Published: 7 Aug 2025

From the Previous Chapter:

“Hold on boys. Look at the time. Dinner is at 5:30 tonight, so I can take Darrin out clothes shopping. And if you want to go along, you need to have your homework done by then,” announced ‘dad’ Ken. “Darrin can see the Cove Skate Park tomorrow, as it isn’t going anywhere.”

Charles quickly finished his milk and cupcake, and then thanked Momma for the snack. He told his dad that he wanted to go along with him when he takes his ‘brother’ clothes shopping. He added that he wants to make sure he gets what he needs, not what his dad thinks he should have. That made both Robert and Billy laugh. Darrin thought there was a joke in there somewhere, so he only smiled.

‘Dad’ Ken told the boys to talk and to get to know one another, while he made a few phone calls, and that he’ll see them at dinner.

The Covers sat down to an early dinner that Monday. That night they had what Momma calls comfort food for the new foster which was spaghetti and meatballs. But was actually three different pastas consisting of spaghetti noodles, Rotini, or spiral noodles, and Farfalle, or bowties, with loads of meatballs, and extra sauce on the table coupled with garlic bread and a salad with four different dressings for the Covers to choose from.

This was the first meal that Darrin was ever experiencing at The Cove, and he was blown away by what he was tasting. He knew that Momma Maria was of Mexican origin, and he figured the meal would be full of chiles, jalapenos, and peppers, but the sauces and especially the meatballs were like his moms, but so much better. He ate and ate and until was so full that he had to push away from the table.

“Ate too much did we,” teased Mr. Ken, when he saw Darrin push away from the table.

“Mr. Ken … that was the best sauce and meatballs that I’ve ever tasted, and my mom … she was a very good cook. Now I know what Billy and Robert mean about being careful, or I’ll be putting on the weight. If I eat like this all the time; I’ll be as big as an elephant,” replied the newest foster son of Ken Thomas.

“I hope you left room for dessert,” again, teased the foster dad, which brought a round of laughter from the boys.

When the boys were finished eating, they took their dirty plates to the sink and rinsed them, but they did not put them into the dishwasher. They knew Momma had a certain way she wanted to load that. Darrin watched them do that, and he asked Mr. Ken if he was supposed to do that too. Phillip came and took his plate before Mr. Ken could answer.

As the youngest Cover walked the plate to the sink, the foster dad told his newest foster son that the boys help where they can to show their appreciation to Momma for fixing the wonderful meals that she prepares for them. He told the teen to wait and see what they do, when they are all finished eating.

With the table cleaned off, Momma brought out a large bowl of cut up strawberries, raspberries, oranges, pears and bananas. She then brought out another large bowl of whipped cream, as a topping for the diners to place on top of what they spooned into their own bowls.

“You have got to be kidding me,” exclaimed Darrin, when he saw the dessert Momma brought out to the table. “That looks so good. But I can’t eat another bite; I’m so full.”

Darrin watched as his new ‘brothers’ ate the fruit salad that Momma had made, and when they were finished, they, again, took their dirty bowls to the sink and rinsed them and this time they got in line and gave Momma Maria a hug, as they thanked her for making them such a wonderful meal.

Darrin looked at Mr. Ken and asked him if that was what he meant by his waiting until they were all finished. The foster dad told the teen that the only thing that the boys had to give were their hugs, of which they had plenty to share, and that Momma appreciates getting them from the boys. That is something that you do not have to do. It is strictly voluntary.

Darrin smiled at his foster dad and then got up from the table and joined his ‘brothers’ in line. When it came his turn to give Momma a hug, he first told the woman that his mother was a very good cook, but her cooking was amazing and then he hugged Momma, and he held it longer than the other boys had.

When the new foster teen released his hug, Momma had tears in her eyes that everyone saw. Darrin was concerned that he had done something wrong, so he began to apologize to her. But momma told him that he didn’t do anything wrong, but that he did something so right.

Momma continued by telling Darrin that by him comparing her cooking to his mothers and saying it was so amazing that she was overcome by the compliment that it brought those tears to her eyes. She then grabbed the teen and gave him another hug. Everyone there began to applaud.

After everyone left the Kitchen Nook, ‘dad’ Ken told Darrin and any other boy who was going with him to The Mall to drain their dragons and wash their hands, and to meet him in the garage in about five minutes.

