Robert waited about ten minutes for the added guests to arrive and when they didn't appear at the Patio, he went back inside and headed to the Study. When he got there he saw Mr. Dan in uniform and the two sheriff's detectives.
"Dad, what ... what did Matthew and his friends' do that you had to call ... the police?" asked the teenager.
"Not NOW Robert. Throw a burger and dog, each, on the grill for our guests. We'll be out in about ten minutes," abruptly replied the teen's dad.
Robert was now concerned the younger boys did something that has his dad really pissed. The teen hurried outside and called Eric and Charles to him. He told them what was going on up in the Study. As the three Covers talked, Logan and Cooper came over to try to find out what was happening. The Covers didn't tell them. They told them they'd learn soon enough.
Now all the boys were concerned that something bad had happened, since Matthew and his friends have been missing for almost an hour now. They had started cooking, but were told to stop and wait for three more guests who haven't yet shown. They all began talking amongst themselves.
"Matthew, tell Mr. Dan and his friends what you told me," calmly said 'dad' Ken.
Matthew told the Sheriff's Deputies about his dreams and how he just figured out what it meant. The young Cover explained how his friends helped him figure out what his dream meant, and that his mom's friends were probably going to rob an armored truck.
Mr. Dan asked his friend Ken why the other boys were sitting in the floor. Ken Thomas told his friend and the detectives he didn't want them talking to the other boys, and causing a ruckus if there really wasn't anything to Matthew's dream.
After listening to Matthew's story, the Sheriff's Deputies conferred about what they just heard.
Robert came back up to the Study because everyone was getting hungry and it had been almost twenty minutes. He got his dad's attention and asked him if it would be much longer. The teen's dad got Mr. Dan's attention and asked him if he and his friends were hungry.
Mr. Ken reminded the boys not to talk to any of the other boys at the cookout until he gave them the okay. They all said they understood, so Mr. Ken told Robert to get the grill hot and cook some burgers and dogs.
The cooks already had the burgers and hot dogs cooked and waiting in the warming trays. When Robert came back and told them his dad and his guests were on their way, the boys all yelled they were finally going to get to eat.
When Mr. Ken and Lieutenant Fisher arrived, and the man was in uniform, and two other men stepped out onto the Patio, the boys got scared. They knew something was happening because they knew Mr. Dan was a Sheriff's Deputy and they figured the other two were, as well.
Mr. Ken whispered something to Dan and a few moments later the lieutenant said. "Boys ... Matthew and his friends are not in trouble. But ... they may have come across some information that is of interest to me, Lieutenant Matthias and Sergeant Roberts.
"We kept you from eating, so we'll join you. But please, do not ask the younger boys what they know and how they know it. That information for now is on an 'as needed basis'. Now let's eat," finished the Sheriff's Lieutenant.
The boys let the adults go first. As the men sat down, the boys joined them and tried to learn what they could from them, since they weren't allowed to talk to the younger boys. Mr. Wayne and Mr. Chris laughed at the antics of the boys, thinking they knew what was going on. Little did the boys know how close they were!
The boys also tried to get information out of Mr. Ken and the three deputies, but those four men were closed mouthed, as well. The men did talk about the Six Flags trip and what the boys were doing for their sleepover. That changed the subject on the boys, and they all ate in peace.
When it came time to clean up, Mr. Ken and the other adults took Matthew and all his friends back up to the Study. There, the deputies asked them question after question. The boys got tired of answering the same questions over and over again and they rebelled.
"We want to join our 'brothers' and their friends!" said Matthew, and he stood up and put his hands on his hips. "We've answered you questions over and over and nothing has changed. You either believe me or not, but we're going swimming!"
Matthew's friends stood up and they all started to walk out the Study door. They almost got out the door before Mr. Ken yelled, "STOP RIGHT THERE!"
Matthew looked back at his 'dad' wanting him to tell them why they had to stop.
"Dan ... are you finished with these boys?" asked Mr. Ken.
Dan looked over to Brandt and William and they nodded their heads they were finished with the boys. As soon as the 5thgrade boys heard they could leave, they ran as fast as they could to join their friends swimming.
