While Mr. Ken had the large group of youngsters and teens at the Lakeside Water Park, a few of the parents got to talking about what they could do to show their appreciation for Mr. Ken's generosity. The adults kicked around a few different scenarios, such as, serving four different types of pizza along with salads, or providing a couple of very large sheet cakes and different flavors of ice cream. They kept the pizza idea but discounted the cake and iced cream as they knew the boys would be extremely hungry after swimming all afternoon.
Then one parent brought up the idea of serving brisket and ribs but that was quickly voted down as they all knew the cost to feed the fast growing teens and their adult chaperones, plus all the parents and their extra kids, would bankrupt some of them. Their last idea, and also their simplest, was to provide hot dogs and hamburgers, and all the fixings, for all those hungry boys along with everyone else. With that decided the organizers called the rest of the parents and asked them to not only participate but to help provide potato salad, baked beans, and lettuce and tomatoes, along with pickles and plates and tableware and anything else they could imagine they needed for this parent hosted bash.
The only two parents the organizers didn't have phone numbers for were for Allison Whitely and Joyce Cambelle and the parents figured that leaving off a few adults wasn't going to break the bank.
But with all their planning they had forgotten one major thing, the security guards stationed at The Cove. As soon as they recognized that obstacle, they knew they needed a way to get past them in order to set up their surprise. Carol Fletcher said she knew Eric's mom, Judy Turner, and she volunteered to call the Director of Child Protective Services and see if she had any suggestions. Judy loved the idea of a surprise Barbeque for Mr. Ken and the boys and she said she'd make a few phone calls and told Carol she'd get back to her as soon as she knew anything.
Over at Three Finger Cove, Mr. Chris had hired an electrician to install the much needed bell into the indoor pool area. The installer asked why they needed a bell for the indoor pool but Mr. Chris could only tell the man that it was what Mr. Ken wanted and it was not up for debate. The electrician took his time installing the bell and actuator, hoping he'd make a killing on the install. It was Mr. Chris who told him that he would adhere to the man's estimate and would not give him a penny more for the job no matter how long it took. The man finished a half hour later.
It was while Mr. Chris wrote out a check for the electrician's services that the phone rang. Upon answering it, he learned it was Eric's mom and that she needed a favor. When Mr. Chris heard what the favor was his mouth dropped open wide but after hearing Ms. Judy through, he thoroughly understood what the parents wanted to do. Mr. Chris told Ms. Judy he would set it up with the security company to allow the parents in after four o'clock but that she would have to be there to vouch for the parents since he only met a few so far. Judy Turner was very happy to do that for the man who changed her son's life.
Judy Turner immediately called Carol Fletcher back and gave her the good news. All the parents had to do now was coordinate the party. Ms. Judy also called Mary Taylor to tell her what the parents were doing for the man who changed not only their lives but also the lives of their boys. Mary Taylor decided to join in with the parents.
While all that was going down between the parents, Ken Thomas was sitting down at the refreshment stand at the Lakeside Water Park enjoying the sun and the beauty of what he built. This was the first real time, since Robert came to live with him, that he actually felt he could unwind and lighten up. He felt comfortable knowing his boys and their friends were out there in the water park and they were in good hands with Gene and George and the college freshmen watching over them. He knew that if he followed them around it would keep the boys from enjoying themselves as they would probably hold back with their likely antics and daring on the slides. Knowing that, Ken Thomas just sat back and enjoyed his cold adult beverage while catching a few rays of sun.
When the electrician left The Cove, Mr. Chris walked up to the Main Gate and told the guards on duty what was going to happen at about 4 PM. The guards began to balk at what Mr. Chris wanted them to do so the Estate Manager calmly told the supervisor to call Jules Diamond, their boss. When the owner of the security forces was on the line the local supervisor gave the phone to Mr. Chris.
"Hello, Mr. Diamond, this is Chris Dominions, Mr. Ken's new Estate Manager. Do you know who I am?" calmly asked Mr. Chris.
"I don't know you personally, but I know who you are, Mr. Chris," answered Jules Diamond. "What can I help you with that my security guards can't?"
"Mr. Diamond it isn't what your men can help me with, it is what they refused to help me with. Thus the reason for my call. You see … the reason for my call is to tell you that your guards have refused my simple request to allow the parents of Mr. Ken's son's friends to enter the estate. Would you please direct them to honor my request," a calm Chris Dominions asked.
