A Duty Beyond by Armando94

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(honest hand to God, did not time or plan this, given recent global events. Felt appropriate that I finish it finally, as I think Father Theo would have been a fan of the late Pope Francis. Another tale from that same small town. Thanks to all who have read and been kind to leave comments and suggestions. Please continue to, it really helps me see where I lack in story telling)

Angelo D’Orlando looked at himself in the mirror, the darklit bathroom still highlighting him enough. Enough to show the long, chestnut ringlets all the way passed his bare shoulders. And beyond his shoulder blades from the back. He was eighteen at the time of this. High school had been over for a couple months, and he was heading where no one had imagined. Well, no one in school did, because Angelo didn’t say much to anyone. Only a few people really. Others would say this was pre-destined, being an orphan in a Catholic church and all. While Angelo could see there was some truth to that, he thought of all the other times fate had him heading in a different direction. Not just fate though, but he, Angelo, himself. Bad behavior as a child, mischievous deeds as a teenager. Now on the cusp of being a man, he stared at the reflection before him. He felt like his life flashing before his very own eyes before it stopped:

Who was he going to be the moment he entered the seminary?

He’d spent the summer reading, more than just the bible. But on other religions, and philosophies too. Biographies and memoirs from American presidents. Enriching his mind in a way he never had from grammar school onwards. He rose every morning at five, got in the habit of saying the rosary as he did some stretches, then hit the town for a run, followed up by some weight lifting in the evening after a day of "studying". He felt himself growing, not just in wealth of knowledge, but in the looks he had neglected. Perhaps he could have stood out all along, been a "popular" kid.

No, that wasn’t for him. Or at least, it wasn’t meant to be. Now or then.

Angelo picked up the pair of sheers he had sitting on the bathroom sink. The dark steel contrasting with the white marble. Shaking hands, but a confident mind. "Don’t hesitate," he murmured to himself as he brought the cold blade to its first victim. Extending the length out to the side, lifting it a bit higher to place the scissors beneath. It took a mere two snips before the locks went slack in his hand. Angelo had done it, or at least he’d begun. He had to finish now. He dropped the hair to the ground, floating down like daisies that had overstayed since spring. He lifted the next section, and repeated the motion. Snip, snip, done. When he grabbed a bit more hair in his third try, it made more of a crunching sound. He knew to be careful going forward. Bit by bit, snip by snip, hair fell to the floor. Angelo moreso threw it down there, ready for it to be all over. It didn’t matter so much how even he cut, so long as it was even enough. The ringlets were shortened to a length he hadn’t had since he’d started growing them out many years before it felt like. Was it the start of high school or before then? It didn’t matter, that Angelo was slowly slipping away.

After checking himself in the back, making sure it was cut to his liking, he got a good glance of himself in the mirror. He refrained from the desire to laugh at what stood before him. Anyone who knew him in school would be more than surprised. The quiet loner, who no one paid mind to, now an Adonis of sorts. He looked like a bearded version of Michaelangelo’s David statue. His new physique on full display to prove it.

At the sight of the beard, patchy in parts, certainly grown too long at the chin, and a measly excuse for a moustache, the job wasn’t done. Angelo picked up the beard trimmer he’d picked up at the local CVS the other night after the gym. He flicked off the guard. How easy it could be, to not just shave his face, but his head too? The urge was there, yes, but no. This was what he was working towards. And the beard removal would complete it. Starting from under the chin, Angelo turned the machine on, and plowed right through to his bottom lip. Section over section, till he had barely stubble left. Edging out his sideburns so precisely you would have thought he was in training to be a barber, not a priest. He washed his face down with hot water, then applied some lather picked up from the store as well. Taking the cheap plastic razor blade, he went with the grain to erase any last memory of his bearded summer. Even after shaving it all off, it wasn’t enough. Angelo went for a second turn, against the grain, making it so he was smoother than a baby’s bottom. He felt so much as that as he applied some aftershave and tonic before giving himself a final reveal in the mirror.

Here stood a boy, no, a man. Ready for his destiny. Determined, devoted, dutiful, and dare he say, pretty damn good looking too now…

***

"Ah, seems my invitation got lost in the mail," Father Theo said upon entering Nick’s barber shop, the bell announcing him. The crowd had a good laugh: Nick was finishing up on Darrin Caffrey’s cut, while Alan Kane sat in the waiting area. Father Theo had to admit it, the slight shift, or should he say sharper shift, in the oldest Caffrey boy’s hair suited him well.

"The fade looks swell on you, son," Father Theo announced, as he sat down next to Alan.

