It was a typical breakfast at The Cove the next morning. There was the same banter between the boys and a few questions and answers with their 'dad'. There were lots of smiles and laughs and even Chief got into the act with a few Woofs and doggie kisses for the boys
Just before the boys left for school, Mr. Ken reminded them that the decorating company, Central Texas Decorating, would be there beginning that morning and when they return from school they should begin to see some Holiday changes to The Cove. All the boys said they couldn't wait to see the decorations.
As soon as he got off the bus, Matthew caught up with his friends. He immediately told them about the Six Flags trip his 'dad' was going to take them on. He also told them Mr. Ken needed 4 to 6 more people to chaperone them and he and his 'brothers' were to ask their friends to talk to their parents.
The other Cover boys told their friends about the Six Flags Holiday Trip, as well. They told them Mr. Ken was asking for chaperones from the parents who did not volunteer the last time. The Cover boys told their friends Mr. Ken needed 4 to 6 more people.
Matthew was at a disadvantage when it came to answering questions about the Holiday Trip for Noah. He told his friend he wasn't around The Cove then to go on the SeaWorld Trip and was only telling him what he heard from his 'brothers'.
It was then that Matthew's classmates, who wanted to see his commemorative coin, came over to him. They asked if he had brought his special coin and if he was really going to let them see it. The youngest Cover took the coin out of his pocket, turned it over in his hand sort of teasing them.
Matthew then told them, "I want you to know, that even though it looks like a silver dollar it is not silver at all. It is also heavier than a silver dollar coin because it is a bit larger than one. Also ... when you look at it ... PLEASE ... please, do not drop it. I want to keep it in real good condition and I don't want Mr. Ken to get mad at me.
The classmates, who came to Matthew to see the special coin, took turns looking the coin over before passing it on to another classmate. Bailey was one of those classmates and she was the last one to hold the commemorative coin before handing back to Matthew.
Bailey then wanted to know if Matthew was taking Brant, Ryan and Noah to Six Flags. Matthew said he probably would, unless they didn't treat him nice. Matthew then smiled at his three good friends. Bailey then walked away from the group.
Brant and Ryan then spoke up and told Matthew they went to SeaWorld when Mr. Ken took his 'brothers and their friends there. That surprised the young Cover, so he asked them what the trip was all about. Ryan spoke first and told the Cover that Charles was friends with his older brother Richard and when he was asked to go they invited him to go, too.
Brant added that since Ryan was now going, he heard that Mr. Ken said it would be good if Ryan had someone his age to pal around with. Brant said his brother Brad was going and knowing he was Ryan's age they asked him to go along, too. The young Sullivan then said that with him and his older brother going his parents volunteered to chaperone.
"Yea, but Matthew ... I bet he doesn't know the whole story about you and me," said a smiling Ryan. "Maybe ... maybe we should fill him in on what is so funny about you and me being friends," laughed Ryan.
Brant and Ryan then told Matthew and Noah the story about how the younger Sullivan teased Ryan about his telling everyone he was going to The Cove for the Labor Day Picnic. Ryan told the two how he wanted to run away and hide and did as he found the abandoned refreshment stand in the far corner of the playground. The youngster then pointed to where he tried to hide.
Noah then asked if that was why everyone was out walking the playground back then. Brant admitted that after Charles told him the reason why Ryan was so small, he went crying to his older brother to tell him how badly he treated Ryan.
Matthew was stunned at hearing the tale and wanted to hear more, but the first bell rang and they had to head inside to their homeroom. Ryan told his friend they'd finished telling him their story at lunch.
Promptly at 8 AM, representatives from Central Texas Decorating arrived at the Main Gate. The guard called Mr. Ken who told the man to sign them in and tell the other teams that they would be decorating The Cove for the next two weeks and unless there are new people they should just sign them in as they do his 'boys' friends to the estate grounds.
Mr. Ken met the decorating crew as they drove up to the Foyer Door. A man got out of the following vehicle and approached The Cove's owner and introduced himself.
