Published: 31 Oct 2024

From The Previous Chapter:

Once all the boys were up in their rooms, Wayne asked his boss when he was going to tell them that he was staying home with Chief. Mr. Ken told the Estate Master that he’d tell them tomorrow at dinner. The two men then went up to say goodnight to the boys.

Of course, Collin wanted his Big Bro to stop and say goodnight to him, as well. As they talked, Mr. Ken did ask Collin if his travel people made hotel reservations for him. The young man said that, because he was under twenty-one, they had made sure there would be no mix-up’s this time. Mr. Ken smiled and thanked him for making sure of that.

The Cove, again, was quite the whole night through, with the boys dreaming of their upcoming trip back to their ‘dad’s’ parks.

When Mr. Ken got ready for the day that Thursday morning, he dressed in his suit, knowing he was going to the blessing and dedication of the new vocational building at the Blessed Waters Academy High School. The building that he had built for them.

Once he was in the Kitchen Nook, Momma Maria already had his morning newspaper at his seat, and she was waiting to pour him his first cup of hot coffee, as soon as he sat down. Mr. Ken tipped the coffee cup towards her after she filled it, as a gesture of thanks. The man then went about separating the newspaper and then he began reading it.

Charles and Matthew came into the Kitchen Nook a little after eight o’clock. They were dressed in nice long pants and a polo shirt, as they were also going to the dedication with their ‘dad’. Momma asked them to be seated and told them that she would have their breakfast ready for them in a few minutes. ‘Dad’ Ken commented on the boy’s good looks, and then told them not to get any breakfast on their clean clothes.

The other three boys came down about 8:30 and greeted their ‘dad’ and their ‘brothers’. Phillip went and got Chief’s bowls and cleaned them out, but he couldn’t carry them both down to the Great Room, because of his shoulder. So, Billy carried the ice water, so it wouldn’t splash all over the floors, because he knew that Phillip’s shoulder wouldn’t be able hold the water bowl still enough all the way from the Nook to the Great Room.

As the boys ate, they talked to their ‘dad’ about the dedication and what he thought it would be all about. Dad’ Ken thought that the archbishop would be dressed in his finest religious garments as he speaks some special prayers and then blesses the building with some holy water. The man then told the boys that the invited guests would be welcomed to walk through the building and admire what the incoming students would finally get to use to further their education and determining their futures.

‘Dad’ Ken then looked at the time and asked Charles and Matthew to quickly use the half-bath and then meet him in the garage, while he uses his own private retreat. Five minutes later the three Covers were getting into the F-150 truck, and they would soon be on their way to the dedication ceremony.

When the Covers arrived at the Blessed Waters Academy High School, Charles and Matthew were very impressed with how good the old facility looked. ‘Dad’ Ken wondered if they would still have the same impression of the place, if the old vocational building was still around for them to view.

The principal of the high school and the archbishop’s secretary met and greeted all of the invited guests and showed them where they could sit for the ceremony. The archbishop was being outfitted in his religious vestments, at the time, which was why he wasn’t there doing that himself.

When the blessing ceremony began, the high school student choir began singing and the archbishop and his entourage of priests and acolytes came out of the vocational building. The people stood, as the procession entered the area.

The ceremony was a simple one. The day was already hot even at ten a.m., so the archbishop made a few remarks about what he was about to do and then he performed the simple ritual of saying specific prayers, making the sign of the cross and then sprinkling holy water all over the new vocational building, with the help of the additional priests and the altar servers, or acolytes.

When that ceremony was over, the archbishop made a few more remarks thanking a few people who made that day possible. He specifically singled out Mr. Ken Thomas for his gracious gift of the new vocational building. The archbishop then named the companies who outfitted the building with all of the new tables, chairs, lockers, including all of the new equipment the students will use during their training.

Then, just before archbishop invited everyone to walk through the building, the archbishop said, “Before I invite you to walk thought this new and beautiful building, I want to tell you a short story … about how this new and beautiful building came about.

“You see a Mr. Chris Dominions, who works for Mr. Thomas, as his Estate Manager, visited Blessed Waters to determine if the Academy would compete at Mr. Ken’s Holiday Decoration Competition last year. They won by the way. And it was his simple comment to his employer, “…oh what a few dollars could do for them”, that Mr. Thomas decided to donate the building that you see before you.

