All Chapters of IN THE NAME OF SIN : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

HIDDEN SHADOWS SIMON The air in the rectory was thick. I woke up to the scraping of chairs, and the sisters shouting commands. Maybe something was happening. I freshened up and hurried downstairs to help. The air shifted the moment I walked down. The sisters whispered amongst themselves, wringing their hands and darting their eyes to the heavy doors, which made me know this was more than just a guest. Father Cadwell stood straight, his face tighter than usual. He didn't even acknowledge my presence. I walked away, helping the sisters to sweep the church. I was sweeping the chapel when the heavy door opened, letting in a gush of wind and a voice I dreaded to hear. My heart sank the moment he walked in. “Simon” his voice was deep and smooth. “You’ve grown,” he smirked. The broom slipped out of my hands, and my chest tightened. My heart was beating so violently that I felt the whole cathedral could hear it. I felt bile rising to my throat, and I tried to maintain my usual face.

ARSON SIMON Shortly after, we both parted ways. If we were seen together, things could get worse. I waited at the back of the church till the service was over. I went straight to my room, ignoring the parishioners. Father Cadwell won’t attempt to hit me, not when we have a guest over. I stayed in my room the entire day after the service. The walls were not comforting, at least they were mine. There was no Father John to taunt me and no one to look at me with that knowing gaze. I curled myself up in my bed. My eyes lingered longer than usual on the Ceiling until they became blurry. The faint sound of children laughing outside, the faded echoes of footsteps, bells chiming. Each time I closed my eyes, I was there again. Standing helplessly, his hands gripping the back of my neck, his breath fanning my cheeks as he whispered. “You were born in sin Simon, but I will cleanse you of that sin.” I turned my face burying it into the pillow, trying to shake off the memory. A

SHADOWS BEHIND CLOSED DOORSARSON A part of me bled to believe Simon. The other part couldn’t help but wonder. Did he just say all that to make me feel at ease? Or did he really mean it? I paced back and forth in my room when the door creaked open. It was my father. “I got an invite from the Reverend at the parish for supper. It’s to officially welcome the new priest.” He said, pinching the bridge of his nose. My face changed to a scowl immediately. I almost said no. The idea of sitting at the same time with that man didn’t sit right with me. I opened my mouth to speak, but he gave me the “just do it look.” And I didn’t feel like starting a fight. I just nodded, causing him to smile. He had been more cheerful of late. Maybe because I no longer hang out with Felix and Ethan. I brushed the thoughts off, preparing for a suffocating supper. At least I get to see Simon. As expected, the air was intense, the meal was stiff. The buildings felt like it was closing in heavily. At the

ARSON I hated these things. The old me wouldn’t even be here. But I had to do come—for Simon. My father said “it would look good for the family, considering your reputation.” He said we needed to show respect to Father John, now he was back. I didn’t care about their bloody respect and formalities. I was just here to see Simon. My eyes wondered about, looking for Simon. I hadn’t seen him all evening. Last I saw him, he was at the far exit, struggling to hide his trembling hands. He looked spooked. Like a single touch could shatter him. I’d caught his gaze a few times across the room, but anytime I wanted to go close, something always happened. Either my fathers wants to talk, or he wants to introduce me to people who don't know me. Yet. Then he disappeared.At first, I thought he had gone out to get air—Simon never lasted long in a crowded space. But when the speeches started and he didn’t return, I knew something had happened. My eyes still wandered about, hoping that he was back

LEANING IN. CHAPTER 29 ARSON The engine’s low hum faded into silence as we pulled over. The silence was deafening. For a while, none of us said anything. Simon’s face was still half hidden, as he folded himself, still trembling from the shock of what had happened. "Hey", I said to him softly, afraid to startle him. "We're here already." He didn't look up. He just tried to breathe slowly. I wanted to touch him, I wanted to reach out, but I didn't, not yet. He wasn't ready. I drove forward, the peaceful hill stretched before us, overlooking Edavane. It was my favorite place in the world. No crowds, no noise, just wind and space. I used to come here whenever I had issues with my father, when we had fights and conversations that made me leave the house at night. In five years of my life, I spent every day coming here. But since Simon came into the picture, I haven't been here in a while. He became my ease, my peace, the home I longed for. I didn't know how to explain to him,