The dentist shot Lidocaine into Billy's gums, so when the man started drilling into the tooth the teen wouldn't feel anything, but the vibration from the drill. The teen did feel the prick of the sharp needle going into the gum and the fluid being injected into the area.
The doctor did four injections, two on the inside and two on the outside of the affected tooth. That was to ensure the gums and the tooth's nerve were numb. After the first two shots, Billy didn't feel a thing.
Ten minutes after injecting the Lidocaine into Billy's gums the dentist came back into the room to check if the numbing fluid did its charm. When he asked Billy a question, he knew from the way the teenager answered that the gum was indeed numb. But the doctor had to make sure by asking Billy how the area felt.
Because Billy was considered a minor, he had to be chaperoned while in the dentist's chair. So, Mr. Ken remained in the room while the doctor performed the root canal. The foster dad wished he had brought a book along to read, as the time was tedious and boring for him.
Billy could feel the vibrations from the drill as it bore into his tooth. He was grateful for the numbing aspects of the medication, as he knew, without it, he wouldn't be able to withstand the cold water from the drill on the tooth let alone the pain from the drilling into the tooth.
As the dentist was performing his magic, he would explain to his patient, Billy, what he was doing and why. When the man had drilled into both nerve cavities of the tooth, he then used some very fine wire brush like cleaning files to ensure he had gotten all of the nerve out and the hole was clean. Then, with that done, the dentist injected some nerve-killing fluid to doubly ensure the nerve was completely dead.
When the fluid was injected into the holes the dentist drilled, Billy could not only smell a Clorox type smell he could also taste something akin to Clorox. Mr. Ken could also smell a cleaning like solution and chuckled to himself knowing exactly what that was like as he also had a root canal done when he was younger.
During each and every step the dentist made sure Billy was comfortable with the procedure and knew what he was doing to the tooth. After the doctor was positive the nerves were completely dead, he proceeded to fill them with a special rock-hard compound to give the remaining tooth structure and support as this was a permanent fix to the teen's sensitive tooth.
The Covers were at the dentist's office for almost two full hours when Billy was finally let out of the dentist's chair. The Lidocaine would remain in the teen's gums for another two hours, or so, but it would gradually dissipate and the gum would feel normal again.
Mr. Ken stopped at the receptionist desk and enquired about future appointments. The woman told the man that Bill shouldn't need any more appointments unless he had a problem from the procedure. Mr. Ken smiled at what he heard then he told the woman why he wanted more appointments.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but I have six boys who all need their teeth checked and cleaned and any problems fixed," said a smiling Ken Thomas.
"Wow, six boys! And you are only what ... just out of college?" said the receptionist with a returned smile.
"Yes, six wonderful and growing boys who need their teeth checked and cleaned. Bill here is just one of them. Now ... what openings do you have after school and on weekends?" asked Mr. Ken.
The woman checked her computer and told the owner of The Cove they had late afternoon appointments starting at 4 p.m. with the last one at 5:30 p.m. She did mention they had Saturday appointments, too. She asked him which ones he wanted.
The man and woman agreed upon six more appointments for all of the boys, including Billy, as he too needed a full check-up and cleaning. Mr. Ken then made an appointment for himself during the day, so he or Wayne could be with the boys when they came for their own check-up and cleaning.
Along the way home, Mr. Ken asked Billy if he was interested in checking out his new repaired tooth with a DQ ice cream. Billy smiled at the question, and then asked if he'd even be able to taste it with his mouth still numb. Mr. Ken told him, "Nothing ventured; nothing gained."
The stop at the Covers favorite ice cream store went well for Billy. His mouth had begun to return to its normal feeling, so he did taste the vanilla ice cream. But it was still a bit awkward for the teen as the one side of his mouth was still a bit numb. The good thing was he no longer felt any discomfort when the cold hit that one particular tooth.
When Mr. Ken and Billy returned to The Cove, Mr. Wayne and Robert, who had just come back from a visit to Doctor Doug, greeted them, and the first thing they asked Billy was how his tooth felt. That brought about more questions and answers as the four walked into the Study.