"Dan ... what do you think?" asked Mr. Ken.
Brandt Matthias was the one who answered. He told the owner of The Cove they couldn't not believe Matthew. The Detective Lieutenant told Mr. Ken he was glad they had this breakthrough, though. He continued and said it would give them something to work on, but they had to hurry, as they didn't have much time.
The lieutenant said they'd contact the stores to learn when they will deposit their Christmas sales cash and checks and which armored company they use. Sergeant Roberts said they'll need to get with Sheriff Barnes and that he may stop by and talk to Matthew himself to get a personal perspective of what they may need to plan.
The Sheriff's Deputies thanked Mr. Ken and the other men for their help with the boys and they now needed to get back to Headquarters and start making their phone calls. Mr. Ken walked the three deputies to the Foyer Door, and bid them a good night.
Mr. Chris and Mr. Wayne were waiting for their boss to come back to the Study.
Matthew and their friends headed to the Women's Locker Room to change into their swimsuits. Max was in a quandary. He saw the other boys just strip off their clothes and put on their swimsuits without a blink. Matthew saw his new friend's look of bewilderment, so he pulled him aside.
Matthew told Max to come along side of him and face the wall. After that the steps to change for a newbie came right out. Max was still was a bit anxious about changing, but at least it was now just him and Matthew as the other five boys had already changed and went out to a locker.
Matthew had Max do what all the other new friends had done and Max followed along like a trooper, but a cautious trooper. The two boys did everything in lock step and eventually Max had to drop his drawers. He was a bit hesitant, but as soon as Matthew had done it he did it as well. Matthew told him to grab his suit and put it on. The two friends were now changed and ready to go out to the Lockers.
Max asked the question everyone else does about the lockers being out on the pool deck and Matthew gave him the standard answer. Max said that sounded like a good idea and then put his clothes into an empty locker, locked it and then put the rubber band with key around his ankle.
"It's about time you two got out here, the water is evaporating away," laughed Brant.
It was then Charles came up and told Max he had to do the swim test. Max looked at Matthew to see if that was a joke. But, the young Cover told him everyone, even the adults who first swim there, had to show how well they could swim across the width of the pool.
Max passed with flying colors and after that, he and his friends played the games they all knew oh so well. The twins included them in some of their games and that made it more fun, as there were now a bunch of boys playing instead of just seven.
It didn't take long for the lifeguards to get into the games playing and they devised another fun game for all the boys to participate in doing. The guards took the diving toys and broke the boys into seven teams. Sure there was one team with only six on it, but the guards said that one member of that team had to do the tasks one more time.
When the teams were picked, the lifeguards did it. They told the boys they had no preconceived ideas of who was better than anyone else was, and the decisions of the guards was final. The boys all laughed.
This was all new for Max. Sure he'd swam in the local pool, but he never had this many boys in so many age groups playing together. And it was not just that, but they were all mixed on different teams.
The guards put the boys through their paces which included jumping off the rock ledge, diving down to get a toy, then swimming over to the side and passing the toy off to a partner. When the partner had the toy the next person jumped off the ledge and when that person had a toy the next person on the ledge jumped off. They repeated that until everyone did the course and had every team member on the side of the pool.
The boys did a bunch of games that afternoon. They worked off their late lunch and were ready to eat dinner when Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne came down to watch for a while and then ask for some help.
Robert and his friends jumped up and changed, so they could help with making dinner. Charles and his friends changed, too. That was so they could set up the extra tables out in the garage, so people had a place to sit. The other boys just went and changed because all the older boys had.
Max was a bit hesitant to change in front of all his friends. Matthew told him to change next to him and it would be fine. Max did just that and when his bare butt was facing the other boys there was a whistle. Max turned around to see who did that and forget he was totally naked. That was when more whistles came out. Max put his hands in front of his privates.
"Hey, we already seen them and they don't look any different than ours does," said Noah. "We were just like you a few weeks ago, but look; we're standing here naked in front of you and before long you'll do the same. So, drop the hands and turn and change," finished Noah.
