"Bill, this is an example of what our evening meetings are all about. We discuss upcoming events and get them out in the open. We may even talk about them for many days, or weeks beforehand, so everyone is aware of what's coming up. Everyone here at The Cove is involved in the majority of the things we do.
"One exception was the skate park. It was a Christmas present for the boys, and I didn't want them to know about it until Christmas Day. There are many things that go on here at The Cove, and I want you to be a part of each and every one of them.
"So, when you hear me talk about them make sure you make plans to take part and not schedule something that is contrary. That is unless you're involved in a sport, or an after school activity. OK?
"Oh, and since we'll be working on the Easter Egg Roll all afternoon on Saturday, what say I take you out for your new wardrobe afterwards. Or, maybe we could do it tomorrow night? Your choice! It will also give us time to get to know one another better. You going to be OK with that?" finished Mr. Ken.
Bill said that it sounded good to him. He added he hadn't had any new clothes for quite some time, and he was looking forward to having at least a few of the new sets of clothes like the other kids were wearing. Mr. Ken told the teenager he would get to pick out what he wanted to wear, and all he'd get to do was pay for them. That put a big smile on the new foster son's face.
Mr. Ken then asked Bill if he had any questions. Not getting any from Bill, the man told the teen that he'd been bombarded with so much, the past few hours, that he may be a bit confused over everything.
Bill told his new foster dad that he probably was a bit confused over things, but he wanted some time to think about them, and to try to get them straight in his mind. The teenager added that Robert and the other boys could help him out, and, as Mr. Ken said, they talk about things often in their after dinner meetings.
The Cover boys waited until Billy came up to his bedroom. They wanted to talk to him some before bed. They asked him what he thought about The Cove, so far. They also wanted to know if their 'dad' had given him two weeks to decide if he wanted to stay, or have Ms. Judy find him another home.
Billy was surprised at the questions, but he was also relieved they didn't ask him why he was now living with them and Mr. Ken. He told the boys he was surprised by the big house and all the things they had to do there, especially the indoor pool. All the boys laughed at that. The boys then began telling him some of the things Mr. Ken had done for them, and that he'd be treated the same as they had.
The boys also revealed that their 'dad' had given each of them those same two weeks to decide if they wanted to stay, or leave. They told their new 'brother' that they all decided to stay. Kevin added that they knew of no kid who didn't stay. All the Cover boys laughed.
Matthew then told Billy about Caroline and what she tried to do to him. All the Cover boys who were there during that time told their new foster 'brother' how they saw what Caroline did and how she didn't even try to fit into The Cove. Billy had to smile at hearing how the thirteen-year-old girl tried to have sex with Robert and Charles, as well.
As the boys talked, there was something nagging Bill in the back of his head. He didn't know what it was. It wasn't the voice, but he did have a faint recollection of maybe meeting one of them, once before, or at least saw them somewhere where he was.
As the boys talked, he continued to feel as if he already knew, or should know, one of the boys. But, he wasn't too sure just yet, and he didn't want to say anything at the time.
Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne came upstairs to say goodnight to the boys. That was something new for Billy. He heard the other boys talking to the men, but never really heard their conversations. Then, Mr. Ken did the Three Knock Rule, even though the bedroom door was opened.
"Bill, what I just did was what we all do, including you now, when we want to go into someone else's bedroom. I did what is known as the Three Knock Rule, even though your bedroom door was open.
"If you go to a room where the door is closed, what you do is knock the first time and see if they answer and/or ask you in. If they do not answer, you can then knock, louder the second time, and call out their name. If they still do not answer, you can knock louder the third time and slowly open the door as you call out their name, once more.
"This gives the person some time to get presentable, even if they know it is one of their 'brothers'. Of course, in an emergency all bets are off," laughed Mr. Ken.
"But why? If we're 'brothers', as you say, then why care?" asked Bill.
"Well, what if they have a friend with them? Do you want to go barging in on the unsuspecting person? But, Bill ... the main reason we do this is ... well, is to show some respect for the person's personal space.
