He was silent for a moment as he opened the curtains to her bedroom and looked out at the tree-lined street below. A hazy morning, the sun just breaking through. Weather forecast promised the low seventies by afternoon. Turning to her, he said, "School started a week ago, and coming in late you can't help but be the center of attention. But that will quickly pass, and in the meantime I would suggest you be the shy, silent type. If you're asked, just say that you'd rather not talk about your parents, that Charles and Anne Livingston are your family now."
"Did I hear my name mentioned?" Anne asked as she entered the room with a cup of coffee. She was wearing jeans, plaid shirt and sweater, the purse over her shoulder suggesting it was time to take Merriam to school.
"Just talking about handling her first encounter with the kids at school," Charles said. He smiled inwardly at the contrast between the two females. Anne a short-haired, brown-eyed diminutive blonde, and Merriam nearly as tall at seven years old with that shock of bright red hair and deep blue eyes.
Anne finished her last sip of coffee. "I don't see that as being a problem, but I would suggest that you watch and learn from the other children. For example, look at the way you're sitting, Merriam, straight as an arrow. Slump a little. Place your elbow on your knee and rest your head in your hand. Make your body appear lazy."
Merriam followed the directions, said with a grin, "I feel ridiculous. And I guess I should run and skip and chatter breathlessly on the playground, clap my hands frequently. What was it Epictetus said? Who is not attracted by bright and pleasant children, to prattle, to creep, and to play with them?"
Anne gave her a playful pat. "Yes, and don't forget to throw in a scream once in a while. Sniffle too. Runny noses are most child-like. Also, Merriam, watch what you say. A few slang words are appropriate. Just listen to how the others are expressing themselves, and don't sound too intelligent for your age."
Merriam stood and tucked the white blouse into the dark green skirt. "I feel as though I am playing a role on stage."
"And so you are," Charles said, a serious look on his face.
Merriam glanced at her watch and took a deep breath. "I guess it is time to go."
***
"Children," Mrs. Renfro said in a loud voice to break through the buzz of conversation and ripples of giggles, "take your seats now and be very quiet. We have a new student joining us today. Her name is Merriam Livingston, and I'm sure each one of you will make her feel welcome. Merriam, please stand and say hello to your classmates."
Merriam stood and nodded with a shy smile, then quickly sat down, feeling all eyes on her.
Mrs. Renfro said, "When we go out for recess, children, I want all of you to introduce yourselves to Merriam. She just moved to town, and I'm sure she's looking forward to making new friends."
The little blonde haired boy behind Merriam touched her shoulder and whispered, "My name's Bobby and my daddy's a policeman and carries a gun."
She turned back toward him, said, "My father owns a book store. When you are older you might enjoy browsing the shelves."
Bobby fell back in his seat, eyes squinting.
Merriam smiled to herself, then focused on what Mrs. Renfro was writing on the blackboard.
***
Charles Livingston picked up the ringing phone at his store. Hearing the voice he put the caller on hold and went into his private office and closed the door, quickly moving to the phone on his desk. He said, "I was expecting your call earlier. Anne took Merriam to school this morning, and by now I imagine she's settling in without difficulty. How about the others?"
A woman's voice on the other end said, "I have reports from ten of the twelve, and everything seems to be in order. I'll check on Carlton Matthews next." She paused. "Just remember, Charles, everything from home life, to school, and all regular childhood activities must appear as normal as possible."
"What about church?"
"Do what is socially accepted and go where the three of you would be most comfortable, probably one with a large congregation where you would blend in yet still be seen. You don't want to be singled out for participation in informal church gatherings."
"How often do you wish us to report to you?"
"As I've told the others, once a month for a year, then annually. Once Merriam leaves home to attend college, she's on her own, and you and Anne will have no further responsibility."
"I'll call you a month from today," Charles said as he turned the calendar and marked the date with the letter 'A'.
***
Although she was viewed by the other children as strange, shy, an egghead, and hesitant to join in games, she went through the school year without incident. It was spring, however, before she made any real friends. Debbie Nelson, one of the most popular girls in school, invited her over for a slumber party. From then on Merriam was accepted as part of the inner circle of Highlands Elementary School. She was beginning to enjoy the role of a typical youngster from an average American family.
The following summer while returning home from an outing on Lake Michigan, eight year old Merriam told her parents she wanted to have a birthday party. "Before school starts in September," she said from the back seat.
Charles moved to another lane to get away from a tail-gating eighteen wheeler, said, "Why do I have the feeling that you're not referring to the kind of party that would appeal to most kids your age?"
Merriam laughed. "And guess who I want to invite."
Anne looked back at the beaming child. "You can't be serious. I don't think it's a good idea to get you all together in one place. You might slip and be overheard by someone and--"
"I've already called for approval," Merriam said, brushing the sand off her legs. "It's okay if we meet on the island, but only for a day and a night. The date's been set, the eighteenth of this month."
"On the island?" Charles asked.
"Uh huh. The eighteenth is a Saturday. We could go over that day, spend the night, and return home on Sunday. What do you think?"
Anne grinned. "Since you have authorization and it's all arranged, I think it's a great idea!"
"Me too," Charles said, wishing he had thought of it.
***
The Livingston's arrived at mid-afternoon on the eighteenth, and were sipping iced tea in the large ultra-modern structure at one end of the island when the others appeared. After warm embraces and much chatter, the children put on their bathing suits and left together for a few hours of private time on the beach. The parents smiled approvingly as they watched the nine boys and three girls run through the dense green forest toward the water.
It was a beautiful day, a blue sky holding only the bright afternoon sun, not a cloud in sight, water lapping up on the sand in gentle waves prompted by a passing ferry. Frank Jessops reached the water first and high-stepped until knee deep, then dived under, the other children following. Playing as dolphins, someone might have thought as three boys suddenly burst forth from under water with a teammate balanced on strong shoulders, while the others took great leaps and dives in synchronous movements.
Back on the beach they stretched out on the sand side by side, laughing softly and gazing at the sky. From above, the scene could have been viewed as a canvas painted by a master artist, the children representing faultless specimens of the human family, each one proportionally perfect with exquisite features. A race of young gods from ancient mythology, such a painting might have been called.
"Let's make a circle," Carlton Matthews said as he took Merriam's