While Joyce began walking around looking for Dan Fischer, Dan was presently sitting down with Mary Taylor, Judy Turner, Dan Chassen and Wayne Mitchell. That small group of four had sat together earlier in the summer during the School's Out Picnic and the 13th Birthday Party Picnic and had gotten to know one another. Today, Dan saw the small group sitting there and he went over and asked them if he could join them.
As Mr. Ken waked around the Patio area more and more of his guests not only congratulated him on his award but they also thanked him for bringing all their 'sons' friends together so they could get to better know one another. The parents told him of how much they learned about the other boys' parents and how much they had in common. They also added how they now knew what their boys were talking about with the new water toys. It was during the parents talk with Mr. Ken that the dads asked him where they could change so they could enjoy the day with their sons.
Out on the water toys, the lads were having a great time. The twins weren't treated any different than their new older 'brothers' and were unceremoniously thrown off the tops of the rafts like anyone else. Kevin and Kyle hung close to Sam and Terran, but they didn't ignore Nicholas, Wyatt, or Dominic, who arrived late. The seven lads got along surprisingly well for just having met one another.
Earlier, after Todd and Conner walked away from Mr. Ken, Todd showed Conner around The Cove and explained what he did as the Beach Master. Conner was impressed that Todd did so much around The Cove and wondered if there were any other jobs available at Three Finger Cove. Todd explained how he helped Danny level the side field and how Mr. Ken offered the Beach Master's job to him since Ryan was going off to college in the fall. Conner was amazed at how his classmate had gotten his job at The Cove and congratulated him on it.
Todd then asked Conner if he was hot and feeling sweaty and if he wanted to get wet. Conner didn't understand at first but when Todd mentioned joining the other boys on the water toys Conner readily agreed.
The two sophomores got their swimsuits and headed directly to the Men's Locker Room. Conner had never been inside the pool area and thus the Locker Room either. When the two teens entered the indoor pool area, Conner couldn't believe how big the pool area was and when he saw the inside of the Locker Room he was astonished that the lockers were all out on the pool deck. Todd explained that if there were more males than females and there were equally as many lockers in each locker room then some of the males wouldn't have any place to store their clothes. Conner smiled at the answer knowing that was a good idea Mr. Ken had.
The two classmates proceeded to change but as they did so, Conner nudged Todd and used his head to look over to the younger lads who were also changing. Todd laughed at Conner's disbelief so he whispered to his friend, "Just about all the lads change here and they aren't embarrassed to be seen naked. At first some of the lads are a bit hesitant but after they're told how they all have the 'same equipment' they all come around and change."
Todd then told Conner about his first time swimming at The Cove back when Collin lived there. The teen explained how the older lads told the younger boys they could change in the Women's Locker Room, but that one lad said they needed to get used to seeing other guys and they seeing us, laughed Todd.
Todd then told Conner that when none of the younger lads began to get changed, Collin got in the middle of the room and took of all his clothes and then turned around so all of them could see him. Todd further explained how the older teens then changed too, but they also sort of yelled at us to get changed and then they yelled 'NOW". Conner now had to laugh as he pictured a bunch of 10 to 12 year olds being told to get naked and get changed.
Todd continued to tell Conner how the older lads told them they all had the 'same equipment' and how all the teens took off their clothes and turned around so we could all see how big and hairy they were. The Beach Master then told how one by one they all got naked and turned around so everyone could see and then laughing all about it. Conner continued to laugh at what Todd told him but he began to let his mind wander and he thought how it would have been to be a part of that day's swim. He pictured seeing all those older teens and young lads all naked.
Todd saw that Conner was staring off into the ceiling and he figured the teen was thinking about what he said so he had to nudge him to get his attention.
"Hey, let's get changed and out there with the other lads and have some fun," called out Todd.
Conner smiled and then put his small bag on a bench and began to change. Todd got right next to him and he too began to change. Both teenagers got down to their skivvies and it was Conner who hesitated to take his boxer briefs down. Todd saw his friend had a slight bulge in his briefs so he nudged him again and took his briefs off and just stood there with his own teen toy lightly puffed up to about 20 degrees. Conner laughed at Todd's apparent condition and then took his briefs off. That done Conner's appendage sprang up to almost a 45 degree angle. Both teens laughed at one another.
