Chapter 1

Mary and Jeff were two good kids from good families. Their parents had moved to the suburbs from the city to experience the American dream. Jeff was a senior at the local public high school, Mary a junior at the area's parochial high school. Mary was an Honor student, always achieving excellent grades and was always respectful of her parents and teachers. Jeff's grades were not in the stratosphere like Mary's however, they were definitely well above average. He lettered in both Track and Cross Country. Mary and Jeff became a couple a year earlier when mutual friends introduced them. It seems that they had the same surname while not being related. For the sake of simplicity let's say that their last name was Baker, not actually but you get the gist. The name was fairly common. Their friends thought that if they got together they could pass themselves as married already if in 'name only'. Much to the delight of their friends they did hit it off, and after several dates began to 'go steady'. Both sets of parents had become familiar with their offsprings' 'steady' and approved of their choice.

However both sets of parents constantly reminded them that they were just dating and not married. They spent considerable effort in monitoring their child's and 'steady's' activities.

While neither set of parents was oppressive, they constantly reminded the kids that if they weren't careful, emotions could get out of hand. Should this ever happen they would have to reconsider the relationship. They were too young to understand yet. If they were to go too far, they would ruin their reputation and thus leave the children sullied. Besides which, it would reflect poorly on their parents. The parents 'knew' that the youngsters would 'control' themselves. A chaste goodnight kiss at the end of an evening was acceptable as was holding hands in public. However, anything more was reserved for after the marriage vows.

Even though Jeff always brought Mary home in time for her curfew, Mary's parents were especially vigilant. When Jeff would walk Mary to her front door there was always a subtle hint that someone was watching. The movement of a curtain or the flickering of the porch light were reminders.

One Sunday evening in the spring things came to a head. The couple had remained in Jeff's '52 Chevy too long. Mary's dog came scratching at the windows, followed quickly by Mary's dad. The pair had finally progressed to first base when they were interrupted. The situation was becoming intolerable for the young lovers.

Jeff quickly opened his door and in an attempt to distract Mary's dad, began roughhousing with Mary's dog. Jeff was a 'dog person'. He had become friends with Mary's 'pup', if you are willing to call a 90 lb. Shepard/Husky, a pup. The dog, Smokey, was making mock attempts to attack Jeff while keeping an eye on Mary. At Mary's soft spoken command Smokey rolled over and presented his belly to Jeff.

Jeff spoke quietly to the animal as he scratched its unprotected underside, "I love her as much as you do. Together we'll be her protectors."

At the sound of Mary's dad approaching, Smokey sprang to this feet and assumed an defiant position between Mary's dad and the errant couple. Mary's dad did not intend to cause a confrontation. He stopped well back and said, "Mary, its time to come in: Jeff thanks for being a gentleman."

Jeff looked to his girlfriend's father and said respectfully, "We were just coming in, sir."

Mary's dad turned toward the house and as he walked, he motioned for the dog to follow. Smokey, however, didn't, he moved forward several feet then assumed the classic guard position.

Mary spent the time to smooth her blouse and make sure all her buttons were in order.

Jeff went to Mary's side of the car and opened the door. Mary got out and took Jeff's hand as they approached her parent's front door. They stopped on the porch under the light.

Mary looked Jeff in the eye and said, "I loved the way you were touching me! I want to feel your hands on every square inch of me."

Jeff groaned, "Your and my parents will kill me. I want to squeeze my self into you, from my head to my toes."

"Luv, I want you to do that and more. But I don't want to become a woman in the back seat of a car. Next week could we watch the submarine races instead of going to the movies? Unless my parents ground me for tonight. I want to be yours for everything but a home run. And that last part will come real soon."

They kissed in a way that would only slightly offend her spying parents. Jeff pulled back and said that he would try to find a nice place to stop on Friday night. He was concerned with what had happened to several couples at his school. He told Mary that as much as he wanted to make her a complete woman, he was willing wait as long as she needed.

