“He’s unholy, he’s dirty, and you must be kept pure.” He said forcing our eyes to meet. The tip of his thumb brushed my lips. He let my hair go, stumbling back as tho he was tipsy. “Take off your clothes” I did as instructed, no questioning. When the miracle boy of Edevane is found in the arms of the Mayor's bastard son, the whole town erupts in a scandal. Simon, the adopted son of Father cadwell, was born to kneel and smile through pain. Behind the cathedral doors, Simon endures bruises because he's told, saints are meant to bleed. Arson Grey, the mayor's bastard son, reckless and irresponsible finds Simon attractive and sees through his facade. He wants the boy under the mask. Simon’s past comes back to hunt him, but things are different this time. When Simon falls, when he loses his faith, and scatters the boat of salvation. Would Arson be there to catch him? What happens when saints falls?.
View MoreTHE MIRACLE OF EDAVANE.
CHAPTER ONE
(Simon’s POV)
They said I was a miracle. Found in a cardboard wrapped in thin cloth at the parish gates on Sunday morning. Sister Marianne was the first to see me. She took me to Father cadwell, who lifted me in his arms during the morning mass. He told the congregation, that I was a blessing, a gift from God. A sign that our parish was blessed and our faith was real.
I was baptised and named Simon. They all wanted to touch me. The sisters said my skin was like milk, my green eyes, and freckles stood out, making me more attractive.
Time flew so fast, and I was ten already. Men and women from various places who heard about me came to me for prayers. Dying men, sick children, Barren women, all came to me for prayers. They believed I was a man from heaven.
I smiled each time I prayed for them. I thought I was chosen, I was a blessing, but I was wrong.
Things went on smoothly till I turned 15. The parish held a fundraiser bringing Reverends from far and near. The cathedral was packed and people were coming in and out.
He came to me, asking to pray for me as he saw something inside of me. I went with him to the Rectory for prayers. An action that changed my life for good.
8 years later
The bells of Saint Aurelius rang through Edevane like a promise. Incense spread in the air, smoke and whispers spread over the ceiling. The cathedral hummed around me like a living thing.
I stood where Father cadwell placed me, wearing the smile I’ve worn for years. They watched me more than they watched him: the women, the children, the sisters in church.
Look at the miracle baby, God’s chosen, the sacred child. Touch him, and you’ll be healed.
When I was little, I thought it was all love, but I know better now.
Their delusion clings to my skin more than incense smoke. I tried not to choke on it.
An old lady held my hands and squeezed them tightly. I forced a smile, then she whispered “You are proof, that God still speaks”.
I almost laughed. I wanted to tell her how much of a lie everything was, that the only one who spoke here, was the man who made me strip and kneel whilst he whipped me, educating me on the dangers of “sin”
I smiled back and said a little “bless you” to her.
When the Hymn ended, as usual, I lowered my head as Father Cadwell placed his hands on my shoulders. A show of love, the fatherly blessing anyone could ask for. His grip tightened as I winced in pain. He whispered: Behave.
It was firm and direct, and I did not need to be told twice.
Flickers of camera light made me widen my smile. I smiled so hard that it hurt, but they didn’t see that. They only saw what I needed them to see. What he needed them to see.
I stood in front, greeting everyone till the place became empty. My smile was still intact. It was a skill I’d learnt over the years.
I walked directly to the Rectory where Father cadwell stayed. The moment I walked in, I heard the lock click shut behind me.
My heart sank. I knew what was coming.
Father cadwell come out of the shadows. He unfastened his robes and folded them carefully. Then he cleaned his hands. Holy hands.
“Your eyes strayed away during the Third hymn,” he said
I couldn’t answer because it was of no use.
“Strip, and kneel,” he said, with no emotion on his face.
I do it without questioning. I should be used to it by now. Father cadwell’s form of “discipline”.
The impact of the belt on my skin brought me back from my thoughts. My flesh was on fire.
The bruises from the last whip hadn’t healed, but he doesn’t care.
I bit my lips as I tried to muffle the tears that threatened to come out.
He whipped me four times, before lecturing me. It was his pattern.
“Sin starts as a seed,” he said whilst walking round.
“We make sure to cut it before it germinates”
Another whip.
“Make sure you ask for forgiveness, for you have sinned,” he said.
He put on his robe and left the room.
It was the routine. I would ask for forgiveness after each beating and was made to wait till he returned.
“Forgive me, lord, for I have sinned” the usual mantra I was made to recite over and over again.
A few hours later, he returned to meet me still asking for forgiveness whilst my hands trembled.
“Put on your robe and leave” “Stay away from sin boy.” He warned.
I picked up my robe carefully and wore it.
My room was just in the opposite direction of he’s.
I peeled off my robe immediately after I got into my room. The reflection of my skin made me scrunch my face in disgust.
I cleaned the dried blood with cold water. I wrapped my ribs with bandages. I changed to grey sweatpants and a sweatshirt to match. I looked at myself once more, all these for what exactly?
I practice my smile and make sure it looks perfect. Tomorrow, no one will see this broken version of me. They'll only see the perfect, Sacred child. I practiced my smile more until I dozed off.
A loud knock on the door wakes me up.
The knock jolts me upright. The bruises screamed under my sweatshirt. A raw echo of discipline, for sinning.
Another knock, louder and sharper. It was sister Agnes, who always came to give me food this late.
Father cadwell wouldn't show his face again once I’d been disciplined, to avoid staining his hands twice.