"Come on, we don't have time to take care of these," smiled Todd, as he stroked his now slightly higher angled phallus after seeing Conner's large teen toy.
"Ok, I agree, but it would have been fun," laughed Conner, who then stroked his own teen boner which had now sprung up and out to almost 90 degrees.
Both teens watched one another as they put their swimsuits on. They each found they had to adjust their teen toy so it wasn't so apparent it was slightly puffed up. They then collected their clothes and Todd showed Conner how to use the lockers. That done they headed out to the lagoon. As they did that, a few of the dad's came into the pool area to change and the teens smiled at one another with the knowing smile they were glad they didn't take care of business.
Mr. Ken located Frank Longger and when the man was finished talking to some of the other parents, asked the man to walk with him. Mr. Ken asked Frank how he was enjoying himself and Frank told his host that he felt out of place when he first arrived but that after talking to some of the other parents he found that they were all very happy their sons had been invited to play at The Cove.
Frank also told his host how he couldn't get over how big his home was and was impressed with all the amenities he'd seen there. Ken Thomas laughed at that last part and then told his guest he'd not seen everything. That said, Mr. Ken took Frank inside to look at the indoor pool. Franks eyes went wide open at seeing the large indoor pool. Mr. Ken then proceeded to tell the man about some of the pool parties and fun the kids had in it.
Mr. Ken also told Frank Longger that he shouldn't be surprised when Charles asks if Richard can spend the night or even the weekend. The Cove's owner explained that at one time or another all his boys' friends have spent numerous nights at The Cove. Mr. Ken also told the man about their 4th of July Picnics and their Holiday parties, their trips to the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters, their trips around the lake, their use of the PWCs and how some of Charles' friends also got invited to go to either SeaWorld or Six Flags.
Frank had a difficult time grasping at all the things his host just told him. He knew he couldn't compete with the man's money and what he could offer his boys and he wasn't too sure he would allow his boys to be overtly exposed to all this wealth and abundance. Ken Thomas saw his guest was doing a lot of thinking and he figured he was overwhelmed with seeing everything. He knew he needed to go forward with what he had planned for the man.
"Frank," spoke up Mr. Ken, "would you please accompany me to my office so we can talk; privately?"
Frank came out of his thoughts and even though he'd heard what Mr. Ken said, he didn't immediately answer. It was when he heard his host speak to him again that he said, "Oh, ahh, yes, OK."
The afternoon had moved along and the older kids were out on the rafts while the younger kids stayed on the beach. With all those kids there today, Megan and Christie were very happy Mr. Ken had hired two other guards for the day. Then, with all the adults who were swimming as well that day, the guards had their hands and eyes full, watching for any problems.
When Todd and Conner arrived at the water toys, Robert and his friends wouldn't let them climb up on the platform that ran between the larger rafts. It was a game at first but Todd and Conner were getting tired, so they began to grab the young teens by their hands or feet and pull them into the water. Soon enough, Todd and Conner were resting on the runway platform
In the meantime, the dads were climbing the water toys and jumping off like there were teenagers again. Soon their sons joined them and fathers and sons were having a good time together.
Kevin and Kyle, along with Sam, Terran, Wyatt, Nicholas, and Dominic were getting to know one another better. They played 'follow the leader' and jumped off the top of the water toys; climbed the Iceberg Climbing Wall, slid down the Jungle Joe slide, and relaxed in the shallow interior floor as they talked about themselves and what the twins could expect at school come Tuesday.
It was once Todd and Conner climbed atop of the 14 foot Iceberg Climbing Wall that they challenged the lads to dethrone them. Robert, Charles and their friends heard the challenge and attacked the iceberg. The adults rested on the platform and looked on as kid after kid was thrown off the top. The dads could hear the delightful screams of their boys as they were thrown off and then watched them swim back for more. But then 6th and 7th grade boys saw the older teens were getting tired and with a frontal attack to distract them, some of the lads climbed up from behind and dethroned Todd and Conner.