"Thank you, Father Theo," Darrin sheepishly rubbed the back of his noggin just before the barber was dusting him down. "Feel like it sorta rubbed off on me, being around all these guys with short sides and all," he stated as he stood up tall from the barber throne.

"It really does," Alan commented, as he stroked his own grown in sides. "Not sure if I’m ready for that sort of plunge, but I know you’ve caught my Young Al’s attention, DC."

"Have I?" Darrin said as he confidently strutted over. "Maybe get your son to talk a bit more into my baby brother’s ear, seeing as he’s still a hold out."

"Was hard enough to convince him the first time, DC," Nick mentioned, "to go as short as we did. The little bit longer, but slightly short, suits Paul."

"It does, and he’s stayed out of trouble," Darrin nodded. "Thanks again, Alan, for hooking him up with a part-time job at the grocer. I’d thought about having him work at the pharmacy, but I knew he’d hate having to not only live by my rules but also work by them too."

"No problem, I know its can be tiring, but its given him purpose," Alan stood up from the chair and marched over for his haircut. "Besides, its good he works a few other shifts. Don’t know if much gets done on a Sunday when my own Al squeezes in his shift on his off day from track. Now with meets and invitationals every Saturday."

As Nick began Alan’s haircut, Darrin and Father Theo spoke for a few minutes more. Easter was approaching and the men’s group was working with the local fire department to have a pasta night on Good Friday. Father Theo was grateful that not only Nick and Daniel, the leaders, had truly stepped into leader form, but others in the group like Darrin were also pitching in. And it hadn’t taken all that long to get someone like Alan Kane to join up as well. The diocese had had Father Theo busy lately, and he was thankful with the Easter season more than halfway through. That, and, some new news.

Once Darrin left, Father Theo took a seat and observed the present haircut. He was due for one himself, but with that busy business, it had been tough. "Been busy, Father?" Nick asked.

"I’ll say," he nodded. Then, he figured he’d reveal the news. "But that’s all about to change, gentlemen."

"You’re not leaving town, are you?" Alan asked.

"They’re gonna have to throw me out if they want me out," Father Theo teased. "No, far from it. I will be needed, but, I’m going to be getting a little bit of help, finally."

"Oh jeez, about time they did something for ya!" Nick joked. "Seriously though, that’s awesome, Father Theo. You’ve certainly proven you can do it all, but…everyone needs a little help!"

"Well thank you, Nick, I appreciate that."

"So who’s the guy? Old? Young?" Alan asked.

"Young, actually," Father Theo nodded. "Just a fellow priest though, although by the sounds of it he’s aiming to be pope, or at the very least monsignor."

"Aint no one better than you, Father," Nick mentioned.

"I appreciate that," the priest nodded. "But be easy on him, he’s had an interesting background."

"So can we get his name?" Alan asked.

Father Theo took an exaggerated pause, before announcing, "Father Angelo"…

***

Life had certainly been interesting. All of Angelo’s life, yet he hadn’t anticipated where the last decade would take him. He truly found his brotherhood when entering the seminary. Fearful at first that it wouldn’t be all that different from his youth. Instead, he was surrounded by other young men who supported one another, uplifted each other. Mentors to show them the way, and not the kind that had given the faith a bad taste in its mouth all these many years. Being around honorable men instilled something in Angelo that he’d longed for, but hadn’t realized he’d been looking for.

He found his voice, and in it, some bravery. The will to speak up, not wallow against the walls. Although sad when the day came that he and his "brothers" all went their separate ways, he did not loose contact with them. Letters and emails exchanged as frequently as any of them possibly could with their busy lives in their set parishes. The last decade had taken him across many states. He was liked by so many he met. Liked! That had never been before! Always neglected. And yet…somehow, someway, adoration can be a dangerous thing. Once you’ve had a taste, you want the rest of the plate. Besides, Angelo had to admit, how could anyone not resist him? He truly had come into his looks, with that haircut he gave himself a decade ago. A nice shade of stubble to compliment him too, yet still appear with a chiseled jaw he’d grown into as well. All ages from the different parishes he worked at had treated him like he was a demi-god placed on this earth. Over time, it slowly got to him, even when there was the good that Angelo was putting into his work. There were still many things that others would deem unnecessary, like his fascination with his appearance. But Angelo saw it as part of his brand, he had to go above and beyond for it.

While some in his profession may have grown wary, or distanced themselves from the slightly self-obsessed, up-and-coming, wannabe all around best priest, others took note. Few looked into his past, saw his progress to the present, and how they could better stabilize him for the future. Beneath what these older priests knew was just a facade that the wearer had grown too comfy in, there was still the young man whose salvation and guidance from God had given him the chance of a lifetime. A way even to start over. Perhaps that was exactly what Father Angelo needed, again.

