Homecoming 5

Unrestrained laughter filled the air, and Holden's arm brushed against Stellar's as he shook with glee. He couldn't believe his ears when he heard Stellar's prayer.

"Whaaaaat?" Stellar shrieked in annoyance. She punched Holden on the arm after seeing him laughing at her.

That was the first time she saw him act so carefree and loud. It should delight her to see that side of him, for he was always silent and deep, but approachable nonetheless. However, the fact that he was laughing at her own expense irked Stellar.

Shuffling his hand on the top of her head, Holden mused, "I'm not a priest, Star. I cannot hear confessions yet, but once I can, don't hesitate to see me. By the way, what pushed you to confess? That's so random."

"Because of your touch," Stellar blurted out. Her mouth did the talking before her mind could stop her tongue from wagging. Immediately, her hands flew to her mouth in her shock. "Holy sh-schnitzel."

Her eyes grew wide in shock, then she quickly averted it to the ground. If the earthen soil could swallow her whole, she'd be a willing fertilizer for her mother's mango tree.

It didn't help her plight when it dawned on her that what she said was inappropriate and suggestive.

Heat crept up from Stellar's neck and settled on her cheeks. She started blushing, and she wished Holden would not see it.

Tugging her ears, which turned red from shame, she wondered how she could get away from the shameful words she spouted.

Suddenly, she felt a comforting hand on her back. She peered up and saw that ever charismatic smile on Holden's face. His eyes smiled like a pair of crescent moon.

"I guess it's not just me who felt the same," Holden chuckled. "That's what we get for overstaying in our cave and lack human connection."

"I think so too," Stellar agreed.

Stellar's heart felt at ease when she didn't find an ounce of judgement in his obsidian orbs nor a hint of criticism in his voice.

To Stellar, Brother Holden was as enigmatic as ever, and maybe it was the reason why she felt comfortable speaking to him.

Relaxing in her seat, Stellar's hunched back straightened. She let out a sigh of relief, before a helpless smile curved her lips.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw Aki walking towards their direction. Waving her arms in the air, she called out to him and said, "Akiii! Come join us!"

Aki dramatically dragged his feet towards them, his body five times lagging than its normal phase.

Breaking into a fit of giggles, Stellar pumped her fist into the air. "Hurry up, slowpoke!"

Upon reaching Stellar and Holden's spot, Aki plopped down next to her, sandwiching her in between the two men.

"Goodness. Mom's killing me tonight," Ali trailed off. "She's been parading me like a show dog for hours."

"And being the filial son that you are, you smiled and smiled, and then smiled a little more," Stellar teased.

"Yep," Aki grimaced. "Oh, she's been looking for you. Aunt Joey brought along his nephew. I think she wanted to play matchmaker or something."

"What the F? No way I'm going to come near her tonight."

Aki shook his head. "Just go. Saying hi won't hurt."

"What if they push us to get to know each other? You know Mom. She'll do whatever it takes for me to fly out of the nest."

"Come on, Stellar. He's not that bad. I think he's a good chap. My halo glowed when I first met him."

"Hey! You have a halo?!" Stellar and Holden cried in unison.

"Jinx!"

"Jinx!"

The two glanced at each other before laughing. Swiping Stellar's hair off of her face, Holden gingerly tucked it behind her ear and flicked her nose.

"Oh come on. When are you guys going to stop on that silly game?" Aki scoffed. "And yes, I have a halo. See?" He motioned circles above his head but stopped.

He then raised both of his hands, and planted two horn fingers on either side of his head. "Ooops, now it's a pair of horns because you two have been really naughty."

Stellar lunged to Aki, wrapping him in a hug. "Changed it back to a halo! I've been a good girl. I promise!"

"No, you're not. And you too, Deacon Holden."

"What have we done? We were just sitting here for a chat?" Holden questioned.

"That's the thing. You," he said and pointed at Stellar, "and you," he traced his finger towards Holden, "looked as if you're having a date under the mango tree."

Stellar catapulted from her seat and fell on the ground. She broke out in a fit of hysterical laughter.

What nonsense was Aki talking about?

Scooping soil into her hands, she threw it towards her brother.

"That's the craziest thing I've heard in my entire life!"

"Why did you throw dirt on me you prick?" Aki hissed, dusting the dirt off of his white polo. "You should thank me for saving you."

"Saving me?"

"Saving her?"

"Oh come on! Speaking the same words at the same time… again?" Aki slapped his hands on his thighs. "And yes, I was saving her from getting her heart broken."

"Akiii… Why would I get my heart broken?" Stellar brought her knees to her chest and peered up to her brother.

Staring down on her, Aki spoke, "Because this guy right here, kept breaking hearts. Soon, all the ladies who joined the order could build their own convent." He jutted his thumb to Holden who had a dumbfounded look on his face.

"Who? Me?" Holden checked.

"Yes, you."

"Not me."

"Then, who else would it be?" Aki seethed. "They always cry for your name in the chapel, Deacon Holden. You've broken more hearts than the twelve apostles combined."

"You're exaggerating again, Brother Aki."

"No, I'm not. Remember Sister Letty? The girl from your hometown? Rumor has it that she entered the convent after you decided to join the seminary."

Holden shook his head and patted Aki's back. "Instead of spending your time on gossiping, why don't you work on your theology paper?"

Stellar giggled as she watched Aki and Holden's exchange of words. She was so engrossed in her musing that she didn't notice an overbearing aura crept closer like a dark shadow on a moonlit night.

Before she knew it… before she could make a run for it… Beau Spencer was standing behind her back.