Mr. Chris came into the Study about the same time and he asked the same questions Mr. Wayne and Robert had just asked, so the Q&A started all over again. Billy was enjoying his being the center of attention.
"Oh, Robert, before I forget. You, my son, have a 4:30 appointment today at the dentist's office. I'll drive you there in a bit. The sooner I get all of you boys into the dentist chair and have your teeth checked and cleaned the better it will be for all of us. Your 'brothers', by the way, will also begin going there starting tomorrow. Any questions?" finished the teen's dad.
Robert told his dad he understood and would be ready when he was. The teen told his dad he'd be up in his room and to text him when he wanted him to come down to leave for the dentist's appointment.
Mr. Chris came to the Study to tell his employer about what he learned from the sailing instructor. When given the opportunity, Mr. Chris told Mr. Ken that the sailing instructor said he would prefer not to add another student as even with seven, he would be spread a bit thin.
The Estate Manager then added that if Mr. Ken was willing to add an additional instructor, he could add at least three more students and make it ten, five per instructor. But that he could take on five so there would be six students for each instructor, as long as they all had the Texas Boater Safety Course before the instruction began.
That information surprised Mr. Ken. He and his two employees sat and talked about the possibility of adding three, four, or five more students to Matthew's sailing lessons. It was Mr. Wayne who asked if Charles was really committed to taking the course and who else might want to join in. The Estate Master then asked how much more the additional instructor would cost.
Mr. Chris had that information. He told his boss that the additional instructor would cost an additional $1200.00 for six sailing lessons for up to five more students. Wayne Mitchell whistled when he heard the additional cost. He then looked over to his employer with a knowing smile.
"OK. I guess I'll need to talk to Charles about him taking sailing lessons, and ... if he thought any of his buddies would want to join him," offered Mr. Ken.
Mr. Wayne asked him if he was going to tell the new boys that the cost of the sailing lessons would be what the other boys would pay. Mr. Ken said that to be fair he would, but if none of Charles' friends wanted to jump in on the opportunity, he would not add his son to the mix.
That was the first time Mr. Chris heard that Mr. Ken was subsidizing the sailing lessons. The man knew his boss did stuff such as that, so he didn't say anything. He just made a mental note that when he wrote the check it would be for much more than he originally thought.
"Chris, no matter how many boys wind up taking the sailing lessons, I will collect the money from them, and then we'll pay the instructor," announced Mr. Ken. "I'm not sure what we'll do with the money I collect, but I'll figure it out."
Chris thanked his employer for clarifying that for him. The Estate Manager told the man he was curious as to how the instructor would be paid and now that he knew what his boss had planned, he now understood what to expect. Mr. Wayne just gave another knowing smile to what he heard.
Mr. Chris also told the owner of The Cove that he learned that the lockers were indeed coming unassembled and should arrive by Tuesday of the following week. Mr. Chris said the sixty half-height lockers would arrive in at least twenty boxes and they would be very heavy, since they were made of steel and were painted the colors they asked for.
The other Cover boys had come home from school, while the men talked, and when they saw Billy in the Study, they quickly pulled him to the Kitchen Nook, so they could have their after-school snack. Billy sent Matthew up to get Robert.
Mr. Ken came to get Robert and the other boys wanted to know where they were going. When Robert told his 'brothers' he was going to the dentist, the twins cringed. It was then Mr. Ken told them they were going to visit the dentist tomorrow at four and 4:30 p.m.
When Kevin asked if they really had to go, 'dad' Ken told the twin it was either then or Saturday morning. The twins did their 'twin talk' and then Kyle announced that tomorrow would be OK. The other Covers laughed at the twin's decision to go tomorrow rather than Saturday morning, which would require them to get up early and not sleep in.
Matthew asked when he was going and he was told he would go Friday at four with Charles taking the 4:30 slot. Matthew thanked his 'dad' for taking care of him and he kiddingly said he'd see if he could get a few more cavities before he went. Everyone laughed and then dad and son left for the dentist's office. Billy added he would go again on Monday, after school, to get his teeth cleaned.
