The three lads took their showers together the next morning. None of them were embarrassed to be seen naked in front of the others even though Camm did sport his morning wood when he got out of bed. The lads talked about their previous day's adventure while they showered. Only Charles had ever been to an amusement park, which was the previous week, like the one they were at yesterday, so they didn't have anything to compare it with.
As they continued to talk, Camm continued to take glances at Todd's older teen equipment and the more he looked the more his own boy toy stood up. Eventually, it did get to the point it was fully extended. Charles saw what happened to Camm and his responded in kind. Todd saw his two shower buddies were hard as nails and, for as much as he tried, he couldn't keep his own from standing tall as well.
Camm wanted real badly to touch Todd's boy toy but he was afraid to ask the teen. He also remembered his conversation with Charles from the other night and he didn't want to strain his friendship with the boy, so he kept his mouth shut. With all three lads sporting erections it was difficult not to notice. Internally, they all wanted to take care of their 'problem' but they each decided not to for their own reasons.
Camm and Todd only had their clothes from the previous day so that was what they could put on. Todd knew he'd be home soon, he hoped, and he'd change then. Camm figured he could wear his swim suit if push came to shove, so he didn't care if his clothes had that 'worn smell'.
The three lads headed down to the Kitchen Nook where Momma Maria waited to feed them breakfast. Mr. Dan and Mr. Chris were both drinking coffee and talking about the trip Dan had taken the lads on.
"Morning Mr. Dan, Mr. Chris," said Charles, which was quickly followed by both Todd and Camm saying the same thing.
"Morning boys, I hope you all slept well last night," replied Mr. Dan.
Mr. Chris didn't address the lads until Momma Maria had asked them what they wanted to eat that morning. When the woman went to fix the lads breakfast, he too offered the boys a Good-Morning and then asked how their day at the amusement park went.
Charles had already gone through the question and answer period after his previous week's trip so he motioned for either Todd or Camm to answer the man.
"Mr. Chris," began Todd, "I've never been to an amusement park before, so being there was awesome for me. I'd never ridden rollercoasters and I think we rode five of them and one, the orange track, we did one twice. It was so much fun. We rode a number of other rides throughout the day and before we left we watched a fireworks and projection show on the canyon wall that was top notch."
"Yes, Mr. Chris, it was a fun day for me as well. I had never been to a park like that one and I totally enjoyed doing everything," smiled Camm. "Well, just about everything. There was one ride that didn't stop spinning at the end until we got back to the station and I got sick to my stomach. Mr. Dan got me something to drink and eat and we also stopped for about 30 minutes and by then I recovered.
"And there were six rollercoasters, Todd, which we rode, including the one that made me sick. I was afraid of them at first but the first one they tricked me into riding. We were standing in line and before I knew it I was strapped into the coaster train and off we were and I couldn't do anything about it. By the time we got off, I truly enjoyed it."
"What about you, Charles?" asked Mr. Chris.
"Yeah, it was fun. None of their coasters were like the ones my 'dad' took me to last week. Well, maybe the Iron Rattler was, sort of. I guess the only thing the same was the type of track they used. Other than that, the iRattler had an inversion and some banked turns that were fun and at the end it had a tunnel with fog and strobe lights. When we rode it later in the evening the tunnel was even better," excitedly replied Charles.
"I'm glad Mr. Dan, here, was able to take you lads there. I bet that really broke up these last days of summer before school begins in two weeks," teased the Estate Manager, Mr. Chris.
"Ah, you're no fun!' offered Charles, who then smiled at the man as he got up to head off to work.
"Guys, do you have anything planned for the day?" now asked Mr. Dan.
"I'd like to go home and change into some clean clothes," spoke up Todd.
"Well, Todd, why don't you check the beach and boats first and take care of anything that needs straightening or fixing and then I'll take you home. That way you won't dirty another set of clothes for your mom to clean," replied Mr. Dan.
