Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 09:36:47 -0500
From: edcwriter@yahoo.com
Subject: THE PRIEST & THE PAUPER - 4

THE PRIEST & THE PAUPER - 4

Copyright 2005 by Carl Mason and Ed Collins

All rights reserved.  Other than downloading one copy for strictly personal
enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, except for reviews, without
the written permission of the authors.  However based on real events and
places, "The Priest and the Pauper" is strictly fictional.  Any resemblance
to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely
coincidental.  As in real life, however, the sexual themes unfold
gradually.  If you would like to read other Mason-Collins stories, you
might turn to "Out of the Rubble" and "Castle Margarethen," both of which
are archived in Nifty's "Historical" section.  Comments on the story are
appreciated and may be addressed to the authors at edcwriter@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of sexual contact between males, both
adults and teenagers.  As such, it is homoerotic fiction designed for the
personal enjoyment of legal, hopefully mature, adults.  If you are not of
legal age to read such material, if those in power and/or those whom you
trust treat it as illegal, or if it would create unresolvable moral
dilemmas in your life, please leave.  Finally, remember that maturity
generally demands that anything other than safe sex is sheer insanity!


CHAPTER 4

(Revisiting Chapter 3)

He had to talk with Shane.  He HAD to explain.  HE HAD TO BEG HIS
FORGIVENESS!  Oh my God, my God...I am so sorry!

Hurrying into the night, the tears running down his face, he ran over to
the Youth Center.  For a moment, he thought he had succeeded, but the boy
in Shane's bed was his Thanksgiving guest.  Shane was gone and was nowhere
to be found.

(Continuing Our Story - The Search)

Fr. Tom never quite figured out how he made it through Mass on Friday
morning.  Thank God it had been arranged that the kids were going somewhere
with someone!  In truth, the first thing that really registered in the new
day was getting on the phone to Father Conor at Ste-Anne's and asking how
soon he might drop by on a matter of urgency.  Hearing the tone in the
young priest's voice, Father Conor quickly said that he would be available
in 15 minutes.

When Fr. Tom arrived at the rectory, the kindly (and very experienced) old
priest took one look at his face, sat him down in the kitchen, and insisted
that he have a cup of tea.  Only then did they make their way to a
Confessional in the nearly deserted church.

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.
Bless me Father, for I have sinned."  Beginning with those traditional
words, Fr. Tom laid the fully story of his feelings for Shane - and the
events of the night before - before his Confessor.  Father O'Herlihy didn't
ask many questions; indeed, he seemed satisfied that the young priest both
knew what he had done and was truly sorry.  After absolving Fr. Tom of his
sins, however, he sighed deeply.  "You have taken a heavy burden on your
shoulders, Father.  Pray to God for the strength to fulfill your penance.
First, you will surround this boy with God's love his whole life through.
You have special responsibilities for him that God will reveal in His own
time and in His own way.  He must never feel lost - or rejected at your
hands.  Secondly, you are a priest of the Church.  You must accept the fact
that your great love for this lad can never again be consummated
physically.  In a unique way, known to us both, you belong to Another...to
Holy Mother Church herself."  Father Conor met him outside the
Confessional, embraced him, and said simply, "Go with God.  We shall both
always be here for you when you need us."  Father Tom went into one of the
side chapels of the great old French church (a shrine to St. Jean Vianney,
the patron saint of parish priests), threw himself face down on the stone
floor before the altar, and prayed.

Returning to St. Patrick's, Fr. Tom found that the boys had returned from
their outing, but that Shane was still missing.  Sister Superior met him
with Chad at her side.  "Father," she said, "I'm concerned.  Sister
Phillipa who inspected the Youth Center this morning reports that Shane's
coat was still hanging on its hook - and it went down into the lower teens
last night.  Dear Lord, it's frigid now and it's supposed to be colder
tonight!  Chad tells me that Shane has been acting very strangely ever
since our Thanksgiving dinner."

"What can you tell me, Chad?" Father Tom inquired.  "Well, Father, every
now and then, Shane just gets a little WEIRD.  Once, for instance, he told
me that the fire that killed his family was his fault."  "A fire killed his
family"" Father Tom gasped...more to himself than to Chad.  "Yes, Father.
He really liked dinner yesterday, you know - we ALL did - but maybe it got
him thinking about his family again."  "Go on, Chad," Father said.
"Another time he said HE was going to die there!"  The young priest and
Sister Superior looked at each other, horror stricken.  "Do you have any
idea of where Shane came from?" Father Tom continued.  "No, I don't think
so...  Wait, Father, I think I remember Brandon saying something."  Chad
found Brandon and brought him over.  "I'm not positive, Father, but I'm
pretty sure he said he came from Quinassett.  That's a real little place up
in the northeast corner of the State," Brandon added.

