Albert sat in the kitchen peeling potatoes for a Shepherds' pie he planned on making for dinner while Lily napped upstairs peacefully in her crib. At the moment Vanzilla pulled into the driveway. The siblings, relieved another school day was over, sped towards the house. Lynn reached first and unlocked the door.
"Hello Pop Pop," they all chanted.
"Afternoon, kiddos, remember do your homework after you eat," Albert reminded them.
Lori and Lincoln didn't receive any homework so they went upstairs to study after their snack. First Lori called the beauty salon at the mall to make an appointment for Friday to get her hair styled. The senior students were excused from classes on Friday because of the prom.
Later at bedtime Lincoln heard Clyde's voice coming from his walkie talkie and answered the call.
"Hey buddy stoked for tomorrows exam," Lincoln said enthusiastically.
"Of course say could you get Pop Pops permission to hang out at Gus with the three redheads for a little relaxation after school," Clyde asked.
"I haven't gotten an allowance in two weeks, let's just watch TV at your house," Lincoln replied.
"We could do that I'll call the others and tell them go onto Gus without us, night Lincoln," Clyde said.
"Night Clyde," Lincoln said.
The next morning, Wednesday May 31 Lincoln and Lori showed a little trepidation since both had examinations today. The fifth grade exams would be taking place in the auditorium so P.E. was cancelled for the other students. The first subject being Science, then Social Studies, History, English, each lasting 30 minutes then after recess, a forty five minute Math exam, finally Art from 12.50 until 1: 30. Lori's schedule was a little more complicated with an hour Math exam and forty minutes for the other subjects. At 8:30 Lori had Biology then American History, English Language, Physics, an hour recess, Mathematics, Geography, then Home Economics from 2: 20 p.m. until three.
"Pop-Pop is it okay if I go with Clyde to his house after school, exams finish at one thirty," Lincoln asked during their breakfast of oatmeal and toast with grape jelly.
"Oh sure kiddo," Albert responded.
Minutes later the siblings were ready for school after brushing their teeth.
"Lincoln, Lori, best wishes on your exams," Albert declared as they gathered in the living room.
"Thanks Pop Pop," Lori replied.
Once the siblings departed Albert bathed Lily then settled the infant on the couch to watch her videos then washed the breakfast utensils before relaxing on the couch to read a novel.
At 1: 00 p.m. Lincoln, Clyde, and Ronnie Anne and the other fifth graders, thankful the hectic day of examinations were finally behind them left the auditorium and headed towards the lockers to retrieve their belongings.
"Thank God this day is over," Clyde exclaimed, grabbing his purple bag.
"I'm going straight home and get some shut eye," Ronnie Anne declared.
"See ya tomorrow RA," Lincoln said, hoisting his blue bag over his shoulder.
At 3:00 p.m. Albert went to the retrieve the mail while Lily napped. Within a few minutes the sisters arrived home.
"Lori you got a letter from Michigana State University," Albert said while the sisters ate BLT sandwiches.
Lori's eyes widened in surprise and uttered, "Really?"
"It's on your dresser and Lola you received an invitation from the Royal Woods Pageant Committee to participate in the Little Miss Summertime pageant in July," he added.
"I'm turning down the invitation since mommy and daddy wouldn't be there to watch," she replied sadly. Albert left the girls to start preparing macaroni and cheese for dinner.
Afterwards Lori hurried upstairs to her bedroom, eager to read the response letter from Michigana State. Initially she planned on applying to Great Lakes College since she and Bobby planned on going there because his Uncle Carlos was a Professor at the College, but her friend Dana told her it would be wiser to apply to more than one. With one finger Lori swiftly tore open the letter and began reading.
Dear Miss Lori Loud
We regret to inform we're unable to offer you admission into Michigana State. Our decision is based on the fact we require all applicants to have at least one hundred hours of community service work and more than one extracurricular activity. Regretfully, your academic record does not meet these requirements.
Thank you for spending time and effort in applying. We wish you the best of luck in your academic future!
Best regards,
Mrs. Janice McGowan
Dean of Admissions
Lori sighed then refolded the letter and placed it inside the envelope and shoved it inside the top drawer of her dresser.
Lincoln arrived home at four thirty after watching reruns of AARGH with Clyde to unwind with Clyde ordering a pepperoni pizza for them to enjoy. He noticed the twins, Luan sitting on the couch watching cartoons and Lisa was tutoring Luna in her room for a History test on Monday while Leni completed Lori's prom dress
"Afternoon," Lincoln greeted then joined his sisters on the couch. On Friday Lori's siblings rode the school bus to and after school. Lori slept until nine thirty had oatmeal and coffee for breakfast then headed for her 10:30 appointment at the salon with money she saved from various babysitting jobs. Albert would make dinner earlier than usual to accommodate Lori's schedule.
Later that evening Albert and his other grandkids waited in the living room in anticipation of seeing Lori arrive downstairs wearing her prom dress.
"Here she comes," Lola whispered excitedly upon hearing Loris heels clicking on the stairs.
Once Lori reached downstairs, Lola gazed at her older sister's dress in awe, her eyes sparkling.
"Your dress is beautiful Lori," the six year old gushed.
"Thanks Lola," Lori said.
Albert beamed with pride at his granddaughter, holding a cheap instant camera he bought when getting his prescription filled yesterday morning with Lily in tow.
"You look wonderful kiddo," Albert remarked
"Thanks Pop Pop," Lori said.
"Come on, let's take a photo," Albert requested.
Lori stood in front of the fireplace with her siblings standing behind the couch looking on while Albert snapped two photos. After the second one Lincoln looked through the window and noticed Bobby's van parked in the driveway.
"Hey Bobby's here," he announced making Lori gasp.
Albert opened the front door and greeted the teenage boy dressed in a tux looking quite dapper.
"Good evening you must be Lori's beau, I'm her grandfather, Albert," he greeted, smiling broadly then extended his right hand.
"Pleased to meet you Sir," Bobby replied politely as they shook hands.
Bobby followed Albert into the living room where his gaze fell upon Lori wearing the knee length sky blue dress with spaghetti straps.
Awestruck by his estranged girlfriend with her new hairstyle Bobby finally spoke after five seconds passed.
"You look terrific Lori," Bobby blurted out
"Oh thanks Bobby you look wonderful," Lori replied.
"Bobby could you stand beside Lori at the front door, I'd like to take your picture," Albert requested.
Without a word the teenagers positioned themselves at the door, Bobby standing on Lori's left and wrapped his arm around her elbow. When Albert was satisfied after snapping two pictures Bobby glanced at his watch.
"It was nice meeting you Albert but we have to go," Bobby remarked.
"Have a super great time," Leni said in a cheery tone.
Everyone except Lisa accompanied the teenagers outside and watched Bobby escort Lori into the passenger side of his van then eventually went inside after the vehicle disappeared from sight.
That's all I have for now
