Upon their return to The Cove after their big meal, the three Covers headed to Mr. Ken's Study to relax in one of those big soft leather chairs. They just sat there, eyes closed, letting those big burgers, milkshakes and fries begin to digest. It was while all three were relaxed enough that they could have nodded off that Charles sat up and sort of yelled to his 'dad'.
"'Dad' … dang, I forgot to ask you up at the gate if James and Camm could spend the night after we get back from the water park. Do you think it's too late to call them if you say yes?" anxiously asked Charles.
'Dad' Ken looked at the time and seeing it was only 8:15 PM, he agreed to allow Charles to call his friends and ask them if they could spend Friday night at The Cove. He then looked over in the direction of his other 'son' and saw him sitting there with a big 'me too' smile.
"I see that big shit-eating smile, young man, and yes you can invite Eric to spend Friday night, too," offered Mr. Ken with a big smile himself.
"But, 'dad', that's not my 'if Eric can spend the night' smile. It's my 'can ALL the guys spend the night' poop-eating smile," laughed Robert.
Mr. Ken sat there laughing at his older 'son's' antics and then thought about what it would be like to have sixteen 11 to 13-year-olds spending the night. And, if he invited Ryan and Daniel to hang around and help chaperone then that would be a doozy of a sleep-over. Then he figured one or two or maybe even three lads wouldn't be allowed to stay over but he needed to decide if he wanted to put out the invitation.
"What you thinking about 'dad'?" asked Robert.
It was then Charles spoke up and said that Mrs. Whitely would be calling to talk to him about James staying over Friday night. He then added that Camm was a go. He hadn't heard Robert ask if ALL the lads could sleep over so he asked what his 'dad' and his older 'brother' were talking about.
"Charles … I asked 'dad' if everyone could spend the night, too," announced Robert.
Charles got a great big smile on his face upon hearing that all the boys might spend the night, as well. He then got up and went to Robert and hugged him for making the suggestion. He then looked at his 'dad' to see if the man had made his decision.
"Well?" asked Charles.
Robert just laughed at Charles forwardness.
"Guys … do you know how many kids will be here if they all stay?" started the owner of The Cove. But before he could continue the phone rang startling him some.
"Hello? … Oh, hello Mrs. Whitely. … Yes, I did tell Charles he could ask James and Camm to spend the night tomorrow. … Oh, no, it isn't any problem. Robert's had a number of his friends stay over and when Collin lived here I allowed him to do the same. … How will I feed them? Well, I've taught the boys how to use the grill and they've successfully cooked hamburgers and hot dogs for their friends on many occasions. James ate such a late lunch here earlier today, I do believe.
"When I know there are kids staying over, I let Momma Maria know so she will make enough breakfast tacos for the lads for breakfast. … Oh, she's worked for me from the start right after I moved into this house. She makes my, well, now, our meals, shops for the pantry and treats us like we we're 'family'. … The sun doesn't set until late, this time of year, and the skateboard ramps are lit up by the garage flood lights so I'm sure the boys will be busy riding their skateboards. Then they'll have a snack and possibly watch a movie. … …
"Yes, I won't let them watch anything higher than PG-13, Mrs. Whitely. … It is really no trouble at all, Mrs. Whitely. … As I've said, Allison, I've hosted many lads and at one time there were about 20, or so, spending the night and Momma was able to feed them all the next morning. … Just have James bring a change of clothes, whatever he sleeps in and a sleeping bag and pillow, if he has them. If he doesn't have them, I bought a number of them for times when a lad doesn't own one. … James is a fine lad, Mrs. Whitley, and he's very polite and attentive. He even helped set up the barbeque earlier even though he didn't know where anything was; he just volunteered to help. … No, he won't need any money. I know someone who can get me very inexpensive tickets for all the lads. … Thank you, for Charles, Mrs. Whitely, I know he'll be very happy to have a sleep-over with his first two friends he's made since living here. … Okay, we'll see James here at about eleven. … Bye"
"Wow, 'dad', she sure asked a lot of questions," exclaimed Charles.
"Yes, 'son' she did, but as a parent you need to make sure you are doing the right thing for your child. So … what do you think? Am I doing the right thing letting MY 'son's' have fourteen of their friends spend the night … all at the same time? Don't answer that! I must be NUTS to let that happen!" teased 'dad' Ken.