“As you probably know, Mr. Thomas … he had already begun focusing on the work vocational students were doing by establishing his annual Holiday Christmas Decoration Contest, and he was looking to expand the number of schools who could compete. When Mr. Dominions saw our vocational facilities and went back and explained what he saw to his employer, Mr. Thomas did some investigation and the rest, as they say, is history.

“Please enjoy the refreshments, as you walk through this wonderful student training facility. And thank you, again, for all of your generous contributions that outfitted this amazing facility, and attending today’s dedication ceremony. I’ll join you shortly,” finished Archbishop Martinez.

Charles and Matthew walked with their ‘dad’ and Mr. Chris through the large training facility. The building was broken up into three distinct training areas: one for electrical, one for woodworking and one for plumbing. They also saw there were central restrooms for both the boys and girls, as well as colorful half height lockers for the student to place their books, jackets and any valuables in, while they were in class.

There were refreshments for everyone to enjoy and while Charles and Matthew were standing around, a few of the girls came up to Charles and Matthew and began talking to them. They said they saw them walking with the man, who donated the building, and they wanted to know how they knew him.

Charles got a little embarrassed, but he told them that Mr. Ken was their ‘dad’, indicating that the pre-teen next to him was his ‘brother’. The two Covers and the six girls, in ages of about thirteen through fifteen began talking about where the boys lived and what grades they were in, while the girls told them about themselves and what grade they were in.

‘Dad’ Ken and Mr. Chris talked with all of the company dignitaries who made significant contributions to outfit the entire vocational facility. They exchanged stories of how they learned about Mr. Thomas’ donation, and that they wanted to be part of influencing the next generation of carpenters, electricians and plumbers in their area. They also said they want to be a part of the impact and excitement that a new facility for a catholic high school would generate for the community.

Mr. Ken and Chris also saw the Cover boys talking with a number of girls and they smiled. ‘Dad’ Ken smiled, not that Charles was talking with the girls, but that Matthew, who usually avoided doing so, was joining in the conversation and was even laughing along with the group. The man didn’t want to break up the chit-chat, but the reception was slowly winding down and they did need to get home.

“Hello, girls,” announced Mr. Ken, as he walked up to the group.

The girls’ giggled and said hello back to him. ‘Dad’ Ken then told the boys that they needed to get on home, as he needed to get to the office. As they were leaving, Mr. Ken told the girls that his ‘sons’ are often at the new Four Corners Amusement Park, so they might find them there some Saturday or Sunday night. Both Charles and Matthew smiled at the girls, as they began to walk away.

The Covers’ friends arrived as usual at twelve, noon. Phillip’s bandmates asked him if he was going to try to play with them. The young Cover said that he’d try, but he wanted someone to be there when he put the strap over his shoulder, just in case it still hurt too much.

Bryce said that he’d be there with him and help him place the strap over the shoulder and that he’d also take the guitar off if Phillip felt the weight was too much for him to handle. When Phillip was ready, the two boys got the guitar strap up and over Phillip’s head and almost on his shoulder. Bryce slowly let the weight of the instrument rest across the Cover’s shoulder.

Phillip was apprehensive about the weight. He felt it the other day when he placed the guitar across his shoulder, so now he was fearful that the pain would be back. But just as they were going to place the strap across the shoulder, Bryce said, “Wait!”, and he took the guitar away.

“I think what we need is something that is a bit softer that will also spread the weight out across the shoulder, so not all the weight is pressing down on the injured area, Phil. Do you know if you have a piece of lamb’s wool, or something like that down at the house?” asked Bryce.

Phillip told Bryce that he never saw anything like that, but that he’d go down and ask Mr. Wayne. The Cover told the band to go ahead and play without him, as it might be a while before he comes back.

The cooking team got the barbeque ready to cook later, while the rest of the boys either skated, swam, rode the PWCs, or sailed the sailboats. Robert and Eric decided that they should start cutting the field. They both knew when they came back from their trip, they would be going back to school, and it might be too late to cut it then.

‘Dad’ Ken, Charles and Matthew returned to The Cove around the time that the cooking team was ready to sound the triangle to call everyone to eat. The three Covers went in and changed, but ‘dad’ Ken told the boys that he needed to head over to the office to try to get some work done, so for them to head up to the Pavilion and get something to eat.

Phillip and Mr. Wayne, in the meantime, went looking for something that the guitarist could use to help spread the weight of the guitar across his shoulder. Mr. Wayne found some old blankets that they were going to use for Chief, so he took some and cut them the width of the boy’s shoulder and tripled them. They weren’t sewed together, but Mr. Wayne asked Phillip to try that padding to see if that helped.

