It was late morning when Charles and Robert went outside to wait for their friends to arrive. They decided to wait at the Main Gate and as they waited, they continued to talk about the previous evening's tour and the more they talked about it, and the more the other said, the more they remembered seeing. They couldn't wait to talk to their friends about how they saw their tour at the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters.
Camm was the first lad to arrive. His mom was dropping him off but when she saw Charles and Robert waiting, she parked her car and went over to talk to the lads.
"Hello, boys," charmingly said Joyce Cambelle through the gate bars.
"Hello," both boys replied, simultaneously.
Joyce made small talk with the two Covers but eventually came around to asking how Mr. Ken was doing that day. The boys told her he was working with the new Estate Manager and would probably be busy the rest of the day as Mr. Chris had a lot to learn. Joyce wasn't too happy that she couldn't get Ken Thomas to 'come out and play' but she thought that maybe later when she picked Camm up.
Camm watched as his mom and Charles and Robert talked. He had heard his mom talk with and about other men before and some of what she said did sound familiar. He figured that was how she talked to all adults so he dismissed it.
Now that Camm had arrived, the three lads exchanged their take on last evening's tour. Camm's take on the rescue boats was interesting, as he saw things onboard one of the four Rescue boats that the other two boys had missed. Camm told them of seeing a depth finder, a 36-mile radar unit, night vision goggles and an infrared camera mounted at the operator's console. He also noted there was a two-way radio with loads of channels and controls for a siren and emergency lights. Camm also said the boat was listed at almost 40 foot long and was about 15 feet wide and there was an occupancy plaque stating it could handle up to 15 people. Camm also told Charles and Robert he saw they also had a bathroom which also had a hand held shower attachment.
As Camm was talking about his take on the 40 foot Rescue boat, Brad and Josh had signed in and walked over to where the three lads were talking. They heard their conversation and Josh added that the inside lower level bench seats could also be made into platforms for injured people or for rescue volunteers to rest. He also said he saw the boat did have a fairly large refrigerator for water and sandwiches, he figured.
More and more of the Covers friends began to arrive and they also joined in the conversation about the rescue boats at the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters. Other lads also remembered seeing that on one of the two newer rescue boats that it had a drop front that they guessed could be used if the boat landed at a shore and could more easily load gear and or people. One lad thought it could be used for dropping off divers.
By the time all of Charles and Robert's friends arrived at The Cove, the lads had talked about the amount of First Aid equipment boxes that were onboard, that both newer boats had sun covers over the rear sections to protect the volunteers and any rescued people. But the lads' biggest surprise observation was from Sam, Chuck's younger brother.
"Guys did you notice the fire nozzles hooked up on either front side of the larger rescue boat, and the one that was on top of the cabin?" asked Sam.
Some of the older lads said they hadn't seen anything like that and that they didn't even remember hearing either of the tour guides saying anything about them. But some of the other lads did say they remember seeing a metal pipe sticking up at the front sides of that boat but they didn't know what they were for.
Hearing that, Sam told the lads that he asked Mr. Lamake about them as they were leaving that boat. Sam told the boys that Mr. Lamake told him they indeed were fire cannons and could pump up to 1500 gallons of lake water a minute. Sam also told them that the larger boat also had structure scan sonar, a 5kw generator for added electrical power, as well as broadband radar.
Sam's observation and knowledge impressed all of the boys and they patted him on the back for seeing that and telling them all about it. Then, as the lads walked down to the skateboard ramps, some of them mentioned how they might want to be a rescue volunteer when they got older.
Just as the lads arrived at the skateboard ramps, Robert told them he had an announcement to make. He then told the gang about Mr. Chris being the new Estate Manager and that if they saw a man walking around using a metal leg that it was probably him. He told the group that Mr. Chris had been injured while at war in either Iraq or Afghanistan and they were not to stare at his leg nor ask him any questions. The lads just talked lightly amongst themselves about that turn of events.
