the_enclave

This story is a work of fiction intended for adults only.

Author Tangerine reserves all copyrights. No part of this story may appear in any form at
any venue which requires payment to access it.

THE ENCLAVE

PROLOGUE

Ruth sighed quietly to herself as the kids chattered incessantly in the backseat of the
Taurus. Kim, her 11-year-old daughter was exercising as much patience as was possible with
the shenanigans of Danny, her 10-year-old brother. Little Dee, only 6, was constantly
switching sides in the petty sibling war of words and backseat turf. Ruth tried her best to
block out the commotion.

It hadn’t been easy since the split with her husband after his dalliance with a younger
woman came to light…and although she had resisted divorce for the sake of the kids, Sam's
verbal and physical abuse grew more threatening, to the point that divorce was a necessity.

During her divorce, she retained the services of a female attorney who had gotten her a
decent one-time settlement and a small monthly income. Now it was time to restart her life
and that was why she was driving through Central America on her way to an Island off the
coast of Venezuela.

She had first heard about the ENCLAVE from May, her attorney. At first she was frightened
by the idea of uprooting herself and her children and creating from scratch a new life in a
strange place--and the place where she was heading with her kids was a strange, strange
place indeed. At first she couldn’t quite believe what May was telling her, then she was
appalled. But as the two got closer through the course of the divorce proceedings, she
began to open to the idea and accepted an invitation from May to visit the ENCLAVE for a
day. Although she felt sure that the women there may have been hiding some things from
her, she liked the rustic comfort of the place and the philosophy behind it all tickled it’s
way into her brain.

As night neared and the kids grew increasingly restless, she pulled the Taurus off the
narrow highway and found a small motel. With her best High School Spanish, she rented a
room. Kim helped her move in the luggage while little Dee hung on to her mother’s leg,
groggy from the long drive. Danny, on the other hand, ran straight for the swimming
pool--but finding it half empty of water and filthy, ran into the room bumping past Ruth and
cursing. Ruth saw a glimpse of her ex-husband at his worse in her young son, and the
thought made her cringe. She steeled herself against disciplining him, knowing it would do
no good. And she sighed with near contentment that she had made the right decision in
moving her brood to the ENCLAVE.

After the kids had bathed and gone to bed, Danny whining as usual, Ruth stepped outside
into the warm evening and lit a cigarette. In the peace and quiet of this little Central
American town, she remembered her first visit to the ENCLAVE.

PART ONE

She had arrived about mid morning and was greeted at the pier by a striking woman in her
early thirties who introduced herself as Ann.

“You must be Ruth. I’ve been expecting you.”

“Thank you, I’ve been looking forward to this visit.”

Ann took Ruth by the arm and the two walked slowly to the reception area, chatting like
old friends about the flight and the boat ride. Ann invited Ruth to sit across from her at a
picnic table near the docks, then sat herself and spoke.

“I understand our May was responsible for bringing you to us.”

“Yes. She was my attorney in my divorce, and we became pretty close friends before it was
over.”

“May is a great woman. What has she told you about us?”

“Well,” Ruth hesitated a moment, “she told me the ENCLAVE is a refuge for women who
have been undervalued…a place to restore self-esteem.”

Ann smiled.

“She described it wonderfully as a commune of women--some mothers, some not--who share
everything and live to build each other up in celebration of femininity.”

Ann smiled again. “May always had a way with words. May I ask you a few questions?”

“Of course.” Ruth was relieved the interview had gone from essay questions to a simple
quiz.

“I understand you have three children…can you tell me about them?”

“My Kim is the oldest…eleven and a few months. She’s a sweet child, very loving and well
behaved…a little shy and unsure of herself. I guess that’s what happens to little girls.”

“In the old world, certainly. But not here!” Ann interrupted.

Ruth smiled. “I think the divorce has hurt her. She is angry at her father, but still loves him
and wishes things were back to normal.”

“She just doesn’t yet understand the nature of the male of the species yet…give her time,
and she will be fine here.”

“I hope so.” Ruth smiled quietly. “Danny is my middle child. He’s ten.”

Ann interrupted. “We’ll talk about him in a moment…what about your other child, another
girl?”

“Dee is six. A sweetheart. Loves puppies and all kinds of animals. Smart as a whip.”