Max did just that, realizing they'd already seen his pride and joy and he couldn't undo them seeing what they saw. They all waited for one another before going out to see what they could do to help, since they weren't allowed to leave the Study earlier.
After Charles and his friends set up the tables they let the younger boys set up the extra chairs. That task accomplished the boys sat around watching Mr. Ken and the teenagers getting dinner ready. Charles asked Matthew and his friends what his 'dad' and Mr. Dan wanted to talk to them about. It was Ryan, thinking he could forestall the Cover said it was something they found on the computer.
Charles asked what could they have found that would bring three Sheriff Deputies to The Cove. The boys said they couldn't say. It was then Charles wanted to see if they had erased their internet searches off the computer
Charles told his friends where he was going and that he had to go alone. The boys figured the pre-teen was going to visit the 'John' and they didn't want to be around when he did his business. What they didn't know was Charles was going to try to figure out what his 'brother', and his friends, found on the World Wide Web.
Charles was happy they hadn't turned off his PC. He quickly opened the browser and searched the history. He saw they looked up department stores and large trucks. Then he went into the individual web sites. As he looked at the stores sites he saw a pattern, especially after he saw the red-circled pattern of Target. Then, he saw the armored truck site and put two-and-two together.
"Matthew ... does what you guys were searching have to do with your dreams?" directly asked Charles in front of all the other kids
Matthew didn't know what to say. He was told not to talk about it, so he went to his 'dad' and told him what Charles just asked him. Mr. Ken didn't look happy, but he had to admire the initiative and ingenuity of the pre-teen.
When Mr. Ken went over to Charles and the rest of the boys he heard them talking about Matthew's dream and what Charles found in the search History. They were speculating that Mr. Dan, Mr. Brandt and Mr. William were over here to talk to Matthew about what he thought his continuing dreams meant.
"So, you figured it out did you?" Mr. Ken said, as he looked directly at Charles.
"Well, I think so ... ah, oh, I'm sorry 'dad'" replied Charles.
"Boys, what you think you know and what is the truth could be 180 degrees different from one another. I'll ask you not to call home, or anyone else, and tell them what you are speculating about. Truth or not you could upset the apple cart, and cause someone to be injured. Namely you," strongly cautioned Mr. Ken.
"Boys ... this is important ... the Sheriff's office does not want anything, even that they were here, getting out to the public. You will eventually find out why they were, but for now, just as Matthew and his friends were told not to talk about it with anyone, I am asking all of you to do the same. Can you do that for me?" asked a now calm Mr. Ken.
The boys said they would and Mr. Ken walked away. As soon as he had, they started whispering between one another about what Charles had found on his computer compared to what he knew about the younger Cover's dream. Mr. Ken just inwardly laughed saying at least they weren't calling mom and dad.
The water was on to boil, the spaghetti sauce was already hot and set to LOW and the meatballs were warm and ready, as well. Logan had the garlic bread ready for the broiler and a couple of baskets Momma Maria set out for them to use to serve the bread.
Mr. Ken saw everything was set and he was just waiting for the two very large pots of water to get into a rolling boil. As he waited, he took out his cell phone and made a phone call. Those boys near him heard him talk to Mr. Dan and invite him over for dinner. They spread the word.
"Boys, when we finally eat, I'll serve the spaghetti and Mr. Wayne will serve as much sauce as you want. Russell, will serve the meatballs. Logan will have the garlic bread toasted and hot and ready to serve you as well.
"Please take what you think you can eat and if you want more then you can have seconds. I just don't want you to waste anything we don't have to. The leftovers may be my 'boys' lunch tomorrow," laughed the owner of The Cove.
"Dad, is Mr. Dan coming over for dinner?" asked Robert.
"Yes, he said he would," was all the teen's dad said with a smile.
The water eventually boiled and Mr. Ken put two pounds of spaghetti into each of the three pots. He set the timer and occasionally he stirred it to keep it from clumping. As the man fixed the spaghetti, he told Logan to start burning the garlic bread. The teen had four trays ready to place under the broiler and make sure they didn't burn, too much.
The boys were getting restless. They could smell the sauce and now the garlic bread as it toasted. Mr. Ken told Charles to have his friends bring in the coolers full of sodas, so they'd be ready for when everyone started eating. It was while Mr. Ken was passing out instructions that the doorbell rang.