"At least I won't have to deal with that old witch," then spoke up Robert.
After hearing what Robert just said, most of the lads all laughed as they all now understood what Robert meant. But, since Sam and Terran and Camm, of course, were recent additions to the group, Robert took the time to explain who Mildred Johnston was and what she did to him. Then, he told them how the courts let her off too easy but that he was planning to sue her for what she did. That brought a rousing cheer from the gang.
The lads then got their skateboards out and began to share the ramps.
"Hey, Robert … when are they coming to pick up all these fire extinguishers?" asked Cody.
"I'm not too sure Cody. 'Dad' didn't say anything, but of course he was busy with that Smokey thing and everything associated with that. But, they'll probably pick them up sometime this week," replied Robert.
It was while the lads were enjoying the ramps, Mr. Chris came out to watch and also talk to Charles. When he saw that Charles wasn't taking a turn on the ramps, he called over to the lad and asked him if could come over to talk to him. Charles reluctantly walked over to the man.
"Charles … I came out here to talk to you and … and I want to apologize to you for walking in on you this morning while you changed. I really am truly sorry about that. That is something I do to both of my kids and … well, I just did it on instinct. I didn't know that Mr. Ken had a procedure for not making a mess of things by walking in on someone who may NOT be presentable at the moment.
"Mr. Ken fully explained to me how the Three-Knock Rule worked and I promise I will be sure to use it if there is ever a need for me to be upstairs. But, I didn't come out to discuss the Rule but … well, I came out here to ask you to forgive me and to tell you that I will work hard on gaining you and Robert's trust of me, as the summer progresses," finished Chris Dominions, as he held out his hand to shake.
Charles looked into the man's eyes and saw some pleading in them and so decided to shake the man's hand and give him his one and only chance with him. "Once bitten, twice shy", thought Charles as he shook the man's hand.
Then, Charles thought about what Robert had said earlier about Mr. Chris being new, almost as new as he was, so he decided to ask Mr. Chris, "You're as new here as I am. So … what say you come over and meet all the kids you'll probably see around here most of the time? This way they can meet you and you can at least get to meet them. What do you say, Mr. Chris?"
Chris smiled at the directness of the youngster, but also recognized what the youth was attempting to do, so he figured that then was as good a time as any. With that, he told Charles he'd be happy to meet their friends.
"Hey guys," yelled out Charles, as he and Mr. Chris walked over towards the ramps, "I want you all to meet Mr. Chris, he's the new Estate Manager. He's as new here as I am. I arrived Wednesday night and he came to The Cove Thursday during the Carnival, but today … it is his first day on the job. Now, I want to introduce you to him, so he has an idea of who you all are. Okay? Then line up. Robert you're last," teased Charles.
The lads got into line and Charles introduced them to Mr. Chris. He told the man their name and about how old they were and the kids all shook his hand. Then surprisingly, Mr. Chris showed the lads his prosthetic leg and explained a little about how he got it and he told them that he was still getting physical therapy for it. He then thanked the boys for meeting him and told them he hoped they all could be friends.
Mr. Ken knew Chris had wanted to apologize to Charles and hadn't gone out with him as he felt the two needed to work through any problem there might be from what happened that morning. When Chris didn't come back after about twenty minutes, Ken Thomas got concerned and walked out to the ramps to see what was happening. When he turned the corner, he saw Charles was introducing the lads to the man and then Chris showed the boys his prosthetic leg. That definitely put a smile on his face with the hope that things would work out between the man and his boys and their friends.
The lads went back to riding the skateboard ramps as Chris walked back to the Foyer door. Along the way, he saw Mr. Ken waiting for him and he saw the smile on his face which told him the man was happy with what he saw.
"Chris … how'd it go out there?" directly asked Ken Thomas.
"It went better than I expected. Charles was a bit shy at first but I think my apology was sincere enough that he accepted it. Then, he eagerly asked me if I wanted to meet the lads who would probably be here most of the time," replied Chris Dominions. "Yes, I think it went well and all those lads are very polite."
