All Chapters of Forgive Me Father: Chapter 1 - Chapter 4

CHAPTER 2DORIANI stood by the altar after Mass, shaking hands and answering smiles. The sunlight touched the stained glass behind me, and I felt its warmth more than the air on my skin. I said thank you, God bless, and smiled politely. I spoke in soft tones. I nodded.Everything heaped on me felt routine. I had done this before. In another parish. Another ship. Another building with worn wood and chipped paint. It did not matter."Father Vale!" the older priest called. His voice was loud. People turned. A few church members stepped forward to greet me."Good service today," one man said."You led well," a woman said.I nodded. I said, "Thank you."They pressed my hands and patted my shoulder. They smiled. They said I was a blessing to the church.On the edge of my sight, I saw him. The twink in the choir. He stood a few rows back. He was small. Soft face. Pale skin. Curly hair. He wore the robe like a gown. His eyes were bright even though he tried to hide.I watched him step toward

CHAPTER 4EZRAI held the note a little longer than I should’ve. My throat was dry and I was sweating through my collar, but the director nodded in approval, so I stayed focused. At least, I tried to.We were halfway through the song when the side door creaked open.I didn’t look up.I didn’t need to.I felt him.And the second I did, my voice cracked. I coughed mid-word and grabbed my throat like it might fall off.Lily looked over, concerned. “You good?”“I’m fine,” I choked. “Water. I just need—”The director waved for us to pause.Everyone turned toward the door.And there he was.Father Dorian Vale.He stood in the doorway like he hadn’t just walked into rehearsal and made my lungs stop working.Black collar. Rolled sleeves. That same unreadable face.“Sorry to interrupt,” he said smoothly. “I was passing by and heard the music.”The director smiled. “No trouble at all, Father. Would you like to stay?”“I’ll just listen. Please, continue.”He sat in the last row.Right in my line