After dinner that night, the talk in the study initially focused on Billy's and Robert's dentist appointments and what it was like. Billy told them about having his gum numbed and then not feeling anything while the dentist performed the root canal.
Robert told his 'brothers' how they took a full mouth x-ray before being seated in the dentist's chair. The teenager then told how the doctor told the technician some sort of code as to what the tooth condition represented. Robert further explained how the dentist cleaned his teeth and then polished them.
The twins wanted to know if it hurt. Robert told them that a few times as the dentists scraped some tartar off the teeth he had to scrape between the tooth and gum and it did sting some. Robert told his 'brothers' that his teeth felt really smooth now and he was glad his dad made the appointment. The teen finished by saying he had another appointment to start getting some cavities fixed, too.
The Covers reviewed the travel status of the Pavilion accessories, the finishing of the Pavilion floor and the eventual completion of the skate park itself, the upcoming Memorial Day Picnic, and the building of the lockers.
That last item brought up another discussion.
"Boys, Bill here asked me ... well, his friends, Jamie and Gabe, asked him to ask me if their brothers could also help build the lockers when they come in. I told Bill that by adding four more boys to the mix it would also affect you, and that we needed to talk about it as a group before I said yes.
"So, boys ... tell me what you think about adding Jameson, Jonathan, Xavier and Damian, did I get their names right Bill, to the mix," said Mr. Ken.
When the question was asked, the five younger Covers all began talking to one another about what they each thought. Mr. Ken and Billy listened to their conversations, as best they could, as the boys heard each other's ideas about the four other boys joining in and helping build the lockers. When the boys were satisfied with what they each thought, they turned to their 'dad' and Robert began to speak.
"Dad ... the big questions we have are when would we get to build the lockers and... will there be enough tools for all of us to use, you know, to build them? We don't have a problem with them helping, since they will be coming to the picnic anyway, but ... well, I think the timing is important.
"Let me explain. If they help one weekend and then don't come over the next, but they come for the picnic the following weekend ... wouldn't it be sort of ... awkward?" explained Robert.
Mr. Ken thought about it for a few moments and then looked to Billy for his input. Billy heard the question, but he never figured the onus would be put back on him. The teenager thought fast and said he didn't think the boys would mind.
Billy explained that Jamie and Gabe told him their brothers couldn't stop talking about coming over to The Cove, and this would give them something to look forward to. Billy added that it could take more than two full days to put together all of the lockers. It was then he asked Mr. Ken how many lockers they were going to be putting together.
Mr. Ken smiled and told the boys there were sixty half-height lockers they had to not only put together, but they also had to stand them up and mount them to the back wall of the Pavilion. Their 'dad' added that Mr. Chris expected them to be delivered sometime next Tuesday and there could be as many as twenty boxes of parts and pieces.
The boys all began talking to one another after hearing how many lockers they had to build, stand up and mount to the Pavilion's back wall. Mr. Ken let them talk for a few minutes before asking them to listen to him.
"Boys ... the question is ... do you want to allow Jamie and Gabe's four brothers to help us put the lockers together. None of us have ever done something like this before and it might take us all day Saturday, just to get into a rhythm. And by then the day will be over and we'll have to start all over again on Sunday.
"So worst-case scenario is ... it will take us three weekend days to put all sixty half-height lockers together. And, I remind you, that during all that time, there will be no skateboarding on the ramps, period," remarked 'dad' Ken.
"Dad ... if there are sixty half-height lockers, doesn't that mean that ... that there are actually only thirty lockers?" asked Robert.
Dad Ken thought about it for a few moments and then agreed that there were only thirty full-sized lockers to build. He added that with there being sixty half-height lockers there would be many more additional screws and fasteners to deal with. Mr. Ken then put that discussion to rest until the lockers actually arrived.
"So, boys ... do we add four boys or not?" asked 'dad' Ken.
The boys looked at one another and, in the end, they said Jamie and Gabe's brothers could help. Hearing that put Billy at ease. Now he could tell his friends, their brothers could help and it might be as soon as the following weekend, as the coming weekend they were going to the Texas Boater Safety Course.