Since they were outside, Mr. Ken decided to show Chris around the grounds some more while the sun was shining bright. They continued around to other side of the house so Chris could see the beach better and the docks. When they got to the docks they saw Todd there, along with Ryan, and that they were talking and relaxing. Mr. Ken decided Chris needed to meet Todd, the new Beach Master, so he directed him to walk in that direction. Ryan saw the two men coming, in their direction, so he stood up and told Todd they had company.
"Hello, Mr. Ken, Mr. Chris," offered Ryan.
"Hi there Ryan," replied Mr. Ken. "I brought Mr. Chris over here to meet Todd, so he knew who the lad was and what his position was here on The Cove."
Then, looking at Todd, he said, "Todd … would you come over here, please. There is someone I need you to meet. … Todd … this is Chris Dominions, who you can call Mr. Chris. He is the new Estate Manager and although you will be working for me; you will also be working for him as he'll be making out the pay checks. He doesn't know your job so I don't think he'll give you too many orders but please listen to what he might have to say if he has any suggestions or comments.
"Ryan … I bet the new title raised your ears a bit, huh. I changed the title this morning but it doesn't change what Chris's job will be here at The Cove. He'll take over Mildred's position and learn on the run as there are many contracts that will be up at the end of the summer. Please help him by answering any questions he has but most importantly … please explain to him what your position is, for now, so he'll know the things Todd will need to ask for as we go through the seasons. In just what you and soon Todd, alone do, there is a smorgasbord of tasks and the costs for fuel.
"Boys, do you have any questions for me and or Mr. Chris?" asked Mr. Ken.
Ryan spoke up and said, "It's not so much a question as an observation and a concern. I was showing Todd how to check the fuel in the Commander and we both noticed the level is down much more than it was before the Carnival. I sure hope that no one is sneaking by here and taking fuel, Mr. Ken."
"Thanks for that observation, Ryan. I took the Commander out last night with the boys and their friends. We eventually went to the Rescue Headquarters and they gave us a tour of the facility. It was at the end of a full day of skateboarding and swimming and of course burgers and dogs. Ryan, you know I built that facility, but that was the first time I ever got a full understanding of what they do and how they do it," explained Mr. Ken.
"What do you want us to do?" asked Todd.
"Well, since you don't have your driver's license yet, Ryan will just have to take you out on the Commander and show you where he gets the fuel for it. He'll explain all the ins and outs of getting the boat ready for departure and arrival and how to fill up the gas tanks. He'll also explain how he uses the special credit card. Oh, that reminds me, I'll need to get that card assigned to you now Todd. Chris if you will make a mental note and Ryan if you also remind me or Mr. Chris later this week to get that done.
"So, Ryan … when you get to a good point in Todd's training, today, please take and show him the ropes for getting the Commander ready for shoving off. Then, show him how to operate it as you head over to top off the tanks. If the boys see you getting ready to leave tell them that is it a training mission and Todd doesn't need any distractions. Then head off.
"Todd … are you learning, pretty much, everything Ryan has been showing you so far? Don't be afraid to say you don't or to even ask questions. I had to train Ryan, so I know what needs to be done, but I need you to know as much, or more than I do, because you'll be here and taking care of the beach, and its equipment, more than I ever will. So, I will be definitely be relying on you," asked Ken Thomas.
"Yes, sir, I believe I do, but I also know I need to do it a few more times so I am comfortable with everything that does have to be taken care of. But, I am confident that by the time Ry goes off to college I'll be proficient and I hope to have my driver's license. Oh, and Mr. Ken … I did pass that online Water Safety Course, so I'll be able to take the PWCs out by myself, soon. Oh, and I know not to go alone unless it is an emergency," cheerfully responded Todd.
Ken smiled at the lads and asked Ryan to make sure the Commander was topped off by the end of the day. Then, he and Chris walked off so Ken Thomas could show his newest employee the rest of the lay of the land.