"Mr. Chris, I will talk with my men and I will get right back to you," replied Jules Diamond and then ended the call. No sooner had the phone call between Mr. Ken's Estate Manage and Mr. Diamond had ended that the security supervisor's cell phone rang.
Chris Dominions could hear both sides of the conversation as a very loud Jules Diamond told his security supervisor how thoroughly pissed he was for their refusal to honor the Estate Manager's request. The security supervisor was told that if he valued his job he would do whatever Mr. Chris wanted. The call was then abruptly ended.
Three minutes later, after they hung up, Jules Diamond called Mr. Chris back and told him everything was straightened out. Mr. Chris smiled as he thanked the man for his quick action and assured him that when his bill came across his desk it wouldn't get lost in the shuffle and then he hung up. Chris Dominions then put a big smile on his face.
Judy Turner and Mary Taylor arrived at The Cove at just about the same time. Mr. Chris was waiting for Ms. Judy and was happy when the woman arrived on time. He wasn't sure who the other lady was but he figured Ms. Judy would soon tell him.
"Mr. Chris … I want you to meet Mary Taylor. She's Ryan's mom," was how Ms. Judy introduced the lady to Mr. Chris.
"Oh yes, Ryan's mom; it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Mr. Ken can't say enough about your lad and I know he is going to miss that boy when he goes off to college," responded Mr. Chris.
It was while Mr. Chris, Judy and Mary got to know one another that the other parents began to arrive. Mr. Chris had the security guards open the gate and allow the parents to drive and park inside the compound. Within fifteen minutes of the agreed upon time most of the parents were there. The missing parents were still at work but would get there directly from there. They did not want to miss this spur-of-the-moment party.
The parents who did show quickly got to work setting things up. Lucky for them Mary Taylor knew where all the extra tables and chairs were kept. Knowing they now had enough tables and chairs meant the missing parents didn't have to bring some from home.
The parents had no idea when the boys would be arriving back at The Cove. They only knew their boys were going to the Lakeside Water Park and would be spending the night after they returned. Beyond that, the parents just had to wait until the Commander returned to The Cove.
In the meantime, Judy and Mary went inside and talked to Maria about what plans Mr. Ken had made to feed the boys when they returned. Momma Maria told the two ladies that Mr. Ken had asked her to bake a large bunch of cupcakes as that was what was requested by the boys. She also told them that Mr. Ken and the boys were going to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone after they got back. She also told Judy and Mary that she was going to provide breakfast tacos as she had done a few times before.
Mary asked the woman how many tacos she had planned to make and Momma Maria told her she intended to make at least 100 knowing the lads would eat about three or four each. She went on to say that she would make a lot more than that and freeze whatever wasn't eaten. Maria also told the two ladies that one time when the parents came to pick up their lads Mr. Ken invited them in for coffee and they got to eat some of the tacos, too.
Mary and Judy were glad they came in and talked to Momma Maria. The information they got would go a long way towards the parents' plans to feed the boys and anyone else that showed. Now all they could do was wait for the boat full of boys to dock at Three Finger Cove.
Out on the Commander, as they headed back to The Cove, Mr. Ken asked Sam and Terran up to the flying bridge and allowed them to drive the 47′ Chris Craft Commander. Both boys' eyes got big when they heard the man's request for them to join him. It was their smiles that showed how proud they were to be chosen to do such an important job.
Mr. Ken wasn't in any big hurry to get back to The Cove which was why he allowed the two younger lads to steer the large craft. Of course he stood right next to the lads as they drove the Commander on its merry way home.
The excitement of the day had begun to wind down and the lads had quieted some after their initial burst of talking energy. They all felt the pangs of hunger and hoped they'd get back soon so they could get something to eat. Then the question came up as to what were they going to eat.
"Hey, Charles," called out James, "what are we going to eat when we get back?"
The question got the attention of all the lads sitting around James and Charles. Charles knew he had to say something so he told James, and those nearby, that they'll get the burgers and dogs going as fast as they could once they get back home. That satisfied the hungry swimmers and their mouths began to water over the thought of finally getting something to eat.