That comment got the man attacked by both his 'boys' and the three wound up on the floor. Mr. Ken found himself on the bottom after the attack, but before long he began tickling one boy and then the other and before long he had both lads squirming under his tickle attack.
"STOP, Stop, I'm gonna pee my pants if you don't STOP!" yelled Robert. "I drank too much soda and if you don't let me up I'm gonna pee on your floooorrrr!"
"So, go ahead and pee; I'll just use you and your nice looking clothes to wipe it all up," teased back Mr. Ken.
Charles then used that distraction to get away and attack his new 'dad' from behind allowing Robert to get away. Mr. Ken pulled the sneaky lad off his back and around onto the floor and began his tickle torture. Then just as Mr. Ken was primed to go in for the 'kill' he was again attacked from behind by his now pee relieved teenaged 'son'. The three played like that for about ten minutes when they all, agreed they needed to stop and catch their breath.
"Thanks, 'dad', that was fun. I never got to do anything like that ever before. Do lots of dad's do that with their kids?" Charles wanted to know.
"Yeah, 'dad', that WAS fun. We haven't done that for a long time," chimed in Robert.
Charles, hearing that his 'brother' had done that before with Mr. Ken said, "You've done that before, Robert?"
"Yep, we sure did. He'd get silly and I'd wind up having to hurry to the bathroom before I peed myself," laughed Robert. "But it was always a lot of fun! I even did that with Ryan when he and his mom stayed with me when 'dad' had to go away."
The three Covers retreated to their chair of choice. It was Mr. Ken who began the conversation.
"Guys … what are the plans for tomorrow?"
"Sheesh, 'dad', I thought you had it all figured out. You're the one who invited all the guys to go to the water park with us tomorrow. I thought you had this all worked out," replied Robert.
"Well, that part I had all figured out. I just didn't know I was hosting sixteen youngsters here tomorrow night. That now changes the entire outlook for what happens here after we get back from the water park. And speaking of the sleep-over, have you guys even called your friends to ask them if they CAN stay over," grilled Mr. Ken.
"I only had to invite two guys, 'dad', and I already know they can spend the night tomorrow. I didn't know I was supposed to call anyone else. Robert was the one who asked about the rest of the guys spending the night, too," said a surprised Charles.
"I got it covered, 'dad'," spoke up Robert. "I told the guys I was going to ask you if we could have a big sleep-over and so told them to ask their parents tonight and bring a change of clothes, their skateboards, and their sleeping bags and pillows, if they were allowed to stay. I did tell Sam and Terran that if their friends …"
"Dominic and Wyatt," added Charles.
"… Yes, that if Dominic and Wyatt don't have sleeping bags you had spare ones for kids who don't. 'Dad', I meant to ask you about the sleep-over up at the gate but Mrs. Whitely's talk to you kinda messed me up. But, I did ask you when we got back after dinner," argued Robert.
Mr. Ken laughed at the quick thinking of his teenaged 'son'. He just hoped it didn't portend the kid would grow up scheming and plotting to see if he can get things to go his way.
"Okay, let me get this right. Tomorrow, when all the guys show up, they'll either have a change of clothes and their sleeping bag, meaning they are spending the night, or, they will just have their change of clothes to wear after we get back. So, how many boys do you think will get the nod to stay tomorrow night?" Mr. Ken spoke out loud.
Robert told his dad he was going to call Eric and see how many guys called him to tell him if they were going to be able to spend the night.
After hearing that, all 'dad' Ken could do was shake his head and chuckle at how the lad had set things up, not only to get a sleep-over, but also to get a count of the potential guests. Thinking it over a bit further, all he could do was just shake his head some more.
"OK, thanks Eric, I'll see you tomorrow about eleven," was heard by Mr. Ken and Charles.
"That was Eric. He said everyone got the go ahead for the sleep-over. Well … not exactly everyone. Eric told me that Dominic and Wyatt's parents weren't too sure they were going to allow their boys to spend the night. He said their parent's will want to talk to you when they drop their boys off tomorrow morning," explained Robert, and then waited for his 'dad' to respond.
"Okay, we'll see what we'll see tomorrow morning. Can't do anything about that now, can we," smiled Mr. Ken. "Okay … what else is there for us to talk about for this sleep-over? After we get back, we'll have to feed everyone so what do you plan to do? If their parents had picked them up after we returned then their parents would have had to feed them. But now it looks like we'll have to figure something out. Any ideas, boys?"
