It was Thursday during the first full week of school. Robert and Charles first stopped by Mr. Ken's Study to say "Hi", then they went to the Kitchen Nook where Momma Maria had their after-school snack waiting for them. After they finished their very cold chocolate milk and some of Momma's special sweet cakes, the lads went up to their rooms to get started on their homework. Since it was the first week of school, the lads didn't have lots to do, but they knew from the teacher's syllabus they would soon get much, much more to do.
After dinner, 'dad' Ken asked the lads if their homework was caught up and hearing that it was, he asked the lads if they were interested in watching a movie before bed. Both lads looked to one another and seeing a smile on their 'brothers' face they both said, "What are we waiting for?"
The lads hadn't often gotten the chance to sit with their 'dad' over the summertime as they were all so busy, so hearing they could watch a movie together gave the boys a chance to lie with their 'dad' and get that close feeling they missed all summer long. Sure, they got hugs and pulled into tight embraces over the summer vacation, but they hadn't laid down with Mr. Ken in his special lounger down in the Theater for quite some time so they both were anxious to get down to the Theater.
Mr. Ken had purchased a few of the latest movie releases, so they had to choose between The Legend of Tarzan, Ghostbusters (2016), Ice Age: Collision Course, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It took them a few minutes to read the backs of the DVD sleeves and come to an agreement on watching Ice Age.
Robert took the disk and hurried to the projector to set the movie up. The teen was going to set the movie to start right from the beginning but both Mr. Ken and Charles told him to set the DVD up and just hit PLAY. They wanted to see all the stuff before the movie actually began.
Robert knew his 'dad' would use the remote to begin the movie where he and his 'brother' wanted, so he just put the DVD into the player and hit the start button and then went into the Theater and sat down with his 'dad' in the middle of him and his 'brother'.
It took about ten minutes for all the 'stuff' before the start of the movie to get finished and the opening credits and music had just begun when Mr. Ken's cell phone rang. The man answered it and learning it was Frank Longger, the father of Charles's new friend Richard and his 5th-grade brother Ryan, told the boys he wanted to take the call, up in his Study. He told the boys he'd be right back, so the lads paused the movie.
Mr. Ken was happy the man had decided to call him. He had learned quite a bit about the man and his two sons but he still wanted to talk to the man about some things he felt were important for the wellbeing of his lads as well as their financial security.
Frank Longger was cordial at the beginning of the phone call but after the pleasantries were over the man began to criticize Mr. Ken's interference into his family. He told the owner of The Cove that he wasn't overly pleased his boy, Charles, kept buying his boys lunches and he asked Mr. Ken to tell his son to stop doing that and that he was very capable of buying his boys lunch.
Mr. Ken was taken aback by the man's demeanor, but then he realized the man presented himself as a very proud man and didn't want people to think he needed help and could provide for his family as he saw fit. Ken Thomas let the man talk so he would calm down after he said what he had decided he would say.
When Frank Longger finally wore himself out, Mr. Ken began to explain what his 'son' Charles was doing for Richard and Ryan. The Cove's owner first told Frank that Charles was actually his 'foster son' who knew what not having good food to eat for lunch was all about. Mr. Ken explained that Charles couldn't just let his oldest lad eat only an apple for lunch.
Upon hearing that revelation, Mr. Longger quickly interrupted Mr. Ken and told the man that he sent both lads with a packed lunch. He vehemently explained he told his boys they were to share and that this was the first he ever heard that Richard was only eating the fruit he sent along. Mr. Ken went on to tell the father what Charles told him about Richard eating only the apple so his brother would get enough food so he could begin to grow. Upon hearing that story, Frank Longger got very quiet. Ken Thomas could only hear the man's breathing over the phone and he thought he heard a few sniffles coming from the man.
Ken Thomas let the man compose himself before asking him if he was going to be okay. Mr. Longger didn't say anything for a few more moments, but then he apologized to him for acting like the fool he was. Frank told Ken that he was totally unaware Richard wasn't eating a good lunch and he now realized that he probably did need some support in getting his family back on track.