As the boys rushed to the half-bath, Darrin asked no one in particular, “Wha … ‘drain our … our ‘dragons’? What is that all about?”

Phillip smiled and answered his new big ‘brother’, “That’s our ‘dad’s’ way of telling us to go and pee. Sometimes he tells us to drain our lizard. You’ll see.”

Since Charles, Matthew and Phillip were going with Darrin to help him get new clothes, and they all needed to use the half-bath, Matthew and Phillip rushed upstairs to use the bathrooms up there, so they didn’t have to make their ‘dad’ wait on them.

On the drive to The Mall, Charles told Darrin that since this was October there might not be many summer clothes for him to choose from, and that they might have to convince his dad to take them to the Outlet Mall tomorrow night. The teen added that they could then search through the stores there to find whatever they don’t find tonight to finish outfitting him.

When the Covers entered The Mall there were four of Kevin and Kyle’s friends waiting for them. That surprised Matthew, as well as Charles.

“Thank you Terran and Blake for coming, and I guess you called Sam and Landon about coming here to meet our newest Cover, too. And thank you as well moms and dads for bringing your sons to meet my newest ‘son’, Darrin, Darrin Rossman.

“Darrin, this is Terran Fletcher, Sam Symons, Blake Shepherd, and Landon Jennison. They are your age and will be in the same classes as you when you are registered at the school tomorrow. They were friends of Kevin and Kyle’s, the twins who used to live at The Cove, and I thought it would be good if you met a few of the boys before you arrived at the school tomorrow, and knew at least one or two boys.

“But I guess Terran and Blake … they must have called one of their best friends to come over as well, but … well, that doesn’t matter. Darrin, the more friends you have the easier it will be for you to adjust to your new school, home and surroundings.

“So, are you ready to shop for your new clothes?” finished the foster dad.

Charles pointed Darrin to where they could find the clothes in his size, and all eight boys headed in that direction. While the boys quickly walked away, Mr. Ken thanked Harry and Carrol Fletcher, Adam and Lily Symons, Laura and Jason Jennison, as well as, Paula and Jack Shepherd for bringing their sons over to meet his newest foster son.

Mr. Ken told the parents that he wanted Darrin to know at least two boys tomorrow at the school, and this way he’ll know at least four. He explained that he’d done this when Phillip joined them, and wished he had done it with his previous foster sons, as it made it so much easier for the boy to be accepted at the school.

The Fletcher’s and Symons’ both told Ken Thomas that they owe him so much for everything that he’s done for their sons, that there was no way that they wouldn’t have been there tonight to support him and his new foster son.

The Jennison’s and Shepherd’s seconded that sentiment and added that it was nice their sons got to catch up with Kevin and Kyle when they visited last summer. The four parents then asked if he knew when the twins would be back.

Mr. Ken told the parents that the twin’s aunt and uncle are keeping the boys active where they live now, but they are both planning on spending their Spring Break together next year. The man added that he wasn’t sure when the boys would be back at The Cove, but he would suspect that during the summer would be the most opportune time for them, as it would be easier for the aunt and uncle to make the arrangements. Mr. Ken then excused himself saying that he needed to make sure Charles didn’t buy out the store getting Darrin his new clothes.

Charles took his new ‘brother’ to look at the fall and winter clothes, and told him to pick out the color polo shirts he liked. Darrin said he didn’t know what size he wore, so Charles told him to turn around, and he looked at the tag at the back of his shirt.

Darrin began looking at the size 14-16 boy’s shirts, but he wasn’t sure if they would fit. Charles told him to take two different sized shirts into the fitting room and try them on to see which one fit the best. So, that was what the new ‘brother’ did.

When Darrin came out of the fitting room, he had a big smile on his face. He now knew which size shirts he should look for, and he went to that rack and began looking. Charles told him to select short and long sleeve shirts, and then they’d go over to where the pants were.

Again, Charles had Darrin go to the fitting room with two different sizes of pants to see which size fit him best. Darrin came out with one pair of pants on and asked Charles what he thought. The teenager told him to go and put on the other pair, so he could see what he looked like in those. After seeing Darrin in the second pair, Charles told his new ‘brother’ to select the second pair, as they would shrink some.

Darrin had picked out four polo shirts and two pairs of pants by the time Mr. Ken, and the other parents, caught up to the boys. The foster dad asked Darrin if he was finished looking and the teen said that there wasn’t anything else there that he liked. Mr. Ken then told him to check the Clearance Rack to see if there were any shorts that fit him, as long pants aren’t worn all that often, and a few pairs of shorts would be good.

