Even though the boys were up a little later than usual, they were bright and cheery the next morning. They all said Good morning to Mr. Wayne and then Momma Maria. Then, when none of the boys said anything to Chief, she barked out a few "Woofs" and the five boys went over to her and gave her some behind the ear scratches.
Momma served the boys a breakfast of scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, toast and orange juice. As they dug in the woman served Mr. Wayne his breakfast, but his included hot coffee instead of the juice. The table was very quiet as the Covers ate.
As the boys finished their meal, the conversation turned to what they heard and saw last night as Billy talked to the two detectives. The twins asked Charles why he never met Billy. The pre-teen told them that even Billy explained how his step-dad, 'Greaser', didn't want him to see who he was.
Matthew then asked his older 'brother' how come Billy knew all those other people, but he didn't. Charles told them that 'Greaser' had a different area he serviced his customers in and that him and his moms didn't overlap much, so he never saw those people. All Matthew said was "Oh."
Billy came down to the Kitchen Nook about 7:20 that morning. He said good morning to Mr. Wayne and then Momma Maria. He played a bit with Chief before getting the resident pet her fresh water and kibble. Chief gave the teenager a few doggie kisses before having her own breakfast.
"How'd the homework go, Bill?" asked Mr. Wayne.
"Oh . . . it went," deadpanned Bill. "I got most of it done. I have a Study Period later this morning and . . . and I hope to get it finished then. Last night the twins came to my room to talk about what happened in the Study with the detectives. I am glad Robert came by to tell them to leave me alone so I could do my homework."
"Bill . . . what you told Matthias and Roberts was helpful to them. But, be aware, they may be back to ask you a few more questions. When they left last night . . . I told them to schedule any more interviews on the weekend until school is out.
"Also, Bill, you learned a little bit more about your younger 'brother' last night. Please keep that to yourself. And remember . . . all of you are here because of what your parents did . . . not what you did. Mr. Ken is trying to keep any and all information about his 'boys' from getting out before it needs to be.
"Your foster dad is very protective of all of you. And believe me when I say he will do whatever he feels is necessary to keep you safe and from your stories from getting out. If you find that some of your stepdad's friends are after you, for whatever reason, then let Mr. Ken know.
"He's hired Gene and George Warren to watch over Collin and Ryan, to watch over the boys when they went Trick-or-Treating and Matthew when his mom and her so-called friends thought he knew about the planned armored car robbery," finished Wayne Mitchell.
"But, weren't the boys attacked anyway?" asked Billy.
"They were, but . . . Gene and George were with them and they did keep Kevin and Kyle from being put into the step van and driven away," replied Mr. Wayne.
"Oh. . . . Well, I better use the restroom and wash up before heading up to catch the bus. Thanks for talking with me," announced Billy. He then got up to give Momma a thank-you hug and then walked away.
At the high school, Billy was met by his three friends. The first question out of Lonnie's mouth was about him being allowed to go over to The Cove. Billy smiled and told his new friend that he could come over on Saturday. Billy also told the three teens that they should come over at twelve noon.
Kaden asked why that late. Billy explained that last weekend was a special occasion. He added that his 'brother's' friends come over at noon and they leave at six on Saturdays, or when there is no school the next day, and they leave at five when there is school the following day.
"So, what is there to do?" simply asked Lonnie.
"Bring your skateboard, swimsuit and a towel and then you'll see what there is to do," replied a smiling Billy. Just then the first bell rang. As the boys went in their separate directions, Billy called out he needed to get them his cell phone number.
Wayne briefed Chris on the previous evening's revelation from Billy about there being a few more of Smokey's associates still out and about. Chris Dominions asked if he needed to add more men to the security team. The Estate Master told Chris that he felt five security on at night and three during the two-day shifts should be adequate.
Then, Wayne added, "You might want to call Jules, just in case. That way he knows our boss might want a few more guys around, so he can be prepared to hire them."