Charles looked at his older 'brother' knowing he wasn't here when they had a big sleep-over, before. Robert, for his part, sat there pondering what they could do. A time or two it looked like he had an idea as he began to rise up from his chair but then he sat down again, looking dejected.
"'Dad', I just don't have any good ideas, other than we do the barbeque thing. I know we can ask Momma Maria to maybe bake us a bunch of cupcakes for us to have as a snack after we swim. We can also ask her to make us her wonderful breakfast tacos like she did that other time when Ryan and his friends spent the night back when you were away. Also, if everyone is tired of swimming, we can also watch a movie like you told Mrs. Whitely. Charles … do you have any ideas?" hoped Robert.
All Charles did was shake his head, no.
"Robert … we could also have it catered. You know, use the people we used for the birthday party," suggested 'dad'.
"Yeah, but we had a ton of people then. Would they do a small group like we'd have?" replied Robert.
"Well … I was thinking … we can invite the parents, and any of their other kids, to stop by and see their kids after we return. We tell them we are having a simple barbeque, when we return from the water park, and we tell them we want them to attend. Then, when all the parents go home, you boys can get comfortable and either swim or watch the movie. How does that sound?" suggested 'dad' Ken.
"Yeah, I like that idea," spoke up Charles. "That way I get to meet more of the parents."
"I'm not so sure, 'dad'," began Robert. "I like the idea of a big barbeque and get together, but wouldn't it have been better to have asked them tonight, so they could make plans. Then, what about the caterer? Can they be ready that soon? I thought you planned with them a couple of weeks ahead of the two parties we had at the end of school."
"Robert, you bring up some good arguments. Boys, this is the reason it is good to bounce ideas amongst a group of people, like we just did, to discuss the pros and cons. Charles, after hearing what Robert had to say, do you have any rebuttal or added ideas?" finished 'dad'.
"No, 'dad', this is all so new to me. I'm just happy that I can have Camm and James spend the night tomorrow after we get back. The barbeque would be great if you could make it happen but I think Robert makes a good argument. The only thing you can do now is wait until tomorrow morning to ask the parents and then you have to hope your caterer can help you out. And, if they can't then we can always do hamburgers and hot dogs and ask Momma Maria to make a few cakes. … You know, this sounds like it would have been easier if we planned this a week ago. Maybe we can do this later before school starts," was how Charles answered his 'dad's' question.
'Dad' Ken sat there thinking through what both his boys told him and he knew they were right. He got up and went over to the lads and said, 'Boys, you ARE right. For as good as the idea was we should have planned this better, like Charles said. Come here, boys. Let me give you a hug for being such good and smart 'son's'!"
They hugged for a few moments and when they broke up Robert asked if they could talk about a couple of other things that were on his mind. 'Dad' Ken said they could so the three all sat down in a leather chair and 'dad' Ken told Robert to begin.
"Well … I wanted to know why Charles told everyone he had a hernia and that was why he was interested in asking about surgeries or operations. I know that isn't the truth but I am wondering why he told them that," directly asked Robert.
"Well, 'son', I was the one who gave Charles that story. You saw how sacred he was when he was asked if Doc Rick found something wrong. I felt there was no need for the lads to know the real truth and possibly embarrass Charles and then have the truth about why he is living here. What he told them doesn't hurt him or the other boys. This way Charles can save face with the boys and not have to tell the real truth as we both know it," explained 'dad' Ken.
"And speaking about telling the truth, I heard the story you told Brad about why Charles got his phone so soon after arriving here at The Cove. That was fast thinking on your part but my question for you is … why'd you tell him that instead of the truth?" 'dad' Ken wanted to know.
"Oh, I think I know what you're driving at, 'dad'. If the truth can bring discredit or embarrass someone then a little 'white lie' doesn't hurt anyone. It's then better to err on the keeping someone from being made fun of or treated differently than to have them feel embarrassed or bad about themselves. Is that right?" finished Robert.
"Robert … and you too, Charles … I want you to know I do not condone lying. Outright lying can bring so much trouble and heartache on you. One thing about lying is you always have to remember what the lie is. When you tell the truth, it is always much easier to remember. What we did tonight could be called a 'white lie'. We sometimes tell a white lie to spare someone's feelings or to protect someone from being embarrassed. I would ask you boys to not get in the habit of telling these little white lies. Once people learn you are prone to fabricate the truth they may begin to ignore everything you say. You boys understand what I am saying?" finished up 'dad' Ken.