The rest of the parents began to arrive as soon as they got off work. There were now 22 adults, teens and kids anxiously awaiting the arrival of the boys and Mr. Ken. The group had gotten together and set up two serving tables. One was for the plates, tableware, cups and ice for drinks, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, along with ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Another table was set up with a hot plate for the cooked hamburgers and hot dogs and the appropriate hot or cold chafing dishes for the potato salad, baked beans, and deviled eggs and cheese for the burgers. The group had also set up enough tables for not only their guests but for them, too, to sit down and enjoy their meal.
As the Commander got close to home, Mr. Ken could see some activity up on the patio. He took out the binoculars he kept close by on the flying bridge and focused them on what was happening on his property. Through the lenses he could see lots of adults and then he recognized Judy and Mary and then Harry and Carol Fletcher. He could also see the grill was out and smoking and soon figured out the boy's parents were hosting a surprise barbeque for them. All the man could do was put a big smile on his face and be thankful his boys had such caring friends and wonderful parents.
The closer the Commander got back to The Cove, the easier it was for the boys to see all the commotion going on up on the patio. They could also make out their parents were now making their way down to the dock and they couldn't wait to learn why they were all there.
"Welcome back boys," called out Carol Fletcher, and then the rest of the moms added their own welcome.
Ken Thomas gently docked the Commander in its slip while Robert and Eric set out the side bumpers to keep damage from occurring to the large cabin cruiser. As soon as Mr. Ken cut the engines and Ryan indicated he and Robert and Eric had the craft properly tied up, the lads joyously jumped off the boat and headed to their parent or parents and got a quick hug.
"Well, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company," jokingly asked Mr. Ken.
It was Barbara Sullivan, Brad's mom, who answered the man and said, "Us parents … well we wanted to say some sort of Thank You to you for everything you've done for and offered all of our boys. We figured with you taking all of them to the water park today that they would be famished when you all returned. So, we figured, what better way to show our appreciation and thanks by getting this cookout ready to feed all of you when you finally returned. The dads are up on the patio putting the final touches on the hamburgers and hot dogs and they have all the fixings ready to go. So … is any one HUNGRRYYYY?" loudly called out the lady.
A group of the boys could be heard yelling, "What are we waiting for!" as all of them ran across the dock and headed up the slight hill towards the patio. Mr. Ken and the adults who met the yacht at the dock laughed as they followed the hungry group of lads as quickly as they could.
"Thanks for doing all this for us, dad," said Brad, as he hugged his dad as the man tended to the cooking hamburgers and hot dogs.
"Well, son, I wasn't the only one who put this shindig together. Harry Fletcher and Michael Gordon and Josh's dad Isaac and Cody's' dad Bruce, over there, have also done their share of setting things up. And don't forget your friend's moms. Those ladies were the ones who made all the phone calls and got this thing off the ground. I sure hope you guys are hungry as we cooked a ton of food," explained John Sullivan to his teenage son.
It didn't take long for the famished lads to fill up their plates and chow down after the green light was given to dig in. Most lads took one burger and one hot dog and then ladled a big spoonful of potato salad and baked beans onto their plates. Some of the lads added some mayo, lettuce and tomato and cheese to their burgers while others added a slice of cheese and then put ketchup and mustard on both sides of the bun.
Once all the swimmers got their plates filled, the ladies made sure Mr. Ken got his plate filled before the organizers would get in line and make up their own plates. Even Gene and George got in line and took advantage of some good family cooking that included homemade potato salad and baked beans coupled with deviled eggs.
As everyone fed their face, the boys just had to tell their parents about their exploits on the Lakeside Water Park slides. Of course the moms had to tell their sons to 'don't talk with your mouth full', so many a tale got stopped in mid-tell.
Just about all the lads went back for seconds. The boys couldn't believe how hungry they were but they didn't care as the food tasted great and the sides were awesome. Even a few of the adults went back for seconds but they mostly filled their plates with more baked beans and potato salad.
While the boys ate, they sat in family groups. The exceptions were James and Camm who sat with Mr. Ken, Charles and Robert. Seeing the two twelve year olds sitting with The Cove's owner, Carol Fletcher went over to the lads and explained they didn't have their mom's phone numbers so they couldn't invite them. James told the woman that his mom probably wouldn't have come unless some of her society ladies would be here. Camm said it would have been a 50/50 chance his mom would have come. He explained she worked late many days and then she would go out, especially, if it was a Friday, like that day. Mr. Ken was very grateful Joyce hadn't gotten that phone call because he knew she would have been hanging around him the whole time.
