Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/116

 white veils, and the smile of his priest when he told him he had chosen the name Michael for his Saint's name.

"So Michael's your favorite Saint? He was a good Saint, Gaylord, and you've chosen my favorite too."

How tenderly the wafer had been placed on his tongue; how warm the host had felt, as he thought all the time of Jesus, his sufferings.

I should go to church, he now thought. Why, I haven't been in months. Even if Mother and Dad don't go I'm going to start going again … everyone should … makes you feel good … it's good for you too.

Gaylord pulled at his shirt. He wished Rogers would come. Somewhere a sparrow chirped and the tongue of the Catholic school bell tolled solemnly across the street. The door opened and closed and Joy Clay came up to him. Her cheeks were rosy and her lips smiled when she saw him.

"Hi, Gay," she said brightly. "Mother packed me a wonderful lunch today … want to join?"

He stood twisting his toe inside his shoe. It took all his courage to answer. "I'd love to, Joy, but I promised Glenn I'd have lunch with him. He should be along any minute."

"Glenn?" she asked, puzzled. "Oh, Glenn; I know … the new kid. Cute, isn't he?"

He held his head down a little. He did agree with her but should he say so? He was glad she didn't give him a chance to answer. She said, "I'm sorry you can't have lunch with, me, Gay. Maybe some other time."

"Thanks, Joy …"

"I'll see you … bye … come over some evening, Gay. You haven't been over to my house for such a long time."

"I'd love to."

Gaylord's eyes kept going up and down. He was uneasy and bashful without knowing why. Maybe it was the bright sunshine … maybe it was Joy … maybe it was his secret about Blake that made his ears burn … surely Blake hadn't told her. Still, she was his girl, and boys do tell funny things to their girls. She was sweet, sort of 106