The next morning, at breakfast, Charles asked his 'dad if it was still okay to treat Rich to lunch. He then told the man that Rich had a brother in the 5th grade, but that's all he knew. 'Dad' Ken said for his 'son' to buy Richard's lunch and to try to get to know his new friend better. The owner of The Cove asked Charles to try to learn more about the lad's situation and where they lived and anything else he could learn. Charles said he thought Mr. Diamond was going to get all that but 'dad' Ken said it would be good to compare information between the two so they can verify what they learned.
Charles sought out Richard as soon as he got to school. When he walked up to his hopefully new friend, Rich wondered why the rest of his friends weren't with him. Charles told Rich that those guys were now his friends too, but he'd asked them to stay back so they could talk alone, like in private.
"Why do we need to talk in private?" simply asked Richard.
"Well … I was hoping you'd tell me more about yourself and this way the other guys wouldn't know what you told me unless you tell them later," explained Charles.
"But, won't you tell them afterwards, anyway?" countered Rich.
"Oh, no, I would never do that. A person who tells others someone else's secrets is not trustworthy and if people ever found out they would never trust him again. You already know I am a foster kid, and my mom is in prison for dealing drugs. I sure hope you don't go around and tell anyone else. It is embarrassing enough that some of the guys know.
"So, Rich … can we start off, you know … by you first telling me your brother's name? I could probably go to any 5th grader and ask who the new kid was back after Easter," reasoned Charles.
"Yeah, it was kinda stupid of me not telling you yesterday. Ryan, his name is Ryan. He's only10 and he is sort of small for his age," revealed Rich.
"Is that why you only have an apple for lunch? You give him your lunch so he can have more food to eat and hopefully can grow," asked Charles.
Richard hung his head and sheepishly replied, "Yeah. That is kinda stupid isn't it?"
"Oh, NO, Rich, I think that is awesome that you love your younger brother so much that you sacrifice your body to help him. Does he realize that is what you are doing?" followed up Charles.
"Last year he didn't, but this year … he's been bugging me to take what I'm supposed to share with him this year. But, the last two days you bought my lunch and he saw you doing that so he was happy I got a good lunch to eat," explained Richard.
"And you'll get a good lunch today, too," said a smiling Charles.
"I can't let you buy my lunch every day. If my dad ever found out … he … he'll be mad at me for taking advantage like that," argued Richard.
"Rich … can I ask … what does your mom and dad do?" subtlety asked Charles.
When Rich didn't answer, Charles told his friend that he shouldn't be ashamed of what they did. The Cover reminded Rich that he knew what his mom did for him to be a foster kid and his parents couldn't be any worse than that.
Richard looked at Charles and saw that he wasn't laughing or smiling or even looking like he was trying to make fun of what his mom and dad did so he decided to tell him.
"Charles … I want to thank you for being so honest with me, you know, about your mom. I guess the reason I don't want to mention my mom is … is because I probably AM ashamed of my mom. … You see … my dad … he was injured in Afghanistan … and when he came home … he had lost his leg below the knee. My mom … she couldn't take it that her husband wasn't whole anymore … so … so she left us.
"Also, Charles … the reason I think Ryan is so small is … my dad had money sent to our mom so she could take good care of us … well, she didn't. Most nights … she went out partying and when it came time for us to eat there wasn't much in the house.
"Our dad … when he came home … he had to stay in the hospital until he learned how to use his new leg. I guess … I guess we were lucky that my brother and I weren't put into foster care because our mom stayed around. One night … I overheard my dad … he promised our mom that he would file a whole bunch of endangerment charges for the way she treated us while he was away … if she didn't take care of us while he was in the hospital. He also told her he would have her arrested for theft as that money he sent home was for his boys too and not her running around. My dad … he found out about her partying from some of his friends who told him when he came back."
Just then the first bell rang and the two looked at one another as if they had made connection. Charles told Rich to meet him in the lunch line and to see if he could get his brother there, too. They then walked together to their homeroom.
When school was over, Charles couldn't wait until he got home. He learned a whole lot from Rich that day and he wanted to tell his 'dad'. Charles ran ahead of his 'brother' when the bus left them off at the top of the lane that led down to the Main Gate. Robert had to run to catch up to his 'brother'.
Charles entered the house through the Foyer Door and was quickly followed by Robert. The preteen walked to the Study and saw his 'dad' was on the phone, so he stepped back out into the Foyer and waited to be called back in.
"Charles, and you too Robert, you can come back into the Study, now," called out 'dad' Ken.
