"You ready to have your jaw broken again Easton?" asked Logan. "Your jaw may be healed, but it will still be vulnerable and all it would take is one quick punch and your mouth will be wired shut for another eight weeks, or longer depending on how it breaks this time. You ready for that same experience while you sit in juvie?" finished Logan.
Easton thought about that for a few seconds and then he told Brody he wasn't having any part of what he planned to do. Brody told him he was already involved, but Easton told him not if he doesn't participate and testifies for Robert and Logan. Easton then hurriedly walked away.
Brody went after Easton and slammed him in his back. Easton quickly turned to his attacker and hit him square in the face. The attacked boy told Brody to never talk to him again, or he'll get more of what he just got. The eighth grade teen walked away.
Dan Fischer was in line when he saw some teens that Robert and Logan apparently knew come over to them and talk. The Sheriff's Lieutenant didn't think anything of it, so he got on the ride not knowing what was transpiring right then or there. He watched the boys talk while he was captive on the ride.
Lt. Fischer was at the top of Scream waiting to fall back down, when he noticed one boy walk away and another walk after him and punch him hard on his back. He was surprised when the attacked teen turned around and hit his attacker squarely in the face, say something and walk away.
It was while he was falling back down on the Scream that he saw the three teens pulling Robert and Logan away. The other two boys with them tried to stop them, but they got pushed away.
As soon as Mr. Dan could get to the boys who were with Robert and Logan they told him they heard Brody say they'd take them to the restroom over by the Ferris wheel. Dan Fischer pulled out his cell phone and made a quick call.
"Gene we may have a problem. Where are you?" quickly asked Dan Fischer, when the security man answered.
Learning the man was casually watching Matthew and his friends at the Grand Carousel Dan asked him to hurry up the street and meet him at the Scream. While he waited for Gene, Sheriff's Lieutenant Dan Fischer called Six Flags security.
Dan identified himself and told them what he saw and that he was going to try to find the boys. Six Flags security said they'd send the police officer there and to wait for him. Dan reminded him that he was the police, and they could catch up to him at the restrooms over by the Crow's Nest Ferris wheel.
While Mr. Gene was hurrying to meet up with Dan Fischer, he called his twin brother who was watching one of the twins from afar. Hearing what his twin knew, George Warren hurried from the S.S. Overboard only a block away. He met Dan and Gene as they came to the Ferris wheel.
Brody and his thugs went to the Men's Restroom and told everyone inside the place was closed and told them all to leave. He then stationed Nicholas Crown at the doorway and told him not to let anyone inside. The teen had a difficult time, but was able to get people to go to the restroom over by the Hustler.
While Nicholas kept the people away, Brody and Alexander tried to beat on Robert and Logan. But Logan was having nothing to do with that and he fought back, and so did Robert. Now, that it was now two on two, and not the four on two the bullies had planned on, they had a difficult time doing what they had intended.
Standing outside all by himself, Nickolas didn't count on three men coming to the door and demanding him to step aside. It wasn't until Dan pulled out his badge that Nicholas held up his hands and let the men go inside. Mr. George pulled the now reluctant teen inside with them.
Dan saw that Robert and Logan were giving as much as they got, and were probably giving out more, as Brody and Alex were more bloodied than the other two. Dan broke up the fight and held onto Brody, while Gene held onto Alexander.
"They started it," yelled Brody.
"Yea, they told us they were going to beat the living shit out of us for what we did to them at the water park," added Alexander
It was then that two San Antonio police officers entered the restroom to find out what was going on. Brody and Alexander quickly told the story they told Dan, Gene and George, while Robert and Logan stayed quiet. It was then Easton, who had followed at a distance, came to the door and told the men his story.
Ken Thomas arrived at the restroom soon thereafter, as Frank Longger called him to explain what he knew. The man went directly to Robert and hugged him tight. He then pulled Logan into a group hug. All the while the two police officers and the two security men discussed what happened in the restroom. Soon, two more San Antonio police officers arrived.
After about an hour at Six Flags security headquarters, Robert, Logan, Mr. Ken, Mr. Dan, Mr. Gene and Mr. George were allowed to return to having fun in the amusement park. It was now going on 4 PM. Robert called his friends to find out where they were and he and Logan quickly caught up to them.
"Thank you Dan and Gene and you too George for protecting my son and his friend. I don't know why those boys were still set out to hurt them. You'd have thought they would have learned their lesson the first time.