Chief went to the Foyer Door and met the man as he let himself into The Cove. The two walked into the Kitchen Nook and the man said 'Hi' to all the boys.
"Hello, Mr. Dan," said the boys, almost in unison.
Mr. Dan wasn't in uniform. In fact, he was dressed like the boys in shorts and a polo shirt. He looked into the boiling water and said he thought it looked done. Mr. Ken took a line of spaghetti out and tasted it. He agreed.
Mr. Dan helped his friend dump the water through a strainer to catch the spaghetti. They did both pots and then Mr. Ken threw quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil in each pot to keep the noodles from sticking together. Mr. Dan stirred it in.
"OK, boys ... get your plates. Matthew and his friends go first and they get to sit at the Nook's table. Then Robert and his friends are next since they helped get this on the table. Next will be Charles and his friends and the twins and their friends are last. Somebody has to be last, so it is their turn.
"'Dad', you and Mr. Dan and Mr. Wayne and Russell and Jordan will be last since you didn't say when you'll eat," piped up Kevin. That got him a light bop on the head and a smile from his 'dad'. Kevin smiled back.
The boys had two lines to get spaghetti from, but only one line for sauce, the meatballs and one for garlic bread. Jordan came around and asked for a second ladle and he helped with the sauce and Jordan helped with the garlic bread.
Some of the boys had bypassed the garlic bread and found a seat and then figured the line would be small. It was non-existent when they came back for it because Jordan pitched in. It probably took about twelve minutes to serve all the boys. It was then time for the adults and lifeguards to eat.
There was no more room for the adults to eat, so Mr. Ken made an executive decision and had them go into the Dining Room. He told those sitting on the floor they could join them. That didn't fix the whole problem, but at least seven more boys were now at a table. Conversation was virtually nonexistent while the boys ate.
A few of the boys wanted seconds. Logan took charge and dished out the spaghetti, then the sauce and the boy took how many meatballs he wanted and from what garlic bread was left. When the boys did finish, the ones who'd been there before knew to put their trash into the big trashcan that was set out for that purpose.
"Russell, Jordan ... can you boys stay longer?" asked Mr. Ken.
Jordan said he could stay until about 10, but if he called home he might be able to stay until midnight. Russell told his employer he had nothing to do the rest of the night and he probably could stay until midnight or 1 a.m. He'd just have to call home to check in. Mr. Ken asked both of them to call home and see if they could stay until 1 a.m.
After Jordan called home, he went to Mr. Ken and told him his mom wanted to know why he was needed until 1 a.m. Mr. Ken told him he has 41 boys and having two lifeguards during a Dive-in Movie would make it much safer than just two or three busy adults watching would.
Jordan came back five minutes later and told Mr. Ken he was good to go until 1 a.m., but he had to be home no later than 1:30 a.m. Russell came to their employer and told him the same thing. The two lifeguards went back to the Men's Locker Room to change back into their swimsuits and wait for the boys to return.
"This the best job ever, don't you think?" said Jordan to Russell. "Where else would we be paid to watch over a bunch of kids who only swim for an hour or two and get paid for five or six? But, Mr. Chris ... he told me we wouldn't be needed until next Wednesday at the earliest after tonight. I guess getting this overtime will make up for it." Both teens laughed
Russell smiled at Jordan's observation. The high school senior told his fellow guard that he'd probably work until he graduated next year, so for him not to bite the hand that is feeding him. Russell explained to Jordan that Christie and Megan worked all summer out in the lagoon and only worked from noon to 6 PM and were paid well. Jordan smiled at the prospects.
Logan took charge after just about everyone was finished eating. He made sure people helped him wash down the garlic bread trays. He asked Robert and Eric to find bowls to save the leftover spaghetti, meatballs and sauce. Once that was done he had some of the boys help rinse out the spaghetti and sauce pots real good. Then, he had some boys wash off the meatball warming trays
Logan told the boys they needed to make sure they leave the Kitchen Nook as clean as it was when Momma Maria turned it over to them. He had the younger boys grab some wet paper towels to wipe down all of the tables in the Nook, in the Dining Room and out in the garage. The boys all chipped in where they could
When the boys left the Dining Room table, Mr. Ken asked Dan what he wanted to do about all of the boys knowing what Matthew essentially told him and his two detectives. Dan said he'd want to talk to all of them before they got busy doing other things.