Both lads nodded their heads that they understood. Then 'dad' Ken opened his arms and the boys went to him. They stayed that way for a few moments until they noticed it was going on eleven and it was time they all went to bed. They said their 'Good nights' and shared one last hug and all three headed to their respective bedroom.
When they got upstairs, and were out of earshot, Charles told Robert, "Thank you for saying what you did to Brad. I didn't know what to think when he asked his question, but after you spoke to him, I came to feel he was like sticking up for you, or maybe defending you. You are so lucky you have friends who are so close to you. I just hope that I can find my own group of friends and have the closeness you all have."
"Thank you, Charles," began Robert. "The guys don't need to know everything about us. For me, only Eric knows my whole story. I'll bet one day you'll find a Best Friend that you can share stuff with. In the meantime, I'd ask you to be careful what you tell your friends and now you have to remember that you need to have hernia surgery not butt-hole surgery," laughed Robert, as he pulled his 'brother' into a final hug.
The lads slept well that night. Charles did have another dream about his surgery, though, and it sort of paralleled his previous dream telling him to get the surgery done sooner than later as it was best for him. When he woke up, he decided to talk to his 'dad' about the surgery and the decision he was ready to make.
"Morning 'bro'," said Robert, seeing Charles enter the boy's bathroom.
"Morning, Robert," replied a smiling Charles, as he walked up to the urinal with his boyhood pointing the way.
Robert just smiled back as he knew exactly what Charles had to deal with as he had just finished draining his own dragon in the same place. Robert then waited for Charles to finish at the porcelain god and brush his teeth before the two 'brothers' took their showers.
"I'm really looking forward to today but especially to tonight," said Charles, as he washed his hair. "I've never had a big sleep-over before while living with my mom, nor have I ever gone to one so this is going to be a new experience for me."
"Charles, it will be for sure. Like they say, 'the more, the merrier'. One thing we will have to deal with is the two new boys if they get to spend the night. All the other guys have skinny-dipped but 'dad' won't like it if we all swim without our suits on and make them see us."
"But, I thought 'dad' said no forcing or teasing others to skinny-dip? Just because we are nude or naked won't mean they have to do it that way," quickly came back Charles.
"Yes, that is what he says, but you have to learn to read through the lines. If we all were too skinny dip and Dominic and Wyatt are made to watch us then that is almost like we are daring them or teasing them. Plus, they are only eleven, like Sam and Terran, and even though Trevor and Chuck's younger brothers have skinny dipped with us, and they aren't embarrassed to let us see them without their clothes, there is no telling how Dominic and Wyatt will react. We'll just have to see," explained Robert.
"Hey, what do you think about if Ryan and Danny are going to help chaperone, are they going to be spending the night too? If they do, then I bet that no one will be skinny-dipping," offered Charles.
"Why do you say that, Charles?" responded Robert.
"Well, remember when Ryan swam with us last weekend and we all had to use our suits. I bet that from now on when Ryan swims with us, like 'dad', we'll have to use our suits," reasoned Charles.
"You know, I bet you are right. 'Dad' did say something about Ryan not being a kid anymore and that he was now an adult and he had to act like one. Then he told us to make sure the rest of the guys wore their suits. At the time, I thought it was because 'dad' was going to swim with us. But now that I think about it, I bet 'dad' made us wear our suits because Ryan won't be allowed to swim nude with us anymore. I'll have to remember to ask him if that is what happened," rationalized Robert.
As the lads talked, they continued to wash themselves, but, unlike yesterday, nothing popped up so they didn't have to waste any time dealing with their 'boy toys'. The two 'brothers' quickly finished and finally turned off their showers and dried off. They put their wet towels in the wash hamper and went to their respective bedrooms to get ready for their trip to the Lakeside Water Park. Ten minutes later, Robert and Charles met in the hallway wearing their board shorts swim suit with a contrasting t-shirt and they wore sandals, not sneakers.
"Morning boys," cheerfully called out 'dad' Ken, as his two boys walked into the Kitchen Nook.
"Morning 'dad'," both boys called out together.
"Well, you two ready for a fun day at the water park?" a still cheery 'dad' Ken asked.
"I know I am!" said Charles.
"I am too, I just hope it doesn't end like it did that first time, 'dad'," added a somber Robert.