While they ate, the conversation between the boys and their parents was typically low key. The boys were very reserved when talking to their parents, which wasn't anything new, but their moms and dads were really appreciating this time spent together.
The lads finally finished filling up their hollow legs and were raring and eager to tell their parents how they fared on the water park's slides. And just as they did on the slides they decided who would go first. The younger lads – Sam, Terran, Dominic and Wyatt – were chosen to go first. Then those four lads had to decide who of them would actually go first. Wyatt won that honor.
"Mom, dad, you should have been there, I won, I actually won a slide race," was how the hyped and overenthusiastic Wyatt began his story. "The slide was called the Head-Rusher and we had to ride down on this pad, and there were eight of us going down at the same time and I actually won. Can you believe it? That's the very first time I can ever remember winning anything." Wyatt then showed everyone a smile that appeared to be a mile wide.
Everyone who heard Wyatt's story, and the way he told it, knew what he was saying without him actually saying it. Most of them had been there at one time or another. They knew about never getting any attention, being relegated to a lesser position in life, always ignored, and then finally breaking out with an accomplishment that you feel should mean something to the people you tell it to. What they also knew was that this was not what the important people in the telling person's life would consider being any type of triumph or success that would change a thing. They heard Wyatt's desire to be recognized but knew his parents would not budge from their treatment of their only child.
The lads continued to tell about their exploits at the water park. Robert told everyone how he was the other winner of the Head-Rusher race. Then someone told the story of the first time Eric and Brad rode the black enclosed slide. Someone else told about the family slide and it went on like that for almost twenty minutes with the lads telling the funny things that happened on the slides or what the ride felt like.
It was Sam who then began to tell about what happened when they tried their last ride of the day, the Flow Rider. He told everyone how he was the first one to try the boogie board. He then explained how he lasted no more than two seconds and then was dumped into the on rushing water. Sam then pouted and said that everyone laughed at him, even Mr. Ken. The group heard his story and didn't give him any sympathy and laughed at him again including Mr. Ken.
Terran stood up next and picked up the story. He told the assembled parents that he had intended to beat Sam's lengthy ride but then chickened out and let Ryan go next, instead. That brought a round of laughs from all the parents and lads. Terran finished by telling everyone that Ryan barely lasted as long as Sam. More laughs were heard.
Daniel stood up next and told the parents that he and Josh went next and didn't fare any better than Sam and Ryan. Chuck stood up and said ditto and then sat down. Then Brad, Trevor and Cody all stood up and said 'ditto', as well, and then sat right back down.
It was Terran who then stood up and held his hands up high in order to get everyone's attention. When everyone had calmed down from laughing so much at Brad, Trevor and Cody, Terran told them how he and he alone had lasted a full four seconds when he finally took his turn. He told the group that he's even gotten a round of applause from his fellow Flow Riders. Terran then bowed at the assembled group. It took the parents about two seconds to understand that the lad had actually doubled Sam's time and then they, too, applauded.
Dominic stood up next and quickly told how he and Wyatt didn't really even get to ride the boogie boards as they were dumped off as soon as they entered the on-rushing waters. Danny didn't wait for any reaction from the adults, on Dominic's revelation, and stood up and told everyone that he, Gordon, Camm and James did as well as Sam. He paused for effect and then told everyone they didn't last for no longer than two seconds. The adults laughed hard.
Josh stood up next and told the crowd that his time was six seconds and then sat down. Charles quickly followed and said his time was eight seconds and that he beat Josh's time by a full two seconds and then he sat down. Eric stood up stating he had hoped to do better than his friend but had only gotten to five seconds before falling off the board. He then sat down.
The crowd thought they had heard from all of the lads but it was Robert who stood up and began to tell his tale. "I was the last one of us to ride. … I watched and learned … from everyone else's mistakes … and thus my mind … became focused on what NOT to do. When I launched … into the Flow Rider's waters … I went in slower than anyone else and due to that … I was able to remain in a stable and balanced formation in the fast rushing waters. I had found the secret to riding the Flow Rider. … I thought. … I remember looking up and seeing my friends standing there watching me with their mouths wide open."