"Ken, if it weren't for Easton turning on Brody it probably wouldn't have gone as easy as it did. Sometimes these types of interviews could go on for hours," replied Dan Fischer.
"And it didn't hurt that you're a Sheriff's Lieutenant and still on the job and Gene and George are retired deputies. I am sure that went a long way, as well," countered Ken Thomas, with a smile.
The four men walked to catch up with their groups. When they did, they learned many of the boys had already heard about the confrontation in the restroom that Robert and Logan had with Brody. The men figured the teens would probably be sporting some well-earned bruises come the morning.
While Robert, Logan and the four adults were busy with the San Antonio police officers and Six Flags security, Matthew and his friends rode some rides. They rode the S.S Overboard. It was a big boat shaped ride that swung back and forth and as it gained speed it went higher and higher. The boys who selected the top most seats got the most air time and the better thrill. Matthew, Max and Brant couldn't say enough about the ride when they got off.
They tried the Crow's Nest Ferris wheel next. They loved the fact they could see a majority of the park from the top. They also looked at which rides were close by that they could do next.
Since Scooby-Doo Ghost Blasters was practically right next to the Ferris wheel they decided to get in line. It didn't take too long a wait for the first four persons in their group to load into the four-person car with its special gun. It only took three cars for all eleven, including the adults, for them to proceed into the maze of the ride.
As the boys went through the maze, they had to shoot the red-lit targets to get a score. Some shot randomly hoping their blaster hit the target, while others aimed and found they got more and more points. At the end they all compared scores and they learned Max, Chase and Aaron had the highest scores. The adults didn't even come close.
The younger boys had been eyeing the Scream and some wanted to ride it. A few others didn't want to go that high. Collin told them it wasn't any higher than SkyScreamer and they owed it to themselves to experience what they could. They all got in the queue. Even Doctor Doug followed everyone and got into line, as well.
There were four sets of four seats so that meant they could all ride, including the chaperones, at the same time. There were eleven in total so they made sure they'd all get to go at the same time, so they all had the same experience.
When it came their turn, they carefully chose who they wanted to sit next to. But, Matthew reminded them of their agreement to change seats and they should do it there, too. Matthew was happy Mr. Wayne was seated next to him. He actually held the man's hand as they rode the Scream.
"That was intense," shouted Max, as they got off the ride. "I watched it get shot up and then drop down, but I had no idea it would feel that way. I sure am glad I hadn't eaten anything before we rode that."
Some of the other boys agreed with Max, but in the end they were all happy they chose to ride it. They knew they could hold their heads up high for riding some of the scarier rides. Mr. Wayne looked at the time and told the boys it was close to dinnertime and they should start walking towards the Halle.
Kevin and his friends rode almost all of the same rides as Matthew and his friends did. They did double back to ride Fender Bender because they all liked the way they could bump into one another. Outside the ride's exit were many seats, so once the boys got into line with their chaperones, Addison Farrmers and Claire Duggans, went and waited at the exit for them.
Kyle and his friends were a bit more daring and they decided to ride Superman, a floorless coaster. They knew the ride was quite high, but they didn't know how high it was until they got to the top of the lift hill. Sure they could see forever from up there, but after four seconds of looking around they found themselves racing down towards the 145-foot high loop.
They couldn't believe they'd gone through that loop and didn't fall off. The train followed its track into a 360 degree turn that led them to a left banked turn and then into the bat wing. After the bat wing, the coaster train went up a hill into a brake run. After that there were some twists and turns right before the station entrance.
When the young sixth grade boys got off Superman, they weren't too sure that had been a good idea, but now that they'd ridden it, they had bragging rights. They all bumped fists and smiled as they headed over to ride the Scream.
Charles and Camm led their friends to all the rides they rode when Mr. Dan had taken them last August. They rode the Boomerang first, then Road Runner Express, iRattler, and SkyScreamer. They all got into line for Superman, and after that they rode the carousel ride called The Grand Carousel.
When the boys and their chaperones came off that ride some of the boys asked why they had chosen to ride it. Camm spoke up and told them it was a relaxing ride to allow their bodies to calm down after all those intense rides they'd ridden before it. The boys accepted that answer.