"Come here, 'son'," called out Mr. Ken.
When Robert approached Mr. Ken, 'dad' Ken grabbed and hugged his second foster son and assured him that what happen before had to have been a fluke and nothing like that should ever happen again. He told the boy that the security men, who were that day, are no longer working there and the County Commissioners assured him at least two guards would be walking around inside the water park from now on. Robert grinned a hopeful smile and returned the hug.
Momma Maria then asked the boys what they wanted for breakfast. This time the lads opted for French toast, bacon and syrup and OJ.
As Momma Maria walked away to start the lad's breakfast, Charles asked Robert what he meant by his saying something about his first time there. Robert then looked to his 'dad' who just nodded his head and then offered, "It isn't a secret, Robert. If you don't tell him … he'll ask the other boys and they'll tell them what they heard. Only Logan and you and Cody know the real truth. You can tell him about what happened while Momma Maria fixes your breakfast."
Robert let out the breath he was holding as his 'dad' talked and looked over to Charles. Robert took the next five minutes, or so, to tell his 'brother' how he and Logan were accosted at a restroom and taken to a less used area of the water park and how Logan got hit a few times and wound up in the hospital. He then told him how Cody found Mr. Ken who got the guys at the Rescue Headquarters to help look for him and Logan. Robert finished up his tale by telling Charles about the security guys trying to arrest their 'dad' for interfering in doing their job. Robert then laughed as he told Charles how the County Police had arrived and told the security guys that if they touched their 'dad' they'd be arrested for assault.
"But what happened to Cody?" Charles wanted to know.
"Charles … I know I saw Cody there before they took Logan and me to the Commander to speed us to a waiting ambulance. I don't know how he got home that day but when we saw him at school the next time he was a mess. Charles … Cody was in a daze the following day. He felt real bad for not trying to help us and he just couldn't focus on anything. He kept saying he 'should have done more to help Logan and me'. His parents eventually came to school and got him.
"Later that night 'dad' and his parents talked and 'dad' gave them, Doctor Doug's name for them to try in order to get Cody back on track. When he finally came back to school, Cody told me he talked to Doctor Doug who made him realize he actually did the right thing by going for help. He explained that Doctor Doug told him if he hadn't gone for Mr. Ken his two friends could have possibly been hurt even more. The three of us, Logan, Cody and me, shared a group hug to show they were all still good friends," finished Robert, as Momma Maria brought the lad's breakfast to them.
As the lads ate, a thought came to Charles. "'Dad', did you talk to Momma Maria about making cupcakes for us for our snack for tonight?"
'Dad' Ken shook his head and told the boys that, "No, he hadn't". Momma Maria heard what they were talking about so she came over to the three Covers and asked what Charles meant about cupcakes. It was then Mr. Ken told Momma Maria how 16 to 18 boys might be staying over for a sleep-over that night and he needed to talk to her about making something for the lads to have for a late evening snack and then to fix breakfast the next morning for them.
It was as Mr. Ken told Maria about the sleep-over, that Mr. Chris overheard their conversation as he came into the Kitchen Nook. "You're going to allow 18 kids to have a sleep-over? Here? Are you nuts? Having just one or two lads staying over with my son is enough to make me scream my head off. They are so noisy and rambunctious. Will they be here all day Mr. Ken?" asked Mr. Chris, hoping for a negative answer.
"No Chris, nothing like that. The lads should start arriving about eleven this morning and I am taking them all over to the Lakeside Water Park in the Commander. And besides, Chris, there will only be four more boys than are usually here," chuckled Mr. Ken.
"Boy am I ever glad that tomorrow is Saturday. Those lads can sure make a lot of very loud racket even if they are over in the area behind the garage," submitted Mr. Chris.
All Charles and Robert did was raise their eyebrows when they heard the man's comment. Robert had meant to mention what happened the other day, at the ramps, to his 'dad' and then what happened the other time when Mr. Chris came out and yelled at them for something they've been doing ever since the skateboard ramps were built a few months ago. He figured today might be a good time to say something while they waited for their friends to show.
As they drank their coffee, Mr. Chris and Mr. Ken talked about getting the bell installed for the pool area. Hearing that the bell might finally get installed made Robert very happy knowing that with it they wouldn't be surprised by someone, other than Mr. Ken, catching him and his friend's skinny dipping.
