Francis Turns 14

Francis was 14 years old. The lengthening fellow was looking pretty sharp at church that morning in his new khakis and bright blue collared shirt.
He had requested a lunch of barbecued pork steaks, biscuits with jelly, homemade mashed potatoes and carrots, and chocolate pudding cups topped with whipped cream for lunch.
This was followed with a round of naps for half the family, after Francis had opened his gifts — a package of grips and his book (written by Collette) from OLeif, Collette, and Puck. A model warthog plane from the family. A check from Grandma Combs. And a model bottle rocket from Joe. Rose’s gift was still in the mail.
By late afternoon, they picked up Grandma Snicketts to take her to Steak ‘n Shake, where they split into three booths for the meal. And Puck made faces and sorted knives and forks with Lila until his fruit plate arrived.
So Francis was very happy that he was only one year out from obtaining his driver’s permit.