The day was turning out to be unusually warm and humid. Most of the dads changed into their swimsuits and joined their son's out on the water rafts. A few of the mom's also joined their kids out in the water, but decided not to participate in the 'King of the Raft' game.
After Ryan, Noah and Brant displayed their talents on the skateboard ramps for Mr. Ken and Mr. Longger, the three 5th graders decided it was time to go swimming. Even though it was getting a bit late in the afternoon, the three youngsters all agreed they wanted to try out the water toys before they left. They all got their swimsuits and headed to where they saw the other boys go to change.
When the three 5th graders got into the Locker Room, they saw many of the older lads beginning to change and a few of them were already standing there naked as the day they were born. The three youngsters blushed some, but they also smiled internally at what they saw and then headed to a vacant bench they also saw. Three of the older lads there were Richard, Brad and Charles.
"Why'd you guys wait so late to go swimming?" asked Brad.
Since it was his brother who asked the questions, Brant replied, "We took time to get to know one another and then we skated some. Mr. Ken and Ryan's dad watched us, but now we're all hot and sweaty and now we want to get wet and try out the water toys, or rafts, or whatever you guys call them. Is anyone else out there?"
Brad looked at Richard who looked over at Charles and the three 7th graders nodded back to one another and so that quick they decided to put their swimsuits back on and go back out with the three younger lads. Dylan, Noah's older brother, had just entered the Locker Room when he heard the other 12 year olds decide to go back out swimming and so he decided to go, as well.
Sam and Terran were also in the Locker Room and saw the 5th graders were a bit hesitant to get changed, so they went over to them and told them how to get changed without being too exposed or embarrassed. The three new friends looked back at one another and then decided to try what Sam told them. Ryan was the first to get his suit out and put it on the bench, but the other two didn't move a muscle.
Terran saw what was happening, so he went over to the three scared looking lads and stood along the end of one of them. Sam saw what his best friend did and he took up a position on the opposite side from him. Kevin and Kyle followed right along and did a bookend to Terran and Sam.
"Look … we're just a year older than you," spoke up Terran. "We've been changing in front of these older guys for about a year now and yes our first time was a bit scary, but we're here on either side of you now so only we four can see you. So, put your swimsuits on the bench. … Now, take off your shoes, socks, pants and underwear, but leave your shirt on. Then, slip your suits on and then take your shirt off."
The three 10 year olds did what Terran told them and before they knew it they stood there with their swimsuits on and a smile on their faces, as well. Sam then told them to gather up their clothes and he'd show them how to use the lockers out on the pool deck.
As the three 'new' musketeers placed their clothes in the lockers and placed the band and locker key around their ankles, Noah said to no one in particular, "But … when we changed … didn't they all see our bare butts?"
The older lads, who had decided to go back swimming with the younger boys, had also come out to place their clothes back into a locker and heard what Noah had said. They laughed at what the younger boys said and it was Dylan, Noah's older brother, who offered, "And, ohh, what smooth baby's butts they were!" The older lads laughed at what Dylan said.
Noah, Brant, and Ryan all quickly turned to look at the 12-year-olds with scowls on their faces but seeing the older boys with smiles on their faces they changed their attitude and laughed along with them.
"So, you like looking at our bare butts do you?" Brant teased back.
It was Brad who replied, "Sure, when they are as lily white as yours all were, how could we NOT notice them, so yes, we're gonna look. And besides, Brant is my brother and I've seen his lily-white bare butt and then some more times than I can count."
When all the lads heard what Brad said about Brant they all burst out laughing and even Brant had to smile along with what his brother just said.
Of course, Brant had to get back at his older sibling, so he brought up his right hand and it had the fickle finger of fate showing strong. Then, the younger Sullivan said to everyone, "Sure he's seen me naked. We used to take our baths together, but believe me his pecker doesn't stand all that tall when he has his morning boner!"
That last comment made all the lads to burst out laughing, including Brad. The two brothers might have some sibling rivalry, but they both really loved one another and although like most brothers who tease one another they also will stand up for one another too.
While the lads were having a good time laughing at Brad and Brant, Brant's last comment was also heard by two adults who just happened to walk into the pool area just as Brant spoke. They unfortunately didn't hear Brad's comment, so they didn't know the context of the conversation. But, lucky for the boy it was Mr. Ken and Mr. Longger.