Charles waited patiently to talk to his dad. When Mr. Chris finally left the Kitchen Nook, Charles asked his dad if they could go to the Study to talk about his surgery. That question surprised the owner of The Cove and he readily agreed and told the lad he'd meet him there after he refreshed his cup of coffee.
As Charles exited the Kitchen Nook, Robert walked over to his 'dad' refilling his coffee mug at the coffee maker and asked Mr. Ken he had time to talk to him about Mr. Chris. 'Dad' Ken told his 'son', Robert, that he'd talk to him right after he finished talking to Charles. Robert was satisfied with the answer and headed off to his bedroom.
As soon as Mr. Ken walked into his Study, and before he could even sit down, Charles blurted out, "I'm ready to make the decision about my surgery."
Ken Thomas put on a great big smile and walked over to Charles and motioned for him to be seated while he sat in the leather chair right next to his newest 'son'.
"Okay, Charles, what have you decided?" asked Mr. Ken.
"Well, 'dad', after listening to the guys last night … you know, listening to them talk about their surgeries and operations, I got the feeling they weren't scared about them, at all. Also … I've, well, I've had a couple of dreams about my surgery … and each time it told me that getting it done sooner than later would be the best thing for me. Even Collin told me that after you told me that I would be better off not delaying it. This morning, I realized that everyone had basically said the same thing to me, which was to get it done now and not wait. So, I guess we need to talk to Doctor Rick to see when he can schedule the surgery so I can get it done and over with and on with my new life here," revealed a tear streaked Charles.
As soon as he made the revelation he wanted to get the surgery done and over with, Charles jumped into his 'dad's' waiting arms and let his emotions take over. He knew he made the right decision but he was still scared and he told his 'dad' just that. They sat in the chair for about ten minutes before 'dad' Ken suggested they call Doc Powers and let him know their decision.
When Mr. Ken called Doctor Powers, he found the man was busy with a patient and would be fairly busy the rest of the morning. The receptionist told Mr. Ken that the man used Friday afternoons to catch up on paperwork and should be available to then discuss the lad's surgery. Mr. Ken thanked the woman and asked her to ask the doctor to call him this afternoon when he got the chance. Charles had heard 'dad' Ken's side of the conversation and got the gist that they'd have to talk about it later that day.
Just as Mr. Ken and Charles were going to exit the Study, the house phone rang. Answering it, Mr. Ken learned that Dominic and Wyatt's parents were up at the Main Gate and wanting to talk to the man. Mr. Ken asked Charles to find Robert and have him join him at the gate. 'Dad' Ken told Charles he was also invited to attend as the lads would be closer to his age, but Robert would have a better handle on the plan for the evening.
"Hello, I'm Ken Thomas. I own Three Finger Cove. My 'son's' will be up shortly," spoke up Mr. Ken.
"Yes, I know who you are, Mr. Ken. Who doesn't know about the 'hero' who took a bullet for his foster son? By the way, my name is Anthony, Anthony Wentzeler and this is my wife Sophia and my son Dominic. I talked with Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher and to Mr. and Mrs. Symons last night about this sleep-over. They told me that their son's Terran and Sam have both stayed here a few times and they've had a lot of fun. What I can't understand is why would you invite all these kids to stay here with you?"
"Well, you see Mr. Wentzeler, it isn't I who invited your boy it was my two foster sons, Robert and Charles. Ahh, here they come now. Boys, over here, please. Let me introduce you to the Wentzeler's, Anthony, Sophia and Dominic. Robert here is thirteen and Charles is twelve," said Mr. Ken as he introduced his 'son's'.
"I'm glad to meet you boys. So, why is it you invited my boy to the sleep-over after you return from the water park?" directly asked Anthony Wentzeler.
Charles looked to Robert who responded, "Well, Sam and Terran are over here quite often but when they are there are no kids their age. Our 'dad' thought it was time for them to have at least one friend their own age come over with them so they invited Dominic and Wyatt. It wasn't until late last night that we asked our 'dad' if we could have all the guys spend the night since we haven't done that for a quite some time," explained Robert.
"Who is this dad you keep referring to? I thought Mr. Thomas owned Three Finger Cove and he decided who came to visit, etc." directly asked Mr. Wentzeler.
"Oh, Mr. Ken is our 'dad', our foster dad," spoke up Charles. "We both asked him if we could call him 'dad' and he agreed."
"Oh, okay, I guess that makes sense. But getting back to Dom staying over tonight, what can he expect to happen?" asked Anthony Wentzeler.