After finding only one pair of shorts in his size, and a shirt that he liked, Darrin added them to his growing pile of clothes. Mr. Ken then had the boys go over to where the briefs were and had Charles explain to the teen his choices. Darrin came back with two packs of boxer briefs in different colors, and a big smile on his face. Their next stops would be where the shoes and socks were sold.

Darrin tried on a few different pairs of sneakers and found the different brands fit differently. When he found the brand of sneaker he liked, Mr. Ken had him get two pairs. The teen balked that he didn’t need two, but Charles told him that he did need two, and not to argue.

Charles then asked his dad if Darrin should get a pair of dress shoes now, or would he get them later when he gets his suit. Dad Ken told his son that they’ll wait until they get him his suit, as he will probably be getting all of them new suits, since they are all growing like weeds.

The boys did get to talk to the new Cover some, in between Darrin’s trying on the shirts and pants. The new foster son learned that Terran was Trevor’s brother and Sam was Chuck’s little brother and their older brothers were both friends of Robert. He also learned that Blake and Landon had no such affiliation with any of the other Covers.

The new Cover heard a few of the stories of The Cove from Trevor and Sam, from when they helped build the original skateboard ramps up and to when the new Cove Skate Park was built. He also heard Blake and Landon talk about when Mr. Ken took all the boys to SeaWorld and Six Flags for the day, and how he also bought them dinner there.

Matthew told his new ‘brother’ that they have sleepovers, and that at one time they had about 52 boys there. Phillip added that they do Dive-In Movies and they cook breakfast for all of the boys, but they have to get up really early, when they do that.

Mr. Ken heard some of the conversations between the boys, and it made him warm inside that Darrin was hearing some real stories about The Cove from the boys who lived them. He was happy the teen was getting some factual feedback from the boys that he could build on, as he began his life at The Cove with him and his new ‘brothers’.

“Charles … should we also look for a suitcase for him, or should we wait until we are closer to when we go to visit the amusement parks?” the dad wanted to know.

Charles told his dad that he thought that he should wait, but that Darrin needed a belt for his pants and an alarm clock, so he could get himself up for school, and maybe some cologne so the girls could get to know him better. All the boys chuckled after the last comment.

So, that’s what they did. They looked at the belts and Darrin got two belts, and then they looked at the alarm clocks, and the teen selected one that he thought would work for him. Lastly, they stopped down where the men’s cologne was sold and, after smelling three or four, the teen selected one that he liked best.

It was getting late, and Mr. Ken thanked the boys and their parents for coming to The Mall to meet Darrin, and to help him find some new clothes. The foster dad told the boys that he would bring Darrin to the school late tomorrow morning to register him. He added that he’d ask Mr. Chasson to call them to the office to let them introduce him to their classmates, and show him around. The boys all smiled at hearing that.

They all shook hands before leaving and then the Covers headed out to the van and headed home. But Mr. Ken decided to take a detour and he stopped by DQ. He told Darrin that it was never too late for a banana split, or whatever he wanted, and the five walked into the store and ordered what fit their fancy.

As they ate their ice cream, the Covers talked about the shopping experience. Charles spoke right up and told his dad that they needed to head out to the Outlet Mall to get Darrin the rest of what he needed. The teenager told his dad that his new ‘brother’ needed more shorts, polo shirts, plus a swimsuit, some Crocs, a couple of Under Armour, Nike, or Puma, t-shirts and some nylon running shorts.

Darrin asked if he really needed all of those clothes. It was Phillip who spoke up and told the new ‘brother’ that he thought that too, when he first began living there, but over time, he realized that he did need everything that they bought him, and he was glad they had got it. The youngest Cover told Darrin that he needed to change into after school clothes if he wanted to skate up at the Cove Skate Park, or go swimming, or to just lounge around.

Before the Covers left DQ, Mr. Ken had Darrin buy two cups of vanilla ice cream. The man told him that they were for Chief and Sarge when they got home. The boys told him to stand back when he put them on the floor, and then they laughed.

Robert and Billy were waiting for them when they came into the Kitchen Nook. Chief and Sarge were there also, and Chief could immediately smell the ice cream, but knew better than to jump on to whomever had them. But Sarge, he didn’t know not to do that and he just wanted what Darrin was holding.

