Chapter 181: Miguel Esposito

Mikaela looked carefully around the large empty classroom that was supposed to be the 6th grade.

Unlike the flat rows of tables and chairs in Boston Public, St. Ignatius used an amphitheater layout with raised tiers of seats that faced the white board and teacher’s desk.

Feeling a little self-conscious, she made her way to a corner seat in the front row, and sat down, setting her backpack beside her.

She had arrived much earlier than necessary, having been too excited to start her first day at St. Ignatius.

Students slowly started to trickle in, most were already in clumps of friend groups.

“It’s OK. I’ve got Yue, Yasmin and Adelaide,” thought Mikaela, starting to feel a little left-out as the rest of the 6th grade class milled around the room.

“Hi, are you new here?” asked a voice, making Mikaela start a bit.

“Y-yes, I’m new here,” said Mikaela, looking around to see that a boy had taken the seat next to hers.

He was a bit on the short side, had long black hair tied back into a low ponytail, and warm brown eyes.

His smile was warm as he stuck out his hand.

“I’m Miguel Esposito. Nice to meet you,” he said.

“I’m Mikaela Zakhrov. Nice to meet you too,” said Mikaela, shaking his hand.

“So cool! We have the same name,” said Miguel.

“No we don’t, they just sound similar,” said Mikaela.

“Yes we do. Miguel is the Spanish version of the English name Michael, and Mikaela is the Russian version for the girl’s name. We both have the same patron saint,” said Miguel.

“What’s a patron saint?” asked Mikaela, intrigued.

“A saint you’ve been named after. In this case, we’re both named after St. Michael the Archangel,” said Miguel.

“Who is that? I did some research about the Jesuits and St. Ignatius before coming here, but I’ve not heard of St. Michael,” said Mikaela.

“Wait, you’re not Catholic? I’m sorry, I thought you were after you introduced yourself,” said Miguel.

“It’s all right. No, I’m not, but please tell me more about St. Michael,” said Mikaela.

“OK, you know what angels and demons are right?” asked Miguel.

“Yeah, I’m not that oblivious,” said Mikaela, a little miffed.

“Sorry, just trying to get a baseline. OK, so St. Michael is an angel, one of the chief angels, also called Archangels to distinguish them from regular angels. Here, this is what he’s supposed to look like,” said Miguel, pulling out one of his notebooks and showing Mikaela a sketch.

“You drew this yourself? It looks so good!” said Mikaela, admiring the sketch Miguel had drawn of St. Michael with his wings spread and in full plate armor, his lance pinning down Lucifer’s demonic form.

“Yeah, I like drawing. It’s not accurate from a theology perspective, I took some creative liberties and gave him plate armor and a lance because they look cool and are more fun for me to draw,” said Miguel.

“So who’s the demon he’s supposed to be killing?” asked Mikaela.

“That’s Lucifer, aka the devil, aka the prince of darkness. I tried to make him look evil, but I think he comes off more badass than evil,” chuckled Miguel.

“OK, I’ve heard the names, they still don’t make sense,” said Mikaela.

“OK, I’ll tell you the story best as I can, but you can always ask one of the priests for the full details. Let’s see. Long ago, God created the world, but before he created mankind, he created powerful beings called angels, and blessed them with divine powers. The strongest and smartest of these was Lucifer, his name actually means ‘bringer of light’, because he was so smart. However, because other angels looked to him as a leader, and because he had more power and knowledge than any other angel, it all went to his head. He thought he could challenge God’s divine authority, and so he led the angels who followed him in a rebellion. St. Michael led the angels still loyal to God, and in an epic battle that threatened to destroy everything, managed to defeat Lucifer’s forces. However, God couldn’t bring himself to have Lucifer destroyed or killed, so Lucifer and his rebelling angels were banished from the heaven realm. God then created Earth and mankind, and was careful to leave us with mortality and human limitations this time around. However, because Lucifer was only banished, he still retained his divine powers and his extensive knowledge, so he and his fallen angels, now in the form of demons, started to taint God’s newest creations as revenge. They roam among humans, tempting us to stray from God’s teachings,” said Miguel.

“I see. It is an interesting story,” said Mikaela, impressed by Miguel’s narration, but still feeling a little patronized.

“It is meant to teach you about, what was the word? Oh, yeah! Hubris. Lucifer thought that he could break the guy that made him, and got his ass kicked,” said Miguel.

“I see,” said Mikaela.

“So yeah, we’re both named after the most badass angel in all heaven,” chuckled Miguel

“Hmm. I suppose I can live with that,” chuckled Mikaela, warming up to him as the bell rang, and the teacher entered.