"Dad, when can we cut the cake Momma Maria got us for desert?" asked Robert.
The boy's new dad thought about that for a few moments then asked Dan if he wanted to talk to the boys before desert or after. Dan said before they get too full.
"Robert ... ask all the boys to assemble on the stairs leading down to the Great Room. Mr. Dan wants to talk to all of you," asked dad Ken.
"Hey, everyone ... we're all supposed to go sit on the stairs leading down to the Great Room. Mr. Dan wants to talk to us. It's probably about Matthew and what he knows," advised Robert.
The boys dropped what they were doing and headed to the stairs. When Mr. Ken, Mr. Dan and Mr. Wayne got there they decided to take the elevator down to the Great Room because the stairs were packed with boys.
"I didn't know you had an elevator," said Max to Matthew.
"Yea, we do, but we aren't supposed to use it unless we have a broken leg or something," replied Matthew.
"Boys," began Mr. Dan. "Is there anyone here who doesn't know who I am?" started Dan Fischer.
"Good. Now, for what I want to talk to you about. And, this is very important. Most of you know that Matthew has been having the same dream for weeks now. Matthew figured it out with the help of his friends. Later, I understand, Charles figured it out by looking at his computer the boys were using to figure out the dream.
"OK, now ... what is important is that you keep this close to your vest. Keep it under your hat, that is. The Sheriff's Department is actively pursuing what Matthew has told us, and we won't know the outcome until later tomorrow night after the stores close.
"It is exciting for you to know something that, what your friend dreamt, is potentially true. And I am sure you think it is equally as exciting that the police are taking an active interest in determining if it is indeed true.
"The reason we don't want you talking to anyone, including your parents, is that if someone calls someone else, they will undoubtedly call someone else and before long, the reporters are asking us what we are doing. Then, once the information gets out on the radio or TV the bad guys ... they will hear of it and won't try to do what they had planned.
"I'm asking you to keep this quiet until tomorrow night after the time the 10 o'clock news comes on. Because if anything is going to happen it will by then. If it happens sooner I'll call Mr. Ken and his 'boys' will make the calls to all of you. Can you do that for me?" finished Mr. Dan.
Matthew then got up and took center stage. "My mom's boyfriend ... it's him and his friends who are behind all this. They tried to grab me last week, but Mr. Gene and Mr. George were there and stopped them. I don't want them to get away because if they do ... if they do ... they ... they will be after me," broke down Matthew and cried.
Robert got to his younger 'brother' the same time 'dad' Ken did and they held onto him and let him cry. Charles, Kevin, and Kyle soon joined the group hug. The rest of the boys looked on and saw the emotions from Matthew bursting out. They figured he was afraid of his mom's boyfriend. They now knew how important it was for them not to tell anyone. Mr. Ken asked the boys to clear the stairs, so he and Matthew could go up to his Study
It took 'dad' Ken about eight minutes to get Matthew calmed down. Mr. Dan and Mr. Wayne were there too, so they understood the situation and the reason for the boy's turmoil.
Things settled down and eventually, Robert took the boys out to eat their dessert. They even took a large piece to Russell and Jordan as they all headed to the Locker Rooms to change. Matthew's friends waited for him on the stairs. They didn't want to abandon him, when he needed friends the most, right then.
"Thanks for waiting for me," said Matthew, as he and Mr. Ken came down the stairs.
The boys all went to him and patted him on his back and told him they will support him with whatever they had to do. Max decided to hug him and then told him how brave he was. Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne heard that and smiled at one another.
"Boys, do you think you can load the ice chests with sodas and more ice and bring them all down to the pool?" asked Mr. Ken.
"We can try, Mr. Ken. Maybe Mr. Wayne can help us and show us what we can use to bring it down here," said Brant.