“Sarge, ‘Sit’!’ commanded Matthew. Sarge reluctantly sat down.

“You better put the ice crem down, ‘son’,” spoke up Mr. Ken, and that was what Darrin did. But both resident dogs stayed still.

Matthew saw they both wanted to go to their ice cream, and he knew not to tease them, so he told them they could go to their ice cream. Both Chief and Sarge went directly to their cup of the cold concoction and began licking at it, as fast as they could.

Darrin watched as the dogs chased the cup all around the Kitchen Nook’s floor trying to get every morsel of that wonderful cold treat. The new foster teen just smiled the whole time, as did everyone else.

With the show over, everyone began to head to the Study. Mr. Ken stopped Darrin and asked him to take the price tags and other wrappings off the shirts, pants and shorts, and the underwear out of the packages. Once that was done the two walked down to the laundry room. There Mr. Ken showed Darrin how to separate the clothes and then he described how the HE washers worked and what to use to get the clothes clean.

The foster dad explained he wanted the foster son to know how to use the washers and dryers in case he had something he wanted to wear, but that it was dirty. He did ask the boy not to wash just one piece of clothing, but to throw in all of the same type, or color, of clothes, so as not to waste the water. Mr. Ken did clarify that the cleaning company did wash the clothes, while they were there, and with four washers and dryers, they were able to get it all done during the eight hours they worked.

Darrin thanked his foster dad for speaking to him about that. The teen then told the man that there was so much information given to him today that he hopes he remembers it all. Mr. Ken smiled at the teen and said he understood what he was saying, and that was why he needed to talk to his ‘brothers’ and to rely on them to point him in the right direction at times. The man added that if he wasn’t sure of what he should do; he should just ask someone. Darrin said that he’d do that, for sure.

With the HE washers started, the two walked up to the Study, Chief and Sarge following along. Once there, Mr. Ken explained to Darrin that practically every night they hold a meeting to discuss what was happening around The Cove, and who had upcoming appointments, then he started the meeting.

“Guys, tomorrow morning, I’ll take Darrin to school and get him registered. Then, in the afternoon Matthew … he has an appointment with Doctor Doug, and either Mr. Wayne, or Mr. Dennis will pick you up at about two o’clock, and take you there. After school Charles and I … we will visit the dentist, and he should finally be getting his braces off,” finished ‘dad’ Ken, with a round of applause going on in the background that Charles was finally getting his braces off.

“On Wednesday, Doctor Doug … he will be our guest for dinner. Darrin … he will be here to meet with you for a little while before dinner to get to know you some and you he. Doctor Jennings … he is the child psychologist I mentioned to you that I want you to see for a while. All of the boys have talked to him and they still go back, occasionally, when things need a little more … let’s say clarifying. You will have appointments with him every week for a while.

“Next, Darrin … you have a physical with Doctor Powers on Thursday. I’ll pick you up from school at about nine o’clock, and you’ll be gone the entire day. Each of the boys have had what I call a take-in physical. This is so I know what I will be responsible for, medically that is, in case something comes up later. Phillip wound up getting his glasses from his physical.

“Then next weekend … Robert and I … we’re taking a day trip on Saturday and Bill and Mr. Dennis are also taking a day trip. Matthew … you were supposed to have researched dog training schools tonight, but with you going out clothes shopping with us … did you get that done beforehand?” now asked ‘dad’ Ken.”

Matthew said that he was able to contact two dog training schools, after he finished his homework, who told him that he could stop by on Saturday. ‘Dad’ Ken told him that Mr. Wayne would be the one taking him there, then. The man continued and reminded the group that he would be taking Phillip to his band’s booking on Sunday. He then asked the boys if they had any questions.

Phillip quickly asked if any of his band members could ride with them when they went to the gig on Sunday. Mr. Ken told the youngster that he could probably take three or four depending on whether they are just the singers, or if they were taking their guitars, too, as he was also taking the sound system in the van.

Mr. Ken told Phillip that the boys needed to coordinate with their parents and then with him, and that they would leave to be at the venue one hour before the start time, because they all need to set up and they’ve never done that before.

Billy spoke up just then and asked if he could go along as a ‘roadie’ to help set things up, as he didn’t think the band members needed to get all sweaty and dirty doing that. Matthew volunteered to go along, as well. Charles asked if he could go along, too. Mr. Ken smiled that Phillip’s ‘brothers’ wanted to help with the band.

