Chapter 24: Scutum Fidei-Shield of Faith.
Midday had finally come round, and Marco made his way towards Sister Michael's office. As Marco walked towards the reception, he spotted some of the girl students staring at him as he walked by, hearing the odd whisper of who he was, he could hear Orla's name being mentioned as well. Miss Mooney informed Sister Michael of his arrival while Marco sat in the hallway. Miss Mooney motioned him to the large door. He knocked and awaited a reply.
"Enter please."
Marco took a deep breath and entered the room. He spotted that sister Michael had dropped two Alka-Seltzers into a large glass of water.
"Ah Mr Galluci, take a seat please." Sister Michael sighed.
"Thank you, Sister." The Nun regarded him with exhaustion.
"Well. First it was your other five conspirators this morning, then Erin and James's illicit affair coming to light, and now I've come to the crescendo, and it's only gone midday." Sister Michael drank from her glass.
"Before I begin, let me just inform you. Everything you tell me here today is essential. By that I mean the truth. For me to offer you any sort of assistance, I want full disclosure. You might as well be having this conversation with God himself, because I am knowing. Am I clear in this?"
Marco suddenly felt the same twinge of fear that his friends must have felt every time they'd been in Sister Michael's presence.
"Yes…. Sister." Marco replied as he braced himself.
"Then let us begin; Firstly, Mrs Mallon brought to my attention that you're having some complications with understanding an upcoming read out of a will, your grandmother's, correct?"
"Yes, Sister."
"This might be a long stretch, but do you have the contact details of the solicitors in charge of the will? I can easily call them on your behalf to get the clarity you appear to lack."
"Actually, yes I do." Marco answered. Handing her a phone number he had in his pocket.
"Thank you. I shall phone them shortly. According to Mrs Mallon, these complications have come about due to some…. Animosity between yourself and your parents?"
"Yes."
"And these…. revelations came to light while you were studying for your GCSE's, so much so that you missed a lot of school time?"
"Yes."
"Yet you managed to complete them! Not an easy task, I must say." The Nun admitted.
"Yea, I stayed with my Nanna, it was just to get away from it all. But because I missed a lot of coursework deadlines, I got bunked down." Marco revealed.
"Is that the only reason?" Sister Michael asked with a sceptical tone.
Marco became hesitant to answer.
"Remember, I am all knowing. Don't try to pull the veil over my head, young man."
"You know, don't you?" Marco asked, looking at the floor.
"Does the name Billy Foreman ring a bell?" The Nun asked.
Marco kept his head down, he tried to hide his face which contorted with anger. But he couldn't hide the gesture he made as he clenched his fists.
"Your mother's current partner?" Sister Michael pushed.
"I don't know. I haven't lived with my mum since…" Marco couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Since he…. Became physical towards you." Sister Michael said coldly.
Marco shot out of the chair and made his way to the door.
"Marco! STOP! Do NOT run away from this!" Sister Michael shouted.
Marco stopped in his tracks.
"I never would have had you down as the cowardly type, especially when I found out how you chose to push back, shall I say?"
"How do you know all this?" Marco asked, turning to face the unmoved Nun. His own face racked with emotion.
"I spoke with your local police constabulary. The school were not aware of any of this, were they?"
"No."
"And why not?"
"Because I didn't tell them." Marco admitted. He felt himself grow more guilty.
"And why didn't you tell them?"
"Because he convinced me that no one would believe me, that my mum would disown me, so I kept quiet. Is that what you want to hear?" Marco argued, his tone rivetted with angry sarcasm.
"Do not start with me, young man! Why didn't you say anything?" Sister Michael demanded.
"I didn't say anything because I didn't want to worry my Nanna. Something like this could have…." Marco managed to stop himself.
The young English fella's anger and grief began to boil over. As he stood by the door, his lips began to quiver. Her passing still fresh in his mind., His chest tightened. Sister Michael closed her eyes and breathed deeply; understanding there and then why the young boy had chosen not to tell his aging grandmother such a shocking revelation. She gently encouraged Marco to sit back down. Marco did as he was asked. He breathed slowly. Sister Michael spoke slowly.
"Marco; do you feel that this man has been the influence behind your mother's insistence that you name her the trustee to your share of your Nanna's will?"
Marco nodded in admission. Still trying to calm himself down. Sister Michael could see that his fists were still clenched.
"Marco; you have had to learn a very harsh lesson about life at a very young age. Life, at times can be very cruel. You will encounter those who will lie, cheat and steal at the drop of a hat. But harbouring anger towards these things will not solve anything. Living here in Derry; I have seen too many times where anger has consumed people into committing the most heinous acts. I see that same anger building in yourself; But I also see someone who understands the true value of family, and friendship. It is those friendships that you have, especially with James, and Orla, might I add…. That have given you the strength to be what you have within yourself to truly be."
"I don't know…. who or what I am, Sister." Marco replied, sadly.
"Ach, but I do, Scutum Fidei." She replied.
Marco looked at her, completely oblivious to what she meant.
"What does that mean?"