Jeff then made the most sincere statement of his young life, "Mary, I love you, even more than that, I trust you with my soul." Screwing up his courage he continued, "Please, tell me that you feel the same way."

Mary almost began to make a lighthearted comment until she saw the abject look of fear on Jeff while he waited for her response.

"Jeff, Luv, I am yours whenever you want. I love you, my body and soul is yours." She then punctuated the reply with a toe curling kiss.

Mary's father completely unaware of what had just transpired turned the light off and on again.

Mary and Jeff spoke at the same time, "Friday!"

When Mary opened the front door, she confronted her father. "Dad I respect you. It's time that you grant me the same."

Without waiting for a reply she walked toward her room. Her dad somewhat surprised by her comment, started to follow, an angry retort on his lips. He was stopped by Smokey blocking his path.

Somewhere deep in his primordial brain Mary's dad realized that Smokey had transferred his allegiance from him to his daughter's partner. Daughter's partner? Where did that thought come from?

Smokey did not have to think about it, the way his mistress had spoken to him and the way his new master had treated him he knew what his responsibilities were. He liked the older human in front of him. It troubled him somewhat that he had to confront this human; however, his duties were clear. All that prevented him from bearing his teeth was his mistress's old pack leader turning and walking in the opposite direction.

Alone in her bedroom Mary thought about what had transpired on the porch earlier. She knew what she meant and she believed she knew what Jeff meant. She needed reassurance. Mary went to the phone in the hall and dialed Jeff's home. She knew the hour but her need was greater than her fear of violating the taboo of calling too late.

Jeff no sooner had come into his parents home when the phone rang. His heart sang when he picked up the receiver and heard the words, "Hello, is Jeff there?" spoken by his mate.

"It's me, lover. Is something wrong.?"

Mary began crying quietly, "Jeff, I meant every word I said."

"Me, too", whispered Jeff.

"Luv, did you ask me to marry you tonight? Because if you did the answer is YES! A thousand times yes!"

Jeff himself was almost in tears at this point. "Mary I not only asked you, I made a vow to you tonight."

"Luv, I was afraid that you didn't mean it that way." Swallowing her tears, Mary continued, "mine were also a vow to you."

Jeff's next words surprised and pleased Mary, "Wife of mine, may I drive you to school tomorrow?"

Her spirits lifted, Mary said, "It is only proper for my husband to take me where I need to go."

They then reassured each other of their love and trust. With the connection broken, Mary went to her room got into bed and promptly fell asleep. Jeff went to his room. There he dug deep in his shirt drawer. He finally found what he had been seeking. He had not remembered the small velvet pouch earlier on Mary's porch. But when Mary had addressed him as 'my husband' long forgotten memories flooded back. Jeff opened the small sack and removed the contents. Two rings that were once his grandmother's. An engagement ring with a blood red ruby as its center piece. The main stone was flanked by small diamonds on each side. The other ring was a simple gold wedding band with his grandparents initials engraved on the inside. The rings and pouch were a bequest to him on his grandmother's passing. As was the tradition in the family, they were passed to him for safekeeping, to be given to his future wife. Tomorrow he would complete his task when he put the rings on his 'bride's' finger.

Jeff stripped down to his underwear and climbed into his bed. He set his alarm back an hour to give himself the time to drive Mary to school. He took with him the velvet pouch. He slept that night with his bride's treasure clutched in his hand.

In the morning when he awoke he discovered that he had made quite a mess of his underwear. He remembered dreams of the passionate mingling of naked bodies and quiet moments walking with his lover.

Jeff hurried to the bathroom. There he showered, then shaved his face for the second time in as many days. Normally he would shave about once a week, usually Friday or Saturday evening just before he went to pick up Mary. Upon returning to his room he dressed not in his usual jeans and polo shirt opting instead for a dress white shirt and his best pair of pants. He did however skip the tie. Before going down to breakfast he checked one more time that the velvet pouch was safely in his pocket.

His early appearance at the kitchen table, and the way he was dressed alerted his Mother that something was up.

"Jeff, what type of mischief are you up today?" asked his mom.

