Fathers Eddie Patrick and Jack Aries finally gave in to their long-simmering desires, crossing a threshold they had been skirting for years in a moment that felt both sacred and profane. Would God forgive them? After all, He was the one who distributed bodies with all their temptations and then seemed surprised when people indulged in them.
Over the years, Father Patrick and Father Aries had developed a deep bond. With his age and wisdom, Father Patrick naturally assumed the role of mentor, similar to an older brother. Father Aries admired him with a blend of respect and affection, akin to the family he had never experienced. At St. Jerome’s, the involvement of the priests with the boys was not exactly a secret; it was poorly concealed, managed just enough to avoid a full-blown scandal.
Despite their closeness, Father Patrick and Father Aries had never crossed that boundary—until the morning of Father Aries’ first Sunday Mass investiture. Father Patrick was, of course, in attendance. But as the tension between them grew, unspoken words lingered in the air. “Have you ever…” was more than just a question; it was an invitation. And when a kiss provided the answer, all pretenses vanished. The priestly garments were quickly discarded—desire had a way of stripping away layers faster than sin could take hold.