—

“All right class, today we learn about evolution,” said Ms. Smith, the biology teacher.

“Ms. Smith, may I be excused? This topic goes against my faith. God created man in his image and likeness, we didn’t come from apes!” piped up a boy.

“Hey, Roy! Will you shut up? You’re embarrassing the rest of us with your damn preaching,” snapped Miguel, before Ms. Smith could answer.

“I ain’t takin’ lip from you, heretic!” snarled back Roy.

“All right, that’s enough, both of you, quiet! Mr. Stevenson, this topic will be on your tests, regardless. However, you are excused, leave please,” said Ms. Smith.

Miguel glared as Roy packed his bag and left the classroom, his nose in the air.

“What was that about?” asked Mikaela in a whisper.

“He’s one of those hardcore religious types. I hate guys like him,” replied Miguel in a whisper.

“Is he Catholic too?” asked Mikaela.

“No, he’s not. I don’t know what he is,” said Miguel.

“Why did he call you a heretic?” asked Mikaela.

“He saw my art. Posted it online trying to claim that it was going against scripture, my dad had to step in and sue to get it pulled, because people were saying mean stuff. Fr. Abel was a rock though, he told me to ignore what they were saying and draw how I pleased,” said Miguel.

“How did he not get expelled? Doesn’t St. Ignatius have a zero tolerance policy on that sort of thing?” asked Mikaela.

“Technicalities. All he did was post it online without permission. He was fined and had to apologize for that, but he wasn’t the one posting the mean stuff,” grumbled Miguel.

“Mr. Esposito, and the new girl there, pay attention,” called out Ms. Smith, making both Mikaela and Miguel to jump, and focus on the lesson.

—

“Mikaela! Over here,” called out Adelaide, as Mikaela entered the school cafeteria with Miguel.

“You know Adelaide Albrecht and her heel squad?” asked Miguel, as Mikaela waved back.

“Heel squad?” asked Mikaela.

“They pushed to change the St. Ignatius uniform code to allow higher heeled shoes for girls. There was this super-intense debate between her and some other girl who wanted the uniforms banned last school year,” said Miguel.

“They told me about it. You’re welcome to join us,” said Mikaela.

“Um, OK,” said Miguel, and followed Mikaela to the two tables where Adelaide, Yasmin and Yue, William and Sadiq were sitting.

“Hey everyone, this is Miguel Esposito. We met today,” said Mikaela, introducing Miguel to the group.

“Wow, Mikaela. First day of school, and you’ve already found yourself a boyfriend,” teased Adelaide.

“Hey! We just met!” said Mikaela, going red with embarrassment.

“Hi, Miguel. I’m William Thompson, and this is Sadiq Rahman. How about you sit here with us boys. Don’t take Adelaide too seriously, she likes teasing Mikaela,” chuckled William, making space for Miguel to sit at the table he shared with Sadiq.

“Sure, thanks,” said Miguel, nervously sitting down.

“So, Mikaela, how is your first day at St. Ignatius going?” asked Adelaide, as Mikaela joined her, Yue and Yasmin at their table, while sitting as close to Miguel as possible.

“It’s going pretty well, actually. We’ve had biology, math and chemistry so far. I’ve got ethics, and then we have English after the break,” said Mikaela.

“So? What is Miguel like?” asked Adelaide, leaning forward with excitement.

“Adelaide! We just met!” protested Mikaela.

“But you like him enough to invite him over, so what is he like?” pressed Adelaide.

“He’s good at drawing, and he’s able to carry an intelligent conversation,” said Mikaela.

“What kind of art do you draw Miguel?” asked William.

“Um, just sketches,” said Miguel, still a little wary around the older and taller boys.

“Relax, Miguel. I actually like making cosplay outfits, my dad is a tailor, so I’m honing my skills to take over his business,” said William.

“OK, I’ll show you some of it,” said Miguel, and pulled out his sketching book.

“These are good! Your grasp of anatomy still needs some work, but the execution is very impressive for a 6th grader,” said William with a low whistle, as he and Sadiq looked over Miguel’s sketches.

“Thanks,” said Miguel.

“What would you like to order?” asked a cafeteria worker coming up to their table.

“We’ll all split a large pepperoni pizza?” suggested William.

“B-but isn’t Sadiq not supposed to eat pork?” asked Miguel.

“I can bend the rules,” said Sadiq with a shrug.

“OK, then,” said Miguel, adjusting to the quirks of William and Sadiq.

“And for your table?” asked the worker, turning to Adelaide’s table.

“I’ll take the pork bangers and mash,” said Mikaela.

“I’m having the shepherd’s pie,” said Yasmin.

