All Shook Up

Playing Elvis on stage was a dream come true for Julian’s grandson...

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THE school bell pealed out across the playground, leaving an echo ringing in the ears of parents waiting patiently for their children.

A moment's silence was replaced by chattering voices and young feet pounding out of the doors.

Julian, waiting for his grandson, Brogan, hopped patiently from foot to foot, his hands in his pockets, away from the winter chill whipping around them.

"Grandad!" Brogan exclaimed, throwing himself against Julian's legs.

"Can we listen to Elvis when we get home?" Julian smiled, removing the boy's schoolbag from his back and correcting the hastily closed zip.

"Of course," he replied.

"As if we wouldn't!" From a young age, Julian's grandson had been fascinated by Elvis Presley.

His respect for the king of rock and roll had begun after being exposed to his grandad's CD collection on babysitting days.

As he grew, his interest had deepened.

Brogan insisted on an after-school "Elvis Hour".

It had become a ritual for the pair of them, as well as being a useful tactic when it came to convincing the boy to eat his greens.

No vegetables - no Elvis.

It worked a treat.

Reaching up to grab his grandfather's hand, Brogan hopped excitedly.

"Mr Packwood!" Turning at the sound of his name, Julian was met by the sight of Brogan's teacher running towards them, her heels clicking against the concrete.

"Sorry. I hope you're not in a hurry." The young teacher smiled.

 

"Not at all," Julian replied.

"Is there a problem?" Brogan's teacher shook her head.

"No," she assured him. "I

just wanted to make sure you know to pack Brogan's costume for the nativity tomorrow.

"I forgot to remind him before he left." The nativity play had been the talk of the school gates for weeks, with parents eager to discuss what was arguably the highlight of the school year.