The Gathering by William X. Kienzle Page B

Academy.”
    “I think,” June McMann spoke out, “we’ve forgotten something: The nuns are all qualified teachers. And I don’t think there’s another parish school in the archdiocese that doesn’t have nuns as teachers.”
    “Lucy’s right,” Nat McMann said. “It was nice having the Brothers … but not essential. As for segregated classes, well, what can you say? It was a noble experiment.
    “Sure it seemed to work for us. But what do we know? The priests who run our parish— and even more so the guys downtown who are in charge of education for this archdiocese—they’re the ones who made the decision. And I think it was rightfully their call.”
    Nat and June had discussed all this prior to this meeting and had agreed that they would try to swing the scales in favor of having Mike—following Manny—stay in Redeemer for that problematic eighth grade.
    They felt sure that as Mike went, so would Rose go.
    The McManns knew they themselves could not afford the tuition for any given private Catholic school. No matter how insistent their Alice was certain to be, the money just wasn’t there.
    They knew that the Smiths would be similarly strapped if both Mike and Rose were to be enrolled in a private—as opposed to a parochial or a parish—school.
    “Nat’s right,” Lucy said brightly. “With or without the Brothers—even with or without the segregated classes—it’s still a good school. And the tuition is reasonable. I say we enroll Mike in the eighth grade at Redeemer. And, frosting on the cake, he stays with his buddy.”
    “It’s
your
daughter,” June observed. “I don’t think Nat and I need vote on it. But since our Alice will insist on accompanying Rose, I think you ought to know that I”— she stole a glance at her husband—“and I’m sure Nat goes along—
we
think Mike should stay at Redeemer.”
    Henry looked from one to another. Each face had an “affirmative” expression.
    “That does it, then,” Henry said.
    “Now,” Lucy said, “we come to the much more tangled situation of the girls. For them, it’s not a matter of a single year. Rose and Alice face attending high school for all those years … wanting to become religious, but having to cope with all those distractions …”
    “You mean boys?” June almost giggled as she identified
the
“distraction.”
    “Well … yes.” Lucy’s tone made it clear that she didn’t think it was all that funny.
    “If you don’t mind,” June said soberly, “Alice and I have been talking about this. We considered the various possibilities. Now, I don’t want you to think that we anticipated what all of us as parents would decide. But high on the list … well, we thought you might agree that Mike should be at Redeemer with his friend for this scholastic year. And now we all seem to have reached that consensus …”
    “Did you and Alice,” Nat said with some affront, “come up with a solution for her and Rose too?” This was the first he had heard of the tête-à-tête between wife and daughter; he was piqued that he had not been consulted.
    “We think we did. But only if it was decided that Mike attend Redeemer this year. Which”—she looked at the Smiths—“is what you have decided.
    “Incidentally, dear,” she addressed her husband, “Alice and I didn’t mean to leave you out. It just started as girl talk and eventually got more serious—”
    “Well,” Henry interjected, “let us in on what you and Alice concluded. We sure could use another consensus right about now.”
    “Immaculata,” June said.
    “Isn’t that the girls’ school out near Marygrove?” Lucy asked.
    “Never heard of it!” Nat was still in a minor pout.
    “Well, I have,” Henry Smith said firmly. “I just can’t think of why it slipped my mind.”
    “Is it or isn’t it near Marygrove?” Lucy pressed.
    “It’s on the campus.” June warmed to what she sensed would be quick approval. “Right on the Marygrove