Three Finger Cove: Charles ~ Book Three

Chapter Thirty

"Morning Lads," offered Mr. Ken.

"Good Morning, Mr. Ken," most of the boys called out.

"Morning 'dad'," said Charles as he hugged his new 'dad'.

"Morning 'dad'," said Robert as he too then hugged his new 'dad'.

"Guys, Momma Maria has made you all breakfast. It might not be much but it sure will fill you up. Momma Maria, if you would please," announced Mr. Ken.

With that said. Momma Maria came around the corner and presented the lads with a tray full of breakfast tacos. She had five different types of breakfast tacos: bacon, and egg and cheese, bean and cheese, egg and cheese, potato and cheese, and potato, bacon and cheese. She also offered the lads lots of cold orange juice or apple juice, then told the boys to go wash their hands.

As she told them that she heard, "All the way up to our elbows?" and then some laughs.

"Yes, mys youngs mens, youse wash your hands ups to yours elbows if youse wants to eats, now gits," teased Momma Maria.

Mr. Ken laughed at the antics of the boys as they headed out to wash their hands. He also laughed at how his simple 'up to your elbows' admonition to Robert and Charles has turned into something funny for the boys. Oh well, he thought to himself. It is what it is.

As Mr. Ken sat there drinking his coffee and reading his morning paper, Ryan and Daniel came into the Kitchen Nook. They started to sit down but Momma Maria came over to them and told them they needed to go wash their hands before they could eat. Ryan knew from his many years of being around The Cove that Momma meant business so he motioned to Daniel to follow him to get their hands washed.

Chief had come in with Ryan and Daniel, after getting them up out of bed, but she went to Mr. Ken and stood up on her hind legs to ask him if her paws were clean. Her first master pulled Chief to him and told her she had very clean paws and then gave her some of her much loved ear scratches and hugs. Chief had been with The Cove ever since she helped protect Ken Thomas and Ryan Taylor from the overzealous watchman when Three Finger Cove was being built. She was between 4 and 5 doggie years old now and still had loads of energy to keep up with Mr. Ken's boys.

As the lads came back into the Kitchen Nook, they stopped by Mr. Ken to show him how clean their hands and elbows were. Charles and Robert were the last to stop by him and he asked them why their friends were showing him their 'clean elbows'. Robert began to laugh and said, "You know, they know when we go out you always tell us to wash all the way up to our elbows and they think it's funny."

"And besides that, 'dad'," began Charles, "when we've told the guys about it they think it is neat that you make it fun to do things like washing our hands. They like that your treat us like we really are your kids and not just some kid who has to live with you."

It was then Mr. Ken looked up and saw all the lads had come back to listen to what Charles and Robert were talking about to their 'dad'. Mr. Ken saw as it was; that the boys were showing solidarity with their friends and wanting to support them in any way they can.

"Yes, boys, by telling you to wash up to your elbows it did get your hands clean, now, didn't it," laughed the man. Then looking over to his 'son's' friend he said, "And guys, thank you for supporting your two friends here. It is good to see you have their backs. Thank you. Now what are you waiting for? Those breakfast tacos aren't going to eat themselves."

Hearing that, the boys turned and walked over to the table, picked up the tacos they wanted, grabbed a glass of either orange or apple juice and sat down where they could. Since there weren't enough chairs for all 16 boys, plus Ryan and Daniel, some just stood around or sat down on the floor.

With all the boys eating it sure was quiet in the Kitchen Nook. Some of the lads, when they had eaten the breakfast tacos they took, were still hungry so they went to Momma Maria to ask if there were any extras. Momma Maria knew she had made enough tacos for each lad to have at least four each and told them that they could have more as long as they didn't waste them. Knowing they could eat a few more the guys dug in and grabbed one each knowing they could have another one if they were still hungry.

When Charles had finished his breakfast, he put his scraps in the trash, rinsed his glass and placed it in the sink. He then went over to Momma Maria and thanked her for fixing all those yummy cupcakes they had last night and for fixing the tacos for his friends. Charles then gave her a big hug. Robert wasn't too far behind in doing the same thing. The older lads, who'd been to The Cove a number of times before, knew that their friends routinely went to Momma and thanked her for her good cooking and then hugged her.

