Monday started out with Mr. Ken getting his morning newspaper and then heading to the Kitchen Nook for his first cup of coffee. Dan showed up a few minutes later and the two talked some until Momma Maria asked the men what they wanted for breakfast. Ken just said to surprise him and Dan agreed to be surprised as well.
Thirty minutes later Momma Maria announced that breakfast was ready and that the men should get a fresh cup of coffee as she placed their breakfast in front of them. When Mr. Ken asked Momma what she had made for them she told them she made Mexican Baked Eggs with Mozzarella and Bacon, Cheesy Waffle-Iron Hash Browns and Breakfast Tostadas.
Ken smiled at Dan and the two dug into their breakfast. After a few minutes of eating, Dan was the first one to say "Wow!" and then eagerly ate more of the three breakfast concoctions. Mr. Ken had never tasted anything like what he had in front of him, and Momma Maria had cooked for him for close to four years now.
Just then the boys came into the Kitchen Nook and they immediately could smell the wonderful breakfast foods their 'dad and Mr. Dan were eating and wondered what they were.
"What smells so good, 'dad'?" asked Charles.
"Ask Momma Maria. She asked us what we wanted and we told her to surprise us and boy did she ever. Everything tastes great, lads. Hopefully, she'll make you some of this, too," replied 'dad' Ken.
Maria came over to the boys and told them to sit down. She asked them what they wanted for breakfast and they told her they wanted what their 'dad' and Mr. Dan had. The woman smiled big and went about making more of that very special breakfast. Twenty minutes later, because Momma Maria had the ingredients all out, the boys had the same breakfast the two men just had and their taste buds were very happy they asked for those special breakfast items.
While Momma Maria was making the lads breakfast, Mr. Chris came into the Kitchen Nook for his first cup of coffee. He could smell the wonderful flavors of what Momma Maria was cooking and now wished he'd been there earlier to have some. Usually, when Mr. Chris arrives he's already had breakfast with his wife and kids, so he isn't hungry. Today he wished he was hungry. Then the Estate Manager saw someone new sitting at the breakfast table.
"Chris, I want you to meet Dan Fischer. He's a Sheriff's Deputy. He was wounded a few weeks back and will be staying with us until he fully recovers," was how Mr. Ken introduced the two men.
"By the way, Chris," continued the owner of The Cove, "Dan has volunteered to stay with the boys while I first take Charles and then Robert on a promised trip. It is possible that Dan will be staying here at least until after Labor Day and while he is here he will share the responsibility of watching over the lads during the day. He does have a key and an alarm code, so he can come and go as needed. You two can talk later and get to know one another. Any questions?"
The two men shook hands and agreed to talk some later in the day. They then went back to enjoying their morning coffee.
When the lads finished breakfast, they went over to Momma Maria and thanked her for cooking such a special meal for them. They then hugged her but this time they held the hug longer than they usually did. Dan saw what the lads had done and it amazed him seeing how much they cherished what the woman had done for them and the way they showed their appreciation.
"Charles, what say we leave about eleven to buy you some new clothes? I'll meet you down in my Study about then. You okay with that, 'son'?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Sure, 'dad', I'll be ready," replied Charles, as he was leaving the Nook.
'Dad' Ken and Charles left for The Mall at the appointed time. When they arrived at The Mall, the two Covers headed directly to JC Penney. Charles liked the clothes he got there back in July and hoped they'd have as good a section as they did then. Mr. Ken was happy to see the lad being so outgoing and unconcerned about the things that happened to him. He saw the lad had settled down and was making friends and looking forward to making more friends when school began in less than three weeks.
When they arrived at the section they'd gotten Charles's clothes before the woman there immediately recognized Mr. Ken and went over to the man and his 'son' and asked how she could help. Grateful the woman was happy to help, Mr. Ken had her show Charles the new fall clothes. Charles selected two pairs of long pants and matching shirts and two pairs of shorts along with matching shirts.
They then went to the shoe department and Charles got another pair of sneakers for the trip and for use at school. Since they were there, Mr. Ken took Charles to another area and bought the lad two pieces of luggage. He told Charles he needed a carry-on bag to hold a change of clothes and his toiletries and a medium sized bag for his other clothes.