"It's designed to give them time, you know, to decide if they want you even in their room. I've known a few times when the boys have had a spat, and they didn't want that 'brother' in their room," explained Mr. Ken with a smile, as he finished the explanation.
The teenager was happy to learn about that Rule. He had been afraid that some of the Rules would be stupid, but to him that one made sense. He slept in the nude, but hadn't taken any of his clothes off knowing the men might say goodnight to him, as well. He sure was glad knowing he'd have time to at least put his briefs on before anyone entered.
"Bill, the boys enjoy the attention they get when I come upstairs to say goodnight to them. That might not be your thing, but none-the-less that is what I do. As for Mr. Wayne, he comes along with me, when he is here, and when he is sitting in for me.
"As I told you earlier, tomorrow night after dinner, or Saturday night after dinner, the two of us will go out and get you a full set of new clothes. I'll buy everything you should need including toiletries, an alarm clock and whatever else you believe you need," offered Mr. Ken.
"Bill, now, go drain your dragon and I hope you will sleep well," started to say Mr. Ken when Bill spoke up,
"Drain my ... my ... dragon?" What's that all about?" asked the perplexed teenager.
Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne laughed. The foster dad explained to the newest Cove member how it was his way of telling the boys to go pee without it being crude. The man told the teen that all the boys and their friends know what he means, and they get a kick out of hearing it. Mr. Ken also told the teen he sometimes refers to it as their lizard. Bill laughed at hearing the reason behind it and said he liked that.
Mr. Ken then thought of one other unique thing he said to his boys. "Bill, you'll also hear me tell the boys to wash their hands ... all the way up to their elbows. That's so they know I want them to wash up real good. Again, the boys laugh at hearing it, and their friends do as well. I think that one doesn't need any further explanation.
"Chief, take good care of our newest member," said Mr. Ken, as he ruffled Bill's hair, before he and Mr. Wayne walked out of Bill's room and down the back stairs.
Billy went to use the urinal and when he got there he saw a line had formed. He saw the other boys were just dressed in their boxer briefs and wore a nylon t-shirt. He asked them if Mr. Ken knew that was how they dressed for bed.
Matthew told the new addition to The Cove that their 'dad' didn't care what they wore to bed as long as they never came downstairs dressed like that. Especially, when there was the chance a female might be there.
Kyle added that when they had a sleepover all their friends wore what they had on. Charles inserted they could also wear just that after their night swim when they went to eat their snack in the Kitchen Nook. He also said they wouldn't get into trouble because there rarely is a female in the house that late.
That comment sparked a question in Billy's mind, 'Why wasn't the man married and why did he take young kids in to foster.' Billy figured he'd try to learn why that was.
Kevin told Billy that they had about 45 friends spend the night during the Christmas break, and that was what they all wore and none of them were embarrassed. Bill couldn't believe what the younger boys just told him. But, he figured they were just boasting about a one-time deal.
Not long after all the boys drained their dragons, and they were back in their rooms, there was a knock at Billy's bedroom door. When the knock happened again, he heard his name called, but he chose to ignore it. Then, on the third time, there was not only a loud knock and his name called, but the door began to open.
"Billy ... can I come in? It's me, Robert," announced Robert.
Billy was under the covers, but figured Robert was cool, so he told him to come on in.
"Billy, I wanted to tell you what you need to know about Chief. Chief ... she knows... well, she knows how to open most doors, but she can't always close them tight. So ... if you want to ensure your privacy you need to make sure the door is closed any time after she leaves. I think you know what I am saying.
"Chief, she also has this uncanny ability ... she can understand what we, or anyone for that matter, tells her. I tell you this, so you do not underestimate her. Wait and you'll see for yourself if you don't believe me. Also, we have a three-knock rule that was what I did before coming into your room. My dad created that rule back when our big 'brother' Collin lived here.
"Yes, thanks. Mr. Ken explained that rule to me when he said goodnight, earlier," replied Billy.
"Also ... do you want me to get you up when we're all finished in the bathroom, in the morning? If you do, then that way you can get a nice Momma Maria breakfast before you head off with dad to get registered for school," advised Robert.
"You mean that lady comes in and makes us breakfast, too?" asked a very surprised Bill Dirketson.