Angelo was slightly stunned, but held face in public, when he was told of the parish he was being moved to, out of state to boot! And in a small town as well. Part of a larger diocese, which gave Angelo some hope. It seems the priest of this parish, Father Theo, worked extremely close with the diocese. Well, Angelo thought, that’s good, perhaps I will have an easy in there. Work my way in this too-bit town a couple years, help this old joe out, and then move on up. Perhaps work for the cathedral in the diocese, go from there, monsignor, then cardinal elsewhere in the state, and then…then…

Angelo didn’t want to get ahead of himself. Not only did his looks and attitude grow these many years, but his ambitions were right in step with them.

Angelo’s latest parish hosted a going-away party for him on his final Sunday afternoon mass with them. They were all sad to see him go, with Palm Sunday and Easter approaching, so wanted to send him off with a bit of a big bash. Seeing as they already had enough priests for them (a bit too old if you asked Angelo) and all encouraged him on what a wonderful opportunity it would be at his new parish, as there’d be just two of them. "They certainly need the help" "You’re the man for the job" "Just think of how much good you can bring to them". Angelo took it in stride, but also to his head. He thought privately, "How hard could it be? Smaller parish, they must be dying for someone like me."

That night, he finished his packing and had one last dinner with his "co-workers" for the last year and a half. They all wished him well, but one of the priests said, "You’re in a new surrounding, try to be open-minded. Remember what our calling is all about." Angelo shrugged it off, but couldn’t shake the word of advice as he stirred all night long. Maybe it was just the jitters of moving somewhere new. He thought he’d been over that by now?

Before ten in the morning, Angelo loaded his belongings into the car, turning back for one last glance, suddenly not that sure of what lay ahead for him. He hadn’t felt this until last night. Angelo shook his head and started the engine, putting on an audiobook as he drove the seven hours to his new home. As he came down the main street of this small town, people were out and about, finished with work, going into what he figured must be the local diner. Some storefronts looked closed for the day, and some others just looked permanently closed. Angelo had neglected to stop to grab a bite along the way, so he pulled up into a vacant spot in front of what appeared to be a coffee shop, right next to a bookstore. He entered the café, finding it rather busy for this hour. Maybe it was a local spot to hang? He would ask Father Theo when they met. A few workers were behind the barista bar, a young adult smiled at Angelo, saying, "What can I get you today?"

Startled by the friendliness, it felt more genuine than any of the other seemingly genuine nice people he’d interacted with in other towns. "Uhh…just a tea, herbal if you have. And do you have a bagel or something?"

"We do, we have plain and multi-grain left. Which would you like?"

"Plain is fine," Angelo nodded. As his order was prepared, another barista worker came up to him, asking if he was the new priest in town. Angelo confirmed this. So word was definitely out about his arrival. Once his order was ready he quickly left the shop and headed for his new home.

The rectory was right next to the church. Nothing too big, but nothing too small, and seemingly well maintained. Perhaps Father Theo was an avid gardener. Angelo couldn’t say the same for himself. He grabbed a couple bags, and went right up to the front door, knocking first. What surprised him most was not the anticipated old man who’d be his colleague, but someone no more than two decades older than him. In fact, maybe it was only one decade by the looks!

"Ah, there you are!" Father Theo greeted him with a large smile. Dang, everyone smile in this town? "And I see you’ve already stopped at one of my favorite places in town, only second to God’s house," the older priest nodded at the coffee cup Angelo held his tea in. "Why don’t I get the rest of your things for you and you just get settled in the immediate sitting room, hmm?"

Angelo was too stunned to say anything, so he just nodded his head and eeked out a weird affirmative sound. Once Father Theo came back in with the rest of Angelo’s things, he sat opposite from him, still smiling. "I’d offer you something to drink, but I think you’re good for now." Angelo was still a bit stunned. Star-struck? Who was this guy? He couldn’t be a priest? For as much as Angelo thought he had good looks, this priest, this, this man really. He wasn’t boasting about his athletics, or anything of that sort, but Angelo was sure Father Theo was in shape beneath his clothes. And above that, his haircut! Had to be only a few days old! The sheer opposite of Angelo’s ‘do too! Father Theo sported a severe shorn down back and sides, with the most impressive boxy flattop on top. Angelo had seen priests with all sorts of cuts in the past: the thinning graying hair, the overly floppy mange to mask receding hairlines, the bald priests (voluntarily or involuntarily), and those who wore a conservative shorter look. But this was something totally else!