Robert then paused for effect. He saw that the adults were hanging on every word of his tale and he knew they couldn't wait to hear how long he had ridden the boogie board for. The adults began talking amongst themselves discussing how long they thought Robert had ridden the Flow Rider for.
When Robert saw the adults were ready for him to continue, he finished telling his tale. "My friends, they couldn't believe that I was doing so well. I could tell they were jealous of me. They couldn't wait until I too would be washed away… by the fast flowing waters. They eventually got their wish. I was washed away after a full … four seconds." Robert then sat down.
It got extremely quiet after Robert sat down. No one could believe that this young teen had everyone fascinated over his story only to learn he had fooled them all. A number of seconds went by and then one person stood up and began clapping. Then another one stood up and another, and then another. Eventually, everyone was standing and clapping for the good story telling job the lad had just accomplished. Robert stood up and bowed a few times and sat down again.
But just because the adults were clapping didn't mean his friends were as pleased as they were with his theatrics as they were. Thus, the lads suddenly stood up and surrounded the story teller. They picked him up and carried him into the indoor pool area and then unceremoniously dumped him into the water. The lads then laughed at him and walked back outside.
Now with the story teller all wet, so to speak, Sam stood up and took center stage. He told the gathered parents that he and his friends took one more try at riding the Flow Rider. He explained that not many fared any better their second time around and he named the ones who failed again. He did say that he, Dominic, Josh and Brad had made it to five seconds. Then he asked, "A drum roll, please." Some of the boys began to drum their fingers on their tables and Sam smiled and announced, "And Charles … he made it to a full ten seconds. Everyone, please, a round of applause."
Everyone began to applaud and Charles became the center of attention. Mr. Ken went over to his 'son' and hugged him. By that time, Robert had gotten out of the pool and came outside dripping wet. He saw his 'dad' hugging his 'brother' and he went over and hugged him, too. Unfortunately, Charles had forgotten Robert had just been thrown into the water and when he got hugged his front got soaking wet, too. Both boys laughed at what just happened.
Seeing it was getting late, the whole group gathered around and they all thanked Mr. Ken for being the person he was. The parents came up to him, one by one, and thanked him for everything he'd done for their boy, or boys in the case of the Fletchers and Sullivan's. Mr. Ken, in return, thanked the parents for coming together and not only surprising him and the boys, but also putting together a cookout that they will all remember for quite some time.
The parents, and this time with the help of the lads, began to clean and straighten up the patio. The boys helped put the tables and chairs away while the ladies gathered up the leftovers and put them in containers or on plates for Mr. Ken to have tomorrow. Robert, Eric, Charles and his two friends carried the leftovers up to the Kitchen Nook and placed them in the refrigerator. They then returned to help wherever they were needed.
When everything was cleaned up and or put away, the parents began to walk towards the front of the estate and their vehicles. Their boys walked with them and in some instances they had one or both parents' arm across their shoulders. When the families reached their cars, the moms hugged their boys and some dads did too and even with all the display of affection none of the lads felt embarrassed by it.
There were two lads who did observe the way the parents treated their boys and they inwardly wished their parents would do the same. Neither lad knew the other one felt the same things he was. Both boys wanted to be loved and hugged and treated like how they saw their friends and especially like they saw those boys tonight. They kept their heads held high and a straight face but the more they saw the more they were hurting inside.
From the peoples continued comments and enthusiasm, it was clear that everyone had had a great time that evening. And even though it was going on eleven o'clock, and they wanted to get home, the parents still wanted to talk to Mr. Ken as they stood around their vehicles. Tonight turned into one of those gatherings when everyone had so much to say that they didn't want to leave until they got the chance to say it.
It wasn't until Mr. Ken began to see more and more of the lads yawn that he told the parents the boys needed to get their sleeping areas prepared and then get ready for bed. He thanked the adults one last time and then told them that they had to leave so the boys could get settled and then on to bed. Reluctantly, the parents agreed to leave but only after they got Mr. Ken to agree to allow them to do this one more time before the boys went back to school.
The lads and Mr. Ken waved to the parents as they drove out through the Main Gate. When the last car departed the estate, the boys all yelled in relief that their parents were finally gone. The next thing the lads needed to do was get their sleeping areas established and set up.
"Charles, where do you see you and your friends spending the night?" asked 'dad' Ken.
