Chapter 12

“Padre? Would it be possible to speak with you”

Looking up from the papers on his desk, Father Xavier smiled. Certainly! Please have a seat.” Closing a folder, he smiled. “How can I assist you today, Miss Brandi?”

“Is there somewhere a little more private?” Looking around, Brandi noticed several people who were part of the church staff, nearby and within hearing range.

Father Xavier nodded and stood. “Follow me, please.” He led her down a hall to a door. Opening it, he stepped inside to a room that would be described as a private library. There were no windows, just shelves of books on the walls, along with some pictures, and certificates. The one door was the only way in or out.

Gesturing to one of several large, overstuffed chairs around a low table, he smiled. “Make yourself comfortable.” He settled into one and looked at his guest. “Again, how can I help you?”

“Before I continue, please reassure me that anything we talk about will stay private. Please.” There was great concern in her eyes.

“My child, you should know that whatever we talk about here today will stay between us. Unless it involves something dangerous or illegal, I offer you my counsel and my silence.”

“Thank you. It involves Lupe.” Taking a deep breath, she continued. “I actually met her a few months ago, out at Smith’s on I-5. She was running away from an arraigned marriage in Tempe, Arizona. She said no, and packed a few things and left. She was smart enough to bring her birth certificate and license and other important items. I found her there and we shared a meal. She was ‘winging it’, traveling without a specific destination and I couldn’t see leaving her at the mercy of the elements or someone who would possibly assault her. I had no choice. If I had turned her away, there is no possible way I could live with myself.”

“Therefore, to him that knows to do good, yet does it not, to him that is a sin.” Father Xavier looked up. “Brandi, it’s understandable that you have not shared very much of your past with me, or anyone that I know of. But I can guess that your coming to Lodi when Mr. Donaldson retired, was more than just a career advancement for you. But what I have seen and heard, tells me that you have a great heart and a love for people. Donations coming into the area food banks here have increased dramatically, thanks to the program with IGA that you helped to implement.” He held up a hand to stall her protests. “And I have heard about several times that some of your customers got ‘discounts’ at the register, when they discovered they were short on funds. Your employees think you’re wonderful. They speak about how your sunny disposition and eager attitude to help everyone is inspiring. When you were struck by that car, there were so many people praying for you, it told me that you are loved here in Lodi. I have heard you joke about being a tiny woman, but to many, you stand tall in their eyes. Helping Lupe comes as no surprise. Honestly, I thought that there was more to the story than ‘a friend visiting’.”

Brandi nodded. “We’ve become very close. She’s very special to me. I’ve shared details of my past with her, including my divorce, growing up in Weed, and she met my parents when I was hospitalized. My parents like her, especially my mother.’ Brandi looked down for a few seconds considering her next statement. “My mother seems to understand our special relationship.”

Father Xavier smiled. “And Your father?”

It was Brandi’s turn to smile. “It hasn’t quite dawned on him yet, but I’ve always been his little girl. He just wants me to be happy.”

“I know she had a strict upbringing,” Brandi continued. “But her estrangement from her family is a constant source of pain. Sometimes when she wakes in the night, I just hold her as she cries. She misses her then so much. I’m trying to be everything for her, but I’m afraid it’s not enough. She keeps to herself at our apartment most days, and only goes out to work, or be with me. and sometimes, I feel like she is always worried and looking around like she expects to be suddenly confronted and taken away.”