Chris agreed with that final assessment. The two men talked some more about the Cove Skate Park and the potential for a 'Grand Opening' picnic. Wayne suggested to Chris he take a walk up there to see how far along the construction is. That way he could project if the picnic will be on the Memorial Day weekend or right after the boys are out of school.
The men also decided to discuss the 4th of July Picnic, which, in reality, wasn't all that far away. Chris asked Wayne how he felt about coordinating for a few more Sheriff Deputies to walk around after what happened last year with Charles. Wayne said that if they learn that people are beginning to seek out Bill then that might be prudent. Chris agreed and went to call Jules.
That morning, Mr. Ken arrived at his next amusement park, Mountain Top Park. Ben Walthers met the park's owner at the employee entrance/office and guided him into his office where he had a living room setting with a sofa and two chairs and coffee table. And, along with the comfort amenities he had sandwiches, pickles, chips and hot coffee waiting.
"Ben, I knew there was a reason I keep you on here," laughed Mr. Ken.
The two men sat down to a light lunch as they talked about the reason the park's owner came to visit. Mr. Walthers had the opening weekend's attendance figures and final take for the weekend prepared for Mr. Ken's review.
During lunchtime at the high school, Billy and his friends met in the lunch line and after choosing their food items they found a quiet corner to sit, eat and talk. Billy made sure they all had his cell number and he theirs, correctly in his phone, before they talked about anything else.
Lonnie was still flummoxed over what The Cove meant to so many people. Because he was fairly new to the area, he wanted to know why everyone was so keen on being invited to Three Finger Cove.
Billy told him what he knew of the place before and after he began living there. Kaden told the freshman that it was the largest Estate property on the lake, and everyone wanted to see the insides. He added that after Collin began living there and there was the shootout, it brought a sort of mystique about the place.
Brett told Lonnie, "As more boys began living there, Mr. Ken bought extra wave runners, put out two huge water toys and had five skateboard ramps built. Mr. Ken also hosts the Easter Egg Roll, the 4th of July Picnic with a huge fireworks display, and a festive Christmas Party, all for his neighbors. And, for New Years he has a huge barge out in the lake shooting off fireworks.
"I've heard he built the Lakeside Water Park, the Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters building, he developed Four Corners into what the area is now and is building a 400-unit apartment complex with enough space for 400 more out there. Lonnie, this man is just a recent graduate from college and he's done all that and I'm sure there is a lot more to come," finished Brett.
"And don't forget my foster dad is building the hotel and office building out on the lake that people will pass as they go out to the water park, as well. He also owns four amusement parks and is back east checking them out right now," spoke out Billy.
"But why are there all those guards?" asked Lonnie.
Just then the after-lunch bell rang. And, as the teens walked to their class, Billy yelled to Lonnie he'd explain it to him tomorrow. Lonnie waved back as he disappeared down the opposite hallway.
After Mr. Ken and Ben had eaten and discussed the opening weekend, Mr. Ken wanted to see the new rides. Ben had a six-person golf cart waiting outside for the men to ride around the park. The two men rode and talked about the new rides and when they would be operational.
The Mountain Top Park's operations manager explained, along the way, that they had a very wet winter and the installation time frame took a hit. Ben also explained the contractor had his team work overtime and on weekends to finish on time. Mr. Ken put on a big smile after hearing that.
When the men arrived at the construction site, Mr. Ken saw the contractor had workers all over the rides. The park's owner wanted to talk to the onsite supervisor, so Ben Walthers walked him over to the man and introduced him.
Ken Thomas explained what he was doing there and asked when he could expect the rides to be operational. The supervisor told the park's owner that the rides were operational and all the workers were doing was cleaning up the work sites. The supervisor told Mr. Ken he expected the final inspection to be that Friday. Hearing that put another smile on Ken Thomas' face.