Logan was the first one to follow Robert and thanked and then hugged Momma Maria. He was soon followed by Brad, Chuck, Eric, Trevor and Gordon. Mr. Ken saw the lads going over to the woman who made the majority of their meals and thanking her for cooking them their breakfast and he was pleased that they did that. It was something Collin started when he lived at The Cove and he was glad the tradition had continued.

"Why are all the guys going over to that woman and hugging her?" asked Dominic of Sam and Terran.

Terran looked at Sam who replied, "Well, you see … Momma Maria is the lady who cooks all their meals. I've only been here a few times and ate but I know Robert and Charles like to thank her for taking her time to make such good meals and taking care of them."

"But isn't that what she is paid to do, cook their meals?" asked Dominic.

"Yeah, but she is more than that to them, Dom," started Sam. "She is like one of the family to them. Sure, Charles hasn't been here all that long but Robert … he sure has and he really appreciates what she cooks for him. I think the only way he knows how to thank her is by not only saying so but also by hugging her. We all hugged her after she fed us that time when we all took that Coast Guard training and you know what? It felt good to thank someone that way.

"And you also know what? After that, I even began hugging my own mom for what she does for me. Even Trevor hugs her now and he even hugs our dad, too. I asked him why Robert hugged Momma Maria and he told me that Robert doesn't have his mom or dad anymore and the only hugs he gets now are from Mr. Ken and Momma Maria. Trev told me that he wants to have all the hugs he can get from our mom and dad because he doesn't ever want to forget what they feel like if he ever loses them. He told me he feels sorry for Robert, at times, because he has lost his parents but he also told me that with Robert living with Mr. Ken now he will have a much better life."

"Hey, look, everyone is just about finished and putting their scraps into the trash and rinsing their glasses. We better hurry up and catch up," announced Terran.

That said the four lads got rid of their trash and rinsed out their glasses. Then Sam and Terran got in line with the rest of the guys to thank Momma Maria. Dom decided he'd do what the other guys were doing as it never hurt to 'when in Rome' to 'go with the flow'.

Wyatt wasn't so sure if he wanted to hug the lady or not but then he felt like he should do what the other guys were doing so he got in line with the rest. He wound up last.

"Thank you, Momma Maria," is what Sam, Terran, Dominic and Wyatt heard the other lads say as they watched them hug the lady before heading out to the skateboard ramps. They were at the end of the line waiting their turn.

Sam, Terran, and then Dominic hugged Momma Maria and then made their way outside to join up with their other friends. Wyatt was last and hesitated some before looking up to the woman before him.

"I want to thank you for making the cupcakes for us, Misses, well I don't know your last name. I'm sorry," started out Wyatt.

"That's alrights mys youngs mans," began Momma Maria, "youse can just call me Momma Maria. Okays?"

"Thank you Mamma Maria. I also want to thank you for making those good tasting breakfast tacos for us this morning. They were really good. … Well … I better catch up with my friends," finished up Wyatt, and then he hugged the woman.

Momma Maria hugged Wyatt back and when she did that Wyatt found himself hugging her even tighter. Mr. Ken saw the exchange between the woman and boy and saw what he felt was that the boy really craved to feel loved. Momma Maria felt the need of the lad and decided she would hold on to him for as long as he wanted to be held. After the hug had lasted for more than two minutes, Mr. Ken felt he needed to get the boy away from Momma Maria and find out what was going on with the lad. He went over to the boy and gave him a slight tug to get him away, and as soon as he did the boy latched onto him, and Mr. Ken could hear the lad crying.

"Oh, Wyatt, what can I do for you, young man? What is it that makes you feel this way?" subtly said Mr. Ken.

Wyatt didn't say anything but continued to cry and hold onto the man and hug him as tight as he had with Momma Maria.

"Momma, I'm going to take Wyatt to my Study and talk to him some. If the lads come looking for him tell them to have Charles or Robert come and find me. Don't let any of the other boys know what's happened," announced Mr. Ken.

Momma just nodded her head and then crossed herself in prayer for young Wyatt. She knew something was wrong when the lad wouldn't let go of the hug. She just hoped Mr. Ken could find out what that is all about and can help the boy as he helped Collin and now Robert and Charles. She loved it that the house now had lots of people living in it and they really appreciated what she does for them. She crossed herself again for Wyatt and then began to straighten out the kitchen. She really appreciated that the lads had done their share by rinsing their glasses and throwing their trash away.