Before the day was over, Charles' seventh grade group also rode the Crow's Nest Ferris wheel, Scooby Doo Ghost Blasters, the S.S. Overboard, Fender Bender, Scream, Hustler, and lastly Poltergeist. They were lucky enough to get on all those rides as the lines got longer the as the day went on.
During the day, some of the boys got Hot Chocolate. Some tried the Candy Cane Funnel Cakes made with crushed peppermint or the Lumps of Coal Funnel Cakes that were made with brownie pieces. They also watched a few of the shorter shows as they rested their feet from all the walking they'd done.
And with only an hour before dinner, all the boys searched for a ride where they could get in line and get off in time to meet at Sangerfest Halle for dinner. Many of them choose Pandemonium. The ride sat four riders in a train that could, and usually did, spin as it went along its track.
Some cars went around on its spindle very fast while some barely rotated. The trick was to have the heavier people on one side and the lighter ones on the other. That would ensure a lot of spinning throughout the ride. Some of the boys enjoyed the spinning, but a few didn't like it, as it gave them a slight headache.
The entire group descended on Sangerfest Halle at the appointed time. Mr. Ken met them and told them to get whatever they wanted to eat, but to make sure they ate all they got. He also told them to go to the far register to check out and then find an open table they could share with their friends.
Before letting the boys eat, Mr. Ken asked them to wash their hands first. Right then, the family Mr. Ken befriended out at the ticket booths came into Sangerfest Halle. The family's benefactor saw them and he went over to them and welcomed them. He told them the boys were attempting to wash their hands and would then rush into the serving lines shortly.
The woman thanked the man for what he was doing for them, but told him they didn't even know his name. When he told them his name it apparently didn't register with them and for that Mr. Ken was thankful.
Their host asked them to get whatever they wanted, but to be sure they ate what they took. He said that specifically for the children's sake. He also told them that if they were still hungry they could go back for seconds. That put a big smile on the kids' faces.
The family went into the serving area and looked over the Menus before choosing what they wanted. The mom was trying to get her children to get the cheaper meals, but her husband told her if the man could afford to buy 70 tickets and give four of them away, and feed over 40 boys and their adult chaperones, he could surely afford for them to have a good meal. The entire family selected what they wanted.
The adults let the boys go first. It took some of the boys a few moments to decide whereas some who'd been to Fiesta Texas before knew what they wanted. Many of the boys got the pizza and a soda or hot chocolate. Some just got a soft pretzel and a drink, while some got the Fajita Taco plate or Fiesta Bowl. A few took the turkey leg and a drink or the huge hot dog, but no one could understand why they'd do that after they eating so many hot dogs at The Cove. No boy went hungry that night.
The adults watched what the boys got and they saw what looked good, so they got in the proper line and got what they wanted. When it was all said and done and everyone was fed, Mr. Ken went over to pay the bill. He knew there were at least twelve more people than the SeaWorld trip, plus the six family members he invited, so the final bill was considerably much more.
Mr. Ken got his meal and then went over to the family he invited to join them. They talked some and it got around to what the man did for a living. The man said he worked for a builder, but at the Holidays the work fell off, but would pick up right after the first of the year.
It was then Owen and Nathan came over to sit with Mr. Ken in order to get caught up on the latest news between them. Mr. Ken introduced them to the family, and it was then they learned that the man didn't do it just for them. The conversation eventually got around to jobs. Nathan, a civil engineer, said he knew where there was steady work and, if the man was interested, to give him a call. Nathan then gave the man his card.
When everyone was finished eating, Mr. Ken called everyone together. He told them there was a show at 6 PM that all of the adults wanted to see. He reminded them it was called The Majesty of Christmas that included camels, goats and other animals. Their host told them they'd probably enjoy it and it would give their stomachs some time to digest their dinner before they ran around catching the last rides of the night.
"Boys … before we go, please use the restroom here in the Halle or the one across the Outside Patio. The show starts in twenty minutes and we'd like us all to sit together. Now go do your thing," said Mr. Ken. All forty plus boys headed in two directions. The family Mr. Ken invited followed suit.
Mr. Ken, along with his 64 plus 6 guests, walked up the block to the Zaragoza Theatre. No tickets were required, but seating was first come first served. The adults wished they had known that beforehand as they would have gotten there much sooner. As it was, everyone was spread out throughout the Theatre.
The show took about 45 minutes and the boys, restless at first, were enthralled by the use of the animals and the flying angels. They didn't care too much for the singing, but they all could follow along with the story of the Nativity.