"Mr. Thomas, my name is Joel Meekerts. I am the owner of Central Texas Decorating. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Wayne told me so much about you and now I hear he works for you. I wanted to stop by this morning to talk to you about the possibility of using your decorated estate in my next year's Holiday brochure.
"Mr. Thomas ... you've been a steady and welcomed client for us and the decorations you display both inside and outside are our top of the line offerings and we, well, I, as the owner, would love to showcase your property in next year's brochure," finished Mr. Meekerts.
Just then Wayne drove up and instead of driving into the parking corral to park his car he drove over to the Foyer Door. When he got out Joel Meekerts and Wayne Mitchell greeted one another as if they were a father and son instead of owner and ex-employee.
"Mr. Meekerts," began Mr. Wayne, "I knew you wanted to talk to Mr. Ken, but I thought you'd make an appointment and be here more like 10 o'clock instead of o'dark thirty," laughed Wayne Mitchell.
Mr. Ken asked Mr. Wayne to show the home decorators where to start, but an older woman spoke up and said, "Mr. Thomas, this will be my fourth year decorating your wonderful home, and I could probably tell this young whippersnapper a thing or two about where to start decorating your awesome home.
"Mr. Ken, oh, who doesn't know who you are," smiled the woman. "Mr. Mitchell ... he was the salesperson, but it was us ladies who did all the work," now laughed the older woman. "Because you spare no expense in decorating your estate, it allows us ladies to utilize our talents to fully take advantage of all the extraordinary ornamentations Mr. Meekerts stocks.
"Our boss has wanted to be different than the other Holiday decorators and with the ribbons, garlands, wreaths, animated lighted fixtures we all agree he has. You are the only client who utilizes every one of what Mr. Meekerts has to offer. Thank you!"
Mr. Ken smiled and thanked the woman for being a loyal and caring employee. He then told the woman he hoped Mr. Mitchell would be just as loyal and caring as she was. That made everyone laugh.
Mr. Ken asked Joel Meekerts to follow him to his Study and asked Mr. Wayne to escort the workers into the house and get them started. He also asked Mr. Wayne to join him and Mr. Meekerts in his study after the women started to bring the decorations inside.
Somehow Momma Maria knew her employer had company, so she brought in a serving cart with a carafe of coffee and filled with her sweet cakes. These were her special Holiday themed cookies and sweet cakes that none of the boys had ever seen or tasted. This was her first presentation of what she created and she was somewhat anxious.
"Thank you Momma for bringing us some of your very special Holiday treats and some very hot coffee. I know we will thoroughly enjoy these sweet concoctions," said Mr. Ken, to a now smiling Momma Maria.
Mr. Wayne joined the two men in the Study as Momma Maria walked out. The three men each fixed themselves a cup of coffee and took a sweet cake or two on a small serving platter and then proceeded to one of the soft leather chairs.
"Mr. Meekerts ... you've asked me this same question, about using my home in your brochure, the past three years. So, what makes you think I'll change my mind this time around, now that you've personally came to talk to me?" said a smiling Mr. Ken.
"I feel honored that the owner of the decorating company would come this time to make the hard sell himself. What I would really like to know is ... why is it that you made a personal visit to talk to me this time around?" directly asked Mr. Thomas.
Then, looking at Mr. Wayne, The Cove's owner said, "Wayne, I guess you weren't as good a salesman as you thought you were." Mr. Ken laughed after saying that.
Mr. Meekerts explained his business was doing very well, but he wanted to expand his business and felt in order to do so he needed to better showcase his Holiday offerings. He expounded further by saying he felt the only way he could highlight his entire inventory was to show it actually in use.
Mr. Meekerts finally spoke openly and honestly when he told Mr. Thomas that he knew using The Cove in his brochure would go a long way to opening doors that aren't that accessible to him right now. The man didn't beg Mr. Ken to allow him to use his estate, but he did ask him to help a small businessman trying to compete with the much larger companies.
"Mr. Meekerts ... tell me honestly ... what's truly in it for me ... if I allow you to showcase my estate in next year's brochure? I will tell you up front that I am not leaning towards allowing you to use The Cove, but ... well, maybe you'll say something that makes sense to me and Mr. Wayne here," finished Mr. Ken.