"It's Latin for Shield of faith. The shield of the trinity. You are as a protector, a Shield. You protected James from your own problems because you saw that he needed your help, like a big brother would, according to Mrs Mallon; and need I remind you that you helped Mrs Mallon find the ability to speak about her son, Niall. You have an ability to be a pillar of support for others. You accept people for who they are, and do not pass judgement. You are, for all purposes, a very respectful person; and I think I am right in saying that, if necessary, you would protect all of them, especially her, wouldn't you?"
Marco was speechless. He'd never had his actions explained to him in that way before. It had truly been a long time since he'd felt validated. Yet he couldn't bring himself to answer her.
"Now. I think that it is a time for action, instead of words. I'll have staff bring a sandwich for you, as I'm not sure how long this will take. But rest assured. I will do all that I can for you." Sister Michael said.
"Thank you." Marco replied quietly.
Sister Michael exited the room, leaving Marco alone. For nearly 2 hours, he sat there with no indication from Miss Mooney about Sister Michael's whereabouts. The office door had been left open, so Marco would hear the occasional visitor to the reception. His head shot round when he heard James walk in. By chance, James glanced into the office and saw Marco acknowledge him. Miss Mooney was away from her desk, so he walked in.
"Marco?"
"You alright mate?"
"Are you… you're still here?"
"Looks like it, yeah."
"Where's Sister Michael?" James queried with a puzzled look.
"I haven't got a clue. What are you doing here?"
"I just dropped some messages off." James came and sat next to him.
"How's Orla been?" Marco asked.
"Better since this morning, but still a bit quiet." James replied.
"Hmmm… Oh yeah, what happened with you and the girls this morning?" Marco asked.
"Well, we found out how Erin's parents found out about me and Erin." James answered.
"How did they find out?"
"Sister Michael called them after she saw me and Erin snogging in Primark." James revealed.
"Oh my God!" Marco started to snicker. "You really can't win, can you?" He chuckled.
"Bloody ridiculous." James agreed. "But I mean it's all good though, apparently Erin's parents are ok with it, so we're gonna front it after school." James said.
"You must be shitting it, aren't you?" Marco quizzed.
"No. I'm not actually." James said, with a look of content on his face.
Marco could see the jubilation on James's face and smiled proudly.
"I'm happy for you, mate. Well, both of you. Erin; well, she's great."
"Well, it's all thanks to you though." James said.
"Me? pffft, catch yourself on mate, it was all you." Marco shot back.
"Oh! Look at the Derry girl 'ere!" James quipped back.
Just as they shared a laugh together, Sister Michael returned to her office. James's smile suddenly disappeared. Sister Michael stopped him from leaving.
"I won't apologize because it's been a long morning, I needed some lunch and the chance to get out of this god forsaken office." The Nun said.
Marco huffed as Sister Michael prepped herself.
"However. I have some information regarding your Nanna's will. The solicitors were kind enough to make things clear for you, Marco. Basically, your Nanna has left the entire probate- the process- to the solicitors. Only you, and your…. estranged father figure will see the rewards of the estate once it is sold, and there will be no further say in the matter. This should be completed within the next 4-6 weeks. Regarding a trustee, it seems as if your Nanna acted as a shield for you, Marco. Because the decision lies completely with you. Whatever you decide…. That is completely up to you. By law, the inheritance MUST go to you. At the read out, the Solicitors will guide you. I hope that helps you."
Marco breathed out as if a huge weight had just been lifted off his shoulders.
"I take it, that it wasn't explained to you, properly?"
"No, it wasn't. Thank you, sister." Marco said.
"Now…. Regarding any sort of further educational advise. Well, I think it best that we wait for the girls to get here, they have as much right to know as James does." Sister Michael said.
Meanwhile, Miss Mooney had made the announcement for Erin, Orla, Michelle, and Clare to come to Sister Michael's office. As they walked, Clare was a bundle of fractious nerves.
"He cracked! Sister Michael found out and Marco cracked! That's what this is about!" Clare exclaimed.
"Found out about what?" Erin quizzed.
"The laxatives! Erin! The fecking Laxatives!"
"That's got nothing to do with the school!" Michelle protested.
"That's never stopped her before, Michelle!" Clare fired back.
"How would she even find out about it?" Orla asked.
"I'll say this; you're on your own this time, Orla. You're an accessory before and after the fact." Clare said, pointing at Orla, causing her to shoot a panicked look at Erin.
"Ach, that's nice, Clare!" Erin snapped.
"We don't even know what this is about, so let's just calm the fuck down!" Michelle said.
"I have a question." Orla said.
"Please be relevant." Michelle said, looking upwards.
"Why weren't James called?"
The girls stopped. They realized that James hadn't been called. At this point they were standing in front of Miss Mooney, who informed Sister Michael of their arrival.
"Send them in." The voice came through on the intercom.
The girls walked into the office and spotted that the boys were already there. The group exchanged looks of uncertainty.
"Please sit, girls." Sister Michael requested.
The girls all sat in a row with James and Marco. Orla opted to stand behind Marco, she gently placed her hands on his shoulders, Marco acknowledged her support.
