Ken Thomas actually did 'sleep in' that morning. He got up at 8:35, which was way past his usual latest time of 8:15. The man used the facilities before dressing and going out to get his morning newspaper. He found the air a bit cooler than the previous day, but thought the day would be a fine day for his 'boys' and their friends to ride their skateboards.
The owner of The Cove went into the Kitchen Nook and said hello to Momma Maria. Before he went to bed earlier he left her a note telling her of the late night for the residents, and for her to wait on breakfast until the boys came down. Momma had poured her employer a fresh cup of coffee, who took it graciously, and began to drink it before he even took the paper out of its protective sleeve.
It was a little past 9 a.m. when Mr. Ken heard the clicking of Chief's paws on the tile floor. He figured Matthew was up and about and was coming down for breakfast. He was fooled. It was actually Collin and Chief who entered the Kitchen Nook.
"Good morning, Bro!" said Collin, who went over to the man and hugged him.
Chief then went up to her first master, got up on her hind legs and gave him some of her doggie kisses. When she got down and sat waiting for some behind the ear scratches she had a big smile on her muzzle. Mr. Ken had to give the resident pet some of her loved ear scratches before going back to reading the newspaper.
In the meantime, Collin went over to Momma Maria and gave her a great big hug. The hug lasted longer than usual, and when the teen let her go he thanked her for all she has done for him ever since he lived there. That brought a few tears to the woman's eyes.
Momma asked the two Cover's what they wanted for breakfast. Collin said he wasn't hungry, but Mr. Ken told the teenager he needed to eat something as he had a long drive back home later that morning. The teen just sat there staring straight ahead. Mr. Ken knew something wasn't right.
"Collin ... you really don't want to go back to Wilkinson do you?" simply asked the teen's Big Bro.
"You know me so well, Bro. Yea ... you're right. I really don't want to go back there. Here ... there is so much going on and there are people here. These last few days told me how much I missed having siblings, as I was growing up. Bro ... here ... this is MY home.
"Yes, I own a house we call Wilkinson but ... but it is not a home for me. It's just a house where I hang my clothes. Bro ... there are way too many bad memories there. I ... I wish I could stay here ... forever, Bro," said the teary-eyed teenager.
Mr. Ken went over to the teen and hugged him. He knew what the boy meant, but he knew there wasn't anything he could do about it. He knew he needed to console the boy and try to get him to focus on the positives and not what he considered the things he hated.
"Thanks, Bro ... I ... I really missed that. Your way of making me feel better," said a now smiling Collin Wilkinson.
Just then two Cover boys entered the Kitchen Nook.
"Good morning, 'dad'" said Kyle, as he entered the room. The boy then went over and hugged the man.
"Morning my Big 'brother'" said Kyle, as he hugged the teen, as well.
Chief barked a few times wanting her greetings. Kyle realized he forgot her, so he went over and scratched her behind her ears. The dog almost purred.
Matthew watched as Kyle said his Good Mornings and then got chastised by Chief. He inwardly laughed at the scene and knew he better not make the same mistake. So, when Kyle was finished scratching behind Chief's ears, he went to her and said good morning to her and gave her some ear scratches.
When Matthew was finished with Chief, he got up, went over to 'dad' Ken and said good morning to him and hugged him tight. He then thanked him for taking him to Six Flags yesterday. That finished, the youngest Cover went over to Collin and hugged him and said good morning to him.
"Wells, nows ... what's youse alls wants fors breekfests," called out Momma.
The four Covers told her what they wanted, but she told them what they were getting for making her wait so long to make it. The four all laughed. It was then the last three Cover boys entered the Kitchen Nook wanting to know what all the laughing was about.
They found out when Momma Maria told them to SIT and wait for their breakfast. The three boys had looks on their faces that said, "What?" Collin explained to them what just happened as they walked in. The three boys all laughed and waited for their breakfast. The one Momma Maria had already decided for them.
All seven Covers were glad they waited. Momma Maria made mile high fluffy pancakes, eggs over easy, crispy bacon, mild sausage links and hash browns for them. She placed maple syrup, butter and ketchup on the table along with extra napkins. The Covers dug in and all conversation stopped until they were all done eating.
When they finished breakfast, all the Covers went over to Momma, hugged her and thanked her for making such a wonderful meal for them. After they were finished thanking Momma, they all went upstairs to get cleaned up and dressed for the coming day.