The triangle had rung, while the two Covers were working on the padding, so they rode up on a golf cart and they ate a burger and dog. Then Mr. Wayne went over to the garage with Phillip and watched as Bryce and Phillip positioned the padding over the shoulder. Bryce then lifted the guitar over the young Cover’s head and began to lower the strap onto the shoulder.

Bryce told Phillip to tell him to stop if the pressure was too much for him. Mr. Wayne was happy that the older boy was concerned for the boy’s welfare. It told the him that Bryce was a good fit for the band, and that had a good head on his shoulders.

When the full weight of the guitar was on Phillip’s shoulder, the young Cover could feel the weight, but it wasn’t anything like the other day. Bryce asked Phillip if he was OK. Phillip told the twelve-year-old that he wanted to try it for a while, and told the band to let him play some.

The youngster played some of the new chords that Mr. Bindy had given him to learn for his next lesson. The boys asked him what that was that he was playing and when he told them, Bryce, Ty and Westin began trying to mimic the chords. The four guitarists were able to stay in tune as Phillip wasn’t able to strum too quickly as his right arm and hand were still a little stiff from the accident.

After playing for about ten minutes, Phillip asked if they could play something, but asked them to play it slower than usual. The band did that and although they played it through, it wasn’t their best, as the beat was way too slow. Phillip heard it and asked Bryce to take the guitar off his shoulder.

“Guys … I’m just not going to be able to keep up with you yet. My arm is still stiff and strumming is not as fast as it needs to be. Thank you for letting me at least try. Maybe tomorrow?” offered the Cover.

The band was happy that Phillip at least tried, and they told him to try again tomorrow.

While the band was helping Phillip, Charles and Matthew were telling the other boys about the dedication and what the new vocational building looked like. They had taken pictures and showed them around. What really surprised everyone was that the girls at the Academy came over to them and talked to them.

Charles told everyone how Matthew was even talking to the girls and laughing with them. He told everyone that there was still hope for his ‘brother’. But it was Matthew who told their friends how their ‘dad’ told the girls that Charles could be found at Four Corners most Saturdays and Sundays. All the boys laughed and teased the fourteen-year-old Cover.

At the office, Mr. Ken tried to get some work done, knowing he was going to be gone all of next week. Ben stopped by to show him what he intended to release to the media showcasing their new roller coasters and telling which amusement park was getting them. Ben was also going to release the fact the Crystal Lake was also getting a water park.

The two men watched the video and Mr. Ken was happy with the product. He asked Ben when he intended to send the package to the media. Ben felt that either tomorrow, Friday, or Monday would be a good time to let the people near their parks know what they had planned for next season. Mr. Ken told Ben that if he did it tomorrow, he’d be able to talk to their guests while he’s at the parks, too. Ben just smiled knowing that the boss liked to talk to the people, while they were in line.

After Ben left his office, Ken called Amy Ozarker. He wanted to know if there was any movement from the detectives on the two out-of-state friends that might have been in the video. Amy told Ken that she hadn’t heard anything, and that she probably wouldn’t unless one of them openly admits to what they did in the video.

After talking to Amy, Ken called Kate. When they talked, he told her about the dedication ceremony and how the archbishop singled him out, by name, and then how he told the story about how Chris made the comment that made him decide to build the new vocational building for Blessed Waters Academy.

Ken then told Kate how nice it was to see Charles and Matthew talking to some of the girls who attended the Academy. Kate didn’t think there was anything unique about that. That was until Ken told her how standoffish Matthew usually is when it came to girls. Ken told his girlfriend that seeing the boy engaging and laughing with the girls made him feel good that maybe the boy would get over his unfavorable outlook on the opposite sex.

The two talked about the trip the Covers would embark on beginning that Saturday. Ken told her that Wayne would not be coming, but Miriam, Dan, Dennis, Collin and Ryan would be accompanying him and the boys. He told her that Phillip was slowly recovering from his dislocated shoulder, but he wouldn’t know which rides he would be able to go on until he tries some of the less wild or violent ones.

Kate told Ken that she was looking forward to seeing him again and had only wished that his trip was going to be as long as the last time he was there. Ken told her that he wished that too, but for now he had to get the boys home and off to school the following week.

