A Child's Heart (Trent & Cassie's Story) A River City Novel Read Online Free PDF

preview were the reason for
the museum’s recent success.
    “Hi, Cassie. This place is hopping.”
    “You’ve made it possible. I hope you will always be
supportive of our efforts.”
    “Do you have a head count for tonight?”
    “No clue, and I won’t know until tomorrow.”
    “I’d like some numbers.”
    “I’ll fax them over to you. Are you going to be here
for teen night?”
    “I wouldn’t miss that for anything. Do you think
you’ll get a good crowd?”
    “Good is the operative word. But with Riverton Fun
House sponsoring it, I think it should be very successful. They’re
bringing in every table game they sell: Foosball, Air Hockey, you
name it, and it’ll be here. Plus they are bringing several new,
touch-screen, table games. They are the hot new things in
computers. It should be a blast.”
    “Do you have enough chaperones?”
    “I think we do. But if you’d like to act as chaperone
again, I’ve got an idea forming for my next exhibit.”
    “What’s that?”
    “A Lock-In.”
    “Huh?”
    “An all night lock-in at the museum.” She lowered her
voice a few notches. “Bring your pillow and be prepared!”
    “Sounds like fun.”
    “I have lots of fun things planned. In fact, I’m
working on an idea to make these special events a regular thing.
It’s not just a matter of bringing in a few people once in a while,
but to have regular participation from the community. Here’s the
dilemma. A father might bring his son to see dinosaurs, but will he
bring that same child to see French Impressionist’s paintings?”
    Jim shrugged. “Hmm, it’s not exactly something that
will appeal to a younger crowd.”
    “But it can. Exposure to all of our rich history is
so important. It doesn’t mean that everyone is going to like
everything, but if they can learn to appreciate and respect it,
then I’ve done my job.”
    “What do you have in mind?”
    “Membership. Other museums do it, and it’s
successful. Buy a membership and visit all year long. Then these
members get free or discounted passes to monthly events, such as
our teen night.”
    Jim nodded. “Sounds like a great idea. Think of all
the homeschoolers that could use this as part of their
curriculum.”
    “I’ve already thought of that, and I’m taking it one
step farther. The critical learning objectives mandated by the
state are easily translated into what we have to offer. Starting in
August, every brochure will list the objectives covered by each
exhibit. I’m meeting with the school board next week, because the
schools need to take advantage of what is here.”
    “Is that something that I may attend? I’d like to
hear what they have to say.”
    “My understanding is that all school board meetings
are open to the public. It’s not a private session. And I'd love to
have you there.”
    Jim looked around. “This place is packed with
people.”
    “To be honest, I’d like to open the doors to all the
children who got D’s and F’s in History, because they are the ones
who need their minds tickled. They need to get excited about what
came before them.”
    “Play with that idea. You just might have
something.”
     
    ***
    The next morning, Cassie grabbed a
handful of keys from her desk. The museum had once been River City
High School, and had sat idle for several years until Bill Krumpler
convinced the city to turn it into a museum. She unlocked a heavy
door and opened it. Stale air laced with the smell of concrete and
rusting iron assaulted her. She ascended the steps and opened
another set of doors on the unused portion of the second floor.
Fifteen classrooms sat idle. Oak floors and old lockers brought
back memories of the high school she had attended. Big windows
bathed bright light onto the rooms. I can
do this! And they think I’m over budget?
Wait until they hear this. I need a miracle.
     
    ***
    The single, sharp knock on Cassie’s office door
followed by the turning of the doorknob, instantly told her it was
Mrs.