Mr. Ken took Wyatt to his Study and sat him down in his lap in one of those famous leather chairs the man kept in his Study.

"Wyatt … can you tell me what, well, what happened there with Momma Maria?" asked Mr. Ken.

Wyatt just sat in the man's lap with his head on the man's shoulder. He had never felt this way before and what he was feeling right now he was enjoying. He couldn't remember when he last sat in his own dad's lap and he didn't want what he was doing to ever stop.

"Wyatt …" called Mr. Ken.

"Wyatt, you can hear me can't you?" asked Mr. Ken.

"Come on Wyatt, I need you to talk to me so we can figure this out," encouraged Mr. Ken.

The two sat there for a few moments and then Wyatt lifted his head off Mr. Ken's shoulder and looked into his eyes. "Mr. Ken … I don't know what to say."

"Well, he can talk," teased Mr. Ken. "Wyatt … does what happened with Momma … have anything to do with what happened, you know, what happened last night at the barbeque?"

Wyatt had placed his head back on Mr. Ken's shoulder but was no longer crying. He heard the man's question but he didn't know how to answer the man so he didn't say anything.

"Wyatt … come on lad … please talk with me. Help me understand what just happened out in the Kitchen Nook. If we talk about it, I might be able to help you understand it all."

Wyatt knew the man meant well but he still didn't know how or what to tell Mr. Ken. He wanted to talk but he was afraid. He knew it felt so good to hug Momma Maria but it felt even better when she hugged him back. He just didn't know how he could explain it to Mr. Ken.

"Wyatt … what say we just start with us talking, okay? Maybe if we just talk things will come clear for us both. So, what do you say, lad?" simply said Mr. Ken.

Wyatt lifted his head off the man's shoulder and knew the man was right. He looked up into the man's eyes again and said, "Yeah, I guess we can talk. It won't hurt will it?" Then the youngster smiled.

Mr. Ken turned the boy around in his lap some so they could talk to one another much easier that way. He got the lad settled and then asked, "What would you like to talk about?"

Wyatt smiled and said, "The weather."

That broke the tension between the man and the boy and they both had a good laugh. Mr. Ken then asked Wyatt to go sit in one of the other chairs so they could have a man to boy talk. Wyatt smiled and got off Mr. Ken's lap and sat in the chair right next to where the man was sitting.

"Wyatt … how did you enjoy yesterday?" asked Mr. Ken.

Wyatt looked up to the man and said, "I haven't had that much fun in a long time, Mr. Ken."

"What was so special about it, Wyatt?" followed up the man.

"Well … I got to do stuff I never got to do before. I was really surprised my parents allowed me to even come here yesterday and go with everyone to the water park let alone spend the night," replied Wyatt.

Mr. Ken and Wyatt talked back and forth like that for about fifteen minutes. Mr. Ken was trying to get the boy relaxed enough that he wouldn't realize where Mr. Ken was leading him to talk about. It was during that time that Charles and Robert came to their 'dad's' Study. They knew from what happened earlier when their 'dad' was on the phone that they do not barge in so they knocked on the door frame and called out asking if they could come in.

"Sure, come in," called out Mr. Ken. "Oh, it's you two," teased 'dad' Ken.

"We came in to check on Wyatt and Momma Maria told us you wanted to talk to us. Is everything alright with Wyatt?? All the guys were asking where he was. They got scared something might have happened to him," explained Charles.

"No, nothing's wrong with Wyatt, is there lad? We are just talking about yesterday and how he liked the sleep-over," replied Mr. Ken.

"That's good to hear," said Robert. "Will he be coming out soon?"

"Yeah, I think we're almost finished. How about giving us another ten minutes, or so. I've been enjoying our talk as I don't get to talk to your friends much and seeing he was the last one I snatched him up and brought him in here. Didn't I Wyatt?" offered 'dad' Ken.

"Yeah, I've enjoyed our talk and I would like to continue a little bit longer if we can?" replied Wyatt.

"Oh, 'dad'," started Robert, "Ryan and Daniel saw you were busy so they asked me to tell you they wanted to Thank You for yesterday and that they totally enjoyed it and will see you later in the week," revealed Robert.

"Okay. We'll be out at the ramps when you finish," answered Charles. Then he and Robert exited the Study and headed out to their friends.

"So, you're enjoying our talk?" teased Mr. Ken.

"Yes, sir … I don't get to talk like this to my mom or dad much. They are always very busy," answered Wyatt.