"That caller was Jules Diamond. He was calling with the info he had on Frank Longger. I take it by the smile on your face you got Richard to talk to you today. Am I right?" smiled 'dad' Ken, as he asked Charles.
"You're no fun. I had hoped I'd get my information to you before he did. Rats!" replied a smiling Charles.
"OK, sit and tell me what you got … please" relayed Mr. Ken.
Both lads sat down and Robert looked over to Charles and waited for him to start talking.
"Well, before the first bell, Rich and I began to talk. I guess I sort of shamed him into talking to me and telling me about his family. He told me his dad was injured in Afghanistan and lost his leg below the knee there. He told me what while his dad was away his dad had money sent back to his mom to take care of her and his boys, but according to Rich he said she used most of it to party. That is why Richard only has an apple for lunch every day because he gives the whole lunch to his younger brother, Ryan, who he says is not growing right because his mom kept them from eating right.
"Rich also told me when his dad found out his wife had partied the money away and the kids hadn't been taken care of right, threatened the woman with charges that would put her in jail. Rich told me his dad had to stay in the hospital to learn how to use his new leg and he said he and his brother were lucky they didn't get put into foster care because his mom stuck around because of what his dad told her about sending her to jail. Rich also told me that his mom is now suing his dad for half his money and won't sign the divorcé papers until he signs his money over to her.
"Richard continued to tell me his dad is having a difficult time finding full time work because of his leg. He says his dad gets money for his disability, but that money and his pay checks barely pay the rent and give the kids food to eat. Rich says his brother needs the food in order for him to grow and he just feels so pissed at his mom for partying and not paying attention to them and not feeding them like she was supposed to.
"When I learned that Rich only ate the apple, out of the lunch his dad made for the two of them, I … well; I went and bought Rich and Ryan's lunch today. 'Dad', I just couldn't let Rich eat only an apple and when I met Ryan … I couldn't believe how small this ten-year-old is. 'Dad' … I wonder if there really is something wrong with Ryan. I thought he looked more like he was eight, not ten," finished up a subdued Charles.
"Charles, you did a great job in getting Richard to open up to you. I want to thank you for doing what your 'brother' and I asked of you. Now … let me tell you what Jules found out about Rich's dad, Frank Longger," announced Mr. Ken.
"Charles, everything you found out matches what Mr. Diamond just told me. The thing that he additionally found out was more like the jobs Mr. Longger has held and some of the reasons why he can't hold a job. Boys … Mr. Longger's leg is his biggest problem, next to the demands his wife is putting on him. He can't afford to pay a lawyer and he is barely making ends meet and keeping his boys fed, clothed, and housed," revealed the owner of The Cove.
"So, what can we do to help my new friend, 'dad'?" anxiously asked Charles.
"Well … how about we first invite your friend and his brother and dad to our Labor Day Picnic," replied 'dad' Ken. Hearing that put a big smile on Charles.
"I'll print out an invitation for you to give to Richard tomorrow and tell him we won't take no for an answer. If he says his dad can't bring them because he is working, tell Richard we'll come and get him and Ryan and his dad can pick them up later or we'll take them home," offered 'dad' Ken.
"Then, when they're here, and I hope we won't embarrass them or make them feel bad … we can offer Richard any of the clothes Robert can no long wear. He and or his dad may not want to accept our offer but … well, these clothes will only be given away anyway, so why not give them to someone we know who can use them.
"I'm also going to call Doctor Rick. From what you've told me about the young lad, Ryan, I want to see if I can schedule a full physical for both of the boys. I'm not sure what medical coverage their dad has for them, so this will be in case the military no longer provides any medical treatment for them.
"I'm also going to see what I can do to help Frank Longger to find a good paying and consistent job. Tomorrow, after I talk some more to Jules about the sort of jobs he feels the man might be able to do, I'll make some calls. Hopefully, he'll be here with his boys on Saturday and I can talk to him directly," revealed 'dad' Ken, as he finalized his plan to try to help this family.
"So, 'dad' … I guess Rich isn't a mole in the underground or a spy or in the witness protection program, nor is he a fugitive or a plant in the school to see what the teachers or students are doing wrong," laughed Robert.
"No, I guess not," chuckled 'dad' Ken.
"Yeah, I have to agree with my 'brother', 'dad', but you do have to agree … we sure had a good laugh just thinking about it," laughed Charles.
The three Cove residents again had a good laugh over something they had no clue about and just remembering their laughs of the previous day brought forth more laughs now that they know more of the truth. Even Chief joined in the fun.