The three men walked the three sites and talked. The supervisor explained his men and women appreciated the overtime as it helped them make ends meet. The man told Mr. Ken that they would still be paid as they completed the project, but over a longer period of time. That way they made a few dollars more and the next job will come on sooner, as well.
Mr. Ken asked when the supervisor expected the rides to be turned over to the park. The man explained they've already done a bunch of testing and once the inspector signs off on the total installation there would be more testing and then the training would commence. The man figured by the following weekend.
The two men shook hands and Mr. Ken left the area with a smile on his face. The park's owner wanted to look at the improvements he made to the park since he bought it, so Mr. Ken and Ben rode around the park some before heading back to the office.
Once back at the office, Mountain Top's owner asked his operating manager how the contractor was able to get his rides so far along, while the other two parks struggled and it would be at least three to maybe five more weeks before they are operational.
Ben explained that he talked to the construction supervisor and reminded him that if they finish on time, they get the incentive Mr. Ken added to the contract. Ben further expounded on the story by telling his boss that he convinced the man that if they finished on time the incentive would make up for their overtime losses.
"I still don't understand how that would make a difference?" stated Mr. Ken.
"Mr. Ken, I convinced him he'd break even if he used the incentive money, but if he went over the finish date he'd have to eat the loss and there would be no extra money there for him to use to pay his workers," explained a smiling Ben Walthers.
"Ben, you did some quick thinking and made some real fine negotiations there and I am proud of you. I wish you had shared that info with the other parks, so they could have gotten their rides on line sooner, too. NOW, tell me. What if we had begun construction during the Spook-Tack-U-Lair and Christmas Wonders? Would it have been better?" asked Ken Thomas, the park's owner.
"Mr. Ken . . . the short answer is, yes! There would have been no rush for the contractor and we wouldn't have had to deal with the weather. We are on schedule, but better scheduling would have meant the rides were operational when we started the season. We have only lost, what, two weeks of operations for training, but how much time have the other parks lost?
"Yes, Ben . . . hindsight is always 20/20," lamented Mr. Ken. "Please remind me of that when we order more rides."
"Yes, Mr. Thomas I will do so. In the future, I'll make sure you plan to start construction in the fall and let the people come out to see the progress," recommended Ben Walthers. "I know some amusement parks put up construction barriers, so people can't see what they're getting.
"And, due to safety, we have to keep the people out, but we should also let them see the progress. Put large enough holes in the barriers. That way the people can look in and take pictures. Maybe even a viewing stand.
"I'd bet Facebook . . . it would be full of pictures and comments from our patrons. That in itself would bring an interest to our future guests. And, when you install a new coaster the coaster groups will want pictures, special behind the scenes tours and much, much more.
"Those groups will highlight the park and it will undoubtedly bring in more guests. So . . . my thought is that once we announce a new attraction, why keep the people from watching it being installed?" finished Ben.
Mr. Ken thanked Ben for his open and honest answers. The two men talked about the other two original parks as Ken Thomas just purchased Crystal Lake a few short months ago and Ben hadn't had the opportunity to visit it yet.
As Mr. Ken headed back to his hotel, he thought about his day. To say the least he was pleasantly satisfied about the way Ben operated. First, he was prepared for his meeting. Second, he provided a warm, comfortable environment to have their meeting. Third, he took the initiative to get the contractor to finish on time.
Foolishly, the maintenance and operator training were not a part of the finished product contract. Mr. Ken was interested in getting the rides installed and figured they'd have time enough to do that, but now it would cause some delay. Another Lesson learned, he told himself.
When the younger Cover boys returned from school, they headed to the Kitchen Nook for their after-school snack as they always did. Momma looked forward to their arrival, and it always put a big smile on her face watching them devour the special treats she made for them.
As the boys ate their snack, Matthew asked if they could wait until their older 'brother' got home from school to have their snack. The youngster reasoned that now Billy had to eat all alone and it would be nice if they all could sit down together and talk about their day together.