"Well, let me just start by saying how thrilled I am to have someone else around here. Both colleague and roommate!" Angelo swore Father Theo winked at him. "And the whole parish was excited too by the news. I hope you don’t mind, if I spoil the surprise, we were thinking of having a sort of welcome celebration for you either after the Saturday evening mass, or maybe after Sunday’s noon mass. Open to anyone, come and go, get to meet and greet you—"

"I just had a going away party yesterday," Angelo cut him off abruptly. "I think I’m sorta partied out, y’know?"

"Okay, I understand," Father Theo nodded, "but if you change your mind—"

"I won’t," Angelo shook his head, waived Father Theo off with a freehand like it was nothing. "Don’t want to waste anyone’s time."

Father Theo took a longer pregnant pause this time. "Alright, I see," tapping his fingers against his thighs as he sat upright in his armchair. The older priest seemed slightly at a loss until he said, "Would you like a tour? Before dinner, so you can unpack and relax after our meal." Angelo shrugged and said sure, and shadowed Father Theo across every step. It was a nice home, he had to admit. Very mediocre to a degree, but what thrills did they need as priests? Father Theo went on and on about the home and all the priests there before them. Had he been there long? Angelo didn’t ask, he also didn’t care. This Father Theo seemed happy to be here, not desiring to go anywhere else. While Angelo had plans of his own.

When they stepped into the church, Angelo had to admit, he was blown away. For a small town, it hosted a beautiful church hall that rivaled any cathedral. Father Theo was still going on and on as they slowly paced up the aisle towards the alter. Once they reached it, turning around to take it all in, Angelo was still impressed. Then he heard the silence, turning to his new colleague. Father Theo was beaming at him, "Felt the same way when I first saw it. You get that feeling at any church, I know. But this one is different, you know?" Angelo didn’t have anything to say.

Their dinner was simple but fine, Father Theo mostly speaking but trying to pry answers from Angelo about his past parishes. In most cases, Father Theo would have to continue with a, "So I heard you know…" or "They told me you have…" just to get anything out of Angelo. Once they had both had two helpings, Father Theo told Angelo he would clean up the first night, let Angelo unpack and settle in to his room. Angelo took his time as he unpacked things, so much so he’d forgotten anyone else was in the house until he came down later in a pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt with the sleeves cut off. Father Theo was sat in the same sitting room with a book, in not so different apparel from Angelo. Father Theo had on an army green t-shirt and what seemed to be a causal pair of camo pajama pants. It caught Angelo off guard, but Father Theo just laughed at him. "There’s ice cream in the freezer if you’d like." Angelo wasn’t going to say no to that and figured maybe then he should sit with him for a little while.

As Angelo spooned away in silence, Father Theo mentioned, "We have a men’s group that started up this year. Lots of younger men, around your age or even younger and older. We meet on Wednesdays. I think it would be really great if you attended. I help moderate it."

Angelo shrugged, "Okay," he said with a mouthful. "What do you…I mean, what does the group do?"

"Oh," Father Theo placed his book down. "All sorts of things, or at least they are trying to. But mostly, they just meet. Not just to speak of the Bible and God. But about life itself. All of these men have had such different lives, some with many hardships at young ages. Some even still going through hardships. The group started with a decent showing, and we’ve grown slightly, which has been nice. They’ve also tried to get more involved with the community too, which I most certainly approve of. I think it would be great if you helped them out, seeing as you are around their ages. Plus, you’d get to know the town better."

Angelo wasn’t doubting anything Father Theo said. Sure, he did get to know the town better, to try to win everyone over, show them his greatness. Yet something in what Father Theo said about this place and this men’s group, and in fact what was said to him last night, all sort of meshed together. He couldn’t help that, it stuck out. Shrugging it off, he just said back, "Cool, Wednesday it is."

***

Father Theo had never been more excited for a Wednesday night men’s group session. Okay, maybe the first one they had he was just as excited for. This week’s session felt like that all over again, with the introduction for Father Angelo to this group and thus prominent members of the parish. He had given a warning to Nick and Daniel, as it was only right, since they took the lead on the group. Once the group for the night seemed to all be here, Nick corralled the troops into seats around a circle, turning to Father Theo, "Father, will you lead us in opening prayer?"

"Actually," Father Theo stated, "I think it is only fair we allow our latest addition to the parish lead us in our opening prayer." Not only did Father Theo’s gaze fall onto Angelo, but so did all the other men. And there was a good number of them, looked like fifteen without counting the two priests! Father Theo saw Father Angelo squirm slightly in his seat, truly in the hot seat! Good, just as how Father Theo wanted to put him. "Unless…you don’t want to, Father Angelo, we’d all understand."