"Her name is ... MOMMA MARIA! She cooks all of our meals ... from Monday through Friday. And sometimes, she even cooks special meals for us on the weekends, especially if we have lots of friends over, or guests visiting," harshly said the somewhat now irritated teen Cover.
"OK, OK, don't get your boxers up in a wad. I just got here and have been told too many things in just eight hours to remember them all. And, yes, you can knock on my door in the morning when you guys are finished in the bathroom. Mr. Ken told me he'd get me an alarm clock when we go shopping for new clothes tomorrow night, or Saturday after dinner," quickly replied smiling Billy.
Robert smiled at hearing the last part knowing his dad would set Billy up well. The teen said goodnight to Billy, and then the teen left the room.
The next morning, Robert knocked on Billy's bedroom door to let him know he and his 'brothers' were finished in the bathroom. Billy thought that meant they were all headed down to breakfast, so he threw the covers off him, and then walked out into the hallway. As he headed to the bathroom, he was stark naked, and his male member was swinging back and forth, as it was still quite stiff as it tended to be every morning.
Just then, Matthew walked out into the hall. He saw Billy in his altogether and blushed and snickered at seeing the size of the teenager's man banana, and that it was almost fully hard.
"What ... you never saw a hard dick before?" asked a smiling Billy.
"No, I've seen them, its ... it's just I wasn't prepared to see yours," now giggled Matthew.
Just then, the twins came out into the hallway, and were just as surprised as Matthew initially was when they saw Billy standing there with no clothes on. The twin boys smiled and cackled some at seeing the quickly deflating teen's boy part.
Robert and Charles came out into the hall, hoping to catch up with their 'brothers', and they too stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the naked teenager talking to the three youngest Cover lads.
"Billy is ... is that how you sleep?" asked Kyle.
"Yep! Ever since I was sent to foster homes, this is how I sleep. It pisses the ladies off to no end," laughed Billy.
Robert just shook his head and gathered his 'brothers', and they headed down the front stairs to head to the Kitchen Nook.
Billy took his shower, and then went back to his bedroom for his toothbrush and paste. He decided he'd better put on some underwear just in case the woman, Momma Maria he reminded himself, does come upstairs. When he was finished in the bathroom, and fully dressed, the teen headed downstairs and found his way to the Kitchen Nook.
"Good morning, Bill. I thought you'd sleep in," offered Mr. Ken.
"Well ... ahh, Robert suggested last night that he'd get me up when they came down for breakfast, so that way I could get, you know, a good breakfast, too," replied Bill.
"Great. When we get your bus schedule we can coordinate with Momma. That way she can have a good breakfast ready for you before you head off to school. And seeing you're down earlier than I figured, we still won't head off to the high school until about 9:30. That way I can finish reading my morning paper, and then get ready for the day. I'm sure you won't mind," chuckled Mr. Ken.
Billy smiled at Mr. Ken's joke and by then Momma Maria had placed some pancakes and crisp bacon in front of the teen. She asked him if he wanted orange or apple juice, or did he prefer milk. That took the new Cover by surprise. Everywhere he'd been before they just told him to make his own breakfast.
The boys waited for Momma Maria to finish talking to Billy before going to her and hugging her for making them a great breakfast. They all then headed to wash their faces and hands, up to their elbows, get their books and said goodbye to their 'dad', before heading up to the top of the estate to catch their school bus.
While Momma was working away from the table, Billy lightly asked Mr. Ken, "Do they ... you know ... always hug Momma Maria like that?"
Mr. Ken smiled at the question. He then looked over to see where Momma was standing. Seeing she was sort of out of earshot the man told Bill that the boys only had one thing in abundance that they could give Momma Maria, and that was their hugs. The man told Bill that he didn't have to hug her, if he didn't want to.
The foster dad told his new charge that no one would think badly of him for not doing so. The foster dad told Bill he should think about it, and then decide for himself. The man then added that everyone, including him, Mr. Wayne, the boy's friends and others, usually hug the woman as a way to tell her they appreciated what she cooked for them. Bill didn't know what to think.
