Published: 30 Oct 2025

From the Previous Chapter:

Dad Ken then told his son, Charles, that they were not going out to breakfast in the morning, as they would be doing that the following weekend. All the boys laughed, as they walked up the stairs.

True to his word, ‘dad’ Ken did not stay very long in any of the boys’ rooms that night. All the man did was give them a goodnight hug and then told them to sleep well and that he’d see them in the morning.

It had been a busy sleepover and then there was the dance, but the Covers had survived. They all were tired enough that they would fall asleep soon after laying their heads down on their pillows. Even the owner of The Cove fell right off to sleep after he lay down himself. The Cove, thankfully, was peaceful and quiet throughout the night.

Ken Thomas enjoyed those mornings when he was able to sleep-in. But even then, he was up and out of bed no later than 8:15 on those days the boys didn’t have school. He knew he couldn’t stay in bed like the boys would until nine o’clock, which was the time they knew they needed to be up and out of bed and downstairs by.

That edict came about back when the twins lived at The Cove. It was Kevin who had the tendency to stay in bed well after nine o’clock in the morning during the summer, or non-schooldays, making Momma wait on him to feed him his breakfast. ‘Dad’ Ken had to have a talk with the boy about that bad habit.

On those days that Momma didn’t come in to fix the Covers their breakfasts, Mr. Ken got out of bed, used his facilities, dressed himself in his nylon running shorts, t-shirt and Crocs and went out to retrieve his morning newspaper, before sitting down to a hot cup of coffee from the automatic coffee maker he’d configured the night before.

That morning, before sitting down to that first cup of hot coffee, since he’d already told the boys that he wasn’t taking them out to breakfast that Sunday, he took the twenty-one breakfast tacos he set into the refrigerator from the freezer before going to bed last night into the convection oven to start heating. He figured they’d be hot and ready for when his ‘boys’ finally came down around nine o’clock.

With the tacos heating and his first cup of coffee in hand, the man sat down and began taking the newspaper out of the protective sleeve and separating it into the many sections, as was his habit, before beginning to read the articles in the paper.

The first article that caught his attention was the one the newspaper wrote concerning his lawsuit. The article went on to tell its readers that Ken Thomas was claiming they had libeled and slandered not only him, but his foster son, William Dirketson. The newspaper told its readers that all it did was report what had happened during and after the accident and that Mr. Thomas didn’t like what they had reported and was taking them to court and wanting an outrageous amount of money for himself and his temporary ‘son’.

Mr. Ken smiled at the way the newspaper was already trying to convince the reading public that they’d done nothing wrong during their reporting of the accident, and that he and Bill were trying to extort huge sums of money from them for no reason at all. Then Ken Thomas got somewhat irate at the way they identified Bill as his ‘temporary son’. He then told himself that he was looking forward to the open trial where they would throw their own words back at them.

As the boys arrived in the Kitchen Nook, Darrin and Matthew took care of their resident pets, making sure they had fresh kibble and ice water before sitting down to eatthe hot breakfast tacos that ‘dad’ Ken had put into the convection oven for them.

While the boys ate, Darrin told his foster dad that he had a phone call last night from a friend of his from his old neighborhood. The teen then asked if there was a way that any of his old friends might get a chance to visit him there at The Cove.

Mr. Ken thought about the question for a few moments and then told Darrin that the two of them probably needed to sit down and talk about that very thing before any decision was made. The man told the teen to come and talk to him after they both had their showers later that morning. Darrin thanked his foster dad for considering it and said that he’d knock on the Study door when he saw him there.

‘Dad’ Ken then asked Phillip how he enjoyed seeing his mother and grandmother again last night. Phillip, with a big smile on his face, told his foster dad that it was great to see and talk to his mother two weeks in a row, and to see his grandmother there, this time, too. The eleven-year-old told everyone in the Nook that his mother explained that she was doing much better at her job and that she had gotten a raise and with that he now hoped that they could get back together sooner than they initially had figured.

Phillip then changed topics and asked ‘dad’ Ken if they could go to Four Corners tonight for dinner, so they could let Darrin see the new amusement park up close, ride the rides and try out the games, since he’s never been there.

‘Dad’ Ken smiled at the request knowing that he hadn’t taken his newest foster there, even though they did go to the Go-Kart Track, which is right next door to it, and he knew that he was remiss in doing so.