"Boys …," began Mr. Ken, "that isn't the kind of talk we should be having when we have lots of adults around, but especially women and young girls. Wouldn't you ALL agree?" Mr. Ken then raised his eyebrows to send a message.
Charles looked to his friends who now had hung all their heads down. He figured since it was his 'dad' who said something he needed to reply. He thought he'd explain what the entire conversation was all about and how it was all a joke, of sorts, but he knew that that wasn't what his 'dad' wanted to hear, especially in front of a guest, Mr. Longger.
"Dad, we're sorry for talking as we did. I could give you a bunch of reasons for it but … well … I know that isn't what you want to hear. We'll try to be better about our language especially when we know there are people around who may not appreciate what we say. So … is it OK that we head out to the lake? Ryan, Brant and Noah haven't had the chance to try out the water toys and it is getting late?" finished Charles.
Mr. Ken and Mr. Longger laughed at what Charles said. Charles saw the smile in his 'dad's' face and went over and hugged him. It was then the lads learned that the men were about to change into their suits and were going to try out the water toys as well. That made all the lads yell with their approval and they headed out to the lagoon and the water toys.
The lads all swam out to the rafts and before long Mr. Ken and Frank Longger followed along. Ryan jumped off the platform to splash his dad and Richard joined him. The three Longger's enjoyed a quick romp together but Richard told his dad he needed to try out all the things the two water rafts had to offer.
That day was also Mr. Ken's first time out on the rafts and he was just as interested in trying out all the different aspects of his purchases as the lads had wanted Mr. Longger to try. The two men walked on the platform over to the Jungle Joe II and looked at all the features. They then climbed to the top of the raft and saw how high up they actually were. The height gave Mr. Ken a better appreciation to his seeing the boys when they were being thrown off the top. The men could choose to either jump off the top into the water or try out the slide. The men decided on the latter.
It was Mr. Longger who first summed up the experience by telling the lads that he wished he was their age again. He qualified it by saying he wished he had that sort of play toy to romp on. Mr. Ken added that the slide gave him a rush and he was surprised at the speed at which he slid down.
The two men then swam over towards the Iceberg Climbing Wall but got out on the platform as it looked easier to get onto the other raft. The two men then looked over all its features before climbing all the way to the top. Again, the men were surprised at how high up they were.
It took a while before Robert noticed his 'dad' was out on the water toys and when he saw the man out there he called out to his friends that he was going out there to be with his 'dad'. Robert quickly ran into the Locker Room to change back into his swimsuit. While the teen was exchanging his street clothes for his swimsuit, the rest of the guys came rushing in to change as well. Before long the water toys were overloaded with boys.
"Dad', 'dad'," yelled Robert, "you came out to the rafts. This is awesome! This is your first time out here, isn't it?"
"Yes, 'son', this is my first time and now I see why you and your friends love them so much. I've gone down the one slide and jumped off as well. So, what game it is you play out here? Something about king or other?" replied 'dad' Ken.
"Yeah, 'dad', we play 'King of the Raft' and it is so much fun. Well, for us kids it is fun as we try to be the King at the top but we usually get thrown off," answered back Robert.
"OK, let's play then. Frank and I will take the top and you kids try to dethrone us. But be careful about Mr. Frank's artificial leg. This one is designed for water but if it hits you, you will definitely feel it. You game there, Frank?" replied 'dad' Ken.
Frank Longger agreed to play even if he didn't have a clue as to what to do. The two men then climbed to the top of the Iceberg and then dared anyone to throw them off. The gauntlet had been thrown and the lads took to the challenge.
When the men said they were ready, then lads began their attack.
Over on the patio, Dan Fischer and Wayne Mitchell saw the activity on the water toys but it was Dan who recognized what was beginning to happen.
"Wayne, do you have your swimsuit with you?" quickly asked Dan.
"Sure, it is under my shorts," replied Wayne.
"Come on then. We need to get out there and help out our fellow men. Take off your shirt, shorts and shoes and head out to the rafts to help Mr. Ken and Frank. I'll be right behind you," yelled back Mr. Dan, as he had already began to sprint to the end of the patio towards the door leading to his en Suite where he'd change into his swimsuit.
