The Cover boys woke up refreshed and raring to go. After breakfast, Mr. Ken reminded Robert to take his 'brothers' to try on the wetsuits to see which fit whom and who needed one. The boys headed to the Men's Locker Room, but took a detour to get the wetsuits.
The previous year Mr. Ken had bought a number of the wetsuits for Robert's friends, so they could use the WaveRunners in the spring. That allowed them to also get into the lake's cooler waters well before they usually would have.
Not being embarrassed by being naked in front of their 'brothers' the boys quickly stripped off their clothes and put on a wetsuit that looked like it would fit. The twins didn't have any trouble finding wetsuits that fit them. Robert told them to set them aside.
Billy knew right away he wouldn't find one to fit him, since none of them were for a taller person. Even Robert's was way too snug on him and his 'brothers' laughed at how his boy-parts became well pronounced when the teen put his old one on. Robert also added that his buddies didn't like being all cooped up like that, either. Everyone laughed some more.
Charles tried on one wet suit and then another. They sort of fit, but he wasn't happy with them. He then tried on Robert's and it fit just right. Matthew tried on a wet suit and it almost drowned him in it. It was obviously way too big. The younger Cover tried on a few more and he found one that fit reasonably well, so Robert set that one aside with the twins and Charles' wetsuits.
The four boys took their wetsuits to their rooms so they wouldn't get them mixed up with the rest. As they did that, Robert and Billy went to the Study to talk to 'dad' Ken and give him the results. 'Dad' Ken figured as much as he knew the boys had grown over the winter. He told the two oldest Cover boys they needed to go out and get a few more wet suits during the week.
By then the rest of the boys came into the Study and they heard they would be going out to get a few more wetsuits. Kevin asked why they would need more. Robert told them that was so their friends could also enjoy the WaveRunners before the lake waters got warm enough to swim.
"Is 'dad' going to buy forty or fifty wetsuits," asked Matthew.
"No silly. He'll buy a few more standard sizes so that our friends who can fit into them can go out on the personal watercraft. Remember, only people who are at least thirteen and have passed the Texas Boater Safety Course can drive them, and only an eighteen-year-old, or older, can have someone ride with them.
"So, why will 'dad' buy more if he and Mr. Wayne are the only ones over eighteen?" asked Kevin.
"Good question, Kevin," replied a smiling 'dad' Ken. "Let me think that one over some. I'll still need to get Robert and Bill one, though. And I'll bet Eric will need one too as he's grown like Robert has. I'll try to do that early in the week before other things get in the way.
"OK, remember the Assistant District Attorney will be here around 1 p.m. so Robert, Charles, Kevin, and Kyle you will need to stay clean and be ready for his arrival. I hope he won't take up too much time as he said you were pretty well-prepared last week.
"Oh, and when you get a chance, talk to Eric, Josh, Gordon, David, and Cody to see if the ADA has done the same pre-trial prep with them. Now, go take your showers and get ready for your friends to arrive," announced 'dad' Ken.
As the boys walked out of the Study, Mr. Ken called back Robert. The other boys stopped as they wanted to hear what their 'dad' was going to say to their 'brother', but Mr. Ken told them to continue on and that their 'brother' would tell them what they talked about soon enough. The younger boys all moaned as they walked up the stairs.
"Robert, I wanted to make sure you and Eric cut the field this coming weekend and the weekend before the Memorial Day Picnic. We'll have about 150, or maybe more, guests for that Picnic and we need to make sure the grounds look nice for them. The skate park will be 'on stage' that weekend and we need to put our best foot forward. You understand?" finished the teen's dad.
"Yea, I understand, dad. I'll talk to Eric later. Next weekend will work out for us with most of the boys at the Texas Boater Safety Course. That way we won't have to worry about them wanting to come out to watch," replied Robert.
When Robert walked into the shower he was immediately hit with the question, "What did 'dad' want?" Robert explained about the grass cutting and why it was needed. Billy then had to be told about why Robert and Eric did it. Billy then asked how he could find a job that he could make some money. All the boys laughed.
The Covers friends began arriving at twelve noon as they normally did. There was one Cover friend who was noticeably missing, Kaden.