Ken explained the security contract and how it was being administered and that Chris would need to come up to speed on it by the end of the week, or sooner. Ken Thomas also explained how Danny and Todd took care of the large area away from the main estate grounds, for the last three years. The man explained what the lads did and that Robert and Eric were looking for a way to earn some money, so he may want to give the lads the opportunity to try to do it.
Chris didn't truly understand why this very rich man would want his kids to have to do manual labor. It bothered him enough to make him ask the man if he was serious about letting his kids work at such a menial task.
Mr. Ken laughed at what Chris asked and then apologized for doing so. He explained to Chris that Robert had this internal need to earn his way, to literally earn his own money. Mr. Ken had to explain that the lad was only his foster son and he had an obligation to allow the lad to find out who he was. He told Chris about what Robert said when he found out Ryan was going away to college and hoped he and Eric could get the Beach Master's job. Mr. Ken illuminated how Eric was Robert's best friend and they are like two peas in a pod and that where one is the other wouldn't be too far behind, which was why he suggested those two. Mr. Ken said it would be a test of 'pass or fail' for the lads, but it was not to be one where it is predetermined that they would fail. Chris said he understood what the man wanted.
Back at the dock, Ryan did explain about the pre- and post-care of the Commander and how to deal with the boat bumpers. Todd was a quick study and before long Ryan had Todd fire up the boat in preparation to head out for fuel.
Of Course, Robert heard the Commander's motors fire up so he quickly ran around the corner of the garage to see who was taking the boat out. Seeing Ryan and Todd at the Commander, he figured they all could go along so he told his buds to hurry and get to the dock.
When the boys got there, they were totally disappointed that Mr. Ken had squashed their coming along as Todd needed to learn how to operate the boat and fuel it up. By then the boys were all sweaty and somewhat worn out from boarding so some asked if it was time to go swimming?
Robert knew that was what many of them wanted to do and as he considered telling them to get their suits on, his phone rang. Looking at the caller ID, he saw it was his 'dad' so he quickly answered. The lads watched as their friend talked to his 'dad', wondering if they'd get the chance to swim.
When Robert hung up, he told Charles that Mr. Ken wanted him to meet him up in the Study. He also told his friends that Mr. Chris would be in charge while he and Charles were gone. The teen told his buds that it was getting past lunch time and Momma Maria was out replenishing the pantry, so there were no burgers or dogs for them to heat up and eat. Robert suggested that, if his friends were hungry, they'd have to go home to eat. He said he was sorry about that but there was nothing he could do as there was no food for him to cook.
Camm had gone upstairs to the Study with Charles, so he wasn't there when the gang all decided to head on home to eat. Robert felt bad for what he had to tell his friends, but didn't know what else he could do. His friends called their parents and then he walked his buddies up to the Main Gate. Along the way, he also told them to call him to make sure he was there before they wasted their time coming back. Some of the parents soon began to stop by for their kid after their lads called. After all the lads, except Eric, had left, Robert headed to his 'dad's' Study.
When Mr. Ken saw Robert, along with Eric, enter his Study with the most dejected face he ever had seen, Mr. Ken said, "Robert … what happened to all your friends. I never saw them all leave at one time like that?"
Robert just stood there not knowing how to answer. He never had anything like that happen to him before so he was perplexed over it.
'Dad' Ken saw there was some trouble brewing within Robert, so he went to the lad. He then asked Mr. Chris, Charles, Eric, and Camm to wait outside the Study. He then closed the door and as soon as it closed Robert jumped into his arms and began to cry, hard.
Mr. Ken led Robert to one of the leather chairs and they sat down together. The man left the young teen to cry himself out and when the tears almost stopped, Ken Thomas began talking to his foster son.
"Robert … what happened? Can you please explain to me why all the tears and the long face when you came into my office?" pleaded 'dad' Ken.
Robert still didn't know why he felt the way he did, so he just told his 'dad' he didn't know.