Elsewhere, Brant Sullivan went looking for Ryan Longger and, upon finding him, apologized again to the lad for how he treated him ever since he began attending their school. Brant also asked Ryan if he could tell him about his size. He explained what Charles told him and he wanted to know if there were some games he could play with the rest of the 5th grade boys so he wouldn't get hurt. Ryan was initially startled about the question but he thought he heard some concern in Brant's voice, so he told him about why he believes he is so small. When Brant heard the boy's story he grabbed for Ryan and hugged him tight.
Noah Allenbee, Dylan's younger brother and friend of Charles, knew Brant from school and went looking for him. When he found him, he saw the lad was talking to another boy who looked to be about their age, but saw the lad was much smaller in stature. He then saw the two hug and he went over to them when he saw a tear fall out of the smaller lad's eye.
"Is everything OK, here, Brant?" immediately asked Noah, as he went up to the two boys.
"Oh, hi Noah, yes … well, I hope everything is OK here. Ryan … Noah is in the 5th grade along with you and me," replied Brant.
"Yes, I know who Noah is, and, yes, everything is OK here, Noah. Brant was … well … he explained some things to me and I told him why I think I am so small," answered Ryan.
Noah just stood there, not knowing what to say. It was Brant who asked if the three of them could be friends. They each looked at one another and it was Ryan who asked if they were still going to treat him as they had ever since he first attended their school. Noah was surprised at the question, so Brant took some time to explain to Noah what Charles told him. After hearing all that, Noah also apologized to Ryan and then told the lad that he wanted to be his friend. Brant followed suit and then asked Ryan if he would be their friend. The small lad hesitated a few seconds and then with a smile on his face he said "Yes, I do want us to be friends!" The three then hugged.
Up in Mr. Ken's Study, Mr. Ken and Frank were talking. Ken Thomas explained how he contacted the school and requested information about applying for the free breakfast and lunch programs. Ken also explained he took the liberty and looked into Frank's work situation and told the man he might have found him some leads where he could use his Army training in communications.
Frank Longger didn't know what to say to everything he just heard, but he insisted he could find a good paying job on his own and didn't need any handouts. Ken Thomas told Frank he agreed with him, but that what he was offering wasn't a handout but a hand-up. Mr. Ken explained that everyone uses contacts to further their lot in life and all Frank was doing was using the people he knew. Frank didn't say anything to that comment, so Mr. Ken continued.
"Frank, I know what type of communications you trained in. I also know of a company who is looking for someone who has your qualifications and training and they are willing to give you an interview, if you are interested. The good thing about this offer is that, if you are accepted, it would mean you wouldn't have to accept the free meals at the school and you would be able to provide a warm and inviting home for your family. The company which I am referring you to will also help you with your situation with your wife and what she did to your boys," finished Mr. Ken.
Frank just sat there trying to wrap his mind around what the man just told him. He didn't know why the owner of that huge mansion was doing that for him and wondered why so he asked him.
"Mr. Thomas … why is it you are doing this for me? I mean … you don't even know me and … and you're doing all this for me and my boys?" asked a disbelieving Frank Longger.
"Frank … when Charles told me about your sons and what you were going through to provide for them, I took an interest. I didn't know what, if anything, I could do, but with the resources I have at hand I used them to see what I could do to make your life a bit easier. I know you are a proud man and want to show your kids you can provide for them, but … well, with everything that is happening to you I figured it would be quite some time before you got things straightened out.
"Frank … all I am trying to do for you is … is to give you a hand up so you can be the boys' father and provide for them a comfortable living. It will be up to you to go to the interview and knock their shoes off in order to get the job. I don't think you want to be driving 18-wheelers, the rest of your life, and having to be gone much of the time. That's no life for you or your lads," qualified Mr. Ken.
"I don't know what to say," spoke up Frank. "This is all so unreal. I don't understand why you are doing this for me; for us."
"Frank … all you have to say is that you will at least give it a try. You are not only doing this for you, but for the safety and security of your two young sons. The job will also provide a good health benefits package that you could use to look into Ryan's small size. And speaking of that, I'd like to schedule your two lads for a full physical. That way you'll have a baseline starting point as you move forward, even if you don't take the position," clarified Mr. Ken.
