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Chapter XIII: A Walk With Mary
The dawn after the vibrant La Naval festivities brings a sense of calm and renewal. Liz wakes up to the sound of birds chirping outside her window and the faint aroma of her grandma's breakfast in the kitchen. As she gets ready for another day at the colegio, a sense of excitement lingers in the air. The memories of last night's procession with her grandma are still fresh, but she can't help but feel the absence of Bennett.
At the colegio, Liz notices a flurry of activity around the campus. Faculty and students work together to put up colorful tarpaulins and banners that announce an upcoming event: the colegio's very own Marian Procession, scheduled for tomorrow. A large schedule is posted near the entrance, detailing the day's plans. Liz feels a surge of curiosity and excitement as she scans the announcement.
When Liz finds Wyn by their usual spot in the courtyard, the two immediately start talking about the news.
"I can't believe this is happening!" Liz exclaims, practically bouncing on her toes.
"We've never had something like this before. It's about time we had our own Marian Procession!"
Wyn nods enthusiastically, her eyes shining with interest.
"I know, right? I heard they're even setting up a small exhibit in the auditorium later today to feature some of the Marian images from around the province."
Their conversation is interrupted by a ping on both their phones. Bro. Padilla has just sent a message to the servers' group chat:
"Good day, servers! We'll be serving for tomorrow's procession. Call-time is 4:00 AM sharp. Please come in proper attire and be prepared. See you there!"
Liz reads the message twice, her heart racing with excitement. She immediately calls her grandma to inform her about the early morning call time. Her grandma, ever supportive, agrees to let her go but reminds her to prepare her things in advance. Wyn, on the other hand, calls her mom to get permission and receives the same approval.
The rest of the morning flies by as Liz and Wyn go about their classes. During their break, they meet up at the canteen and continue discussing the upcoming event.
"Do you think they'll use a carroza for Our Lady of the Rosary?" Liz asks between bites of her sandwich.
"Probably. That's the colegio's patroness, right? It'd make sense," Wyn replies. "I heard some of the tarpaulins even have her image printed on them. It's going to be beautiful."
Their excitement is palpable, but the energy between them shifts when Liz suddenly grows quiet. She stares at her food, her enthusiasm dimming.
"What's wrong?" Wyn asks gently, leaning closer.
Liz hesitates before speaking.
"It's just... Bennett would've been so excited about this. He always talked about how the colegio should have its own Marian Procession. He would've loved to be part of it."
Wyn places a comforting hand on Liz's shoulder.
"I'm sure he's just as excited, wherever he is now. And knowing him, he'd be cheering you on to make the most of it."
Liz smiles faintly, grateful for Wyn's words. She stands up, taking a deep breath, and something in the courtyard catches her eye. Her expression shifts as a memory floods her mind.
In her flashback, Liz and Bennett are walking back to school after having lunch outside the campus. The sound of a motorcycle horn blares repeatedly, breaking the rhythm of their conversation. Curious, they turn around to see a carroza carrying an image of the Blessed Mother. The image glistens under the afternoon sun, its vibrant flowers and gold accents captivating everyone in its path.
"That's beautiful," Liz whispers, but Bennett's expression is a mix of awe and frustration.
"They didn't even join the La Naval procession," Bennett says, shaking his head.
"This colegio could do so much more. I really hope someday we'll have a Marian celebration here. It'd be amazing to see everyone coming together for something so meaningful."
The memory fades as Liz snaps back to the present. She looks at Wyn with newfound determination.
"Wyn, Bennett actually talked about this before. He dreamed of this happening in the colegio," Liz says, her voice steady. "It's almost like his wish is coming true."
Wyn's eyes widen in surprise.
"Seriously? That's... wow. It's like he knew this would happen someday."
Liz nods, feeling a mixture of pride and longing.
"It's like he left a piece of his dream here, and now it's coming to life."
Before Liz can say more, the school bell rings, signaling the end of their lunch break. The two girls exchange a quick smile before heading back to their respective classrooms. Liz carries the memory of Bennett's words with her, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the upcoming celebration.