"You guys have any idea where Kaden might be, or why he didn't come over today?" asked Billy of his other friends, who did show up at The Cove that Sunday.
Lonnie speculated that after their verbal exchange yesterday Kaden might have decided to skip today in order to avoid another argument, or worse.
Gabe spoke up and said he was happy Billy had defended his foster dad and told Kaden he was tired of his constant negative comments.
The five teens walked back to the dock area, as they had the previous day. There they talked about Kaden and how he sometimes was found talking with the upperclassmen, having them coming looking for him, and telling them he had to go meet up with them. They all wondered how he knew all of them and why he was always going to see them or they would make arrangements for them to meet up with him.
"Billy ... ahh ... please don't get mad at me for asking this, but ... you ... well, I guess it's because of what happened to your stepdad and mom ... that's why you're in the system, as you call it," cautiously said Brett.
"Guys ... I may have said more than I should have about my mom and stepdad, but it is what it is. And, yes, I am in the system because of what my mom and stepdad were doing. If Jody hadn't been involved with one particular man, he might still be alive, and I ... and I would be still at home living with my mom and Jody.
"My first foster homes were nothing like what I have here. Mr. Ken ... he's done everything he can to make sure I am doing well and have what I need. He's made this place like a 'forever home' for me and I, for sure, don't ever want to leave," was how Billy responded to the question.
"Geez, it had to be a shock to learn that your stepdad was killed in a shootout with police and then your house ... your house being searched and your mom being arrested, in front of you no less," offered Jamie.
"You have no idea what I went through after the police showed up at the house with a search warrant and telling my mom that Jody was dead. The police then tore the house apart looking for whatever they could find," replied Billy.
"Ahh, Billy ... could you tell us what they did find and ... and what they arrested your mom for. And, why weren't ... and why weren't you ... arrested?" asked Gabe.
"Oh, wow," started Billy, "I haven't thought about that day in months. ... My stepdad ... he ... he was a drug distributor ... for a main drug dealer who was eventually killed by the Sheriff Deputies, as well. Soooo ... when the police came to the house ... they were looking for drugs. They also found more than what they thought they'd find," responded Billy.
"But, why ... why weren't you arrested, too?" bluntly asked Lonnie.
"I think it was because ... because I was a juvenile. And my mom ... she told them I had nothing to do with the drugs. She told them she and Jody wouldn't allow me to handle them, or go with them when they delivered the drugs to their clients. And, because both of my parents were either dead or going to jail, the police called CPS and the rest is history," explained Billy.
"That sucks, Billy ... but I guess things have turned out for the best for you, now that you're living here ... in the lap of luxury," teased Brett.
"Yes, it sucks that Jody is dead and that my mom ... that she is now in prison for the next bunch of years. I sort of rebelled at my other foster homes, which was why Ms. Judy, she's my caseworker, brought me here. She told me that Mr. Ken would treat me like one of his 'sons', as long as I met him halfway.
"Boy, that first meeting was almost a disaster for me. I went on the offensive and acted like a spoiled brat. Mr. Ken called me out on the way I acted, and then he walked out of the Study. Mr. Wayne told me a few important things before he left, too.
"It was then Ms. Judy and I were left in the Study ... and boy did she ever lay it on the line for me. She told me to stop trying to be the alpha and then she explained what Mr. Ken had done for all of his foster boys.
"Ms. Judy ... she then told me that if I didn't change my attitude and, you know, sincerely apologize to Mr. Ken when he came back into the Study, she would place me into a holding home because she didn't have any other foster homes available for me.
"I thought about what she told me about the trips the other foster boys went on, and seeing what this place looked like I knew I was a fool for being a jerk. So, when Mr. Ken came back into the Study, I stood and I apologized to him, and Mr. Wayne, for the way I acted.
"Mr. Ken then started the introductions all over again and from there it was decided I would stay. I couldn't be happier that I did what Ms. Judy told me to do. And, you know what? Mr. Ken has never talked about that first day to me, ever. All Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne have done was to make sure I was doing well. And you all know what they did for me when they supported me after what Mr. Stanley tried to do to me," finished Billy.
