Ken Thomas heard the hail, as did everyone else, but wasn't quite sure who it could be. He told his guests to go ahead and enjoy their meal and that he'd be right back.
"Ahoy, The Cove," came again from out on the lake.
Ken Thomas worked his way to the edge of the patio and looked down at the lake. There he saw the lake's Commodore on one of three approaching boats asking to tie up at his docks.
"Well, Commodore, yes, by all means. You and your flotilla are more than welcome to tie up at my dock," called out Mr. Ken.
Mr. Ken then made his way down to the dock to see why the Commodore and the people in the other two boats were in need of docking there. He was joined by his older 'sons' who were just as curious as their 'dad was.
Mr. Ken, and two of his boys, waited for all three boats to tie up before distracting their captains and crew and asking the obvious question, "Why were they there?"
Commodore Wilson came off the lead boat and shook Mr. Ken's hand and those of the boys, too.
"Commodore … what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?" directly asked Mr. Ken, with a smile on his face.
The Commodore looked around and then asked Mr. Ken if he could talk to him in private. Mr. Ken understood the man wanted the boys to disappear, so he asked his 'sons' if he and the Commodore could have a few private minutes.
Well before their introductions were made and the Picnic meal was to start, the twins had gone off getting to better know Sam and Terran. The four lads had been introduced to one another earlier that day when the Fletcher's and Symons' arrived for the Labor Day Picnic. The four boys hit it off right away and the four hurried off to points unknown with Chief following along.
At the time, Charles looked over to both Trevor and Chuck as the four new friends hurried away and told them he was happy that it looked like the four boys would become good friends. Chuck and Trevor both agreed with Charles and they too hoped the four 6th graders could become good friends.
The twins went with Sam and Terran and the four wound up at the skateboard ramps. Sam wanted to know how well the twins could handle the ramps, but it was Kevin who told their new friends that Mr. Ken had told them to stay presentable until after they ate as their foster dad wanted to introduce them to a couple of important friends. Terran and Sam were disappointed at that because there was no one using the ramps just then and they saw an opportunity to use them without anyone else being around.
The four new friends then sat down on the top of the launch ramp and talked. Sam and Terran wanted to know more about their new friends and of course Kevin and Kyle wanted to get to know more about their new friends, too.
"So… where do you two come from?" asked Sam.
Kyle looked at Kevin for his twin to answer. "Well, we're not from around here. We live closer to San Antonio than here."
"What were you doing up this way on the first day of school?" quickly asked Terran.
"We were going with our parents who were going to check out a new job. They told us if our dad found a new good job then we'd move up this way and they wanted us along to help look over the houses. We sure didn't count on being in a car crash," replied Kyle.
Sam and Terran looked to one another and it was Sam who asked, "So, what does your dad do?"
"He's a salesman," replied Kevin. "What does your dad do?" asked the twin.
Terran spoke up and told the twins his dad was a factory floor foreman. Sam then told the twins his dad worked as a lineman for the electric company. The four enjoyed their exchange of stories about what their dads did, but they figured the buffet was about to begin so they headed back to the Patio.
After their introductions and before Mr. Ken invited his guests to enjoy the Labor Day Picnic meal, the four new friends heard the hail from out on the lake. They headed over to the overlook off the patio to see who was there. Sam and Terran recognized the lake's Commodore from when they visited the Lake Yacht Club and, like Mr. Ken, wondered why the man was there. So, being the curious 11 year olds they were, they went down to the beach to see if they could find out what that was all about.
The four saw Mr. Ken, Robert and Charles on the dock talking with the Commodore who was in what looked like a naval officer's uniform with lots of gold braid. Knowing they'd probably be in the way, the four decided to stay on the beach and wait for Robert and Charles to tell then what was going on.
When Robert and Charles walked off the dock, the four new friends all asked what all those boats and people were doing here. Robert took the question and reminded Sam and Terran they had met the Commodore a few weeks back and that the man and some of his friends stopped to talk to their 'dad'. It was Charles who then told the four friends that he and Robert were asked to leave them as the Commodore wanted to talk to their 'dad' in private. The six boys and Chief watched as the two men continued to talk.
"Okay, Commodore Wilson, what is this all about?" more directly asked Ken Thomas.