"No, no," Father Angelo sputtered, briefly a loft from his perch on the fold out chair. After Father Angelo led them in prayer, Nick made it a point to have everyone in the group go around and introduce themselves. State their name, how long they’d been a member of the parish, little bit of background on them in town, and a fun fact that some might not know.

When it got to Father Theo’s turn, his fun fact was, "And I have traveled to all seven continents at least once." Most the men were stunned. They knew he’d done a bit of traveling while in the service and also since being a priest. But they hadn’t known it took him across all seven continents! "Antarctica was a brief trip, a little bit of a gap year you could say? Without it being a year, let alone a month." After the icebreaker, Nick let Daniel take the helm and go through some announcements, including the men’s group hosting a pasta party at the firehouse on Good Friday. They would do it in conjunction with that depot as well as the police force. Daniel also mentioned that not this Saturday afternoon but the following one before Palm Sunday, the men’s group would help put together gift baskets for the Easter holiday, as well as start filling eggs for the Easter Egg hunt held on the church grounds the morning after the pasta party.

The rest of the meeting was status quo, which Father Theo appreciated. This wasn’t a time for them to popcorn read verses from the bible. Sure, some literature came into it, but it also was a space for these men to speak about the going on’s in their life. For instance, Alan Kane mentioned how hard it had been in his new life and career, yet he was grateful for the progress it was showing. Both at his job managing the grocery store, and seeing his son young Al flourish in school and sport. He knew there were still more challenges with the store, and that he might need more help managing things, with his need to slowly retire off the top layer. This opened the opportunity for others in the group to talk about their work, or past work, and the influence it had on them today. Darrin Caffrey spoke of the privilege he had in his new job, yet the many struggles it took to get there, and still had with a feeling of identity fraud, or not feeling deserving of it. This is what Father Theo appreciated most about the group. Just some good men, Christian yes, but simply good. Talking about life and their way in the world.

When things settled down for the night, it was just the two group leaders and the two priests left. Father Theo could see that Father Angelo had been silent throughout the hour and was still quiet even now in this smaller setting. When they made their way back to the rectory, Father Theo tried to break the ice a bit more, "First times can be tough, and with so many new people. Sorry if that made you uncomfortable, Father Angelo."

Father Angelo went to refuse, Father Theo could tell, but something stopped the younger priest. Paused, then tried to begin again before pausing once more. Finally, he uttered, "I…I haven’t seen men, people, in fact, speak so vulnerably. I…I just…"

"Forgot sometimes how the other half lives?" Father Theo winked. He motioned for Angelo to have a seat, and then he brought them both a glass of water to the kitchen table. "Listen, I know this might be a whole new setting for you, whole new life. Sure, you’re still a priest. And from what I understand a mighty dang good one. But sometimes," Father Theo sat back and up in the chair. "Sometimes, we must remind ourselves we are human too. Level with the people of the parish, or community even. Allow them opportunities to come together. You see the range of men, young and old, in that assembly tonight, right? Now, even if all of them attended the same mass, every Sunday, sat in the same pews, etc. Do you think they would ever interact as such they do now? Probably not. I know the priesthood is trying to teach the recent brothers in a way that is almost medieval with the times. Combine that with your generation, all into the influence through technology and reaching the youth via those tools. Sure, that can work, and I understand it has worked for you. That and your charming good looks," Father Theo teased before taking a beat. Then sternly yet softly adding, "but this life, this duty shall we call it, this one I know I took up, its not about impressing others, or even impressing upon them. Its much more than that, much more than I think I’ll ever truly know until the day I die and I see the good Lord at those pearly gates. And then he will ask me Why should he let me in? And I hope I have a good reason."

"Being a priest isn’t enough?" Father Angelo tried to joke, but he got no laughs from his superior.

"Not even close," Father Theo tapped the table, allowing some silence to linger.

Father Theo was surprised how long Angelo let the silence go on, until the younger priest tried changing the subject. "So…you’ve been to all seven continents, huh?"

"That ain’t even the half of it," Father Theo stated. Sure, he could have given this young wannabe pope a talking-to about how over the last forty-eight hours, he couldn’t be bothered to get to know his new colleague. The stories Father Theo had about his service and then into the priesthood, and even before all that. But he held his tongue, this young man would learn. In fact, certainly seemed like the surface had been scratched. Let the young pup dig a little bit more, find himself truly from within. That’s all Father Theo could pray on.