Wayne Mitchell did exactly as he was told and as he sprinted to the water he left his clothes to mark the way. Out on the rafts, Mr. Ken and Mr. Frank were holding their own but were tiring out because there were so many lads. The tide changed some when Wayne appeared which gave the other two men a chance to catch their breath. But that reprieve only lasted so long and the boys began to again overwhelm the three men at the top of the biggest raft.
Dan Fischer had changed into his swimsuit faster than he ever thought possible. He then quickly ran down the stairs and out onto the patio and then down to the beach where he ran to the water and then swam as fast as he could to reach his fellow men.
Lifeguard Christie was on the WaveRunner and had heard the men challenge the boys and when Wayne came out to help she had hoped she could do something to help. Then she saw her chance when she saw Mr. Dan jump into the water. She immediately drove the PWC to the man and had him climb aboard and she drove him out to the platform where he alighted and headed to help he fellow men.
"Hey, that's not fair," yelled one of the lads. "You're all bigger than us! At least with the older teens we have a chance but with you four adults could we ever win?"
"Don't you remember how you all cheated to beat me a few weeks back?" teased back Mr. Dan.
"That wasn't that long ago when Charles became the King, Mr. Dan and we didn't cheat. What we did was something called misdirection and cunning along with skill to beat you fair and square," replied Terran. "We just made you think we were all going in to eat, but we had Charles ready to climb to the top and be the King for a change!" It was then that all the lads who were there that day began laughing.
"OK, let's see what you guys can do against us four, then?" challenged Mr. Dan.
The lads regrouped and talked about a plan. When they were done they had Logan tell the men the rules by which they would play, otherwise they were going back in to eat.
"OK, we agree to your rule that once one of us men is thrown, pushed or otherwise made to go into the water we are 'out' of the game. But, since there are so many of you we need to have a rule that once you are thrown into the water for the second time YOU are out of the game! Agreed?" replied Wayne Mitchell.
With the rules agreed to, the game of 'King of the Raft' was on.
Over on the patio, Judy and Mary and Dan Chassen watched as the lads attacked the four adults. They saw the youngest and lightest lads being thrown up and far out into the water only to swim back and get back into the fray. Their enthusiasm only elicited more of the other parents who begin watching the game. The 'King of the Raft' game had become a spectator sport.
The water rafts weren't all that far away so the parents could easily identify their child as he was unceremoniously thrown into the water. Then when the parents saw their lad climb back onto the platform they'd yell with glee that he was back into the game.
The lads could hear their parents cheering them on which only made them try harder to throw, push, or otherwise make the men go into the water. But no amount of cheering could resurrect the lad who had been thrown into the water the second time.
The lads lost Ryan, Noah and Terran right off the bat. Sam, Wyatt, Nicholas, Dominic and Charles had all been thrown off the raft once and upon their second splash-down they would have to join their friends on the beach.
Todd and Conner saw what was happening out on the rafts and they decided to join the boys' side against the older and bigger men. Their arrival gave the younger lads a boost of confidence and an added sporting chance now that there were some bigger teens on their side. The added teen power did indeed help the challengers as Frank Longger was the first adult to be thrown into the lagoon. When Mr. Frank splashed into the water the boys stopped their attack and sent up a huge cheer. Likewise the lads on the beach, who had been eliminated, and the parents up on the patio yelled right alongside of them.
Soon, more and more of the kids were eliminated by being thrown into the lagoon twice. But the added teen power and the persistence of the lads also caused Wayne Mitchell to lose his balance and fall into the lagoon's water.
When Mr. Wayne fell into the water, Robert called for the boys to regroup and also to come together to make a plan of attack so they could dethrone Mr. Ken and Mr. Dan. At hearing that it was Robert who commanded the regrouping and calling for creating an attack plan, Conner became upset and was about to challenge the new teen but Todd pulled him aside and stopped him.
"Conner, look you don't know how these kids operate," began Todd. "This is your first time here, so you need to chill out and let them do all the planning. They've been playing this game for almost the entire summer and they know all the ins and outs of the rafts. Even if they lose they'll be happy, but … if you jump in and take over, they probably will not follow you, nor listen to you. They don't know you, so they will defer to someone like Robert, Eric, Brad or Logan even. So, just sit back and go with the flow and do your best."
Conner listened to what Todd had to say, but he wasn't all that keen on letting the younger lads lead the group. The sixteen year old did realize, though, he was the newbie, the FNG, the unknown quantity, and that Todd was probably right about whether the younger boys would follow his lead if he tried to take over. Finally, understanding the situation, Conner decided to stand back and let Robert, or one of the other lads, take control.