But before answering the youngest Cover, he thought about what they had coming up. He knew that next weekend was their ‘Family Day’, the weekend after was his and Phillip’s three-day trip, and right after that he was leaving for his IAAPA trip. Then he realized that Kate and her two boys would be there for Thanksgiving week just as he returned from IAAPA. So, he knew what he needed to do.

“Phillip … yes … it is something that we need to do. I should have taken him there already and with everything that we have coming up over the next few weeks … tonight would be the best time to do that. Now, the question I have for you is … do we eat in the restaurant, or … do we eat in the Diner?” ‘Dad’ Ken directly asked the young Cover.

After hearing the question and that it was directed to their youngest ‘brother’, the three older teens were all trying to convince Phillip to tell his ‘dad’ that he wanted to eat in the Diner.

Darrin didn’t understand why his older teenaged ‘brothers’ were trying to have their youngest Cover tell Mr. Ken that he wanted to eat in a Diner, versus eating in a restaurant. Darrin, told himself that he would rather eat in a restaurant, because it was more relaxing and the food was usually better. But he asked Robert why he’d rather eat in the Diner than in a nice restaurant.

Even though Darrin asked Robert the question, Billy and Charles answered along with Robert and all three teenagers told the new Cover that when they ate in the Diner they could go in their after-school clothes, whereas if they go to the restaurant they would have to change into school clothes, because it is sit-down place which has a better dress code.

Darrin stated that he found that a Diner usually has food that is OK, but that when you went to a restaurant it had much better offerings and service.

Matthew quickly jumped into the conversation and told Darrin that the Diner and the restaurant use the same kitchen and have the same foods for the most part, and since he’s never been to either he should trust their recommendation.

‘Dad’ Ken sat back listening to how the six boys talked out the question, as to where was the best place for them to eat tonight, even though Phillip was the one who was supposed to make that decision. The man did have to smile when Matthew made it a bit personal when he told the new foster teen that since he’s never been there, he should essentially trust them.

After the discussion was all over, Phillip told ‘dad’ Ken that they would eat at the Diner tonight.

“Boys … before we all start going in seven different directions … since we didn’t have our usual meeting last night, I want you all to know that Phillip’s band members families are stopping by today. I told the band that we would pay them today, which is why the moms and dads are coming by and they will probably be bringing their younger sons and daughters. So, be prepared for them if they are up at the skate park, while the adults talk about the band.

“Also … I mentioned a while back something about which of you were wanting to go out ‘begging’ for candy this year. None of you have said anything, so if you are still wanting to do that … well, we only have a few days to get you your costume. Enough said,” and ‘dad’ Ken ended his little impromptu meeting in the Kitchen Nook and then went back to his retreat to get ready for the day.

“‘Begging’ for candy? Where did Mr. Ken come up with that?” asked Darrin, to no one in particular,

Robert and Charles both smiled and both teens explained that their dad felt that Trick-Or-Treating was actually children out begging for candy from all the neighbors, since they don’t really do tricks on them if they don’t get treated to some candy. Thus, their dad calls it ‘Begging for Candy’ instead of Trick-Or-Treating.

Darrin then asked his ‘brothers’ if any of them were interested in going out and ‘Begging for Candy’. Phillip immediately said that he wanted to do that, as he didn’t really ever do that where he lived in the apartments.

Robert said that he thought that they still had the old costumes from when they did that Trick-Or-Treating when the twins were there. The teen reasoned that if they could find those and they fit them then they wouldn’t have to go out shopping through what was leftover in the stores.

The boys quickly hurried up to the storage space over the garage to see if that was where the costumes were at. As they looked, Phillip asked what the boys wore back then. Charles told his younger ‘brother’ that he wore a costume which had fade-in and fade-out eyes, a long black robe with an attached hood and some gloves that gave him a classic grim-reaper look. The teen added that he had a large black and silver colored scythe.

Robert told Phillip that he was a psycho clown and wore a black and white striped shirt and pants, with a ring of skulls around the collar of the shirt and that he also wore a horrifying clown and melting zombie face mask along with wild red clown hair.

Darrin said that he liked both of those costumes, and hoped that they could find them and that if he didn’t fit in either of them that maybe he could make one from both.