"Wyatt … when you told us about your winning the race yesterday … you were disappointed when your parents didn't acknowledge it, weren't you?" directly asked Mr. Ken.

Wyatt put his head down and lightly answered, "Yes."

"Wyatt … are things at home … do you have nice clothes to wear and good food to eat?" Mr. Ken wanted to know.

"Oh, yeah, my parents buy me lots of stuff and we eat real good," happily replied Wyatt.

"What about your parents … do they hug you and talk with you?" Mr. Ken asked.

"Well … not really," was Wyatt's subdued answer.

"Is that why when you and Momma hugged you didn't want to let go?" queried Mr. Ken.

It was then Wyatt began to cry some as he jumped back into Mr. Ken's lap.

"Yeah," cried Wyatt, "my parents … they rarely hug me anymore. I wasn't too sure about hugging Momma Maria at first but when we did hug it felt so good to have someone, anyone, hug me. I'm sorry for crying Mr. Ken, I really am, and it's just … well it felt so good to be held like that again and her hug … it was what I knew I needed; I wanted for a long time. I'm not a bad person for feeling that way am I Mr. Ken?"

Hugging Wyatt to him, Mr. Ken replied, "No, Wyatt you are NOT a bad person. You are a young boy who needs the love and attention of his parents and when you aren't getting it you enjoy it when someone, anyone does give you some attention and hugs. Wyatt … you are NOT the only boy out there who has gotten hugs from me and enjoyed them the same as you did with Momma and me. You did nothing wrong and I want you to know anytime you are here and you need a hug all you need to do is ask.

"But, Wyatt, I want to ask you if it will be okay, you know, for me to talk to your parents about our talk here today? You said your parents are so busy that I think that maybe they just don't understand they aren't giving you the attention you want and need and deserve. Maybe coming from me they might understand it better. But at the same time, I don't want to interfere with you and the relationship you have with your family.

"What say you think about it while you're outside with your friends? And let's not talk to them about what we talked about other than how you enjoyed yesterday and the sleep-over, okay? They don't need to know that you need a hug now and then, at least not just yet. Will you be okay with that? Then later, I can come outside and you can tell me if you want to talk to your parents first or you have me talk to them for you," finished Mr. Ken.

"Yes, Mr. Ken, I'd like to think about what you just asked me. I like the idea of you talking to them for me but … well, maybe it would be best if I try first. They do like initiative and winners and I think they'd rather hear it from me first. … Mr. Ken … thank you for taking the time to talk to me. And I really enjoyed your hugs and sitting in your lap. Charles and Robert are so lucky to have you as their 'dad'. I better get out with the other guys. Thank you again, Mr. Ken." Replied Wyatt. Then before he left the Study, Wyatt gave Mr. Ken a big hug.

When Wyatt got outside and met up with the other lads, it was Sam and Terran who saw him first and they ran over to meet him.

"So, Mr. Ken wanted to talk to you?" quickly said Terran.

"What did you talk about?" asked Sam.

By that time the rest of the lads came over to the three eleven year olds.

"Yes, Mr. Ken saw I was last in line to hug Momma Maria and when he saw we finished our hug he asked if he could talk to me. He told me he knew this was my first time at Three Finger Cove and he wanted to ask me what I thought and how I liked what we did yesterday. He took me to this room with such great feeling chairs …"

"That was his Study, Wyatt," spoke up Robert.

"Yeah, he did call it his Study. Anyway … he asked me what I thought about the water park and how I liked the sleep-over. Boy that sure was fun talking to Mr. Ken. I got to tell him more about the rides we all went on and how I had never swam so late at night like we did last night. I also told him how I loved the games we played swimming in his pool. I can't remember an adult just wanting to talk to me," finished up Wyatt.

"Yeah, Mr. Ken is a great guy, Wyatt. He's talked to us lots since we started coming over here to skate with Robert," spoke up Gordon. Brad, Chuck, Eric, and Trevor all agreed with that statement.

The boys talked some more about the previous days' water park adventure and their sleep-over last night. They shared how they saw the day and how they enjoyed the boat ride, the barbeque and especially the sleep-over.

It was Josh who said they were wasting good skateboard riding time and suggested they head over and skate and those who weren't on the ramps at the time could talk to each other about yesterday. It didn't take long for the sixteen lads to head over to the ramps. They allowed Wyatt to go first and show them his stuff.