As the boys began to head up to their rooms, to wind down from their day and then get ready for bed, dad Ken asked Charles to remain. That stopped the rest of the Cove boys in their tracks. They wanted to know why their 'dad' was holding Charles back.
Mr. Ken didn't say anything to the boys coming back into the Study. When they were all settled, he asked Charles how serious he was in taking sailing lessons. That question surprised Matthew and he had a bunch of questions, but 'dad' Ken told him to wait.
Charles told his dad he thought it would be fun to learn to sail and to just go out on the lake, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet a sailboat gives. Mr. Ken again asked how serious his son was and if he thought any of his friends were interested in taking sailing lessons, along with him.
Charles asked how many of his friends could join him. Dad Ken told Charles that the instructor would not just add one more student to Matthew's group. The boy's dad told the teenager that he needed three, four or five more students and they would pay the same as Matthew's friends would pay and they all needed the Texas Boater Safety Course.
Mr. Ken then added if Charles and up to four of his friends wanted to take the sailing lessons the instructor would add a second person to help with the instruction. Mr. Ken then asked Charles to talk to his friends and he told the teen how much each boy would pay. The boy's dad also told his son that the instruction would be for six straight days, except Sunday, beginning right after school let out for the summer.
Charles said since the class would begin in about four or five weeks that he'd talk to his friends at school tomorrow, so they could talk to their parents later that night. Matthew still had questions, but 'dad' Ken told him he'd answer then later in his room.
The whole time the conversations in the Study were happening, Mr. Wayne just sat back and listened and learned how his employer handled the boys and the situations that come up. He'd worked for Ken Thomas since well before the Holidays and he was amazed at how easy the man dealt with his sons and foster boys, with never having any kids of his own. The Estate Master hoped he'd be able to deal with the boys in the same manner.
Mr. Ken did answer Matthew's questions about the sailing lessons and how Charles and his friends would affect him and his friends. 'Dad' Ken told him that was why they would add a second instructor, but only if there were at least three more students. Mr. Ken told the boy not to worry about the sailing lessons, but to just look forward to them as soon as school was out.
The Cover men stopped and visited with all six boys before Mr. Wayne headed home to his own apartment. Mr. Ken said his goodnights to his Estate Master before heading to his own retreat and ultimately bed.
The Cover household had a very quiet night.
The next day at the high school, Gabe and Jamie asked Billy how his dentist appointment went. They then asked about their brothers helping to put the lockers together. They were ecstatic to learn that their brothers could indeed help build the lockers.
Billy told his friends that it might take three weekend days, but they weren't sure and wouldn't really know until they started putting the lockers together. Bill did tell his friends that they expected around twenty boxes of parts, pieces, fasteners, and steel locker fronts, sides, and backs.
At Charles's school, when he asked his friends if they ever thought of taking sailing lessons, they all told him that none of them had ever thought about it. Charles told them he could add himself and at least two but not more than four more to Matthew's class, and there would be two instructors for up to ten to twelve students.
Charles asked his friends to think about it and then to talk to their parents. The Cover told them the six sailing lessons would only cost them $100.00 each for all six lessons. Charles also told them the course would be held at The Cove and would take place as soon as school was out for six straight days. Charles added they would need life vests, gloves, boat/water shoes, safety headgear, and sunscreen and his dad would provide the wetsuits.
After school, and after the boys had their after-school snack, Mr. Ken took Kevin and Kyle over to the dentist, to have their teeth checked and be cleaned. Each twin was apprehensive about going to the dentist, after what they went through when they lived with their real parents.
The dentist and his staff were made aware of the twin's apprehension and the reason why. When the twins arrived, the technicians took them separately to have their bitewing x-rays done and made them as relaxed as they possibly could.
When the dentist was ready for them, he asked the boys which one wanted to go first. The boys played a two-out-of-three game of Rock-Paper-Scissors in order to decide which one went first. Kyle lost and had to go before his older twin, Kevin.