"Brandon and Chad, go with Sister Superior and get some blankets, a big
thermos of hot tea, and some flashlights.  Put them in the station wagon.
Oh, yeah, bring Mel with you.  We may need some muscle."  After about
fifteen minutes, Sister Superior, Brandon, Chad, and Mel (followed closely
by Keanu) appeared.  "Mind if Keanu comes along, Father?" Mel asked.  "He's
got muscle - and Shane's been real nice to him since he met him at the
funeral.  He wants to come!"  "Into the wagon with you!" Father Tom barked.
Sister Superior stood at the open window.  "Drive safely, Father - and FIND
OUR BOY!  Don't worry about the others.  Mrs.  Murphy and I have everything
under control."

It is entirely possible that neither Sister Superior nor the Connecticut
State Police would have exactly approved of Father's driving, but they made
the trip in record time without incident.  It was already growing dark by
the time they found a priest in the largest town of a fairly isolated area.
Yes, there were a lot of McGuires in the area, but they weren't exactly the
Mass-going type.  Fires that took lives from a year and a half to two years
ago?  A phone call to the local Chief of Police brought instant
cooperation.  "Come on down to the station, Father, and I'll help in any
way I can.."  At the station, the Chief allowed that the McGuire clan was a
"bunch of real rednecks."  "I can't go with you tonight 'cause I'm the only
one on duty.  My one deputy is all the way over in Windsor Locks with his
in-laws for Thanksgiving," he added apologetically.  Anyway, here's a good
map of the township with five possible sites marked on it.  Get back to me
if you strike out."  Not one of the sites yielded a clue - and it had been
pitch black when they checked the last two!  As they careened down a
country road on the way back to the station, however, Keanu put his hand on
Father's shoulder.  Slow down, Father.  I think I see something up
ahead...on the right."  He was correct.  The ruins of another burned out
shack came into view, perhaps ten yards off the road.  "I've got a feeling,
Father.  Can we check it out?" Keanu asked.  "Ok, boys," Father Tom
exclaimed, "but be careful."

They found Shane lying unconscious in the midst of the timbers of the
burned out hovel.  His clothes were nowhere to be found.  In the light of
the flashlights, his skin appeared bluish; a nasty-looking gash in his leg
was oozing blood; he breathing was shallow and labored.  Back at the
station wagon, Brandon allowed that he had a little first aid training in
the Scouts before he left home.  Stripping off his clothes in the frigid
air, he held Shane tightly against his body and ordered the blankets be
wrapped around them.  After lifting the pair onto the floor of the station
wagon, the crew took off for the regional hospital that Father had spotted
near the church on their way into the area.

The little band spent an anxious hour or so, praying the Rosary together
for the intention of Shane's recovery, before the physician came out to
speak with Fr. Tom.  "We're treating him for exposure, Father - and I'm
afraid we had to start a tetanus series for the wound.  It was close...very
close...but I think he's going to make it.  By the way, whoever began
warming the boy's body on his way here probably saved his life."  Everyone
looked directly at Brandon who blushed crimson as he stared down at his big
feet.  Speaking to Fr. Tom privately, he asked if there was any reason to
believe that a suicide attempt was involved.  All things considered, the
young priest thought it best to suggest that Holiday despondency over
losing his family coupled with the sudden onslaught of frigid weather was
probably a major factor.  (In itself, that wasn't a lie.)  That was also
the tack he took in speaking with the Chief of Police and the boys - and it
appeared to be accepted without question.  Other questions, e.g., what had
in fact happened to his family, a probable suicide attempt, why he was
found nude, and the effect of his sexual interaction with the priest would
have to be faced, but they were best faced under less traumatic
circumstances.