Class finally dismisses, but instead of heading home, Liz and Wyn make their way to the colegio's auditorium for a scheduled meeting with Bro. Padilla. The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation as servers from different grade levels gather, chatting about the details of tomorrow's Marian Procession.
Bro. Padilla walks in, his presence immediately commanding attention. With his characteristic calm yet firm voice, he begins discussing the logistics and significance of the procession.
"This is a historic moment for our colegio," Bro. Padilla says, his eyes scanning the room.
"It's the first time we're hosting our own Marian Procession, and I trust that all of you will make it as solemn and meaningful as it should be."
He then begins assigning positions, carefully placing each server at different roles. Some are tasked with carrying torches, others with handling incense, and a few with managing the flow of the crowd. When he gets to Liz and Wyn, he assigns them to accompany the carroza of the Immaculate Conception.
"You two will march alongside the carroza," Bro. Padilla explains.
"Your role is to ensure the candles around it remain lit and to assist if anything needs adjustment."
Liz and Wyn exchange glances, their excitement barely contained. As the meeting wraps up, the two walk out of the auditorium, discussing their assignment.
"I can't believe we're assigned to the Immaculate Conception!" Wyn says, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Liz nods.
"It's an honor. I just hope I can do it well."
"You'll be great, Liz," Wyn assures her.
"We both will."
When Liz arrives home later that evening, she eagerly tells her grandma and aunts about the meeting and her role in the procession. Their faces light up with pride and excitement.
"We'll definitely be there to watch you," her grandma says, her eyes twinkling.
One of her aunts chimes in,
"You know, Bennett would have been so proud of you."
Liz pauses, her smile faltering for a moment. She looks down, but then she nods slowly.
"I hope he'll watch, even if he's not here."
Later that night, after brushing her teeth and washing up, Liz kneels by her bedside. She clasps her hands in prayer, murmuring words of gratitude and hope for the procession. Before lying down, she takes Bennett's picture from her bedside table, kisses it gently, and places it close.
As sleep overtakes her, Liz finds herself in a vivid dream. She's part of the colegio's marching band, dressed in their signature uniform, playing a spirited tune as they lead the parade through the town. The streets are alive with vibrant colors and the sound of music, but what catches her attention is Bennett standing among the crowd, watching her with a proud smile.
Liz's heart feels full as she meets his gaze. He steps forward, his voice clear despite the surrounding noise.
"I'm proud of you, Liz," Bennett says warmly.
"I'll always be watching, no matter where I am. Whatever happens, I'll always understand you. Just keep being yourself and doing your best."
Tears prick Liz's eyes as she responds.
"Thank you, Bennett. You've always been my strength, even when you're not here. I'll carry your words with me, and I promise to make you proud. I miss you so much, but I'll keep going, just like you'd want me to."
She steps closer, embracing him tightly.
"Thank you for everything, Bennett."
Bennett smiles, placing a hand on her cheek.
"I'll always be here for you, Liz, cheering you on."
After their heartfelt exchange, the dream takes a lighthearted turn as they wander to Plaza de Regalos to buy food. They share a moment of laughter, walking hand in hand, until the dream fades into the soft glow of morning sunlight.
Liz wakes up, tears streaming down her cheeks. She looks at Bennett's picture and whispers,
"I'll do my best. For you."
She gets ready for the day, her determination renewed. Together with her grandma, she heads to Ciudad Fernandina, where the procession will begin.
At the colegio, Liz and Wyn change into their cassocks and surplices, their attire immaculate and ceremonial. As the procession begins, they march alongside the carroza of the Immaculate Conception, the candles flickering gently in the morning breeze.
The streets are filled with onlookers, their faces reflecting the solemn beauty of the event. As they pass by the cemetery chapel, Liz glances at it and imagines Bennett standing there, watching her with his signature smile.
Wyn notices her expression and whispers,
"He'd be so proud of you, Liz. And I'm sure he's patient enough to wait, wherever he is."
Liz smiles softly, her heart full of gratitude and peace. As the procession continues, she carries Bennett's memory with her, feeling his presence in every step.
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