***

It had been a crazy week, and yet it hadn’t even turned to Monday yet! Father Angelo woke up on Thursday and made it a point to go for a jog around town, something he’d neglected since arriving. He even saw some businessowners opening up for the day, like Nick at his barber shop. In cases like that, they happily greeted him even if from across the street. Angelo had to basically pinch himself to wave back. He saw others ambling in and out of the diner, of all ages. When he made it back to the rectory, he did his exercises and stretches before showering off. Just as he was about to prepare himself a breakfast, he stopped and walked over to the church, allowing himself some time to pray.. He’d done his hour in the afternoon, like he always did, the last two days. But this morning of reflection, a bit spontaneous, he was just going with it. Just as he was coming through the double doors, he was nearly knocked over by someone coming out.

"Oh! Father Angelo, sorry about that," Darrin Caffrey said. "Usually no one else is here around this time. And I’m later than usual, I gotta rush to work."

"Its—" Father Angelo went to say, but the oldest Caffrey boy was already out the door, "—fine." Angelo was surprised, not that this Darrin didn’t seem friendly last night. But he made the time to come here and pray before work. Angelo prayed and thought on things, in particular what Father Theo said last night. After this, Angelo decided it was about time he visited the parish office. Upon entering, the staff was shocked, yet secretly pleased, that the new priest was finally gracing them with his presence. He got to know the bit of staff they had, mostly volunteers. After an hour of Angelo listening to each of them speak about their roles, Father Theo appeared.

"Wondered where you had gotten to!" Father Theo beamed. "See you’ve met the team?"

"Y-yes," Angelo nodded, "I have. I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner."

"Better late than never," Father Theo winked. "Hungry? Didn’t see a cereal bowl in the dishwasher from you." The two priests went out for breakfast, to the diner Angelo had seen. It was quieter at this hour. Angelo was able to ask Father Theo some more about the church and its history, and some of the parishioners. There was a lot to be said, so Father Theo continued this after breakfast through a little tour of the main drag, passing by stores, pointing some things out. Who’s who and what’s what. Paint the whole picture for Angelo. It did eventually reach lunchtime, and Father Theo said he had some calls that afternoon with the diocese. Angelo said he should pray at his usual time, and maybe g back to the office. Father Theo liked that idea, and said at dinner he’d tell him all about his military career. More secrets Angelo didn’t expect!

Against his will, Angelo was thrown a welcome potluck after Saturday evening mass. He tried not to complain. He saw the men from the group, and their families, as well as many other parishioners from the evening mass. Besides that, looked like a bunch of other people who had not been at mass showed up too with food and drink to share. When Father Theo couldn’t go around with Angelo, someone else made the rounds with him to introduce him to everyone, young and old. And how excited they were to all meet him. It was a bit overstimulating, but Angelo pressed his lips together and smiled. He could see that many of this town did not come from much, yet here they were, coming together now. Out of many people they were but one. By the end of the night when everyone had cleaned up and cleared out, Angelo admitted he was very tired and needed to sleep. But sleep evaded him, as he tossed and turned, irritated with himself. This continued into next week, at times sick to his stomach, simply going between praying in the church or crawled up in a ball on his bed. This feeling of wholesomeness, this sense of honesty, all of that wrapped up together showed him the wonders of this community. Something he had neglected in previous parishes, so self-consumed with who he could become. Perhaps his old habits from childhood and teenage Angelo hadn’t gone away. He didn’t act out, but was he acting dutifully? What of those words Father Theo said, about when they meet their maker, what will they have to prove?

***

Saturday had rolled around, but there was still time until people would gather at the parish hall to put together the Easter gift baskets and eggs. Angelo needed to clear his mind, and he’d already gone for a run at the crack of dawn, so he found himself wandering the streets of downtown. Poking his face through the windows, of businesses up and running and ones that seemed to be on their way to opening. In a fog, he didn’t realize that he came across Nick’s barber shop until he’d lingered a few seconds longer to inspect Nick cutting the client in his chair. Nick sensed this and brightened up, waiving at him, motioning to come in. Angelo didn’t want to be unkind, he was trying to do better, so he pushed the door open, the bell ringing above.

"Good to see you, Father Angelo," Nick commented. "I’m sorry I won’t be able to make the event this afternoon, maybe the tail end of it, but I’m not sure."

"Not a problem," Angelo reassured. "I think there will be enough help."

"Good, good," Nick nodded, "have a seat, stay a while." Angelo was stunned by this, but maybe he could sit for a beat. Looked like Nick was almost done with this middle-aged client. Angelo eased into one of the waiting area chairs, taking in the whole place. It had that old timey feel yet didn’t feel outdated. With photos along the walls, some of them certainly vintage and well before Nick was born let alone a barber. Angelo swore one of the photos looked like Darrin and his brothers, a more recent addition he imagined to the hall of fame. In this daze of inspection, Angelo hardly realized that Nick’s client was done until the bell rung him back outside. Then it was just barber and priest. "Settling in well?" Nick asked.