When the father stopped talking, Ken told the man that he knew he was having a difficult time in making ends meet and he took it upon himself to look into what was required for someone to qualify for free breakfasts and lunches for his family. Ken told Frank that when a family qualifies the only person at the school who would know that fact would be the principal and she'd be in hot water if she told anyone else. Ken Thomas told Frank he began looking into that process when Charles told him what Richard told him about Ryan.
Through some sniffles, Frank Longger told Ken Thomas, knowing what he just learned, he now applauded Charles for his taking the initiative and making sure his boys had a good lunch. He then told Mr. Ken he was not aware that the preteen was his foster son, but it was obvious the boy had learned something important by living with the man.
It was then Mr. Ken told Frank the lad had only lived with him for two months and that the lad knew, from living with his mom, that any time he could get a good meal from anyone he'd take it as he wasn't so proud he wouldn't accept it.
The two men talked for a few more minutes and then Mr. Longger mentioned the invitation to the Labor Day Picnic. Frank Longger told Mr. Ken he would be happy to accept the invitation for him and his boys. Ken Thomas told the man to get there early and plan to stay late. The Cove's owner then told Frank he had a few other surprises in store for him when he arrived. Frank Longger said he'd looked forward to meeting the man and, of course, Charles. The two had a good laugh and then hung up.
Mr. Ken had no sooner hung up from talking to Frank Longger than his house phone rang again. This time it was Ms. Judy. The conversation was cordial at first, but then the Director of Child Protective Services got serious.
"Ken, there is an ulterior motive for why I called you tonight," started Ms. Judy. "Did you hear anything about that bad accident earlier in the week?"
"Yes, Chris said he was caught in that mess on Monday. So, what does that have to do with your phone call?" a curious Ken Thomas asked.
"Well, Ken, that accident … it happened to injure two young boys and their parents. It is those two young lads that … well, that I am calling you about," replied Ms. Judy Turner, the Director of Children's Protective Services.
"So, Judy … what is it that I can help you with?" directly asked Ken, knowing she intended to ask him to take on the lads, even if for a little while.
"Ken, I guess you already know I want to ask you to help me with these two young boys. They're twins, by the way, identical twins that if you weren't introduced to them, you'd never be able to tell them apart. I even have a difficult time when I've had to talk to them. … Ken … the boys … their parents were banged up very badly during that crash. The boys were in the backseat as usual but when the father tried to stop their car from hitting the vehicle in front of them he broke a leg and an arm during the process. Their mom … she too broke an arm, a wrist, and a leg as she braced herself against the pending crash.
"Ken … that's not the half of it. The father, Parker, told the boys to get out of the car and stand by the side of the road and wait for them. It was during that wait that the car in front of them caught fire. Ken … because the crash snarled the traffic so bad the fire equipment … they didn't get to the burning vehicle before the heat from the fire caused their vehicle to catch fire and burned both Parker and Vivian.
"Ken, I saw the way the parents are bandaged up. The doctors told me they both had some first, second and third degree burns over a portion of the front of their upper bodies. Ken … these people have a long road of healing ahead of them," finished Judy Turner.
Ken sat there and thought a moment then asked, "Judy … what about other family, like aunts and uncles or maybe their grandparents? Couldn't they take care of the boys?"
"Ken, ever since I learned about the twins, I started making calls asking them to do just that. The grandparents are out as Parker's dad, Miles, has passed on and his mom doesn't want the responsibility of taking care of those two young lads," answered Judy.
"What about the other grandparents and any aunts and uncles?" Ken quickly asked about.
"Well … Vivian's mom is fighting cancer and both of her parents said they didn't think they'd have the stamina to take care of two eleven-year-olds. And in talking to the aunts and uncles … they told me they have kids of their own to raise and that it wasn't they didn't love their nephews … they said it was the logistics and space. So, all three relatives told me they couldn't take in the boys right now. … To be honest, I think it is because there are two boys and they don't want to add them to their own troubles, Ken" reasoned Ms. Judy.