It was then Kaden came to the dock area and said 'Hello' to all of the friends. The teen apologized for being late, and said he'd forgotten he already had something planned for that day and didn't want to upset his other friends. Kaden then asked what they were talking about.
Billy saw that Brett was going to tell him about what Billy had told them, so he quickly spoke up and said they were talking about him, and why he hadn't arrived when everyone else had. The teens all laughed.
It was then Jamie asked Billy if he ever talked to his foster dad about whether or not they can come over when Billy wasn't there, but their brothers were. Billy told them honestly that he'd forgotten to ask. The Cover teen told his friends to remind him when they do the barbeque and he'd ask Mr. Ken then.
The teens talked about the skate park and what progress was made. Billy told his friends that he'd ask Mr. Wayne to give them a tour before they left for the day. Lonnie spoke up and said the other boys would probably ask, as well, as they were just as interested in what was happening, too.
The teens then got to talking about what they were going to do when school was out. Brett told the other teens he was hoping to get a job and start earning some money to buy a car. Gabe told the group he didn't have any major plans, but hoped, with a smile, he'd be able to come over all summer and hang out.
Lonnie seconded Gabe's assessment and said that until he was sixteen, he couldn't really get a job. He added, he hoped that he could find a way to earn some money, but still hadn't looked into doing that very much
Kaden was non-committal. He said he had some ideas he was kicking around, but needed to wait until school was out to see if they would pan out. Kaden then turned the tables on Billy and asked him what he had planned.
Billy was all smiles when he told his friends what Mr. Ken had planned for him. The Cover told the teens that Mr. Ken planned to take him and his 'brothers' to visit all of his amusement parks after school was over, and they would be gone for about two weeks. Billy then told the group that his foster dad promised him a three-day one-on-one trip once they returned from that trip.
Hearing that their friend would be gone for two weeks had the teens asking him why for so long. Billy told his friends Mr. Ken owned four amusement parks and they were going to visit all four of them once school was out. The teens wanted to know more about the amusement parks, but all Billy could tell them were the names as he hadn't ever been to any of them.
Gabe then asked if his 'brothers' friends would still be allowed to use the skate park while they were gone. Billy told his friends that when they were all gone no one would be allowed into the estate. Hearing that bummed out Gabe and Jamie. They knew their brothers would then want them to do something with them while the Covers were gone. The other teens laughed at the two teens' lament.
The day moved on and when it was time for the barbeque, Billy asked Robert if he and his friends could use the ramps as they had yesterday. Robert said it was fine with him, but for his 'brother' not to make it a habit as they needed to participate in either the setup or teardown. Billy said he understood and would pass that onto his friends.
Billy told his friends what Robert had to say and then he and his friends hurried to the ramps for their exclusive use of them until the burgers were 'burned'. Matthew and Brant went out front to get Billy and his friends when it was time to eat. The teens thanked the younger boys and the eight all headed to the back Patio to eat.
When the teens had their burgers, hot dogs, and a drink they sat down together to eat. It was then Jamie reminded Billy to ask his foster dad about them being there with their brothers even if Billy wasn't there.
Billy finished his burger and then went over to Mr. Ken to ask the question. The owner of The Cove was honest when he told Bill that question had never come up before. The man said the only older/younger brother combination like Jamie and Gabe's was Conner and Cooper. Mr. Ken then added that Conner was Todd's friend and wouldn't normally be there, so he'd have to think about it.
Billy went back to Jamie and Gabe and told them what his foster dad just told him. The only thing that Billy added was that they probably had to try it to see what the decision would be. The Cover teen said he didn't think it would be a problem unless they tried to boss the other kids around.
When everyone had eaten, Matthew asked Mr. Wayne if he would take them up to the skate park so they could see what had been done. All the boys cheered at hearing the question. Mr. Wayne said he would take them up there after the barbeque was cleaned up and put away.
The boys did what they normally did to put the barbeque away. It didn't take the boys very long and as soon as they were finished, they asked Mr. Wayne if he was ready. Mr. Wayne smiled at the boy's tenacity and told them he wanted Mr. Ken to go along as well. The Estate Master told the boys to meet him in the Parking Corral.