The boys discussed the idea, but none of them could see the benefit to do that. Kevin argued they'd lose an hour of homework time if they just waited until Billy came home. Charles told the twin he'd go right to his room and start his homework and then come down for his snack when Billy came home. Kyle said he liked it the way it was and it gave his stomach time to get hungry again. All the boys laughed at hearing that.
When the boys arrived at the Study, Mr. Wayne was waiting for them. Matthew told the Estate Master he was disappointed their 'dad' hadn't called last night. Mr. Wayne explained the man had called, but they were all listening in to Billy's meeting with the detectives and he didn't want to interrupt. The boys didn't have very much to discuss, so they all headed up to their rooms to start on their homework.
Billy returned home from school about an hour after his 'brothers' did. Momma looked forward to his arrival as she did the other Cover boys. She had his snack ready for him and all she needed to know was what type of milk he wanted. Today he wanted just plain white milk.
Momma Maria and the boys never had much conversation between them the entire time they lived there. But today, Billy asked her how she liked working for his foster dad. Momma was taken aback by the question. Momma Maria thought about the question and decided to answer the older teen.
Momma told the teenager how in the early years she loved seeing Three Finger Cove go from just a big house to a warm home when Collin began living there. She told the teen of some of the parties and all the kids visiting and the early sleepovers.
But, then she told how Collin was taken away from her employer and she saw the home became a house again in one fell swoop. She told him how she watched as its owner, his foster dad, would mope around and, sometimes look lost now that Collin was no longer around to keep 'life' in the house. The woman added that she felt that if it hadn't been for his business activities she didn't know what Mr. Ken would have done.
Then, a big smile came to Momma's face and she said, "Thens, outs ofs thess blues, Misses Judys . . . shes brings Roberto tos Thess Coves. Afters hes arrives, I sees hows Meisters Kens becames mores alives and happys havings news boys arounds.
"Bills . . . its wasn'ts untils Charleses ands thess twins arrives thats . . . thats thees homes begans toss recuperatars, ahhs recoovers, back intos a wonderfuls homes tos lives. Its wases no más . . . it . . . it wases nos longers a solitario casa wheres justs ones mans lives. Its transformado intos a alegre, a joyfuls casa, nows fills withs niños whos necesariamente, whos yous knows needs, za place to lives and grows.
"Ands, Bills . . . youse ares parte ofs thises maravilloso transformación. Theses mores niños theres arse heres thess mores thess soundses ofs happys contents niños makes Thess Coves za safes casa.
"Ands, Bills . . . Iss haves beens heres froms thess starts ands Iss knews, Iss justs knews, Thess Coves woulds becomes za casa Iss knews ist coulds bes fills withs happessnesse," finished Momma Maria, with her big smile looked down at the stunned teenager.
Bill hadn't expected such a complete response from the woman, but he was glad she told him what she did. The teenager then asked her about the sleepovers.
Upon hearing the question, Momma put her hand to her face and said with a straight face, "Oh madre de dios, thess sleepsovers, yeses. Theses boys . . . theys brings alls of theirses amigos ands . . . ands momma shes hass to makes muchos tacos fors thems alls. Iss hads to gets overs un hubdred cincuenta, ahhhs ones hundreds and fifties diferentes tacos fors thess muchachos ands theirs amigos.
"Thens Mr. Kens . . . hes invita dos, ahh twos, hombres and theires tres ninos. Youse knows threes niños. Momma . . . shes hads to asks Miester Kens to hires dos, ahh twos, amigas tos helps mees. Miesters Kens . . . hes letsames hires dos amigas tos helps. . . . Theys alls mucho loves whats Momma Sofia and Isabela makes fors thems alls weeksends longs," finished Momma Maria, with a great big grin on her face.