‘Dad’ Ken told Billy, Matthew and Charles that he’d make sure they could also go along and in doing so, he told Phillip that his band members would need to find rides to the gig and be there at least one hour beforehand to set up and do a sound check. He also told the foster son/band leader that the guitar players needed to have a second set of strings. ‘Dad’ Ken then asked Phillip if he had a second set. The young Cover said that he’d have to look.

With no other questions or comments from the boys, Mr. Ken asked the boys to go up to their rooms. He told them that he’d be up there as soon as he took Darrin’s clothes out of the washer, and put them in the dryer.

After the boys had gone upstairs Mr. Ken and Wayne talked. Wayne commented that things were getting complicated again, as they seem to always do in the Fall. Mr. Ken laughed and agreed with his Estate Master. The owner of The Cove said that with the Holidays coming up and Thanksgiving before it, there certainly will be a lot of moving parts.

Mr. Ken said that Kate, her mom and the boys, will hopefully arrive Friday night, and with the wedding and reception on Saturday everyone will be busy. He added that with Phillip being busy with his band, that has added a new twist to making a tight Holiday schedule.

It was then that Mr. Wayne told Mr. Ken that he ordered all of the band members scary Halloween t-shirts for them to wear at their gig on Sunday, and the following Saturday, instead of white shirts and black pants. The Estate Master explained that he felt that the band needed to wear something appropriate at those bookings, and that they should be delivered by Friday. The man apologized if he overstepped his bounds.

The owner of The Cove, and the Estate Master’s employer, just smiled, and then told Wayne that he did what he would have done if he knew that the band didn’t have something good to wear, other than white shirts and black pants.

Mr. Ken offered that with him gone so much, and not paying attention to what the band is doing, he missed that important costume issue. He then wondered what else he is missing by not being involved with the band.

Wayne told his boss that he couldn’t be involved with what each of the boys were doing, as there were more of them than there were of him. The Estate Master reminded him that with Darrin now in the mix he will find himself being drawn into his needs for a while, as he was with Phillip’s, when he first appeared on the scene. Mr. Ken thought about that for a few moments, and then exclaimed that Wayne was right, but that he did have to try to be more attentive.

Continuing, Wayne mentioned that with the new foster son, they are going to have to come up with some ideas for him for Christmas presents. Mr. Ken smiled and said that they needed to come up with Christmas present ideas for all of the boys, and then there were the Gag Gifts the boys needed to get one another. The boss told the employee to start thinking about when they needed to start doing that. Wayne asked which “he’ he was referring to, him or you, the boss. The two had a good laugh over that.

Mr. Ken looked at his watch and decided that the washers should be finished by then, so he decided to check on them. Mr. Wayne told him to go ahead and start talking with the boys and that he would move the clothes to the dryers, and he would be upstairs afterwards.

Mr. Ken started at Bill’s room, as he usually did. When the man entered, the first question Bill had for him was why he didn’t say that they were going to visit his mom. Mr. Ken told the teenager that it would be up to him to tell Darrin about his situation, and if he had mentioned that they were going to visit his mother that would cause for his new ‘brother’ to start asking questions right away, as to why they were going to visit his mother.

Billy immediately understood what Mr. Ken was saying and he apologized for asking his question. The foster dad told the teen that he and his ‘brothers’ will have to be careful about what they say around Darrin, at first, until they get to know and trust that he won’t tell everyone about why they are living there. Bill said that he’d remind his ‘brothers’ to be careful about what they say.

Robert asked the same question of his dad, when the man entered the teen’s bedroom. The teen’s dad gave his son the same explanation he gave Billy. The teen said that he also understood, and that he’d also remind his ‘brothers’ to be careful about what they say around Darrin, until they get to know him better.

Robert told his dad that he was looking forward to seeing his mom again. Dad Ken then asked his son if he had thought some more about ever visiting his dad. Robert dropped his head and looked at the floor. He then told the man that he still thinks about it, but that he still wasn’t sure if he should.

The dad pulled the teen to him and hugged his son. He told him that the day will come, when he will truly know if, and when, he should decide to go and visit the man

Robert told his dad that with what his real dad did to him he wasn’t sure if he would ever want to visit him. Dad Ken suggested to his son to continue to think about it, but not to dwell on the idea, and that one day he will honestly know when it was time to go and talk to the man.