They all thought the best part was when the Three Kings arrived. Each King had a special gift for the baby Jesus. The first one arrived on his camel with lots of flare and attendants. The second one walked down as a normal man would but he too, had a few attendants accompanying him carrying lit torches.
But the third King, he too walked down the aisle with a flare, but when he arrived at the stage his minders spread out his huge golden cape that took up a good portion of the floor and steps. Then after all three Kings were on the stage an Angel came out of the ceiling and began to sing in a deep baritone voice. That show was the talk of the night as they rode back to The Cove.
As the group filed out of the theatre, they gathered in their groups. Some of the boys wanted to know more about what happened to Robert and Logan. Mr. Ken told them they could ask them tomorrow or the next night during the sleepover, but for now he wanted to see what everyone's plans were for the rest of the night. He reminded them they were to meet at the bus by 9:40, or so, for a head count.
A few of the boys had gone out for their jackets earlier in the day, but now as the dampness of the old quarry could be felt, the rest of the boys headed to the bus for their coats or sweatshirts. Mr. Gene and Mr. George decided they'd chaperone the lads as they got their hands stamped, retrieved their jackets and got back safely into the park.
The family of six thanked Mr. Ken for his generosity and wished him a Merry Christmas. The kids hugged the man and thanked him as 6 to 10 year olds can.
The boys knew they had about two hours to two and a half hours before they needed to head out to the bus. The different groups talked about what they wanted to ride next and before long, they all headed in different directions.
Robert and Charles' groups all headed over to the iRattler. They wanted to experience it at night. What they didn't realize was it would be much colder than it was earlier in the day when they took it on.
Kevin and Kyle thought about joining their groups together, but they each wanted to go to a different ride, so they all headed off to different themed areas of the amusement park.
Kevin's group decided to head to Superman, Krypton Coaster. They, like their older 'brothers' wanted to experience the ride, but this time at night with all the lights on. They would later regret doing so, as that ride was right up against the quarry walls, so the cold coming off the wall was going to penetrate the light jacket or sweatshirt they had on.
Kyle led his friends over to ride the iRattler, just behind his older 'brothers' groups. They had forgone the ride earlier in the day, but after riding Superman they figured they were ready for the Iron Rattler, aka iRattler.
They hurried along so fast, that only one of their chaperones, Ryan, could keep up. Evelyn and Joyce called out to Ryan not to worry about them, as they didn't intend to ride the coaster anyway. They yelled to Ryan they'd wait at the exit for him and the boys.
Matthew and his small group wanted to ride the train. They had to walk over to the other side of the park to Crackaxle Canyon to catch it. They were lucky that night as they arrived just as the train entered the station.
The train itself was decked out in many lit up colors covering almost the entire engine and tender. The passenger cars had one color of lights spread out over its entire length on both sides. There were red, green, white and blue lights. The train waited about seven minutes in order to load the passenger cars up before pulling out.
The boys enjoyed seeing the periphery of the amusement park from the train. They were able to see all of the decorations throughout the park and watch the people walking around, getting in line for a ride and riding the rides. It was also a relaxing ride for them all.
Over in Crackaxle Canyon, seven boys and one chaperone, Ryan, quickly got in line for the iRattler. Robert and his friends, along with Frank Longger, Dan Fischer and Russell were already in line. Charles and his friends were right behind them, but John and Barbara Sullivan, their chaperones, chose not to ride, but to wait at the exit.
The line was quite long, as many people had the same idea they did. All the boys could hope for now was they would get to ride the iRattler before they had to head back to the bus.
While waiting in line, the boys talked amongst themselves about their experience today, versus what they experienced at SeaWorld back in October. There was some disagreement as if the two could even be compared.
Even though SeaWorld had a few rides, some argued that it was more for watching animals that came from the seas, whereas Fiesta Texas was dedicated to rides and, other than a few shows, had nothing else. The groups agreed to disagree.
After their train ride, Doctor Doug suggested their group take in the show, My Christmas Card to You, in the Rockville High School. That meant they all had to walk back over there, but the boys didn't care. They were all getting tired and knowing they'd get to sit down some more sounded good to them.
The show celebrated the sending of greeting cards to loved ones through the use of nostalgic Christmas music. A mail carrier had to deliver his mail to people along his route and the story was a touching tale of how a simple Christmas card meant so much to the recipient.