Shane's recovery was "miraculous."  The doctor twice lowered his estimates
of how long the youth had been exposed to the worst of the weather,
suggested that Shane's clothing may have given him far more protection than
he had thought at first (never having being told that the boy had been
found naked), and even made some comments about superior genes.  By mid-
morning, his flood of emotion spent, Shane was sitting up and asking for
food.  Laying his head on Father Tom's chest, he mumbled, "I'm so sorry,
Father, for all this mess.  You saved my life again.  I promise to tell you
more later.  Please just know that I love you and take me home."  Although
he wondered why Shane had said he had saved him "again," Father Tom simply
held him lovingly and deferred other questions until later.  Given the
priest's promise to have Shane checked out by a physician at home, the
physician released the boy from the hospital late on Saturday.

Needless to say, their welcome on returning to Sherburne was jubilant.
Having learned the basic details of what had happened by phone, the entire
group (especially Brandon and Keanu) was greeted as heroes, and the boys
rejoiced in the return of their natural leader, Shane.  (The "cover story"
that had evolved in Quinassett was accepted by everyone other than the
young priest.  No one - not even Fr. Tom at the time - knew how close to
the truth it was.)  One problem did present itself.  Given the emotion that
had surrounded Timmy's burial, the Thanksgiving celebration, and Shane's
disappearance, NO ONE was willing for the "guests" (including, by unanimous
demand, Keanu) to return to the streets.  The "Gang of Six" had to be
expanded!  At first, additional beds were moved into a now crowded dorm.
Later, the wall at the end of the Youth Center hall would be broken through
and a large storage room on the other side transformed into a second
dormitory.  Yes, there were a few more "soup dinners," but they managed.

Over time, Shane and Fr. Tom talked at great length.  Shane had witnessed
the fire that had taken his parents' and his sister's lives.  He had tried
to save them, but he was young and the intense fire had driven him back.
The boy did have deep feelings of guilt with regard to being alive while
his immediate family was dead.  Nevertheless, he had no further part in
their demise.  Some time after the incident, Father asked the boy rather
pointedly if he had tried to commit suicide.  Shane was dumbfounded.  "No,
Father, no!" he had replied.  It seems that Chad had essentially been
correct.  The Thanksgiving celebration - as well as his short, intimate
contacts with Sister Superior and Fr. Tom - had rekindled an irresistible
longing for the love and protection of family.  (Besides, he feared that
Fr. Tom had to "hate him" after their sexual encounter.)  When he had hiked
and hitched rides into Quinassett, he had gone to the home of cousins only
to be thrust back into the maelstrom of pain and sickness from which he had
fled.  Specifically, he had been repeatedly raped by several men at his
cousins' shack who, he assumed later, dumped and left him to die in the
burned-out ruins of his old home.  He had no idea of how long he had been
there.  Fortunately, he had been discovered before the results were fatal.
The discussions about Shane's sexuality were more far-reaching and will be
introduced as the story progresses.  (Besides, for the time being, Shane
was far too busy learning how to serve at the altar with his beloved hero!)

(A Time of Growth and Happiness)

Life moves on - and even the most powerful emotions fade.  "The Gang" (the
new term for the old "Gang of Six") soon found itself the special project
of the good sisters, especially of Sister Superior.  Experienced teachers
all, they took on the task of thoroughly evaluating the academic and
religious condition of the youths who, only shortly before, had been
homeless or living at home under the most difficult of conditions.  As
Sister Superior said tersely to one of her colleagues, "Give them the tools
to become all that God intended them to be!"  Where there was a linguistic
weakness, it was charted and remediation undertaken; where there were gaps
in their knowledge of the history, science, and mathematics appropriate to
their age levels, they were charted and remediation undertaken.  And where
a First Communion had been missed (in a few instances) or where the boy had
not been Confirmed (more frequently), instruction was begun.

Although a handful of parents was involved, this was not a parish where a
full high school education, let alone higher education, was the rule.
Hence, the burden fell most heavily on the Sisters who, as we know, were
each responsible for a parochial school class that might number up to 45
children.  Knowing teenagers, especially teenaged males, one might think
that some of the crew would have rather quickly found their way back to the
relative "freedom" of the streets, but this simply didn't happen.  In
truth, the boys blossomed and generally responded to the Sisters' efforts
with gratitude and extraordinary effort.  In a relatively short time, a
wondrous relationship developed - a relationship of mutual trust, effort,
and appreciation.  Sister Superior remembered one day when Tim - one of the
new boys in the Gang - came to her office and quietly suggested that the
classes be moved on a rotating basis to the school's one extra classroom.
That, he explained, would allow the boys to paint the classrooms, one after
another, after which time they would tackle the chapel, the halls, and
supporting rooms.  However crumbling its structure, the "new" parochial
school soon looked better than it had in years!  Sister Phillipa who had
labored for years to provide a few hours of physical education per week
provided another case in point.  She soon found that a small band of the
more athletic teens under the direction of Mel (whom they referred to as
"Coach") rapidly allowed her to expand her efforts.  Needless to say, the
school children reveled in their new activities - as did the teens.  It was
Shane, however, who initiated an activity that was to have some startling
results.  (As did all the staff at St. Patrick's, every effort was made not
to show favoritism, as difficult as that proved at times.  In all honesty,
no one had to try harder than Sister Superior, for had she had a son, she
would have wanted him to be exactly like the handsome young redhead who had
so entwined himself in all their hearts.)