“She sounds wonderful. Six is such a good age to begin a life here. Open to all sorts of
new things, not yet beaten down by the old world's foolish notions. I hope very much to
meet her.”

Ruth felt from Ann the same warmth and self-confident glow that emanated from her friend
May, and she grew to like this woman.

“OK, now tell me about the boy.”

“Danny is very much like my ex-husband…even looks like him. That can be charming at
times, but he also has his dad’s temper and irritability. It’s not that he’s a bad boy, but he
seems to have no sense that what he does hurts people’s feelings. I try to discipline him,
but he just laughs at me. It’s very frustrating, but I do love him. I am not quite sure what to
do with him.”

Ann looked silently at Ruth until she finished her bit about Danny. “Ruth, do you realize you
have spent more time telling me about the boy than you have telling me about your two
daughters combined?”

Ruth blushed a bit. “Yes, I suppose I have.”

“Is it any wonder Kim seems a little left out of life? We don’t want the same to happen to
Dee, do we?”

Ruth thought long about how to answer, trying to defend herself, but finally admitted that
she did not want her daughter's to feel left out of life and her affections.

Ann continued. “As for the boy, should you decide to come to us, you may bring him or
leave him with his father as you wish. If you leave him with his father, he will, of course
only mature into the same kind of man. If you bring him to us, he will learn a new way of
thinking and in the end will be quite content here.”

Ruth sat quietly, considering for the first time that her kids may not all come with her.

Ann interjected, "I have to tell you, though, that if you decide to bring him...well, that's not a
decision easily undone. I hope you understand that."

Ruth nodded.

“As for the girls, everything here is designed to bring out their talents and personalities.
Should you decide to come here, I can guarantee you they will love it. The school is
magnificent, the athletics and play facilities are top notch…everything is geared for their
happiness.”

“I must admit, it sounds wonderful, and the place is gorgeous!”

“Let’s have some lunch…are you hungry?”

“Famished.”

The two walked together from the docks, down a small residential lane. Each small cabin
was fitted with an electricity-generating windmill and on each roof and many of the upper
vertical facings were photo-voltaic cells to harness the abundant sunlight.

They stopped at an unoccupied cabin and peeked inside briefly. Ann pointed out the
general layout...each cabin was similar. In the front, a family common room, to the side, an
eat-in kitchen. Behind the common room was a single bathroom and a short hallway which
led to one to three bedrooms. Ruth saw that they were simple, modestly-sized, but
comfortable.

Ann led her around to the back and showed her the outdoor shower room and adjoining
open-air jacuzzi-style tub. She explained that this was the standard arrangement, but that
an option was a combination shower-room and sauna. Ruth gasped briefly as a small lizard
darted up the outside wall of the shower.

Ann laughed softly. "You'll get used to them. They are harmless, and help keep down the
insect population." She then pointed out the photo-voltaic cells on the awning which
partially sheltered the bathing area and the small shed which contained the utilites for the
cabin.

"There is enough electricity generated on-site to assist the solar collectors in heating water,
to operate the lights, ceiling fans, refridgerator and the de-humidifier. Even though this is
the tropics, the construction and arrangment of the cabins is designed to keep things cool.
Yes...it's a bit warmer inside than you may be used to, but everybody acclimates."

"Beyond that, you may have to make choices. Do I use the mcrowave or the hairdryer? It's
pretty simple, and nobody lacks power if they plan things decently. We don't have a central
grid for the residences. So it's learning to live with that...but...no powerlines and ugly cables."

"You know, I hadn't even noticed. Very nice" Ruth commented.

Just at the end of the lane, there was a square. On the side of the square facing the docks
were the administrative buildings. Around the square to the right after a left turn was the
school. Opposite the school, a short road led to what was clearly a recreation area. Ruth
could see a large swimming area beyond it a stable with a riding track.

Another left turn took them to a street set aside for common buildings. A theatre/meeting
hall, two churches, an a small number of smaller buildings. Running perpendicular to this
side of the square was a road which led into what looked like a smaller adminstrative area,
beyond which Ruth could see more cabins.

Another left turn led to a street devoted to eateries and small businesses. Ruth noticed a
bookstore, a video rental outlet, an internet shop and some other places. The road leading
off this side went into the mountains and seemed to have its own flavor.

The entire tour had been rather easily walked and Ruth was impressed by the spaciousness
built into the convenience of this 'downtown' area.

