Because of Rebecca - By Leanne Tyler Page 0,41
startled the man. He stopped at the end of the pew. “Are you troubled, my child?”
She swallowed. How could this man take one look at her and read her soul? She slowly nodded.
“Father, I know it isn’t the appointed hour, but will you hear my confession?”
“Of course.”
Taking a deep breath, she followed him to the nave and the nearest confessional, going inside.
Kneeling, she bowed her head. “Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been four weeks since my last confession. My life is a lie. I pretend to be a mother when I’m not for the good of the child. Now, I must journey for the sake of another to have freedom. I seek guidance and deliverance for my deception.”
“Kindness, compassion and humility are virtues to seek. Do you love this child?” the priest asked.
“Oh yes, with all my heart.”
“And where is the true mother?”
“She died shortly after giving the child life. She asked me to take him.”
“Then where is the lie? One day you can tell the child of his mother.”
“But others believe he is mine.”
“Giving birth is not always the true sign of being a mother. Loving and nurturing a child is the true form of motherhood.”
“Yes, Father. But this journey I’m about to make... I’m risking everything. I thought I could do this...but—but I’m not sure now.” She’d known the gravity of the consequences when she took on this assignment, but now that the time had come, she didn’t know if she could go through with it. Meeting Jared and falling in love with him had not been in her plan.
“Tell me about this journey. Are you being forced to take this path?”
The priest’s words startled her. “N-No, Father,” she stammered again. “I chose this journey to help another.”
“And you must deceive for the safety of this person?”
“Yes.”
“How long will this deception continue? What will happen if you are unable to succeed with this lie?”
Rebecca closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she answered his questions. She’d expected censure not possible understanding from him. Moisture formed at her eyes. “Many lives are at risk, Father. Mine, my family’s, and the person I’m trying to help. It’s a heavy burden. One I thought I was prepared to carry.”
“And now you are not sure?” he asked.
“Yes, Father. What am I going to do?”
“Risking your life for another is a noble act. You should have faith that you will see your goals accomplished. Trust that God will give you the strength to see it through. Keep your rosary with you and pray to the Blessed Virgin daily.”
She nodded, prepared to rise, but stopped when he spoke again.
“But know this, a lie is a lie no matter the reason you tell it. I cannot absolve you for this sin when I know you are going to continue in this path until your journey is complete.”
“I understand, Father.” She took a handkerchief from her bag and dried her eyes. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, my child. Go in peace.” The priest made the sign of the cross then closed the portal between them.
Go in peace. The thought was difficult when accompanied by an image of her swinging from the end of a rope. The image was so real in her mind she felt herself suffocating, and she gasped for air.
“Stop it, Rebecca,” she told herself. “You can’t start doubting your resolve now.”
The priest was right. She’d chosen this journey. It was a noble act. She’d accomplish her goal and return to raise Lucas. There was no need for her to worry.
Still, she had a nagging feeling that tonight would not play out the way she imagined.
****
“I do wish you’d allow me to see you off at the train station,” Josephine complained as Rebecca gathered her things later that evening.
“It isn’t necessary. I’ll be fine. I’d like to know you are here in case Lucas should awake. This is the first time I’ll be away from him for more than a day. It makes me nervous just thinking about leaving him even for a short trip.”
“Then you need to be away from him more,” Josephine said, startling her. This was not the same woman from a few days ago. Her aunt sounded more confident. It made Rebecca feel better about leaving the child in her care.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” Josephine continued. “I think I can handle the boy while you’re away. We’ll be just fine.”
Rebecca hugged her one last time, tighter than she intended. “I know you will. I love