Then, Mr. Ken asked Bill, "What did you think of what she prepared for us last night, and for you for breakfast? Have you ever eaten anything like that? Ever?"
Bill thought for a few seconds and replied, "No, sir, never!"
"I rest my case," said a smiling Mr. Ken.
"Ahh, Mr. Ken ... I ahh forgot to put freshwater and kibble in Chief's bowls this morning. When I finally remembered I saw ... I saw someone had done it for me. I'll try to remember to check after I get home from school and tomorrow morning. I am sorry, Mr. Ken," said a contrite Bill Dirketson.
"Bill, it will take you a few days to get into a routine, but I am glad you recognized you have the responsibility to take care of Chief, now. She can't do that for herself. Yet," teased the owner of The Cove. "Please keep in mind, she is an important member of The Cove, and has been with us ever since I began building Three Finger Cove."
While Mr. Ken went back to finish reading his newspaper, when Billy was finished eating his wonderful breakfast, he went over to Momma Maria and thanked her for fixing it for him. He then gave the woman a shoulder hug. Momma giggled a little which caused Mr. Ken to look over to see what happened. It put a smile on his face to see that Bill at least made an attempt to thank Momma for what she'd done for the teen.
Billy then decided he had some time before he left for the high school. So, he decided to walk around the inside of the huge estate house by himself to get oriented, and see what else was there that he hadn't seen yet. Chief was at his side.
Billy began his self-paced tour on that floor. He decided to walk back towards the garage side of the floor to see what else might be there. There he saw the back stairway and told himself to try that out later. He also saw the entrance for the garage. He opened the door and went out to see what was there. He was surprised he didn't see the garage full of vehicles. He did check out what was out there, though.
Billy walked back through the Kitchen Nook and stopped to look at the Butler's Pantry and the Formal Dining Room. After that, he walked back to the MRS Room and looked around at the furniture and decorations there. Afterwards, he looked out over the Great Room.
When he did, and before walking down to the Great Room, he noticed there were two doors opposite his foster dad's Study, so he tried them both. The first door he opened he found was probably a Cloak Room that was used during the parties Mr. Ken held. The other room was a half-bath. He told himself to remember that just in case he needed it in a hurry.
Billy walked into the Study to just look around. He wanted to get a better look at it now that he wasn't on the HOT seat. He chuckled to himself after he thought of it that way.
He walked out of the Study and was about to turn right to see what was back that way when Chief caught his arm and pulled him away. She tugged at him trying to tell him he shouldn't go back there.
"Chief ... are you telling me NOT to go that way?" asked a doubting Billy, laughing the resident dog would never understand.
"Woof, woof!" replied Chief.
It was about then the Mr. Chris came to work. He heard Chief's bark, so he told Mr. Ken to stay seated and he'd check it out. The Estate Manager heard Billy asked Chief his question again and Chief give her two barks back.
"OK, girl, I won't go there. I'll just ask Mr. Ken to show me later," said Billy, as he ruffled the dog's head.
"Hi, there, Bill," said Mr. Chris. "I see you and Chief are taking a walking tour. Good for you. I also heard Chief tell you not to go back that way. That, sir, is Mr. Ken's private retreat. Even I have never been back there, and I don't think any of the boys have been either. Maybe you can ask him to show you sometime, and then your curiosity will be satisfied. Until then, I'd ask you to respect the man's reserved sanctuary. OK?"
"Yes, sir," offered Billy.
"Everything okay here, Bill?" asked Mr. Ken, whose curiosity got the better of him when Mr. Chris didn't come back to the Nook and tell him what he found.
"The short story is Bill here was taking a self-guided tour when Chief ... she told him not to go into your area. I just told him to ask you for a tour later to satisfy his inquisitiveness. I told him I didn't think any of the boys had ever been back there," answered Mr. Chris.
"Well, to be honest with you, I think only Collin and Robert have ever been back there. So, maybe ... maybe it is time I showed all the boys what is so mysterious about my private area. It is just a bedroom and bathroom and ... well, they'll see when I show them. Will that be good for you, Bill?" asked Mr. Ken.
Billy smiled and said, "Yes, sir". He thanked the man for doing that for him and his 'brothers'.