The Covers headed home, but along the way they stopped at DQ for an ice cream. They figured it would ruin their lunch, but for them a DQ ice cream was always welcome and now that Charles could have a banana split that was what they both got. As they ate, 'dad' Ken told Charles all the plans his travel people were able to put together for them. Charles was happy at what he heard, but he was still anxious about the weather at game time. 'Dad' Ken assured his 'son' they'd rearrange their plan if necessary, but for now they'd go along with what was on the schedule.
When Mr. Ken and Charles returned back to The Cove, 'dad' Ken took the lad's new clothes and put them through a wash cycle so the boy could wear them during their trip. Charles, on the other hand, changed into his 'play' clothes and joined up with his friends out at the ramps.
The lads did their usual. After riding their skateboards they went out to swim in the lagoon and play on the water toys and then they cooked some burgers and dogs. 'Dad' Ken, Mr. Dan and Mr. Chris joined the boys for their late lunch and the lads asked Mr. Ken about the upcoming trips he had planned for Charles and then Robert and Eric. The boys were happy for Charles and Robert and Eric, of course, and wished they could have gone, as well. Mr. Ken told the lads that Mr. Dan and Mr. Chris would be there and they were welcomed to still come over while he was gone with his 'boys'.
Later, after dinner, 'dad' Ken asked Charles to try to get to bed earlier than usual as he had to get up at 7 AM in order to get cleaned up and dressed and have a quick bite to eat before the limo came to take them to the airport. Charles did go up to bed at 9 PM but it was closer to 10 o'clock when he finally laid down.
It was exactly at 7 AM when Mr. Ken knocked on Charles' bedroom door. Not hearing any noise coming from inside the bedroom he did the second round of the Three Knock Rule. Still, not getting any response, 'dad' Ken knocked louder the third time as he called out Charles's name. Charles was still fast asleep when 'dad' Ken entered the room.
"Charles … 'son' … it is time to get up, 'son'," called out Mr. Ken. "Come on Charles … it's time to rise and shine," now teased 'dad' Ken.
Charles slowly moved in his bed but he didn't wake up. This time 'dad' Ken began to lightly shake the preteen and as he did the boy began to move some more. Finally, after two tries, Charles opened his eyes and looked up at his 'dad'.
"Is it 7 AM already?" asked the lad.
"Yes, 'son' it is time to get up and showered and dressed. The limo will be here before you know it. We have at least an 80 minute drive to the airport, but it will probably be closer to 90 minutes because of morning traffic. So, get up Charles. I'll meet you down in the Kitchen Nook," finished 'dad' Ken, and then walked out of the boy's bedroom.
It was just after 8 AM when Derrick drove the Limo out The Cove's Main Gate. He drove directly to San Antonio International Airport – General Aviation section. Ken Thomas and Charles Lewis got out of the vehicle and were met by a TSA agent. Derrick took his passengers bags from the back of the limo and set them on a cart that would take the bags through an x-ray machine before being loaded into the aircraft.
The TSA agent checked Mr. Ken's credentials and asked for some identification for Charles. Ken Thomas pulled out the lads CPS documents identifying him as the boys court appointed guardian and the travel authorization for the lad. The TSA agent radioed his supervisor who came out to the Tarmac. The supervisor saw who the first TSA agent was questioning and sent him on his way.
"Hello, Mr. Thomas. I'm sorry for the way that idiot was treating you. He's new which is why he is over here to get some additional training. He has a tendency to see a problem with everyone and anyone who comes through General Aviation. I haven't seen you here for quite some time and I see you have a new charge," spoke the TSA supervisor.
"Yes, I've been very busy with things. This is my new foster son, Charles. He's been with me since right before the 4th of July. This is the first time we can take a trip," explained Mr. Ken.
"What happened to the other lad you had back last spring?" asked the supervisor.
"Oh, Robert … he's still with me. This is Charles's special trip like I did for Collin and Robert," clarified Ken Thomas.
"Well, you are a better man than I, Mr. Thomas. I have three lads of my own and I don't know how you can find the time and energy to keep up with the boys of yours," laughed the TSA supervisor.