"Well, I figured that since there are only three of us that we'd use my bedroom. It would open up more space downstairs for the rest to use," replied Charles.
"But Charles, the fun part of a having a sleepover is everyone sleeping in the same area together," countered 'brother' Robert.
It was Eric who spoke up and added, "Robert, don't you remember how crowded the Theater was when all of us stayed the night before the Coast Guard Safety training? There are sixteen of us tonight, not counting Ryan and Danny. There is no way we all could fit in the Theater unless we took all the seats out."
"Yeah, you're right there, Eric. What else can we do, then?" an exasperated Robert said.
"We could all sleep out in the Great Room," offered Eric. "We've never done that before!"
"Or, we could sleep out on the pool deck," offered James.
Upon hearing the pool deck being offered for the lads to sleep on, Mr. Ken spoke up. "Boys, I don't think so. I don't like that idea because it wouldn't take much for one of you to sleep walk or roll off into the water. I am personally nixing that idea!"
"Then, 'dad', where would you suggest we all sleep?" asked Robert.
"Guys, you should have figured that all out before you asked if they all could sleep over," replied 'dad' Ken.
The whole time Charles and Robert were talking to Mr. Ken about the sleeping arrangements, many of the boys were laughing at the conversation. They couldn't believe it was taking so long to decide where they would sleep. They didn't care if it was a special place, or not, all they wanted to do was lay down and go to bed.
Robert heard their murmurs behind his back so he turned and asked, "Then where would you pick for us all to sleep together?"
Trevor, Chuck and Brad had slept there a few times before so Brad spoke up and said they should all sleep in the Great Room. He reasoned that there was enough room there that all three age groups could find their own corner, or area, and that way they all would share the same experience.
Mr. Ken looked to Robert who looked to Charles who just shrugged his shoulders saying he'd never had a sleepover before, so he doesn't have a clue as to what to do. Some of the lads laughed at Charles but many of them said they agreed with Brad. That said, Mr. Ken told the boys to gather up their sleeping bags and take them to the Great Room so they could check it out.
The sixteen eleven through thirteen year olds took their sleeping bags into the Great Room and it was Charles, James and Camm who claimed the area underneath the stairs. Sam and Terran talked Dominic and Wyatt into staking out the area near the huge fireplace. That meant the rest of the guys had their choice of everywhere else. Robert wasn't particularly happy because he wanted the privacy and darkness the Theater offered. In the end, they took the center area and moved the coffee tables so they could be closer as a group.
'Dad' Ken was happy the lads had finally chosen where they would sleep, but he wasn't happy when Robert asked if they could go swimming. He pointed out that it was already eleven-thirty and it was getting late but Robert argued it wouldn't be a proper sleep-over if they didn't get to swim.
Up to that time neither Ryan nor Daniel said anything about the sleeping arrangements. They figured they would use one of the guest suites upstairs that was until Robert said he wanted them to sleep with them down in the Great Room. Mr. Ken didn't say a thing. He figured they would work it out themselves and then told them he was going to his Study, and then did.
Charles spoke up just then and said that 'dad' didn't say they couldn't swim so he suggested they grab their sleep clothes, if anyone used them, and take them to the lockers so when they are finished swimming they could just change into them there. The lads agreed with Charles's thinking so they all went and got their clothes and headed to the pool lockers.
When the older boys were ready to swim, Charles reminded them that Ryan and Danny were going to swim too so they couldn't skinny dip. That bummed the older lads but they understood when Charles explained it to them. Dominic and Wyatt heard some of the discussion but didn't understand anything the thirteen year olds were talking about. All they cared about was they were going to get to swim in the Three Finger Cove's indoor pool.
The lads swam until almost one in the morning. The only reason they stopped was because Mr. Ken rang the bell and then came down to the pool and told them to get out and get ready for bed. The older boys, as a rule, don't wear pajamas to bed any more so when they went to change and get ready for bed all they did was strip off their swimsuits and put on a t-shirt and their briefs. Seeing that was what the older lads were doing caused Dominic and Wyatt some embarrassment. They never saw other kids naked before and they didn't know if they could or even should look.
Terran saw the shock of seeing all those older lads walking naked around the changing room in Dominic's and Wyatt's faces. He quickly went over to Sam and told him what he saw so the two of them pulled their friends aside. They both knew they should have already told the younger boys what would happen so they apologized to them and then explained what they saw.