Mr. Ken then said that since he was back there he'd go and get ready for the day. He added he'd then find Bill and they would go over to the high school and get him registered.
Mr. Chris took Bill to his office to show him where he worked, and that it wasn't anything special. He wanted Bill to know that all there was in there were past, present, and future contract files and a trash can that he needed to empty. The man did ask the teen not to go in there unless asked by him or Mr. Ken.
Billy then decided to finish his self-guided tour and headed to the Great Room and looked around. He found himself pulled to the very large windows, so he walked over there and looked out. He told himself he wished he had his coat, so he could go out and look around some more. It was then that Mr. Wayne came to work and saw the teen staring out the window.
"Good morning, Bill," called out Mr. Wayne, from atop of the MRS Room.
"Ohh, hi, Mr. Wayne. I was standing here wishing I had my coat. That way I could go out and get a better look at things. Maybe after school or tomorrow, I can do that," Bill answered back.
The Estate Master asked Bill to meet him up in Mr. Ken's study, so they could talk some. Bill didn't know what the man and he could talk about, but he walked up the stairs and into the Study. He hoped Mr. Wayne wasn't going to mention, or ask about, the drugs he flushed down the drain the previous day.
The two sat and talked about all things 'The Cove'. Mr. Wayne then asked the teenager what subjects he liked in school, and if he was interested in sports. Bill was totally surprised at the questions and responded by telling the man that he was an above-average student, and, because he was now in foster homes, he was never given the chance to try out for any sports.
Wayne Mitchell filled Bill in as to how the days went when his 'brothers' had their friends over for the day. The Estate Master told the teen how all of the boy's friends' names had been put into a database and if someone's name was not in there they had to be vouched for by someone associated with The Cove, or else they would not be allowed in.
Mr. Wayne explained to Bill that when he starts making friends, and wants them to come over, he'd have to meet them at the Main Gate, and vouch for them. The man also told Bill he needed to clear any friends coming over first with Mr. Ken.
Bill asked why and Mr. Wayne told him that his foster dad wanted to make sure the parents know their son or daughter was invited, and he had a good phone number for them.
Mr. Ken came in just then and took the question. The foster dad told Bill that there were no girls as friends of any of his 'brothers', for now, but added that Matthew had a young lady friend at school, and she may one day get to be invited there.
"Mr. Ken ... can I ask why there are guards at The Cove?" asked Bill.
"That's a subject for a later time, Bill, as we should get a move on to get you registered at your new high school. But, I will explain it to you as we drive over there, and you can ask questions then, or later after you have Momma's afterschool snack. You about ready to go?" finished the foster dad.
"Well, I probably should go drain my lizard and ... and wash my hands up to my elbows," teased Bill with a smile.
Mr. Ken ruffled the teen's hair and added he needed to comb his hair now, too. All three had a good laugh as Bill went to get ready for his first day at his new high school.
Over at the younger Cover boys' school, the boys brought out their cell phones. As soon as the pictures and videos came up they began showing their friends some of the pictures, and videos, Mr. Wayne downloaded for them.
All the boys and a few girls were impressed at what the Cover boys had done during their Spring Break Cruise. That also shut up the naysayers and cynics who had ridiculed the boys earlier in the week saying there was no way they ever did what they said they had.
The boys also told their friends about the arrival of their new big 'brother'. That opened a number of their friend's eyes who wondered what changes that would bring to The Cove, along with their skating, swimming and barbeques. The Cover boys had no idea what, if anything, would change, but they told their friends that it shouldn't as their 'dad' told Billy to treat them as they were his 'brothers'.
"Uh oh," said a smiling Brant. "I can remember before Brad and I started coming over to The Cove how we fought over and over all the time. I wonder if that will happen to you guys." Brant then laughed.
"Yea, me and my brother used to fight over almost everything," laughed Sam.
"Trevor and I did as well," spoke up Terran. "But, going over to The Cove has changed everything between us. We now get along really well, and my parents are happy there is peace around the house."
Mr. Ken and Bill arrived at the high school and after parking, in a visitor slot, the two Covers walked into the school.