"Uh," Angelo stalled. This guy Nick seemed like a good man, not much older than Angelo. "I am trying to," Angelo mustered out, "its certainly an adjustment, any move. I’ve done them before."

"I see," Nick nodded. "Its great you’ve made it to the men’s group though! We’re glad to have you, have anyone else join us."

"Its wonderful to see something like that, your group," Angelo added. Silence lingered between them before something from within Angelo twisted and turned, and finally loosened him up. "I gotta admit, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I thought, Sure, small parish, that will be easy. But somehow in those premature thoughts, I forgot just how hard those ‘easy’ things can be. Especially when the hardest part is something revealing of ourselves. I don’t know, perhaps my last few years I’ve lost my ways and lost sight of some stuff. I kinda get that sense, the way Father Theo talks to me, no offense to him."

"Father Theo is a great man," Nick nodded, taking a seat next to Angelo. "Quite a story on him, a whole life lived. And yet we are the lucky ones, you and me, and everyone else including the whole town, to have someone like that as a pillar of the community, a beacon of hope."

"He does give off that impression," Angelo nodded, "and I get the sense he’d never brag about it, or make it a point to have it pointed out."

"Not even a chance," Nick smiled. "But so what? You’ve hit a rough patch or twenty. Doesn’t mean you can’t try again. What do they say, take two steps backwards to move forward again? Something like that?

"Yeah," Angelo nodded. "Starting over, maybe that’s what I need out of this town."

"Wouldn’t be the first one round here to have done that, you’ve met plenty of them already," Nick said, patting Angelo on the shoulder. "You’ll do great, just take it day by day. Now I don’t wanna hold you up," the barber stood, heading over to his station to clean some things off.

Then something hit Angelo, as he stared at a distance at his reflection. "Nick."

"Yes Father?" the barber continued to mindlessly polish things. Angelo couldn’t get the words out, or even what to say. Yet somehow, the barber knew, and turned around with a slight grin, motioning a freehand to the chair, "all yours if you want? Nobody else waiting."

That was a sign if anything. Angelo sat up in the chair and then shot out of it, slowly pacing across the linoleum floor to sit in the leather throne. Before he could take a deep breath or even blink, he was wrapped up in the pinstripe cape of the day, and further secured by the tissue neck wrap. Angelo couldn’t recall the last time he’d sat in a barber chair. More than a decade ago. Life had truly been something, he’d lost sight of even a memory like that. His thoughts were interrupted when Nick asked, "So what are we thinking today, sir?"

Something compelled Angelo to say, "Shave it." But he didn’t, but one thing was for certain, his Roman god-like looks days were over. No need to fuss over all of that. He needed to discipline himself a bit. Perhaps a short haircut that was uniform and would need to keep him in regular check? Seemed like most the men in town, including Father Theo, were expertly groomed, likely by Nick. If you can’t beat them, join them, right?

"How short can you go without being bald?" Angelo started to speak. "Like, what’s the highest high and tight, I guess?"

Nick let out a low whistle, "Shoot, all this pretty hair gone," the barber started to paw through Angelo’s tresses. It felt good, but no, he couldn’t think that way. "Don’t mind if I do!" Nick teased, slapping the priest on the shoulders. "Sure, we can take this down. We could go high and tight, but what I’d really like to see you in is more of a recon. You get me?"

Angelo shrugged under the cape, "Do as you wish, sir."

"Sir," Nick laughed, grabbing a few of his tools, "and the beard will have to go too, understood?" Angelo nodded as Nick approached him with a pair of gleaming scissors. His memories brought back to before he entered the priesthood. An eighteen year old him looking at the bathroom mirror, the beginning of his transformation. Now he sat ready for another one. Without a moment of hesitation, Nick pulled a section away from his hair and with one sharp SNIP! the first ringlet of chestnut hair fell to the cape. Angelo could feel the thud as it hit and skied its way down. The another and another. No need for Nick to wet down the hair, he was just removing the bulk from the sides and back until what was left was an even more pronounced poofy top. It truly sat there on Angelo’s head like a mushroom after the first act of the massacre was finished. Angelo took a look at the cape and floor to see it covered in his hair. And yet, the worst was yet to come.

