Francine's Diary

June 12, 1964

Dear Diary,

I get to skip my sophomore year. Mother Superior says I can advance to junior classes. That means I get to graduate early. I've decided to try for either Sarah Lawrence or Bryn Mawr. Daddy wants me to go to Stanford of course. Sarah Lawrence has the best language department. Sister Mary Grace says I will need to find a tutor for Latin. Father Garbetti is teaching me Italian. I have Sister Gabrielle says I parle vous Francais like a native. I can't wait to go to Paris. Daddy said I can take a tour if I keep my grades up.

August 11, 1964

I didn't get out of camp this year. I do however get to be a counselor. I've been assigned the fives. That includes little Devon King. She is such a serious child. I wonder if she ever smiles? My goal this summer is to make Devon smile. I'm going to teach her some French too! She's very bright. The poor kid starts at St. Anne's this fall.

October 12, 1964

School is a breeze. I love my Latin tutor! Susan is a novice. She actually studied at the Vatican! She is perfectly lovely; I wonder why she is becoming a nun? Sister Isabella Maria says it's a calling. The only girls I know who've be called were the homely ones. I'm not being mean spirited, just honest. Susan said she is joining the order to help others. I guess I can understand that. I want to make a difference too. Daddy says Mr. Johnson will make a difference. I've considered the Peace Corp, but I haven't made any firm decisions. College first.

December 2, 1964

I get to go to Mr. King's Christmas party. Mr. King even sent me an invitation. Mom is thrilled. She wants me to meet Mr. Right. And of course, all of the young men there will be suitable. I may never get married. There's no rule that says I have to. The sister's say it is my duty to bear children, but that is so old fashioned. The world is over populated as it is. I love kids. At least I enjoyed my kids this summer. I've spent a lot of time with Devon since her mother left. She is so lost. Jimmy is pretending nothing happened. Poor kid. I'm taking Devon shopping this weekend. I've got tons of presents to buy. Mark will be home on leave this year.

December 21, 1964

Mr. King's party was a blast. Daddy and Mom had a lot of fun despite the fact Mark couldn't come home. I met some fascinating men. Mr. King has some interesting friends. He and Daddy go way back. I heard Mom tell Daddy that Mel (that's Mr. King) should never have married Mrs. King. Daddy told her to hush. I think Mom's right. Mrs. King was awful.

Feb. 14, 1965

St. Valentine's Day. Sister Grace Anne said there was a real St. Valentine. Not for me there ain't. (It feels almost wicked to write ain't.) The boys at St. Anthony's are such children. I haven't time for dates and such. In one year, I will be at Sarah Lawrence and I must focus on my exciting career. I've decided I am going to become a translator for the United Nations. I must study several languages. I've got French, Italian, Latin pretty much licked. Dad has arranged for tutors in German and Russian. I'm going to spend the last year of high school in New York at Immaculate Heart. It's really the finest around. Of course, I'll miss my parents and little Devon. Mother thinks Devon is becoming too attached to me. She's such a sweet child. Mother thinks Mr. King should remarry so the children have a mother. But of course, he couldn't marry in the Church. Mrs. King just up and left. I don't understand how any woman could do that, just leave her children. I'm sure it is a mortal sin; I must ask the sisters.