Finally Ann led her down a small lane into the interior of the square. It was a lovely garden
and playground flanked by two buildings. One was a greenhouse, the other a community
dining hall. Ann took her by the hand and led her inside.

The first thing Ruth noticed about the dining room was its beautiful, yet simple décor. The
next thing she noticed were the small groups of women sitting around large tables made
for 6 or 8 people. Scurrying from table to table were several young male waiters giving
impeccable service. The women were dressed in a variety of garbs from simple street wear,
to bathing suits, to long robes. The waiters were uniformed in simple cotton robes which
came down to their knees.

“Ruth, this is the communal dining hall. Most of us like to eat here at least once or twice a
day, but in all the cabins is a kitchen should you decide to dine in. If you like such things,
you are free to cook here for as many as you like, but the cooks are well-trained and do
their best to satisfy.”

“Sounds WON-derful!”

“Of course, the menu is small, but varied. Today we have two choices of salad, fresh fruit,
and a choice of Swedish meatballs, Thai chicken, or vegetable lasagna. What sounds
good?”

Ruth ordered the Thai chicken and a green salad. The waiters were quiet and unobtrusive
and the meal was a delight. Several of the women present made a point of stopping by the
table and introducing themselves…a more beautiful and pleasant group of women she had
rarely seen.

After lunch, Ann led Ruth to the recreation area. There was an Olympic sized pool, several
smaller pools and hot tubs, an exercise room, tennis courts, volleyball, several ping pong
tables and beyond she caught a glimpse of a stable and some horses.

“Oh my! The girls will love the horses!” Ruth giggled.

Ann led Ruth inside a pavilion adjacent to the recreation areaand showed her the theatre,
the bowling lanes, the dance studio and musical rehearsal rooms. Ruth was astounded at
the wealth, yet simplicity of the place.

“I suppose you want to see the school now?”

“Of course.”

“Ruth, I feel I must tell you that this is the part of the tour that…well…concerns most new
visitors at first. You must promise me that if you have any reservations or questions that you
will discuss them with me openly, ok?”

Ruth looked at her slightly puzzled, but agreed.

After a short return to the school, a cluster of small, simple buildingsand one large one. As
Ann led her though the courtyard, Ruth peeked into several of the classrooms. Bright and
colorful, each was clean and buzzed with excited activity. The girls seemed eager to learn
from a glance. In the last couple of classrooms she noticed standing politely by the
teacher’s desk three boys of various ages, all dressed in the same short robes she had seen
the waiters wearing at the dining room. The girls were in street clothes, including some of
the latest youth fashions from Europe and the States. Ann led Ruth into the headmistress’s
office, and after a brief wait while the headmistress organized her papers, Ruth sat down
opposite her desk with Ann seated to her right.

“I’m very pleased to meet you, Ruth. My friend May spoke very highly of you.” smiled the
headmistress. “My name is Bette, and I came here a little less than a year ago, a little
bewildered as you must be.”

Ruth smiled. “Yes, it’s all very nice…much nicer than I expected, in fact.”

“We take great pride in our home and strive to make it the best place to live we can.” She
suddenly took on a more earnest look. “Ruth, I need to tell you a little bit about how the
ENCLAVE operates. The more you know now, the easier it will be for you to decide it we
are right for you. Leaving everything you’ve ever known is a scary step to make, and to come
into a place whose very existence is based on a philosophy quite different from any you may
have encountered in the past is a scary thought…I well remember.”

“You are quite right, but I have had many conversations with May about the ENCLAVE, and
how I and the children might fit in here. If I wasn’t at least intrigued with the idea, I
wouldn’t have come here at all.”

Bette smiled. “I will tell you how the school operates, I will leave the other details to Ann
and the ENCLAVE councel.”

“In our schools, like schools everywhere, we strive to instill the values and skills necessary
for a happy life in the society we are trying to build together. Each has a role in that
society, and the sooner one discovers one’s place, the sooner happiness can come. Of
course, we recognize that many of our students may wish to return to the outside society,
and as such, we strive to inculcate in them the values and skills they will need to make
successful lives outside our little oasis of reason. Ours is, to put it frankly, a revolutionary
work. Our goal is to overcome the evils of the past…man-made wars, famine, disease, the
subjugation of natural leadership and the replacement of that natural leadership with
artificial government and twisted role-playing. Instead we wish to reinvent a society with a
different model of the place each individual holds within it. We wish to reinstall the natural
and collaborative leadership of women. We wish to dignify the better aspects of the feminine
gender and the school exists to bring this dream to reality.” Bette paused and smiled. “How
does all this sound to you?”