"Charles," began 'dad' Ken, "I want you to buy Rich and Ryan's lunch for them again tomorrow. If Richard balks just tell him I'm going to work on getting them signed up for the free lunch program because his dad probably doesn't earn enough which qualifies them for it. Tell him I am also going to see if they can qualify for free breakfasts, too. If they qualify, that will help their dad manage his outlay of funds better and allow him to have less stress.
"But, Charles, I can't stress this enough … do NOT, and I stress do NOT mention anything to him about the physicals, the clothes, or even the possibility for their dad getting a better paying job. Just make it sound like this will be the best thing since sliced bread to him," now chuckled 'dad' Ken.
"OK, 'dad' I understand. But … when do you think you'll know about the free breakfasts and lunches?" asked the inquisitive Charles.
"That, Charles, I do not know. I'll make a few calls tomorrow but since it is almost the end of the week it could be next week or the week after that before we know anything. If that is the case, Charles, I want you to continue to buy Rich and Ryan's lunches. Tell him that is what friends do for friends when they find themselves in a situation they didn't cause themselves. Do you have any questions about this for me?" finished 'dad'.
'Dad' Ken then told the lads to go get their snack and head upstairs and get started on their homework and they'd talk more after dinner. The lads hugged their 'dad' and then went looking for Momma Maria.
The next day, Charles went looking for Richard. When he found him, Richard told him his dad was mad that he allowed Charles to buy him and his brother lunch. He told his new friend that he wasn't supposed to let him buy the lunches again.
Charles wasn't prepared to have that thrown upon him, so he had to think about what he just heard. Then, the Cover decided to tell Rich about what his 'dad' said about the free breakfasts and lunches. Richard said he knew his dad would be mad about that too because he was 'going to provide for his kids, not someone else'.
Charles immediately understood what Richard was saying. He then told his friend how he didn't have lots of food to eat when he lived with his mom and he really appreciated it when someone gave him something good to eat. Charles said that there was nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about if they get free breakfast or lunches and the best part nobody but the principal would know.
Hearing that sort of settled Richard, so Charles then told him his 'dad' told him to continue to buy them their lunches until he learned if they qualified or not. Richard began to argue but he knew deep inside of him that having those lunches the past few days, made him happier and more alert in school. He also felt good to have a full belly so he decided he and his brother would continue to eat lunch in care of Charles and his family. He also knew his dad would continue to get mad but he knew this was the right thing to do.
Rich and Charles went looking for Ryan to tell him to meet them at lunch time. Ryan began to argue with his older brother but big bro reminded him how good it felt to have a warm lunch and a full belly, something that they hadn't had in a long time. Ryan got a few tears in his eyes knowing he was going to have something good to eat, again, and then thanked Charles with a big hug. He quickly ran away with his tears still falling.
The first bell rang so the two new friends headed into the school and their homeroom. Charles' other friends, when they saw him, gave him a thumbs up indicating they supported him and knew that what he was doing was the right thing.
Charles, Rich and Ryan went through the lunch line together. When they chose their food items, Charles told the cashier to charge his lunch card for all three meals. The cashier told Charles if he continued to do that he'd run out of money himself and then asked if his dad knew what he was doing. Charles told the woman it was his 'dad' who told him to continue to do that and took his card from the lady and the three walked away.
Normally, Ryan, a 5TH grader, would go sit with his classmates. Today, Charles asked Ryan to eat with him and his friends because he had something he wanted to talk to him and Rich about. So, the three went over to where the 7th graders had again taken over two lunch tables, just for themselves. The three readily dug into their meals. After a few minutes, Charles got Rich and Ryan's attention.
"Rich, Ryan, I have something to tell you, both," started Charles. "My 'dad' is having a Labor Day Picnic at our house on Saturday … and my dad and I want to invite you and your dad to come. I have a written invitation with all the info you need and my 'dad' said I wasn't allowed to take 'No' for an answer. We want you there and these guys (Charles pointed to all his friends) and Robert's friends and all their families will be coming, too.
"And, Ryan, there might be kids there your age, but even if there aren't, Sam and Terran, they're 6th graders, are close to your age so you won't be all alone. Also, you need to bring a swim suit and your skateboards and if you don't have them my 'dad' has extra suits and you can use my old board on our ramps. … Rich, my 'dad' … he says that if your dad can't come, because he has to work, I'm supposed to tell you we'll come and get you both and take you home afterwards if your dad can't make it after work. You will come, won't you?"