Joel Meekerts was surprised that his former employee would be in the decision making process. He thought he might try using their former association in gaining Mr. Thomas' approval, but he then figured it was a ploy to see if he would try to use that previous connection.
"Mr. Thomas ... you have been my best and most consistent client. I've had other repeat customers, but none of them ... have used all of my product offerings, as you have, to showcase their home or business. As I said before, I would love to expand my company, but I feel I need that foot in the door your estate might provide for me.
"Everyone knows who you are ... and what you'd done for that teenager who people were, I'm sorry to say, trying to kill. Just the mention of your estate in my brochure would, I am sure, would open a few eyes and doors for me.
"As to what would be in it for you is ... well, and to be honest with you, the best thing I can offer you is ... is to provide you my services ... at cost. I would absorb all of the labor expenses and I am willing to do that for this and next year, as well" answered Joel Meekerts.
Mr. Ken sat there quiet and attentive to the entrepreneur's sales pitch. He still wasn't fully convinced it was in the best interests of The Cove and him personally. But he did want to help the man as he had a great product as evidenced by him repeatedly hiring him to decorate his estate for the Holidays.
"Wayne ... what do you think of Mr. Meekerts offer? And what do you feel it does for The Cove overall?" directly asked Mr. Ken; Mr. Wayne's employer.
Mr. Wayne sat there for a few moments, gathering his thoughts, before answering.
"Mr. Ken ... you know I worked for Mr. Meekerts while I was in college. He treated me as one of the family, so I have a ... well I have a bias towards helping him. ... I guess ... my question for him, like you is, what benefit, or good, does his offer give The Cove?
"Mr. Meekerts, to be honest ... everyone knows The Cove, either as what we call it now or as Three Finger Cove. So ... I guess we need to decide what we can do to make this work for us. We all know what it will do for Central Texas Decorating, but doing this has to make sense to us, too.
"Mr. Ken ... you do open your home to your neighbors every Holiday. You also have your annual 4th of July Picnic that benefits community organizations to earn money for their causes. You also have an Easter Egg Roll for all the local children. I wonder if that can be highlighted in the brochure?" asked Mr. Wayne.
"Wow ... that is an interesting concept, Wayne?" said Mr. Ken. "But, do I really need to tell the world what I do here? Will it sound like I am boasting and wanting pats on my back? And you know ... I never want my 'boys' to ever be in the spotlight for obvious reasons.
"Mr. Meekerts ... what if you do not mention The Cove ... in your brochure, but you just ... you just showed the best pictures you have and let the people decide for themselves which property it is?. Will that work for you, or ... do you actually need to mention my estate?" finished Mr. Ken.
The Central Texas Decorating owner thought about the question for a few moments. He thought that mentioning the estate in the advertisements would definitely be a feather in his cap. But, after thinking about what Mr. Thomas said about letting the people decide for themselves he wondered if it would work.
In the end, Joel Meekerts decided that having half a loaf was better than having none. So, he told Mr. Thomas that it would be a very good compromise if he was agreeable to allowing pictures of his estate to populate the pamphlets, catalogues and other advertisements as long as he didn't identify the property.
Mr. Ken said it sounded like a good compromise on the surface, but he asked if he could be given the opportunity to approve which pictures are used. The company owner thought about the request for a moment or two and said he agreed with the concept in principle. Then, he added they would have to create a legally binding agreement.
Mr. Ken told Mr. Meekerts to have his legal team contact Mr. Chris and let them work out the details before they sign the final agreement. It was then Mr. Chris called his boss to see if he was available. But the tables were turned and he was asked to stop by the Study. The men met one another and they talked about the agreement in general.
After their talks were over, the four men walked out into the main house to see boxes and boxes of Holiday decorations set all around the MRS Room and down in the Great Room. Mr. Ken knew from his previous years' experience they had to bring in all the decorations before they could begin putting them up. It did make the house look messy, but the end result was going to totally impress his guests.