Being eleven, Wyatt didn't have all the practice on ramps nor had he the many better moves the older guys did. He knew he could stay on his board alright and make easy turns, and all, but that didn't matter to any of the other boys as they applauded him for doing as good as he did. When he stopped to allow some of the other guys to ride the older lads came over to talk to him and gave him some coaching on how he could do a few things better the next time.

Wyatt was really enjoying his time there at The Cove. He'd never been there for any of the Holiday Parties or 4thof July Carnivals as his family always went away during those times. This was his first exposure to what was behind those big walls that marked Three Finger Cove's boundaries and he couldn't believe how lucky he was to be there.

When Wyatt saw Sam and Terran had taken a break from riding, he went over to them.

"I want to thank you guys for inviting me to come along to the water park yesterday," began Wyatt. "This is the first time I've ever been behind those big walls," continued the eleven year old as he pointed to the property line walls, "but most of all I've been having a great time. Thank you both again for asking me and I hope this isn't the last time I can come over here. Mr. Ken told me I could come back when we were talking, I just hope he wasn't kidding."

"Wyatt, if Mr. Ken told you that you can come back my bet is he wasn't kidding," replied Terran. "I messed up the first time I came over here and he still lets me back so there is no reason for him not to let you back," explained Terran.

"But what about what we did this morning? If he ever finds out …" Wyatt began before being stopped by Sam.

"Wyatt … as long as you and Dom don't talk about it to anyone, other than us, Mr. Ken and no one else will find out. What you guys experienced this morning was a learning experience. No one MADE you do anything and I think you even enjoyed seeing the older guy's equipment and what it did. Now, forget about all that. Just have fun and enjoy coming back here with us, okay?" asked Sam.

"Yeah, I will. This has been an eye opening experience for me and I don't think I'll ever forget all the fun I am having at one time," smiled Wyatt.

Dominic was out riding his skateboard and when he stopped to allow other guys to ride he came over to Sam, Terran, and Wyatt.

"What are you guys talking about?" Dom wanted to know.

"We were talking about Wyatt and you coming back here with us," replied Sam.

"You were? We can?" said a surprised Dominic.

"Yep, Wyatt said when he was talking to Mr. Ken he told him he could come back so I bet that will include you," answered Terran.

"Awesome! I've really had a great time guys, thanks for inviting me in the first place. I know you could have invited a bunch of other guys so I am really glad you asked me. Thanks!" said an enthusiastic Dominic.

Sam and Terran just smiled back at their friend.

The lads had been out on the ramps for more than two hours when Mr. Ken came out to check on them. The man figured the lads would be getting hungry so he wanted to find out first hand.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Ken" said Logan when he saw the man had come out to the ramps. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, Logan, you're good. … I just came out to see if you guys were getting hungry. I know you all just finished eating a little over two hours ago but I also know how much energy you guys use up riding those skateboards," answered Mr. Ken.

"Hey guys … Mr. Ken wants to know if we're getting hungry," yelled out Logan to all the boys.

Hearing Logan asking if they were getting hungry, all the boys stopped riding and headed over to where he and Mr. Ken stood.

"Guys … you all getting a little hungry?" asked Mr. Ken.

The boys almost simultaneously yelled they were. Hearing that Mr. Ken told the boys that Momma Maria had heated up the leftovers from last night so there were hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans and a few deviled eggs still available to eat. The man told the guys to wash their hands – all the way to their elbows – and to meet him in the Kitchen Nook.

The boys all laughed at Mr. Ken's elbows comment and put down their skateboards and headed into the house through the garage. There was a wash sink there in the garage so many of the lads stopped there to get cleaned up. The rest of the guys went inside and down to the Great Room's Men's restroom to wash up.

The first lads cleaned up waited in the Kitchen Nook until all their friends arrived before figuring out who would go first. It was Logan who suggested Wyatt and Dom go first since this was their first time at The Cove, followed by Sam and Terran. The others all agreed so the four eleven year olds got their plates and started through the line Momma Maria had set up.

There was enough food left over from last night's barbeque that no one went hungry for lunch. Even Mr. Ken and Momma Maria were able to get a bite to eat from what the lads had placed in the refrigerator after the parents gathered the remaining foods last night.

While the lads sat where they could to eat, Mr. Ken asked for their attention.