“It all sounds fascinating.”

“Ruth, here your girls will receive the finest education available anywhere. I am quite sure
they will be very happy.”

“And what about Danny?”

Bette retrieved a page from the small stack of papers before her.

"The boy is a C-student?"

"Yes. He's bright, but unmotivated. And the divorce has kept him pre-occupied. His counsilor
thinks he can do better."

Bette sat silently for a moment. "I think we will go ahead and enroll him, if that is your
wish. In our little society, we strive to eliminate the temptation of power and greed from the
young male in order that he may better fit in to our society and into the world we wish to
create. Most of our mother’s prefer the boy is at least able to read and write and do basic
math...if that is your wish, we will honor it. Some prefer a more extensive education, and as
long as Danny behaves in an appropriate manner, shows some aptitude, and thus earns the
privilege, all available help will be given to you to further his education. Why are you
smiling, Ruth?”

“It’s nothing…it's just that nobody has ever used the name Danny and the word ‘behave’ in
the same sentence.”

Bette chuckled, “You see? He’s already a little corrupted. But it’s almost certainly not too
late for him. I think he will fit in nicely, should you decide to bring him.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it…if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

As Ann and Ruth left the office, the girls were pouring out of the classrooms, laughing and
running to the playgrounds. The boys, much fewer in number, stood by silently. Some
handed out playground equipment, others just stood and watched. They seemed more
subdued, calmer, more content even than her Danny did…and certainly more polite.

The next visit was to the council headquarters. The temporary head councilwoman was a
neat grandmotherly type who explained that her application had to be accepted by the
council and by referedum. If she were accepted, she and her family would be assigned a
resident counselor with whom they would live for a time, and would be responsible for
leading her into her new life. After that, they would be given a freshly built cabin.

"Ruth, " the councilwoman continued, "There are some things you need to know about how
the ENCLAVE operates in a way that is sustainable. First, everybody who comes here must
bring either capital or a specialized skill which will benefit our work. I don't see anything in
your resume that indicates you have such a skill.

Ruth blushed slightly.

"Not to worry. We're talking about professions...doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers. We have
some of all of those who didn't recieve invitations on those merits because we simply didn't
need that expertise at the time. Your value here will be determined by you...not what you
can do.

Ruth relaxed visibly.

"But, we cannot sustain this work without a commitment--and I mean in your case, a
financial commitment--to it. In black and white terms...what you will recieve if you are
accepted is a comfortable place to live, a high-quality education for your children, coninued
education for yourself, and the company, oppurtunity and sisterhood of our people." She
stopped and scribbled on a piece of paper, scooting it across the desk to Ruth. "Does this
sound like something you can commit too?"

Ruth took the paper. The sum written on it was lower than she might have presumed...quite
a bit lower. "I have to tell you, this is not as much as I'd feared. I'd be happy to commit to
this."

The woman smiled. "The second thing I need to talk with you about is what you want to do
for work. In black and white terms, just as it is anywhere, you need to have something to do
to provide your family with the basics of life. Food here is cheap. We don't have a lot of
luxuries. We try as best we can to be self-sufficient. But we don't use 'foreign' money here
as individuals. If I told you what an hour's pay is, you'd go screaming out the door...but if I
told you that a 20-hour work week would earn you more than enough to feed your family,
enjoy unfettered access to community entertainment and recreation, and enable you many
small comforts you would have a better understanding of our life here."

"You've seen a few businesses today on your walk, yes? I can tell you that none of them are
'for profit'. All of the outlay required to open those businesses was provided by our collective
because we determined we wanted such an establishment. The business managers are
women who came to us with that experience, or developed that capability while here. An
average meal for four at one of our little cafes would cost you what you earn in a half hour
working. Can McDonalds say the same?" she smiled.

"No." Ruth replied, laughing softly.

"Ruth, as best I can explain it shortly, we are a third-world socialist economy without the
hunger and inequality. We're like those long-vanished small towns in the US...the pay is low,
but so is the cost of living. We don't have everything, but we have everything we need. The
business aren't open 24/7, but everybody from manager to worker has time to pursue
happiness instead of money."