"Guys, when Charles beat Mr. Dan, he told me that Mr. Dan had lost his balance after they wrestled some towards the top," explained Robert. "Maybe we can use that same tactic to get him to fall off the top, again. But to make that happens we probably need to feign a major attack on my 'dad' and then quickly switch over to Mr. Dan to throw him off guard and hopefully off balance. What do you think about doing something like that?"
While the lads were planning, Mr. Ken and Mr. Dan were not only catching their breath they were talking over what they could do to continue to stay at the top. Mr. Dan explained to his host how the lads made him think they were going in to eat when in fact Charles stayed back to try to be the King. Mr. Dan then explained he caught on to their deception and swam back where he and Charles wrestled some before he lost his balance and Charles won the game.
Mr. Dan offered a plan to Mr. Ken that called for the lads to again go after him and then change course and try to trip Mr. Ken off the top. He explained the boys would figure they did it once and so they would believe it would work again. So, as they looked down on the lads they made their plan accordingly.
The parents up on the patio had crowded along the banister so they could get a better look across and down to the rafts. They saw the remaining lads grouping together and many of the parents speculated they were making a plan. Some of the dad's now wished they had joined the fun out in the lagoon. But their time had past and they were relegated to watching from the sidelines even though some of them and been out there with their son's earlier in the day.
Suddenly, the boys began yelling as most of them attacked Mr. Ken. While that attack was underway, a few of the lads went after Mr. Dan to try to occupy him with a feign attack. It wasn't until the majority of the lads changed tactics and attacked Mr. Dan that the man realized he had been duped into believing they'd go after him first and not Mr. Ken.
With his mind not focused on defending himself, Mr. Dan went down but not without taking Conner, Logan, Brad and Chuck with him for their first time. When Dan Fischer went down into the water there was a huge round of applause that went up from the parents on the patio while the boys on the rafts as well as the lads on the beach all gave up a big cheer knowing they were close to winning the game.
Mr. Ken still remained the King, but for how long, no one knew.
The lads regrouped one more time but this time it was Conner who spoke up and suggested they attack from three sides. Upon hearing his idea many of the younger lads began balking at his suggestion. Hearing the discord, Robert reminded them that everyone has the opportunity to suggest a plan and his was just as good at anyone's. Then Robert asked Conner to continue.
"OK, here's what I think. We attack from three sides, but … as we get close to the top people from the two end sides slip over to the fourth. I believe on our attack, Mr. Ken will focus mostly on the three attacking sides and won't expect the fourth side to ever have anyone coming at him. Then, when the fourth side attacks, he will be confused and we'll beat the adults," fully explained Conner.
The lads talked amongst themselves and the majority thought the plan had a good chance, so they adopted Conner's plan. They then decided who would be the ones who would go around to the fourth side and then they attacked.
The people on the patio and the lads on the beach saw the attack was formed only on three sides. They felt that was not a winning strategy but they weren't out there so they had to just watch and hope and pray it would work.
Mr. Ken saw the attack forming and he felt he could hold them off and get more of the lads their second dunking which would reduce their number significantly. At first his thought process went the way he had hoped but then something changed. A few of the lads began coming at him from the fourth side and it threw his concentration off as he could no longer watch out from the corner of his eyes.
The attack was sustained and even though Mr. Ken was able to give many of the boys their second dunking his strength was beginning to wane. He'd fought off the lads for a good 10 minutes, either together with the other adults or now alone, and his strength was now on the wane. With his strength on the downside, Mr. Ken couldn't continue to fight off the onslaught and he soon found himself tumbling down the slide side of the Iceberg and into the water.
You would have thought a world title was on the line when a loud roar went up from the patio and the beach accompanied with the remaining lads out on the rafts. Mr. Ken congratulated the winning lads and swam back in towards the beach. He was soon followed by the winning team members.
The parents applauded the lads as they walked up to the patio. They also thanked the four men who gave the boys a good game of 'King of the Raft'.
"'Dad', we won, we won," exclaimed Robert.
"No 'son', you didn't win. You were thrown off the raft the second time and were on the beach watching," laughed back 'dad' Ken. "Those guys over there won."