'Dad' Ken knew he needed to get to the bottom of this, so he asked the teen to tell him everything that happened during the day. Robert then began to tell Mr. Ken what he had done.
Out in the Meeting-Reading-Sitting (MRS) room, where Mr. Chris, Charles, Eric, and Camm were waiting, the four started up a conversation. Mr. Chris was trying to get an idea of what was happening, but Charles had to remind the man that this was only his fifth day there. Camm then told the man that this was only his second visit to The Cove. Eric said that although he'd been coming to The Cove for many years, he'd only been friends with Robert since after the Holidays and he'd never seen anything like what was happening with his friend, Robert. Mr. Chris still didn't have any answers and was still at a loss as to what he could do to help.
Inside the Study, Mr. Ken finally got the whole day out of Robert. He had figured that the teen was dismayed that all his friends had to go home and he couldn't do anything about it. It was then Ken Thomas decided that the lad was spending way too much time with his friends and that he was relying on them being there for him, almost every day. It was then 'dad' Ken decided he needed to spend more time with Robert and Charles and start doing more things with his boys.
He pulled Robert to look him in his eyes and then he told the boy what he thought. Robert began to understand what his 'dad' was saying and said he somewhat agreed to what he was saying. The teen then asked if he needed to talk to Doctor Doug about what he was feeling. 'Dad' Ken said that it sounded like a good idea but, in the meantime, he was going to sit down with him and Charles to make some decisions on what they can do together as a family. Hearing that term 'family', Robert smiled for the first time since he entered the Study fifteen minutes earlier. He then jumped into his 'dad's' arms and hugged the man as hard as he could.
'Dad' Ken and Robert came out into the MRS room to a very concerned Chris Dominions and 'brother' and friends.
"Guys, I had planned to take Charles out to do some more shopping today, but now I am also going to take Robert with me. Camm and Eric, you are welcome to come along, since your moms know you were going to be here for most of the day, but it IS up to you. Mr. Chris, I'm going to let you get working on those contracts. Momma Maria will be back when she has bought enough to replenish the pantry. She'll fix you a late lunch when she gets back. Now, I need to call the gate to see if George and Gene are around.
George and Gene were indeed up at the Main Gate and Mr. Ken asked them to bring the special vehicle down to the Foyer door and pick him and the boys and their friends up. It was a tight fit but they exited The Cove as one big happy group.
Their first stop was where Mr. Ken had bought the wetsuits. He wanted to get Charles his wetsuit so the lad could easily go out on the PWCs without having to wait for one of the spares to open up. When they got into the store, Charles began to think about the cost and the chance he'd grow some and then the wetsuit wouldn't fit. 'Dad' Ken told the twelve-year-old to 'can it' and that if he did outgrow it he'd use it for one of their smaller friends.
Mr. Ken also told the store owner to fit up Camm with a wetsuit. Camm began to argue that the man shouldn't spend his money on him, but all Mr. Ken said to the lad was also to 'can it!" He told the lad that as his 'son's' friend he needed a wet suit too, so they could experience things together. He also told Camm that his wetsuit would be relegated to the 'spares' if he didn't use it, or he outgrew it. Camm had a great big smile after hearing what Mr. Ken told him.
While Mr. Ken worked with the store owner and the boys to find the right size wetsuit. Robert and Eric, just for fun and to waste some time, started looking at the large lake water toys. The teenagers looked over yoga water mats, foam floats and lake rafts and water wheels but they all looked too childlike to them. They got the owners attention and asked if there were any larger items he sold. The man directed them to the catalogue of larger items he maintains in his warehouse.
The two teens eagerly went to the catalogue and began their search. They found a 6 person floating island but they didn't like it because it didn't offer them any real interest. They came across the Rave Iceberg Inflatable Climbing Mountain. It looked interesting enough so they looked at the specs. The iceberg was 20'x14'x14′ and would hold up to 8 people. It acted as a rock climbing wall on three sides with a slide on one side. They both liked what they saw.
