Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/308

 of voices, filled the air. Gaylord ascended the stone steps of St. Phillip's Catholic Church. His specially tuned ear caught the clear tenor voice of a classmate. How beautiful he sang and how ugly the mouth from where the sweet tones came.

He entered the outer vestibule and dipped his fingers into the Holy Water, crossed himself, and gazed down the long vista of the center aisle where the sanctuary lamp glistened in gold and crimson comfort before the marble altar. Rays of morning sun fell through circles of stained glass, they crossed and recrossed and lay rose golden upon it. Before the shrine of St. Joseph a pyramid of candles flickered, and on the main altar were more. These stood white and straight in their gold encrusted holders with flames like twinkling stars.

The church was crowded and he was almost at the altar rail before he found a vacant seat. He would have preferred one at the rear of the church; here he felt everyone's eyes upon him. Why did he have to be so self-conscious?

Inside the pew he knelt on the foot rail, crossed himself again, bowed his head and prayed. "Our Father, who art in heaven …" The organ swelled and the voices raised and mingled with his prayers.

"Dominus vobiscum," chanted the priest.

Gaylord rose from his knees. "God be with you," he whispered.

He looked at the priest. The rays of sunlight fell and gleamed on the brocaded chasuble, heavily embroidered with silver and gold threads. He watched the altar boy, surrounded with sweet smelling half circles of smoke, and wondered if he was as bored with the whole surroundings as he seemed to be. He had never been an altar boy. The priest had asked him several times but he had been afraid. Afraid he would do something wrong or trip over the long red skirt. Deep in his heart he cursed himself for being afraid … he would have loved nothing better than being an altar boy.

"Bless my mother and father," he prayed. "Don't ever let me do anything to hurt them. Make me lose these sissy ways, please, dear God. Help me do the right things and see what's right from wrong. Please help me; give me strength and courage to face people and talk without being so bashful. Make me like Bob … make me a man … please, blessed Virgin, help me. Holy Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus … 298