"Well, unlike you, I don't have a dedicated job, although I do have my own work, of sorts. That leaves me lots of time to devote to the boys who really need someone to let them be kids again and give them a sense of belonging and a chance of a new life. I bet your boys are just looking for you to spend some time with them. Give them that, and I bet they'll settle down. Give it a try," responded Mr. Ke, to the supervisor's comment.
"Yeah, I should spend more time with them," replied the TSA agent. "What would you suggest?"
"Take them somewhere! Do something fun with them! Make a memory they'll always talk about! Ask them what they'd love to do. You'll be surprised. It might take something simple, like an amusement park or even the zoo, to satisfy them. … Are we free to go? Our plane is waiting for us," finished Mr. Ken.
"Thanks, Mr. Thomas, I bet the boys would love to do something that simple. Sure, you can go. Have a good flight!" said the TSA supervisor, as he walked away.
The Covers got into their plane and before long they were taxiing to the active runway. Charles was beside himself. He'd never been in a plane before let alone take a flight in one. The preteen didn't know which way to look as there was so much to see. 'Dad' Ken watched the boy as he turned one way then the other.
"Charles … please sit still and just look out your window. Once we get up you'll see everything much better from above," smiled Mr. Ken.
Charles did as he was asked and it was then the plane began its takeoff roll down the runway. As the plane lifted off the runway, the retraction of the wheels made a noise and it stunned Charles and he didn't know what to make of it so he looked to his 'dad'.
"Charles … the pilot retracted the wheels. That's all that noise meant. Now, look out your window and see everything below you. As we get higher everything will look smaller, but you should be able to make things out. We may even fly over The Cove, so keep a watch for it.
"Once we are high enough, the flight attendant will come by and ask us what we want to drink. I don't believe our flight will be long enough for us to have a meal, but you never know," explained 'dad' Ken.
As they climbed through 15,000 feet, the flight attendant came back and asked them what they would like to drink and if they were hungry he could make them something simple, like a burger or hot dog. When he heard that, Charles burst out laughing. The flight attendant didn't know what to make of the lads laughter until Mr. Ken told the man that his boys cooked burgers and hot dogs for their friends just about every day.
Mr. Ken then asked if there was something else they could have. The attendant said he had smoked ham and cheese and roast beef sandwiches if they would like one of those. Charles asked for a Ham and Cheese and Mr. Ken took the roast beef. Charles also asked for a coke and Mr. Ken got coffee. Within ten minutes the Covers were eating their sandwiches.
Charles wasn't finished with his meal when the flight attendant came back to him and asked if he would like to see the cockpit. The lad's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, and he followed the man to where the pilots were seated. The co-pilot got out of his seat and asked Charles to sit down. For the next twenty-five minutes the pilot explained the workings of the airplane and then let Charles take the controls for a few minutes.
"'Dad', did you see? The pilot let me fly the plane. Wow, that was awesome!" said an exuberant Charles, with a smile that was ear-to-ear.
They landed at Dallas Executive Airport which was 10 miles from downtown Dallas. Mr. Ken and Charles got out of the airplane and the co-pilot got their bags for them. They walked to towards the terminal when they saw a man holding a sign "Thomas". Charles looked at his 'dad' with a question on his face. 'Dad' Ken them told the lad that the man was their driver while they were on their trip.
Mr. Ken had the driver take them to the La Quinta hotel located right across from Six Flags Over Texas. They were early for check-in but their room was ready so they went up to drop of their bags and freshen up some. After that, they headed back to the limo, so the man could show them around.
Kurt, their driver, drove first past the Rangers ballpark then he took his passengers past Cowboys stadium. After that he drove across the expressway and drove past Hurricane Harbor. Charles was all eyes and then the driver took them back to their hotel.
Mr. Ken asked Charles what he would like to do next, and the lad said he'd love to just relax before the game later that night. The two agreed to swim and Mr. Ken told Kurt to be back at 6 PM in order to take them to the ballpark.
Mr. Ken and Charles enjoyed the large pool the La Quinta had. Even though the hotel was full, that day, there weren't many people using the facility as they were out doing their touristy thing. Charles enjoyed having his 'dad' Ken all to himself. He'd climb on the man and let him throw him off into the water and he'd come back for more. They played that game for a while and then they both took a lounger to start on their tan. Of course, Charles didn't need to lay in the sun as he was very tan from all the swimming he'd done out in the lagoon. Mr. Ken, on the other hand, needed to get some tan before the summer ended.