"Dom, Wyatt, we're sorry we didn't warn you what the older lads would do when we had to change to go to bed," said Sam.
"Yeah, they are used to seeing each other without their clothes on and, as you can see, it doesn't bother them," added Terran.
"Do they do that every time?" asked Dominic.
"Have you ever done that?" quickly asked Wyatt.
Sam and Terran looked at one another and it was Terran who answered saying the older teens do it every time and yes that they, Sam and he, also had walked around without their clothes on. Then Sam and Terran decided to explain how it happened that they got naked with the older boys and are now used to being naked with them.
It took Sam and Terran about ten minutes to explain how it started back in the spring when they spent the night before they all took the Coast Guard training. Sam and Terran told the boys about changing in that very changing room and having it explained that is would be something they would have to do when they got to high school and take showers.
They continued to tell Dominic and Wyatt what happened the morning of the Coast Guard training when they took their showers with Robert and Eric. They also told their friends how they saw their own older brothers naked and that they saw them, too. Sam and Terran told Dominic and Wyatt that it was okay to look at the older guys 'boy parts' but that is wasn't good to stare at them.
Sam explained that it isn't a big deal after you do it a time or two and the easiest way to do it was to turn and face the wall and take off their suits and then put on their underwear. Terran told them not to hurry either because there was a big chance they would trip over their wet swim suits or stumble putting their foot into their briefs. Sam and Terran then showed them what they meant by turning to the wall and dropping their own swim suits.
"Come on, try it," encouraged Sam. "Just do what we did. See, we have our suits off and we aren't embarrassed to be naked in front of you."
Wyatt looked at Dominic before almost whispering, "Yeah, but what do you do … if you get a … you know, a stiffy?"
Sam and Terran smiled at one another and then Sam answered, "Right now you are so tired I bet you couldn't get one if you tried, so don't worry about it. Just put your underwear on the bench and then slip your suits off. Then, still facing the wall, put your underwear on. Go ahead we're still standing naked here in front of you and we don't have anything you both don't have. The only thing the older guys will tell you is that theirs are going to be bigger because they are older. Go on, now, change and don't go to fast."
Robert and Eric had wondered how the two new boys would handle the mass changing after swimming and were happy to see Sam and Terran explaining it to their friends and not making a big deal out of it. They were going to stroll over to the four eleven year olds and talk to them but then decided it might freak out the two new kids so they just went and found Trevor and Chuck and told them how their younger brothers were taking care of their friends. Trevor and Chuck thanked them for telling them that and just smiled.
Wyatt and Dominic took the plunge and placed their underwear on the bench and then dropped their swimsuits. They cautiously looked at each other, and then they laughed, and then put their underwear on.
"There, that wasn't hard, was it?" said Sam.
Dominic looked down at his crotch, pulled out his underwear and smiled and deadpanned said, "Nope, it doesn't look hard." All four boys laughed at once.
Wyatt and Dominic then put on their pajamas. Sam and Terran just put on their underwear and a t-shirt and the four of the walked across the pool deck and into the Great Room and over to where they had placed their sleeping bags. Dominic and Wyatt saw they were the only ones wearing pajamas so they took off their bottoms to be like the rest of the guys.
"Hey, who's hungry?" Robert called out. "If you are, follow me to the kitchen for cupcakes and some cold milk."
All eighteen boys, dressed only in t-shirts and underwear, headed to the Kitchen Nook. Robert and Charles pulled out the cupcakes that Momma Maria had made for them while Eric and Brad got out the glasses and the cold milk. Each boy had at least two cupcakes and a glass of cold milk before heading back down to the Great Room and their sleeping bag. Ryan and Daniel decided they wanted a soft bed so they told Charles and Robert where they'd be and then headed up to the guest suite and bed.
Mr. Ken walked out on the landing above the Great Room to see if the boys had actually gone to sleep. He could hear some light snoring coming from the Great Room and he figured all the boys had finally crashed and were sound asleep. Chief had joined him and he bent down and whispered to her to watch over her 'cubs' and to get Robert or Charles if anyone has a bad dream. He then scratched Chief behind her ears and then hugged her before going back to his own bed. The time was two o'clock in the morning.