The two men escorted the boys up to the construction site to let them see what was yet to be finished before the Cove Skate Park would be ready. The boys saw how the skate park was almost complete. The boys marveled at all the features there were for them to use when the skate park was open to them.
When the boys walked over to the Pavilion, they had to walk through all the rooms. They were surprised to see the Women's restroom had three toilets and two sinks while the Men's restroom had only two toilets and two sinks. Mr. Wayne had to remind the boys that there were two urinals in there as well and they all didn't need to use the toilets every time as the women would.
While the group was at the Pavilion, Mr. Ken told the large group the added concrete work behind the building was enlarged, so they would have half-height lockers to use to keep their boards in, overnight.
The owner of The Cove also told the group that the concrete floor would be stained and sealed before the tables and benches would be installed. The man reminded the boys that it would be their responsibility to keep the entire skate park and Pavilion areas straightened, clean and every once in a while, the Pavilion floor would need to be pressure washed.
Hearing they would have to pressure wash the Pavilion floor stumped many of the younger boys. Robert told them the older boys would use the pressure washer, but they would have to help keep the restrooms, serving counter, and tables clean. Most of the boys said, with a smile, they could definitely do that.
Some of the boys asked who was going to install the tables and benches and lockers. Mr. Wayne said he hoped the contractor would do some of that for them. He added that if push came to shove the boys would be tasked to build the lockers and put them in place. Some of the boys hoped they would get to do just that.
The two Cover men answered all the boys' questions as best they could. Mr. Ken did remind the lads that the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend would be the Grand Opening Picnic for them and their families. The man asked the boys to talk to their parents so they could plan for that day.
The tour took longer than the other tours had, so when they all walked away it was almost time for the boys to leave. The Cover boys walked their friends up to the Main Gate to await the parents to arrive to retrieve their sons. A few of the boys had ridden their bikes, as usual, and they were gone before the parents began to arrive.
While the boys waited for the parents, Mr. Ken passed out the directions to next Saturday's Texas Boater Safety Course. The small sheet also told the boys they needed to bring the $25.00 course fee and some money for lunch as the training class would last until about 5 p.m.
The parents were grateful for the handout and reminder of where their son was going to be next Saturday. That caused some of the parents to get out of their vehicles and talk to one another about the Safety Course. That caused a small traffic jam, but that wasn't unusual for The Cove.
As the parents talked, Jamie's and Gabe's little brothers got out of the car and asked their big brothers how far along the skate park was. Jamie and Gabe told their brothers there would be lockers for them to keep their skateboards overnight, so they wouldn't have to drag them there every time they came.
The teens told the youngsters about the big restrooms, the Pavilion floor going to be stained and sealed to help clean up spills, and that the skate bowls were finished, but there were still some areas that needed concrete poured, and the lights and shade sails to be installed. The four younger boys couldn't wait until the Memorial Day Picnic, so they could not only see the Cove Skate Park, but also skate there.
Eventually, the Covers' friends departed The Cove and it was time for the Covers to go out to dinner. Mr. Ken had the boys get cleaned up, then they all piled into the van and they headed out to Four Corner's Diner for dinner.
At dinner, the Covers talked about the weekend and what was going to happen next Saturday. As they talked, Robert told his 'brothers' that he and Eric would be cutting the grass on Saturday. He then asked his dad if Eric could spend the night on Friday.
That simple question caused the other boys to ask if they could have a friend stay as well. Kevin argued they hadn't had anyone spend the night in a long time. Kyle joined in and supported his brother's argument. Matthew and Charles quickly spoke up and asked if they could have a buddy spend the night as well.
Mr. Ken was in a quandary. He told the boys there wouldn't be a sleepover, but here they were asking him anyway. Robert then argued that if Eric spent the night, they could get an early start on the grass cutting. Kyle spoke up and said if they each had one friend spend the night that it really wasn't a sleepover, and they hadn't had anyone stay over for a long time.