"Lads … can I have your attention please?" spoke up Mr. Ken. "Guys, how many of you have called your parents to let them know you are alive and well and you survived last night's sleep-over?"

Only one hand went up, Josh's.

"Okay, okay … I am sure you ALL are going to call your parents when you've all finished eating and we are finished talking. From all the comments I heard at last night's barbeque I take it you all had a good time at the Lakeside Water Park. I'm glad you all enjoyed that outing and it was my pleasure to have you go with my boys, Charles and Robert. And speaking of Charles, while you were all enjoying those refreshing waters, Doc Powers and I talked about Charles' upcoming surgery. Charles has agreed to get his surgery done sooner than later so he will be going in for the procedure early Monday morning."

Hearing that Charles had decided to get his surgery out of the way, all the lads applauded his decision. They offered words of encouragement as they clapped for him.

Mr. Ken cleared his throat to get the lads attention and continued his little speech. "Guys … I am sure Charles appreciates your well wishes and encouragement but that brings up the reason I wanted to talk to you all. As you all know, Charles has his surgery scheduled for Monday morning and he has to be at the hospital by 6 AM in the morning. So, because of that he'll have an early bed time tomorrow night. That said, I am declaring tomorrow, Sunday, a Family Day for me and Charles and Robert to spend together. So, later when you call your parents let them know you'll be home tomorrow, for a change."

The kids all laughed at Mr. Ken telling them they'd all be home for a change.

"Hey, Mr. Ken … when will we be able to come back?" asked Sam.

"Well, Sam, I guess that will depend on how well Charles does with his surgery. Give Robert a call Monday about noon time. He'll know how things are going and if he is back then you guys can come back and skate and swim. Mr. Chris will be here so there won't be a problem with you all coming back if Robert is here. Let's just wait until noon Monday before we make any plans, okay?" explained Mr. Ken.

The lads ate up all of the leftovers and for that Momma Maria was very happy. Now she didn't have to deal with stuff she hadn't cooked. She knew after having hamburgers and hot dogs two days in a row her men sure wouldn't want the same things one more time to finish it all up. The lads helped her straighten up the Kitchen Nook as best they could without causing problems and Momma thanked the boys for their help and then shooed them out the door leading through the garage.

The guys all sat around the ramps letting their full stomachs settle before they started back skating. The first thing they did was make that phone call Mr. Ken asked them to. Most of their moms were happy their sons were going to stay home for a change and they appreciated Mr. Ken having the lads call home. The boys continued to talk between themselves about the water park and how they enjoyed the barbeque. Some of the guys lamented they couldn't skinny-dip last night and that discussion got Dominic's attention and he nudged Sam and Terran to tell him more about that.

Cody heard Dominic ask Sam and Terran to tell him about skinny-dipping so he mentioned it to the rest of the guys. "Hey guys … Dom here doesn't know what skinny-dipping is all about. What say we tell him?"

Charles knew that Cody was only making fun of Dominic, but he also knew that depending on what and how the guys told their new friend it had the potential to cause problems. So, Charles decided to head the guys off and told the group that he, Sam and Terran would tell Dom and Wyatt all about the subject at hand. That calmed the lads down and Charles, Sam, Terran, Wyatt and Dominic walked over to the shade to talk.

"Dom, I take it you don't have any idea what skinny-dipping is all about, do you?" asked Charles. … "Can you think of what it might mean?"

"No, that's why I asked," replied Dominic.

"Dom, skinny-dipping … well, it means that we swim without our suits on. That is what it is all about?" quickly said Charles.

"Ohhh," said Dominic

"Well, another thing about skinny-dipping is … we don't talk about it. Dom, look, you're new to The Cove and it will take a while to learn what Mr. Ken, my new 'dad', calls the Rules. Last night when we all swam none of us skinny-dipped. That was because there were adults swimming with us. Yes, Ryan and Danny have graduated from high school and they are now considered adults. That means that when anyone their age or older swims with us we don't take off our suits and swim, and that includes Mr. Ken! Another thing about skinny-dipping is … we don't EVER force someone to do it, nor do we tease them into doing it or laugh at them for not doing it.

