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Chapter XII: La Naval
As the first light of dawn spills across the city, the Catedral Metropolitana de San Pablo comes alive in preparation for the highly anticipated La Naval del Santo Rosario. The air buzzes with reverence and excitement as devotees gather, preparing the grand Marian images from across the province for the solemn procession. The grand Marian event draws the faithful, filling the cathedral's halls with whispers of prayer and awe.
Liz, as usual, begins her day early, groggily getting ready for school. After her morning routine, she sets off, energized by the thought of seeing Wyn. Once she arrives, the two best friends fall into their usual rhythm.
By mid-morning, the recess bell rings, signaling a break. Liz and Wyn head to the bustling canteen, grab their snacks, and decide to eat at the quiet monument park near the school grounds. As they sit, Wyn brings up La Naval del Santo Rosario.
"Have you heard about the Marian procession at the cathedral today? They're bringing in all the images from across the province!" Wyn says with wide eyes.
Liz's face lights up with excitement.
"Oh my gosh, Wyn! That's La Naval! I've been waiting for this!"
Wyn nods enthusiastically, but her expression dims slightly when she sees Liz checking her phone. A message from Bro. Padilla, the head server at their church, appears in their group chat:
"We will not participate in the Marian procession this year."
Liz's excitement vanishes, replaced by disappointment.
"What? We're not joining?" she mutters, her shoulders slumping.
Wyn, noticing Liz's disheartened look, offers her a soft smile.
"Don't let it get to you. You know what Bennett would say. He always told you to find joy even in small things, remember?"
Liz forces a smile, grateful for Wyn's attempt to cheer her up. As if on cue, her mind drifts into a memory of Bennett at the cathedral. She remembers him standing beside her, explaining something that had always stuck with her—a piece of advice he once gave about faith and hope.
Before Liz can get lost in her thoughts, the school bell rings, pulling them both back to reality. They rush back to class, where the remainder of the morning is spent immersed in their studies.
At lunchtime, Liz surprises Wyn by revealing an idea.
"I have a plan," Liz whispers as they eat.
Wyn raises an eyebrow.
"A plan? What are you talking about?"
Liz leans closer, her voice low and conspiratorial.
"I want to go to the cathedral later. I have this...feeling. I think it's something Bennett would've wanted."
Wyn hesitates, unsure about sneaking off-campus.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Trust me," Liz says confidently.
"It'll be worth it."
After classes, as the sun dips lower in the sky, the two make their way toward the cathedral. They approach the small gate that links the school to the church grounds. Liz's eyes light up as she remembers Bennett's code for the lock: 316.
Fingers trembling with anticipation, Liz punches in the numbers. The padlock clicks open.
"Wow," Wyn whispers, following Liz inside.
They step into the sacristy, and the sight before them takes Wyn's breath away. Rows of beautifully adorned Marian images fill the space, each with its own story and significance. At the end of the hall stands the majestic Our Lady of La Naval, dressed in intricate embroidery and surrounded by glimmering lights.
"This is credible," Wyn says, awe evident in her voice.
Liz nods but doesn't reply immediately. Her eyes remain fixed on Our Lady of La Naval, triggering another flashback.
She's standing here, a year ago, with Bennett by her side. He's gesturing toward the different Marian images, explaining each one with patient enthusiasm.
"That's Our Lady of Perpetual Help," Bennett says, pointing to a statue adorned in red and gold.
"She's the protector of families. And that one," he gestures to another image,
"is Our Lady of Sorrows. She reminds us of Mary's pain and strength during Christ's crucifixion."
Liz tilts her head, curious.
"There are so many Mother Marys. Are they all...the same?"
Bennett chuckles softly.
"Yes, Liz. They're all representations of the same Mother Mary, but each one highlights a different aspect of her role in our faith. She's a mother, a guide, a protector. These images help us connect with her in different ways."
Liz smiles at him, her admiration evident. Without thinking, she wraps her arms around him and plants a kiss on his cheek. Bennett laughs and returns the affection.
The memory fades, and Liz finds herself back in the sacristy. Wyn is admiring the images, oblivious to Liz's emotional trip down memory lane.
Their quiet moment is interrupted by the arrival of the parish priest. He's an older man with kind eyes, and he immediately recognizes Liz.
"Liz! It's been a while. How are you?" he asks warmly.
Liz offers a polite smile.
"I'm doing well, Father. Just...visiting."
The priest glances around, as if expecting someone.
"And Bennett? I haven't seen him in ages."
Liz's face falls, and she looks away.
"I don't know where he is, Father," she says softly.
The priest nods, sensing the weight behind her words. He doesn't press further and instead blesses them before leaving.
As they walk back toward the colegio, Wyn looks at Liz with newfound admiration.
"Bennett really is amazing, isn't he? The way he taught you all that... He was more than just your boyfriend. He was like your guide."
Liz smiles, her eyes glistening.
"Yeah. He had this way of making everything feel right. I miss him so much."
Wyn places a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Wherever he is, I'm sure he's proud of you, Liz."
The two friends return to school, their hearts heavy yet comforted by the memories of someone who left a lasting mark on their lives.
The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the Colegio grounds, signaling the end of another school day. Wyn bids Liz a quick goodbye, her bag slung over her shoulder as she rushes to catch her early ride home. Liz waves her off with a smile, then waits patiently by the gate for her grandmother. Moments later, her grandmother arrives, walking with the careful, steady pace of age. Liz greets her warmly, takes her hand, and together they head toward the city's main street.