"Well girls, here we are again…." Sister Michael began with annoyed tone. Clare then suddenly shot up from her seat.
"Sister! I just wanted to say, before you say or do anything; I had no idea that it was going to happen. IT WAS AN IMPULSIVE THING THAT HAPPENED. BUT IN MY DEFENCE! IT WAS ALL HIS FAULT! (Pointing at Marco, who shot a bewildered look at her) HE PLANNED IT! EVERYTHING! AND WE, MOSTLY I, ARE COMPLETELY INNOCENT OF AAAAAANY WRONG DOING! Clare exclaimed.
The others expressed utter shock, believing that their one perfect scheme had been rumbled. Sister Michael tilted her head and looked up at the ceiling. The group stared in awe at Clare. Finally, Sister Michael spoke.
"Marco. What in the name of sweet suffering Jehovah is she rambling on about." The Nun asked angrily.
Marco was still staring at Clare in complete shock, he blinked his eyes and caught Sister Michael's glare.
"I haven't the foggiest idea WHAT she's on about, Sister!" His voice gasping through exhaustion.
"Very well. Less said, shall we say?" Sister Michael replied. Simply wanting to end the meeting there and then.
"Well, despite that "rare display" from Miss Devlin. The reason I have called you all here, is because it is right that you finally get the full disclosure of Marco's situation."
Marco braced himself again.
"Now. You all know about the situation with Marco's late Nanna's will, I take it?"
The group nodded.
"Right, well what you don't know is that Marco's situation with his estranged mother has been graver than he cared to mention. Is that not right, Marco?"
Marco nodded. Regrettably. The group looked at him with puzzled looks.
"I understand your reasons for not wanting anyone here to worry; but after what I discovered today, I would be failing in my moral obligations if I allowed you to return to England, and face any further entanglements that could pose any potential danger to you."
"WHAT!? WHAT DANGER?! WHATS SHE TALKING ABOUT?!" James shouted. Looking at Marco.
"WHAT DO YE MEAN SISTER?!" Orla shouted as well in despair. The girls began trying to talk and shout over each other.
"EVERYONE! PLEASE! CALM DOWN!" Sister Michael boomed with insistence. The group quietened down.
"I am referring to Mrs Galluci's on and off partner, who had been…. Attempting to intimidate Marco in relation to this upcoming inheritance." Sister Michael chose her words carefully, to protect them all from the truth.
"Fortunately, Marco was able to thwart these attempts."
"How did he do that?" Michelle asked.
"Well, to put it bluntly, Miss Mallon, this full-grown man, who attempted to bully a teenage boy, went too far and was knocked senseless by the said teenage boy." She said, looking at Marco.
"What? Ye mean…. Marco knocked him out?!" Michelle exclaimed with delight.
Orla's eyes beamed widely. The group expressed a mixture of shock and delight as they glanced amongst themselves and then towards Marco, who seemed embarrassed.
"But since Marco has no other family members to turn to. I have taken the liberty of arranging accommodation for him with a safe house near the college he has enrolled in. Because, unfortunately, I must inform you that is the fullest extent of my influence in this matter. As far as offering him further educational advise, there is nothing more I can do." Sister Michael admitted.
Marco's head dropped in defeat. James frowned in disappointment. Erin immediately turned towards Orla. She literally saw her cousin's world crumble around her as the reality of what Sister Michael said sunk in. Erin then turned to look at the others who shared the same look of devastation. Sister Michael sat solemnly and regarded the looks of disappointment amongst the group of friends. Orla leant herself forward onto Marco.
Sister Michael then spoke up again.
"This is why I want you to take this, Marco. And have a good read of it."
Marco took hold of the magazine and turned it over. On the front Marco, and the group saw that it read:
Belfast Met College Prospectus.
Marco looked at Sister Michael who kept her solemn expression.
"I said that there was nothing more I could do regarding the matter. But it doesn't mean I don't have friends who may be able to extend an olive branch, shall I say?"
"What does that mean Sister?" Orla asked excitedly, gripping Marco's arms.
"It means that I have reached out to a friend of mine who teaches at Belfast Met College. But I must stress, that all I have done I reach out to him, this is by no means, a promise of any kind. But under the circumstances, I am going to recommend that Marco be considered for a place to study at Belfast College." Sister Michael revealed cautiously.
The girls and James became exalted with excitement for Marco, who couldn't believe the potential change of fortune, but Sister Michael again attempted to play down the possibilities becoming reality.
"PLEASE! DO. NOT. HOLD ME. TO THIS! If I am completely honest. I have no idea if this is at all possible. Please try to understand that. The last thing I want to do is build anyone's hopes up, only for them to be… denied."
Marco placed the prospectus back on the desk and got up in frustration. His friends watched him walk over to the window and beat the windowsill. James went to get up, but Michelle stopped him. Michelle then caught Orla's attention, she motioned Orla to go to Marco. Orla didn't need to be asked twice. She walked over and wrapped her arms around Marco's waist and stood at his side, comforting him as best she could. Sister Michael turned towards Erin, they both shared informed looks at each other as Erin gripped James's hand.