Momma had a good meal ready for her men that evening. There was a salad, with four different dressings for the Covers to choose from. Then they had fork tender roast beef, red skinned potatoes, creamed corn, green beans and fresh rolls and butter along with milk for the boys and coffee for the men.

The Covers talked about their day while they were eating. Phillip told his ‘dad’ how Mr. Wayne found some padding he could use to help spread the weight of the strap of his guitar over his shoulder, so he was he was able to play his guitar for a little while today. He added that he practiced his new guitar lesson, and his band mates practiced them with him. ‘Dad’ Ken smiled that the boy was resourceful enough to do that.

The boys then wanted him to tell them how he saw the dedication ceremony. ‘Dad’ Ken told them that it was well done. He described how the archbishop was dressed in his ceremonial vestments and then said special prayers and walked around the vocational building and sprinkled holy water all over it to bless it.

Charles then spoke up and told his ‘brothers’ how the man in the fancy clothes thanked their ‘dad’, personally, for the building and then the companies for donation of all the equipment and other stuff. But it was Matthew who told everyone how the big guy told the story how it was Mr. Chris who said something about what a few dollars could do for them that brought about their ‘dad’ buying the vocational building for the Academy.

‘Dad’ Ken clarified the two telling’s for everyone, but they got the jest of what happened. It was Billy though who then asked his two ‘brothers’, who were at the dedication ceremony, if they got any of the girl’s phone numbers. Charles told his older ‘brother’ that they all live far away from them, so he didn’t think it would be any use. Matthew just turned red in the face.

In the Study, ‘dad’ Ken told the boys that their plans to leave The Cove at 7:30 had now changed to 6:30. He told them that since they were essentially only spending one day at each park, the first park would be short changed by them getting there so late by leaving at the original time.

Robert then asked his dad, “Dad … if there are only five parks, and we’re leaving on Saturday, and we’re coming back the following Saturday … what are we doing those other two days?”

“That’s a good question, son. I figured there will be a least one rain day, and I need to spend an extra day at Crystal Lake to work out the placement of the water park,” explained the teen’s dad.

The boys then whispered amongst themselves that their ‘dad’ only wanted extra time with Ms. Kate. ‘Dad’ Ken heard the whispers and the giggles and he just smiled at them.

‘Dad’ Ken then reminded the boys that Miriam and Mark would be spending the night tomorrow and that Levi would also be here for dinner. He then told them that there would be Mr. Dan, Mr. Dennis, Ms. Miriam, Collin, Ryan, the five of them plus Mark and him on the trip. He then asked if the boys had any questions.

It was Phillip who asked, “’Dad’ … why wasn’t Mr. Wayne’s name in the list of people who were going with them?”

“Great question, son. Well, the answer to that is … is that Mr. Wayne … he has so graciously volunteered to stay home and watch over Chief and her family.”

The boys all began talking at once and asking why was he staying home. Mr. Wayne spoke up just then and told the boys that their ‘dad’ needed someone to stay here with Chief and if no one did then none of them were going on this trip. The Estate Master then added that he’s been to all the parks enough times to know what’s there, so that he really won’t miss anything.

The boys thanked Mr. Wayne for his staying home, so they could go to the parks before school began. They also told him that they would miss him on the trip, as he always made the trip fun. Mr. Wayne told them that he’d have a talk with Mr. Dennis and tell him to pick up his ‘game’. They all had a good laugh over that.

The Covers went down to the Great Room to check on Chief and her pups. They all could see how much that the puppies had grown since day 1, and began talking about what it will be like to have all seven of them walking around.

“Yea, walking around and, you know, pooping and peeing that we’ll all have to clean up,” bemoaned Matthew. All his ‘brother’s’, as well as ‘Dad’ Ken and Mr. Wayne, laughed at what the pre-teen had to say.

Phillip took the water bowl up to the Kitchen Nook to get fresh ice water in it. When he came down and he hadn’t spilled any, his ‘brothers’ asked how he didn’t do that. The young Cover told them that he didn’t fill the bowl up all the way, because he noticed that Chief doesn’t drink it all during the night, so he knew he didn’t need to fill it all the way. Everyone smiled at his resourcefulness.

When ‘dad’ Ken talked to the boys that night, before going to bed himself, he thanked Robert for getting the field cut. He told him that it looks good when it gets done. He thanked both Charles and Matthew for going to the dedication with him. He told them those are the little things that they will remember long after the trips to the parks.

