It was obviously one of his biggest regrets, but he hoped to make up for it starting today.

***

The kids had just started to settle down when Melvin and Mrs. Wilson entered the area. Ms. Jenkins greeted him warmly and called Angie over. Her face lit up when she saw her grandfather.

“Grandpa, what are you doing here?” She asked giving him a big hug and kiss on the cheek.

“I missed my girl, so I thought I could take you to lunch.”

“But Grandpa, we’re having Storytime. I don’t want to miss it.” As much as she loved spending time with her grandfather reading was Angie’s favorite part of the day and she didn’t want to have to choose.

“You won’t miss it. I’m going to listen to the story too if it’s okay with Ms. Jenkins.”
Mrs. Wilson had already told him it was okay, but he also wanted to hear it from Ms. Jenkins.

“Of course, Mr. Porter but I’m sure Mrs. Wilson told you that I drag all my visitors into participating.”

“I’m happy to oblige.” Melvin answered flashing the engaging Porter smile.

Ms. Jenkins asked Angie to find her seat, then got the rest of the kids situated before she introduced their guest.

“Children, I’d like you to meet Angelica’s grand-father. Mr. Melvin Porter. Can you give him a welcome greeting?”

“Welcome Mr. Porter” they all said in unison with big smiles; some missing one or two front teeth.

Angie was enrolled in one of the best private elementary schools in greater Los Angeles. She started in their day-care program when she was three years old and has moved into pre-school, and now kindergarten. The school was very strict on decorum, and it showed by how well-behaved the children were. It was one of the reasons Bette and Tina had chosen it and paid as much as they did for tuition. They weren’t snooty about their wealth, but it did afford some privileges for their children.

Melvin, Peggy, Kit, Angus, Bette, and Tina all agreed that it was important that kids not only receive a top-notch scholastic education but that they also learned to be socially adept early on as they made their way into the world.