Phillip then asked about the twins and what they wore. Robert spoke up and said that Kevin wore a funny dressed up clown costume complete with the big shoes, a wild orange wig, big nose, and he had a big spiral lollipop to carry with a bunch of the wild colors.

And Charles told the youngest Cover that Kyle was dressed as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, and he wore a huge hat, white gloves, a zany bow tie, knee high pants and that he had two different socks. Phillip said that he hopes they find that as he liked what that one looked like in his mind.

The six boys looked and looked and they didn’t find the costumes. Then Robert asked if they shouldn’t look in their closets or dresser drawers, as they never use all of the space in them since the bedrooms are sized for two people. And that’s where they did find the costumes.

Phillip immediately tried on the Mad Hatters outfit and it looked like it was tailor made for him. Darrin tried on both of what Robert and Charles wore and he liked them both. The teen wondered if he could mix and match from both of them, but his older ‘brothers’ nixed that idea and told him to pick one or the other. The teen decided on what Charles wore – the classic grim-reaper look with the black and silver colored scythe.

After searching for the Halloween costumes, the boys saw that it was getting late, so they decided to get their showers because their friends would soon be arriving. Darrin and Phillip headed to the bathroom they used and the other four Cover boys went to what was considered the ‘boys’ bathroom.

It didn’t take long for all six Cover boys to get clean and dressed for their day.

When the boys were all showered, dressed and headed downstairs, Darrin called out to Billy and asked him to wait up, as he had something he wanted to askhim.

“Billy … did you ever meet any of your friends, you know, from your old neighborhood?” asked Darrin.

Billy thought about the question and then answered, “Yes, yes, I did. We were all at the movies and they came up to me. We made small talk and when they learned where I was living, they wanted to know if they could be invited over. Why?” asked the older teen.

“Well … some of my friends from my old neighborhood … they’ve called me and I was wondering if you ever invite them, your old friends, over. I and Mr. Ken … we are supposed to talk about the possibility of them coming over sometime, and … and I was wondering that if you had some of your old friends over some time that maybe … that maybe I could have mine over, too,” reasoned the new teen Cover.

“Darrin … let me tell you something. My old friends … they used illegal drugs big time. And when I lived near them; I used them, too. Mr. Ken … he knew I used them where I used to live. He knew all about me, my mom and my step-dad. And I knew that if I invited them over, I would be breaking one of his main rules to never … to NEVER invite anyone over who I knew used illegal drugs.

“So, I never even considered inviting them because if I did … I knew that they would bring something with them and then they would want me to go into a corner and get ‘high’ with them like we used to. I wasn’t going to give all this up for them,” honestly counseled Billy.

“But … but weren’t you kicked out of The Cove anyway for the drugs he found in your room?” countered Darrin.

“Yes, yes, I was! But those drugs … they were planted in my room by someone … by someone who I had thought was my friend; who then almost got me and the Goldersons killed. Those drugs and the drugs my friends were using … they were two different situations.

“But you know what, Darrin? The longer I lived here at The Cove … the more I realized that I didn’t need those losers! I had made new and better friends, all except for that one who had befriended me. You are given a chance at a new life here, Darrin. Make good use of that!

“I am sorry that you have lost your entire family. But … so have I! And I have survived and I have moved forward. And I have made the best of everything that Mr. Ken had offered me. You … you should think about what you are going to do with the rest of your life.

“Are you going to piss it away for a few chances to get ‘high’? Or, are you going to see what Mr. Ken can offer you and work for it? I hope you and Mr. Ken have a good discussion.” And with that, Billy walked away.

Darrin had so much to think about after his little talk with Billy. Then, when he saw his foster dad sitting in his Study, he knew he needed to knock on the door. The two had decided to talk about his old friends coming over to visit him, after they got ready for the day, and Darrin had to decide if that was what he wanted to do.

“Come in Darrin, and have a seat. So, let’s continue our discussion about your friends, from your old neighborhood, coming over here for a visit. Shall we?” offered Mr. Ken.

“Oh, yes, about that. Ahh, Mr. Ken, ahh … well, I ahh … I talked to Billy about whether friends from his old neighborhood ever came over and … well, ahh … he gave me some advice. So, ahh, well, I think I will … I think I will … not invite them over. If that is OK with you? ” thenew teen Cover finally got out.