With a longer attachment to begin, Nick stood from behind, grasping the left side of Angelo’s face as the right hand held the clipper, and plowed right down the middle. Almost getting stuck in there, or at least Angelo felt that way, but his hair was no match for this barber. He gripped Angelo a bit firmer, and pushed on through with the machine across the surface of his head. The second swipe across the center revealed more of the short thatch Angelo was being reduced to. Again and again, this motion repeated and more ringlets fell to the barber’s mercy, joining the others below. Angelo did his best to not gulp out loud at the sight before him. No, he needed to take this all in, not even close his eyes. He needed to see this transformation, it was necessary. Nick made no point to talk, letting his client have a full experience, there’d be other chances to talk during future cuts. Swipe after swipe until the top of Angelo’s head was at least half an inch in length, before moving onto the sides and back and doing the same from what was left there.

Act two complete, then real show began. With a different pair of clippers, Nick started at Angelo’s right ear, and guided them gently yet firmly all the way up practically towards the top of his head. He stopped at a certain point, and did the same motion again just a little bit over to the left. Angelo briefly glanced at the bare white skin that shone in its wake, only to grow further and further as Nick continued to clip Angelo all the way up the sides, passed his temples and passed his crown. As Nick did this, and would use his freehand to hold Angelo’s head, the priest got a sense for just how short it was back there! Certainly he’d never had it even this short as a kid! But once the sides and back were taken down with those clippers, and then another pair that was super noisy and felt like prickles against his skin, Nick took the original clippers with a different attachment and clipped down the shape up top to barely an eighth of an inch. There was no kidding around, Angelo was getting a short cut! No one would recognize him!

After Nick edged and evened out the top part, getting it to its perfect shape and length, he stated, "Let me just remove the bulk of this, and then we’ll shave you down all over real smooth, leave that top patch standing nice on its own." Without a warning, Nick levered Angelo back in the chair, taking the clippers removed of attachment and deftly shaving off the fine beard before quickly flipping the priest back up in the seat to further reveal his change. Not that Angelo had a huge beard, but without that scruff, he really looked different! Nick placed a towel across Angelo’s shoulders, then a warm towel held around the back of his head to his face, then began to lather up his sides and back, careful of the top portion. Ever so softly, he scraped away at any bits of hair that surely couldn’t have still been there. Yet somehow when this part was done, wiped down from another hot towel, Angelo was surprised to see just how gleaming he was.

Nick lowered Angelo once more, repeating a similar motion for the wet face shave. The towel around his face this time truly was glorious and he melted right into it. Then applying some oil and then lather, Nick expertly shaved off what remained from Angelo’s face, with the grain, and then against the grain, just to make sure he was truly rid of the beard. The little scrapes against his cheek, as Nick gently tugged it this way and that, echoed throughout the quiet shop. Angelo could sit here all day every day and let this happen! He wondered if Father Theo received similar treatment, especially for his super short sides.

At last, he was sat back up, and Nick held a mirror to his back. Angelo gasped out loud, thankfully no one else was in there! "I can’t believe it!"

"Well you better believe it," Nick joked. "Ain’t no turning back now."

"And I don’t think there’s turning back on this look either," Angelo found himself saying. Nick released him from the cape. Angelo stood up and felt lighter, taller, and more than that better! Perhaps his new perspective did need a whole lot of other new too. He felt around in his pockets, neglecting bringing his wallet, but Nick swatted him off, saying first cut is always on him. "And especially with a transformation like this!" At that, they embraced in a brief hug and Angelo thanked him profusely. Just as Angelo was making his way out, an older gentleman from the parish entered Nick’s shop, confused by the priest’s new look

"I know we have a new priest, but is there a third one I didn’t hear about?" the old man teased. "Father Angelo is that you? My goodness, what a great look. Don’t tell me that Father Superior of ours is forcing you into one of his military-like cuts."

"No sir," Angelo bashfully nodded, "this one was all on me." Father Angelo held his head high as he left the shop, headed back to the parish to go help the others with the gift basketing. Of course, everyone in there was absolutely stunned! Angelo still was himself, every time someone commented him on it or he caught a glimpse of himself. None so surprised as Father Theo was when the two of them got ready for mass that evening. Father Theo teased, "I see you’ve got your haircut just in time for Palm Sunday tomorrow, want to take the lead on the ten o’clock mass on your own?"

"I’d be honored, Father," Angelo beamed. "But I’ve got a feeling, with this sort of cut, it might be looking fresh every single Sunday. I’ll be keeping Nick in business for sure."

"We all keep him in business," Father Theo scratched his scalp, happy to see that his young cohort was already showing progress much sooner than he anticipated. Like with all the men of this community, including Father Theo himself, all one needed was just a little nudge. He knew there were several others out there who still needed it. They’d get to them in time…

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