When Ken Thomas finished explaining everything, he looked over to Frank Longger and saw a few tears falling down the man's cheeks. He knew if it were one of his 'sons' he'd go over and hug them, but with Frank, he needed to let the man sort through everything he just heard and decide what he wanted to do.
After a few minutes of soul searching, Frank looked over at Mr. Ken and said, "Thank you … thank you Mr. Ken … for what you're trying to do for me and my boys. I had a difficult time accepting what Charles did for my boys … but after talking to you about why Charles did what he did … I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I know the lad is only your foster son but I now realize you are just like him.
"I see by your actions … you are just as concerned about people as he is. Neither of you knew me or my sons … but that didn't hinder either of you from taking action to make our life better than it presently was. I will accept your generous offer to go on that interview and I promise you that I will do my best to get that job. I owe it to you for making this interview possible but I also … I also owe it to my sons to make their life as good as I possibly can by providing for them a stable and comfortable home and good food as well."
Frank then got up and extended his hand to Mr. Ken as a sign of accepting the offer and to thank the man for trying to help him and his sons. Mr. Ken came around from the behind his desk and took the extended hand and shook it. The Cove's owner then pulled the man into a warm hug. When the two men broke away from their quick hug, it was Mr. Ken who suggested they go looking for Richard and Ryan to tell them the good news. The men smiled and laughed as they went looking for the lads.
Richard was thoroughly enjoying his play out on the water toys. He hung around Charles and his friends the whole time and was thrown off the tops of the two water rafts a few times and came back for more. He couldn't believe he was there, at that huge mansion, and having the time of his young life. He hoped it wasn't a dream.
Ryan and his two new friends, Brant and Noah, went and got out their skateboards and headed to the skateboard ramps knowing there was no one there. The three didn't have many good moves but with no one there to bother them or make fun of them the three new friends were having a good time. That was their first time on the new ramps and they were all surprised how well built they were and how good a condition they were in for being out in the elements for six months or so.
When Mr. Ken and Frank walked out the Foyer door, they had intended to walk around to the Patio, but Mr. Ken thought he heard some noise coming from the direction of the skateboard ramps. Ken Thomas explained how he and his boys' friends' dads had built some skateboard ramps for the lads then asked Frank to follow him so he could show him another of the playthings the lads had to keep themselves occupied. Frank laughed at how Mr. Ken described the ramps as playthings for his boys.
As the men turned the corner of the entrance to the Parking Corral, Frank saw his son Ryan was there with two other lads. The father smiled that it looked like his son had made some friends and he was now happy he went with his host to see the ramps. The two men walked over to the ramps and watched the boys for a few moments before Ryan noticed his dad was standing there. The lad immediately ran to hug his dad.
"Dad … thank you for bringing us here today. I now have two new friends and I am having a great time," exclaimed Ryan, as he hugged his dad.
When the father and son let go of their hug, Frank introduced Mr. Ken to his son. Ryan was surprised at seeing such a young man that he blurted out, "You … you're Charles' dad?"
"NO, Ryan, I am not Charles' dad, but I AM his foster dad. I think the surprise in your eyes says there is no way a man of my age could have a twelve-year son," laughed Mr. Ken.
"Yes, sir; sorry sir," meekly answered Ryan.
Then Ryan quickly recovered and introduced Brant and Noah to his dad. The man shook each of their hands and thanked the boys for being his son's friend. He then asked the three lads to show him their moves. Then for about five minutes Frank Longger and Ken Thomas watched on as the three lads did their best to put on a show.
Back on the patio, the five adults; the two Dan's, Mary, Judy, and Wayne, were catching up on what they'd done all summer. The last time they had the chance to sit down and chat was back during the 13th Birthday Picnic their host had for his foster son, Robert and best friend, Eric, and all the kids who turned thirteen that year. And Since Dan Fischer wasn't there for that chat he sat back and listened in on what the four had to say.
"Well, Wayne, what have you been up to since our last picnic together?" asked Ms. Judy. "Eric told me Mr. Ken made you give him a copy of your resume. My boy said he wanted it so he could have it added to those who were applying for the Estate Manager's position. I'm sorry you didn't get it. I know how much Robert wanted you to get the job."