“Oh?” a very surprised ‘dad’ Ken got out. “So, may I ask … what sort of counsel your older ‘brother’ gave you?” a curious Ken Thomas, and foster parent, now wanted to know.

Darrin sat there thinking of what he should say. Then he figured it was easier to tell what actually was said between him and Billy, than to make something up, and try to remember what he said later on.

“Mr. Ken … Billy … he told me that his old friends … that they used illegal drugs and that if they came over here, they would probably bring them along. He told me that would break one of your main rules, which was not to invite people that he knew used them.

“Well … the same … it should go for me, too. I know that they use marijuana and they would probably bring some with them, hoping we could find a quiet corner and smoke it. And it … and it wouldn’t matter how much I would stress on them that the security here would find it and cause them some big trouble. They’d figure they were young kids and nothing would happen.

“Billy … he told me a few other things, but the main thing was that if … that if I invited them here and I knew they used drugs I … I was breaking one of your main rules, the one which you told me on the first day.

“Mr. Ken … you have made this a very special home for me and if I invited those guys over, knowing that they are drug users then I’d … then I’d be signing my own ticket out of here and … well, I do not want to do that. I hope you understand,” finished Darrin.

Ken Thomas sat there taking in what his new foster just told him. He had this initial feeling that Darrin really wanted to invite his friends from his old neighborhood over to The Cove. But in between the teen’s early mentioning of it and now, there had been some counsel given to the teen by his older ‘brother’, which had totally changed his stance. He was grateful for Bill’s advice as he now didn’t have to put off the invite until after the Holidays in the hopes that the teen would be so busy that he would ultimately forget.

“Darrin … I am glad that you and Bill had that talk. It gave you some real-life perspective that I couldn’t have conveyed to you, even if I used the same scenario. Many siblings … they don’t realize that they can get real advice, or help, from their brothers, or sisters, because they either don’t trust them, or … or nobody had ever suggested that alternative to them.

“Is there anything else you need to talk to me about?” asked the foster dad, giving Darrin the opportunity to talk to him, one-on-one, about anything that was on his mind.

The teen Cover thanked his foster dad for at least considering letting his old friends come over. Darrin added that he wished that they weren’t into drugs, as it would have been nice to see them again. With that said, the teen left the Study and headed up to the Pavilion.

At noon, Phillip’s eight band members started to arrive and with them came their parents and their siblings. Phillip was at the Main Gate to sign the parents into The Cove, and he then told the brothers and sisters to head over to the Pavilion to either skate or play the games, while the adults talked.

Westin’s sister Whitney and Jeffrey’s sister Jordyn, both of whom were fourteen, were looking forward to being at The Cove that Sunday knowing that there would also be a large contingent of boys their age there, too.

Other band members also had siblings there that afternoon, as well. Bryson had his eight-year-old sister Bristol and six-year-old brother Barrett there. Preston had his eight-year-old brother Garrett and Easton had his nine-year-old sister Remi there, too.

The Cover boys and their friends tried to make them feel welcomed by showing them around the Pavilion and either letting them skate, if they had brought their boards with them, or by playing one of the big games with them.

Ken Thomas had all the parents meet in the Great Room where there was enough space for them to be seated comfortably, so they could talk about the band. Mr. Ken reminded the parents that they had all agreed that they would put half of what the boy’s earned into a holding account to pay for future band needs, like a better sound system, advertising, uniforms and the like.

Mr. Ken told the parents that the two gigs brought the boys $700.00, which, by his math, each boy would receive $43.75 today. He qualified that by saying that the boys worked hard during those two bookings and he’d bet that they’ll feel they should get more than that.

A few of the parents, who had stayed and watched both bookings, agreed with Mr. Ken and asked if the boys could be paid a bit more. One parent asked, “How much more?”

Ken Thomas smiled and suggested to them that whatever they as parents decide. He then told the moms and dads that after Saturday’s gig, the man who booked the band told him how impressed he was with the boys and that he was considering booking them for their Christmas dance.

He then told them that he was considering booking the boys for his Four Corners Amusement Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. But, either way, the boys would need to learn about ten Christmas songs before then, he added.