"Mr. Dan, I'll have you know, I help my mom around the house and I do know how to wash and dry clothes and even iron the ones I like nice and crisp," quipped Todd, with a smile on his face. "But, I like your idea of taking care of any problems at the beach so I don't dirty more clothes. With that, if you have nothing else to talk to me about, I'm going to head down there."
Todd then got up and began walking out of the Kitchen Nook when he remembered something. The four at the table watched as the teenager returned and went over to Momma Maria and hugged her and then thanked her for making breakfast for him. His gesture to her definitely put a smile on the woman's face.
After Todd departed the room, Charles asked Mr. Dan, "Mr. Dan, do you think I could invite over those boys I met at the go-kart track on Sunday?"
"I don't see a reason why you can't invite them over, but what are you going to do if the other guys stop by?" Mr. Dan wanted to know.
"Oh, that shouldn't be a problem, Mr. Dan. We've had as many as sixteen kids here at a time or two before. We know how to share the ramps and if we swim Christy and Megan are here to watch over us," reasoned Charles.
"Camm, are you going to stay or do you need me to take you home when I take Todd?" Mr. Dan wanted to know.
"I'll stick around. My mom will be at work, so there isn't anything for me to do at home other than change clothes and walk back here. I have my swim suit here so if these get too ripe I can always change into that. Or … I could always borrow some of Charles's clothes. He's about my size," reasoned Camm, while he looked at Charles and laughed.
Charles and Camm went off to invite Jacob, Hunter, David, Dylan, Tyler and Cooper to come over to The Cove. Their first phone call resulted in no one answering at Jacob's house. Their second call went to David who said he had to ask his parents and would have to call them back. When they got a hold of Cooper he was happy to hear from Charles and he agreed he could come over. Charles made sure to remind him to bring his skateboard and his swimsuit and a towel. Both Tyler and Dylan said they could stop over and would bring the requested items.
The boy's last call went to Hunter. When they talked to him they found that Jacob was there so Charles asked them both to come over to The Cove. Jacob said he had to call his parents and would call him back soon. Hunter asked his mom if he could go over and she asked who she could talk to so she could verify an adult would be there.
Charles knew to have her call the main Three Finger Cove phone number so he gave Hunter the Cove's number for his mom to call. After that call, Charles, followed by Camm, went immediately to Mr. Dan to warn him of the pending phone call. The phone rang at Mr. Ken's desk right after the lad's told Mr. Dan about Hunter's mom was going to be calling.
"Hello, Three Finger Cove, I'm Dan Fischer, how can I help you?" was the way Mr. Dan answered the phone. He then punched the speaker button so Charles and Camm could hear them talk.
"Mr. Fischer, I am Patsy Wilks, I'm sorry to bother you but someone named Charles called and asked my son Hunter to come over to Three Finger Cove. My son said they would ride their skateboards and then swim. I just want to verify that this is legitimate. I know Mr. Thomas is single so, well, I wonder if this is some sort of prank," finished up Mrs. Wilks.
"Oh, yes Mrs. Wilks I assure you the invitation is real. Charles is Mr. Ken's, or should I say Mr. Thomas' foster son. And by the way, I am Sheriff Deputy Dan Fischer and I or, Mr. Chris Dominions, the Estate Manager, will be here all day to supervise," explained Mr. Dan.
"Why would a Sheriff Deputy be assigned at Three Finger Cove? Has there been more trouble there since the incident on the 4th of July?" asked Patsy Wilks.
"Oh, no ma'am. I am Mr. Ken's house guest while I recover from an injury I received in the line of duty a few weeks back. But, I assure you, Charles does live here and he often has friends over. He'll be starting school with your son this fall and the lad wants to meet and get to know some of his classmates before school starts. They met at the Go-Kart Track on Saturday. As a matter of fact, Charles met six lads there that day and I do believe he is inviting all of them to stop over and have some fun," added Mr. Dan.
"Thank you Deputy Fischer for confirming that the invitation is indeed real. I'll have Hunter call Charles to confirm. What time should I bring my son over and what time should I come and collect him?" Patsy Wilks wanted to know.