Tired of his mothers constant surveillance, Jeff stretched the truth only a little when he told his mother that he had a job interview at the big USDA building after school. He had already talked to some people there. His biology teacher had made the introductions. Jeff had done extremely well in his class and Jeff had made known his interest in the field. The teacher had once worked at the facility and knew that they were in need of bright, hardworking people. Jeff could fill a technician job in one of the labs. The teacher found it a rewarding task to help his best student find employment in his field. Unbeknownst to Jeff his former teacher had been told that a job offer was being held for Jeff. All it lacked was Jeff's successful graduation.

The little white lie satisfied his mother's curiosity. However, when Jeff asked politely if he could have a cup of coffee this morning, he was told rather strongly, that beverage was reserved for adults. Oh and by the way don't forget to discuss the job with his father, his father would 'help' him make such an important decision. Jeff's resentment level rose exponentially. He had made the most important commitment of a lifetime last night and his mother was upset about not discussing a JOB with his dad? Why couldn't he talk with his parents? He was worn out being talked at, not with. He put his hand on the small lump that the velvet pouch made in his pocket and drew strength from it. He ate his breakfast in silence, ignoring his younger brothers and sister. His father had left for work earlier.

Jeff took his dishes to the sink, rinsed them and placed them in his parents new dishwasher. He then left his former home with a simple statement, "I won't be here for dinner."

At Mary's house things were more troubled. Last night after Mary had phoned Jeff her parents had argued. Not that they had disagreements over the inappropriateness of the young couples behavior. Mary's mother maintained that her daughter was a baby, ill suited to be exposed to 'THAT' aspect of life or to maintain herself against the onslaught of male aggression. Her father's concern was her defiance of his god given authority; furthermore, no self-respecting girl would put herself in a situation where her virtue was in jeopardy. What the parents missed was that God, or Nature if you prefer, had been preparing their daughter's body and emotions for this event for the past five years.

Mary's getting ready for school was simpler than most of her contemporaries. Her school required that she wear a uniform. Hers consisted of a white long sleeved blouse and a maroon jumper. Thus, Mary was spared the effort of deciding what to wear. Mary came to the breakfast table in a joyful mood. In her mind, the minor incident with her father was overshadowed by her feelings for Jeff.

It was her mother who shattered the mood, "Just what foul things were you two up to last night in that car?" Then without a pause to let her daughter answer, continued, "Do you think your father and I were born yesterday? You are still a little girl. You need to preserve your innocence."

Her father then continued as soon as his wife stopped, "While I like your Jeff he is still a boy. And I was once one myself. Let me tell you he has only one thing on his mind. If you give him what he is demanding, he will drop you like a hot potato. On top of which your body is not mature enough to withstand that type of assault. And one more thing while we are talking, you will not sass me again like you did last night or I will turn you over my knee and tan your hide!"

Mary was about to say something in Jeff's defense; however, she was stopped by her mother's command, "No back talk, eat your breakfast".

Not willing to let well enough alone, her father continued, "Considering this is a first offense, and I do like your boyfriend, he at least was respectful last night, you may continue to see him. But when he brings you home he must immediately bring you to the door. You have one minute to say your good nights, either your mother or I will be watching. He may kiss you. Your arms are to remain at your sides and you must keep your lips closed."

Mary's emotions were in a turmoil. The insults to her she could handle. But the things that were being implied about her mate were on the very edge of her ability to restrain from answering. What finally tipped the scale in favor of silence was her own self-respect. She would not reduce herself to a quivering child. Mary picked up a piece of dry toast and proceeded to eat it in silence.

Smokey, was confused at the antics of his humans. His new pack leader was missing. His mistress was happy earlier but now seemed upset. His old pack leader was making unpleasant sounds. Smokey had almost intervened once when the old one made some especially ugly sounds at his mistress. Smokey had refrained from acting. The old leader did not realize that a move in the direction of his daughter would have resulted in his throat being ripped open.

