grandma beams with pride.
"Serving the Lord is a blessing, my dear. You'll do great."
Dolores adds,
"Bennett would be so proud of you."
At the mention of his name, Liz feels a pang in her chest but also a sense of determination. She nods.
"I hope so."
Later that night, Liz sits on the edge of her bed, the room quiet except for the faint rustle of leaves outside her window. She clasps her hands together and bows her head in prayer.
"Dear Lord," she begins softly,
"thank You for guiding me today. Please help me to be strong and to honor You through this new journey. And please watch over Bennett... wherever he is."
As she finishes her prayer, a sense of peace washes over her. She climbs into bed, pulling the blankets up to her chin. The day's events replay in her mind, and for the first time in a while, she feels a flicker of hope. With a quiet sigh, she closes her eyes and drifts into sleep, ready to face whatever tomorrow may bring.
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