Twenty minutes later, Kyle came out to the front reception area laughing with the doctor. Kevin was surprised at what he was seeing, so the twin-talked to his brother. Kyle told him it wasn't anything like what they had with their mom and dad, and even if sometimes the doctor scraped his gums, he was glad he had his teeth cleaned.
The downside, Kyle told his brother, was that he has four cavities and he would have to come back and get some fillings in all of them. Kyle then told his twin not to be scared, as the dentist will explain everything, as he is doing it and the polish he used tasted like oranges.
The dentist watched the twins do what looked like they were talking to one another, but not saying anything out loud. He went over to Mr. Ken and asked him if he saw what he was seeing and wanted to know if he knew about it. Mr. Ken said they're twins and they know each other's thoughts. Then the foster dad laughed.
Kevin went next and twenty minutes later he came out of the back area and was all smiles. He ran to Mr. Ken and thanked him for finding a dentist that doesn't hurt. The doctor heard that and he smiled at Mr. Ken who gave the man a thumbs-up. The Covers went directly home as Momma Maria was waiting dinner on them as they had to go buy wetsuits after they ate.
After dinner the eight Covers loaded into the van and headed over to Mr. Gray's where Mr. Ken bought the wetsuits before and the water toys which were out in the cove.
Along the way, Mr. Ken said, "Boys, I didn't plan on Bill having a toothache. That was why we didn't go to Mr. Gray's last night. I did call Mr. Gray earlier today to arrange a special time for us to shop tonight. We are on our way there now."
"Thank you for staying open late for me, Mr. Gray. My boys seem to keep growing and it appears ... that I need a few more wetsuits, but in bigger sizes, this time," laughed Mr. Ken.
"'Dad', is this where they sell those water trampolines and seesaws?" asked Matthew.
Hearing that perked Mr. Gray right up. He knew he'd make a sale that evening, he just didn't know how much a sale he'd make until he heard the young boy's question to Mr. Thomas.
"Yes, young man I also sell the water toys. I sold two of them just last year to Mr. Thomas, here. Who may I ask are you?" asked Mr. Gray.
"I'm Mr. Ken's 'son', Matthew. Well, his foster son, that is," qualified Matthew.
"So, Mr. Thomas, you acquired a few more ... 'sons'?" teased Mr. Gray.
"Yes, I adopted two of the boys, Robert and Charles, over there. I also have four foster sons, now. You already met Matthew, then there are the twins, Kevin and Kyle, and lastly Bill. They have all grown and thus they need bigger wetsuits. So, let's take a look at those, first.
"Robert, Bill go ahead and try on the larger size wetsuits and see how they fit. While you do that, I'll have Mr. Gray show Matthew the water toys book. That way he can look through it and try to find the water toy he thinks the younger boys would like.
"Remember, Matthew, you and your friends are growing and, in a year, or two ... they may not want to play on what they might consider a 'kids' toy," finished 'dad' Ken.
Matthew said he understood what he meant, but then the youngster turned it around and told his 'dad' he could get a few more foster boys who are younger than him. That made both men laugh and then a smiling Mr. Gray showed Matthew the water toys book.
Robert and Bill came out of the changing room wearing their wetsuits. Robert wanted to show his dad that the one he had was a tad larger than he really needed, but he said he felt if he grew some more it would probably fit just right by late summer or by next year, for sure. The teen then told his dad that Eric would probably need that size, too, and for him to get two of that size wetsuits.
Bill said he'd never worn anything like that before and he wasn't too sure he wanted to. He said the rubber cut into his groin and his 'junk' didn't feel very comfortable. Mr. Ken chuckled and told Bill he needed a bigger size. Mr. Gray gave the fifteen-year-old the next larger size and had him try that one on.
Matthew, the twins, and Charles were looking through the book full of different types of water toys, while Robert and Bill tried on their wetsuits. They saw the water toy types Mr. Ken had already purchased. They were now looking for something that would add to all the boys' fun out in the cove.
When Mr. Ken walked over to see what the boys were looking at, Matthew saw him and showed his 'dad' the water toy called Rock-It. The eleven-year-old told Mr. Ken that it came in two sizes, but he felt the larger one would be best for all the boys, even if his 'dad' got some younger foster boys. Mr. Ken bopped the boy when he heard that.