The teen’s new dad counseled that one day he will want to say to the man what is inside of him, but that time is not now. Robert hugged his new dad and thanked him for saying what he did. The teenager then told him that he agreed that the time was not right.

When dad Ken got to his other son’s room, Charles was waiting for him. The teenager told his dad that he couldn’t wait until tomorrow, when he finally got his braces off. The man smiled and agreed with the boy saying that he’ll finally get to stop hearing about the braces. The teen smacked his dad on the shoulder for saying that. The two laughed and shared a hug before the dad moved onto the next boy.

“Matthew, Matthew, Matthew … how is your research going for you to start your Puppy Training School?” asked ‘dad’ Ken.

“Oh, it’s going,” answered the pre-teen nonchalantly.

“OK, Matthew … what gives?” almost demanded ‘dad’ Ken.

“Well … there’s no place for me to train the puppies, or small dogs, here on the property,” offered Matthew.

“What about where you trained Sarge, Daisy, and Riley?” asked ‘dad’ Ken.

“‘Daaad’ … I essentially trained them one-at-time. But … if I am going to try to train a couple of pups, or small dogs, at a time, I can’t use the area near the Pavilion, or the skate park, because it will interfere with anyone who is there. That is what I meant by there is no place I can use to train the puppies,” explained Matthew.

‘Dad’ Ken said that he now understood. He told Matthew to continue to research what he needed to do to make his Puppy Training School come to fruition, and he’ll see what he can do to help him out. The pre-teen said that he would and then the two hugged and then ‘dad’ Ken moved on to Phillip’s room.

“Knock, knock, knock,” called out ‘dad’ Ken as he rapped on Phillip’s doorframe.

“Hi, ‘dad’, you know … even though I’m not the last kid that you see, it sure takes you a long time to get to my door,” bemoaned Phillip.

‘Dad’ Ken smiled and told the youngest Cover that he can’t change what his ‘brothers’ want to talk to him about, and how long it takes to sort things out. He then asked Phillip what he wanted to talk to him about. The boy asked him if there was any way his mom could come and watch him play on Sunday.

‘Dad’ Ken said that he would try to get in touch with her and tell her about the booking on Sunday, and where it was and ask her to try to be there. He told the boy that he would tell his mother that she could count it as her next meeting with him.

Phillip smiled at hearing that and asked his ‘dad’ to try to stress on his mom that this was very important to him. ‘Dad’ Ken said that he would. The two shared a hug and then the man left to go and talk to his newest foster son.

“Knock, knock,” announced Mr. Ken, as he rapped on Darrin’s door.

“Oh, hi, Mr. Ken. I heard you talking to all of the other boys, and I wondered when you would get to me,” laughed the new foster son.

“Well, Darrin, I talk to all of you boys every night, and when I’m not here, Mr. Wayne comes up and talks to you. And the reason I do this is … well, it is to give you some one-on-one time with me, or Wayne, to talk about something that maybe you don’t want the other boys to know about just yet.

“Understand that with six of you in the house … eventually, you all know what’s going on around here. Not that I want you to blurt out what is troubling you in front of your ‘brothers’, but over time … what is talked about seems to get out to everyone. That is why I asked you not to bother your ‘brothers’ about why they are living here.

“As they get to know you, and if you keep your ears open, you’ll hear little tidbits, and you’ll be able to put two-and-two together, and come to understand the reason why they are here. They may even tell you why they are here. But understand … it is up to them to tell you the reason that brought them here, not me, or Mr. Wayne or even Mr. Dennis.

“Changing the subject … I guess we kept you pretty busy today and loaded you up with tons of information, as you alluded to earlier. Please don’t fret about all that. I know it is going to take you a number of days to get yourself settled here and get into a routine. I see that Phillip had brought Chief’s bed in here, and she has already made herself at home in your bedroom.

“Something I want to tell you about your roommate is that … she is a very unique pet. She can open most of the doors, and close them, if she so chooses. Just be aware that if you want your privacy and your roommate, Chief, has left your room, and didn’t quite close the door; you’re going to have to close it yourself. Chief can also sense things, and she will do what she feels is necessary to keep her ‘people’ safe. She has done that in the past, so just be aware that she is a very special resident pet.