"Mr. Thomas, Ken if I may. … I, and my fellow boat mates here, heard you were hosting a Labor Day Picnic today and we thought what a good way to have a private and a somewhat intimate but formal ceremony to recognize our 'Heroes of the Lake'. I'm sorry, Ken, that I didn't coordinate this with you beforehand, but … well, the Board asked me not to. They didn't want word of our surprise ceremony to get out and thus cause a load of media people to show up.
"Ken … what we'd like to do is honor Todd Foster and Logan Anderson for their actions on the lake a few weeks back. We'd also like to recognize Dan Fischer, Brad Sullivan and Gordon Thomason for their actions that helped a fellow boater when he got tangled in his lines and fell overboard. I hope the ceremony won't take too long, but what better way to honor these lads than in front of their friends and their families."
As Mr. Ken and the lakes Commodore talked down on the dock, The Cove's guests had begun eating but they were also looking down to Mr. Ken's small marina to see if they could figure out what their meeting was all about. They saw the two men talking and smiling and then pointing up their way a few times. They figured they'd soon find out what it was all about when Mr. Ken and Commodore Wilson and his entourage started walking up to the patio.
Robert and Charles continued to try to get their 'dad' to tell them what their meeting was all about, but 'dad' Ken told them they'd find out when the rest of their guests did. That said, Mr. Ken and the Commodore and his fellow boaters followed The Cove's owner up to the patio. The day's guests parted as the group of men, women and children made their way to where the podium was still standing.
When the group was all standing behind the small días, Mr. Ken went to the microphone and asked for everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen and all of you boys and girls. I want to introduce you to Commodore Jeffrey Wilson, the unofficial Commodore of the Lake. He and his friends stopped by today and asked if they could address all of you. So, if you would please join with me in giving Commodore Wilson, and some of the Yacht Club Board members and their guests, a hearty welcome to Three Finger Cove."
The assembled crowd of guests warmly applauded the late coming group. When the applause calmed down Commodore Wilson walked to the microphone and began to address the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, along with your families and friends, I want to thank you for allowing myself and my associates to stop by today. The reason for our stopping by will soon become apparent. … Will Todd Foster and Logan Anderson … and their families please join me up front here?"
Todd had no clue as to why he, and his mom, were being asked to join the Commodore and his group up at the podium. Likewise, Logan was caught off guard when his name was called for him and his family to join the important man up front. The crowd applauded the two teenagers who blushed as they both nonchalantly walked up to the podium. When the lads arrived, the Commodore and some of the Board member shook their hands. Commodore Wilson soon raised his hands asking the crowd to settle down, so he could move on with why they were there that day.
"Some of you may have recognized the significance of my calling Todd and Logan up here, just now. For those of you who are still wondering what this is all about, I am going to tell you.
"Let me tell you a true story. A number of weeks back … an observant teen, piloting a large boat out on the lake, saw out on that lake a potential … for a very bad outcome. He told his mentor what he saw and what he thought it meant. His observation was taken to heart and the teen was asked to steer clear of an approaching sailboat. Then, just as the teen made his correction a strong gust of wind came up, crossed the lake and headed towards the sailboat.
"The sailors didn't immediately recognize the significance of the shift in the wind and, unfortunately for them, it meant they not only lost control of their boat but it capsized, too. That sudden shifting of the wind not only took the sailors by surprise it caused them to all be thrown overboard.
"The teen captaining the boat that everyone on the lake knows as The Commander, and his mentor, Mr. Ken Thomas, helplessly watched the sailboat lean over and then throw all three sailors out into the water. The teen, who we all now know was Todd Foster, was told to get as close as he could while Mr. Ken used his marine radio to call the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters and relayed what had just happened.
"Todd took the Commander as close as he dared to the overturned sailboat. As he did that, two of the boys in the water, who were sailing the now tipped over sailboat, began yelling they couldn't find their friend Walt. Mr. Ken then heard someone yell they could see the teen was trapped under the sail and was trying to get himself out from under it. At that point, Mr. Ken decided to act … so, he got rid of his shirt, shoes and cell phone and dove into the water and swam over to the trapped lad. Mr. Ken was able to extract the teen from under the sail but he saw the lad appeared not to be breathing.