My feet touched the cold floor, as I proceeded to open the door. I opened the door just enough to see her pale blue eyes. The only person who knew what was going on inside these walls.
GLANCES OF FAITH CHAPTER SIX (Arson’s POV)He said I needed to go to church to be holy, to be worthy of his love. If I wanted to feel fatherly love, I would do what the church asks of me without questioning it. But no, I rebelled against it. I wasn’t ready to be drawn into a religious cult like my father. He practiced hypocrisy. The only way I could show him that I would never succumb to his religious madness was to become the exact opposite of what he wanted. I became a menace to the whole town, but nobody knew why. They were ready to throw stones and point fingers. They were all fake and I could see through them. They called me names and mocked me because I smoked, drank, and was bisexual. They warned their children to stay away from me. My name was always on their lips. “Let he that is without sin cast the first stone.” (Present time)I dragged myself into his office. I swear that old man knows just how to piss me off.The air in his office was thick, reeking of incense and
SET FIRE TO SALVATION (Simon's POV)I picked up my shirt, stumbling out of his room hurriedly, afraid he would change his mind. I went inside my room, cleaning the bruises and applying ointment. I still needed to bid farewell to the guest. I wrapped the wounds in fresh bandages, wore another shirt, and hurried down. I murmured my prayers on my way. Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. Forgive me and cleanse my thoughts. His voice interrupted my prayers and thoughts. Could you not give me that creepy smile? I couldn’t help but feel some happiness. At least one person could see that it hurts.I stood in the hallways trying to pull myself together. My back hurts as hell. Each breath reminded me of what would happen if I strayed from the wrong path. I exhaled as I walked towards the courtyard where the guests were. Their laughter pricked my ears. All I needed to do, was to wear a fake smile, pretending like I cared.Could still perceive his scent on my wrist. It was faint, bu
BREAK THE HALO. (Simon’s POV) The atmosphere became uncomfortable. Forcing smiles was unbearable at times. I went to the back of the church, free from their religious eyes.I exhaled slowly taking in the night breeze. Then I heard footsteps, neither heavy, nor light. Maybe a child wondered away from the courtyard. I turned to find the child, but my heart jumped. He was there, taking in the moonlight. Forgive me father, but damn he was sexy. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his tattoos, his hair was messy, and he stood there as though he owned the place. “Bless you,” I said forcing a smile. He smirked and lifted his cigarette. I swallowed hard. He’s presence was intimidating. I tried to leave but he grabbed my hands and dragged me back. I turned and our noses were inches away. “Bless you too,” he said with sarcasm lacing his tone. I tried wiggling my wrist out of his grip. “Didn’t think they’d let the miracle boy, out of their sight.” I smiled, wanting to speak but he c
TEMPT THE SAINT (Simon’s POV)“Good evening Father,” I said as I stepped out of the bathroom. He's eyes traced my body from my head to my toes. he's eye's stopped at waistline where my towel was hanging. “Why was your door locked?” he asked I didn't dare answer him.“Staying alone in a room promotes sinful thoughts” I could only nod. “ The Mayor and his son would be in church on Sunday, Behave.” It was a threat. “He’s a bad influence. He'd corrupt you, don't mingle with him,” he said. “Yes Father” I answered. “Don’t disobey me, boy, you know what happens when you do”. He threatened again. “Yes, Father.” He walked towards me, using his left hand to lift my Jaw up. Then he walked out of the room. I gulped. I went back to bed, trying to sleep. My mind drifted back to this same boy. Why does everyone keep on talking about him? I let the thought press my chest like a bruise before I drifted into sleep. In the blink of an eye, Sunday came again. The day I'd anticipated the m
BENEATH THE STAINED GLASS. CHAPTER TWO (Simon’s pov)Her rosary beads click as she moves the tray.“Father said you need your strength for the morning prayers,” she said softly. Her voice was soft but her words were not. She handed the tray over to me. “ Eat boy”. She said firmly then she drifted away. Her habit of vanishing into the shadows. I stare at the stale bread, the little soup that was already lukewarm, and the water tastes faintly like rust. I could never complain really, I just had to live with it. I ate my food quietly, food was not to be wasted here, unless you wanted to be disciplined. When I was done, I washed the bowl in the sink till it became squeaky clean. Everything had always been in order here. Prayers, punishment, perfect smile. The three P’s in Saint Aurelies Cathedral. I said my prayers and slid under my thin blanket. I practiced my smiles till my jaw twitched. I ignored the pain, my smile must be perfect. Sleep dragged me under, but the nightmare cam
THE MIRACLE OF EDAVANE.CHAPTER ONE (Simon’s POV) They said I was a miracle. Found in a cardboard wrapped in thin cloth at the parish gates on Sunday morning. Sister Marianne was the first to see me. She took me to Father cadwell, who lifted me in his arms during the morning mass. He told the congregation, that I was a blessing, a gift from God. A sign that our parish was blessed and our faith was real. I was baptised and named Simon. They all wanted to touch me. The sisters said my skin was like milk, my green eyes, and freckles stood out, making me more attractive. Time flew so fast, and I was ten already. Men and women from various places who heard about me came to me for prayers. Dying men, sick children, Barren women, all came to me for prayers. They believed I was a man from heaven. I smiled each time I prayed for them. I thought I was chosen, I was a blessing, but I was wrong. Things went on smoothly till I turned 15. The parish held a fundraiser bringing Reverends from f
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