After finding something they both liked, Robert and Eric continued their search. Their next find was called an Island Runner Log. The description said it had an inflatable log that could be used alone or with a water trampoline. The boys didn't like the floating log idea alone, but when the trampoline was mentioned that peaked their interest. When they found out they were sold separately they knew that would probably be a deal breaker. But, they did like the trampoline idea alone.
They continued their search while Charles and Camm tried on wetsuits. Their next find was a freestanding rope swing. They liked what they saw but it was a bit pricey. So, they continued to look. They found what was called the Saturn water toy but they decided it wouldn't be fun after a few days. They then found the Rave Launch Pad and that looked promising but it too needed extra water add-ons.
Then, they saw it. It was called the Aquaglide Jungle Jim Water Play Station and it had loads of things they could all do at the same time. There was a small pool in the middle, there were lots of climbing places, they saw they could jump off it as well as jump down onto a launching bubble to shoot someone up and out into the water. There was also a slide that was almost as high as the entire structure. They both loved it, but only six people could be on it at the same time.
Mr. Ken slowly walked over to see what Robert and Eric were doing. They told the man they were just looking at the large lake water toys to see what they looked like and how much they cost. He figured they were staying quiet and weren't causing any trouble, so he decided not to interfere with what they were doing. He did stay close, though, so he could listen to what they had to say. He was surprised to learn the two teens were very meticulous in what they liked and they were also very cost conscious in their choices. A few minutes later, it was when he heard their voices get very excited, as they read the specifications, that he figured the lads had found something they really liked.
"Hey, guys …did you find what you were looking for and something within your price range?" teased Mr. Ken.
Robert looked up to his 'dad' and replied, "'Dad', we weren't going to buy anything. We thought it would be fun to see what types of large lake water toys that more of the guys could all enjoy at the same time. We saw some things that looked fun, but not many people could use them at the same time. Then we found one that also looked good but it needed additional things to make it fun for lots of people and that jacked up the cost. Then, we came across this last one. It has loads of things we could all do and at the same time. Here, take a look. We both know the price is way out of line, but it sure looks like it would be fun."
Ken Thomas smiled at the boys and took a look at the Aquaglide Jungle Jim Water Play Station, as it was officially called. He then saw the boys looking at an Inflatable Water Park that again allowed only six people to use it at the same time. He liked the idea that the boys were looking to have something, other than the indoor pool and PWCs, to use for fun. He called the store owner over to talk to him about it.
In the meantime, Charles and Camm found the right size wetsuits for them and were both in the dressing room changing back into their street clothes. Camm got hard again, but this time he didn't hide it. Charles saw Camm's boner and he too got a 'hot rod'. They knew they couldn't play right there but they did hug one another and used their hands to feel the others hot rocket. They smiled as they held onto the others pride and joy but they knew they needed to get dressed. They made sure their boners were standing up in their briefs and their shirts tails were out over their waistbands in order to help hide their hardened member, when they were out walking around. When they exited the dressing room, they took their wetsuits to the register and then went over to where Mr. Ken and the other lads were talking to the store owner.
"Mr. Gray, the boys were looking at both the Aquaglide Jungle Jim Water Play Station and the Inflatable Water Park. What kind of deal can you make me on these?" directly asked the owner of The Cove.
"'Dad', we also liked the Rave Iceberg Inflatable Climbing Mountain. Eight people can be on it at the same time," offered Robert.
"Okay, Mr. Gray … what kind of price can you offer me on any of the three rafts?" was how 'dad' Ken rephrased his question to the store's owner.
"Mr. Thomas, you've been a very good customer of mine, so let me check my books to see what I can do for you," replied Mr. Gray, the store owner.
Robert was very surprised that his 'dad' was actually thinking about buying one of the lake water toys. He went to Mr. Ken and said he didn't intend for him to buy one of them, that he and Eric were just looking to see what was available.