Mr. Ken looked to Wayne for help. The Estate Master, to Mr. Ken's chagrin, said he agreed with the boys. The Estate Master argued that the boys weren't asking for a full sleepover, but for just one buddy each. The man said he didn't see the harm in it, and it gave Robert his friend so they could get the grass cutting done in a reasonable amount of time.
Mr. Ken asked, "What would the other boys think?"
Mr. Wayne said the boys had often had one or two friends spend the night and this wouldn't be any different. The only difference this time would mean there would be two extra riders to the Safety Course.
As the Covers ate, Mr. Ken muddled the question around in his mind. He figured he was a bit hasty in telling the boys there would be no sleepover that weekend. But he also knew the boys hadn't had a friend spend a night in quite some time.
As the Covers ate, Billy asked if he could also invite a friend if his 'brothers' were allowed to invite one of their friends. That question surprised everyone, including Mr. Ken. To him it wasn't so much the question, but that it came from Bill. That put a smile on his face.
"So, Bill ... if you got to invite someone who would it be?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Wow, I haven't thought it through that far," laughed Billy. "I figured I'd ask if my friends would be included and go from there, seeing there was a 50/50 chance of it NOT happening."
The other boys started to support Billy and said it was only fair that their older 'brother' got to have a sleepover, too, as he hadn't had anyone spend the night since he arrived. Mr. Ken smiled at the support the other boys gave to Bill. He then remembered how Robert told Bill that they stick together when it came to fairness.
"OK, ok ... you can all invite one friend to spend the night on Friday. Now, my question for you is ... tell me which friend you are going to invite. I already know Robert will invite Eric. So, have you selected a friend, or do I need to wait until we talk in the Study later?" announced 'dad' Ken.
The boys got excited they could invite one of their friends to spend the night. Now they had to decide which friend they would ask. Matthew asked Billy which of his friends he would invite. Billy hemmed and hawed over whom he might ask. Mr. Ken was also curious as to who Bill would invite, but he held his tongue figuring he could ask the teen later, apart from his 'brothers'.
The boys were very talkative about who they would invite to sleepover on their way to their favorite ice cream store. Once there, they all ordered banana splits and sat together to enjoy them and talk about the upcoming sleepover.
"Bill, have you thought any more about, you know, who you would invite to stay over on Friday?" asked Mr. Ken, away from the other boys.
"Well ... I thought about it some and ... well, I thought I'd ask Lonnie," replied Billy.
"Hmmm, I thought you'd ask Brett, or Kaden even, since they were the first friends you made at school," replied Mr. Ken.
"Well, no ... not really. Yes, they were my first friends, but Lonnie ... well ... Lonnie seemed to be more down to earth and more in tune with me. I can't explain it, but he'd be my first choice," replied Billy.
"What do you think your other friends will say when they hear you invited Lonnie?" asked Mr. Wayne.
"Well ... I'll ask Lonnie if he is going to the training course on Saturday. If he says he isn't going, then I will have to ask one of my friends who is going. I know it will be awkward, but what else can I do?" asked Billy.
"Well, you could have each of your 'brothers' put a name in a hat, and the name you pull out will be the one you invite. That way you can blame all of your 'brothers'," laughed Wayne Mitchell.
Billy smiled at hearing what Mr. Wayne said. The other boys now heard what the Estate Master had to say and they agreed with what he said. They told their older 'brother' when they get back home, they can meet in 'dad's' Study and do it there. Billy said he'd think about it.
Upon leaving the ice cream store, Matthew was given the task of getting Chief's ice cream. The young Cover was happy he would get the chance to give Chief her cold treat. The twins told him, "It was nice knowing you" and they laughed. All Matthew did was stick his tongue out at them and smiled. The two men just shook their heads and told one another they would see what would happen when they got home.
Chief was waiting for her men to return. She hoped they were bringing her some ice cream and when she heard the garage door open, she couldn't wait to see if they did bring her some of her cold treat.
Matthew went inside first. He wanted Chief to have her treat and not to have to figure out which one of them had it. When Chief saw Matthew she figured he wouldn't have it. Billy usually gave it to her, but the last time they tricked her by having Kevin bring it.
"Chief ... I have your ice cream," announced Matthew. "If you sit, I'll put it down in front of you."