Wayne laughed and replied, "Yes, Mr. Ken did make me give him a copy of my resume, but I knew I didn't qualify for the job. That man was so persistent, though, that I couldn't say no."
That revelation surprised Dan Fischer, so he asked, "So, it could have been you instead of Chris who got the job? You know … after seeing the way you interacted with the kids today, I think you would have been a good Estate Manager."
"Thank you, Mr. Dan, for saying that. I do love being around the kids. And, I hope one day … well, I hope one day I can work with kids. Unfortunately, until I get a few more courses under my belt, I don't even qualify to work for Ms. Judy in CPS."
"Wayne," began Mary Taylor, "what have you been doing with yourself all summer?"
Wayne smiled and responded by telling the small group he first worked at selling cars. Then, he told them he looked into selling real estate, but the course had already started for the summer so he was out of luck there. He then told them he learned that he could work for the builders by selling newly built houses, without a license, and that was what he was doing on the weekends. He further told the group that during the week he worked at a phone bank selling whatever was the 'product of the day'. The group had a laugh over his last job.
It was Dan Chassen who spoke up and told Wayne he could work as a substitute teacher during the week. Dan further told the new college graduate that the substitute teachers, with a college degree, made $125.00 a day, or more, and that many a good sub, could work the entire school year. Dan also encouraged Wayne to get his teaching credentials and become a school counselor saying since the young man loved working with kids, and already had the required courses; he would be effective at communicating with them.
Wayne smiled at the accolades but insisted he wanted to actually work at Children's Protective Services as he knew from firsthand experience what a kid goes through when he was in the 'system'. Only Ms. Judy knew what Wayne meant, so Wayne told the rest how he was a ward of the state for most of his life and had to deal with the uncaring foster parents who kept the kids mollified enough to stay in their foster homes.
Wayne told of how he saw the CPS workers as shuffling kids around just to make it look like they were doing something and ignoring the kid's complaints of their foster parents. That last comment got the others at the table to look directly at Ms. Judy, as if she was responsible for both Robert's and Charles' problems while in the system. Wayne also saw their stares and he jumped to Ms. Judy's defense by telling the rest he wasn't in the 'system' there but over near Houston.
The ladies then wanted to know what Dan Chassen did for the summer. They teased him saying he only had to work 185 days and they wanted to know what he did with the rest of his time.
Dan laughed at the ladies premise then he set them straight. "Ladies, I may only work 185 days, as you say, but almost every one of those days is more than eight hours long. I have lesson preparation every evening that takes time and I also have lots of papers to correct and then I have the administrative paperwork that inundates us, teachers.
"Our days are long and are usually like twelve hour days. So when you look at it that way we are actually working close to 220 days out of the year. That is in comparison to what 'normal' people work which is somewhere around 250 not including their two weeks' vacation. You taxpayers only look at the contract calling for 185 days of teaching but we do a full year's' worth of work in that short amount of time," laughed Dan Chassen.
The group accepted Dan's explanation and then focused on Dan Fischer.
"So, tell us, Dan, what is it that you like about living here at The Cove?" teased Judy.
Dan Fischer smiled at Judy's question knowing she was baiting him. "Well, I want to clarify the fact that I am not living at Three Finger Cove. I am merely …a guest," laughed Dan.
"A guest?" asked Wayne, "How does one go about being a guest here?" now laughed Wayne.
"Well, I was injured during a drug raid almost two months ago, now. Ken and his boys came to visit me while I was in the hospital. Matter-of-fact they were some of the very few civilians that did come to visit me. Anyway, a few days after I got out of the hospital I thought I'd stop by and thank the three of them for coming to visit me. I came at a good time as it was a late breakfast for them, so I got a cup of coffee, if I remember right.
"Anyway, they were talking about Ken taking the boys on some trips, but the bugaboo was they didn't have anyone to stay with the lad who wasn't going."
"Oh, I remember that. Ken called me and he asked me if I could stay while he first took Charles and then Robert on their promised trips. I told him I couldn't because Ryan and I had already planned a mother and son trip and then Ryan had to get ready to leave for college when we got back" spoke up Mary Taylor.