As Mr. Gray went to check his books, Mr. Ken told the lads he never really thought about those types of water toys and he was intrigued now that they had begun to look at them. He then read a bit more about his potential purchases. The more he read the more he noticed the Inflatable Water Park also needed an add-on called the Blast Air Bag. He saw the Bag was used to blast people up into the air and he immediately didn't like the idea. He saw in his mind the person jumping onto the bag slipping and hitting wrong and breaking an arm or leg, or the Blaster not going out but up and coming down and hitting it wrong and injuring themselves.
"Boys, did you know this Inflatable Water Park also recommended the Blast Air Bag?" asked Mr. Ken, of Robert and Eric.
"I saw it 'dad'. I thought it would be fun to be blasted off the bag into the air," smiled Robert as he answered his 'dad"s question.
Mr. Ken just smiled back at his 'son' and continued reading; then, he paged through the catalogue a little further. In doing so, he then came across a bigger version of the Jungle Jim. It was called the Aquaglide Jungle Joe II. He read through the specifications and he liked what he saw so he called the lads over to take a look at it.
"We already looked at that one, 'dad'," announced Robert.
"I don't think you did. This is the Jungle Joe, NOT the Jungle Jim," now smiled Mr. Ken.
Hearing the name difference, Robert and Eric came over and began looking at the inflatable. They then paged back to the other one which was when they saw some big differences. The biggest difference was in the overall size. The Jungle Joe was 21.6 feet long by 15 feet wide and 12 feet high and cane handle up to ten people while the Jungle Jim was only 9.5 feet Long x 8.8 feet Wide x 6.9 feet High and could only handle up to six people. By that time Charles and Camm came over to see what the other boys were looking at. Robert and Eric let them look at the two different water toys and the two new friends liked what they saw in the Jungle Joe.
The store owner came back to talk to Mr. Ken and told him the prices he could sell the Jungle Jim, the Rave Iceberg Inflatable Climbing Mountain, and/or the Inflatable Water Park for. It was then Mr. Ken said that after seeing the Jungle Joe II he was more interested in it, now. Mr. Gray smiled at the man's inquiry over the much bigger water toy and said he'd be right back.
The lads continued to search through the catalogue and it was then they realized they would need a way to inflate the water toy so they looked for an air pump. They found one that not only inflated the water toys but would also deflate them at the end of the swimming season. They called Mr. Ken over and showed him what they found and then told him why they found it. The man had to now laugh as this lake water toy business was beginning to add up in a hurry. Thinking about it, he said to himself, "It's ONLY money!"
Mr. Gray came back with a big smile on his face and this time he had the price for the Jungle Joe. Hearing what it would cost, Mr. Ken asked how much to add the air pump. This time, Mr. Gray asked Ken Thomas to go with him so he could make it easier to talk about the water toys and prices.
Robert and Eric continued to look through the water toy catalogue while Charles and Camm just wandered through the store. Camm had never been in a store such as that one so everything he looked at was all so new to him. He came across what he thought were inner tubes but upon reading further he learned they were the kind that got towed behind a speed boat or Jet Ski or even a WaveRunner. He called Charles over to show him and asked what he thought about maybe Mr. Ken getting some of those.
Over near the register, Mr. Ken and Mr. Gray were in a serious discussion about inflatable water toys. Mr. Ken liked the idea of something totally different for his boys to have fun on but he didn't want to over pay for them. Mr. Gray saw lots of dollar signs in that sale and was reluctant to reduce the price too much. It took Mr. Ken about thirty minutes to wear Mr. Gray down to finally get a great price. They shook hands over the deal and Mr. Gray promised to deliver the water toys at about ten o'clock the next morning.
The four lads saw that the men had reached an agreement so they walked over to where they were. Mr. Ken told the boys that Mr. Gray was a great salesman. Mr. Gray followed that by complimenting Mr. Thomas by saying the man was a great negotiator and got the water toys for a good price. Before leaving, the lads picked up the two new wetsuits and took them out to the vehicle where Mr. George and Mr. Gene waited. Next stop a skateboard store.