"I, we, have an appointment with Mr. Stanley," announced Mr. Ken, to the woman behind the counter at the high school. "We are a bit early, so we can wait if the Principal is busy."
"Yo, Mr. Thomas," heard Mr. Ken, from behind him. He looked over his shoulder and saw there was an older male student waving to him, and walking into the office.
"I didn't think you had any foster kids in high school, Mr. Thomas," said the stranger.
"No, I don't, but I will after I get Bill here registered. Do I ... do I know you?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Sawyer, Sawyer Merkell. I was on the second place Toy Soldier/Nutcracker team from here. I guess you don't remember everyone from the New Year's Eve Party, which was a blast by the way.
"It is nice to meet you Sawyer. Are you a senior this year?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Yes, I was lucky I got to work on that toy soldier/nutcracker. It was a blast doing that, and now that we won second place and that Scholarship ... it will help pay some of the bills as I go on to a vocational training school," replied Sawyer.
"I hope you know, Sawyer, that the Scholarship can also be used for college, if you change your mind. It wasn't a big sum of money, but it might help you with books and miscellaneous things you might need for school," countered Mr. Ken.
Then, from the background, Mr. Ken and Bill heard a curt, "Mr. Thomas, I can see you now."
Bill and Sawyer shook hands and the high school senior told the new student he'd look for him at lunch, if they have the same lunch schedule. Mr. Ken heard the exchange and smiled. He hoped having a senior as a friend would simplify Bill's transition into the high school hierarchy.
"Mr. Thomas, please have a seat," offered Mr. Mark Stanley, the high school's principal. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"Mr. Stanley, I have a new foster son. His name is Bill Dirketson. He will be a freshman here for the remainder of this school term and hopefully for the remainder of his high school years. I brought him over to register him and to meet you. I wanted him to know who kept things running like clockwork around here," answered Mr. Ken.
"I see. Bill, where was your last school? That way I can have the school transmit your transcripts over. It will also make your transition much easier and we can better place you into our school," asked Mr. Stanley.
Bill told the principal where he was last registered. Mr. Stanley then picked up his phone and asked his secretary to call that school and have Bill's school records sent over to them. The three then went back to talking.
"Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ken, if I may, how is Collin doing? I'll bet he is totally enjoying his first year at college," asked Mr. Stanley.
"Well, he got himself behind the eight ball as many freshmen do," started Mr. Ken. "He spent most of the Holidays with me and his 'brothers'. We had long talks about what he was in college for, and what he needed to do to get back on track.
"Brothers?" asked an astonished Mark Stanley, Principal at Alvin York High School.
"Oh, yes ... you might not know. I now have five foster sons including Bill here. One of them, Robert, I adopted. Hmmm, but with Bill, I guess I still have five," laughed Mr. Ken.
"Five?" said the surprised principal.
"Yes, Robert is in eighth grade, and is now my adopted son. Charles is in seventh, the twins, Kevin and Kyle, are in sixth and Matthew is a fifth-grader. Robert should be a freshman here next year," finished Mr. Ken.
Mr. Stanley congratulated the owner of The Cove for his helping those boys out, and wished him success. Mr. Ken then went back to explaining what he and Collin did during the Holidays.
"Before Collin went back for the spring semester, I helped him find a home to purchase, so he could get away from the campus life and focus on his studies. He needs to be focused if he is going to take over his grandfather's and dad's legacy at Wilkinson, now CWE, Inc."
"Good to hear you are still his big brother and mentor. Losing his parents the way he did has to be tough on any child, no matter their age. I wish him well," finished Mr. Stanley.
Hearing that said, sparked a question in Bill's mind, but he knew that wasn't the right place to ask about it.
"Now, Bill," began the principal, when he was interrupted by his secretary bringing in the teen's high school transcripts. Mr. Stanley looked it over and then went back to talking to Bill.
"Sorry about that, Bill. ... OK, it shows here ... in your records that you were a pretty good student, and that with a bit more initiative you could be a very good one; if you so choose. I hope you will at least try.