Jeff arrived at Mary's residence, parked his car and approached her door. He always gave his love the courtesy of coming to her door and escorting her to the car. It was a little thing, but it was a way of demonstrating that he realized that she was not at his beck and call.

At the sound of Jeff's knock, Mary stood, picked up her books, then said over her shoulder, "Jeff is taking me to school this morning."

It was a simple declarative sentence - a statement of fact, with no indication of a request for permission.

With Mary at his side Jeff drove off in the direction of Mary's school. The route took him past the supermarket where he had been working. He even had been able to save some money. Entering the lot, he stopped the car. Turning to Mary, he brought out the velvet pouch and clumsily removed the contents. Addressing her he said, "Mary, these rings were once my grandmother's, and if you haven't changed your mind, will you wear one as a token of our love?" Jeff had been rehearsing this speech since early this morning.

"Jeff, my love, I will not only wear one but both if you will permit it."

Jeff managed to get first the plain gold wedding band on Mary's left ring finger. He hesitated with his fingers holding the ring. Aren't I supposed to say something when I am doing this?"

"Jeff, only say it, if you mean it for real. When I said yes, I meant it is forever, no reservations."

Jeff was stung by Mary's words. The hurt of her question readily apparent on his features. In a very troubled voice he said, "Mary! Give me the words first, then we can make up!"

Mary began with "Jeff don't let a nervous bride spoil this moment," she then prompted Jeff with the phrase that every girl dreams of from the fourth grade on. "Repeat after me; With this ring I do thee wed."

The gods who inspire poets must have been whispering in Jeff's ear at the moment. "Mary, I love and cherish you above all others. This ring is but a small thing before what I feel for you. Wear it to keep me close to your heart. For with this ring I do thee wed for all eternity and with no reservations."

"Jeff, this ring is now part of me, like my husband, who just said the most wondrous thing I have ever heard."

Mary began to cry tears of happiness, "Love, sniff, I never doubted you, my fear, sniff, was that I was not worthy of such, sniff, emotion. You have never, sniff, pressured me to 'prove my love'. Now I want to experience our love completely."

"Mary, I have waited, and will continue to wait for you to be ready. I have been afraid to ask. I was scared that you would be offended that I desired your body. We have talked of how many little feet we want in a family. Studying biology has indicated to me that here is a very enjoyable way of starting them. And Mary I am dying to start. I just think we have to practice a lot so that we can be sure we are doing it right."

The couple would have liked to continue down that path right then and there but reality reared its ugly head in the form of the manager of the store pulling into the lot.

"My love, if we don't hurry I will be getting you to school late." said Jeff.

"Luv, hurry up and put the other ring on my finger." sniffled Mary. "I want to wear it for a few minutes. I will have to take it off before the nuns see it. They would try to confiscate it. Remember we have a no jewelry rule at my school. Do you still have the first aid kit under your seat?"

"Yea, but I think it is on your side," he replied. "What do you need it for?"

"Luv, can I borrow a band aid? I am going to hide my wedding ring. Now that it's on my finger, nobody is going to try to make me take it off."

"Mary, take what you need, and please, stop asking to borrow what is already yours."

The last remark gave Jeff pleasure, it felt good when he could do small things for his mate. Mary delved under the seat and retrieved the kit. She was now giggling. "I guess we now have our first household item? A first aid kit? I was kinda hoping for satin sheets, or maybe just a bed with some privacy."

Jeff drove the remaining distance to Mary's school. The couple comfortable in their actions, spent the time in silence enjoying the new found unity. At the entrance to Mary's school Jeff pulled to the curb. He got out and came around to open his wife's door. On the sidewalk Mary removed the ruby ring and asked Jeff to keep it safe for her. She would wear it whenever she could safely do it. As they parted Jeff leaned into Mary and lightly kissed her. The kiss was much like the peck his father placed on his mother before his dad left for work, a sign of affection not an attempt to cause arousal. This heinous transgression of school discipline was duly noted by the entrance monitor, a novice nun who was still under the impression that those who were celibate held the high moral ground.