George drove directly over to a dedicated skateboard store. He found a parking space out front and after he turned off the vehicle, Mr. Ken, Mr. Gene, and the four lads got out and walked right into the store. Upon entering, Charles' eyes opened wide. Even Robert was surprised over the super large selection his 'brother' would have.
Charles didn't know where to begin. There were way too many products to look at and then there were all the parts that could be bought to build a skateboard from the wheels up. Mr. Ken saw that Charles was overwhelmed with so many options, so he directed the lad over to where pre-built skateboards were ready to buy and immediately taken home.
Even at the pre-built skateboard wall, the twelve-year-old couldn't decide where to begin his search. There were different board widths, different sized wheels, side rails, grip tape, and of course board designs.
A salesperson came over to the large group hoping he was going to make a very large sale that evening. He was a bit disappointed that only one lad was going to be getting a new skateboard but he hoped the others might pick up some accessories.
The sales person asked Charles just to pick a board off the wall and try it on for size. Charles checked out the three different board deck sizes but he told Mr. Ken the full-size deck felt the best of the three. They proceeded to check out the different profile height of the trucks. Charles liked the MID profile height since it gave him more options for where he rode. Wheels were the next option to choose and since Charles just turned twelve the salesperson recommended the 52mm wheels and a 96a hardness since the lad would be on ramps most of the time.
With the major components chosen, the salesperson showed Charles where on the display he could pick the board design he liked. Charles now had Robert, Eric, and Camm telling him which design he should pick. After about five minutes of the lads 'helping' Charles, Mr. Ken asked them to 'cool it' and to let him pick the one he liked best. He then told the boys to look at the accessories they might like for their own boards. They did not hesitate one bit as they headed off in that direction.
"Charles, take your time and choose which design you would like," encouraged Mr. Ken. "As you mentioned, a few times to me already, you might grow and if you do we'll just have to come back and get another skateboard."
The twelve-year-old smiled at his new foster father and then hugged the man and thanked him for being the best 'dad' ever. Charles then took one last look at the potential skateboards he could choose from and then picked out a Santa Cruz Whaley Humpback. Charles now had his own personal skateboard and he would no longer have to borrow one. His smile said it all.
The man and boy walked over to where the other three lads were to see what they would like for their own skateboards. Each boy had chosen an all-in-one skateboard tool and new colorful side rails. Seeing what they picked, Mr. Ken got the same for Charles. With that all done, Ken Thomas took out his credit card and paid for the lad's purchases and the group headed out to the vehicle.
As they were driving away, Robert's phone rang. He saw by the Caller ID that it was Chuck so he quickly answered it. Everyone, in the vehicle, heard his side of the conversation and they could figure out what was being said on the other side by the way Robert answered. It was when Robert put the phone aside and when he asked his 'dad' a question, they knew exactly what the caller wanted.
"Robert, it is getting close on 5:30 and we haven't finished our shopping yet. How about telling Chuck that we'll have a big, no … make that a huge surprise for all the guys late tomorrow morning. Ask him to call the rest of the guys and tell them that we'll see them tomorrow and for them to make sure they definitely bring their swimsuits," explained Mr. Ken.
Robert was real happy that they'd have the big Jungle Joe and the Climbing Wall to play on tomorrow, so he didn't have any problem telling Chuck they still had more shopping to do and wouldn't probably be back until after dinner. He had to laugh as Chuck tried to pry out the big surprise for the morning but he didn't spill the beans and hung up.
"Guys, there is only one major item I still need to buy for Charles and that is luggage. But as you can see, we don't have much room with seven of us in this vehicle, so I suggest we head back to The Cove and go for a swim … in the lake. That way Charles and Camm can try out their new wetsuits and if Ryan is still there we can maybe get out the towing tubes and have some fun. What do you think?" enthusiastically asked Mr. Ken.
The lads were all for that, so Mr. George headed back to Three Finger Cove.