Mr. Ken then pointed over to Dylan, Mason, Dominic, Camm, Gordon, Sam, Cody, Kevin and Cooper and told his 'son' that they were the winners, as he'd been thrown off twice just as his 'brothers' Charles and Kyle had. Charles overheard what his 'dad' said and he went over to the man and tried to tease him about losing but 'dad' Ken turned it around by saying he'd lasted longer than either of them had. The man then pulled both 'son's' in to him and hugged them tight. The boys' just looked up into his face and smiled knowing the man really and truly cared about them. The two 'brothers' hugged their 'dad' back.
Kevin and Kyle saw Mr. Ken hug Robert and Charles and they wondered if they'd ever be included in those hugs since they had a mom and a dad.
'Dad' Ken looked over his 'son's' heads as he was hugging them and saw Kevin and Kyle looking at the three of them with puzzlement in their eyes. The man figured it was because he was hugging Robert and Charles and they hadn't been included. Thinking he couldn't go to wrong he motioned the twins over to him.
The twins looked to one another and they didn't say a word to one another but 'dad' Ken figured they still had 'twin-speak' because all of a sudden his two new foster sons sprinted over to him and joined in the group hug. Each twin lad worked their way between Mr. Ken and one of the 'brothers' so they not only got a hug from Mr. Ken, but also from one of their new 'brothers'. Each twin had a big smile on their face as they relished in the close contact and the feelings of not only belonging but of love, too.
As the five Covers hugged, Mr. Ken pulled back some from his four foster sons and told them that tonight was not going to be a good night for sleepovers. Robert and Charles weren't happy with that pronouncement and asked why. Kevin and Kyle hadn't even thought about asking that question, but hearing that it would be possible, at some future time, they smiled at each other with hopeful eyes. Mr. Ken then reminded all four lads that tomorrow they would be heading down to San Antonio to visit with the twin's parents, and then afterwards they'd be going over to their home to retrieve their clothes and any other items they felt they should have with them.
Robert and Charles said they'd forgotten about the trip down to the hospital and apologized to their 'dad'. They then asked if tomorrow night would work out better. Mr. Ken said he didn't know how long they would be and he didn't want to get anyone's hopes up so for now he would not agree to a sleepover. Robert and Charles said they understood and headed off to be with their friends.
The day had moved along and after the big game of 'King of the Raft' many of the families had begun to gather up and head over to Mr. Ken to thank him for such a great day of friendship, great food and good fun. Mr. Ken asked them to stick around a little longer to help eat the remaining foods and to let their kids either swim in the indoor pool or try out the skateboard ramps. Their kids looked up to them with their puppy dog eyes hoping they could stay a bit longer. Mom looked at dad who also looked longingly back to her saying he wanted to stay too, so that's what most of the families did.
Mr. and Mrs. Tankards, and their son Walt, came up to Mr. Ken to thank him for putting them in touch with Doctor Jennings. They told him that Walt had already talked to the doctor some earlier and they all agreed that Walt would continue working through the issues he found himself facing ever since the accident. Mr. Ken wished Walt the best and told them he knew that as the teen worked with Doctor Doug he would eventually heal himself. The Tankards' then thanked Mr. Ken for inviting them to stay for the picnic but they further explained they needed to take the Commodore's boat back to the Club and head back home. They all shook hands and then the Tankards' walked away towards the dock.
All the lads who participated in the 'King of the Raft' game were extremely hungry, so they all got in line and filled up their plates. Many of them sat together in their age groups but a few of the younger lads intermingled with the older teens.
When they finished eating, it was Charles who suggested they go swimming in the indoor pool. When Robert heard that he yelled out that everyone had to rinse the lake water off of them even if they were already dry. When some of the lads, who weren't regulars at The Cove, asked why, Robert explained his 'dad' didn't want any potential lake organisms to get into his pool and ruin the water or the filters. It was Charles who told the boys that all they needed to do was rinse off under the showers and that they didn't have to get naked or anything. That last part got a few chuckles from the boys, and the parents sitting nearby.
The boys crowded into the two showers in the Men's Locker Room. It took a while for all the lads to rinse off but before long there were at least fifteen lads swimming in the indoor pool. Mr. Ken stopped in to check on the lads and was happy to see the four lifeguards, Christie and Megan who both were college freshman, and Russell and Audrey who were seniors in high school, he'd hired to watch over the kids first in the lagoon, were now watching over the boys in the indoor pool.