Ken sat there, taking in all that information. He wondered how adding two more boys to his mix, and twins at that, would affect the dynamics around The Cove. He figured Chief would be happy to have two more lads around to play with. He also figured Robert and Charles would readily accept the new boys, but he still wondered how he could work them into any sort of schedule. He wondered how he would be able to juggle taking the boys anywhere with the addition of two more to his brood.
"Judy … what injuries do each of the boys have and, most of all, how long are we talking about me, us, taking care of the boys?" asked Ken.
"Ken, I'll be honest with you here. The doctors told me the healing process for their parents is a good seven to nine months or even longer if they get an infection. So, I'd say at least through to the end of school year," Judy honestly answered back.
"As for the twins, they each have many bumps, bruises and a few cuts and scratches from the crash. They were both wearing bandages on their arms and faces, when I last saw them, but I think they were there as more for protection than for any real deep cuts. They do have visible black and blue bruises, so they could be sore but a swim or two should help them exercise those injured limbs, don't you think?" Judy could then be heard laughing.
"Judy, I'm sure you know the problem I had in getting someone to stay with the lads while I took one and then the other on a promised trip. What am I going to do when I need to go again and I have four to worry about? I just can't leave the four of them home alone and you know I'd never do that. The other day … Dan and I talked about me hiring on another adult that could be here with the boys when I had to leave. You should have heard Robert and Charles when I told them that.
"Judy … you know how badly I handled Charles addition to The Cove, so this time … well, I have to tell you I cannot give you an answer to your request until I talk to both of my 'sons'. This will impact them as much or even more than it will me. They need to be brought into the discussion, so I know how they feel about having two more 'brothers'. I'm sure you understand, Judy," explained Ken Thomas.
Judy didn't want to hear that answer. She did know the man was lucky enough to have Dan Fischer staying at The Cove when he did, otherwise, neither boy would have gone on their trips. She also knew the trouble he had when only Robert lived with him and he had to go away. Judy then realized that CPS Rules and Regulations also added a layer of restrictions that would also impact what he could do with the new boys.
After making numerous phone calls to other foster parents, Ken Thomas was her only hope in keeping the twins together. She knew she could put each lad in separate homes, but that was not the best for the lads who just underwent a terrible accident and would be away from their mom and dad for an extended period.
"Judy … you still there?" lightly asked Mr. Ken.
"Yes, Ken I am still here. I'm just thinking. … Ken, go ahead and talk to Robert and Charles then let me know what you all want to do. I'd like to get these two lads placed before the weekend," finished Ms. Judy.
"That was going to be my next question, Judy. When would we be able to get possession of these two youngsters?" now laughed Ken. "You know I have that big Labor Day Picnic scheduled and adding them to the mix could cause some logistical problems although there will be kids their age there, so I am not concerned about that."
"Ken, if you decide to help me out here, you could visit the boys tomorrow after school. Then, if they agree to go home with you I bet you could take them home tomorrow night," replied Ms. Judy.
Judy could hear Ken laughing and then he told her that it sounded to him like she was asking him to pick out a dog or a cat, not a couple of brothers. Ken then told her he'd call the boys to his Study to talk to them and he'd call her back as soon as they made a decision. Judy thanked him and told him she hoped above everything else that the three Covers would make the 'right' decision. The two adults laughed as they hung up their phones.
While Ken was talking to Judy, he thought he heard his boys outside his Study but in the Foyer, so he called out to them to come into the room. Both Robert and Charles walked timidly into the room. 'Dad' Ken asked the boys to each take a chair and when they were seated he went over and sat between them.
"Boys, I take it you know I was talking to Ms. Judy just then?" started Mr. Ken.
Both lads had heard their 'dad's' phone conversation with Ms. Judy, so they looked at one another and then only nodded that they knew.
"That first call was from Frank Longger, Richard and Ryan's father," explained 'dad' Ken. "I wanted to talk to him in private which was why I came up here to talk to him. We talked at length about things. He told me he wasn't too happy about Charles helping his boys out by buying them their lunches. It was when I told him that Richard was only eating the apple from the combined lunches and why, he sort of calmed down and apologized for the way he was acting.