"What happened next was caught on video and shown on our local television stations and eventually across the land. It was Logan Anderson who recognized the difficulty Mr. Ken was having in performing CPR on the unsupported distressed teen. This young teen, without being asked and without regard to his own safety … unselfishly took off his shirt and shoes and then gave his cell phone to someone to hold for him … picked up a life preserver and a life ring … and dove in and swam the items over to Mr. Ken.
"When Logan, who we later learned is a Boy Scout, got there with the lifesaving items, he helped the man place the floatation devices under the teen in order to get him above the water so Mr. Ken could do a better job of performing CPR.
"During all that time, which in reality probably took no more than three to five minutes, Todd kept the Commander in close proximity to the overturned vessel. The other lads on the Commander weren't just onlookers. The lads on the Commander helped the two lads, who were thrown clear of the overturned sailboat, onto their craft and gave the teen's blankets and water and made them as comfortable as they could. They also tied off the capsized boat's mast to the Commander to keep it from totally slipping under the water.
"The Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team, using two rescue boats, quickly arrived and took over the CPR duties. The rescue divers then brought out a floating rescue stokes and placed the still unconscious teen on it. The Rescue men then loaded the teen into the Rescue Boat and quickly sped off to a waiting ambulance. The other Safety and Rescue Boat gathered up the other two teens and then followed its sister boat towards another waiting ambulance.
"I'm confident that you've seen all the videos and you have probably heard the teen's interviews on the television. From watching that you all know … that these two young heroes were not out looking to be described as a Hero … nor, did either of them seek out that title. But, what we all know, is that society always recognizes that special someone when they perform out of their comfort zone and do something that merits much deserved recognition.
"And, thus, the story told, I want to take this opportunity to present each of our Lake Heroes a plaque … in recognition of their unselfish acts that ultimately saved a life. Lads … will you please accept these small signs of our appreciation for being the wonderful teens you are."
As Todd and Logan accepted their plaques the crowd erupted in a loud applause in recognition of the teens achievements. The applause lasted for about two minutes which during that time a photographer took a number of pictures. When the pictures were taken and the applause settled down, Commodore Wilson indicated he was not quite yet finished.
"Thank you for giving these two heroes some well-deserved acknowledgement. But their plaques are not all that we have for these two lake heroes. Todd, Logan … the Board of Directors of the Lake Yacht Club have authorized me … to present to you … both … a $5000.00 college scholarship to the college of your choice."
Upon hearing they both received a very large college scholarship, the crowd went ballistic and not only applauded the two teens but they also whistled and yelled words of encouragement and thanks for doing what they did.
During all that was happening to their boys, Emma Foster and Julie Anderson were holding onto one another while tears of joy were running down their faces. Then it was time for them to be recognized, along with their hero sons, and for pictures to be taken. It was while the second set of pictures were being taken that Commodore Wilson announced he had one more surprise for the two heroes that night.
"Lads, we surprised you today with plaques to recognize your unselfish acts out on our lake. We presented you both with college scholarships that I know you will put to good use in a few short years, but … we have one more surprise for you today.
"Todd, Logan … I want to ask you to close your eyes for just a few moments, while we get your last surprise set up for you. … … … … Todd, Logan … please open your eyes and meet … Walt Tankards … the teen you both played a significant role in saving his life."
When Todd and Logan opened their eyes and they saw Walt was standing there they ran to greet the teenager. Walt for his part was standing there with tears streaming down his face as he was finally getting to meet his saviors. The three teens grabbed onto one another and they hugged as if they hadn't seen one another for years.
The crowd wasn't prepared to hear that the teen the lads helped save was there today to finally meet his rescuers and when they realized the importance of the lads meeting they burst out into another sustained loud applause. As the lads hugged, Walt's parents walked over to Emma and Julie and thanked them for teaching their boys to be the special persons they were.
The applause lasted a very long time, and knowing the Commodore had a few more awards he wanted to present, Mr. Ken went to the microphone and asked his guests to direct their attention back to the podium.
"Thank you all for your applause for our two heroes, Todd and Logan. But these aren't all the awards the Commodore wants to present today. Commodore, if you would please," announced Mr. Ken.
"Thank you everyone and you too Mr. Ken for allowing me to interrupt your Labor Day Picnic. But, as Mr. Ken mentioned, I do have a few more awards I would like to present today. Will Dan Fischer, Brad Sullivan and Gordon Thomason please join me at the podium?