"'Dad', 'dad' come swim with us," called out Charles.
"Maybe later, Charles. I still have lots of guests here and I need to mingle and talk with them. Some of them are leaving and they will want to talk to me, too. I'll see if I can get Mr. Dan and Mr. Wayne to join you," 'dad' Ken replied back.
Charles smiled at his 'dad' and waved and said for him to 'Hurry up!'
Kevin and Kyle joined their new 'brothers' in the indoor pool and as soon as they jumped into the water Robert went over to them both. Their older 'brother' explained it was Mr. Ken's rule that they had to show him how well they could swim and that even adults have had to take the swim test. Right then, Terran spoke up and told his two new friends that he didn't want to do it the first time he was allowed to swim there, but he wasn't allowed to swim until he did. That convinced Kevin and Kyle to just go ahead and take the test. They passed with flying colors.
"Are there any other new swimmers here?" yelled out Robert. "It is Mr. Ken's rule that you show you can swim across the width of the pool before you can swim in the indoor pool."
Conner came over to Robert and soon enough Noah, Richard, Ryan and Brant came over as well. Robert asked them all to get into the water and swim across to the other side. None of them had any problems. With the swim tests done, the fun began.
Ken Thomas made his way over to where Mary, Judy, the two Dan's and Wayne were seated. He talked to them some about the Picnic and then asked the men if they would go swimming with the boys. He told Sheriff Dan and Wayne that the lads asked for them and it would also give the kids some adult supervision since there could be as many as 25 lads in the pool.
Mr. Ken did tell the men that the four lifeguards were there as well, but the added adult influence couldn't hurt. The Cove's owner also asked the men to shower off the lake water before jumping in because that was one of his new rules for the kids and it was only right they followed suit. Dan and Wayne laughed as they walked over to the indoor pool entrance.
"Hey Mr. Dan and Mr. Wayne," yelled out Robert, "I'm glad you came to swim with us. Please rinse the lake water off before you jump in." That was how the teenager greeted the two new swimmers. He already knew they had passed the swim test so he didn't make a fuss over that.
As the lads jumped off the rock platform, slid down the rock slide and played some of the other games they usually played, more and more of the parents and the Commodore's group began to leave. They all stopped by the table where Mr. Ken was relaxing to thank the man for his wonderful hospitality. Most of the parents also thanked him for allowing their son to be a part of The Cove.
Commodore Jeffrey Wilson led the remaining members of his group in stopping by to thank the man for allowing them to interrupt his Labor Day Picnic and then for allowing them to 'crash' it. The group all laughed at his comment and then exchanged handshakes before alighting back onto their remaining craft and heading back to The Yacht Club.
"Ken, you outdid yourself today," quipped Mary Taylor. "I think these boys are changing you into a better man," she added.
"Yes, Ken, I have to agree," said Judy Turner. "You've put on the School's Out and the 13th Birthday Party picnics but this far surpasses them both, I think. I also see a stronger step in your walk and a bigger smile on your face. If that is any indication of what these boys can do for you I'll see if I can find a few more for you," teased Judy Turner, the Director of Children's Protective Services.
"Well, Judy, I have to agree. The boys have added so much to The Cove. Collin did it while he resided here and now … and now that I have four young charges 'life' has definitely returned here to The Cove. They've even got Momma Maria loving their presence here at The Cove," replied 'dad' Ken.
"I hear Robert and Charles calling you 'dad', but what will your two new lads call you? Have you and them even broached that subject?" Mary Taylor wanted to know.
"Mary, they only arrived late last night and there are loads of things we will have to talk about. I'll probably do what I did with Robert and Charles and let them live here for a few days or a week even and let them get their bearings. They'll also learn some of the ropes from their older 'brothers' and that should let them integrate into The Cove easier. I just hope I can help them get through their knowing their parents are still out there for them, but they can't live with them right now.