When Mr. Ken talked to Bill, he told him that The Cove was looking much cleaner now that he and Lonnie were power washing the estate’s walls, the Gate House and now the driveway and curbs. Billy countered that they were being paid to do that, but he appreciated the thanks anyway.

The owner of The Cove told the teenager that it was the way he was doing the job, the care he took in ensuring the place looked good that made him wanted to thank him. The two shared a hug and Billy then told the man that he has made his short time there to make up for his first fourteen years of living where and how he did with all the drugs and under the shadow of ‘Smokey’. Mr. Ken just gave the teen another special hug to show him that he understood.

When ‘dad’ Ken arrived at Phillip’s room the boy was practicing his lesson for Mr. Bindy. The boy didn’t notice him at the doorway until the man knocked on the doorframe. The foster dad then went in and sat next to the boy on his bed.

“Phillip, if you have trouble stripping your bed in the morning, ask one of your ‘brothers’ to help you, OK? (The boy nodded his head.) And there is one thing that I forgot to tell you. I did talk to Ms. Judy about your mother.

“Ms. Judy … she told me that your mom had completed the two programs the judge made her attend. She also told me that your mother … that she is now attending a training course, that is supposed to help her get a job and that she is supposed to finish it this week.

“Ms. Judy then told me that your mom has to find a job and she has to hold it for four weeks and then the judge … that he will then review her case and then and only then will he make the decision if you can go back to living with her.

“Son … that means that you will be staying with us until, at least, after Labor Day. I know you have been biting at the bit to go home and live with your mother, but at least now you have a better idea of when that can happen,” finished ‘dad’ Ken, who waited for the boy to respond.

“Thanks, ‘dad’ for telling me that. I had been wondering if I’d ever get to go home and live with my mom, again. Now at least I can look forward to sometime after Labor Day moving home,” offered the young Cover.

The two hugged and after they separated, ‘dad’ Ken commented that the boy’s two big plush toys sitting on the bed together gives the room a feeling that more than just one person lives there. The man then reminded the boy to drain his dragon before he goes to bed, and then the man walked out of the room.

Collin was waiting for his Big Bro at the top of the stairs. The two hugged and then the young man told his big brother that the more he observes the evening meetings and the talks before bed, that he has decided that he will do that when he has a family of his own.

Collin told his Big Bro that it all made sense to him, that the more information flowed to the boys, the better they understood what was going to happen, and that the one-on-one talks he did with them, gave them that special alone time without any of their other ‘brothers’ there to interfere, or butt into, their private talks.

Big Bro Ken told Collin not to rush into starting a family just yet, so he could have those meeting and special talks. He recommended that the young man finish college, then ‘sow his wild oats’ first, learn all he could about Wilkinson, or CWE, surround himself with trusted confidants and then find the woman that compliments him and wants what he wants before he starts his next generation of Wilkinson’s.

Collin smiled and thanked his Big Bro for the good words and then the two hugged before they both went to their respective bedrooms.

Friday started off sunny, but there were clouds in the sky when Ken Thomas walked out to the Kitchen Nook. Momma had his coffee ready and hot for him for when he sat down at his usual seat at the Nook’s table.

Mr. Ken thanked Momma Maria for the hot coffee and then reminded her that the three Goldersons would be joining them tonight for dinner. He also told her that their trip would start tomorrow morning and that she could plan to be off all of next week, even if they came home early.

Momma wanted to know if there was a reason for them to come home early, and Mr. Ken told her that their five-park trip should end Wednesday, but he planned one day for rain and that he also wanted an extra day at Crystal Lake to work on siting the water park which could bring them home on Friday.

Mr. Ken left for the office before the boys came down for breakfast. The man had lots to do before he left for five work days and he wanted to get a jump on it before phone calls and messages took him off his focus.

The boys came down at around 8:30, which was their usual time. Phillip took care of getting Chief’s bowls and he cleaned them out and then filled one with fresh kibble and the other with fresh ice water. Charles helped carry the ice water down to the Great Room for him.

When the two Covers came up to the Kitchen Nook, they both washed their hands before sitting down at the Nook’s table. Phillip then told his ‘brothers’ what their ‘dad’ told him last night about his mother having to work for four weeks. The young Cover explained that the judge will then review her file and make the decision when he can go back to living with her. Phillip added that he would be living there at least until after Labor Day.

After he’d eaten, Billy went up to change into his work clothes, so he could work with Lonnie on power washing the driveway and curbs. The two teenagers had done quite a bit of the driveway already and Billy figured that by the time he returned Lonnie could very well have the rest of it knocked out.