As the men watched the women open boxes and set them where they wanted them, the main characters to the just completed verbal agreement discussed when the photos would be taken and in the end Mr. Meekerts said they'd coordinate that with Mr. Chris.
The talk around the schoolyard that day was, of course, that Mr. Ken was taking the same boys he took to SeaWorld out to Six Flags Fiesta Texas during their Holiday break. Some of the boys and girls were jealous they weren't getting to go with them, but those who had season passes said they'd try to be there that day and maybe they could all hang out together.
At lunchtime, at the school, the four musketeers ate together. As they sat and ate, Matthew and Noah heard more about the trouble between Brant and Ryan. Ryan told them when he arrived at the school the previous year how everyone ignored him and didn't make him feel welcomed. The young Longger even told them how his older brother, Richard, also felt unwanted when he entered the 6th grade late in the school year.
Matthew also heard how Brant and Ryan made up at the Labor Day Picnic and how Noah became friends with Ryan. What Matthew wanted to know was what did Charles say to Brant that made him cry and most of the school go looking for Ryan.
Matthew learned a lot about his friends that day. He also learned about how many of his 'brothers' friends were considered heroes and why. He was also surprised to know that his 'dad' was also considered a hero. That made him feel very proud that he was associated with so many kids who weren't afraid to get involved.
Mr. Wayne stopped by the school to sign-out Charles for his doctor's appointment. As they drove over to Doctor Doug's office, Charles was interested in hearing about the Holiday decorations that were being hung up at The Cove.
The two talked about the decorations, but then Charles asked Mr. Wayne if he knew where he and his 'brothers' could buy their 'dad' what they had in mind for him for Christmas. Mr. Wayne said he' look into that and let him know.
Charles returned home well before his 'brothers' and was amazed at seeing bunches of boxes spread all around the MRS and Great Rooms. When he found his 'dad' in the Study, he asked if they would have some decorations in their room. Mr. Ken said that the decorating contract didn't include the personal spaces like the bedrooms, but if the boys wanted to decorate their rooms he'd take them out to buy some decorations.
When the Cover boys returned from School the first thing they did was to go look at all the Holiday decorations. What they saw were all the opened boxes with lots of decorations inside, but were dismayed there weren't many decorations anywhere.
They were also letdown that the Christmas tree hadn't been installed yet. They couldn't wait to see how big it would be when it was set up in the Great Room. But they didn't dare spend very much time checking out the decorations, because they knew Momma Maria was waiting on them.
For the Cover boys after school snack, Momma Maria presented them some of her special Holiday concoctions. She served butter cookies in many different Holiday designs. They were also decorated with red and green sprinkles all over them. With the Holiday cookies, Momma served hot chocolate with mini marshmallows floating on the top. She knew it was cold outside and felt the warm drink would help heat the boys up inside.
The boys stopped at the Study, as they always did after finishing their snack, before heading up to their bedrooms. They asked if what Charles said about decorating their bedrooms was true. Mr. Ken said it was and they could go out that weekend to buy what they wanted to use. Kevin asked if they could do it one night, instead, so they wouldn't miss out playing with their friends. Mr. Ken smiled at the twin and said that could be arranged.
As the boys departed the Study, Matthew hung back. He wanted to talk to Mr. Ken about what he learned about his friends and what happened to Ryan. Mr. Ken came around from his desk and the two sat opposite one another in the soft leather chairs.
Matthew asked a few questions about how Brant and Ryan became friends and why he invited Brant to SeaWorld after learning what he did to Ryan. Mr. Ken told the youngster that kids are just that, so they can learn from their mistakes. He told Matthew that Brant learned a big lesson from the way he treated Ryan and openly admitted to it.
Mr. Ken said it was a good enough reason to let them build a friendship as Ryan does have a medical issue that has left him small for his age. Mr. Ken got up and pulled his newest foster son into a big hug for being so concerned about his friends, and wanting to understand some of the interactions that happened before he came on the scene. Mr. Ken then sent the boy up to do his homework.
After dinner, Mr. Ken took a few phone calls from the teens wanting to work the Holiday parties for him. Both Todd and Conner said they could work and Todd gave the owner of The Cove half-dozen names of classmates who showed an interest in working, too. Mr. Ken thanked the teenager and made a few more phone calls.