On Monday, the first day of December, Shane came to Sister Superior at
lunchtime and very shyly asked if she had a moment.  "Of course, Shane,"
she replied, having to exert her full powers to keep from smiling warmly.
"Sister Superior, when I was a little kid - in first grade, I think - we
had a really 'fun' Christmas event at our parish.  I think it was called
'Lessons and Carols'.  Each grade sang a Christmas carol, and older kids
read parts of the Christmas story from the Bible.  There was even a little
play.  Everybody loved it - the parents and the kids.  I remember how happy
I was when my father and mother told me how great I was..." Shane paused, a
cloud passing across his face.  Sister Superior, throwing her reputation to
the winds, smiled softly and said, "Yes, Shane, I'm sure they were so very
proud of you - just as we are here at St. Patrick's."  At that, the redhead
relaxed, grinned, and continued.  "Sister Superior, is there any chance we
could do something like that this year?  I understand from Keanu that each
class is already learning a new carol.  I'd be willing to help organize
things...you know, get some readers from the Gang - and even help Sister
Theresa with the first graders...if she'd let me.  I've even written a
simple little play."  "Thank you, Shane, that's a wonderful idea, though
it's rather late to begin planning.  Let me speak to the Sisters this
afternoon.  Why don't you come over to the Convent after supper?  One of
the Sisters will greet you at the door and bring you to my office.  Is that
agreeable?"  "Oh, yeah...I mean yes, Sister Superior!  Thank you!  See you
after supper."

Promptly after supper - well, as soon as he had finished a second helping
of ice cream - Shane appeared at the convent where he was greeted at the
door by a smiling Sister Theresa.  "Good evening, Shane." she said.  "I
understand you've been talking with Sister Superior about something very
exciting," "Um..." Shane fumbled, "Thank you Sister."  "Come right this
way, Shane.  Sister Superior is waiting for us."

"Good evening, Shane," Sister Superior greeted him kindly.  "Would you mind
if Sister Theresa joined our conversation?  She is very interested in your
proposal."  "No...no.  That's great!"  Shane exclaimed, smiling at both
nuns.  "Let me tell you what the Sisters - and Father Burke - had to say
this afternoon, and then some decisions will have to be made.  All of us
think it is a splendid idea.  (Shane grinned widely.)  Unfortunately, all
of us are absolutely stretched to the limit, especially with Christmas
approaching.  (Shane's smile faded.)  We do see one possibility for making
it happen this year..  If you are willing to serve as 'Coordinator of the
First St.  Patrick's Lessons and Carols Program,' working with Sister
Theresa as your Advisor, we are willing to move ahead."  Shane jumped to
his feet with a shout of "Yeah!  Great!" before lapsing into a guilty grin,
slumping back into his chair, and mumbling, "Sorry, Sisters."  "'Yeah,
Great' will do in this situation," Sister Superior said calmly.  "However,
you must be clear about what is involved.  Working closely with Sister
Theresa, you must arrange for readers - and make sure they know what
they're doing.  At least four of the ten readers must come from the seventh
and eighth grades.  You must prepare a program that can be duplicated for
parents and others who may attend the performance - a performance, by the
way, which MUST take place on the afternoon of Sunday, December fourteenth.
That's only two weeks away, Shane!  You must also work with Sister Theresa
and Father Burke on publicity.  Finally, Sister Theresa tells me that she
would be delighted if you would join her in working with her first graders.
Now, young man, be honest with me.  That's a terrible workload, and there's
so little time to do it well.  Are you absolutely sure you want to accept
this responsibility?"  Needless to say, the boy was so beside himself that
he almost had to be carried from the room.  "Oh, yes, Sisters.  I ACCEPT -
and there's NO WAY that I will let you down!"  "We believe that, Shane.
Very well, let's do it!"  Sister Superior exclaimed.