"We are supposed to go visit their parents tomorrow down in San Antonio and then stop by their home to gather up additional clothes and any of their personal belongings they may want to have with them here. Ahh, Judy, I do have permission to take the kids down to see their parents don't I?" Ken Thomas somewhat teased CPS Director Judy Turner
Judy reached into her purse and pulled out a packet of papers and handed them to The Cove's owner and saying while doing so, "I was wondering when you were going to ask me about those papers. The extra papers in that stack are permission for you to enter the Parchsons home. I do suggest you call ahead to the local Sheriff's department before you head over there so you have an escort when you enter, otherwise the neighbors may call them for you," now laughed Judy, who was joined in by Mary
The evening moved along and soon, the parents of the lads who used their puppy-dog eyes on them in order to stay longer, began to gather up their sons, and in some cases, their husband, too. They all sought out their host to thank him for an awesome picnic and for allowing their son to participate in the fun he's had at The Cove. Mr. Ken walked many of the families up to their vehicles and after the cars were off the estate he headed back to Mary and Judy.
"Well, I know I will sleep very well tonight," sighed a very tired looking Ken Thomas.
"You look beat, Ken. Why don't you hint to the other families it is time to go," suggested Mary Taylor.
"I would but … well, I told the boys they couldn't have a sleepover so I am trying to make up for it by letting their friends stay a bit longer. It isn't as if we are on tight schedule for tomorrow so we can all sleep in. I hope," yawned a now sleepy 'dad' Ken.
"Look at you. You can barely stay awake. You haven't slowed down ever since you welcomed your guests at one o'clock and look at the time. It is going on 7 PM," matter-of-factly said, Judy.
"Well, the caterer has taken down the tents and consolidated the remaining foods which I hope the remaining families, and you two, of course, will take home since we really won't be here tomorrow to eat any of it. I'll bet the boys will want to get a quick bite along the way home," reasoned Mr. Ken.
Of the 35 or so preteens, young teens and high school teenagers that were there that day there were only about 19 lads remaining after the first large group of families left, and they were all still swimming in the indoor pool. But before long, Barbara and John Sullivan gathered up their two, then Harry and Carol Fletcher told their two to get out of the water and change as they were going home. Then, upon hearing the Sullivan's and Fletcher's were leaving Adam and Lily Symons told their two, Chuck and Sam, to get a move as they didn't want to overstay their welcome. Of course all six lads complained but the three mom's told them enough was enough and to get changed and they meant 'NOW'!
The other parents, hearing what Barbara, Lily and Carol told their son's, decided they should get a move on, as well. Before long only the Longger boys, Richard and Ryan, along with Robert, Eric, Charles, Kevin, Kyle, Conner, Cooper and Todd were the last of the lads still swimming. But as the lads began leaving, Dan, Wayne and Frank all told the boys they had had enough and were going to dry off and talk with the remaining parents.
The remaining adults included Leo and Cheryl Henchler, Emma Foster, Mary Taylor, Judy Turner, Dan Fischer, Wayne Mitchell, Frank Longger and of course Ken Thomas. They all sat around talking about the day and how all the boys had enjoyed all the amenities Mr. Ken had provided them to play on. The adults also got to know Frank as they all talked about their kids.
Over in the pool, the lads were playing the different games they usually did. It was when Charles said to no one in particular that he wished they could skinny dip that Conner heard Charles' lament, so he asked if they had ever done that. Charles, not thinking the older teenager had never been with them before blurted out, "Sure, we did that a lot!"
Robert heard the short exchange and knew he needed to say something about it. The young teen went over to Conner and said that he and Charles had done that but they had to be careful when they did, so no one would get mad. Eric knew what his Best Friend just said was almost a complete lie but he didn't say anything. Cooper, Conner's younger brother, knew they skinny dipped a lot but also knew that they only talked about that amongst the other kids who'd done that. Hearing that their new 'brothers' skinny dipped in that huge pool, Kevin and Kyle got big smiles on their faces with the hope they'd get to do that too and soon.
It was Todd who spilled the beans when he said he'd skinny dipped there a few times. Hearing that comment opened Conner's imagination, so he said to Cooper, "So, Coop, have you ever skinny dipped here?"
Cooper looked to Robert, with a question on his face, asking him to come up with an answer and quick. But it was Charles who took the blame and told Conner that they've done that with a few of their friends, as well, but they weren't supposed to talk about it with anyone other than those who had done it. He said he was sorry that he said what he did but he liked doing it when they did.
"So, Cooper, did you enjoy doing it too?" smiled Conner.
"Yeah, so what if I did? It is fun, and it is a way for us kids to bond together as friends," replied Cooper. "We're all about the same age so it doesn't really matter to us."
"But what about Todd swimming with you guys?" snickered Conner.