"Hmmm, I wonder why they didn't ask me?" said Judy Turner, to no one in particular.
"Well, I can probably answer that," replied Dan.
The four adults looked at Dan.
"As Ken, Robert and Charles talked about who they could get to stay, I spoke up and volunteered. Ken then laughed and asked me if I knew what I was getting myself into. I think it was Robert who told Ken that I was volunteering and since he was looking for someone and now they didn't have to beg anyone anymore since they had me begging him to stay with them.
"Robert and Charles looked at their 'dad' with hopeful eyes and they both said something like, 'Come on 'dad', this is what you were looking for.' Ken asked me if I really wanted to stay and he explained what he had planned for the boys. I told him I was off duty until after Labor Day and had nothing planned and that I'd like to see what it was like to live in the fast lane. Ken made sure I was ready to take on the task and before I knew it I had almost moved in," laughed Dan.
The rest of the group laughed right along with Dan.
It was Wayne who asked, "Dan … what was it like to live here at The Cove. What did you do and how did you and the boys get along?"
Smiling, Dan said, "Wayne … you have NO idea how awesome it was to be staying here. They treated me as if I was a part of The Cove. Momma Maria fixed me up with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner and when I came in late she made sure she had food warm for me. The boys … let me tell you, they really enjoyed having someone new there. I also got to use the WaveRunners and you heard how we rescued that poor Zappet fellow.
"What I think the best thing was … is that I got to take Charles and Todd and Camm to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. I'd never been there and I had a blast. We rode all the roller coasters and then some. Those kids made me feel a whole lot younger than I was. Of course, I was tired as could be when I returned to The Cove that night but it was fun.
Then, later, I took Charles, Robert, Todd, David, and Cooper to SeaWorld down in San Antonio. I want you to know I had a great time there, too. I think the kids did as well," laughed Dan.
"We did the water park first and some of those rides were really good. The one that I almost had to twist the boy's arms to ride on ended up with a tunnel that allowed us to watch stingrays as we floated by. The boys were happy they had done that ride and they even apologized to me for arguing against doing that ride. We ate after the water park and then we mixed up the day with watching some animal shows and then doing rides and vice versa. It was a long day but I was again happy to have done that."
"What made you take Todd?" asked Judy.
"Well, when I learned it was just him and his mom, and he never got to do much of anything because of the financial burden, so I decided to take him to give him some fun before he is off to college. You know what else I did with Todd? I took him out driving. Again, his mom worked so many hours that she didn't have loads of time to take him out. When I learned that, I asked him if was interested. After getting his mom's permission, I took him out as much as I could. He is going to be a good driver, by the way," further added Dan Fischer.
"You know Wayne … I think you'd have loved doing what I was able to do. Since you enjoy being around kids this would have been your 'Shangri La'," now laughed Dan, who was joined in by Mary and Judy.
"What do you mean by that Dan?" asked Wayne.
"Wayne, there were boys here all day, every day. I got to ride the WaveRunners with them. I got to take out the Commander and run around on it with them. The boys even let me play on the water toys with them, we swam in the indoor pool, and I even got invited to have hamburgers and hot dogs with them.
"You know what, those boys, they do all the setup, cooking and teardown of the afternoon barbeque. But the best thing about staying here, at The Cove, besides the food and the opulence, was the en-suite Ken let me use. I was so spoiled with that soft bed, setup, private shower and bath that I didn't want to go back to my little apartment or even go back to work," revealed a laughing Dan.
The adults, who were seated with him, were all mesmerized by his open and honest answers. They thanked him for telling them what he enjoyed about staying at The Cove. It even gave Wayne something to think about if he ever got the chance to stay there.
Dan Chassen saw Wayne staring out into space and he figured the recent college graduate was thinking about what Dan Fischer just told them all. The teacher then reminded Wayne he should really look at going into school counseling if he wanted to be around kids.
Wayne nodded at what Dan had said and then smiled at the man. He then went back to thinking of what it might be like to stay there at The Cove.
All comments are encouraged. You may email Chowhound at: Chowhound