“I’ll take the omurice,” said Yue.

“And I’ll have the chicken schnitzel,” said Adelaide.

“OK, coming right up,” said the worker, and he left.

“This is like a fine dining restaurant, and not a school cafeteria,” chuckled Mikaela.

“True, but you’ll get used to it,” said Adelaide.

“Um, Mikaela, how do you know Adelaide?” asked Miguel.

“We met earlier in the year. She’s Professor Zakhrov’s daughter, and we formed a study group with her,” said Adelaide. ⅇ

“I see,” said Miguel.

The pizza arrived, and Miguel crossed himself, folded his hands and closed his eyes in silent prayer, before taking a slice.

“Was that a prayer?” asked Mikaela.

“Yeah, it’s the grace before meals,” said Miguel.

“You could have said it out loud,” said Mikaela.

“Eh, it’s no big deal,” said Miguel.

“Please, I’m intrigued, and I mean no disrespect,” said Mikaela.

“Well, the prayer itself is: Bless us oh, Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bountiful hands, through Christ our King. Amen. I don’t really know what the ‘Amen’ actually means, but that’s it,” said Miguel.

“And the hand movements?” asked Mikaela.

“It’s called the sign of the cross, you’ve seen that haven’t you?” asked Miguel.

“Yeah, so that’s what it is?” asked Mikaela.

“Pretty much, like I said. No big deal,” said Miguel.

“Well, Mikaela, you’ve certainly picked up a nice devout little altar boy,” chuckled Adelaide.

“Hey! She asked me! And you could have told her yourself! I know for a fact that you take Catechism along with William!” snapped Miguel, his hands shaking.

“Whoa! Calm down buddy, she’s only teasing you,” said William, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“I’m sorry for putting you on the spot, Miguel, and why didn’t you tell me you knew this stuff, Adelaide?” asked Mikaela.

“It’s… because I’m coasting through it, I don’t really attach all that importance to it. I’m sorry Miguel, I didn’t mean to insult you,” said Adelaide, surprised by Miguel’s reaction.

“It’s OK. I’m just a little on edge about being judged for it,” said Miguel, calming down with deep breaths.

“So what is Catechism Adelaide? I’d like your explanation,” said Mikaela, a glint in her eye.

“Eh, it is the religious instruction. Catholics do these rituals as you grow, so it’s about learning that,” said Adelaide, squirming under Mikaela’s stare.

“And what do these rituals entail? Come now, don’t be shy. Miguel here can correct any mistakes you make since you don’t attach importance,” said Mikaela, as Adelaide blushed and squirmed.

“OK! OK! Fine! I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about this stuff earlier!” said Adelaide, holding up her hands.

“Answer the question,” demanded Mikaela.

“Ugh! Fine! There are seven rituals, called the seven sacraments. They are Baptism, Confirmation, The Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The first four form the rite of passage for every Catholic, we are baptized when we are born, then we perform the Confirmation, Eucharist, and Reconciliation rituals once we hit the teenage years. Anointing of the sick happens when you know that you’re dying, and Holy Orders and Matrimony are optional. Holy Orders is what priests go through, and as the name implies, Matrimony is the marriage ritual,” said Adelaide.

“And Reconciliation is supposed to happen at least twice a year, once before Christmas, and once before Easter. It’s you telling the priest what sins you have made through the year and getting God’s forgiveness. My mom says it’s kind of like therapy,” said Miguel.

“Don’t be angry at Adelaide, Mikaela. Religion is often very personal, and can sometimes cause pretty messy fights,” said Yasmin.

“But I don’t have a religion, it feels like I’m missing out on something,” grumbled Mikaela.

“You could stay atheist, or you can pick one to follow. Just remember that swapping isn’t easy,” said Yue, patting Mikaela on the arm.

“Do you follow a religion as well Yue?” asked Mikaela.

“Yes, I’m a Shintoist, it is a religion unique to Japan,” said Yue.

“And Sadiq and I are Muslims of course, albeit pretty open-minded ones,” said Yasmin.

“Religion can sometimes also ruin relationships, so it isn’t something that is discussed or adopted lightly. You can be a little more open if everyone follows the same one. And even then, things can still get messy,” conceded Sadiq.

“OK. Fine, I’ll do some of my own research,” sighed Mikaela.

“If you’re having questions, Fr. Abel is the best guy to ask. He doesn’t try to push the Catholic faith, and will help you make informed choices,” said Miguel.

“You seem to hold Fr. Abel in high regard,” said Mikaela.

“Yeah well, I came close to quitting drawing after what happened with Roy. He helped me move past that, and told me there was nothing wrong with what I was doing,” said Miguel, with a slight blush.