As Sister Theresa showed the still trembling boy to the door, he asked her,
"Sister, which carol is the first grade learning?"  "Oh," she answered,
'Little Gray Donkey'...you know, the carol about the donkey that Mary rode
to the manger."  "Sister Theresa," Shane exclaimed in high excitement, "you
don't know how GREAT that is!  I'll have something exciting to show you
tomorrow."  "Wonderful, Shane," Sister responded.  "See you then!"  As the
two nuns passed in the hall as they returned to their evening duties, they
smiled fondly.  No, he wouldn't let them down - nor would they, him.

The next two weeks were one big blur - as well as the most rewarding
experience thus far in Shane McGuire's young life.  The part-time secretary
in the Church office sent pro forma invitations to the usual dignitaries
who were always invited to major events at St. Patrick's - the Bishop, the
Mayor of Sherburne, the various County commissioners, the Director of the
one big mill that was still operating, the Editor of the Eastern
Connecticut Times...people like that.  (No one particularly expected them
to accept, but they had to be asked.)  The "Lessons and Carols" program was
announced in Church at Sunday Mass on the seventh; Sister Superior
announced it to the children and had them take invitations home to their
parents.  Mr. Rafferty made sure that the Hall lights were in good
operating order and arranged for the "good piano" to be moved onto the
stage for practices.  After the readers - and Bible readings from the
Nativity story - were identified, Shane worked with them almost daily - and
the first graders saw him so often that they almost accepted him as an
extra member of their class!

During this entire period, Shane continued receiving instruction from
Fr. Tom on serving at the Mass, as well as keeping up with his remedial
work in subjects where his life on the streets had caused him to fall
behind.  Only two "surprises" threw him a bit off stride.  Mrs. Murphy
reminded him that light refreshments were usually served after such events.
When (in some confusion) he confessed that he hadn't thought of that, she
told him smilingly to leave that problem in her hands.  Secondly, Fr. Tom
told him that the Bishop had not only ACCEPTED their invitation, but had
indicated that he wanted to see the Youth Center!  When Father saw the
tears that crept into the young man's tired eyes, he sat down and talked
with him for a few minutes about the need for an administrator to delegate
responsibility.  "How about checking with Mel?" he suggested. "See if he
can work up a little demonstration in the exercise room.  You might also
see Brandon and ask him if he will oversee getting the dormitory into good
order and be ready to tell the Bishop about what we're doing.  If they need
help, tell them to see me."  Shane managed a weak grin and a weary, "Thank
you, Father."  On Tuesday of the second week, Fr. Tom found him sound
asleep in one of the chairs in the sitting room of the rectory as he waited
to see him.  Waking the boy, Fr. Tom said, "Ok, Big Guy, we've got to go
downtown.  Come along!"  Soon the redhead found himself standing inside the
last clothing store left open in town.  "We can't have our Coordinator
wearing hand-me-downs.  Besides, you're growing like a weed!"  Shane
couldn't quite believe the way he looked as he stood in front of the
full-length mirror in a sports coat, slacks, a white shirt (with a tie!),
and shiny shoes - the first NEW clothes he ever remembered wearing!
Despite his age and the presence of others in the store, the handsome youth
couldn't help burying his head in Father's chest.  "Careful, boyo," his
hero growled as he held him close.  "Can't get those new clothes all wet!"
Shane only looked up at him through his tears and grinned.  Milkshakes at
the soda fountain in the drug store next door sent them both back to
St. Patrick's wreathed in smiles.

As every reader will guess, the inaugural "St. Patrick's Lessons and Carols
Program" was a resounding success.  The Bishop came early to inspect the
Youth Center about which he had heard so much.  In the spotless exercise
room, he was greeted by Mel, Keanu, and four of their best athletes, all
clad in brand new white gym shorts, T-shirts, and socks.  (That's not quite
correct: Keanu had "ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH - Sherburne, Conn." printed in
Kelly green on his shirt, and Mel's shirt was Kelly green with the same
lettering in white.)  The six young lads put on a sterling, five-minute
gymnastic exhibition for the Bishop that brought applause from all the
spectators.  Brandon welcomed the Bishop to the dormitory on behalf of the
boys and told him a bit about their life at St. Patrick's, including their
remedial classes and their efforts to support the parish.  "Rather crowded
for twelve of you, isn't it?" Bishop Kelly asked, looking around.  "Yeah,
Bishop," Brandon answered, "but we manage.  It's home.  Besides, when we
have the money, we're going to push though the wall at the end of the hall.
There's a really big storeroom on the other side that we'll turn into a
second dorm."  Bishop Kelly nodded appreciatively, shook hands with Brandon
and Mel, and blessed each of the young men before departing.  Grinning
widely, Fr. Tom winked at his boys as he hurried out.