"Gathered guests, as our next award winners assemble up front, I want to tell you another true story. A few weeks back, John Zappet had the misfortune to get tangled up in his lines on his boat which unfortunately caused him to trip and fall overboard still tangled in his lines. He called out for help … but because of where he was located in the water only people out on the water would ever hear his cries. Although he was tangled up in his lines, John was able to keep himself above water as he tried unsuccessfully to extract himself from his entanglement.
"It was then that Brad Sullivan and Gordon Thomason came riding along on their PWCs. That's Personal Water Craft for those who didn't know what I mean. (A few laughs were heard.) Anyway, the two lads … they heard someone cry out for help but they couldn't place where it came from due to the noise their PWCs were making. I'm not sure if it was Brad or Gordon who called to the other to go slow and listen for someone who he thought was calling for help. But that doesn't matter as for when the lads identified where the call for help came from, they cautiously approached the entangled sailor and offered their help.
"While that was all happening, Dan Fischer, a guest at Three Finger Cove, and who is a newly promoted Lieutenant in our Sheriff's department, by the way, had lost contact with the two friends of one of Mr. Ken's foster sons. He had intended to take a PWC out and look for the boys but it was Todd, yes that Todd Foster, who suggested to the man he could take the Commander out as it would be easier to tow the PWCs back than to retrieve them one at a time.
"Dan, assisted by Todd, took the Commander out with the remaining lads visiting Three Finger Cove that day. Also on board were the two lifeguards who had been hired to watch over the boys when they were swimming in the lake. Anyway, Dan and the others on the Commander watched out for the missing lads and before long they found them.
"It was then they learned that Brad and Gordon were trying to help someone in the water get untangled from his lines. Dan saw the two preteens were now very tired, so he asked the two lifeguards, Christie and Megan, who I understand are also here today, to relieve the two lads. Dan then radioed the Lake Water Safety and Rescue Team Headquarters to apprise them of the situation and he requested they send out some help.
"What the lads, the lifeguards, and Dan did wasn't earth shattering and it didn't rise to being a lifesaving issue but again … video of the incident was taken and the plight of John Zappet was shared with the community. When the Commander returned to The Cove, it was Ken Thomas, his foster son Robert and his friend Eric Turner, along with Mr. Chris Dominions, The Cove's Estate Manager, who were all waiting on the dock for the Commander to return.
"They had heard about the rescue on the radio and didn't know the Commander was involved until the radio announcer mentioned that it was the second time that summer that Mr. Ken and his 'boys' had come to the rescue of a hapless boater. Well, we all now know that it was Dan Fischer, a Sheriff's Deputy, who was a guest at The Cove, who was the captain that day.
"So, today the Board of Directors asked me to present to Dan, Brad and Gordon these plaques of appreciation for a job well done and for unselfishly giving their time to help out a fellow boater."
As the Commodore handed out the plaques, pictures were being taken and Brad's and Gordon's parents were asked to join their sons in the pictures they were told would hang on the walls at the Yacht Club.
"Lastly, we have one more presentation we want to make to Brad and Gordon. Boys, your actions out on the lake that day epitomizes the ability of our youth to get involved without being asked and of unselfishly giving their time to help a fellow sailor, John Zappet. Brad, Gordon … the Board of Directors of the Lake Yacht Club has authorized me … to present to you … both … a $1000.00 college scholarship to the college of your choice."
The crowd never expected that two more college scholarships would be awarded that day and when they heard what the Commodore just said they went ballistic again with their applause and whistles and words of encouragement to the two preteen lads. Even Chief got into the act by barking up a storm.
As the applause settled down, the Commodore went to the microphone and announced there was one more award to be given. He then called the local Director of the American Red Cross to the podium.
"Commodore, thank you for inviting me to this wonderful day where we are recognizing local heroes in a private and intimate setting. I openly applaud those young men who did what was needed and did it without looking for any recognition in their actions. But, there is one more award that needs to be given out and to one more deserving person. Will Mr. Ken Thomas please join me up front?"
As a somewhat embarrassed Mr. Ken presented himself to the Director, the man continued and said, "As you all know, this man played an integral part in the life saving efforts for one Walt Tankards. When the National American Red Cross Headquarters heard about what happened on our lake that evening and then saw the videos they reached out to me and asked me to present a National Red Cross Award to this man.