The show lasted about 30 minutes and when it was over, the boys were glad they'd watched it. They enjoyed the Christmas spirit exposed by their songs and it made them feel like Christmas was just around the corner for them.
Seeing the time, Mr. Wayne suggested they head up towards the entrance and the bus. He figured they wouldn't have enough time to wait in line and ride one last ride. So, the group walked and talked as they passed by Hustler, Scream, Poltergeist and the train tracks.
With all the 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys talking amongst themselves, it made the time move more quickly for them as they stood in line at the iRattler. When it was their turn, Robert's group had ridden the iRattler earlier in the day, so they knew where they wanted to ride. The same for Charles and his friends when it was their turn. They all eagerly looked forward to riding the ride at night.
Soon, Kyle and his friends, and Ryan, found it was their turn to choose which seats they wanted on the coaster train. The eight riders decided to take up the middle seats when the turnstiles opened for them to load. None of them had ever ridden the iRattler, so they had no idea what to expect. But they knew they all had survived Superman and this should be no different. That's what they all hoped.
When their train was dispatched it went down a slight downhill, made a left turn and then caught onto the lift chain. The chain lifted the train to the top of the 171-foot high first hill. As the boys rode up the hill they enjoyed the sights of the whole park lit up for Christmas. Then at the top the coaster train stopped for just a few moments before descending the hill to the bottom.
The boys weren't expecting the track to be as dark as it was and when they started down they all screamed. Even Ryan left out a loud "Whoooooa" as the roller coaster train went down the 81-degree drop. The train reached its fastest speed of 70 mph at the bottom of the drop and then immediately headed up the second hill where it went into a 90 degree left banked turn. They headed down the sweeping downward loop and up into a 360 degree barrel roll. The whole time the boys were screaming their heads off.
After the barrel roll, the train went into another 90 degree banked turn and then into a few bunny hills before going over the side of the quarry wall and down towards the water basin of the Gully Washer.
The coaster then headed up into a tunnel dug out of the quarry wall that was full of fog and bright flashing lights. Soon thereafter the train headed into a brake run, and came to a complete stop. When the dispatcher had released the coaster cars in front of them, he let their train come into the station.
"Whoa, that was better than Superman by far," said Eli, as he and his friends walked down the wooden walkway.
"Did I scream as much as I think I did?" laughed Landon.
"I know I screamed," offered Wyatt, all the while smiling.
"Hey, let's go look at our pictures," suggested Kyle.
When that group reached where the television screens were positioned to view their pictures the older boys were waiting on them. All the boys gathered at the counter and began laughing at the younger boys pictures. That was where John and Barbara Sullivan, Joyce Cambelle and Evelyn Staffans met up with their charges.
The four adults were glad they had gone there, as it took them out of the cold and they were able to talk to one another about how their boys acted throughout the day. After all the boys had looked and laughed at their pictures, Ryan suggested they start heading back to the entrance and wait for everyone else.
As Matthew and his friends headed towards the front of the park, they came across a ride just opposite to Sangerfest Halle. The ride was called Kinderstein and no one was waiting in line. They asked their chaperones if they could stop and ride it. Mr. Wayne looked at the time and to his two adult companions and with their agreement the boys quickly ran to get in line.
Kinderstein, which essentially means child's cup, is a junior teacup twirler for spin-lovers. So, being there were six teacups that the boys could load into, the boys chose to place two boys in each cup. Then, as the ride began, they had to use the center spindle in the middle of the cup to make the cup to go around and around, as well.
The chaperones could hear the boys laughing and giggling as the ride went around and around in circles, and as they made the teacup go faster and faster around, too.
When the ride was over, Matthew went to Mr. Wayne and thanked him for letting them take one last ride. He then went to Doctor Doug and hugged him and then to Collin. The other boys saw what their friend was doing, so they mimicked him and hugged each of their chaperones and thanked them for watching over them.
The boys then joined the throng of other guests heading to the exits and their vehicles. As the younger boys headed towards the exit they came across their 'brothers' and their friends.
When Kyle's group of friends arrived at Los Festivales, which was the area at the front of the park, some of the boys asked if they could get in line for a funnel cake. Evelyn said they could if they finished it before they got on the bus. She warned them the powdered sugar would get everywhere.
