Charles Baker Harris sat down gingerly on the couch. For an old man of 76, he was pretty strong and healthy, although his arthritis caused him some problems at times.

It was Christmas and everyone had gathered at his son Arthur's home in New York. Marianna and her husband Bill had flown in from California along with their ten year old son, Jeff. His youngest daughter Marilyn had come from DC with her husband Daniel and their 7 year old twins, Jake and Alison. They were playing with Arthur's twelve year old son, Jack.

Claire, Arthur's wife brought Charles a cup of coffee, which he accepted with a smile.

Suddenly all the children gathered around him.

"Grandpa, tell us a story," Alison said

"Yeah Grandpa, it's been too long since you told us a story" said Jack.

"Jack," called Claire," Don't trouble Grandpa. Let him rest"

"Oh, it's no trouble honey. Come here what do you want to hear?"

"A story, Grandpa!"Said Alison brightly

Charles laughed,

"Alright kids, today, I am going to tell you a very special story. Do you want to ask you parents to join you? Maybe they can hear too?"

"Why? They are grown ups, they don't have to hear a story" said Jack

"Well, sweetheart, it is a story I never told you dad and your , no one knows about not anyone who is alive"

"Really?"said Marianna, coming near her father"But as far as I can remember dad, you have told us all your stories"

"Not this one. So if you want to hear it, gather around"

"Alright why not?"Said Art "If it's a story we haven't heard yet, then I want to hear it"

"Me too," Marilyn backed her brother

"So Grandpa, what is the story about?"Asked Jack

"Well, it is about a boy and a girl"

"That sounds-boring" said Marianna, taking her husband's hand

"Well, that will be only till I tell you about this girl. Do you want to hear it or not?"Charles said in mock anger

"Sorry,"

"Grandpa, if no one alive, knows about it, then who knew," asked Jack

"Well, you'll know that when you hear the whole story"

"Okay, what is it called?"

"Okay kids, the story is called The Extraordinary Tales of Scout and Dill"