and her eyes rounded. “Luke, I’m nervous.
I don’t know the prayers.”
Father Turner turned, glaring at her. She shrank back, stepping closer to Luke.
Help.
I’ll walk you through it, piece of cake. ” Luke’s mental voice soothed her mind.
Farther Turner pointed toward the confessional. “Father Thomas is waiting for you in the confessional, Vicky.” He turned to Luke. “Have a seat on the bench to wait your turn.”
Vicky shot Luke a pitiful look over her shoulder as she stepped inside the booth.
And Father Turner shut the door behind her. She sat down, scanning around the small, dark chamber. She was terrified and trembling uncontrollably. The small panel between the booths snapped open, and she jumped.
Father Thomas spoke softly, “May the Lord be in our hearts to help you make a good confession.”
Ugh, Luke, what am I supposed to say ?
Luke chuckled softly. Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been about…say how long since your last confession. These are my sins. Then you just tell him what your sins are.
“Uh . . . Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I’m not Catholic, so I’ve, uh, never been to confession before. These are my sins. Um . . . I unintentionally disrespected Father Turner in class today.”
“I see. I want you to recite The Hail Mary.”
Help.
I’ll tell you slowly, in two parts, repeat after me. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. ”
She nodded, swallowing hard. “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”
That was good. Here’s the rest. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
She repeated what he said.
Good.
“Now, my child, I want you to say the Act of Contrition.”
What in the heck is that?
It’s where you pray to God for forgiveness. Listen closely. O my God, I am sorry for my sins because I have offended you. I know I should love you above all things. Help me to do penance, to do better, and to avoid anything that might lead me to sin. Amen.
She nodded, taking a quivering breath and repeated what he said.
“ Very good. ”
“Your sins are forgiven; go in peace.”
Vicky stood up to leave. Thank him first! Luke projected urgently.
She caught her breath. “Th-thank you, Father.”
Her knees felt rubbery as she stepped out of the confessional. She hobbled over to the pew, sitting down next to Luke. Leaning forward, she placed her face in her hands. Thanks for helping me get through that
Luke smiled. “ You’re welcome. My turn. I’ll see ya in a minute. ”
Luke took a little longer. Father Thomas gave him a lengthy lecture along with the prayers, due to his frequency in the confessional. He stepped out of the confessional and she stood up.
Father Turner cleared his throat. “Now, you both need to go to your next class.
You’re already late. Don’t tarry in the hallway.”
Vicky threw her bag over her shoulder. “Yes, sir.”
They walked out of the chapel side by side. Luke stopped at the corner, turning to face her. “My class is in the opposite direction from yours. We’re still on for lunch, right?”
“Sure, lunch will be great. I’ll see ya then. Bye.”
He tapped his finger to his temple. “If you need me, just holler.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Chapter Seven
Sister Phoebe’s eyes widened slightly at seeing her in the doorway. “Vicky, you’re late.” she remarked in an icy tone.
She inwardly groaned. “Yes, ma’am. I had to go to confession and see Father Thomas.”
“Indeed. Why is it that that doesn’t surprise me?”
Vicky’s mouth dropped open. “I don’t know Sister Phoebe. I’ll try not to make a habit of it.”
A skeptical eyebrow greeted her protest. “Only time will tell with that one, won’t it?” Sister remarked. “Take your seat. Class has already