Ruth found herself charmed and inspired.

"What do you think you'd like to do when you come here? Do you see yourself as a
business-woman? A craftswomen? A worker?"

Ruth thoughtfully answered, "I like to garden, and I'm quite good at it. I am also a decent
painter and artist, but I don't expect I could make a living at it."

"If a gardening position is not available, would you be willing to take other work?"

"Yes."

"Regardless of whether you make your living at it, we encourage you to spend your free-time
engaging in any pursuit that brings you pleasure and happiness. Many of us garden on our
own lots. We also have a small common garden for both vegetables and flowers run by a
collective. I am sure you would be quite happy working with them. As for art? No...I think
we are too small a town to support artists full-time, but you mustn't let that stop you from
pursuing it for art's sake. There are several women and girls here who barter thier creations
for something they value."

Smiles all around.

"Well, I think we are finished here unless you have questions?"

"I'll have thousands later, I'm sure."

"Then the next thing I should tell you is that there is a membership meeting scheduled in
three weeks. Ann here is to be your advocate. We have a good report from May. I cannot
say for certain, but I don't foresee a problem. I recommend you return home and at least
begin preparations. The new school term will be starting shortly after you would be arriving."

"It was very nice to meet you, Ruth. The very best of luck to you."

Part One B

Ruth had thought often about that day in the ENCLAVE and had confided in May her fears
and apprehensions. The notice of acceptance from the council But with May’s help, she had
overcome her reservations, and now with increasing gladness, she looked forward to the time
she and the kids would arrive.

She flicked her cigarette butt into the dimly lit parking lot, and went inside to an exhausted
sleep.

The next morning, she took the bags and the kids and turned in the rental car to board a
bus which would take them to a sea side village. Kim and Dee delighted in the unusual
scenery. Danny, on the other hand, either moped or bothered the other passengers. He even
went so far as to make fun of an old woman seated across the aisle from him, and to taunt
the poor children who sold food and newspapers through the windows at the various stops.
Ruth was thoroughly embarrassed by his behavior, and her embarrassment turned quickly to
anger. She apologized for him to anybody who would listen, and vowed to herself that he
would never embarrass her again.

When the bus reached the village, she took a taxi to the docks and was greeted by the
same Venezuelan woman who had ferried her to the ENCLAVE at her last visit. From there
it was a two hour trip, and the kids all seemed to enjoy it, even Danny…who’s eyes bugged
at the sight of dolphins riding the wake. He could be sweet if he wanted, but her sense of
embarrassment, frustration and anger didn’t diminish.

Ann and a pre-teenage boy in the short cotton robes met them at the Pier. Ann greeted
Ruth warmly, and the exhausted mother introduced her children to Ann. Ann spoke warmly
to the girls, then told Danny to help the other boy with the bags. Danny looked at her
sharply, but the woman wouldn’t budge, so he huffed and picked up a couple of suitcases
and followed the silent slightly older boy as they all walked to the reception area.

“Why don’t we get you all settled in first.” suggested Ann. “There will be time to look around
later.”

Ruth smiled. “That is a wonderful idea. We are all exhausted.”

“Have they chosen who will be our sponsor?”

Ann smiled. “You’re looking at her!”

“Wonderful! But I hope we won’t be too much trouble.”

“Don’t be silly. I enjoy greeting new people. The kids and I have everything arranged for
you.”

Ann drove a large golf cart to a cluster of nice-sized cottages not far from the pier. “I’m
sorry, but the girls are at their swimming lesson. But Andy will help you get settled.”

Ruth recognized the name now. Andy was Ruth's boy...an attractive twelve-year-old.

“Andy, help Ruth and the girls put their things away, then have the boy help you with
lunch. Your sisters will be back soon.” Andy said, “Yes, Ma’am.” Ruth was impressed with his
politeness. She glanced at her daughter, and could clearly see Kim was impressed too...and
not just at his demeanor, but at his good looks.

Ann invited Ruth and the girls to sit at the table. Danny tried to join them, but Ann firmly
put her hand on his shoulder and told him to help Andy with the bags. Danny looked quite
perturbed…not just at the order, but at the fact it was given to him by a strange woman.
Ann firmed her grip on his shoulder, squeezing at the pressure point until Danny squirmed
away and headed in the right direction. He tried to strike up a bit of conversation with the
odd boy, but Andy didn’t speak to him other than to quietly enlist his help in getting the
bags to the proper rooms. Ruth smiled as her recalcitrant son took up a bag and followed
Andy to the girls’ rooms. She longed to be able to control him as well as Ann had…to
make him into someone she could be proud of.

