Lord of the Flies: Learning How to Love [UNFINISHED]

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

A rhythm shook the front of St. Anthony's cathedral. A party of nine boys, bodies covered from throat to ankle in black cloaks, finished at the neck with a fluffy, hambone frill, walked out from the main school building in two straight parallel lines. Each step they took with their heeled dress shoes made a soft click.

Jack whispered under his breath: Five, six, seven, eight.

He was in the front of this line; the only exception to its eccentric look. Behind him were Maurice and Roger, standing a bit too close to each other in order to hold a conversation. Then Bill, next to Thomas, Mark, and Noah, and Edwin next to Mason in the back. When the party reached the entrance to the cathedral, Jack turned around. This was their first performance of the month; they needed a pep talk.

"Choir, listen up. That goes for you, too, Roger."

Maurice shut up instantly and Roger turned, slower, facing Jack wearily. This simple action brought forth a memory he didn't know he had. He stared at Jack's feet in order to make no eye contact.

"Be quiet, will you? There's going to be a lot of people here today, considering adoration and the increased demand for altar servers. Act professional. Not that we aren't, but, be your best self. Maurice and Roger-!"

Roger put his hand back under his tog quickly. Maurice flushed and looked back at Roger, smiling subtly.

"Keep yourself covered! Fix your caps while he's at it," Jack grimaced.

Without a word, the choir adjusted their caps and badges. Jack took his off, rubbing the golden badge against his tog, and put it back on.

He was about to lead the party into the building but stopped to let a final pair of people in. He didn't get to look at their faces, but it seemed to be a father and son. He kindly let them in and the proceeded to lead the choir towards the side of the altar. They took the way down the middle row of pews- a mistake on Jack's part, as they were only allowed to enter through the left side- and waited as they found their rightful place on the makeshift risers. He had to separate Maurice and Roger by one person, Bill, who agreed to this wall.

When it was Jack's turn to step up, he advised Bill to move and took a stand by Maurice. This would end possible confusion later during their cantor.

"I'm a tad bit nervous. You?" Maurice asked quietly.

"Never," Jack replied, keeping his gaze focused on the front of the church.

He looked at the crowd and again saw the man that walked into the church before. He was in full uniform. The uniform of a naval officer. He saw this and pointed it out to Maurice. Maurice then leaned forward, Roger doing so as well, and they both looked at this navy figure. Roger whispered something ineligible and Maurice snickered under his breath. Jack made an enraged face for a moment, then looked down to see the choir director. She made eye contact with Jack and they smiled at each other.