July 21 --- Great Expectations

He transferred to a public high school when he was fifteen. He kept his backstory simple, telling the other students his father worked for the government and his parents traveled a lot. He lived with his uncle, who barely tolerated him, so, no, he couldn't have friends over. He also portrayed a 'reluctance' to talk about personal stuff, and the kids seemed to understand. After all, they all either knew someone or came themselves from similar circumstances. That was one thing that money didn't change.

He felt guilty about the lies at first but convinced himself that having no parents wasn't that different from having neglectful ones. And he never even hinted about any sort of actual abuse. Not only because he knew too many of the kids really did live with that, but he really didn't want anyone actually investigating any rumors. He'd never ever put Father Magill into that situation.

The admins at school who knew the truth weren't allowed to spread it around, and, frankly, didn't give a shit. As long as he stayed out of trouble, he could say he was the Prince of Egypt and no one would correct him.

The ruse allowed him to discern friends from mere school chums. He paid more attention to the friends, played to their strengths, took careful advantage of their weaknesses. And in return, he got invited to the nicer homes. A lot. That strict Catholic upbringing came in very handy, dealing with their parents. Some of those parents, groomed over time in their belief he was ignored not only by his uncle but by his parents as well, let him know they had "friends in high places" if he ever needed them.

Now he was a senior. His high school years almost behind him, mostly good memories. Friends. Good friends, both male and female. He'd learned so much, not just school-wise, but socially. Learned how to fit in with people so far above himself on the social scale. College to look forward to in the fall, with a nice football scholarship waiting for him... And after college, he would be able to walk into any home, any office, and be an equal with the occupants. No more being treated like trash just because... No. He would be someone then, and nobody would care about his past.

He had a few regrets, of course. The long bus ride to and from school, studying his ass off to get good grades, fitting in the almost mandatory sports program, and those many weekends and holidays spent with friends... It hadn't left a lot of time for his friends at the orphanage, such as they were. There weren't that many his age, after all. Charlie and Barry were the only ones still there when he transferred and both 'disappeared' while he was otherwise engaged. He really wished the father had let him know. It wasn't as if he didn't care...

Then there was Father Magill, himself. He hadn't the heart to tell him he couldn't come to school events. But asking him to pose as just a friend of the fake family... He could still feel the shame he'd felt at that meeting. But bless that old man, he'd agreed. And he played the part beautifully, making non-committal excuses for the always absent parents, frowning with mild disapproval at the impatient uncle. But no one could question the pride the priest showed in his young 'friend'.

The next few months were going to be difficult. He would 'age out' in another month, no longer able to stay at the orphanage. No allowance for school expenses, clothing, or even food. He and the father had been working on finding housing and a suitable job for him for some time, knowing the day he was 'released' was coming. Once he got to St Mary's the scholarship money would be his, but until then...

Maybe, just maybe, that nasty old uncle of his would finally throw him out. That could definitely open up some opportunities...

*****

Father Magill watched with pride as Templeton marched across the stage to accept his diploma. Graduated with Honors, no less. He was so glad he'd agreed to let the boy switch to this high school. He really had no choice, after the incidents at that junior high. It still made him angry when he thought of the treatment Templeton had endured at the hands of not only the students, but the administration. A Catholic school, for heaven's sake, and they'd allowed such bullying! Thank goodness he had enough clout with the diocese to have some changes made. Not that it helped Templeton, but he knew the next orphans attending would be treated far more fairly. Although he couldn't help but hope no more children would still be in his care at that age...

But that was for another day. Today, he clapped heartily as the students tossed their caps and came racing down to their families. And the grin on Templeton's face as they hugged made everything worthwhile.