Ann chattered cheerfully with the girls, asking them about their hobbies and telling them
all the things they would be able to do at the ENCLAVE. "You've certainly come at a good
time! The school is on holiday for the rest of the week...teacher's meetings and such." Then
to Ruth, "I’ve made an appointment with the girl's principal to meet your girls tomorrow
afternoon. We'll get them registered today. You and I should meet with the HeadMistress
today about Mr. Danny too.”

Ruth agreed. Andy returned to the dining area and began to lay out plates and utensils.
Danny watched him, puzzled and a bit disgusted.

Soon the voices of two girls could be heard chattering outside, and two sets of footsteps
climbing the wooden steps outside the door. The door opened and in walked two smiling,
beautiful young girls. Ann introduced her daughters who were both still damp from their
swim. Missy was the older, a pert thirteen-year-old with long dark brown ringlets and
blue-green eyes. She wore a red bikini, her tanned midriff was slender and flat. Her little
breasts were the size of half-lemons and stood high and firm behind the small red patches
of cloth. Amanda was the younger, a slender ten-year-old with shorter, straighter, lighter
hair. She wore a blue one-piece bathing suit which clung to her slender torso. Two
marshmallow lumps pushed the wet, clingy material from her slender chest. Two slim, sturdy
legs, tanned and moist, supported her pre-adolescent, almost boyish frame.

Ann made the introductions, and the girls dried themselves and sat at the table, friendly, but
a little shy. Andy went straightway to work, pouring the beverages, and laying out a platter
of cold cuts and condiments and a plate of homemade bread. Danny reached for the back
of a chair, attempting to pull it out and make room for himself, but Ann lightly gripped his
little wrist and stared him down sternly.

“Who’s the boy?” asked Missy. “And why is he dressed like a girl?” giggled Amanda,
finishing the question. All three of Ruth's kids were puzzled by that remark. After all, Danny
was dressed like any normal ten-year-old boy in the states. While the girls were quick to
join the giggling (even though they didn’t quite get the joke) Danny was strangely
embarrassed.

“Quiet now girls. We’re going to fix Mr. Danny up in a short while. Meanwhile, why don’t you
show the girls your rooms. After the meeting at school, you can take them down to the
recreation area. I understand Kim is a pretty good horseback rider.”

“Cool!” piped Amanda, obviously having found a soulmate in the love of horses.

The four girls finished lunch and retired to the back of the cabin. Kim glanced back briefly
at Andy to see if he was coming, but the boy stood quietly against the wall, his hands
politely behind his back, so she quickly caught up with the others. As the mothers talked
quietly, the sound from the girls' room became louder and less subdued. Before long, they
were giggling loudly, and the mothers smiled and relaxed.

“Andy, that was a good lunch. Well done.” Ann stated rather flatly. The boy smiled. “You and
Danny may eat now, but no talking. Miss Ruth and I are going to take Dee, Kim and the
boy for thier school meetings. You go to Mistress Rebecca's. When we get back, I will be
counting on you to help make Danny’s adjustment into our home a little easier.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Do you remember everything we talked about?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Good boy. Now you two finish up while Ruth and I wash our hands and faces.”

Ruth accompanied Ann into her room and bath. “How do you do that?” she asked.

“Do what?”

“Make your son behave so well…”Ruth giggled, “…and mine too, for that matter.”

Ann smiled. “Boys are easy. Once you understand their little minds, know what makes them
tick, learn and consistently apply the proper techniques, they’re licked. And when they know
their place, they’re happy. It’s girls that are difficult. When they misbehave, how do you
determine whether it is useful, necessary rebellion in order to practice their own self-identity
or dangerous and stubborn? You have to be very careful with girls…especially here since we
expect so much from them. But we recognize the experimentation of childhood and
adolescence as necessary, even if it is also irritating to good order.”

“I have to tell you, Ann. I am so looking forward to this and I hope all of us fit in well.”

“I have great faith you will. Girls! Take Andy over to Miss Rebecca's. We're going to the
orientation now." Ann cajoled. She took hold of Danny's collar and nudged him along.