One parent suggested they give the boys $50.00, because with Christmas just around the corner they might need it to buy some gifts. The person continued by saying that would then leave $300.00 in their rainy-day fund and that if they continue to get bookings, they would be able to build that fund up pretty quickly then. Most of the parents seemed to like that idea.

The owner of The Cove then threw a wrench into the band’s bookings at Four Corners. He told them that he didn’t need eight boys to play each of those three nights. He suggested that four was all that he’d need. He also indicated that the boys would each be paid an hourly wage versus as a band playing virtually non-stop for three hours.

Mr. Ken also told the parents that most young bands consist of no more than four members and possibly five depending on if there was a lone singer, or a percussionist. He went on to say that there was another classmate of the boys who also plays drums and that if he is as good as Jeffrey then they could possibly split into two bands, or tradeoff for the bookings, such as when Phillip is gone on his trips.

That suggestion surely brought about a whole new discussion about which boy would be in the primary band and then who gets to sit out. Ken Thomas quickly jumped into the fray and told the parents that Phillip didn’t set out to form a band. The foster parent explained that it just happened and as boys indicated to Phillip that they played an instrument he just invited them to sit in and play with them and that it was their playing for his first foster son, Collin, that got the band idea rolling.

Ken Thomas added a bit more to the parent’s information overload when he told them that Phillip will eventually go back to living with his mother. He explained that when that happens the band will have to find another place to practice and a new band leader, as there will be no reason for the boys to come to The Cove after that.

The parents had no idea that when they came to The Cove that Sunday that they would be faced with such conundrums.

Whitney and Jordyn were enjoying talking with the remaining boys their age at The Cove. They couldn’t believe that so many of Robert’s friends were working part-time now and that they didn’t come over to The Cove all that often. They were even surprised that virtually all of Billy’s friends were also working, but at least one of his friends, Lonnie, came by every now and then. They were at least happy that Charles’ friends, and their classmates, were still there.

The younger children were kept busy playing against Matthew’s friends on the big games. They enjoyed having older boys to play against, since their older brothers were always so busy with their band that they didn’t pay very much attention to them.

The band members were all surprised that it was taking so long for their parents to decide how much money they were going to get after playing at the two recent bookings. Some of the boys wanted Phillip to go down and talk to his foster dad and find out what was taking them so long.

But the band’s leader told them that it wouldn’t be a good idea to interrupt them and get on their bad side. Phillip recommended that they wait until they are called to go down there and then they’ll find out what they were all talking about. So, that was what they did.

Darrin and his friends knew that Phillip and his band were going to get paid today. And they were just as curious, as the band members were, as to how much they would actually get. The teen Cover also told his friends that after they all left today, Mr. Ken was going to finally take him to see the Four Corners Amusement Park. The teen’s friends were surprised to hear that he’d never been to the amusement park.

Darrin then told them how, at breakfast, Mr. Ken asked Phillip to decide whether they would eat at the Diner, or the restaurant, before going to see the rides and games. The friends didn’t understand why that was so significant, until The Cover told them how his older ‘brothers’ were trying to convince Phillip to choose the Diner. But still the boys didn’t understand.

Darrin then told them that his older ‘brothers’ explained to him that if they went to the Diner, they could wear the clothes that they wore all day long. But that if they went to the restaurant side, they would have to get cleaned up some and change into their school clothes.

Darrin’s friends quickly asked him which side were they eating on. Darrin, with a big smile on his face, told them that they were eating at the Diner tonight.

Phillip and his bandmates finally got called to go down to the Great Room to meet up with their parents. Upon hearing that they were wanted, the boys quickly ran across the old soccer field to the garage where Phillip used his magic finger to let them all into the house. Phillip then told them to slowly walk to the stairs and not to hurry as they go down them. They boys did as they were asked.

After the boys got settled with their parents, Mr. Ken spoke to them. “Boys … we had a very good discussion about a number of things that concern you and the band. First, we are going to give each of you $50.00 from the $700.00 that the band earned from the two bookings you played at the previous two weekends. That will leave $300.00 in your rainy-day fund for future purchases of a new sound system, or band uniforms, or whatever you think the band needs.

“Second, there is a good chance that the man who hired you to play last night will also book you to play at their Christmas dance. We’ll just have to wait and see.