At 6 PM sharp, Kurt brought the limo to the hotel to collect his passengers. The driver took the travelers over to the Rangers ballpark and dropped them off at the Will Call Window where Mr. Ken had first baseline seat tickets waiting for them. The two vacationers took their tickets to the entrance and not having anything to be inspected they walked right into the concourse. The Covers walked around the concourse some, so Charles and Mr. Ken could get their bearings and to look at all the souvenirs and foods stuff that was offered.
Their first stop was the souvenirs shop. Charles had never been in one so seeing all the things that were for sale he didn't know what to look at first. 'Dad' Ken led him around the outer display cases then they looked at the interior ones. 'Dad' Ken asked his 'son' if there was something he would like. Charles didn't have any favorite ball player so he didn't know what to do. Mr. Ken showed him around one more time and explained to the boy what he could get. When the two left the store Charles had a Rangers ball cap on and a small souvenir bat.
Along the way to their seats, the two travelers stopped for something to eat. Charles got a foot long hot dog and a coke and Mr. Ken got nachos and a coke as well. They then headed to their seats to watch batting practice.
Game time was 7:30 PM and after some introductions, a brief prayer and the singing of the National Anthem, the umpires came out onto the field followed by the Rangers. Soon, the game was on.
The Ranges were playing against the other Texas team, the Astros out of Houston. The game was a close one as there was no scoring until the bottom of the fifth when the Rangers scored 2 runs. The Astros came back in the top of the seventh and tied the game. With neither team scoring any additional runs, the game went into extra innings. It was during the top of the eleventh inning that the Astros scored one run and if the Rangers didn't score during the bottom of the eleventh the Astros would win.
As the Rangers came up to bat, in the bottom of the eleventh, Charles was rooting for them. The choice of going to a major league baseball game was now proving to be a good choice of things to do. The crowd was on their feet as the first Ranger batter produced a looping pop fly over the shortstop that got him on base with no outs. The next batter, unfortunately, struck out. The third batter pop flied out and now it was up the fourth batter to make something happen and he did. The fourth batter hit a stinging liner through the second baseman and that put the runner who was at first in scoring position at third base, and the batter standing on first base.
The crowd was roaring their approval and they knew all it would take would be a single to the outfield and the score would again be tied. The next batter in the line-up did exactly that and he scored the runner at third tying the game leaving two men now on base at second and first. The crowd was yelling for another hit as the next man came up to bat. The Astros moved their infield up to get the force out at any base. The batter took the first pitch for a strike. The second pitch was a ball as was the third pitch for a count of 2 and 1. The fourth pitch was outside but it caught the edge of the plate and the umpire called it a strike for a count of 2 and 2. The next pitch was down and low for a ball so now there was a full count on the batter.
Everyone knew the next pitch could be the one that ends the game or sends it into another extra inning. The pitcher wound up, checked the runners and then threw his curveball. The ball turned inside and the batter got a piece of it and it went foul. The next two pitches also went foul and the Astros' manager went out to the mound to talk to his pitcher to settle him down. The batter also talked to his manager and they figured the next pitch would be a fastball down and low.
The home plate umpire called for the game to proceed and both managers went to their respective dugouts. The pitcher got ready to throw. As he wound up to throw he checked the runners and then threw the ball as fast and hard as he could. The batter watched the ball come in the way the pitcher intended and waited for it to arrive at the plate.
The batter watched the ball go low as he expected, so he lowered his stance a bit and swung his bat at the incoming ball. The crack of the bat hitting the ball could be heard throughout the stadium. The crowd watched as the ball went straight up towards the upper outfield stands but at the last moment the ball curved outside the foul line marker and the outfield umpire declared it a foul ball.
The crowd moaned and so did Charles and he was disappointed he didn't get to see a homerun. The field reset itself and the batter came back to his box and the pitcher got ready to throw another pitch. The crowd was still on their feet and were yelling for a hit. The noise was so loud you couldn't hear yourself think. With the count still FULL, the pitcher had to do something to get the batter out and send the game into the twelfth inning.