Collin went to his room and before taking his shower he called Grammy. He told her he would be on the road around noontime and would be home as soon as he could. She began to chastise him over the phone for abandoning her in her time of need. Collin sat there taking it, knowing he needed to keep the peace with her, even though she was living in his house.
When Collin came downstairs, he was moping around. Mr. Ken saw the mood he was in and pulled him into his Study. The man closed the door and the two sat opposite one another. The teens Big Bro asked him to tell him why he was sulking and not talking.
Collin told Mr. Ken about the one-way conversation he had with Grammy. The teen's Big Bro said he understood what happened and he told the college freshman he needed to take control of his life. Mr. Ken and Collin reviewed the past two years of the teen's life, so Mr. Ken could get a better understanding of how Grammy acted towards the teen.
After a few minutes, the teen's Big Bro thought he understood how Collin felt. Mr. Ken figured the teen still felt like he was being treated as if he was a younger boy, not a mature, business owning, college student.
"Collin ... I hate to say this ... but you have got to start standing up for yourself, especially when it comes to Grammy. My bet is you still look at her from a young boy's perspective of the older woman being in charge and right. Collin ... you're eighteen. You own the multi-million dollar CWE, Inc., and have thousands of people looking to you for their employment.
"My little brother ... you have got to tell your grandmother that you are not a little boy anymore. She needs to know you are working on building your life. That you are taking control of it and can no longer be totally focused on her wants and needs.
"I know that sounds harsh, but Collin ... you have GOT to stand up to Grammy ... and take control of how she treats you like you're still a little kid. You have to get her to realize you are a growing man, and have to build your own character and not be controlled by nostalgia and an overbearing old woman.
"You're going to have to sit down and have a long talk with Grammy, Collin. You will NEED to tell her ... it's what you want that counts, not what she wants it to be. Yea, I know, I know ... you'll be going up against the woman who you loved so much, as a youngster. But ... you do need to stand up for yourself, and not only with Grammy. You also need to stand up to your college classmates, as well.
"And, I don't just mean when it comes to parties, and whatever else you're doing that has your grade point average at the point you'll be put on probation if you don't straighten out. Collin ... I think you need to move out of the dorm and get yourself a house.
"But, for now, you need to handle that situation at home ... first. Then, we, and I do mean WE, can talk about college life and what you need to do to get back on track with your studies and ultimately your life. Do you understand what I'm saying ... and do you agree with me. Or, is there something else you want to do?" finished Big Bro Ken.
Collin had a few tears in his eyes from hearing the truth, but knew what his big Brother meant. He told the man he understood and would try his best to not be too confrontational with Grammy, but get across he had to take control over his life. The teen also told his Big Bro he would call him if he needed help. The two had a laugh over that.
"What took you so long?" asked Robert. "A guy could be dying out here and you'd never know." Robert then made a choking noise and fell to the floor.
'Dad' Ken and Collin laughed at the younger teen's antics and then clapped their hands for his non-acting ability. The teen got up and smiled. He then wanted Collin to join them out at the ramps before the rest of their friends showed up. Collin told him "Thanks, but no thanks," as he had to go up and pack and get on the road to go home. Robert was disappointed at hearing that, but said he understood and then headed out to catch up with his 'brothers'.
Collin did go upstairs to pack. Mr. Ken went back to his Study and did what he needed to get done. The boys were outside enjoying the open ramps because, soon, their friends would show up and they would be far too crowded.
While their friends began to arrive, Matthew went inside to talk to his 'dad'. He wanted to ask him a question and he didn't want his friends to know. When he went inside he saw the Study door was open, so he knocked on the frame to get his 'dad' attention.
The boys just arriving wanted to talk to Robert and Logan to tell them more about what happened last night with Brody, Alex, Nicholas and Easton. Sure they heard it on the bus last night, but everyone was tired so they wanted to hear about it again.
Robert looked at Logan and the two decided to tell their story one last time.
"Oh, hello Matthew. What can I do for you?" asked a smiling 'dad' Ken.
As Matthew tentatively walked into the Study, 'dad' Ken motioned for him to come around to him and sit on his lap.
"OK, 'son', what's on your mind? .... Come on spill the beans," teased the man and foster dad.
