Metty and Alexei walked out of Journalism class followed by Marco and Madison. They walked to the ground floor and stopped by the bulletin board. Marco read the new postings.

"The article is accepted. We'll be published in January," Metty said.

"I'm looking forward to it. Don Sebastian asked for copies of the magazine. He and Doña Alma want to meet you when they visit in December."

Metty said, "I'd be honored."

Madison glared at Marco. "You didn't say anything about Prince Sebastian visiting."

"It is private, a family visit. Alexei and I will go home for the holidays."

"Will I get to meet him?"

"Perhaps. This is a family visit."

Madison smiled tightly, but was silent, jealous that that nobody, Metty, would meet Marco's family and she likely wouldn't. She bottled up her anger, knowing it was not the time to push her luck.

"My parents are coming with him," Alexei said to Metty. "You'll meet them, too."

Madison dropped back and tugged Marco's arm. She began to whisper, lips close to his ear. Marco shook his head.

"Are you coming to lunch, Marco?" Alexei asked.

Marco caught Alexei's eye and winced. "I've got to talk to Madison. Wait a minute, and we'll all go."

Jessica rushed in from outside. She went straight to Marco. "Did you see the notice for auditions for the play? She pointed to a pink paper on the board. "Dr. Wilson has written a play based on 'Pride and Prejudice'. I'm trying out for Elizabeth Bennet. Why don't you try out for Darcy? You'd look so good in those Regency clothes." She looked Marco over admiringly, as though she already saw him in tight Regency pants and a slim jacket. Madison pouted as Marco ignored her.

"I think I will," said Marco. It was time to cool Madison off, and Jessica was good for that, and nothing else. The play was a reason to be away from her. Happily, Alexei seemed less obsessed with Jessica.

"I'll audition, too," said Madison. "Elizabeth sounds like a good part."

"There's lots of good parts," Marco said, nodding to Alexei, hoping he'd catch the hint. "Why don't we all audition?"

"Sure," said Alexei. "Metty, what about you? We might be Elizabeth and Darcy." He grinned broadly, winking at Marco.

"I haven't got 'star quality'. Lucky to be one of the lesser sisters." She was silent for a minute, stepping forward as she read the notice. "I think I will. Acting and theater can be good for students with disabilities, so I'll check it out. It'll be fun in any case."

"Good. Monday night at seven at the theater," Marco said, reading from the notice. "Let's get lunch. Jessica, join us?"

She took his arm and they led the others out, Madison trailing behind.

*

The Almurian Orthodox Church of San Gabriel de Almurias, Mártir, on Greco Street, survived the flood without structural damage. Receding flood waters left mud, debris and trash in the small churchyard and in the church itself. Most of the mess had been cleaned up by a professional damage company.

Father Menuzo organized volunteers on Saturday to clean the church and yard, remove the last of the trash, trim damaged plants, and clear the tiny graveyard. Marco and Alexei volunteered, attracting some of the curious. Many young church members and some students at the College showed up. Marco led the crew inside the church while Alexei handled the lawn and graveyard.

Madison and Jessica were among the volunteers. They commandeered refreshments for the crews. They also deigned to fetch trash bags, but their priority was making sure Marco had coffee, trash bags, and anything else he wanted.

Jessica dropped Marco's empty cup in a trash bag and tied the bag into a knot. "I'll help you carry these bags to the dumpster, Marco," she said. She picked up one and he picked up three. They walked through the cemetery to a gate opening on an alley. A half-full dumpster sat beyond the gate. A note posted on the dumpster read, 'Please leave door closed.'

Metty was at the dumpster with trash. She put her last trash bag in the dumpster as she saw them approaching and left the door open. She picked up a few loose pieces of trash and tossed them in the dumpster. Marco put a bag in.

"Marco! Marco! You're needed in the office!" Father Menuzo waved from the church door.

"Coming," said Marco. He set two bags down. "Please finish here, Jessica." He trotted back to the Church. Jessica dropped her bag on the ground and followed him. Metty hissed, tossed the bags in the dumpster, and shut the door before returning to the Church. She walked into the meeting room in the office building, where food and drinks were available. Marco sat eating sandwiches, with Madison on one side and Jessica on the other.

"Jessica, did you make the egg salad sandwiches," Alexei asked. "They're good."

"The cook did," said Jessica. "How do you like them, Marco?" Alexei looked amused, instead of hurt, for a change. Marco looked from Jessica to Alexei, then back to Jessica.

"They're OK,"' he said. "Madison's beef and cheese are better." He took a large bite from one and chomped it.

Metty got a sandwich, chips and coffee and sat with volunteers. A couple of others sat at the table, chatting, including Martin and Sofia Velasquez. Martin was silent, his food and coffee untouched. Their house and most of their belongings had been destroyed in the flood. Martin already worked two jobs to provide for his young family. They had put most of their earnings into buying a house and opening a restaurant and now were back to nothing. Father Menuzo put the Velasquez family up in a small apartment on the church grounds that had been used by the former caretaker.

"Martin, did you save much from the flood?" A man asked.

"No. The cars, clothes we took when we evacuated, a TV. A few things can be salvaged."

"Your insurance will cover it. Federal insurance."

"Most of it. We need a place to stay. The children need clothes, school. I have to reopen the restaurant." He began to cry. His wife's face wrinkled, but she didn't cry.

"Martin, don't cry. We'll get back on our feet," she said.

He sobbed. "I know."

Alexei and Marco looked over. Alexei sighed. He got up and went to Martin, trying to think of something to say.

"The church will help, Mr. Velasquez," he finally said. "In time, we will all recover." Martin wiped his eyes.

Metty got up and went to the drinks table. She got a glass of water and a napkin. She handed them to Martin. He took them and gulped the water. His sobs quieted. He wiped his eyes and nodded. Sofia patted his hand.

"Would you like fresh coffee, Mr. Velasquez?" Metty asked.

"No, no thank you. Miss?"

"Metty Griffin."

"I'm good. I'll get back to work when my break is over. Don Alexei, we will get through this." He picked up a sandwich and took a bite. He was sad but calmer.

Alexei watched as Metty sat down and finished her sandwich. He appreciated her tactfulness. The simplicity and kindness of her action helped soothe Martin. He returned to his table.

"Alexei! Alexei!"

He looked around.

"I've been talking to you!" Jessica said. "Daydreaming?"

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"Our costumes for the ETA Halloween party. I think we should go as husband and wife ghosts."

"Fine. Whatever you think." He got up and cleaned his place. "I've got to get back to work. Aren't you coming to help move branches out of the cemetery?"

"No." Jessica looked at him, puzzled. "These nails don't do heavy work." She flicked her fingers, flashing a light orange acrylic manicure. One sparkling black nail on her ring finger glittered. "I'm handling food and drinks inside."

"Remember to wear rubber gloves," he said. "You wouldn't want to chip your manicure."