Chief heard the way Matthew asked her to sit, so she did. As soon as Chief sat down, Matthew did as he promised and placed the cold treat in front of the resident pet. Chief looked to Matthew to see if it was okay to devour it and when Matthew said to 'Enjoy' Chief dug right in.
"Why does she do that for you when she always attacks me?" said Kevin.
"I don't know. But from the time I started taking care of her she always treated me like I was her friend," responded Matthew.
The two men and the other boys saw how Chief reacted to Matthew and they were all happy their dog was acting 'normal' with their younger 'brother'. When Chief was finished with her treat, she went up to Matthew, sat down in front of him, and presented her paw. Matthew shook it and then got down on the floor with the dog and hugged her. Chief gave the boy some cold doggie kisses for giving her the cold treat.
The Covers all met in the Study. There 'dad' Ken asked the boys to put a name on a piece of paper and place them in the hat the man presented to them on his desk. When all five boys had placed a name in the hat, Mr. Ken asked Bill to pick a name.
"Wow, I picked Lonnie's name. That was the person I was going to ask and when you suggested picking a name out of the hat, I was a bit skeptical. But now I can blame you all for Lonnie being asked to spend the night over all my other friends," laughed Billy. His 'brothers' joined in.
The Covers talked about the coming week and who had an appointment with Doctor Doug. 'Dad' Ken reminded them that he may have to take a trip back east and that he may have to testify at a hearing over how Ms. Washington handled Charles' adoption.
That was new to the boys and they wanted to know more. 'Dad' Ken told them they were all there and saw what he did and all he was going to do was tell the hearing panel what he saw and how he reacted to what she was trying to do. That placated the boys, for now.
After their meeting in the Study, the boys went up to their rooms to get ready for bed. Mr. Ken talked to Mr. Wayne about Bill and his choice for the sleepover. Mr. Ken was curious about the why and he was also curious about Kaden and his showing up well after the other boys had.
Mr. Ken told his Estate Master he wanted to talk to Bill, alone and get some perspective on what was happening after what they were told the previous night about Kaden.
"Knock, knock, knock," said Mr. Ken, as he rapped his knuckles on Bill's bedroom doorframe.
"Oh, come in Mr. Ken," said Billy.
"Bill ... I am intrigued about your choice for the sleepover, but most of all I ... I wanted to know why Kaden was so late today. Do you know why?" finished Mr. Ken.
"Well, Kaden told us he'd made other plans for today and he forgot to mention it yesterday. He asked us what we were talking about and I told him we were talking about him since he wasn't there. We all had a good laugh, and so did Kaden," responded Billy.
"So, Kaden was his normal self, today?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Well, sir, he wasn't his obnoxious self if that is what you mean. He didn't have anything sarcastic to say, and he was as he was when I first met him. Sir ... can I ask why you are so interested in Kaden, Mr. Ken?" asked Billy.
"Well, after what you told me about him, I am ... well, I am curious about how he behaves and if he is still someone you need as a friend," replied Mr. Ken.
"Mr. Ken ... he hasn't done anything that warrants me dropping him from my short list of friends. It's just that ... he ... well, he has a way of being so negative most of the time," answered Billy.
"How do you think he will react to hearing that Lonnie was the one you picked to spend Friday night?" asked Mr. Ken.
"He'll probably be pissed. But when I tell him, and the others, that my 'brothers' placed their names in a hat and I picked Lonnie I think he will accept that. And, if he doesn't then that would be one more reason not to be too friendly with him," replied Billy.
"OK, Bill ... I just want you to be careful around him and any other boys you may make friends with who have that sort of attitude as Kaden does. Well, I'll be on my way to say goodnight to the other boys.
"Sleep well, Bill. And, I hope I didn't alarm you with my asking you about Kaden. I do have your best interest in mind and ... and I don't want to see you hurt because of the friends you made," finished Mr. Ken, who then walked out of the bedroom as he wanted to see his other 'boys' and tell them, 'Goodnight'.
Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne talked for a few minutes about Bill before the Estate Master headed back to his apartment.
The Cove was very quiet that night and everyone slept well.
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