Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
A Child's Haven - 60. Chapter 60
While we’re sitting there discussing Sanctuary and doing a little reminiscing, Adam came in looking for me. He had a letter in his hand. With a big smile, he gave me the letter, seeing the heading I know what this was. Adam had been accepted at the culinary school. I got up from the table and gave him a big hug, “I’m very proud of you.” When I told Tony, he also got up and hugged Adam. He whispered something to Adam, and I noticed Adam smiling at Tony shaking his head yes.
School was out for the day, and the kids started to come in for their lunch. Mario had grilled sandwiches and soup for them. I watched as Tony got up and got in line, then went and sat with some of the kids. Abe gave me a questionable look. “I felt I was losing my purpose by isolating myself from the kids. So I asked Aaron and Tony if they wouldn’t mingle with the kids. Now during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we sit with the kids. Come on and get some lunch and watch the kids around Tony and Aaron.”
We went and got our lunch, and when I came to the soup, Adam smiled and showed me his driving license. He was smiling, “Congratulations, Adam. This certainly needs a celebration. After lunch, you and I are going shopping.” Abe and I got our lunch and sat down at a table. Soon the table began to be filled with the kids. “Boys, this is Mr. Carver. He’s the gentleman who has designed and built Sanctuary. If you have any questions, ask him he’s a nice guy.”
I then sat back and let the kids ask him questions, the first one being when the model room was going to be finished? Abe explained the staircase and had to wait until it was finished before it could be used. The next question was what was being built on the next lot. Again Abe explained that the building had many purposes. It would contain classrooms for special classes like woodworking, and it would contain more cocoons. The top floors will be apartments for the staff and any kid who has a job and needs a place to stay. But anyone living there will have to pay rent.
The next question concerned the lot on the other side of Sanctuary. Again Abe told them it hadn’t been decided yet. He asked them what they would want there. The younger kids at the table said a playground, and then when one of the older kids said a swimming pool, they all agreed. I think the playground idea was lost.
When lunch was over, Tony, Aaron came over to our table. “The kids sitting here were pretty excited. What did you promise them, Brad?”
“I didn’t promise them anything. Abe did.”
Abe started laughing, “The kids asked Abe questions about the model room, the building going up, and what were the plans for the empty lot. Abe did a good job giving them good answers. The kids appreciated that honesty. You did a great job, Abe. You can expect more questions and maybe even suggestions. They liked you. You gave them straight answers and didn’t try to brush them off. I bet you’ll make a lot of good friends here.”
“That’s true Brad, these kids are streetwise and can tell when someone is giving them the brush off or trying to snow them. Best to be honest, and once they know you’re honest with them, you can say you don’t know, and they’ll believe you.”
“You’re right, Aaron. These kids have been lied to, and they do suspect everything they’re told, so it’s best to be honest, and in time they’ll come to trust you. I think it took Jeff about a month to trust me when I said I wouldn’t take advantage of him or his sister.”
“Did Adam show you his driving license?”
“Yes, he was very proud. I’m going to take him out this afternoon and buy him a car. He has been accepted at a first class culinary school, and he has passed his driving test, so I need to reward him.”
“Are you going to buy every kid his first car?”
“Yes, so Abe, we’ll need a parking lot in the back of the new building.”
“You need to organize the parking space in the back of this building. You have five buses that’ll need parking space as well as Tony and Aaron’s cars.”
“Yes, we can do that. Maybe we can pave it or put down macadam. Aren’t their firms that can do that?”
“Sure they’ll layout the area for you, prepare the base, and put down the macadam. They’ll even put lines and number the parking places if you want.”
“Great, I’ll call some firms and get a bid. If they’re good, I’ll hold the parking area on the new lot as an enticement to do a good job. Don’t smile, Tony. You can help me.”
Aaron and Abe chuckled. They knew I always had projects for Tony.
- 28
- 12
- 5
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
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