This time the pitcher didn't bother checking the runners. He just wound up and delivered his pitch. The batter was ready for the pitch to be another low and hard fastball, so he positioned himself a bit further up in the batter's box. As the ball came towards him he knew he made the right decision as the ball hadn't dropped yet. He figured he had a better than even chance to smash the ball at least to the outfield, and hopefully score the runner from second.
When the batter connected with the ball, he could feel the power from the fat of the bat hit the ball exactly like he wanted. As the ball left the bat, the crowd went silent as they watched the ball go up high and continue to sail towards the upper left outfield seats. Everyone was holding their breath hoping the thing wouldn't fall short and be caught at the warning track. Even Charles was holding his breath and he even had his fingers crossed that the ball wouldn't be caught.
The outfielder ran and kept pace with the high fly ball. He got to the warning track and was ready to jump up to snag the ball as it fell down. The crowd was still quiet as they watched the ball and the left field player going for the high fly ball. The ball then began to drop and it became apparent that it wouldn't make the seats but might indeed be caught at the warning track.
Charles watched in awe. This was his first ever major league baseball game and he knew it would be something he'd remember for the rest of his life. He watched the ball begin its downward fall and he could see the outfielder ready to snag it at the first chance he could get.
Then everyone saw the outfielder jump up as if he was going to catch the ball at the top of the wall. As the ball continued to fall, the crowd saw that the ball was actually going to just make it over the wall. The outfielder tried his best to jump up and snag the ball as it cleared the wall but he missed it. The umpire declared it a home run clearing the bases and thus making the Rangers win the game 6 to 3.
The crowd went nuts when the ball cleared the outfield fence. The roar could be heard blocks away as the spectators celebrated a long, hard, fought game. Charles was jumping all over his 'dad' from his excitement from watching such a heart pounding and exciting game. After both teams left the field, the crowd didn't want to leave. They yelled for the Ranger's to come out and take a bow. The team did indeed come out for their bow appreciating the way the crowd rallied them for the win.
Kurt had been in phone contact with Mr. Ken and was listening to the game on the limo's radio as he waited just outside the ballpark. It took a little longer than expected for Mr. Ken and Charles to wind their way to the exit and get out to the limo. Kurt didn't mind the lateness of the game nor was the length of time it would take his passengers to get to the vehicle as that what he was being paid for.
It was close to midnight when the two Covers were dropped off at their hotel. Before the driver departed, Mr. Ken made arrangements for Kurt to drop them off at the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park the next day. The park opened at 10:30 AM but the rides didn't open until 11 AM so Kurt would get them to the park for 11 AM.
"'Dad'. That was an awesome game. Thank you for taking me. I'd never been to a baseball game and for my first it couldn't have been more exciting," an enthused Charles voiced.
"I'm glad you liked it, 'son'. Who would have thought we'd get as good a game as we did and for that surprise ending, it was well worth losing sleep tonight," chuckled 'dad' Ken.
"'Dad', we won't lose out on our sleep tonight, we'll get up just as Kurt is supposed to pick us up," replied Charles.
"We will, will we?" said a surprised 'dad' Ken. "So, when do we get cleaned up? You know, brush our teeth and get our shower?"
"Oh, yeah, I guess we could get up fifteen minutes earlier," replied Charles.
"Maybe you could get up fifteen minutes earlier than when Kurt is to pick us up, but I need a few extra minutes to shave and use the potty and then take my shower," returned 'dad' Ken. "Plus, didn't you notice there is only one bathroom for us both to use? We're going to have to share, Charles. What do you think about that?"
"Ohh, yeah, I see what you mean. I never thought that staying in a hotel would be this complicated, 'dad'. Did Robert have any problems when you and he took your first trip?" asked Charles.
"Well, you know what Robert's dad made him do, don't you 'son'?" simply asked Mr. Ken.
"Yeah, he told me, so what does that mean?" replied Charles.
"Well, 'son' … ahh, Robert was taken all over and he stayed in many different hotels, so … so he already knew what to expect when we went to Houston. So … how are we going to share the bathroom in the morning and, on top of all that … what do you want to do about breakfast?
