Secrets Left Neglected

Chapter 10

Tadgh

The next day I'm sitting in Sociology class and the clock across the room can't get to the top of the hour fast enough. I place my hand on my stomach when it growls and catch Caoilainn's eye. She lifts her head from an old book and smiles sheepishly. I curse my traitorous stomach. It's what I get for rushing out the door this morning without grabbing something to eat first.

I'm so hungry I could eat a horse. I hope they have something good on sale today in the cafeteria. I didn't pack anything and I'm starving.

I turn towards the circle when I hear the teacher mention that we're all going to share our thoughts on marriage and relationships in society today. I just shake my head.

This sociology class is a pretty easy "A", but we spend too much time in circle discussing our 'feelings' about all kinds of topics. They should have called this class Counseling 101.

Sometimes our circle exchanges get pretty heated especially when they focus on politics. This past unit, however, has been centered around the concept of the village and what it takes to raise children; what the word family means. Blah, blah, blah...I just wish the time would pass faster.

"Ok," the teacher begins. "I'll open up the discussion.

Caoilainn, you're up first. What are your thoughts on marriage?"

"Huh? What?" Caoilainn asks coming to the surface from wherever her mind was. I glance down at the tome she had her nose stuck in and see that it's one of Mrs. McKittrick's journals. I wonder what it says. By the distracted look on Caoilainn's face it must be something interesting. Having known her grandmother quite well I wouldn't doubt it.

"What do you mean, Ms. Denver?" Caoilainn asks. I smile knowing she's stalling for time and further explanation; she has no idea what our professor just said. "Like, what about it?"

"Anything," Ms. Denver answers. "For example, what is marriage? Do you think marriage should be monogamous? Do you think partners should be allowed to have extra-marital relationships? When should divorce be allowed, or shouldn't it be?" She asks.

"Anywhere you want to take us. You start us off and we'll go from there."

Geez. What a serious topic. Glad I didn't have to start it. I look at Caoilainn and offer her a sympathetic smile. I wonder what she'll say.

"Um," Caoilainn mumbles. I can tell she has no clue where to start. "I don't really know what to say. Ah-"

"It's ok, Caoilainn," Ms. Denvers encourages. "Just pick something and go from there."

"Well," she begins meekly. "I think marriage is forever." Her cheeks grow flush and I smile. She's so pretty when she's embarrassed.

"And, I mean, I know there are many reasons for divorce. Ah, but I hope I never, I mean, I don't ever plan to get one."

"Ok," Ms. Denvers replies looking around at us all. "What do you guys think? Any responses?"

Suzy Cambridge jumps into the conversation. "No one ever plans to get divorced, Caoilainn. Everyone thinks they'll love their husband forever. And then one day, the wife comes home and finds her husband and their Nanny goin' at it on the kitchen counter and they're-"

"Ok, ok," Ms. Denvers says, cutting Suzy off while closing her eyes and holding up her hands. "We get the picture, Suzy. Cheating happens. Divorce happens. Caoilainn, your thoughts on Suzy's point?"

Caoilainn cuts a glance my way. She nervously pulls the hair laying on the front of her shirt back behind her ear. She looks around the room and I can see her thinking from where I sit.