Dominic got in line and told his friends they would share. It took about fifteen minutes for him to be served, but less than two minutes for the 8 sixth graders to devour the funnel cake. Now they were thirsty. The Ben and Jerry's shop had sodas and water, but Ryan suggested they just asked for a cup of water each. Even Evelyn got a cup of cold water. Joyce just stood back.
The boys, after they met, all talked about what their last ride was. The older boys laughed at the much younger boys for riding the teacups. A few fickle fingers of fate were thrown instead of using bad words. They all laughed at what the fifth grade boys had done. Luckily Mr. Ken hadn't seen them.
"Owen, Nathan … I hope you had a great and fun day," offered Mr. Ken to the partners.
"Mr. Ken, this was a great day for us as a couple and as dads for our three sons. We didn't smother them, but let them enjoy the day with their friends. We did ride a few rides with them, but they see us all day every day, so letting them let their hair down, without us watching over them, I am sure made their day, as well," replied Owen.
"Guys, I would love to invite you over to The Cove, but we are leaving for four days the day after Christmas. Then, I have my New Year's Eve Party to get ready for. But … I am hosting a New Year's Day Swim Party, and if you would like to come I'd be happy to have you.
"It will start about 1 PM and last until, whenever. I've invited all the families of my 'boys' friends and I have a few gifts I want to present to the boys. But one gift in particular requires the parent's written approval. I won't say more as you may not want to participate as you live so far away. I'll send you an email to remind you," explained Mr. Ken.
"Thank you again for including us in your Holiday Trip," offered Nathan. "You've made us feel so welcomed and 'loved' for not really knowing us. We really do appreciate it!"
The men shook hands, but that evolved into hugs. Then Jayden, Ryder and Chase came over to their host and hugged him and thanked him for inviting them to a very fun day. They told the owner of The Cove they now thought of him as an uncle, since he's treated them as they knew an uncle would do. That brought another round of hugs.
While Owen Clakson and Nathan Durnsford talked to Mr. Ken, the other boys began thanking all of the chaperones for giving up their day for them. The boys hugged each and every one of the adults who accompanied them that day. Needless to say their departure time was delayed.
Once a head count was done and everyone had loaded onto the chartered bus, the bus driver called Mr. Ken over to talk to him. The driver explained to his contractor that Fiesta Texas had only one, two-lane exit, controlled by a traffic light and sometimes a police officer or two.
The bus driver asked if Mr. Ken wanted him to get into line with the hundreds and hundreds of other vehicles or wait until the throng died down. Mr. Ken looked at the time and saw they wouldn't be home before 12:30 AM as it was, so he asked the bus driver to start home.
Mr. Ken got on the PA speaker and got everyone's attention. "Boys, chaperones, if you have someone meeting you at The Cove when we return, I have a bit of bad news for you. We are running late and it might be a bit later than initially planned, because of the large amount of vehicles trying to exit at the same time.
"I tell you this so you can call, or text, whomever is picking you up and let them know it will be at least 12:30 before we get home and not midnight as originally planned. Sorry to have to tell you that, but when you're having fun it seems time gets away from you.
"Did you all have a great time today?" asked Mr. Ken, their host.
The bus erupted in an uproar of "Yea's" and "Thank you" from the boys. Even a few of the adults yelled out their appreciation to them man who invited them along.
The bus ride home started out with many conversations happening at the same time. The boys had to tell one another what rides they rode and what they liked or didn't like about the rides they did ride. They even talked about the nativity show with all the animals and flying angels.
The restroom on the bus got a good workout, as many of the boys hadn't drained their dragons before getting onboard. But after that first thirty minutes, the quiet on the bus was obvious. Mr. Ken did take a walk down the aisle to check on the boys, and he saw that just about every youngster seemed to be quietly resting with their eyes closed or sound asleep. He was happy for that. He also saw many of the chaperones were catching a few winks, as well.
Mr. Ken sat in his seat and thought about what happened to Robert and Logan. He couldn't believe kids kept grudges as long as this Brody character had. He also wondered what the teen had over the two other teens who went along with him. The man pulled out his cell phone and sent himself a note to call Jules. He wanted answers.
When the bus was about twenty minutes out from its final destination, the driver told Mr. Ken he might want to start waking up his guests. Mr. Ken started with the adults who were up front, but he had to go the rear of the bus to wake up Collin and Ryan.