Phillip went up and took his shower and found that his right arm was loosening up and that he could wash himself much better that morning. But he still found that the arm was still a bit sore and it hurt him some as he washed. It was a bit easier putting on his deodorant, but it still was somewhat difficult.

Phillip dressed for the day, but before he went up to the Pavilion, he decided to practice his lesson for Mr. Bindy. He disappointed Mr. Ken a few weeks back by not being prepared for his music teacher, and he didn’t want to ever do that again.

The other Cover boys also got their showers and afterwards, they went up to the Pavilion and then went out on the skate park and skated and had fun, as they waited for their friends to show.

The three Covers talked as they skated. The thing that they recognized was that they were getting older and that things around The Cove were changing. They mentioned how Billy’s friends were now basically non-existent, whereas they were the leaders last year.

Robert mentioned how four of his friends are now working and aren’t stopping by as much as he had hoped. The teen then said that next year all of his friends will be like Billy’s are this year and that Charles and his friends will be the leaders.

Matthew told his ‘brothers’ that as their friends vacate The Cove and to go to work, there will be less and less people here. He lamented that when Charles and his friends go off to work it will just be him and his friend left to enjoy The Cove. He then wondered if their ’dad’ will get any more boys to foster, so the Cove Skate Park, the cove, water toys, sailboats, PWCs and the Pavilion will continue to be used.

Robert told Charles and Matthew that he believes that his dad will marry Kate, eventually, and then Rusty and Jessy will be the new boys who will bring life to The Cove, with all of their friends. The teenager then told Matthew that it will be he and his friends who will be the leaders. The teenager told the pre-teen that it will be he who will teach them how to set up the serving line and then cook the burgers to a golden burn. Thee three boys laughed at the last comment.

The Cover’s friends did arrive on time, as they usually did. They talked with their Cover friends about that being the last day they would have at The Cove, until the Covers came home from their trip. The boys also talked about school beginning that following week, and then they all knew that things would begin to change for all of them, as they would all be getting older and their interests would change and then some of them would be out looking to work, so they could get their first car.

Mr. Ken was tying up loose ends at the office. Ben had released the video that morning, which showcased the new coasters for next year for the four Three Finger Entertainments amusement parks and the new water park they were also building, for one park. The video was getting good air play because this was the first time that the upstart Three Finger Entertainment, LLC amusement park holdings were building major roller coasters.

The news media built up Ben’s presentation with excitement, touting that four smaller regional amusement parks would now have major roller coasters on their properties. The news reporters announced how people would now have the opportunity to ride world class coasters without having to drive many miles to one of the big conglomerate parks to do so.

Somehow, one of Roberts friends had seen the video release on YouTube, and texted him about it. Robert went to the TV in the Pavilion and using it he tried to find any reports of the new roller coasters being added to his dad’s amusement parks. When the Cover found it, he called the other boys over to watch it with him.

The boys watched the video showing an Inverted coaster going through its paces and being told that it would be at the new Adventure Forest Amusement Park, formerly the Edgewood Amusement Park and recently acquired by Three Finger Entertainment. The next video showed a Floorless Coaster going through its animated run and that it would be installed at the Discovery Kingdom Amusement Park for its opening season next spring.

The following coaster showed it was a Dive Coaster that was going to be installed at Fantasy Fun Park for next year. The animated video showed the coaster stopped at the top of the lift hill for about three seconds before dropping into a tunnel and then continuing its full run. The last coaster depicted was a Suspended looping coaster with five gravity-defying inversions to be installed at Mountain Top Amusement Park with the video also showing two side-by-side seats hung beneath the track.

The last part of the video showed a water park with water slides, a lazy river and a wave pool and that there would be a place for young children to play, and that it would be constructed beginning that fall and through the winter at Crystal Lake Amusement Park and that it was expected to open in late spring.

The boys told Robert that they thought his dad owned the amusement parks, not Three Finger Entertainment. Robert told them that his dad owns Three Finger Entertainment, LLC for legal reasons, but essentially, he owns the parks through TFE. The boys accepted that answer.

The rest of the day went like they usually did. After they watched the coaster videos from Three Finger Entertainment, the cooks got the barbeque ready, while the rest of the boys either skated, drove the PWCs, sailed the sailboats, or they swam in the cove and played on the water toys.