"Momma, thank you for talking to me and telling me more about The Cove and how you saw The Cove grow and then about the sleepovers. My 'brothers' . . . they told me they had as many as forty boys in a sleepover and . . . and I just couldn't believe it. So . . . so, I had to ask someone who had been here and seen it all. It helps me fill in some of what I don't know about living here.
"Thank you again Momma for being the greatest grandma ever!" said Billy, as he got out of his chair. He then went over to the woman and not only hugged her, but gave her a peck on her cheek. Momma saw a few tears drop as the teen turned to go up to his room.
Standing outside the Kitchen Nook was Mr. Wayne. He came looking for Bill, when the teen didn't come to the Study. The Estate Master heard a good portion of the conversation between Momma Maria and Bill. He heard Bill trying to confirm what he suspected his 'brothers' have told him made him wonder if he and his boss, Mr. Ken, have missed something while trying to orient Bill to The Cove.
"You doing OK there Bill?" asked Mr. Wayne.
"Yea! Momma and I had a good conversation. She's been here from the beginning, so she is basically the 'historian' of The Cove. I really like her. She is one in a million as far as I am concerned. I . . . I ahh need to get started on my homework. I sure hope you don't mind if I skip stopping at the Study?" finished Billy.
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"No, no, go get done what you can. I'll see you at dinner, then," replied Mr. Wayne.
Billy hurried away as Mr. Wayne and Momma stayed in the Nook. Mr. Wayne asked the woman what she thought of Bill's questions. Momma told the man she thought it was good the teen had an interest in what happened at The Cove before his arrival.
The woman said the other boys have heard it all from their 'brothers' and have been there a little longer and know from all the telling's that have occurred. She finished saying she felt that Bill still needed to feel being a Cover, but is not yet there.
Wayne thanked Momma for her insight and told her he would see her later at dinner. Wayne went back to the Study to make a note for his employer, so they could talk about this after the man returned.
Dinner was lively as usual, but the younger boys still had to offer how they miss their 'dad' and hoped he'd call them tonight. The Covers headed to the Study to talk about their day before heading up to finish any leftover homework.
"Mr. Wayne," started Matthew, "I asked my 'brothers' to think about waiting for Billy to get home to have our snack. What do you think about us doing that?"
Billy felt embarrassed when he learned the boys were talking about waiting for him to come home from school, so they all could have their snack together. He'd never had anyone look at him as being important before, and here he is at his new foster home and they already treat him as if he had lived there all his life.
Mr. Wayne thought about Matthew's question and figured he turn it back upon the boys. So, he asked them their thoughts. Kevin quickly spoke up and said he'd lose an hour of doing his homework. Charles reminded him of what he told him earlier and Kyle said he thought eating the snack so late wouldn't give his stomach enough time to get hungry enough for dinner and he'd probably be hungry when he went to bed.
"Bill . . . what do think about Matthew's question? Can you give us your pros and cons?" asked Mr. Wayne.
Bill coughed few times before answering.
"Mr. Wayne . . . what . . . what can I say? I mean . . . I've . . . I've never had anyone think about me as . . . as being a part of anything and . . . and asking me my opinion. I mean, you know, it would be nice to have someone, you know, to talk to when I had my snack. But you know what, I kinda liked talking to Momma, today.
"She told me some things about living here that if I hadn't asked her, I wouldn't ever know. Sure, it would be nice if some of my 'brothers' were there with me, so we can talk. But I think I know what Kyle means about his stomach not being too hungry when it is dinnertime.
"So, if Matthew wants to try it tomorrow, I'm game. He can come home and go start his homework, and then come down and have his snack with me. That way he can see if Kyle is right about not being hungry enough for dinner. The ONLY drawback would be . . . Momma. How would she react to Matthew, or any of my other 'brothers', waiting until I came home?" reasoned Billy.
"Boys, Bill makes some good points. So, Matthew . . . do you want to do what Bill suggested? You can come home from school; tell Momma you're going to wait to have your snack with Bill, and go right up and start your homework. Then, either he or I will come get you, if you haven't already come down and were waiting for him?" asked the Estate Master.