"'Dad' ... can ... can I ... can I invite Max to our sleepover tomorrow?" finally got out Matthew.
"Well, why do you think you can't?" simply asked 'dad' Ken
"Well ... you know ... after all ... some of the kids still think he's a bully. If I keep hanging around him, will I ... will I be considered a bully, too?" asked a cautious Matthew.
"'Son', you are not a bully. Putting red paint on you doesn't make you a red man, you know an American Indian, and hanging out with Max is NOT going to make you a bully, either. You told me yourself, you told the other kids that you would not let them tell you who your friends are.
"Keep in mind that if your present circle of friends ... if they do not support you in your choice of friends, then they were never your friends to begin with. Give your buddies a chance. You can invite Max to the sleepover tomorrow, and let them know that you did.
"If they show up tomorrow then they support you, if they don't show without a doctor's excuse, then you need to evaluate what type of friend they really are. Did I make any sense, Matthew?" finished 'dad' Ken.
Matthew sat in the man's lap and thought about what he just heard. The youngster looked at his 'dad' and told him he understood and that he liked Max, as a friend, just as Brant, Noah and now like Ryan. The young Cover asked how he can contact Max to invite him.
'Dad' Ken told Matthew that he had Max's mom's phone number and he'd call it right now to see if Max answers or his mom. Mr. Ken dialed Evelyn Staffans' phone number and let it ring.
"Hello," said a nervous young boy's voice, probably Max.
"Max, this is Mr. Ken. How are you doing young man?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Oh, I wasn't sure it was you Mr. Ken. The Caller I.D. ... it showed Thre Fngr Cv. I thought it meant Three Finger Cove, but the system only allows for something like 12 characters. My mom is at work right now. How can I help you," said Max.
"Max, Matthew is here with me and he has a question to ask you. Hold on," relayed Mr. Ken.
"Max," excitedly said Matthew, "I think you heard our friends talking about a big sleepover here tomorrow and ... well ... I want to invite you, too. I know I should have done this yesterday when your mom was with us, but ... well I was tired and excited after all we did and I ... I just forgot.
"You'll have to ask your mom to get her permission, when she gets home. She can call my 'dad' with her answer one way or another, so I know how to plan. If you can come, you can get here around noon and you have to be gone by noon on Thursday. We're having an employee Christmas Party after everyone leaves.
"Hey, for lunch we'll have burgers and dogs, and for dinner we're having spaghetti and garlic bread. Then, at night, we're having a Dive-In Movie. Then, we all get to sleep on the floor in our sleeping bags. (Chuckled Matthew) If you have one, you should bring it, a change of clothes and your swimsuit," completed Matthew.
"That would be awesome!" replied Max. "I'll call my mom at work and ask her."
The phone call was on speaker so, Mr. Ken asked Max not to bother his mom at work and unless she called him he should wait until she gets home. Mr. Ken then asked the boy to have his mom call him later, so they can make arrangements if she was going to let him come.
Max said he could give Mr. Ken his mom's cell phone number, but Mr. Ken said he already had it. The man told Max he didn't want to bother her at work and he shouldn't bother her unless it was an emergency, and a sleepover wasn't emergency the last time he checked. That brought a spell of laugher from the two boys.
Matthew caught up with his friends out at the ramps. When they asked him where he was, he told them he asked his 'dad' if he could invite Max to the sleepover tomorrow. That put a look of surprise on some of their faces, but no one said anything.
As the boys skated, Collin came out to the ramps to say goodbye to his 'brothers'. The teen gathered the Cover boys up and they walked away from their friends. The boys watched as all of the Covers hugged one another and a few tears fell. Collin then got into his car and drove out of the estate.
"Eric ... can I ask you why ... ahhh, why did you go over with Robert and his 'brothers' when, you know, when Collin was getting ready to leave?" asked Greg, a fairly new friend who hadn't been to The Cove very often.
"You're Greg, right? Anyway, ahh, the people associated with Three Finger Cover call themselves Cover's. Well, I was one of the original Covers, along with Collin and Ryan," answered Eric.
"But, ahh how? I know I'm new here but ... I'm just trying to understand this Cover thing and how you are treated like you almost live here. I mean some of the boys ... they told me how you knew Mr. Ken long before Robert began living here.
"It's so confusing. I guess I'll never understand everything about Three Finger Cove. They even call it The Cove, now. You see what I mean?" asked Greg.