"I don't ever remember swimming with Todd like that," replied Coop. "If he did that it was with other people. Ask him!"
Todd didn't need to be asked. He knew that as soon as he said what he had about skinny dipping that he had opened the bag and if he didn't close it the cat would be out.
"Conner, yes I skinny dipped here, but that was back when Collin lived here. He had a few swim parties and we sort of took our suits off and put them on the side of the pool. That was so if Mr. Ken came down we could put them on real quick. And, as far as swimming with your brother or the other kids I don't ever remember them being there as they would have been too young then. But believe me it is fun," finished Todd.
"So, what if I do that now? What would happen?" sarcastically asked the sophomore teen.
"If Mr. Ken catches you he'll probably tell you to put your suit back on, because there are women around," offered Robert. "But, if you want to you can take your suit off and put it on the side of the pool, but don't get out of the water. It is getting late and we have a lot to do tomorrow, so our 'dad' will probably come here, sooner than later, and tell us it is time to get changed."
Conner stood there in the water a few moments thinking if he was brave enough to do what he took as a dare.
"So … if I do this … are you guys gonna tell on me?" Conner wanted to know.
"Nope, as long as you aren't forced into doing it we won't say a thing. Well, we wouldn't say anything anyway as it is a bonding thing, like Cooper said," spoke up Robert. "We tell each other that we should only talk about it with whoever does it so people won't get the wrong impression. Charles and I don't want to be sent away from here as I'd ask you not to say anything to anyone about our skinny dipping."
Conner thought about what Robert said. He then smiled and took his suit off and placed it on the side of the pool. He then swam around. Todd quickly joined him. Charles, on the other hand told them he'd watch for their 'dad' and let them know if and when he was on his way.
Kevin and Kyle looked at one another and in no time they too had taken their swimsuits off and placed them on the side of the pool. Cooper, Eric, and Robert soon joined them.
Although no one ever got out of the water, the twins enjoyed swimming underwater and looking at the other teens' equipment. They enjoyed looking so much that their own boy toys grew but they didn't care because they were really enjoying what they were doing. They just hoped some of the other lads would get boners too.
It wasn't too long after the seven lads had begun skinny dipping that Charles told them their 'dad was headed over that way. All the skinny dippers quickly went to their swimsuits and put them on and swam around like nothing ever happened.
"Ok, lads, it is time to get out and dried off. Your parents are getting a bit tired and they want to go home," said Mr. Ken.
"But our clothes are up in our room," said Kyle.
"Then just take your suit off in the Locker Room, dry off and use the towel to wrap around you as you head up to your room to get dressed. Will that work for you?" offered 'Dad' Ken.
The boys all agreed to get out and get dressed. Mr. Ken stayed there until all eight were headed to the Locker Room. The man then headed back to the group of adults to await the lads.
Kevin and Kyle took their time taking their suits off. They wanted to see firsthand what all the older boys had between their legs. Robert and Eric saw what the twins were doing and laughed. Conner and Todd didn't care that they were naked in front of a number of much younger boys. Conner was surprised that Cooper didn't care to be naked in front of his older brother. He figured he talk to him about it later at home.
The twins saw as much as they would see, so they, Sam and Terran began walking out of the Locker Room with their suits when Charles said they had a dryer down there so to just put them on the end of the bench and he or Robert would take care of them.
It wasn't long before all eight lads were sitting down with the adults, but no sooner had they arrived than they said they were hungry and headed over to the leftovers and filled a plate. That added another thirty minutes before the families were ready to leave.
When the last of the guests decided to leave, Mr. Ken and his four boys walked their last guests to the front of the estate's home. They all exchanged pleasantries and before long only the Covers and the guards remained as the Police Explorer's had already left.
"Boys, I know it is early, but what say we all head in and relax some before going to bed?" spoke up Mr. Ken.
Robert asked if they could watch a movie and getting permission, the four lads headed down to the Theater. Charles showed the twins where the movie DVDs were kept and how to set up the machine. Before long all four lads were relaxing in the Theater and watching a movie.
Mr. Ken found all four boys fast asleep at 10 PM when he went down to check on them. He gently woke them and sent them all to bed as he reminded them all to drain their dragons before going back to bed. Chief went outside and did her thing and then went up the stairs to sleep with the twins.
All comments are encouraged. You may email Chowhound at: Chowhound