The band played and Phillip did try to play with them. Bryce helped him place the extra padding over the shoulder and then put the guitar strap over his head and onto the shoulder. Phillip felt the weight, but it wasn’t as bad as yesterday. He told Bryce that he’d play for a little while, and so the band played the songs they were learning when the accident occurred.

When it was time for the barbeque to be served, the cook rang the farmhouse bell and the boys came running. Wayne and Dennis drove up from the house and Billy and Lonnie walked over from the driveway from where they were working.

Mr. Wayne asked Phillip how the shoulder went while he played. The young Cover said it was still sore and that it hurt some, but the extra padding helped. But now that he was eating, he figured he was done playing for the day.

Mr. Dennis asked him if he had packed for the trip yet. Phillip said he hadn’t, but after he ate, he probably will go down to his room and set out the things he wants to take and then let Mr. Wayne check to make sure he has everything.

The big talk, while the boys ate, was the Three Finger Entertainment video. That was the first time the men were hearing about it. Robert told Mr. Wayne to go to YouTube and look for Three Finger Entertainment Coasters and then they’ll find the video showing the coasters his dad was buying, and the water park for his amusement parks for next year. Mr. Wayne thanked the teenager and said he and Mr. Dennis would check it out.

At six o’clock the Covers’ friends all told them to have a great trip and to call them when they got home, if they came home early. The Goldersons came through the Main Gate about that same time, so the boys made it down to the house as quickly as they could knowing Momma would be mad if they were too late.

Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne met the Goldersons at the Foyer Door and they helped Mark carry their suitcases into the house, but they left them there in the MRS Room knowing they would be going out to the limousines in the morning.

Momma was serving dinner in the Dining Room that night, so everyone walked in that direction and took their seats. As soon as everyone was seated, Momma began serving up the meal of an avocado salad, beef and chicken fajitas with lots of fried onions and red and green bell peppers, refried beans, rice, spicy roasted potatoes, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream and homemade salsa and tortillas.

The Goldersons were in seventh heaven knowing that they were being treated to an authentic Mexican meal that night. Miriam and Levi had missed those wonderful meals Momma had cooked for them while they recovered at The Cove last year, from their gunshot wounds. They told Mark to remember those tastes, as he will never find a better Mexican chef than who Mr. Ken has here in his kitchen at The Cove.

Then for dessert, Momma Maria made something special for Mr. Ken and his guests. She had never made it before, so tonight she made Sopapillas Cheesecake. Everyone was astonished at the taste and how fluffy good it was.

After the meal, Mr. Ken had everyone gather in the Great Room since there were so many of them. There he told everyone that the limos would be there at 6:30 and for everyone to be down with their packed bags. He added that he’d have a breakfast taco for everyone at 6:15 if they wanted something to hold them over until they got breakfast on the air charter.

Collin then coughed. That was the hint to his Big Bro to tell them who was flying with whom.

“Collin just reminded me that since he is taking his corporate jet, a few of you can fly with him. So, to start things off, flying with Collin, besides Ryan, will be Mr. Dennis, Robert and Charles. I’m sorry boys, but since Mr. Wayne is not going on this trip Bill, Matthew and Phillip … you will have to stay in my charter, along with Ms. Miriam and Mark.

“Miriam and Mark … they could opt to change to fly with Collin and, if they do, we’ll have to see if any other changes will have to happen at the time. We’ll talk about that at a later time,” announced Mr. Ken.

Mr. Ken then told everyone the sequence of their stops, which was the usual way he went to all of the amusement parks, so that Miriam knew what she was getting herself into. He told everyone that there were five parks, and that they were staying at Crystal Lake for two days at the end, because of the siting of the water park. He then added that there was a rain delay day in the schedule, and if they didn’t use it, they could be back on Thursday instead of Friday.

Mr. Ken then sent the boys up to their rooms to pack for eight days. As they went up the stairs, Phillip asked Mr. Wayne to check what he laid out to make sure he had everything he needs. So, with that put into motion, Miriam, Levi and Ken went up to the Study. Mark went with Phillip, since he was staying with him for the night, while Mr. Wayne and Collin followed them.

The three adults sat across from one another in the soft leather seats when they entered the Study. To start things off, Mr. Ken told the Goldersons that Bill’s lawsuit against the alarm company was settled last week. He told them that the teenager essentially got what he asked for, minus the lawyer’s fees. The owner of The Cove then told Miriam and Levi that he read in the newspaper that they filed a lawsuit on behalf of their son.