"Guys, Frank didn't know that Richard was only eating the apple and now that he knows why he was okay with you buying him their lunches, Charles. I did tell him I was looking into the free breakfasts and lunches for his boys and he was okay with that. In the end, he did agree that the three of them would be here at the picnic on Saturday," finished up 'dad' Ken.
"'Dad', the reason we're up here is it took you so long to come back we had to find out what happened to you," said Robert.
"Yeah, we thought you'd be right back, and it's been over a half hour, 'dad'," added Charles.
"I'm sorry boys, but Frank took longer than I thought but it was the second phone call that was more important," clarified 'dad' Ken.
That said, Mr. Ken came over and sat on the edge of his chair and he addressed the boys. The lads could see that something was troubling their 'dad' and they both got scared that Ms. Judy was calling to say she was moving one of them or maybe both of them.
"'Dad', what did Eric's mom … you know, what did she want?" asked Robert.
"Yeah, 'dad', why would she be calling you so late at night for?" added Charles.
"Boys, as you already know … that second call was from Ms. Judy," started 'dad' Ken. "She called me with a request, but … well, after the way I messed up talking to Robert about your coming to live here, Charles, I … I told her I needed to talk to you both before giving her an answer. Boys … what I have to talk to you about will affect us all and you too, Chief."
Chief then barked out a few Woofs and went over for a few ear scratches.
"What is this all about, 'dad'" asked Charles.
"Well, did you hear about that big accident earlier in the week? The one that involved a tractor-trailer and five cars?" directly asked Mr. Ken.
"Yeah, some of the kids … I heard them talking about it at school the day after it happened. Why?" Robert wanted to know.
"Guys … there was a family of four in one of the vehicles, a mom and dad … and their twin eleven-year-old boys. They all survived but … well, both mom and dad were severely injured and were already transferred down to San Antonio to the military burn center at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). Boys … Ms. Judy … she asked me … she asked me if I was ready … well, if you and I were ready and willing to take in the twins, while their parents recover from the burns they received in the crash.
"Boys … this would mean a big change here in the house. It would also mean you'd be asked to help with the lads and their healing. The boys have some bruises and aches and pains from being thrown around the back seat of their car, but … the biggest thing they will have to deal with is … they will be away from their parents
"Boys …you will have to share them with me, and Chief, and they may act out or become sullen and not want to participate in the things we do. You will both become a big part in their healing and keeping them occupied and helping them when and where you can.
"Boys … are you ready to become big 'brothers' to these young twins who are being put into circumstances, not of their own doing? Are you ready to hold them and comfort them when they cry? Are you ready to help them keep focused on school and to be a part of The Cove for as long as they stay here? … If you aren't … then let me know. I need to call Ms. Judy back, if you're not, so she can find someone else to take care of the twins," finished 'dad' Ken.
"'Dad', when will they be coming here?" asked Robert.
"Yeah, 'dad', when would they get here?" followed up Charles.
"Boys … Ms. Judy told me we could stop by the hospital after school tomorrow and get to meet them, and … we could possibly bring them home with us then or early Saturday morning, whichever works for us and them. So … do you want to help these lads out? I have no idea how long they would be staying with us. Ms. Judy says their parents were pretty badly burned and it could take many months for them to heal. … Boys … I'm sorry to put this on you so late at night … do you have any thoughts you can give me?" requested the boys 'dad'.
Charles looked to Robert with hopeful eyes and Robert felt inside him that this was the right thing to do, so he looked at 'dad' Ken and told him they both wanted to help these kids, even if they'd only be with them for a short time.
Mr. Ken smiled at the boys and thanked them for their support and then got up to hug them. After the hug, he immediately called Ms. Judy to tell her the good news while the lads listened on. 'Dad' Ken told Ms. Judy Turner that both boys were on-board with helping the twins out. The two adults agreed to meet at the hospital after school tomorrow, Friday.
It was way too late to finish watching the movie after all the conversations and decisions were over. The boys hugged their 'dad' and headed up to their rooms.
"Robert," began Charles after he followed his older 'brother' into his room, "are we really ready to help these two younger boys out? I mean, I just got here and all."
