{ G A B E }
In his sixty-four years on this Earth, Gabe had never figured out a way to deal with heat, that didn’t involve being naked, or blasting an air conditioner. So to be out and about before noon, fully clothed, knowing full well it was only going to get worse, could only mean one thing; church. Even after everything, he had never missed a Sunday service, and he didn’t plan to start now. No matter where he lived, his first mission in a new place was to integrate himself into the local church, and create his place in the community. Though personally he preferred a Catholic place of worship, but that wasn’t always an option, so whatever he could find had to do.
Gabe was surprised, when he arrived to find a new youth minister, seeing as one hadn’t been talked about prior to his arrival, but he was going to be cordial at the very least. “You’re welcome, young man.” They shook hands, and he took that moment to make a few observations, all of which left him unsure. The handshake was solid, but felt a little more forceful than necessary when meeting a new group of parishioners, and the attitude felt a little too friendly, like the other was vying too hard for immediate approval. Nevertheless, he gave his best smile, and chuckled at the idea that this kid would be anywhere on his list in an emergency. “Nice to meet you, Aaron Lacey, everybody calls me Gabe. You seem a little young to be helping me with literally anything though, so I might extend the offer back to you instead? That of course comes with the knowledge I’ve amassed here in the last four years, as well as everything I learned back in seminary, as a theology student many moons ago, and just someone who’s seen way too much in his lifetime.”
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City lights swallowing horizons, and cool night air nipping at cheeks blushed from a wine drunk evening were things Aaron knew too well. Planes carrying them place after place, hands ink stained from scrawling down information- recounting the things they know over and over again until it’s engrained. He’d know of finding a home in the city- bustling people each to hurried to give him a second glance. And they’d know how to act when eyes trail them through the room, marble statues, and charming smiles. They’d learn it from a young age, how to be perfect.
But perhaps perfect didn’t sit right in a small town where red dust clung to their shoes, and sunk into the tires of a car they’d be forced to drive here.
“Don’t let my age deter you Sir, I know the ins and outs of the bible better than the back of my hand. Seminary never was for me, although perhaps you’re right- you might be able to teach me a thing or two.” Despite Aaron’s position, they never found much joy in lying. Even this character created, this person they’d have to walk in the shoes of for the time being would find some groundings in their reality. “You know I’ve also never met someone who attended seminary and didn’t end up in the parish. Or did you also give up the collar many moons ago?”