"'Dad', this is what we used at that one stop when we were on our cruise. It was fun bouncing up and down and you could be thrown off if you lost your hold. I think it would be fun for everyone," argued Matthew.
By then the two older Cover teens came over and looked at what Matthew was showing their 'dad'. Robert said he remembered playing on that one Matthew liked. He said it was fun and with heavier boys, they could really toss someone far. Mr. Ken didn't want to hear that, but he knew if he was a young teen, he'd be doing that too.
"So, what I am hearing is ... is that you guys want me to buy that one ... Rock-It. What about the other water toys you saw in the book? Was there any other water toy you liked just as well as the Rock-it?" asked 'dad' Ken.
The five boys all looked at Matthew. It was his idea and he was the one who sort of convinced their 'dad' to buy something new for the cove. Matthew said he liked the Rock-It and he felt it would add to the fun. The youngster then asked if they could come back after school was out and look again. Everyone laughed.
Mr. Gray made a much bigger sale that evening than he ever thought he would. The man also told Mr. Ken he could deliver the new water toy that weekend and have it set up. Mr. Gray also asked if that teenager who took care of the beach could be there, as well, so that way he could see how it is installed as he had done last year. Mr. Ken pulled out his phone and called Todd and gave him the good news.
The Covers stopped at their favorite ice cream store on their way home. They sat there talking about the wetsuits, the new water toy and how things were shaping up for The Cove, and what the summer would be like for the boys.
Robert was chosen to give Chief her cold treat when they returned home. Robert marched right into the house and called out to Chief. He told the resident dog that he had her treat and if she sat for him, he'd give it to her. So, Chief sat right down.
Chief then immediately jumped right up onto Robert and began to give him many doggie kisses. The rest of the Covers laughed hard at what Chief pulled on Robert. The teenager had to fend Chief off, so he could put the cup of vanilla ice cream down on the floor.
The Covers met in the Study, as was their routine. While there, 'dad' Ken told the boys to tell their friend who was spending the night to arrive after dinner. He reminded them to have their friend also bring their swimsuit, towel and for the ones going to the safety course the clothes they were going to wear.
'Dad' Ken added that the boys going to the course needed to be up by 7 a.m. and be showered, dressed, and fed before they left for the safety course by 7:30. The boys said they understood.
The boys headed up to their rooms to relax before going to bed. Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne stayed back to talk about what was happening around The Cove.
Mr. Wayne was curious to know how Mr. Ken saw the summer would unfold with all the things the boys were already involved in. The Estate Master asked when the trip to visit the amusement parks would be scheduled now that Matthew, and possibly Charles, would be taking sailing lessons right after school ended.
Mr. Ken sighed and replied that he was flummoxed over the simple changes the sailing lessons had already put into the trip. The owner of The Cove said the trial could last weeks and that could delay the trip even further. Mr. Ken added he didn't know if the trial would interfere with the sailing lessons if it lasted until school was over.
The two men discussed alternatives for the trip and sailing lessons. They also discussed the boys continuing to visit Doctor Doug over the summer and what they would do if the boys needed more dental work than they initially thought.
Mr. Ken said they would adjust as needed, but the trip had to be a priority. He told Wayne that he already has the amusement parks primed for their visit, and his travel group working on a very fluid schedule for the plane and hotels.
Wayne then asked if Collin was going to go with them to the amusement parks. Mr. Ken revealed that Collin has already made major plans to visit his manufacturing plants, but would try to meet up with them at least by Crystal Lake.
Mr. Ken added that Collin wanted him to go along as he visited all of the plants, as the two did a few years ago. But Mr. Ken said he had to beg out seeing he had six boys who were counting on him to be there for them.
The men went up to visit with the boys before it got too late. They visited each boy separately and could tell that the boys really enjoyed that private time they spent with each man. When all the boys had been told goodnight, Mr. Wayne headed back to his apartment.
Another quiet night was had at Three Finger Cove.
Comments are encouraged and appreciated. Just use the email address listed at the top of the page.