Mr. Ken figured he needed at least three more workers for all three Holiday parties, but he decided he'd hire at least five of the teens that Todd had given him their phone numbers. When he called and asked to talk to the teen, the parents were surprised Mr. Ken Thomas was calling to talk to their child. Mr. Ken had to explain six times and Todd hadn't told those who were interested working for him to tell their parents the man would call to talk to them.
It took the man a little over an hour to talk to all six sophomores who told Todd they were interested in working at The Cove's Holiday parties. In the end, Mr. Ken hired all six teenagers. He figured these boys and girls could work for him this Holiday Season and possibly the next two if they are good workers and wanted to return year after year.
The boys talked to their 'dad' about what they could use to decorate their bedrooms for the Holidays. Mr. Ken suggested a small-decorated Christmas tree for their desk and maybe a wreath for their door. He asked them not to go overboard because the only people who will see it will be them, their 'brothers', the cleaning crew and maybe a friend or two.
That brought up the question from the boys if they would be able to have a sleepover during the Holidays. Mr. Ken spent the next few minutes going over their Holiday schedule: their first Holiday Party on Friday night, the second Holiday Party on Saturday night, their Six Flags trip on Monday and Christmas on Friday.
Mr. Ken told them they would head out on their Christmas Trip to his amusement parks beginning early Saturday morning and would return Tuesday evening sometime. The man added they would have their two New Year's Eve Parties that coming Friday after their return. Mr. Ken asked them when would there be time to have a sleepover.
"'Dad' ... there's lots of time," quickly spoke up Matthew. "You didn't say we couldn't have a sleepover AFTER the Six Flags Trip ... only we'd talk about it later. Then, there is Tuesday and Wednesday nights before Christmas and Wednesday and Thursday nights after we come back from visiting your amusement parks. Oh, and Saturday night after the big New Year's Party."
The rest of the boys chuckled at Matthew's quick thinking and review of the days they could have a sleepover. They were glad he spoke up because, as the new kid on the block, he didn't know the in's and out's about asking to have their friends stay overnight.
"Matthew, you caught me off guard on that one, I'll say. Yes, there are days you could possibly have your friends stay overnight, but we have Holiday shopping to finish and final plans to go over before our trip back east to visit my amusement parks," replied 'dad' Ken.
"How long is that going to take, dad," asked Robert. "Five minutes? Dad, we can have our friends show up after dinner, so we don't have to feed them. (All the boys laughed.) All we'd need then is a snack or two for the evening and breakfast in the morning."
"Yea, and if we have two sleepovers we can have half of our friends one night and the rest the second night," added Charles.
"Yea, but I only have three friends so it won't be fair," challenged Matthew.
"Then make more friends!" said a determined Kevin. "There are a ton of kids in your grade and I see you talking to them. There are more boys than Brant, Ryan and Noah in your class so invite some of them to skate and swim and get to know them. Sheesh!"
The other boys chuckled at Kevin's outburst. But they too had the same thoughts on their minds, as well. They wanted to say that to Matthew, but they didn't want to hurt his feelings, which is why they didn't say something.
"Does that mean ... that ... that if I make more friends they ... they can go on the Six Flags Trip, too?" asked Matthew.
The rest of the boys immediately looked at 'dad' Ken for that answer. The owner of The Cove could feel five sets of eyes on him waiting for an answer. Mr. Ken knew the answer, so he told Matthew, "Yes, Matthew ... if you make a few more friends they'll be allowed to go with us. But please ... don't make friends with your entire class before we go."
Everyone laughed at what 'dad' Ken just said. Even Chief got into the laughter by barking up a storm. She then went over to Mr. Ken for some behind the ear scratches.
After the laughter died down, Robert said, "Dad ... we sort of talked about us kids having some money that we can buy some gifts for each other and maybe Mr. Dan, Momma and Mr. Chris."
"Don't forget Mr. Wayne," quickly added Matthew.
"And we essentially only have two weeks," finished Robert.
