Chapter Five — Alex
I walk into the church holding my breath. Callum walks beside me, but slightly in front of me, as if he’s shielding me. I’m holding on to his arm. He feels big and strong.
I feel safe with him, but nervous because I know what’s about to happen. Is this real life? I think to myself. It’s hard to believe that is really happening.
I’m excited.
And scared.
And nervous.
And turned on.
I feel so many things that they all start to blend together until I feel like one big buzzing ball of electricity.
Callum opens the door, and it takes my eyes a second to adjust. Then I see them. There are six men, all wearing black hooded robes. Their hoods are pulled down, so I can’t see any of their faces.
They range in height, but overall are on the taller side. It’s hard to get a sense of their shapes, but they all look like they have normal builds or are on the athletic side. They’re standing in a line at the altar. There are candles on the ground.
This is so dramatic. I feel like I’m almost a human sacrifice. I would burst out laughing, but I’m too nervous to make a sound.
Callum takes a few more steps and then extends his arm out so that I’m solidly behind him.
“Gentlemen,” he says, “Thank you for coming. As you know, today a beautiful woman needs your help. She sinned and wants to relieve her guilt. Get some things off her chest, so to speak.”
Callum pauses and I breathe in. It’s so quiet that my inhalation sounds loud.
“You’ve all graciously volunteered to help her. Is that right? Please nod.”
They all nod.
“To maintain your own anonymity, I asked you all to wear the robes that you’re currently wearing.
I’m glad you’ve all followed my instructions.
What will happen next is, one by one, you’ll take turns in the confessional booth.
” He gestures to me. “This young lady who needs your help… her name is Lola.”
I smile. So we’re going back to the pseudonym, I think to myself.
When I first met Callum and signed up for his weird game, I used the fake name Lola.
I didn’t know what I was getting myself into at the time, and I wanted to protect my identity.
Of course, it didn’t take him long to figure out Lola wasn’t my real name.
I didn’t think to ask him to use a fake name to introduce me today. I’m glad he thought of it, though.
He’s looking out for me, I think to myself.
“Lola will enter one side of the booth, and you’ll enter the other. You’ll have two minutes to ask Lola a series of questions to figure out what exactly the source of her guilt is and how severe her infractions were.”
“Then I’ll give you thirty seconds to contemplate what a suitable penance would look like for Lola.
After thirty seconds, you’ll give Lola your recommendation for penance.
In the Catholic Church, penance typically consists of Hail Marys, among other things.
You might want to be more creative with your prescriptions for Lola, though. ”
Callum pauses, surveying the men. It’s so silent, I can hear myself gulp.
Callum continues: “It will be up to Lola then to accept or reject your suggestion. If she accepts, she will come join you on your side of the booth and submit to your penance. You will have a maximum of five minutes with her. It will be dark in the booth, which will obscure your identity to some extent. As discussed, there are masks that you can additionally wear if you’d like, because you may want to remove your hoods at some point for practical purposes.
It’s up to you whether to keep them on or off.
Also, I already discussed this with all of you, but as a reminder, if Lola says”red” at any point in time, stop what you’re doing immediately and exit the booth.
This is extremely important.” Callum pauses, and adds: “Please nod if you understand.”
All the men nod.
I look at Callum and notice he’s smiling. My stomach somersaults.
“Any questions?” Callum asks.
The men are silent.
“Lola?”
Callum looks at me. I shake my head.
“Alright, who will go first?”
It’s silent for half a second, then the man on the far left speaks up. “I will.” His voice is deep, and I think I detect a slight southern drawl.
“Excellent,” Callum says, gesturing towards the left side of the church. “Head that way.” He directs me towards the other side.
I’m about to take a step, but Callum grabs me by my hip first. Every time I feel his touch, it’s like electricity.
He whispers in my ear, “Remember, if you change your mind, you can always say ‘red’. And if you feel like having sex with the men, put your hair up in a ponytail. But only do what you’re comfortable with. That’s what’s important, okay?”
I nod. “Sounds good.”
Callum smiles. “Have fun, baby girl.”