"They say they have a pretty good breakfast down in the Lobby until 9 AM. That means we have to either get up and get cleaned up first and then go down for breakfast or, go down for breakfast and come back up here and get cleaned up. Your choice, 'son' and what time are we NOW getting up?" teased 'dad' Ken.
"Well, what time do you think we should get up, 'dad'?" asked Charles.
"Well, I can take one for the team, so I'll get up first. After I get cleaned up, I'll get you up and then you can get your shower and get dressed and we go down for something to eat before Kurt comes to pick us up," explained Mr. Ken.
"'Dad' … why don't we just walk across the street? Look (Charles opened the curtain on their room window and pointed out the window.) the amusement park is just there. I bet we can walk there faster than Kurt can take us," chuckled Charles.
"Hmm, I see your point, but Kurt …well, he is being paid to take us everywhere we want to go. I just can't cancel him. If I do, I'll still have to pay him, so … we'll have him take us over there and wait for us to finish up at the park. You might not want to stay the whole day, so we'll need Kurt to bring us back here or maybe take us out to dinner. … What say we get ready for bed, jump in, and then close our eyes and get some sleep?" replied 'dad' Ken.
Charles got up and went over to his 'dad' and gave him a hug and then went into the bathroom. Twenty seconds later Charles came out in his underwear and carrying his other clothes. The lad put his dirty clothes on the chair next to his bed and crawled under the covers and said Good-Night to his 'dad and went to sleep.
'Dad' Ken watched the preteen do his thing, and then he did the same. It was 12:30 AM when Mr. Ken turned the light off in their hotel room and he too then went to sleep.
The alarm clock went off at 7:15 AM. Mr. Ken quickly turned it off and got out of bed and proceeded to the bathroom to get ready for the day. It was almost 8 AM when the man exited the bathroom and got dressed. Mr. Ken then went over to his 'son' and began to wake the lad up.
It took 'dad' Ken almost ten minutes to get the lad out of bed and into the bathroom so the preteen could get ready for the day. Mr. Ken told Charles not to dawdle as he still needed to get dressed and then down for breakfast.
It was 8:45 when the two Covers got down to the hotel lobby to get some breakfast.
"'Dad' … are some of the rides … are they going to make me sick? …. I ask you, so I know how much I should eat. I don't want to get sick and ruin the day for us both," cautioned Charles.
"Well, that is a good question, Charles. I'd say since you've never been on many of these rides I'd say you shouldn't eat anything too greasy and don't stuff yourself. If you get hungry over there we can just get a hot dog or a soft pretzel to tide us over. And, since you've never been on these types of rides … well, I think we'll start with the smaller ones and work our way up. I don't want to scare you up front, and then you don't enjoy the rest of the day there," replied 'dad' Ken.
Charles got two pieces of toast and a banana and a glass of orange juice. He also got a box of cereal to eat dry. Mr. Ken got coffee and two small muffins and when he was done with the muffins he went and got two donuts to eat. When Charles looked at his 'dad' and asked why he was eating so much he told the lad that he was 'still a growing boy." Charles looked at his 'dad' with a question on his face, but when he saw the smile on Mr. Ken's face that said the man was teasing the lad laughed and finished up his banana sandwich and OJ.
Even though breakfast was over at 9 AM, the two Covers sat quietly and finished the small breakfast they took. Charles saw the hotel also offered fresh made waffles that people made themselves and he promised himself he'd try that tomorrow. The lad also saw there were eggs and sausage and oatmeal there also for them to eat, but listening to his 'dad' he knew not to eat that greasy stuff.
Charles and Mr. Ken went back up to their room to wash their faces and hands and to wait for Kurt. Neither had brought anything to read or to keep them busy other than their phones. It was just past 10 AM and Mr. Ken made an executive decision to call Kurt and have him pick them up and take them over to Six Flags Over Texas early. Charles smiled at his 'dad' when the man did that, knowing he was just as bored as he was.
Kurt had the two travelers over to the amusement park in time for them to stand outside the gates for the playing of the National Anthem. When the song finished, the gates were opened and they went through a security checkpoint before handing in their tickets and entering the Park.