"Mrs. Wilks, bring Hunter over any time. When the lads get hungry they'll get burgers and hot dogs to eat. Most of the lads who come here usually leave by 6 unless they are spending the night. If you come then you'll probably get to meet some of the other parents. And, I say some of the parents as a few of the boys are on trips right now and won't be back until later in the week," replied Dan Fischer.
"That is good to know and meeting some of the other parents sounds like Mr. Thomas makes sure he has things under control. I'll talk to Hunter to find out who Charles met and I'll call a few of the other parents and tell them about my conversation with you. Thank you for your time, Deputy Fischer. Good-Bye." Mrs. Patsy Wilks then hung up.
"You heard, so be ready for at least one new friend to come over. Do you need me to do anything?" finished Mr. Dan.
"No, I don't think you need to do anything else. Phone calls like that one are standard from parents who don't know me or Robert. 'Dad' usually handles it exactly like you just did. But there is one thing I need to do," added Charles. "I'm going up to the Main Gate and talk to the guards and tell them about the new kids who will be coming over. I think my 'dad' still has first-time people sign in so he has their info on file. I better get up there."
As Charles was walking out the Foyer door, Mr. Dan could hear the lad's cell phone ring. The man figured it was Hunter calling to confirm. The man was enjoying his time at The Cove but he was a bit bored. Dan decided to go check on Todd and then talk to the lifeguards, while he was down at the beach, and tell them about some new kids being invited over.
Hunter arrived around 12:30. Brad and Gordon were already there and so were Asher and Mason. Before long, the rest of the new invitees also arrived. Introductions were made but Ash and Mason already knew Hunter, Jacob, David, Tyler, Dylan and Cooper, so that went very fast. Charles explained the Rules they used for the Ramps to the new guys and before long the new kids were getting their 'feet wet' riding the ramps Mr. Ken had made for Robert and his friends.
The lads rode for a few hours and when they were all hot and sweaty, they decided to change into their swim suits. Charles showed the lads to the locker room and explained they changed there and placed their clothes out in a locker. Cooper immediately took his suit out of his bag and placed it on the bench and changed without any concern of others seeing him naked.
Camm saw some hesitation in Jacob and Hunter as they nervously looked around trying to decide what they were going to do. Camm, knowing how they usually handled the 'skittish' boys went over to them and explained they could use the shower area if they wanted, or that could just stay together and face the wall and not turn around while they changed.
As Camm was talking to the reluctant two, Logan and Cody, who just arrived in the room, were talking as they took off all their clothes without any hesitation or consideration there were at least two new members of the group. Jacob and Hunter saw what Logan and Cody had done and then they saw Brad and Gordon as well as Asher and Mason take their clothes off without any embarrassment whatsoever.
"Camm, does everybody, you know, get naked before they change like they all did?" asked Jacob in a whisper.
Camm smiled and replied to Jacob so Hunter could also hear said, "Believe me not everybody did it that easy their first, or even their second time, but once they saw that everybody has the same equipment with the only difference being the size and how much hair they have over their dicks they just went along with it. If you just turn to the wall and don't hurry nobody will look or care. We've even had older teens change with us and there might have been a few whistles given but face it guys, we are all males and we have what we have. And remember … it is OK to look … but don't stare."
Camm then went and got his suit and got next to Jacob and Hunter and began to change. As he was doing that, he encouraged the two new boys to join him in doing what he was doing. Hunter got the idea so he mimicked Camm and before long he and Camm were naked. The two then pulled up their suits and they were finished. Camm then showed the new lad where to put his clothes.
Inside the locker room, the old hands at changing saw the reluctance of the last newbies so they quickly changed and took their clothes out to a locker and left Charles in there with them. Charles explained that no one was going to laugh at their stuff and if they are afraid they'll get a boner they just need to face the wall, but not to rush as that was when you'd mess up and stumble, and then everyone would be looking. The guys laughed and knowing they needed to do something they all faced the wall and began to change.