Jeff watched Mary enter the building then left for his school. Jeff felt ten feet tall. His other half was pleased by his offerings. They had set a common course and the ship had left the harbor. The rest of his day was unremarkable.

For Mary things were not progressing nearly as smoothly; first her parents harangue, now the school disciplinarian was lecturing her on the disgrace she had brought to her uniform. This morning, her public actions had not only shown flagrant disregard for God's law but had set a poor example for her sisters. Where was this crone coming from? Was she so death dumb and blind, she did not know two of her stalwart students, who were seniors, had not only gone all the way with several members of the football team but, they wore their "loss of virtue" like a school letter? Unfortunately, the crone noticed the cloud of uncertainty cross Mary's face. The nun took the look as an act of defiance.

"Mary, you have been a good student up to now; however, that will not save you. Your penance is going to be: No attendance to your junior prom, and a one thousand word essay on chastity and its importance to young ladies. You will read your essay to the assembled girls after next Tuesday's Mass."

To further her humiliation, Mary was sent to the schools Religious Guidance Councilor for a guidance session. Mary had not yet met the new priest who took over the position last September.

The new priest for he was a NEW priest, having been ordained the previous May, was not what Mary expected. Father Timothy was a man in his late 50s. He came to the priesthood from a successful law practice. He had been married to his childhood sweetheart, Katharine, for almost 37 years when the Lord had called her home after a long illness. Although both had wanted children they were never blessed with them. And the Lord knew it wasn't for the lack of trying. The bishop had 'parked' him at the school so that would have him available to solve legal problems for the diocese. This somewhat irked Father Tim for he had become a priest to minister to the faithful and help them lead a righteous life. He had already filed enough briefs for a lifetime. Father Tim had wanted to get into marriage counseling. He thought that his successful marriage gave him a fresh perspective. In the last seven months he could not say he helped anyone other than the church's coffers. And now he had to counsel another of Mother Superior's miscreants.

The counseling session was scheduled for the last period of the day. He thought, why do the good sisters have to play these head games with the students? Keep them in suspense all day just to create some anxiety. Father Tim picked up the folder with the student's record and began to read. Miss Mary Susan Baker, a junior (class of '60), Baptized Saint Raymond Parish, 1942. First Communion, St. Ray's 1950, Confirmed, Bishop McCarthy again at St. Ray's 1953, The more he read the more he wondered what sudden turn of events had led this child astray. There was nothing in her file except reports of exemplary conduct. He took a quick look at her grades, First honors every grading period since she started high school. Well, Father Tim thought, let's see what Mother Superior thinks she did wrong.

A kiss while in uniform? And in front of the school to boot! Must have been some kiss to cause all this fuss! Father Tim reminisced for a moment of kisses he and his wife had exchanged. He even dreamt of where some of those kisses led. Down Boy! That was in the past. Then he prayed to his personal Saint, Thank you, Katharine, for all the good times. Please put in a good word for me with Him. Katharine, help me to help this young woman.

At the appointed hour Mary knocked on the door of the Religious Guidance Councilor. Father Tim opened his door to admit, the trepidatius young lady. Father Tim closed the door and gestured to the chair in front of his desk. He told Mary to relax he didn't consume young ladies for dinner.

"Tell me child, why you are here. Your version - I already have seen Mother's."

Mary had been thinking all day for a safe answer to that question, while suffering the taunts of her classmates, which ranged from several of the younger girls chanting "Mary has a boyfriend", to a comment by one of the self-righteous senior girls saying that, "Only a slut would do something like that in front of the school." In the end she decided that an honest answer was probably the best. Mary swallowed her fear and began.

"Father, my hu... er, bo... er, Jeff drove me to school this morning. When he opened my door and I got out, he kissed me. All he was doing was to wish me a good day and to say he loved me. He doesn't attend school here, so he wasn't aware of the no-displays-of-affection-while-in-uniform rule. It is my fault for not stopping him."

Father Tim's extensive courtroom experience dealing with reluctant witnesses told him that there was more to the story than was being told. One of the techniques he often employed was the 'pregnant silence'. He played that card now, by saying, "Humm" then reverting to silence.