"Oh, well, when we get back we're gonna be real hungry, so Charles and I will cook some hamburgers and hot dogs and serve chips and sodas with them. After we clean up we'll probably go watch a PG-13 movie – like Guardians of the Galaxy, or maybe Star Wars: The Force Awakens. We'll probably take a vote as to which one we eventually watch," explained Robert.
"Where will everyone sleep?" asked Sophia.
"We usually sleep in age groups, and next to a friend, and we'll spread out in the Theater and the Family Room. Oh, by the way, we'll probably have the two college aged teens who are going to help chaperone us at the water park stay over with us stay and help chaperone," answered Robert.
"What about you Charles? Don't you have anything to say?" asked Sophia.
"Well, Mrs. Wentelzer …," began Charles before being corrected.
"Our name is Wentzeler, young man," corrected Anthony Wentzeler.
"I'm sorry sir that I messed up your name, I only heard it that one time. But, to answer your question, I only began living here the day before the Carnival so this will be the first time I've ever had such a big sleep-over, replied Charles.
"Ahh, Mr. Ken, if I may, why do you have all these guards? Will my boy be safe staying here?" directly asked Mr. Wentzeler.
"Mr. and Mrs. Wentzeler, I assure you … your son will be well protected here at The Cove. The guards are a result of the altercation that occurred the night of the Carnival. Sheriff Barnes suggested I hire a few guards to keep the on-lookers away. Oh, and besides the college students going along with us today, we'll also have two security guards coming along. Your son and the rest of the lads will be well chaperoned as well as protected. So, what do you say? Will you let your son, Dominic, have a special night he'll remember and then tell all his other friends about?" finished Mr. Ken.
By the time Ken Thomas and the Wentzeler's finished their talk, Mr. and Mrs. Hartgarian and their son, Wyatt, had arrived and had listened in. They introduced themselves as Reed and Della and apologized for listening in but they said they heard all the questions the Wentzeler's had and answered so they were satisfied and would allow Wyatt to stay and have a special memory.
As the Wentzeler's and Hartgarian's talked with Mr. Ken, the rest of the boys and their parents began arriving. As soon as Sam and Terran got there they went over to Dominic and Wyatt to find out if they would spend the night. Hearing their friends could spend the night they whooped and hollered. That brought the rest of the lads over to find out what was happening.
Of course, the parents of the regular kids learned that two new boys were being invited to The Cove so they went over to the new parents and told them about the things Mr. Ken has offered their sons and how they totally feel safe letting their kids come to The Cove. That revelation made the Wentzeler's and Hartgarian's feel much better about their decision to allow their son's to stay.
Needless to say, the Commander didn't depart The Cove at eleven that morning as Mr. Ken had planned. He thought the time spent talking at the top of the estate was worth the delay. And besides, he figured, they were only thirty minutes behind schedule and they could stay at the water park until 8 PM that evening, if need be, as it was a Friday night.
Along the way, the boys were ecstatic they were getting to go to the Lakeside Water Park. They waved to other boaters on the lake and talked about what rides they would do first. Dominic and Wyatt felt a bit out of their league, even though they stuck by Sam and Terran. Mr. Ken saw the two new lads were out of their element so he asked them to come up to the flying bridge. He introduced them to the operation of the boat and he allowed both lads to steer. That sort of broke the ice as Sam and Terran told them that neither of them had ever gotten the chance to drive the boat.
The older lads also chimed in to say they hadn't driven the boat either and then they asked the new kids to tell them how it felt. The new lad's began to feel a little more at ease in the large group but they still stayed close to their friends, Sam and Terran.
A little past twelve noon, the Commander arrived at the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters and they tied up. Robert and Eric did the honors of placing out the boat bumpers with Charles and Camm and this time James watching what and how they did it. As they docked, Dominic and Wyatt both saw the big sign that said only authorized people could dock there and they told Sam and Terran. The older lads heard them talking about the sign and they had to tell the boys to read the rest of the sign that said who could dock there. Seeing the Mr. Ken Thomas was one of the few who could legally dock there put a smile on all their faces.
"Okay lads … are we all ready to go?" cheerfully asked Mr. Ken. Then getting a resounding cheer he knew they were indeed ready.
"Okay, lads, let's walk up to the entrance and have some fun!" announced Mr. Ken Thomas.