“Third … I am looking to hire you to play Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Four Corners Amusement Park.” And that was all Ken Thomas got out before the boys began yelling and high-fiving one another about having more gigs.

“Boys … boys … let me finish, please. At Four Corners … I am NOT hiring the band. But … what I am going to do is … I am going to hire four of you to play for ten to twelve minutes every half hour for three hours on Friday and Sunday and four hours on Saturday. The four boys who will be hired will be paid an hourly wage. Plus … plus you boys … you will also have to learn at least ten Christmas songs that you will play during those ten to twelve minutes.

“Now, who will I hire? Well, each of you can be hired. Some can play one or two nights, while others can switch off if they have other commitments like Phillip might have when we go and visit my other amusement parks.

“So, you will all need to learn the Christmas songs so you can all be hired. I will get Mr. Chris or Mr. Wayne to get the sheet music tomorrow for you so you can start learning them. That is if …that is IF this is something you want to do. And what you earn will be yours and not the bands.”

The boys were all smiles at hearing that they would be playing at Four Corners earning more money for themselves. They also asked their moms and dads if what Mr. Ken was saying was true.

“Boys … there is also one more issue that I brought up to your parents that I think … that I think you need to know about. And this one may hurt a little when you hear it. And I want you to know this is what I think and no one else thinks this way. OK, you ready? So here goes. I think … I think that the band … that the band is too big!”

The boys immediately began to speak out and argue that it wasn’t too big and that they sounded really good and that they all needed to stay together. Some of the boys even got teary eyed that the band might have to break up. Then one of the parents told the boys to let Mr. Thomas finish.

“Boys … Phillip …he didn’t set out to form a band. It just happened. As you came to him and told him that you play an instrument, he asked me if you could join him out in the garage and jam. Then before long you all formed into a rudimentary band, who then played for Collin when he had his classmates over.

“Boys … there are eight of you. Most bands … they have four and sometimes five members. And, something that many would call the elephant in the room is the fact that Phillip … that Phillip is slated to eventually go back to living with his mother.

“Boys … when that happens you will not only be short a member but … but you will also not only have to find a place to practice, but … but you will also have to select a new band leader. This is something that you will eventually have to face.

“But for now, I think you can stay as eight band members. In the meantime, I do understand that a classmate of yours, Marshall Gray … that he also plays drums, and that if he is as good as Jeffrey is then eventually you could have two bands. That is something to think about for the future.

“Now, I know you all are getting ready for the wedding reception, but my bet is that you all know those songs pretty well by now. So, adding the ten Christmas songs I want you to learn shouldn’t be all that too difficult for you, as you all know them in your minds.

“So, I’ve done all the talking and … well, I’ve laid a couple of harsh realities on you, too. Talk about everything amongst yourselves and your parents in the following week and let me know if you are interested in playing at Four Corners. Otherwise, I will start looking for other people to play Christmas songs at the park. And before you leave, I have your money for you,” finished Ken Thomas.

As the parents began to leave, Mr. Ken invited them to stay for burned burgers and dogs as it was about that time for the boys to start the barbeque. The parents took him up on the offer, so the owner of The Cove called up to the Pavilion and asked Bill, Robert and Charles to bring the golf carts down to the house to start bringing the parents up there as they were staying for the barbeque.

Billy quickly told the cooks what was happening so they could cook more burgers and dogs. He also told the boys setting up the serving line to make sure they brought out the cooked bacon and cheese and any leftover meats just in case some of the parents might want to make a sub sandwich instead. With that said, the three older Cover boys began shuttling the parents up to the Pavilion.

When the band members began arriving at the Pavilion, they started talking amongst themselves about what was said down in the Great Room. The other boys heard what they were talking about and they too wondered if the band was breaking up.

Phillip quelled the rumor that the band was breaking up. He told everyone that when he eventually leaves to go back living with his mom, the band will have some tough decisions to make. But some boys continued to ask, then why isn’t the band being hired to play at Four Corners.

Phillip again quelled that rumor by saying that his ‘dad’ didn’t need all eight of them at the same time, but they are, as individuals, being hired to play. The young Cover further explained that Mr. Ken was going to hire only four at a time and that they would mix and match who gets to play, so that they could all earn about the same amount of money.