Mr. Wayne led the boys to the garage where the sodas, ice chests and ice machine were located. Mr. Wayne got the wheeled carts out and helped the boys load the ice chests onto them. They loaded the ice chests, mostly with soda, and added extra ice. Their next move was to wheel the carts to the elevator and take them down to the Great Room, where they wheeled the carts over to the indoor pool.
"Hey, look what the young pups did!" called out Brad.
The rest of the boys stopped what they were doing and looked on as Matthew and his friends wheeled in the ice chests on the wheeled carts. The older boys all figured the chests were full of sodas and ice. They called out a 'Thank you' to the boys.
Matthew and his friends smiled at what the other boys said. They then headed to the Women's Locker Room to change into their swimsuits.
After helping the younger boys take the ice chests full of soda and ice to the pool area, Mr. Wayne headed over to the Theater to get the popcorn-making machine. He wheeled it, and his needed supplies, over to the pool area, and waited for Mr. Ken to come down with the projector. He figured while he waited, he'd go get his swimsuit on.
Mr. Ken came down to the pool wearing his swimsuit and carrying the projector. When he walked into the pool area all the boys cheered. Mr. Ken waved to them as he walked over to the rock ledge and began setting up the movie projector.
Charles and a few of his friends went over to his 'dad and asked him what movie they would be watching. Mr. Ken thought he had given one of the boys that chore, but with everything that was going on with Matthew, he had totally forgotten. Now, he had to decide who got to choose the movie.
Robert came over, then too. He asked the same question. Mr. Ken asked his 'boys' to wait a few minutes while he set up the projector. He did that so it gave him time to figure out what he was going to do. Then, he decided what he was going to do.
"Boys, since I didn't assign anyone to select a movie and you are all wet, I am going to show Russell and Jordan where the movies are and let them pick one they feel is age-appropriate for you. Sorry, that's my decision," said 'dad' Ken.
Mr. Ken had all the boys get out of the water and he told them to stay out until he and the lifeguards came back. Mr. Ken showed the two teenagers the shelves of movies and told them to select a few and bring them back to the pool area and he'd hold a vote.
The lifeguards brought back, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Justice League, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Transformers: The Last Knight, Dunkirk, Independence Day: Resurgence, The Space Between Us, Despicable Me 3, Wonder, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Murder on the Orient Express, and Beauty and the Beast.
"Boys, I had the lifeguards bring back movies they thought you may like and were age-appropriate. A few movies in the pile are such that I don't think you should watch. But I don't think you'll be harmed for life if you watched them. Now, we'll vote by show of hands, NOT by shouting. OK?" finished Mr. Ken.
The owner of The Cove, and host for the night's Dive-in Movie, went through the titles one at a time. Beauty and the Beast, Despicable Me 3, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Transformers: The Last Knight and Justice League all got very few shows of hands.
"Okay, we now have six movies left to choose from. Does anyone have anything good to say about: Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Dunkirk, The Space Between Us, Wonder, and Murder on the Orient Express. Those received more votes than the ones just voted out.
None of the boys had seen any of them, so they didn't have anything to say about them. Russell had seen all of them and he gave his review. Jordan said he'd seen some of them and he gave the boys his take. The movies were whittled down to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Space Between Us, and Wonder.
After reviewing the descriptions on the movie jackets, the boys deleted The Space Between Us. That left Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Wonder.
The vote was close but most of the boys wanted to watch Wonder. They felt the movie, which tells about the incredibly inspiring story of August Pullman, a boy born with facial differences that prevented him from going to a mainstream school, and eventually did attend the school, would be a good lesson on life.
The description on the jacket told how Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes who enters fifth grade. And how he had to fight bias, prejudice, and bullies, but his journey unites them all and proves you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
Mr. Ken gathered up the boys and told them he didn't want them eating while in the water. He also reminded them not to play jokes on anyone during the movie, since the lights will be turned down low. Then, he asked who would get the floats. The boys started arguing over who did get one of the five.
The floats were quite wide and if the boys weren't too big two boys could lay on a float together. Robert and Eric shared one, of course. Charles asked Cooper to share his until the break. The twins heard what Charles said and they did the same with sharing their float. Matthew and Max shared in the beginning and then they changed off, too.