"Dom … my 'dad' … he calls skinny-dipping a great bonding experience. He's told us it was something he did with his friends when he was growing up but it was also something they only talked about amongst themselves, and that is what we all do. Look, Dom, Robert and I don't have our parents anymore and living here with Mr. Ken, well it has been the best place we've ever been since they put us in the foster care system. I don't want to lose that. So, Dom, I need to ask you to not say anything about us skinny-dipping or talk to anyone about it, ever. That is unless it is one of us. Do you understand Dom? Wyatt?" finished Charles.

What Charles didn't know was that when he and his friends walked away to the shade the other guys soon followed. They heard what he told Dominic and when they knew Charles was finished they all began to clap. A surprised Charles looked up to see all his friends smiling back at him.

"Charles, I don't think anyone could have explained it any better than you just did, 'brother'" said Robert. "Dom, Wyatt, guys, what Charles just said is true. Charles and I don't want to lose what we have so please … don't share everything we do here. Sure, talk about us riding the ramps and how much fun we have swimming and especially on the new lake rafts. You all know what I mean, don't you?"

The guys all agreed with Robert and so did Dominic and Wyatt who both spoke up and said they appreciated being included in the group. After they said what they did the rest of the guys all clapped and welcomed them to the group.

The lads finally felt like they could skate some more but it was Dominic who asked about the lake rafts. That got the boys to thinking and since they wouldn't be there tomorrow they decided to change into their swim suits and try them out. Wyatt and Dominic and the other guys headed to the changing rooms where Dom and Wyatt got to see the boy parts of many of the other boys when they all changed. The group all headed out to the rafts and the two new guys got a good introduction into playing to King of the Rafts and they had a great time swimming with their new friends.

Around five o'clock, the lad's parents began to stop by The Cove to pick up their kid. Some of the parents began talking to other parents and the barbeque got mentioned a number of times. Joyce Cambelle heard the other parents talking about it so she asked them what it was all about. When she learned they didn't have her phone number and thus couldn't invite her, she made sure a few of them had her cell number. She didn't want to be left out again.

Ken Thomas made sure he was up at the Main Gate when the parents came to pick up their kid. He wanted to answer any questions they may have about tomorrow and about Charles's surgery if they knew about it. Of course Joyce saw the man and she just had to go over to the man and apologize for not being there for the parent's barbeque. Mr. Ken told her he knew they didn't have her phone number and since it was a surprise barbeque for him and the boys he couldn't very well have given them her number.

As Joyce and Ken talked, Reed and Della Hartgarian, Wyatt's parents, came over to talk to Mr. Ken. They asked if they could have a moment of the man's time, so Mr. Ken excused himself from the pesky woman.

"Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Hartgarian, how can I help you?" inquired Ken Thomas.

Della looked at Reed and it was Reed who said, "Wyatt says he and you had a long talk today. I hope he was the perfect gentleman."

"Oh, yes sir, he sure was. I enjoy talking to the lads. You know learning a bit about them and finding out how they are enjoying their visit makes it better for me to ensure they aren't bored," replied Mr. Ken.

"I don't know how they could be bored here, Mr. Ken. Wyatt just told us about the lake rafts you have for your boys and their friends to play on. He was ecstatic about all the fun he's had since he was invited to come here. I don't know how you do it but we want to thank you for including our son. He seems to be a different lad, in a very good way, mind you. We have you to thank for that, I am sure," announced Reed Hartgarian.

"Our son also told us you have invited him back. Is that true?" asked Della.

"Yes, Della, it is true," started out Mr. Ken. "As long as he is coming here with Sam and Terran then he can come along as well. I want the lads to have a friend their own age around so the older boys don't take advantage of them. They haven't, that I am aware of, but for Sam and Terran, having Dom and Wyatt here will make it better for all of them."

It was then Anthony and Sophia Wentzeler, Dominic's parents, came over and asked essentially the same questions Reed and Della had. They were happy that their son could come back as well and they too said their son was in such a much better mood since the summer began. Ken Thomas again explained his reasoning for the two new lads to continue coming over to The Cove. Both parents were pleased their boys were being accepted and were being included with the group of lads.

Joyce saw that Mr. Ken had finished talking to the new lads parents and immediately moved in to talk to him some more. Ken tried to excuse himself from the woman but she kept following him where ever he went to talk to the other parents. Carol Fletcher saw what the woman was doing so she pulled out her cell phone and called Mr. Ken. She told him what she was doing and suggested he portray it being a business call and had to get back to his Study. It worked. That pesky Joyce finally took Camm and went home. The other parents followed shortly thereafter.


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