"Mr. Ken Thomas … it is with great pride … that I present you with … the American Red Cross Lifesaver Award. The Red Cross Lifesaver Award is given to recognize a lifesaving act performed by an individual who utilized skills learned through the Red Cross' health & safety training.
"In the videos … it was obvious you had learned Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR as it is commonly referred to, as you vigorously tried to resuscitate Walt Tankards out in the lake's water. Your actions that evening … brought to the forefront by the videos… showed that at any time … people could find themselves thrust into a situation where the training they have received could lead them to saving someone else's life. We are all thankful you were in the right place at the right time that evening."
When the Director finished talking, the crowd again erupted in spontaneous applause as many people then came up to Mr. Ken and congratulated him on his award. His 'sons' also came up to their 'dad' and hugged him for being the man he was. Even Chief understood what was happening and she went over and jumped up in order to give her first master some doggie kisses.
The twins had never seen a ceremony as the one they had just witnessed and it moved them to know they were being allowed to live and be amongst all those heroes. They just hoped that if they were ever put into a situation that required them to act they would be able to do so without any reservation.
Mr. Ken got away from his well-wishers and went over to the Commodore and invited the man and all those who had accompanied him to stay and enjoy the Labor Day Picnic. The Lake's Commander talked to those he was with and they all agreed to stay a while and enjoy the food and good company. Mr. Ken's guest list instantly grew by almost twenty more people.
The Cove's guests, throughout the rest of the day, all approached their host to congratulate him on his award. They also sought out the other heroes of the day and congratulated them, as well, on their accomplishments and awards.
After the ceremony, and the four new friends had eaten, Sam and Terran asked the twins to go swimming. The twins told their new friends they had to go up to their bedroom to change and that they could go with them. Sam and Terran told the twins how they kept their swimsuits in the locker room but Kevin told them to go get them and they would wait for them.
When Sam and Terran walked into the locker room to get their swimsuits, the other lads wanted to know why they weren't changing there, so the younger lads told them why. The lads laughed at Sam and Terran but it was Charles who told the rest of the boys that their 'dad' told him and Robert to let their friends use their bedrooms if they were embarrassed to change when the adults were using the locker room. That quieted the masses down and Sam and Terran grabbed their suits and headed off to meet up with Kevin and Kyle.
Up in the twin's bedroom, the twins quickly took off their clothes then made it look like they didn't know where their swimsuits were. Sam and Terran just looked on not believing the twin's weren't afraid to be seen naked like most of their other friends were at first. Sam and Terran saw Kevin and Kyle were naked so they took off their clothes and didn't make any attempt to get their suits on. Kevin and Kyle saw what their new friends did and they smiled at one another knowing they got to see some more naked bodies.
"I'm surprised you both got naked and weren't embarrassed to be that way in front of us who you didn't really know," said Sam.
"Yeah, what gives?" offered Terran. "Just about all our friends who changed down in the locker room their first time were afraid to be seen nude in front of us. It usually takes two or three times before they get comfortable enough to let everyone else see them without their clothes on,"
Kyle smiled at his brother Kevin and said, "We took our shower this morning with Robert and Charles and we were all without clothes on and we didn't get embarrassed. What's the big deal?"
"Well, as Terr said, most of our friends were afraid to let anyone see them without their clothes on the first time they changed with us and here you two are … you take your clothes off and walk around without your clothes on and we're just amazed at seeing you do that," replied Sam.
"What … you don't like seeing other boys naked?" chuckled Kyle.
Sam and Terran both laughed at what the younger twin said and they said they didn't care if they saw boys naked or not. That they've changed in front of Todd, Collin, Ryan and their older brothers, and they were much older lads and had really big equipment compared to their small stuff.
Laughing at what Sam and Terran said, Kevin then shoved his boy-parts forward to emphasize them and then Kyle followed suit but he also grabbed them to accent them to Sam and Terran. That made all four lads laugh but then Sam and Terran did the same back to their new friends. But in doing all that touching and looking the boy's boy-parts began to grow. At first, Sam and Terran became embarrassed but when they saw that Kevin and Kyle pointing and laughing at all their erections Sam and Terran laughed right along.
"Can … can I, ahh … can I touch yours?" asked Kyle, while looking at Sam.