Eric smiled back at Greg because Robert and Charles had walked up behind him as he was trying to understand about Eric, Robert and The Cove.
"Greg ...,"said Robert, "I bet you and practically all of your friends have loads of questions about The Cove and Eric and me and my 'brothers'."
"Hey everyone, how many of you don't know about Three Finger Cove and us Covers, and understand where it all started and came from?" called out Robert.
Practically all of Kevin and Kyle's and Matthew friend's hands went up. Robert asked them to come over and he and Eric would try to answer any of their questions. When the rest of the boys saw the younger boys walking over to Robert and Eric, they followed along
That's when they learned the two teen Covers were going to answer questions about The Cove for the younger boys, and they wanted to hear the answers and maybe ask a few questions themselves. With all of the boys gathered around, Robert asked them sit on the ramps and they'd start.
Robert and Eric answered as many of the boys questions as they could. Of course Eric knew a whole lot more about The Cove than Robert did, so he took center stage. The question and answer period last about 40 minutes, and at the end all the boys felt they had a better handle of the why's of Three Finger Cove.
"Matthew," started Aaron, "you really like Max don't you? I mean ... ever since you started talking to him, you know, you've gotten to know him better than anyone else has. Right?"
"Yea, I guess you could say that. But, you all heard why I wanted Max to prove himself and I think he has. He isn't that bully you all made him out to be, any more than Ryan was a weird kid who didn't want anything to do with you," replied Matthew.
"Look at all the fun we had yesterday. And all of you rode the rides with him, and you were all laughing and talking with him as you did all of us. Come on ... Max is changed now that he has at least one friend, me.
"The sleepover will be just another way for Max to prove himself, and I intend to let him be a regular kid, like us. Look at those older boys who attacked my 'brother' and his friend, Logan, yesterday. I don't want Max to go that way. And, hopefully you won't either," announced Matthew.
Matthew's other friends heard what he said, and so did a number of the older boys. When the young Cover finished talking, some of the older boys applauded. They told him that this is what a true friend is. Someone who will defend you until you mess up, and have to earn their trust all over again.
Mr. Wayne was standing nearby and he was proud of the way Matthew was dealing with his friends previous actions. The Estate Master was equally proud of the way the older boys spoke up, and gave the younger boys some needed perspective on what a true friend was. The man then went into the house to talk to Mr. Ken.
Matthew's friends sat down and talked about Max some more, but that conversation quickly dissolved into Matthew talking about his dream he keeps having. The boys racked their brains trying to figure out what pennies, a red circular target, ringing bells and billiards on a white wall could mean.
But Matthew added another wrinkle to his dream. He told them last night he saw this big boxy truck drive up to the items he'd already told them about. Every boy just shook their heads not having one iota of an idea of what it all meant. They eventually stood up and decided to take their turns on the ramps.
As the day moved on, the boys decided to cook some burgers and dogs. When Robert went inside to ask his dad, Mr. Chris and Mr. Wayne if they were interested, Momma Maria stopped him cold in his tracks. She told the teenager there was still some brisket and barbeque and pulled pork she wanted to use up or else she would have to throw it out.
Momma Maria told him it was all sitting in the warming ovens, so all they needed to do was take it wherever they ate. But, she told him they were NOT going to use her clean Kitchen. The two Covers had a good laugh.
Robert went back outside and told the boys they would also have the leftover leftovers. The boys all laughed and agreed they'd help eat that stuff up before cooking the burgers and dogs. The boys then got into gear. They broke up into groups and took care of gathering up their picnic stuff and headed down to the Patio.
Matthew told his friends to go with a group they hadn't gone with yet. That was so they knew what is all needed when they do the barbeque, when it is their turn. The six boys headed off to their groups. Matthew went to talk to his 'dad'.
"'Dad', did you hear from Max's mom yet?" asked the youngest Cover.
"NO, 'son' I haven't, so I probably won't hear from her until dinner time. Relax. She'll call one way or another," replied 'dad' Ken.
Mr. Ken, Mr. Chris and Mr. Wayne were surprised to see they still had some of the Party foods left over when they arrived at the Patio to eat lunch. They also saw the grill was up and running because the boys knew there wasn't hardly enough leftovers to feed everyone.
The adults and boys sat and ate and talked about the previous day's fun. Mr. Ken asked them to tell him what they would change if they ever got the chance to do that again. He heard some surprising things.