None of the boys wanted to wake up, but with Collin and Ryan doing the wake ups they couldn't resist the tickling they got from the two eighteen year olds. After waking, a few of the boys decided to use the restroom and were obviously sporting a tent. They got some catcalls from their friends and they received the fickle finger of fate back. The laughter could be heard up front.
When the bus arrived back at The Cove, Mr. Ken told everyone to stay seated until the driver got the coach turned around. He explained it would be easier for them to find their loved ones as they exited in that direction.
The waiting parents had gotten to know one another much better as they waited for their sons to return. They talked about the New Year's Day Swim Party and some wondered if they should go.
Nolan and Ellie Allenbee were waiting for their sons Dylan and Noah, like most of the people there. They heard some of the other parents asking about the New Year's Day Swim Party and if they should attend. Most of the parents had sons who were friends with Kevin and Kyle, and a few of Matthew's, who only knew only so much about what Mr. Ken would do for his 'son's' friends.
Nolan and Ellie gathered the parents who had no idea of what Mr. Ken had done for all of their boys. They told them about the water toys, the Commander rides and the Lakeside Water Park. They explained what happened at the Labor Day Picnic, where two of the boys got awards for saving another teen's life earlier that summer.
The Allenbee's tried to impress on the parents that Mr. Ken treats all of the boys as if they were his nephews, and what his 'sons' got, their friends usually got as well. They told them how they had the same questions and doubts in the beginning, but seeing how more even headed, responsible and considerate their sons were now made them believers. They told them what they did that one night when they put together a barbeque for the man and the boys' right under his nose.
Other parents came over and joined the conversation. Most of them were Robert's and Charles' friends moms and dads, and they joined in telling how much they appreciated what Mr. Ken had done for their sons. They told of countless times were the man wouldn't accept their offers to help him with whatever he needed, especially when it came to all of the boys.
The new parents listened closely to what the parents whose sons had been coming to The Cove since last January had to say. They suggested that they owed the man so much, that when he asks them for a small favor, which he rarely does; they should go out of their way to accommodate him.
They all heard the bus before it came in to the estate. They saw it was going to turn around before letting the passengers off, so they stayed off the driveway. When the bus stopped the first person off was Mr. Ken.
The owner of The Cove helped the women off the bus and walked them over to their waiting loved ones. The women were quickly followed by the men who were followed by the boys in no particular age order.
As the boys came off the bus, if their parents hadn't been on the bus with them, they ran to them and hugs were shared. Then the stories began about what rides their son rode and how it felt. They told them about the show, The Majesty of Christmas, that they watched it and how good they thought it was even though they didn't like it at first.
After the boys talked to their parents, they all went over to Mr. Ken and thanked him again for treating them to an awesome day. Many of the boys hugged the man and then thanked Mr. Wayne again for being a chaperone.
Even though the chartered bus was back at The Cove a little past 12:30 AM, it was closer to 1 AM when the parents began to leave the estate. All the boys had to introduce their parents to their friend's parents, if they hadn't done so previously.
After all the parents and their sons had left, Doug Jennings came over to Mr. Ken and thanked him for such a wonderful day. The doctor told his friend that he never would have gone to a place like that by himself, but being there on the behest of a friend, and getting to do what kids do, was invigorating for him. He asked if he could be invited again if he takes all the kids somewhere.
The two men laughed, shook hands and then the doctor hugged the man of the hour. Before long, the doctor got into his vehicle and departed the estate.
After Mr. Ken gave the bus driver an envelope that contained his tip for doing such a great job, he called all the Cover boys together.
"Boys, it is well past 1 AM and I expect all of you, you too Collin, to sleep in this morning. We've all had a long and exciting day and we need to let our bodies catch up. Even I will try to sleep in this morning," said Mr. Ken.
"Yea, dad, you'll probably sleep in until at least, what, 8:30, instead of 8:15," laughed Robert.
"You know me so well," laughed dad Ken back.
Mr. Ken and the boys walked into the house only to be greeted happily by Chief. The resident dog couldn't decide which person to go to first, so she went to Collin. All the boys gave Chief some behind the ear scratches and then headed up to bed.
Mr. Ken was the last person to thank Chief for waiting so patiently for their return. The man then went upstairs to say goodnight to the boys and tuck them in. He included Collin in that ritual before heading to his own bed and some much-needed sleep.
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