Sam wasn't sure what to do. Yes, he and Terran had touched each other's a few times, well maybe more than a few times, and enjoyed it, but he wasn't sure if he should do it there.
Then it was Kevin who asked Terran the same question as he walked up to him with his own boner pointing the way. Terran watched Kevin walk towards him and he was mesmerized at seeing the eleven year olds hard penis. Seeing the hardened phallus made his own stretch out even further and inside of him he wanted Kevin to touch it and he wanted to touch the twin's.
Kevin got close to Terran and not hearing he couldn't touch the boy's dick the older twin reached out and stroked Terran's boner a few times. Instinctively, Terran reached out and gently stroked Kevin's hardened boy flute. Sam saw his best friend grab for Kevin's one-eyed magic wand and he looked to Kyle and nodded that he could touch his flesh rocket. Sam immediately reached out for Kyle's pecker and the two boys slowly stroked one another.
Terran could feel he was about to erupt and he told Kevin to stop or he'd make a mess on the floor. Kevin did the opposite and as he saw Terran was going to shoot his load the twin put his mouth over the head of Terran's dick and sucked until he got his reward.
Sam couldn't believe what he just saw. He'd heard about how boys would suck on other boy's dicks but he'd never experienced it nor ever saw it. But all along, Kyle had continued to stroke Sam's pocket rocket and Sam began to experience his own up-coming climax and he began to moan. It was then Kyle took the penis into his mouth and began to finish him off. A few licks later Sam was rising up on his toes as a powerful eruption of his boy juices began in earnest.
Kyle quickly swallowed the rocket fuel as it burst out the burn pipe and Sam had to grab Kyle's head to steady himself as his orgasm became the strongest one ever. When he came down from his euphoria after he shot his young boy load Sam had a huge smile on his face, which matched Terran's.
"You, you … you sucked my dick and … and you swallowed my … my spermies," spoke up an unbelieving Terran.
"And, you did it to me, too," offered Sam, to Kyle. "But … but aren't you, well, you know, aren't you … well, I don't … I don't know what to say. I've never had that done to me, and don't get me wrong I truly enjoyed it, but don't you feel ashamed for doing that?"
"Why?" simply asked Kevin. "We do it to each other all the time and it feels really good. You said you liked it and I know you did as you shoved your dick down my twin's throat as far as you could as you held onto his head," laughed Kevin, followed by chuckles by Kyle and Terran.
Sam was taken aback at what Kevin just said. It was then he realized, he did exactly what Kevin said he did and he knew he truly enjoyed the sensation of getting his dick sucked and shooting his boy milk into Kyle's warm mouth.
"Kyle … I don't know why you did it, but I am sure glad you did it," started Sam. "I've often heard the other boys talk about getting a blow job, at least that is what I think it is called, but I never thought it would feel so good."
"Yeah, I have to agree with Sam," started Terran. "That was the BEST feeling I've ever had and it sure beats jacking off. I never knew that having your dick sucked would feel so awesome!"
"So, you guys are best friends and … and you've never done that to each other?" asked Kevin.
Sam looked at Terran and Terran looked right back at his best friend and a smile broke out between them. Kevin and Kyle saw the smile and to them meant that their new friends had at least talked about doing it, but probably hadn't done the deed. A few moments later the twins' thoughts were verified when Sam said that they had talked about doing it, but weren't sure what to do and how to do it. But, then Terran added they were afraid their friends would somehow learn about it and that made them afraid.
Kevin said he understood what they were saying. He then told them, that unless one of them shared their very personal and intimate moment with someone else, what they would have shared together would have been just as good as or even better than what they just experienced, since it would have been between the two of them which would have been between them and their BEST Friend.
It was Terran who saw what time it was and suggested they get their swimsuits on and join the other boys out on the rafts. By that time, the twin's erections had gone down and realizing how much time the four of them spent up in the bedroom agreed with Terran.
Down on the patio, Todd and Logan continued to talk with Walt about what happened that day out on the lake and how things may have changed for Walt ever since. Walt didn't want to talk about it but Todd and Logan were persistent in getting the teenager to talk. Eventually, Walt said he had been thinking more and more about almost dying and how it would have affected his parents, but especially his mom. Walt said he wondered if his being saved was a sign to him, but he didn't know who to talk to or what to tell them if he didn't know what to say.