Mary felt that she was under the glare of an extremely bright spotlight. She started to fidget, worrying at the band-aid on her left hand. Father Tim's attention was drawn to Mary's repeated touching of her hand. Then the picture of his wife laying on a hospital bed touching a bandage-covered wedding ring sprang to his consciousness. The staff had secured his wife's ring with strips of tape to prevent its loss.

Father Tim broke his own silence. "Child, there is a ring under that band-aid, isn't there?" Then very quietly, "A wedding ring."

"Mary, before you answer," Father Tim then picked up his breviary and removed a purple stole that he always kept handy. He kissed the center portion and placed it around his neck.

"Mary, I am not asking you to confess anything. Remember how sacred the seal of the confessional is. I cannot ever reveal anything you say."

Mary's reserve broke; she began crying for the umteenth time that day. "Father you can't have it, I won't take it off!"

"No need to cry child, of course it's yours. I would not dream of asking you to remove it."

Then Father Tim thought to himself, Mother Teresa, you have out done yourself this time! I am willing to bet the house and the farm, that the boy who gave it to her is the same one who kissed her this morning.

"Mary, will you please show it to me?"

"But Father, then I won't have anything to cover it with. And if one of the sisters sees they will try to confiscate it."

"Mary, we will think of something. I promise that they won't do anything of the kind."

Mary removed the bandage and held her hand forward for the priest to examine the ring. Father Tim came around his desk and sat on his haunches beside Mary. He took one look at the ring and said, "That's a beautiful ring. The young gentleman from this morning, Jeff I believe you said his name was, gave it to you, right?"

"Yes he did and he also gave me an engagement ring. That he is holding for the time being."

"Mary, tell me about Jeff. When did you meet him? What is he like? Since he doesn't go to school here I take it he is not a Catholic."

"But Father he is! His parents were at one time. They have raised him mostly in the Faith."

"Mostly?" queried the priest. Damn it, stop pushing he thought. (Timothy you are supposed to be helping her not playing prosecuting attorney!) (Sorry, Katharine, I'll try harder, Tell Him I didn't mean that curse word.)

"Father, Jeff went to CCD classes up to high school. He has received communion and has been Confirmed," reported Mary.

"Father, there is something that he did but doesn't tell many people about. Just after we first were introduced, Jeff's father was injured in an accident and couldn't work for six months. Jeff supported his parents during that time. He is the one who put food on the table and kept the house warm. Father, it was a long half year. He still found time for me. He didn't have any money to spend on a date so we would take his little sister to the park and sit and talk while she played."

"The way you describe him he is an outstanding young man. But that doesn't tell me how or why you are wearing a wedding ring. Or is it simply a misplaced friendship ring?" asked Father Tim.

"No!!!! It's a wedding ring. We made our vows to each other." exclaimed Mary.

"Child, (careful Timothy) were the words real or is he just trying to obtain your prize?" (Oh, Timothy, do I have to get Him to intervene? Get your mind out of the gutter!)

Father Tim continued, "Or have you been holding out waiting for a ring as prepayment for services to be rendered?" (Timothy, don't be so crass!) (Sorry Katharine, but the question need asking.)

Mary spoke, "Bless me Father for I have sinned, It has been, Oh! about three days since my last confession. I have led Jeff into sin. I have put his hands on me in some 'wrong places' I begged him to do more. He has been reluctant. It has been at my insistence that things are where they are at. He told me that he trusts me and is willing to wait."

"Mary, are you asking for absolution? For what, the touching, the kiss, or your feelings? For me there are critical differences." (Getting better Timothy)(Katharine! please give me a chance) "This morning's kiss was 'chaste'. Your desire is yours and not a matter for confession. The touching is a different matter." (Keep going Timothy, you are on a roll)(Please, Katharine give me a chance I have priestly duties here.)(Well if you are going to invoke that, I'll take my advise elsewhere. I might even go speak to Him about the way you are behaving!)(OK, OK let me think for a moment)