"Sure we are, Charles. It may be a little difficult at first, but once they get to know us, and we them, and they get into a routine here, things will settle out," assured big 'brother' Robert.
"OK, but, what about the picnic? How will it affect them; us; our friends?" Charles wanted to know.
"They'll be okay. It might be what they need to get after being in the hospital for a week out of their system. They'll also get to meet a few of the kids they'd be going to school with so starting school will be a lot easier for them," replied Robert.
The two 'brothers' talked for a few more minutes about how they'd be able to help the twins out but before long they both headed off to visit the porcelain god and then they were off to bed.
At school the next day, Charles couldn't wait until he told his friends that he was getting two new 'brothers' When Charles saw Rich, he told him he knew his dad called The Cove last night and he talked to Mr. Ken. Charles then told him he knew the three of them were going to be at the picnic and he was happy for Rich and Ryan. Rich then told Charles his dad told him that since he had gone out of his way to help me and my brother, he said we should go there to thank your dad and you personally. Rich said that last part with a smile so Charles knew things would work out.
"Hey, guys," called out Charles to get his friends attention. … "Eric's mom … she called our 'dad' last night. She asked him if he was, if we were, ready … to take on two more boys, twins," said a smiling Charles.
"Twins, did you say twins. Doesn't Mr. Ken have enough trouble with just you two?" teased Cooper.
"Hey, how old are they and how will they, you know, be a part of Three Finger Cove?" asked Camm.
"Will they be at the picnic tomorrow?" added James.
Richard was taking this all in and he had questions galore but was afraid to ask them right then, especially in front of all those guys. He just listened to what everyone had to say. He figured he'd learn about everything the more he listens and hangs around his 'new' friends.
Just then the first bell rang and they all headed towards the school entrance. As they walked along, Charles told his friends that they were going to the hospital after school to meet the boys and they might come home with them tonight or first thing in the morning.
Over at The Cove, Ken Thomas was finalizing the preparations with Mr. Chris for tomorrow's Labor Day Picnic. He'd received everyone's acceptance and was happy all the boys and their parents would be there. He was equally as happy that the additional adults he and the boys asked to attend would also be there. The Cove's owner was eagerly looking forward to having close to 100 guests to The Cove for this end of summer picnic.
In the meantime, Ms. Judy had called to talk to Ken to make sure he and the boys were totally online with accepting the twins into The Cove. Ken assured Judy that he and the boys would do wonders for the two lads and would immerse them into The Cove and get them busy with school, the ramps, swimming and anything else they are involved in, themselves.
The Cove's owner told the Director of Children's Protective Services that they were looking forward to meeting the lads later at the hospital and hopefully will bring them home tonight. Judy was happy to hear that Ken and the boys were anxious about the twins.
After lunch at the school, some of the 5th graders went over to Charles and asked him if it was true that Ryan was going to be at the Labor Day Picnic, tomorrow. Charles was confused by the question until a lad, Brant, spoke up and said that he'd be there with his family.
Charles didn't know who Brant was, so he had to ask, so he said, "And who is your family?"
"Oh, sorry, my older brother is Brad. I'm Brant Sullivan," announced the youngster.
"Brad has a younger brother? I never knew that. I only started living at Three Finger Cove the day before the 4th of July Picnic and I don't know Robert's friends all that well. Well, Brant, it is good to meet you and to answer your question. And the answer is Yes, Ryan and his older brother Richard, here, and their dad, will be there tomorrow.
"Now … let me ask why you are asking if Ryan will be there?" almost demanded Charles.
Brant was reluctant to answer Charles knowing that what he answered would make him seem petty and small and he wouldn't look so good in front of all those older boys.
"Brant … why do you want to know?" persisted Charles.
Brant looked at the other 5th graders who accompanied him and then back to the 7th grader, Charles. The younger lad then said, "None of us believed Ryan, when he told us that. He's never joined in with us when we played. He's always stayed back like he didn't want to be involved or maybe bothered," confessed Brant.
"Brant … did you ever consider how much smaller Ryan is than the rest of you and your friends? Did you ever think that maybe … that just maybe something might be wrong with Ryan? That he could have a medical or physical situation that … well, that he might actually be afraid he might get hurt playing with all you bigger kids?" postulated Charles.