"Mr. Ken, I understand why you had chaperones for us, but ... ahh, we're old enough to know not to bite the hand that feeds us," started Brad. "Those of us who are thirteen I ... well, we think that we shouldn't need an adult to watch over us."
Hearing that surprised Mr. Ken. It also surprised the twelve year olds who had inwardly thought the same thing, but never felt like they should say something to the man who paid for their entrance tickets and dinner.
"Hmmm, Brad, you make an interesting observation. Does anyone else have a comment on what Brad just said?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Yea, dad, I agree with him," said Robert. "All of our friend's parents trust them to come over here every day, and act the right way. You know, like if they were at their own homes. I agree with Brad. My friends and I will be in high school next year and ... well, I think we need to be trusted and to learn to act the way our parents have been teaching us how to act.
"We all understand why you had chaperones, but maybe you only need them for the twins and Matthew and their friends ... until they can prove they don't need to be closely watched, either. I saw lots of kids there yesterday that were by themselves and didn't have an adult rounding them up.
"I didn't mind who was with us yesterday. I think they had as much fun riding the rides as we did," added Robert, which brought about some laughs from the boys.
"Yea, 'dad'," jumped in Charles. "I think I could have made my way around with my friends without getting into trouble. Brad's parents let us go wherever we wanted to go. They just stayed close, but they didn't corral us anywhere. They did mention they wanted to see a show or two and we told them to let us know when and at what time."
"I liked we had someone to guide us," spoke up Matthew, "but if it were just us, you know, you and my 'brothers', it would have been just the same. But, as I get older, I hope I can go and do things with my friends, and not be watched over."
"Mr. Ken, I really did appreciate your buying us dinner, but ... I would have liked to have eaten at Bubba's. They have big burgers and a nicer, less crowded, dining room,' said Cooper.
"Yea, Johnny Rockets would have been better, too, than Sangerfest Halle, Mr. Ken," offered Cody.
"Hmmm, I see. I will take those comments under advisement for our next adventures. I did see Six Flags had some sort of dining pass, but I take it, that is something you buy at the beginning of the season and eat every time you attend. As for letting you older boys go out on you own, Robert what would you have done if Mr. Dan wasn't there to intervene?" asked a curious Mr. Ken.
"We would have fought them right then and there, Mr. Ken," said Logan. "If we had started something right in that very open space people would have come over to stop us. Security would have been called. We would have never let them take us anywhere!"
"I guess I can't protect you 24/7. I would like to but ... but I know my limitations. There is no special trip scheduled in the foreseeable future, so we won't worry about it for now. As for the dining arrangements, I'll ask you the next time we do something like Howl-O-Scream or Holiday in the Park. OK, guys?" smiled Mr. Ken.
The boys agreed with the man and then they thanked him again for their early Christmas present. The boys that were watched over by Mr. Wayne also went over to him and thanked him for spending his time with them last night. Some of the boys asked him if he was going to chaperone them tomorrow night for the Dive-In Movie. He said he was.
The boys cleaned up after they finished eating and then put everything away. Momma Maria was happy the pans, the leftovers where in, were empty and all she had to do now was wash them and put them away. She then started dinner for the Covers.
The boys wanted to go swimming, and they had about three hours before they had to go home, so they hurried to change into their swimsuits. Matthew and his group went to the Women's Locker Room to change and Kyle and his friends joined them. They had a good time and laughed at one another as they changed.
Russell and Jordan were there waiting for the boys. They had eaten with them just a few minutes ago. They knew they had a great job, that paid them very well, and they hardly had to do any work. Sure they had their hands full with 40 boys in ages from 10 to 13, but at least they were working, unlike some of their classmates.
When Mr. Ken went back to his Study, he happened to look outside and he saw Todd. He put his jacket on and went out to talk to his Beach Master. He hadn't really talked to Todd much other than at the Holiday Parties, but even that was for only a few minutes. He felt bad that Todd hadn't gone with them yesterday, but that was his decision.
"Hey, Todd, how's things going? You need any supplies before Mr. Chris is gone for a few days? The boys, Mr. Wayne and I will be gone from Saturday until Tuesday, and Mr. Chris and Momma Maria won't be here during that time. Ms. Judy is going to take Chief to her home for those four days. Chief will probably like the change. At least I hope she does," laughed Mr. Ken.