Jacob was the first to attempt to change. He got down to his briefs and then looked around to see what everybody else had done. He saw Charles was completely naked, and was surprised how big he was down there, and then Jacob figured if he didn't care he shouldn't care if people saw him. That gave Jacob the impetus to finish the job, get naked and then put his swim suit on.
Dylan and Tyler were standing beside one another and looking around and they also saw Charles naked and then they saw Jacob was facing the wall and had taken all of his clothes off. They saw their friend had gotten naked and then without any fanfare got his suit on. They looked at one another and then did what Jacob had just done.
David was the last one who hadn't even started to change into his swim suit. A naked Charles went over to him and told him to just face the wall and start taking his clothes off. As the lad did that they heard Dylan and Tyler leave the room. The newbie looked up at Charles and a few tears came to his face.
Charles saw the distress David was in so he asked him what the problem was. Learning that the lad had popped a boner Charles said he'd run interference as the boy changed. Charles then went and got his suit and brought it over. The Cover encouraged David to start taking his clothes off and as the preteen did he saw that Charles was getting a boner, too. That made him smile to himself as he continued to strip off his clothes and before long he too was standing there with his erect penis standing tall. They each looked at the other's boy toy and then smiled at one another as they both pulled their suits on. That all done, Charles showed David where he could put his clothes.
Charles and David were the last ones out to the water toys. Along the way, Charles told his new friend not to worry about what just happened as he wasn't going to tell anyone. David was relieved upon hearing that, but then asked Charles if he wasn't embarrassed to show him his boner. All Charles told the new kid was that they all get them and they shouldn't be afraid to let others know it, and not to be ashamed when they do get them, especially in front of their friends. David then asked if he'd seen any of the others hard and all Charles did was smile at him. David took that as a 'yes'.
The new lads had never been on anything like the water toys and they were totally enjoying themselves. The gang made up games to play and then played King of the Hill and the newbies learned it was a long way down to the water when they got thrown off the top of either toy. The new lads also enjoyed sliding down the steep ramps into the water. The newbies were having a blast in the place they never thought they could ever be.
A few of the new lads asked Charles why there were lifeguards and they wanted to know why Mr. Ken had them out there with them. Charles explained that with so many kids out there playing, as they were, it would be easy for someone to get hurt or not come back up after being thrown off the top.
Charles explained his 'dad' decided he'd be better off having lifeguards watching over them in the lagoon in case something bad did happen, The host told the newbies the guards were there from about 11 AM to 7 PM. The newbies were surprised, but now felt safer knowing Mr. Ken cared and wanted to make things safe for his foster son and his friends.
It didn't take long for all fourteen lads to eventually get hungry. After skating on the ramps and now swimming and jumping off and then getting back on the water toys there was no doubt they were now hungry. The lads who knew what to do went to work. They all swam into the beach and dried off and then they split up.
Charles and Camm got the grill going while Brad and Gordon took three of the newbies to show them where the burgers, dogs, and buns were. Cody took Asher with him and they went to get all the accoutrements, such as, mayo, ketchup, mustard, tomatoes and lettuce. Logan took the other new lads and they went to the garage for the drinks and ice and stopped for the plates, napkins and knives and forks on their way back outside. When the entire group arrived back at the patio the 'seasoned' lads took the newer ones and showed them where the extra tables and chairs were.
When Charles had the grill hot and ready he asked how many burgers or dogs everyone wanted. He also sent Camm up to Mr. Dan and Mr. Chris to ask them if they wanted to eat, as well. The entire time the barbeque was being set up the six newbies couldn't believe that their host, Charles, was actually cooking and without adult supervision. They were also surprised that all the other boys knew what to do and where to go. After talking with them later, they learned that Robert would also host the barbeque and the group would all know what to do and anyone new was shown what to do and how to do it.
As the lads ate, they all got to know one another better. The new kids learned about all the things the original group had done together like the special tour of the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Headquarters, their trip to the Lakeside Water Park, the trip around the lake where they found the teen trapped under the sails, and the latest rescue of the man who fell off his sailboat and was tangled in his lines.
