CHAPTER FOUR

UNDER THE VEIL

Sunday came very fast, and as the choir sang, I sat at my organ playing alongside them. Afterwards, Dad, in his white tuxedo, mounted the altar and began talking about the importance of holiness, how we were all expected to be Christ-like. I envied Dad a little… he was a bold, outspoken man, unlike me. I was more like my mum: quiet and shy.

After the service, I watched our members greet him, bowing their heads as if my Dad was Jesus himself… He looked so righteous, so sinless… but everyone had flaws, didn’t they? Even though it didn’t appear so.

I had caught a scent of Molly once from his drawers… Mum was practically clueless, but I could recognise that smell… especially after sniffing it once when my best friend in Tennessee brought them to our teens’ camp.

Even Mum wasn’t a saint. Back at Massachusetts, Sir John, our very rich member, was very fond of her… it was questionable, especially after I stumbled upon their old texts.

Everyone had a flaw, but mine, if exposed, is going to shake the whole Baptist church.

“Rev Miguel, we heard about your boy’s victory in the quiz,” an elder said, walking up to Dad with a warm smile.

“Oh yes, we thank God,” he replied, beaming, unable to hide his pride.

“Our boy is always making us proud.”

“Such an exceptional boy you have there, Reverend… he plays the organ so well too,” he added. I looked away, pretending not to hear the praises thrown my way. But then I spotted a familiar duo.

“Ashy!” Flora beamed; beside her was Brian. Flora was a member of our church; she must have forced Brian to come because Brian has this issue with churches. He sees it as a place where people come to play pretend… I couldn’t argue with him on that.

“Hi guys,” I waved, smiling softly. I just noticed that I really missed these guys.

“You were amazing; everyone is talking about your performance,” she said.

“You mean the organ or the quiz?” I chuckled.

“Show-off! Like we weren’t part of the team,” Brian nudged me playfully.

“My Mum won’t stop yapping about the quiz and Harvard,” Flora added.

“Tell me about it. Mine is worse,” I rolled my eyes.

“Speaking of which… here she comes,” Brian smirked. Then I heard Mum from behind.

“Oh! My winning team! How are you all doing?” she smiled, hugging Brian and Flora warmly.

“Hi, Mam, we’re doing great,” they responded.

“Congratulations once again; I’m so proud of you all,” she smiled.

“Thanks, Mam,” they chorused.

“Why, it’s been ages since you last visited; hope everything is fine with you two?” she asked. I could see Flora stiffen a bit.

“Everything is good, Mam,” Brian laughed awkwardly.

“Okay then, I’ll be expecting you two next Sunday since we’re having visitors this evening.”

“We won’t miss it, Mam; it’s been a while I tasted your delicious quesadillas,” Flora responded, and they laughed heartily as Mum walked away.

Visitors? Mum was probably inviting her string of friends for tea again… just then, a message popped up on my phone. It was an unfamiliar number. They sent a photo. Without thinking much, I clicked on it, and I froze… goosebumps covered my skin, and my hands shook in fear.

“Ashy, are you okay?” Flora asked; her voice woke me from my trance… beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and my hands shook vehemently, trying to hold the phone still in my hands.