“Another thing about privacy. We have what is called the ‘Three Knock Rule’. The first time someone comes to your room they just knock. The second time they knock on your door they knock harder, and they will call out your name. On the third time they want to get you, they will not only loudly knock; they may slowly open the door, as they call out your name. It might sound complicated, but it works. But you can tell them that they cannot come in. Of course, in an emergency, all bets are off, and they can come in to get you because of the emergency,” finished Mr. Ken.

“Has there ever been an emergency where someone had to just open the door and get someone?’ now asked Darrin.

Mr. Ken thought about that for a few moments and then told the teen that he couldn’t remember at any time that they had to send someone to wake, or get any of the boys out of their bedrooms.

The teen then asked if there had ever been foster girls in the house. Mr. Ken smiled at the question and he answered truthfully. He told Darrin that he had one teenage girl live there for about three days, but that it didn’t work out.

The foster dad added that she caused such turmoil during her short stay that he told Ms. Turner that he didn’t want any other girls to be considered. Darrin smiled at the telling, and then added by saying that he bet that there was a lot more to the story. All Mr. Ken did was smile.

Mr. Ken then mentioned to Darrin that he had Terrin and Blake come over to The Mall to meet him and they had called Sam and Landon. The foster dad again explained that he wanted him to know someone when he went to school in the morning, and not feel lost and a stranger in a foreign place.

“Darrin … the boys you met tonight … they have been to The Cove many times and if you want to make them your friends, I have no problem with that, and if you want to invite them over. Kevin and Kyle, the twins who once lived here … they had about a dozen, or maybe a few more, friends between them from that school. So, you’re probably going to meet them all through the four boys you met tonight. They are all wonderful kids. I already have all their contact information, so you won’t have to get me their home phone numbers.

“But if you find other classmates to be your friends that is OK with me, too, but I will need their home phone numbers, not their cell numbers, in case I need to get a hold of their parents. If that is the case, I need them before Wednesday, so I can decide if they are okay,” counseled the foster dad.

“Is that so you can do a background check on them, Mr. Ken?” asked a smiling Darrin.

‘Well … to be truthful with you, you are the first boy who has ever asked me that question. And I will be honest with you. Yes. But it isn’t a true background check. It is just an assurance that they aren’t bank robbers, kidnappers, or security risks. Why do you think I have the security guards,” laughed Mr. Ken.

“Darrin, tell me about how you are taking care of your burns. Is there anything that I, or Mr. Wayne, or even your ‘brothers’, need to help you with?” directly asked Mr. Ken.

Darrin smiled at the question and then he replied, “No, sir, it has been about ten days and they have been healing quite well. I think that is why they let me out of the hospital to come here. I have some tubes of over-the-counter ointment that they gave me to use, and they told me to have you buy me more if I need it. But I can put it where it needs it.”

“Have you decided which bathroom you’re going to use?” asked Mr. Ken.

“I think I’m going to use the one Phillip uses. It will be just the two of us in there, and not five of us having to fight over the four shower heads. I hope you don’t mind, Mr. Ken?” replied the newest foster son.

“No, Darrin, I don’t. All I ask is that you understand that Phillip … remember he is eleven and let him decide if he is OK being nude around you. OK?” offered Mr. Ken.

Darrin indicated that he understood what the man meant.

Mr. Ken then told the teen that he could sleep-in tomorrow, so that he could set his alarm for seven-forty-five. The man added that he’d have his ‘brothers’ drop off his new clothes about that time, as they would be leaving for the school bus about then. The teen thanked him and said he wondered when he would get them.

Before the man left the teen to get settled before going to bed, Mr. Ken told the teen that he would try to take him to the Outlet Mall to get him the other things Charles said he needed. The man indicated that they don’t come downstairs in their underwear, because they don’t know if there might be a woman present, unless there is an emergency, then all bets are off.

Mr. Wayne, after saying goodnight to the other boys, came to Darrin’s door and said goodnight to him, and told him that he’d see him before he goes to school tomorrow. Chief then followed Mr. Wayne down the stairs and then went out the doggie door to relieve the pressure in her bladder. Matthew and Sarge were coming down the stairs, when she was going back up.

It had been a long day for Ken Thomas. He was still tired from all the traveling he’d done the previous day, and today he was busy with getting his new foster son settled. When he arrived at his retreat, he was looking to hopefully get a good night’s sleep.

The Cove had a new resident, and he was just as tired as his foster dad was, and he too was looking forward to a good night’s rest. When everyone was finally in bed and asleep, The Cove was then peaceful and quiet throughout the night.

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

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