Mr. Ken sat behind his big wooden desk thinking of how he wanted to handle that. He knew the boys needed to have that experience and learn to manage money doing it. What he didn't know was how much money he should provide each boy.
"Boys ... yes, yes, I agree ... you should have some money to use to spend on presents for those you want to buy for. I won't tell you who to buy for which means you don't have to buy a present for one another, or ... or maybe you can buy gag gifts for each other that you can open Christmas Eve before you go to bed. That might be fun," replied 'dad' Ken. "What do you think of that idea?"
"Well, how much do we get to spend on each other and how much ... and how much do we spend on people like you and Mr. Dan, Mr. Chris and Mr. Wayne. And, Momma Maria, I just thought about her?" asked Matthew.
The other four 'brothers' heard the question and listened intently for the answer.
"Hmmmm ... what do you think of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each of the adults and ten dollars ($10.00) for each gag gift?" offered Mr. Ken. "That would be one-hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125.00) plus forty dollars ($40.00) for a total of one-hundred sixty-five dollar ($165.00). But I'll round that up to one-hundred seventy-five dollars ($175.00) because one gift could cost a little more than another one so you need some flexibility."
The boys started to talk amongst themselves about what 'dad' Ken just told them. The twins never had more than five dollars ($5.00) at any one time so having $175.00 at one time seemed like a fortune to them.
"'Dad' who's going to take us shopping and when?" asked Matthew.
"Let's figure that out later. Does that amount of money sound OK for you?" asked Mr. Ken.
Robert spoke for his 'brothers' and said it sounded like it should be enough. Then, kiddingly he added, "If we need more money who do we go to ... Mr. Wayne? We know he has that credit card you keep making him use to pay for things with, so ... can he pay for what we don't have enough money for?"
All the boys laughed at what Robert said. Mr. Ken only smiled knowing that's what Mr. Wayne would probably do, because he knew that's what he'd do.
Mr. Ken sent the boys up to their rooms to settle down before going to bed.
'Dad' Ken went up to the boys bedrooms to say Goodnight to them before they got under the covers. He started at Robert's room and worked his way through Charles', then the twins, and finally Matthew's bedroom.
"Matthew ... look 'son' ... if you want to make more friends that is up to you. Don't let your 'brothers' bust your butt to get more. If Brant, Ryan and Noah are your best friends and you don't feel you need more then that's the answer.
"But ... if you want to invite a few other boys over ... make sure you tell them to have their parents call me to confirm the invitation. That's what I had all your 'brothers' do, so that is nothing different. Also ... if you find these boys are good friends then you can invite them to go with us to Fiesta Texas," counseled Mr. Ken.
"Thanks, 'dad' ... I don't know why I haven't invited anyone else over. I guess ... I guess since I've only been here for two weeks I'm ... I'm still getting used to it. I know my 'brothers' have lots of friends and I know it would be fun to have other kids my age to play with. Now that my Brothers want me to have more friends I'll think about it. ... Thanks for everything Mr. Ken," replied Matthew.
Even though the boys were all hyped up at knowing everything that was being planned for them through the New Year, they all slept well that night. Of the five, only Robert may have done more and seen more things and even he was looking forward to everything, but especially because it was at Three Finger Cove.
The air was cold the next morning. Mr. Ken felt it when he went out the Foyer Door to retrieve his morning newspaper. He was very happy Momma Maria had his first cup of coffee ready for him when he sat down at the Kitchen Nook's table.
The Cover boys all came to the Nook at the same time. They stopped by Mr. Ken to say Good morning and get a hug. Mr. Ken commented to all of the boys they all smelled good and then he thanked Robert for sharing some of his cologne.
"'Dad' ... what do you mean by gag gifts?" asked Matthew.
"Oh, well ... it is something funny you get someone that compliments or even teases them about something. Either Mr. Wayne or I will give you some hints when we take you boys out shopping for Christmas presents," answered 'dad' Ken.
"Now, all of you eat your breakfast and then make sure you wear a hat this morning. It is cold out there even with the sun shining," advised Mr. Ken.
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