Twelve-year-old bass guitarist Bryce Harris then spoke up and told everyone who was listening that the band needed to learn at least ten Christmas songs, which Mr. Ken offered to buy the sheet music for them, before they could even begin to work at the Four Corners Amusement Park, and they would start learning it next weekend. He added that the talk about the band breaking up is premature and that when Phillip leaves to go back to living with his mother the band will cross that bridge then and only then.

Many of the parents heard the exchange between the boys and they were surprised but happy the band was handling it the way they were. They heard how the band was sticking together and pressing forward to play for Mr. Ken and that they would handle Phillip’s leaving when he finally did.

Mr. Ken was surprised to see the boys had set out not only the leftover crispy bacon from the breakfast, but the cheeses and extra meats and bread rolls from the sandwich making, as well as the pickles and chips. The barbeque now looked more like a family gathering, or picnic, than what it usually represented.

And what the owner of The Cove also saw was that some of the parents were using the leftover breads as well as the hamburger and hot dog buns to make a sub sandwich, of sorts, using the leftover meats and whatever else was out on the serving line. And the parents also liked having their choice of the many different types of either sodas, or flavored waters, in the vending machines to help wash their meal down.

The make-shift barbeque now became a festive atmosphere under the Pavilion as all the adults were commenting on the special meats their sons got to eat after their sleepover. Some of the dads even wished they were that young again so that they could be invited to those special nights with movies out under the stars, or the Dive-In Movies, when it was too cold and the midnight snacks before going to sleep.

Darrin watched this all happening before his eyes. He’d seen how living in that wonderful home was so different than where he came from. He was amazed that Mr. Ken didn’t fret over the amount of money that he spent when it came to making sure they, his ‘boys’, had what they and their friends needed to be happy at The Cove.

The teen Cover asked his friends if what he was seeing is what they saw when they were at The Cove before. Terran and Sam reminded Darrin of the time that Mr. Ken spent a ton of money to build the original skateboard ramps and that he had his carpenters stop by to help their dads and them. Blake and Landon added that there always was, for them, the barbeques, the lifeguards and the things out in the cove to swim with and play on.

Darrin then asked his friends if any of them were going out Trick-Or-Treating on Tuesday night. They thought it was a trick question, so they turned it around and asked him if he was. The Cover quickly said that he and Phillip were.

The Cover’s friends then asked if Mr. Ken said that it was OK, and then they wanted to know what the two Covers were wearing.

Darrin didn’t understand why they would ask if his foster dad would say it was OK, until his friends reminded him that a few years back some men tried to kidnap a bunch of his foster sons, while they were out Trick-Or-Treating. Darrin told them that Mr. Ken was the one who suggested that they go out ‘begging’ for candy, as he called it. That made the six boys laugh.

Darrin then told his friends that he was going out as a classic grim-reaper with a black and silver colored scythe and that Phillip was going out as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, with a huge hat, white gloves, a zany bow tie, knee high pants and two different colored socks.

Darrin then suggested that they join them Tuesday night. The six boys said that they’d talk it over with their parents, and they would let him know.

With the parents there that afternoon and the barbeque taking on a more festive atmosphere none of the boys went swimming. Of course, with Whitney and Jordyn being there that too might have also been a reason for the freshmen boys not going swimming.

The moms and dads challenged their sons and daughters to play some of the oversized games at the Pavilion and at times there were teams with the moms and daughters against the dads and sons. That competition brought on some more of the family picnic mood of the afternoon and there were loads of laughter and teasing and all-around fun being had by all.

But the day moved along and before everyone knew it, five o’clock came along and it was time for the Cover’s friends to leave. The moms and dads thanked Mr. Ken for the wonderful spur-of-the-moment picnic they had today and gathered their children and they all headed home.

Some of the parents waiting outside the Main Gate for their sons were a bit dismayed that there was an impromptu picnic that afternoon. But when their sons told them that it was only the band’s families who were involved, they understood.

Before long, the Covers all headed to the house where ‘dad’ Ken asked them to wash their face and hands and to make sure their clothes weren’t too dirty and then to meet him at the garage.

Once everyone had used the facilities, had on fairly clean clothes, washed their face and hands, and were present in the garage, ‘dad’ Ken told Bill to drive the van over to Four Corners and hope that he could find a parking space. All the boys laughed at Billy if, whether or not, he could find a parking space.

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

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