Todd smiled as the two walked. But it was obvious to Mr. Ken that there was something on his mind. The teen's boss tried to get him to open up, but he said it wasn't anything.
"Todd," started Mr. Ken, as he stopped them from walking and he looked straight into the teenager's eyes, "if you are having ... if you need to talk to someone, maybe I'm not the one because we are too close, friend and boss.
"But, you know what? You could probably call up Mr. Dan ... and ask him to talk with you. I'll bet he'd enjoy getting together with you and catching up. He has been so busy lately, especially now the Holidays are here. ... Todd ... if there's something, anything, I can help you with, please, please let me help you," finished up Mr. Ken.
"Mr. Ken, it's ... it's nothing, really. It's just ... I ... I've been thinking about my mom lately and ... and when I go off to college. I ... I ... what's going to happen to her, Mr. Ken? That's what has me worried. She'll ... she'll be all alone," broke down Todd, and cried as he turned to Mr. Ken and hugged him.
Mr. Ken just hugged the teen as Todd let out his frustrations and worries. That made sense now to Mr. Ken as to why Todd didn't join them yesterday. The boy had so much love for his mom that he forgot to still be a boy. It took Todd about five minutes to calm down and then he apologized for acting like a little kid.
"Todd ... I know you love your mom very much. But ... maybe you need to sit down and talk to her about what she'll do when you go off to college. That is the easiest way to get the answers you want. Only your mom can tell you what she has planned to do while you are away. ...
"Todd ... talk to your mom. Please! My bet is she knows what she's going to do, so ... so ask her. Then, you can go back to being a high school sophomore and a boy who still needs fun in his life. Think about that, will you? You know ... you can never get an answer to your question if you never ask it," counseled Mr. Ken, who hugged Todd to let him know he was on his side.
Inside at the pool, the lifeguards took Kyle's diving toys and made up some games for the boys to try. The boys loved it when Russell and Jordan got involved. The older teens always had some neat ideas of how to have fun. It really made it fun for the boys, as compared to the horsey, and Marco Polo, and tag they usually played.
Robert watched the time and when it was about 5:40 he had everyone got out of the pool and get changed. The boys talked about their busy and fun day, but that dissolved into talk about tomorrow's sleepover and Dive-In Movie.
Up at the Main Gate, the parents were still appreciative over Mr. Ken's largess of his taking all of their boys to Six Flags Fiesta Texas the previous day. Mr. Ken did remind the parents, who were there, that they needed to pick up their sons by noon on Thursday, as he was having an employee Christmas after they left.
Mr. Ken also reminded the parents that he and the boys would be gone from Saturday through Tuesday, so they'll have to try to keep their boys occupied during that time. All the adults had a good laugh over that. Then, they realized he wasn't kidding and knew they had some planning to do.
The Covers hurried down to dinner. Momma knew from experience that her employer would wind up talking to the parents, so being late for dinner wouldn't be a problem. They all apologized for being late and all Momma Maria did was smile. They all sat down to a wonderful Momma Maria meal.
It was while they were eating that Evelyn Staffans called. Mr. Ken took the call at the table. He wouldn't normally do that, but since the call concerned Matthew he wanted him to hear his side of the conversation.
As the conversation proceeded, Matthew heard that Max wouldn't get their until that time tomorrow night. Matthew argued they could go get him and bring him here right after all his other friends arrived.
Charles jumped into the conversation, reminding his 'dad' that he volunteered to go get Richard and Ryan if their dad couldn't bring them to the Labor Day Picnic. Mr. Ken smiled at being reminded he did volunteer to do just that.
Mr. Wayne spoke up and said he and Matthew could go and get Max and meet his mom at the house at lunchtime. Mr. Ken heard that offer and presented it to Mrs. Staffans. She agreed that would work and then it would give her some 'alone' time, or time to get a last minute gift or two.
By the end of the call, it was agreed that Mr. Wayne and Matthew would travel over to Max's house at lunchtime to get him. Mr. Ken told Evelyn what Max needed for the sleepover and she told him Max would be ready as soon as she was there to pass the baton. The adults had a laugh over that.
"'Dad', what did you mean by passing the baton?" asked a curious Matthew.
