James examined his messages. David had sent one earlier in the day. Good news. Anabelle was pregnant. James quickly texted both of them a congratulations. For a moment, James wondered what it would be like to be a dad. But, he had made his choice to be chaste long ago. Sometimes, James wanted to make this commitment in a formal manner, but he was too busy to make such plans. He was not even sure how to go about such a semi-rite.
The laws clustered around the Supreme Court decision on the definition of marriage piled on to his desk like flies on a pecan pie. James was working with the orthodox Catholics in his party to minimize the damage. But, he was not sure he had enough support in the Senate to stem the roller coaster of laws affecting every aspect of married life in the States.
He thought of Andrew, now at the Josephinum with his Bishop. James was one of the few to know where they were. He was also one of the few to know that the Bishop had several death threats from various groups and individuals.
Amazingly, the USCCB had published the Papal letter which Father Andrew had delivered to them. Perhaps, the schism had been avoided. Perhaps. James had a week's holiday at Easter. He wanted to see his brother. James knew that Andrew would never be a bishop or hold any high office in the Church. Again, he admired his brother but knew that this quiet priest would want to end his days in a remote monastery.
James thought of all the monasteries which had been closed during the purging of the private education systems two years ago. He wondered where Andrew would go at the end of all things.
His phone rang. "David, hi, and congratulations again." David shared the fact that he and Anabelle wanted to drive to the Josephinum to spend Easter there. He said they had been invited but did not use Father's name.
David asked, "We could come and get you and we all could go together. Anabelle is not as well as we would like and this might be the last journey she makes until the baby comes in October."
The Senator loved synchronicity, one of his favorite words. He agreed. Looking out the window at the grey sky, James wondered at the fact that four out of the five friends would be together at Easter. He wondered for a minute what Carole was doing besides making beautiful things and making money.
To be continued....