Matthew looked around at his 'brothers' to see what their reaction was. The twins were talking as they have a tendency to do, with no one hearing them. Robert and Charles were talking and the youngest Cover could hear the pre-teen saying he thought Matthew should try it and then let them all know how it went.
Matthew decided and told his 'brothers' he would try having his snack with Billy at about five o'clock instead of four as he presently does with his other 'brothers'. He said he felt bad that Billy was all alone when he came home, as he knew what that felt like before he began living there.
It was then Matthew's phone rang. The boy pulled out his cell phone and seeing by the Caller ID who it was, the youngest Cover walked out of the Study to talk to his 'dad'. The other boys laughed, but knew that meant their cell phone would ring soon too.
Mr. Wayne told the boys to go up to their rooms and finish any homework they still had or relax some as they waited for their 'dad' to call. Bill wasn't sure if Mr. Ken had his new cell phone number and he told Mr. Wayne that before he left the room.
The Estate Master asked the new Cover for the number, so he'd have it. He told the teenager he'd then text the number to Mr. Ken. Bill thanked the man and smiled that he would do that for him.
Each Cover boy got about a twelve-minute call from their 'dad' that night. In Billy's case, his was from his foster dad, Mr. Ken.
The conversations were almost the same between the man and his 'boys'. The boys talked about what they did that day and then asked their 'dad' about the amusement park he visited that day. When it came time to talk to Bill, Mr. Ken made him the last call because the foster dad knew the teen stayed up later than the other five boys.
Bill knew the call was coming, but he was still very excited, like a little kid, about it. Again, he felt something new and exciting was happening to him there at The Cove. He'd experienced so many new and unusual things since his initial orientation, that at times he felt like it was a dream and if it was, he hoped it would never end.
When his new cell phone rang, he wasn't sure what to say to the man or to even ask him. It took Mr. Ken some coaching to get the teenager to finally engage in the conversation. Then once Billy settled down, he talked and talked. Mr. Ken was happy the teenager was relaxed enough to tell him about the day and then ask questions about the amusement park, and if he'd ever get to see them. That phone call lasted almost 25 minutes.
Mr. Wayne made the usual night time visit to all the boys. Each Cover boy had to tell the man some of what they talked to their 'dad' about before letting him go on to their next 'brother'. When the Estate Master arrived at Bill's bedroom, he heard the teen was talking to Mr. Ken, so after knocking on the door frame he waved and told him not to stay up too late.
The younger Covers came downstairs that next morning at their usual time. They were all hyped up that their 'dad' called them again last night. They all said good morning to Momma Maria, Mr. Wayne and then Chief, who heard the boys out in the hall, so she abandoned her charge, Billy, to be with all the boys.
Momma served the five Cover boys first. She placed plates of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toast in front of each boy and had orange juice already at their place settings. She also had butter and three different jellies on the table for the boys to use. When she finished getting the boys their breakfast, she served Mr. Wayne the same items, but poured him a cup of fresh hot coffee.
"Momma," called out Matthew, as he was eating, "When I come home after school today, I'm . . . I'm going to go up to my room to start my homework. I want to come down and have my snack when Billy has his. Will that be OK with you?"
Momma smiled at hearing what Matthew asked, and she told him she was happy that Bill would now have someone to talk with, as he ate his after-school snack. The woman then went over to the youngest Cover and gave him a shoulder hug.
The boys talked some more about their phone calls with their 'dad' as they ate. Robert kept an eye on the time. When the teen felt they needed to get a move on, he told his 'brothers' to clean the table and get ready to go to school.
The boys took their dirty dishes and glasses to the sink and then hugged Momma Maria before heading to the bathroom to get rid of excess fluid and wash their hands up to the elbows. They all yelled to Mr. Wayne when they were leaving and The Cove became quiet again.