Mr. Dan and Mr. Chris did join the lads for a late lunch. The men made small talk with the new lads and in doing so learned what their parents did for a living and more about which of new lads had brothers or sisters in their families. When it was time to clean up after the barbeque, the new lads all chipped in and did what they could do to get the patio back in its pristine condition. When everything was put away and cleaned up, the lads all went in to change.
"Chris … did you notice how much David looked like Charles?" asked Dan.
"Not really," replied Mr. Chris. "I did notice that from a distance they sort of look like one another, but I don't think anyone would misidentify them, would you?"
"I guess you're right, but the two do have a resemblance to one another," offered Dan. "Almost like Dave is a doppelganger for Charles, wouldn't you think?"
"To be honest, I really didn't look at the boys all that much too really notice. If you want, I'll take a better look," proposed Mr. Chris.
"Naw, that's not necessary. I was just thinking out loud," pointed out Dan.
The newbies were still a bit reluctant to strip off their swimsuits to change back into their street clothes. It was when they saw Logan and Cody nonchalantly take off their suits and then seeing Asher and Mason were okay with getting naked, even in front of their friends, they were convinced it would be alright. The new lads all faced the wall and took down their suits, towel dried, and then began getting dressed. When they were all finished they headed as a group out to the ramps and began riding again.
At 6 PM, parents began arriving to collect their kid but this time the boys weren't there waiting for them. The lads were having so much fun with the newbies they weren't watching the time. It was only when a bunch of cell phones rang that the lads knew they messed up. Learning that either mom or dad were up at the Main Gate the boys all headed up in that direction. When they got there the parents were talking to the newbies parents and they were talking like they'd known each other for a long time.
Dan Fischer hadn't seen the lads go up the hill to the gate when they usually did so he started out the Foyer door to find them. As he stepped outside, he saw them walking together, up the slight incline, as though they were already a close group of friends, so he followed.
"Are you Deputy Fischer?" asked a beautiful woman.
"Yes, I am and I bet you are Mrs. Wilks," replied Mr. Dan.
That short conversation fostered a much larger talk amongst the adults as the newbies' parents wanted to meet Deputy Fischer and of course Mr. Thomas. They were all disappointed that Mr. Ken was gone but they were very happy to know their sons were responsibly watched over by not only a Sheriff's Deputy, but by the man who was very visible in the Sheriff's Department.
The parents all thanked Mr. Dan for being there and they said their kids could stop over any time they were asked. The new lads saw their parents in a new light after hearing them say their boys could come over at any time they were asked. The lads all hoped they'd be over a lot more.
That night when 'dad' Ken called to talk to his 'son', Charles had lots to tell him. The two talked for close to an hour and Charles did most of the talking. Ken Thomas felt very happy for his 'son' after talking to him. The man knew Charles was finally integrating himself into The Cove and experiencing a whole new aspect to his life. Charles also got to talk to Robert and told him about his new friends and how his 'brother's' friends had accepted them. The two 'brothers' finally got around to talking about the amusement parks their 'dad' owned and then the two shared their rollercoaster experiences from the past two days. Charles was very upbeat after his talk with his 'dad' and 'brother'.
Charles had no sooner hung up from talking to Mr. Ken and Robert when his cell phone rang again. He thought he knew who it was so he answered, "Hi, Camm." But it wasn't Camm; it was Cooper.
"Sorry to disappoint you," laughed Cooper.
"Yeah, sorry I called you Camm. I figure that was who it was. I guess I better look at the Caller ID next time," chuckled Charles. "So … well, why'd you call?"
"Well, I wanted to call and, you know, thank you for inviting me over today. There was so much going on at the gate I never got the opportunity to tell you before I left. I really had a good time. No, it was a great time! It was fun finally getting to try out those ramps Mr. Ken had built and then playing on those huge water toys was a blast."
"I'm glad you had a good time. It was fun getting to know you guys better. At least now, when I start school in a few weeks, I won't feel so alone now that I know a number of you guys," replied Charles.