The enormous old church was at least half full of buzzing parents,
siblings, relatives, school children and their teachers, and staff - not to
ignore other guests and "The Gang" - as the Bishop and his small entourage
entered and were guided to their seats by Fr. Tom.  The audience rose
respectfully and stood until the Bishop was seated.  Sister Superior, as
the Principal of St. Patrick's School, warmly welcomed the large crowd.
Almost immediately, she introduced the young man who had suggested the new
program and, she asserted proudly, had spent countless hours working to
bring it about.  To the audience's applause - especially enthusiastic from
the forty or so first graders - Shane strode to the front of the sanctuary.
More confidently than he felt, the redhead thanked Sister Superior, again
welcomed everyone to the School's Christmas Program, and briefly described
its simple format.  A lovely young girl from the eighth grade in a simple
black robe then rose from the choir stalls, walked to the lectern, and read
the first Nativity selection from Scripture.  The kindergarten came forward
with their teacher and with piano accompaniment sang a charming little
carol.  Teacher, reader, and children stood together at its close, reveling
in the enthusiastic applause from the audience.  It was time for the first
grade's presentation.  Shane noticed a slight panic back in the choir
stalls.  (He later discovered that the stage manager could not find the
adult choir robe that they had brought for Mel.)  Undaunted, the hunky
blond strode forward to the lectern in his gym attire and read his short
lesson...flawlessly.  (Shane exhaled with relief.  He couldn't remember how
many times he had worked through the selection with Mel!)  Sister Theresa
and the first graders then took center stage - with one slight change.  In
front of the large class, a handful of simply costumed children created a
small manager scene.  As the class sang the "Little Gray Donkey" (about the
donkey on which Mary rode to the manger), the group in front pantomimed the
action.  All went well, until the two parts of the little donkey began
moving in slightly different directions and collapsed dramatically on the
stage.  Though it was suppressed admirably, a wave of laughter rippled
through the church.  At the close of their memorable performance, Sister
Theresa, Mel and, above all, the children insisted that Shane join them.
Together they stood grinning as they enjoyed the standing ovation from the
audience.  And so it went - a truly delightful evening.

In the Church Hall at the close of the Program, the two parts of the little
donkey seemed determined not to let Shane and Mel (who had found a pair of
long pants back in the dorm!) out of their sight.  Shane was fully
convinced that every parent in the parish had tried to shake his hand off
and yearned (kind of) to retreat into the Youth Center.  Most excited of
all, of course, were the children.  On every side he could hear them asking
their parents if they had heard them sing - or if they had REALLY done that
well.  Suddenly, he knew that all the work had been worth it.

At long last, Fr. Tom escorted the Bishop out to his limousine parked at
the side of the rectory.  Following some minutes of conversation, the
cleric had asked if he might speak with Shane privately for a moment.  As
the boy approached, Father stepped back onto the dark porch.  When the
Bishop stretched out of his hand, the boy genuflected and kissed his ring.
When he rose, the Bishop put his hands on the boy's shoulders and spoke
with him seriously for some time.  After blessing him, he stepped into the
limousine and departed to the redhead's waves.  As the jubilant youngster
almost skipped back towards the Youth Center, Fr. Tom reentered the
rectory, his feelings those of sadness and pride commingled.

Holding a drop of whiskey up against the light, he grinned.  Before he had
departed, the Bishop had told him to have the new dormitory room
constructed and to send the bill to the Bursar at the Diocese.  He also
suggested the food bill for his "teen beasts" must be unbalancing the
parish's budget.  The monthly tabs could also be sent to the Bursar for the
next year.  Finally, he gave permission to the parish to hire one new
teacher.  As long as he or she was skilled in remedial work and could work
well with homeless youth, Sister Superior might do the hiring.  "AH, that's
good!" he grunted as he sipped the whiskey.  "Not as good as having Shane
in my arms, but it's good."  With that bittersweet thought, Father Tom took
himself upstairs to bed.


(To Be Continued)