Adam Blake - 167. Chapter 167

The girls’ Academy was finished, and Henry’s gift was a Greek garden, including a fountain. Marie was so happy, “Daddy, you built this so I can go to school here instead of going to some other place. Several girls in my class want to go here also, can they?”

“I don’t know, Marie. The girls that will go here need to pay tuition. The school isn’t free, we have teachers to pay, utility bills to pay, and the upkeep on the building and gardens cost money. Maybe we can grant a few scholarships, but we need to set a standard of acceptance. I’ll discuss it with your mother and see what she thinks.”

I set the tuition the same as the Academy. The Board thought that was appropriate. Richard said I was late in building it. I should have done it the first year I was at the Academy, and then his daughter could have attended.

One day, I was sitting in my office when a young man entered with a cup of coffee. “Grandfather, I’m here.”

“I looked up, and there was Adam, with Gerry standing behind him. Gerry whispered something to him. In a flash, he was on my lap, hand on my heart, “It’s very warm, Father.” I laughed and hugged him, kissing him on the cheek.

“Your heart is very warm also. I’m glad to see you, and I have been expecting you. Gerry, when did you arrive?”’

“Just an hour ago, Diane and Elina are with Mother.”

I looked at Gerry and then Adam. Gerry nodded. “Adam, while you are here at the Academy, your name will be Gerry, like your father’s. No one is to find out who your father is. Some people would do bad things if they found out who you are. But, you can come to me anytime, and this lap is yours to sit on, just like your father did when he was here.”

We cuddled for a while when Gerry told him it was his turn. Gerry sat on my lap, “You know it is still as comfortable as it was when I first sat on it. Perhaps a little softer since you have a little belly now.”

“Have you had a tour?” “No”

“Let’s go.” We did. I showed him the dining hall and the study hall. Gerry explained the paintings and Oath. Then we went to the classrooms, the dorms, and then the pub. Even Gerry’s eyes widen as he saw the pub. “Would you like a mug of hot chocolate?” Silly question, I took a mug and with an indelible marker mark it Gerry II. “This is your mug Gerry, you are to keep it clean and bring it with you when you come to the pub, or you can hang it on this pegboard.” I took another mug and marked it, Gerry. “This is your mug, same rules, and you can hang it here next to mine.”

“Father, I think I’m going to like it here.”

“Yes, you will, and Grandfather will take good care of you, I’m sure. Just remember coffee, lap, and check heart.”

One of the boys came over and introduced himself to Gerry II. That was all it took. “Gerry, want to see the Dungeon?”

He nodded. I told Gerry II we would catch up later. I needed to show this gentleman the College.”

He winked at me, smart kid.

We asked past the Clinic, “Why didn’t you do this sooner?”

“Dad didn’t say the time was right. When he did, everyone agreed. I’m not sure the Board would have gone along with it. But I needed classrooms, and that triggered the whole thing.”

“How did you get the girls’ academy built if they didn’t want a sensible clinic?”

“Richard helped with that. He knew I didn’t need the Board’s approval since it was on property not owned by the schools. I could go ahead and build it as a separate school. He convinced me to get the Board’s approval, so I put together a package showing the financial projections and the Board approved the plans. And speaking of the Board, we meet once a month for no more than two days. I’m looking for another Board member, interested?”

“Is that why you wanted to show me the Dungeon? If I don’t agree, I’ll be put in chains?”

“I didn’t think about that, but that’s a good idea.”

“Oh, what is this?”

“This wall has been dedicated to the memory of our students who have joined Dad. I had to do something so the boys and teachers here would never forget Edward. I needed this wall.”

“Why the bench?”

“That was for me. One of the students saw me sitting on the floor. He joined me with a glass of wine. I told him about Edward, he remembered him. The next day when I came, the stool was there, and another student moved over and allowed me to sit there with him. We talk about Edward and what he remembered, and then I realized that Edward still lives in the memory of his friends and those that knew him at this college.”

“This is a great idea, and yes, I’ll proudly serve on your Board.” I hugged Gerry. I knew then that I could count on him as well as Richard.