Since Billy left for school an hour later than his 'brothers', he came down to the Kitchen Nook well after the other boys had caught their school bus. The first thing the teenager did as he walked into the Kitchen Nook was to say good morning to Mr. Wayne and Momma Maria. The teen then gave Chief some scratches behind her ears and sometimes he played with her before getting the resident pet fresh water and kibble.
After Billy sat down to his breakfast, he thanked Momma for fixing it for him and then he dug right in. As the teen ate, Mr. Wayne asked Bill how long did he and Mr. Ken talk. Bill swallowed what he had been chewing, smiled big and told the Estate Master he and Mr. Ken talked for almost 25 minutes.
That impressed Wayne Mitchell, so he asked Bill if he could tell them what they talked about for so long. Billy smiled at the question and told the man, "We just talked. It was a bit strange, though, talking to an adult. I usually didn't do that much before while I lived with my mom and stepdad."
"That is good to hear. I'm glad you and Mr. Ken now have each other's phone number. You may want to set the number up as a priority call number, so all you have to do is touch one number and it will automatically call it for you," suggested the Estate Master.
When Billy finished his breakfast, he placed his dirty dishes into the sink and then gave Momma Maria a big hug. Momma relished the hugs, but the ones coming from Bill felt special to her. If asked, she probably couldn't explain it, but to her there was something about the teenager that intrigued her. She didn't know his story, but she just knew the boy needed a loving home environment, and The Cove was the place for him.
When Billy arrived at school, Brett, Kaden and Lonnie met him. The four friends walked to a quiet area of the outside of the high school, so they could talk. Billy took center stage as he told his new friends about the phone call he had last night, with his foster dad.
The three friends couldn't understand why Billy was so hyped up over a phone call. It wasn't until Billy told them that he could never remember a phone call with an adult that was just for fun. The Cover told them phone calls in his old house were usually one-sided with his mom or stepdad telling him what to do.
Hearing the stepdad reference caught the three friends off guard and they were confused why, if he had a mom and stepdad, that he was living with Mr. Ken at The Cove. Billy told the teenagers that kids in Child Protective Services were usually there because of what the parents did.
The Cover added it wasn't usually because of what the children, themselves, had done. He told them he was one of those who needed to be separated from his parents. He then asked them not to ask him the reason why he was now living at The Cove, because it was just too recent.
As the four friends talked about what to expect at The Cove that weekend, a crowd of older boys and girls began to form. The four didn't notice it as it wasn't unusual that a large number of friends floated from one group to another. What they didn't notice, until it was too late, was that the large group was moving in their direction.
The group came over to the four friends and they began to surround them. Once the group settled down some, an older teen, probably a junior or senior, talked first. "So . . . I hear you want to be the BMOC (Big Man on Campus), neeeewww booooy!"
"Who are you talking to, and what are you talking about?" asked Billy, figuring he was the one the older teen was speaking to, since he knew he was the newest student at the high school.
"Yeeaaa, I'm talking to you, FUCKER! . . . You beat up on my friend last week and I didn't like it. So, now . . . you're going to paaay and know what it feels like to get beat on. And, when I get finished with you . . . you won't be able to beat up on anyone else!" answered the leader of the group, in a menacing way.
"Why are you saying that to me? I don't even know what you're talking about. I wasn't in any fight with anyone last week. Hell, this is only the second week I've been to this school," argued back Billy.
But by answering the bully, Billy was biding his time. As he talked to the bully, and the crowd, he was sizing up the bully and what appeared to be his henchmen standing right next to him. Billy didn't know how they would attack, but he knew they would.
Brett, Kaden and Lonnie started to walk back and away from their friend. They didn't want to be a part of the confrontation, nor catch any errant punches they, too, knew would be forthcoming.
The bully didn't respond to what Billy said. All he did was quickly step forward and throw a punch at Bill.
"Ooooppphhh," was what the crowd heard next.