Plum Blossoms

Michiko stayed on my mind for the rest of the day. She wasn�t like any of the other women I had ever met. Strong-willed and confident, reminded me of Juriko years ago in a sense. No, Juriko gave off this icy vibe. Michiko had a warmer personality. I could approach her and she had those eyes that said adore me forever.

I began to realize something at that last thought. I shook my head at the conclusion.
No! I�m training to be a priest. I can�t have a personal relationship. I shut my eyes to block her out. Her angelic face only got bigger. I wanted to kiss her lips so badly, hold her in my arms, run my fingers through her long hair.

I trembled at where my thoughts were headed. I opened my eyes as I lowered my shoulders, defeated. I can�t handle this alone. I puffed out my cheeks, and readied myself to get some help.

The trip to Hirata-sama�s office took about three minutes tops. I readied myself before I gave the door three good knocks.

�Enter!� I heard him say. I opened the big, oak door. Hirata-sama sat at his desk looking over his papers. He looked up when he heard me walking inside.

�Oh, Kato-kun,� he said.

�I�m so sorry to interrupt you,� I said as I closed the door behind me. The old man smiled as he shook his head.

�Not at all, my boy. I was just about to finish up to go to lunch. What�s on your mind?�

�Well, I have a little problem.�

�What exactly is it?�

�I met a woman this morning.�

�Go on.�

I felt my cheeks grow hot as I thought about Michiko. �She�s really pretty.�

Hirata-sama smiled. �Oh!�

I pressed my lips together and nodded. �Yeah.�

He leaned in closer. �Do you think she is cute?�

My cheeks reddened even harder. �Yes��

�So, what�s the problem?� Hirata-sama asked.

I swallowed. �Well� I kind of want to stay celibate.�

Hirata-sama looked at me, funny. �Why?�

�Aren�t priests supposed to be like that?� I asked. I noticed that my mentor tried to hold his laughter. �What?�

�Who told you all of this?� he asked. I lowered my head.

�My old teacher,� I mumbled.

�You mean, Arai-san?� he asked.

�Yes!� I said. Hirata-sama chuckled.

�That old stickler doesn�t understand what it is to be alive,� he said.

�Huh?� I asked with a blank stare.

�The only religion you have to be celibate as a priest is the Catholic one,� he said.

�Really?� I asked with big eyes.

Hirata-sama shrugged. �I mean, that�s your choice if you want to. Do you want that for yourself really?� I didn�t have to be celibate if I didn�t have to? I quickly shook my head.

�N-No!� I said. Hirata-sama smiled.

�Well then, I suggest pursuing this in a healthy way,� he replied.

�How?� I asked.

�Get to know this Michiko first, ask her out on a date, take things slowly, and the rest will fall into place for you both,� Hirata-sama said.

�O-kay�� I said in a half-mumble. Hirata-sama pressed the tips of his fingers together.

�Anything else?� he asked. I shook my head.

�No sir,� I said. �In fact, I�m leaving right now.� I turned and headed out the door. I pondered everything Hirata-sama told me. Get to know Michiko first, ask her out on a date, take things slowly, and the rest will fall into place for you both. Hm� I think I can wing it on his advice. I hope�

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