Logan and Todd both knew Mr. Ken had gotten Doctor Doug to work with Collin and then Robert and they figured the doctor was probably working with Charles. It was Todd who asked Walt to stand by while he went to talk to someone.
When Todd left Walt talking to Logan, he made a bee-line to Mr. Ken. When he found the man, he had to get his attention as the man was being inundated with well-wishers over his Red Cross Award. When Todd was finally able to get a word in edgewise, he explained what he'd learned from Walt and asked if Doctor Doug would be available to help the teenager deal with what he was experiencing. Mr. Ken had listened intently and knew his Beach Master was on the right track. He thanked Todd for his concern and told the teen he would talk to a few people to see what he could work out.
When the man and teen parted, Todd headed back to talk with Logan and Walt. Mr. Ken, on the other hand, walked over to Doug Jennings and pulled him aside and told the doctor what he just learned. Since Walt was a teenager, and not of legal age, Doctor Doug knew he couldn't legally talk to the lad without his parents' permission. Luckily for Doctor Doug, Walt's parents were there at the Labor Day Picnic, so he searched them out to tell him what he learned about their son.
With the college scholarship given to the four 'heroes' of the lake, the four lads were the most sought out people other picnic goers wanted to talk to. The lads knew they should talk to those people even though they wanted to get into their swimsuits and get out on the rafts so they could have some fun. It was Mr. Ken who saw what was happening, so he went over to the lads and the people talking to them and said in not so many words that it was a picnic and for people to enjoy themselves. He then told the boys to get their suits on and enjoy the water.
Conner had watched as Todd talked to the teen whom he helped save and he didn't want to interfere with their conversation. But then he saw the teen leave the small group and followed him as he saw him go to Mr. Ken. Conner then saw Todd had finished talking to The Cove's owner and he intercepted him.
"Todd … I never knew any of this about you. Can we talk some before the day is over?" asked Conner.
"Oh, ahh, Conner, yeah, ahh sure, but right now, ahh, I need to finish talking to Walt. I hope you don't feel I am avoiding you but … Walt mentioned something to me that I had to tell Mr. Ken. Maybe in a little while we can talk. Hey … did you bring your suit? The water is just right and those rafts are a blast, especially when you throw the little guys off the top," replied Todd.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I did bring my swimsuit. Cooper told me about all the swimming you guys do over here and then about the skateboard ramps, so I brought my board, too. I'll wait for you to come get me and you can show me the water rafts Cooper keeps talking about," happily said Conner.
All over the patio, people were getting to know one another and getting reacquainted with other parents they had only talked to out in front of the Main Gate. One of the guests who eagerly awaited her turn to talk to Mr. Ken was Joyce Cambelle. Ken had avoided her earlier in the day but with things settling down Joyce saw her chance and went over to the man.
"Well, hello, Mr. Ken," offered Joyce Cambelle, as she came up to the man. "I hope you'll be available to escort me and show me around this very large estate," seductively added Joyce.
"Oh, hello there, Joyce. I hope you're having a good time at the picnic. I know it only just started but there are loads of people here that you probably haven't met yet as Charles makes new friends all the time," replied Ken Thomas.
"If I didn't know better, Mr. Ken, I'd say you were avoiding me," teased Joyce. "Do you think you can find some time and sit down with me so we can talk?"
"Joyce, how could you say that? I invited over 100 people here today and with the addition of the Commodore and his people I have close to 120 or maybe more here now and with the awards ceremony and everything I am spread pretty thin. Plus, now I have two new foster sons for whom I am now responsible, while their parents have a long road to recovery in front of them. I am trying to make the rounds and talk to everyone, which a good Host should do, so I am not avoiding you, even if it seems that way to you," explained Ken Thomas, knowing he was lying through his teeth.
Joyce walked away, disappointed that she couldn't get the man to sit down and talk to her just then. She figured she needed to try harder but now with the two new boys in his care she figured he'll probably be busier than ever. Then, she thought of that cute Sheriff's Deputy, who she now knew was a newly promoted Lieutenant. He was handsome and not married according to her son, Camm. Thinking the man could be a good father figure for Camm, she began to walk around looking for Dan Fischer, whom she only met once.
All comments are encouraged. You may email Chowhound at: Chowhound