"Charles … why do they call you by your first name?" honestly asked Cooper.
"I guess for the same reason they call you Cooper," laughed Charles in reply.
"Well, actually, most of my friends call me Coop. But, really … why are you called Charles and not Charlie or Chas or Chuck even?" Coop wanted to know.
"Well … ahh, well, it was Mr. Ken who suggested I be called Charles," started Charles.
"But, why?" interrupted Cooper. "I'm sure he knew most everybody called you Charlie, I bet!"
"Yeah, he did but … well, he reasoned that with me living here now and since nobody knows me it was a chance to start a new life. He explained Charlie was the 'old' me and that until I find a name that my friends decide to call me, I should ask everyone to call me by my first name," revealed Charles.
"You know … that's pretty cool that he thought about it that way," replied Cooper.
"Well, he did the same with Robert. He told us he wants us to feel, you know, comfortable with any nickname we get from our friends. He's told us when we do find it we can ask him to call us that too, if we want," added Charles.
"That's so awesome. Now, I guess, I sort of understand why people look up to such a young man the way they do. I supposed, because he has such wisdom is why they call him Mr. Ken," said Cooper as he thought out loud.
"Well, from what I know, they call my 'dad' Mr. Ken out of respect for what he did for the 'little' people after that big storm almost four years ago," spoke up Charles.
"Yeah, I heard it that way too. I just thought … well, it doesn't really matter," began Coop. "So, you got to know Camm first and then James. That is kind of funny that you met the two most awkward of our class before meeting anyone else."
"Why do you say that?" Charles wanted to know.
"Well, Camden … he was always so quiet … and he stayed to himself most of the time. As for James, he had a number of friends but no one really hung around him like a 'best friend'," offered Cooper.
"Ohh … James, it was James who told me about Camm. He said he was surprised I had met him first and at JC Penney of all places," clarified Charles.
"Yeah, Camm told me that was where he met you. But, how was it you met James?" simply asked Coop.
"Well, he and I were at Doc Powers for physicals and Doctor Rick had us both go into his exam room together and …" started Charles,
"And he had you strip together, didn't he," interrupt Coop, as he laughed.
"Yeah, he did," laughed Charles. "James didn't want his mom in the room when he had to strip so he got Mr. Ken to chaperone us both. James was so happy over that. That's when I asked him over here. How'd you know Doctor Powers had us take all our clothes off?"
Charles could hear Cooper laughing and then the preteen said, "Well, I went out for baseball and I had to have a physical and at least my dad took me for it. I would have been so embarrassed if my mom had been there when I got a boner. All my dad did was smile at me and tell me I had nothing to be ashamed of. Did you guys get hard in front of Mr. Ken?'
Charles laughed and confessed they had. That brought about a hardy laugh from Cooper.
"Charles, I like you and I hope we can be friends," spoke Coop.
"Yeah, I think I'd like that, too," replied Charles.
"Well … thanks again for having me over. I hope we can do it again sometime," said Cooper.
"Sure … if you want … you can come over again tomorrow. Matter-of-fact … so much was going on at the gate that I forgot to ask everybody to come over again tomorrow. I'll call them first thing," explained Charles.
"Yeah, thanks for asking me to come over. Should I come over about the same time?" asked Coop.
"Yeah, and if you talk to any of the others tell them, will ya?" replied Charles.
"Sure, I will. OK, I'm gonna go. It was great talking with you tonight Charles," offered Cooper.
"Yeah, thanks for calling. I enjoyed it. See you tomorrow then. Good night," replied Charles.
The two hung up after Charles said good night.
Charles slept very well that night and it wasn't because of all the activity he was involved in that day. Charles loved the fact that he had a bunch of his own friends there today and he had a blast playing with them and interacting with them. He loved the fact that he got to coordinate the barbeque and cook the burgers and hot dogs. Sure the other guys helped but he was the grill master that day. After the preteen thought about all that happened that day he got this feeling inside of him that said he was finally 'at home'. The lad fell asleep with a big smile on his face.