"Matthew, it was just a phrase, an expression that meant Mrs. Staffans would pass Max, the baton, to Mr. Wayne when he got there. That was so she knew Max would be safe going off with a person he knew, Mr. Wayne. Now, let's all get back to eating," smiled 'dad' Ken.
After dinner, Mr. Ken received a phone call from Andrew Marshall. Uncle Andy wanted to know what he told Collin to say to Grammy.
"Mr. Ken, when Collin arrived back home ... Grammy ... she got right into Collin's case for staying with you and not coming right home. Ken, Collin informed Grammy that he was no longer the timid little boy she knew before his parents were murdered, and from now on he would start doing what he felt was best for him.
"Collin advised his grandmother that he was a growing man who had thousands of people relying on him to succeed and that he now had to focus on his college studies, so he could take over the multi-million dollar CME, Inc. in a few years.
"Ken ... Collin finished up by telling his Grammy how much he loved her and thanked her for all she had done for him. Ken, then Collin lowered the boom on his grandmother when he told her he was no longer a little kid and would not be controlled by nostalgia and an overbearing old woman.
"Collin told his Grammy ... that he needed to take control of his life and ... and he could and would no longer be totally focused on her needs. He reiterated to her that he was a growing man and had to get his life in order and he would still love her and try to be the best grandson she had.
"Ken ... Grammy couldn't believe the way her grandson was talking to her. Collin was actually standing up to her and had told her what he had obviously had been thinking about for quite some time. I don't know what you told our boy, but whatever it was, it sure lit a fire under him.
"Victoria tried to tell him that he had to stop listening to you and be a Wilkinson, like his father and grandfather before him. Ken ... Collin told her he never knew what it was like to be a real Wilkinson, as his dad made him grow up too soon and he never got to know his grandfather.
"Ken ... it was then he told her was tired of being all alone when he came home, ever since she dragged him there almost three years ago. Collin told her he needed to be around people who loved him, as you do. That he needed to be around people who cared about him, like his 'brothers' do. And, he told her he wanted the 'family', you and his 'brothers' represent, which he never had growing up.
"Grammy burst out crying. I don't know if it was from the way Collin talked to her or from what he told her. Collin wasn't abusive, he didn't yell, he explained himself quite well, I'd say. The thing that surprised me was that Collin ... he didn't immediately go to her to try to comfort her," finished Andrew Marshall, aka, Uncle Andy.
"Uncle Andy, I will confess I did talk to Collin about his need to stand up to Grammy, and tell her his need to focus on his own life, and prepare himself for his future. I guess after what Vicky said about me, we won't be getting an invitation to next year's Thanksgiving Dinner," laughed Mr. Ken.
"Ken ... if Collin stays the course he just outlined, my bet is you will not only get an invitation, but it will be Collin who will sit at the head of the table next year," replied Andy.
The two men had a good laugh over that. They did talk some more about the meeting of the two Wilkinson's, and what the future might mean. Ken did remind Uncle Andy that Collin was going with him and the boys beginning Saturday through Tuesday. Mr. Ken told Andy that Collin would be coming over late Friday night, and would not be home until late Wednesday afternoon.
Mr. Ken then told Andy that he promised Collin he would go with him to look at houses for him to buy, so he could get away from the bad influences he had in the dorm. The owner of The Cove explained that this way Collin could begin his own empire by buying three or four bedroom houses and rent them out to the college students. Uncle Andy loved that idea.
"You look so stoked that Max will be coming to the sleepover, Matthew," said Kyle.
"Yea, I think he's been given a bad rap. From what I heard, he was a verbal bully, but he never hit anyone. Max is a loner, and I think the kids in his class should have done more to bring him out, and try to be his friend. Look what they did to Richard and Ryan. I've seen a change in Max this past week. I think he just needed a friend to bring him out," replied Matthew.
Kyle and Matthew talked as they did when they first met and Kyle befriended his new 'brother'. They sat on the beds and got caught up on how things have changed with them ever since they both began living at The Cove.
So much had happened to them they just wanted to review all the good and the bad they'd seen and experienced. They had a lot of laughs, too, and two boys talked until Mr. Ken came up to say Goodnight to all of his 'sons'.
Mr. Ken told the boys to get a good night's sleep, as they would probably be up until all hours of the morning after the Dive-In Movie. The man tucked them all into bed and kissed their foreheads before leaving to go down to his own bed.
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