When everyone was ready, Mr. Ken started the movie. All the boys and the two lifeguards settled down and began watching the movie, Wonder.
Mr. Wayne kept the popcorn hot and ready and the boys ate it up. The boys went through the ice-cold sodas, too. Russell and Jordan walked around the pool area looking at who was on the floats and making sure none of them went missing. Mr. Ken kept an eye on the projector, but didn't expect any problems.
About halfway through the movie, Mr. Ken stopped it so the boys could use the restroom. They were very happy he did that for them. Ten minutes later, the man restarted the movie whether the boys were back or not.
The boys applauded when the movie was over. They thought there were two good lessons to learn from the movie, which was not to judge a person by their cover, and that everyone deserved a chance until they proved themselves different.
The boys took another pee break. As they came back to swim, someone asked if there was enough time to watch the other movie the lifeguards had picked. They asked Robert and Charles to ask Mr. Ken. The owner of The Cove thought about it. He checked the time, looked at the run time of the movie, but decided against it.
The boys argued they had enough time to watch the movie, but their 'dad' told them they wouldn't have time enough to swim afterward and he knew how much they wanted to. The boys argued some more, but Mr. Ken told them he was not going to allow them to swim until 1 or 2 a.m. because the lifeguards had to be home by one. The boys knew their 'dad' wouldn't change his mind, and they went to tell their friends.
The boys swam for about two hours when Mr. Wayne came to the pool and told them the lifeguards had to leave soon. The Estate Master asked them to get out, dry off, and change for bed. While the boys hurried to do as Mr. Wayne asked, the man asked the lifeguards if they had time to have a piece of cake and some cold milk. They looked at the time and said they did.
Most of the boys changed into their t-shirts and briefs, and a few who had brought pajamas wore them, as well. They then headed to the Kitchen Nook to get a piece of cake and some cold milk.
"Hey, I thought you had to leave?" asked Kyle.
"We do, but only after we get a piece of cake and some cold milk," teased back Russell, who then ruffled Kyle's damp hair.
Mr. Wayne served the cake while Mr. Ken asked what type of milk they wanted. The man offered them a choice of plain white milk, chocolate milk, or vanilla Milk. The Cover boys knew want they wanted and quickly told their 'dad what they wanted.
Most of the boys had never heard of vanilla milk and wanted to try it. Momma Maria had prepared four gallons each of the chocolate and vanilla milk. Mr. Ken poured out glasses of all three types of milk and the boys took a glass of what they wanted and then got their piece of cake.
As the boys and adults ate cake and drank their milk of choice they talked about the movie. The boys also talked to Russell and Jordan about high school, and what they liked and didn't like about it. The high schoolers answered their questions until they saw the time and apologized they had to leave to make it home by curfew.
The boys helped clean up the Kitchen Nook before heading to the restrooms to get rid of any lasting fluids before going to bed. Max and Matthew and their friends all used the Party Restrooms. They got there first, so they didn't have long to wait.
Before going to bed themselves, Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne looked over the banister of the MRS Room to check on the boys. The owner of The Cove called out to them not to talk all night and to get some sleep. The men then headed to their own bedrooms and hopefully a good night's sleep.
Matthew, Max, and Chief were situated right next to one another, but since there were only seven boys they could quietly talk to one another. The question the boys had was for Max. They wanted to know how he liked the ramps, the movie, and swimming in the indoor pool.
When Max answered, his face couldn't withhold his feelings of joy that he felt. He told his new friends that he hadn't done anything like that ever, and this was the best experience he ever had. He told them he hoped it wasn't all a dream. His friends laughed.
Chief took advantage of having seven boys close by, and got all the ear scratches she could get. She loved the way the young boys held her and petted her, too. Now that Collin was no longer there, she knew Matthew was her responsibility. She slept between Matthew and Max who had an arm around her all night long.
The talking could be heard from all corners of the Great Room, as all the boys talked about the wonderful week they just had and that Christmas Day was only one day away. The talking soon died down as the boys began to drift off to sleep, one by one.
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