Ryan looked to his brother with big hopeful eyes. Rich could tell his brother really wanted to go and he did too. He just didn't know how their dad would react. Charles saw the hesitation in Rich's face so he told him to have his dad call his 'dad' later tonight if he had any questions or wasn't going to let his boys come. Rich said he would have his dad call. Ryan was all smiles that they might get invited to go somewhere. Neither lad knew what to expect when they arrived at Three Finger Cove on Saturday but they were both inwardly looking forward to the picnic.
The Cover lads sought out Momma Maria for their after school snack. When they were finished eating the two headed up to their rooms to get started on their homework. That was the second day for Charles to get an early start on his homework and he could already tell he liked doing it that way. He realized there really wasn't all that much to do when he got home as it was no fun doing things alone.
At dinner, Charles told his 'dad' what happened at school and how his invitation to Richard and his family went. The preteen also told his 'dad' what the cashier said about his lunch card and he wanted to make sure his card wouldn't go belly-up before its time. 'Dad' Ken assured his 'son' he'd recharge the card once they knew how the free breakfasts and lunches for Richard and Ryan went. Charles was happy to hear that.
After dinner, Mr. Ken got assurances the lads homework was done, so the three Covers went down to the Theater and watched a movie. It was while they were watching a movie that Mr. Ken's cell phone rang. When he answered it he found out it was Mr. Longger. The man excused himself from the lads and told them he was going up to the Study in order to talk to him.
Mr. Longger told Mr. Ken that he wasn't happy about his son always buying his boys lunches. But before the man could go on a rant, Mr. Ken calmed him down and explained why he was having Charles doing that. Mr. Ken then told the man what he wanted to do for him and his family, explaining he wanted to tell him about it on Saturday at the picnic but this way the man wouldn't be caught off guard. Frank Longger thanked Mr. Ken for giving him a 'hand up' and making sure his boys had at least one good meal a day. The man assured Ken Thomas that he and his sons would be at the picnic come Saturday.
Mr. Ken no sooner hung up from talking to Frank Longger that 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.
Twenty minutes later, when their 'dad' hadn't come back to the Theater, the lads went up to the Study to see what they could find out. When they looked into the room, they saw their 'dad was just hanging up the house phone.
"Ahh, I'm glad you're out there boys. Why don't you come in and have a seat. There is something I need to talk to you about," spoke up 'dad' Ken.
Charles and Robert walked in and each took a seat in one of those soft leather chairs.
"First, the call I took down in the Theater was Frank Longger. We talked and … well, the end result is that he and his sons will be with us on Saturday. Then, I had no sooner hung up that I received a call from Ms. Judy," revealed 'dad' Ken.
That said, Mr. Ken came over and sat close to 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 of maybe both of them.
"'Dad', what did Eric's mom … 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. Boys … Ms. Judy … she asked me … she asked me if I was ready … if you and I were ready and willing to take in the twins, while their parents recover from their 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. 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 a circumstance 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, so I can call Ms. Judy back 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 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 Mr. 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, "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 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 talked a few more minutes about the new boys, but the first full week of school was beginning to catch up with the lads sleep/wake cycle so the boys said their goodnights to one another and headed to the bathroom to pee. Before long both boys got into bed and went right to sleep once their heads hit their pillows.
At school the next day, Charles and Rich were joined by their other ten friends. It was Cooper who told them they felt like they were being ignored and, as such, now knew what Richard was experiencing all of last spring term. He and the other new friends again apologized for being so insensitive.
Charles told Rich that he knew his dad called The Cove last night. He then asked what his dad told him about coming to the picnic. The new lad said his dad wasn't too keen on going but said since you had gone out of your 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 friend that they were going to the hospital after school to meet the boys and they may 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 adults that he and the boys asked would also be there. The Cove's owner was looking forward to having close to 100 guests.
In the meantime, Ms. Judy had called to talk to Ken to make sure he and the boys were totally on line 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 and 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, would 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?"
"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, 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 hurt," 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 maybe something might be wrong with Ryan 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 upon hearing what Charles had to say. 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. Brant 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 went in search of the smaller 5th grader.
Someone went to find Brad, Brant's big brother, and told them what just happened. 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 was 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 about his supposed going to Three Finger Cove the next day. He decided 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 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.
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 close in case he comes looking for you. If anyone finds the 5th grader take him to his older brother Richard. Guys, Go! Go find Ryan!"
After everyone spread out, Robert and Brad headed for Mr. Chassen's homeroom to tell him what was going on. He and the boys immediately went to Principal Chadwick's office to notify her what was going on with a possibly missing 5th grader.
Ryan felt all alone right then. He found his way 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.