As they approach the plaza, the faint sound of brass instruments begins to fill the air. The Banda de Música starts to play, their melodies signaling the beginning of the grand Marian procession, La Naval del Santo Rosario. One by one, the brightly lit carrozas come into view, their intricate designs glowing like jewels against the darkening sky. Each one bears a revered Marian image, adorned with flowers, candles, and gold embellishments. The atmosphere is electric yet reverent, a shared sense of solemnity washing over the gathered crowd.
Liz's eyes widen in awe as she takes in the scene. She feels a lump form in her throat, and memories flood her mind—memories of last year's La Naval, when she was with Bennett. She closes her eyes, letting the past wash over her.
In her flashback, she sees herself standing in the same spot, nervously clutching her bag. Beside her, Bennett's warm hand wraps around hers.
"Come on," he says, his voice gentle yet insistent.
"We're joining the procession."
"What?" Liz's voice is shaky.
"I've never done this before. What if I get lost? What if—"
Bennett squeezes her hand, cutting her off.
"Liz, look at me." She does, her wide eyes meeting his calm, steady gaze.
"I'll be right here, okay? Whatever happens, I'll always be here for you. Just hold my hand."
Liz feels a warmth spread through her chest. His words, so simple yet so heartfelt, give her the courage she needs. She nods, a small smile forming on her lips.
"Okay. Let's do it."
They join the procession, falling in step behind the carroza of the Corazón Inmaculada de María. The rhythmic sway of the carroza's flowers and candles seems to match the steady beat of Liz's heart. She glances at Bennett, who gives her a reassuring smile, and for the first time that night, she feels truly at peace.
The memory fades, and Liz opens her eyes to the present. The music of the Banda de Música crescendos, pulling her back to the here and now. She looks up at her grandmother, who is watching the procession with quiet reverence.
"Abuelita," Liz says, her voice soft but firm.
"Let's join the procession."
Her grandmother turns to her, surprise evident on her face.
"Liz, I don't think I can walk that far. My legs—"
Liz takes her grandmother's hand in both of hers, her grip gentle but determined.
"Believe in yourself, Abuelita. Take my hand. We can do this together."
Her grandmother hesitates for a moment, then nods.
"Okay, Liz. Let's do it."
They step forward, joining the procession behind the same carroza Liz had followed with Bennett the year before. The glow of the lights, the solemnity of the hymns, and the steady rhythm of the procession fill Liz with a sense of purpose. She looks at her grandmother, who is walking beside her, and feels a surge of gratitude for this moment.
After the procession, Liz and her grandmother return home, their hearts full. That night, Liz kneels by her bed to pray. She clutches a small picture of Bennett, her thumb brushing over his smiling face.
"I miss you," she whispers, pressing a kiss to the photo before placing it gently on her bedside table.
As she drifts off to sleep, a dream begins to unfold. She finds herself back at school during last year's La Naval. It's lunchtime, and she's sitting in her classroom, trying to finish a sandwich before the bell rings. Suddenly, Bennett appears in the doorway, his presence instantly commanding attention.
"Bennett!" Liz whispers harshly, her cheeks flushing red.
"What are you doing here? People are going to get the wrong idea!"
Bennett chuckles, his tone playful.
"Relax, Liz. In public, I'm just your brother, remember?" He winks at her.
"But in private, I'm still your boyfriend."
Liz shakes her head, trying to suppress a smile.
"You're impossible."
"Come on," he says, extending a hand.
"Let's grab lunch. My treat."
They leave the school grounds and find a quiet café nearby. Over plates of pasta and glasses of iced tea, Bennett looks at Liz with a proud smile.
"You're amazing, you know that?"
Liz blinks, caught off guard.
"What? Where did that come from?"
"I mean it," Bennett says, his tone sincere.
"You're smart, kind, and stronger than you realize. I'm so proud of you, Liz."
Tears well up in Liz's eyes.
"Thank you," she says, her voice trembling.
"I miss you so much, Bennett. I hope we can always stay like this."
Bennett reaches across the table, taking her hand.
"We will, Liz. I promise."
The scene shifts, and they're walking through a mall, window-shopping and laughing at silly trinkets. Bennett picks up a necklace and shows it to Liz.
"Like it?" he asks.
Liz nods.
"It's beautiful."
Bennett smiles.
"Then work hard and earn it. Good things come to those who put in the effort."
The afternoon passes in a blur, and they eventually find themselves at a Marian exhibit. Bennett walks Liz through the display, explaining the significance of each image. His voice is calm and knowledgeable, and Liz hangs on to every word.
Finally, they join the procession, just as they had in Liz's earlier flashback. As the night winds down, they return home and video chat before bed. On the call, they watch a movie together, play a quick game, and share stories from their day.
Before ending the call, Liz takes a deep breath and says,
"Bennett, I just want you to know how much you mean to me. You've always been my source of strength, my guiding light. And I know, that often times at this kind of day, we argue. However, let's not argue for you made me see today what it really is. Remember, no matter what happens, I'll always carry you in my heart. You inspire me to be better, to dream bigger, and to face each day with courage. Thank you for being you."
Bennett's eyes soften.
"Thank you, Liz. I'm so lucky to have you in my life. I love you."
"I love you too," Liz replies, her voice filled with emotion.
"Goodnight, Bennett."
"Goodnight, Liz."
The dream ends, and Liz wakes up with tears streaming down her face. She clutches her pillow, her heart aching but also filled with warmth. She whispers a prayer, thanking God for the memories and the strength to keep going, and finally drifts back to sleep, a small smile on her lips.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllyPJx8NUk