Miriam and Levi quickly looked at one another to see if they wanted to tell him about their own lawsuit. Miriam nodded to her husband, so Levi got Ken’s attention.

“Ken … we, ahh … we settled our lawsuit as well. I guess when Billy settled his it set everything in motion for their lawyers to strong arm ours,” offered Levi Golderson.

Ken smiled and asked Levi if their lawyer, which was Bill Jackson’s brother, David, if he gave them some numbers that spelled out what they would get now, versus what they would get after they took them to court and the lawyer’s fees went up along with the added expert witness fees and the bottom line was almost the same, or maybe even less after years of litigation.

Miriam was surprised at what their host just revealed. She asked him how he knew what David offered them. Ken told them that was what Bill Jackson, Bill’s lawyer and David’s brother, explained to his foster son.

Ken told them that he let Bill figure it out for himself. Ken explained that the teenager took the first offer, and the lower lawyer fees, instead of waiting and playing the float and maybe getting a few dollars more and having to deal with all that aggravation and waiting until he was in college.

Levi explained that was what David did for them, and they decided that was the most prudent thing to do, so they wouldn’t have to wait for years and have to testify over and over again. He said that was why they filed the lawsuit on behalf of Mark.

Miriam then asked if he was going to sue the construction company for their boneheaded decision to let Billy drive past the front-end loader. Ken smiled at her use of the term bonehead, and told her and Levi that he was leaving it up to his lawyer, Bill Jackson, but that eventually there will be at least one lawsuit, that would be for Phillip and his injuries, and possibly two more.

The Goldersons couldn’t understand where the other two lawsuits would come from. Ken told them not to talk to anyone about what he was going to tell them. Ken then told them that they were also thinking about suing the news media for the way they characterized Bill, and him.

Levi and Miriam said that the news did put the whole accident on Billy’s back and they blamed you for not teaching him how to drive better. Ken just smiled back to them as to why there would be a few more lawsuits.

Miriam then asked if she could go up to her room, since she had to get up so early tomorrow morning. Mr. Ken smiled and the three adults walked up the stairs. At the top, Ken told Miriam where her room would be, as Collin was using the other one.

Ken then went to check on the boys to see how their packing was coming along. Levi went along to see how five boys packed, by themselves, because Miriam packed Mark’s bags for him, as he didn’t think the boys could do that for themselves.

The men stopped at Phillip’s room, because that was the first room they came to. Wayne and Collin were in there and they were helping the youngster pack his bag.

The next room was Matthew’s and the pre-teen had just about everything packed. ‘Dad’ Ken asked the boy if he had everything. Matthew said he’s packed his bags about four or five times now and knows to make sure he has enough clothes for eight days. ‘Dad’ Ken then made a cursory check of the bags, and then told his foster son that he did a good job and to close it up and to take it down to the Foyer.

That’s the way it went at Charles’, Robert’s and Billy’s rooms and in each room the man said goodnight to each of his boys. Mr. Ken did stop by Phillip’s room, so Levi could say goodnight to his son, Mark, as the man was going to head home to an empty house.

After saying goodnight to Mark, Levi stopped at Miriam’s room and said goodnight to her and then the man was on his way back to his home for at least six, but possibly seven nights alone.

Wayne, before he left to go over to his apartment, told his employer that he would probably stop by tomorrow before they leave in case there were any last-minute instructions, he needed to tell him. Mr. Ken told him that it wasn’t necessary, as that was what cell phones were for. The two men then had a good laugh over that.

But just then Mark and Phillip came running down the stairs. Mr. Ken asked them what was wrong. Phillip told them that they forgot to give Chief some fresh ice water for the night.

Mr. Ken told the boys not to go to fast and to not spill the water. Phillip turned and told him that was why Mark was there. Mr. Ken laughed at the boy and told him to come to him. The foster dad then gave his foster son a hug. Mark inwardly smiled at what he saw and then the two boys got Chief her ice water. The two boys then hurried up to their room, but first they stopped to drain their dragons before going to bed.

The Cove was full of people who would be leaving on their trip in the morning. They were all settling down for what they hoped would be a good night’s rest before getting up at O’dark thirty. They would then ride in a limousine for about ninety minutes before heading out on a three-hour air plane ride to their first destination, Fantasy Fun Park. Eventually, The Cove was quiet the for the whole night though.

The saga of Three Finger Cove continues. Let Chowhound know you are reading his story: Chowhnd at Gmail dot Com

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