"Mr. Thomas here can give you what you need to succeed. You only have to ask him. He helped his first foster son, Collin, with a tutor so he could join the sophomore class. The teenager had been abducted and missed the entire first half of the school year."
Hearing that statement about Collin being abducted made Bill make another mental note to ask about Collin, and what really happened to his first foster son.
"Let me call the Guidance Office. They'll get with you and will set up your class schedule using your transcripts. They'll also give you your bus schedule, and you should be good to go. Any questions?" finished the principal.
Bill didn't know what to say, or ask, but Mr. Ken did speak up. The owner of The Cove, and the boy's new foster dad, asked Mr. Stanley if he could get Bill his lunch pass for the remainder of the school term, before the boy gets lost in the huge school.
The principal walked his guests to the Dietician's Office where Bill could get his lunch pass. Mr. Ken made a point to add additional money onto the card. He explained to the teenager that if he knew someone who was short of cash, or needed a good meal, he had the extra funds to do just that. Mr. Ken then told the boy not to feed the entire school, but to use it where it was best needed. Bill said he understood.
The trio then walked to the Guidance Office where Mr. Ken left Bill to get his class and bus schedules. Principal Stanley and Mr. Ken then headed back to the main office, so the two could talk. It was there that Mr. Ken passed over the official CPS paperwork making him the teen's foster parent.
The owner of The Cove also told Mark Stanley about Wayne Mitchell and how he fit into the picture. Mr. Ken passed over additional CPS paperwork identifying Wayne as an approved foster parent and legal guardian of the foster boys living at Three Finger Cove when Mr. Thomas was away on business.
The high school principal was surprised at the addition of a second adult as the legal caretaker of the foster boys. Mr. Ken explained in a foster family with a mom and dad they would be co-custodians, and either one could legally handle any situation that would arise with the foster child.
Mr. Thomas explained with all his business activities he needed someone qualified to fill in for him, when he was out of town. Bill's foster dad clarified he couldn't just put everything he's worked for on hold, so Children's Protective Services approved his hiring Mr. Mitchell who is not only a recent college graduate, but a licensed foster parent, now, as well. Mr. Ken said the man could handle any issues while he was away.
When Bill Dirketson finished at the Guidance Office, the woman sent him to the lunchroom to meet some of his fellow classmates, and to wait for the afternoon session to start. Bill headed in that direction, trying to get a feeling for how the school was numbered, so he could find his classrooms.
"Hey, Bill," called out Sawyer.
"Oh, hi, Sawyer, isn't it?" replied Bill. "Oh, and I like to be called Billy."
"Hey, everyone, this is Bill. He's Mr. Thomas', you know the man who owns The Cove, his newest foster son," announced Sawyer, to other seniors with him.
They all said hello to Bill and then pulled him in line with them to get some lunch. Lunch trays in hand the seniors had Bill sit with them. As some of the younger students passed by the group of seniors they all saw a new student sitting with them. That told all the younger students, the juniors, sophomores and freshman that this new student was not to be messed with.
Sawyer saw a few freshmen students he casually knew and called them to come over. He introduced Bill to them and asked them to show his friend around the school, and especially where his classes were held. Bill thanked the seniors and headed off with the freshman.
"So ... you're Sawyer's new ... friend?" asked one of the boys.
"What does that mean?" said Billy, as he stopped in his tracks.
"It means you're protected!" came back as a response.
"Look ... I met Sawyer when Mr. Ken brought me here to register me. Sawyer was one of the kids who did some kind of toy soldier build that won second place. I met him for all of about thirty seconds. And, I have no idea what you mean by me being ... protected," responded Billy.
"Then, why were you with all those seniors?" asked another boy.
"Look, as I told you. I met Sawyer when Mr. Ken brought me here to register for school. As for me sitting with the seniors, they drug me along and had me sit with them. I didn't even get any of their names.
"Look ... you can accept that or not. Your choice! Now, I need to find my class. Any of you going to help me or ... or should I just find the classroom by myself," replied an irritated Billy, who then walked away from the boys.
All the freshman boys watched as the new freshman walked away. They talked amongst themselves about the new kid. But, one teen rushed away from them and called out, "Hey, Bill ... Bill, wait up!"
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