Brant and his friends all got shocked looks on their faces. Even Richard looked surprised at what Charles just said, and the way he said it. Charles told the 5th graders that what he said is all conjecture but they should have asked Ryan what games he could safely play, if they wanted him to be a part of them, because he was so small for his age.
Brant got a sad look on his face after hearing what Charles had to say. He never realized that all the time Ryan didn't play with them there could be something wrong with the small boy. He never thought to ask if there was a reason why Ryan didn't want to participate with him and his friends. The younger Sullivan then walked away with a few tears slipping down his face. He felt terrible for the way he treated the small boy and wished he hadn't been so mean to him. He then made a decision and went in search of the smaller 5thgrader.
Someone went to find Brad, Brant's big brother, and told him they just saw his younger brother talking to Charles and some other 7thgraders and went away crying. Brad went looking for Charles wanting to know what the 7th grader did to his brother. Robert and the rest of the guys went with him.
"What did you do to my brother?" demanded Brad, as he approached Charles.
"I didn't even know you had a brother until he told me who he was. He came to me to find out if Ryan, Rich's brother, was going to be at Three Finger Cove tomorrow. All I did was ask him why he wanted to know," replied a calm Charles, knowing he didn't do anything wrong. "Why? What did I supposedly do to your younger brother? All the guys here know I didn't hit him or anything!"
"Someone told me he walked away after talking to you and he was crying. What am I supposed to think? I love my brother, even if I don't show it, and I will protect him from bullies and any harm that comes his way," asserted Brad.
While Brad confronted Charles, Brant went looking for Ryan. He knew how everyone, including him, teased the smaller lad about his assertion that he'd been invited to the Labor Day Picnic at The Cove tomorrow. Brant wanted to apologize to the small boy and tell him how sorry he was for everything he did or even thought about him. He just couldn't find the boy.
Ryan was hurt by the taunts and teasing he received from his fellow 5th graders. He didn't want to be around them anymore, but he didn't know his way around the school, all that well, so he went looking for a place to hide.
When Brant couldn't find Ryan anywhere in the schoolyard, he quickly ran to his friends. He found they were still with Charles and now his big brother Brad was there with Robert and his other friends.
"Guys, guys, I can't find Ryan," yelled Brant, as he ran up to the large group of kids. "I went looking for him to apologize to him for how we treated him earlier over his telling us he would be at Three Finger Cove tomorrow. I can't find him. I can't find him anywhere. We got to find him. Brad, help me find him. I treated him so wrong!" Then Brant broke down and cried. Brad pulled his younger brother to him and let him cry it out.
Robert took control. "OK, everyone … break into groups of two and start looking everywhere you can. We have to find Ryan. Rich, you and Charles stay here in case he comes looking for you. If anyone finds the 5th grader bring him here to his older brother Richard. Guys, Go! Go, let's find Ryan!"
After everyone spread out, Robert and Brad and Brant headed for Mr. Chassen's homeroom to tell him what was going on. He and the boys went to Principal Chadwick's office to notify her.
While his fellow students were out looking for him, Ryan felt all alone right then. He found his way over to the never used refreshment stand behind the rarely used football field and hid behind it. He then began to cry. He felt all alone and he knew none of the boys in his class liked him. They all proved it when they laughed at him when he told them he was going to Three Finger Cove tomorrow. Thinking about that made him cry even harder.
There were over thirty 5th, 7th and 8th-grade boys looking all over the school grounds for Ryan when the end of lunch bell rang. The 5thgraders knew they had to go back to class so they gave up looking and headed into the school.
The 7th and 8th-grade boys wanted to stay out looking but they knew they shouldn't and would get into trouble if they didn't head into the school before the next bell rang. It was as they were walking into the school they were met by Principal Chadwick, Dan Chassen, and the school resource officer to see if they were able to locate Ryan. Hearing they hadn't found the 5th grader, the principal directed them to continue to search while she called the Sheriff's office.
All comments are encouraged. You may email Chowhound at: Chowhound