Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2021 02:43:49 +0200 (CEST)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy The Twins XCVII (Revised)

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Thanks to all Nifty Staff for their help. Please remember this Story is
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fun. ... There may be some sex; it will be gentle and loving.  Chapters
most often are told by Jake Roberts...............

A Neglected Boy "The Twins" XCVII
jacoblion@tutanota.com
This Chapter will be told by Ethan......

   It was morning, ... and the last thing I remember was Justin trying to
whisper in Keith's ear, with a slight giggle . . . .  "Thanks", and then
something about he put it back. ...  Then he kissed Keith, quietly closed
the door, and disappeared. ... I know it's morning because of sounds from
the bathroom across the hall with what I think is 4 boys in the shower.  I
think they leave the hall door open on purpose.

   I slipped from bed not waking Antonio, Kris, or Keith, walked across the
hall, and silently walked into the bathroom needing to pee.  With one of
those nearly clear shower curtains, it was very easy to see that Justin,
Sven, Kyle, and Carl had begun the day `horny'.  I think I can say it was
much like watching an X-rated video.  Not XXX just X.

   Keith and I, along with Jake and Kori, have underestimated the extent of
knowledge Kyle and Justin may have regarding sex.  Obviously, they have
learned much more from Lorenzo, Marco, and I think Antonio and Kris than we
had imagined.  It's hard to pee watching Sven and Carl enjoying what Kyle
and Justin are doing.  I wonder if Sven can shoot?

   Interesting ... Kyle, and Justin knew I was there, and I think Carl and
Sven did too, they didn't stop what they were doing. hmmmm, I wonder if it
was because Justin told them Keith and I are gay?

   As I was returning to the bedroom, I could smell coffee and bacon.  I
opened the bedroom door to find the other 3 just waking.  They all needed
to pee and I had to smile to myself about what they were about to see when
they crossed the hall to the rug-rats bathroom.

   Wowwww! ... Kris, Antonio, and Keith all returned in a very excited
state. Things softened quickly when Jake knocked, rather loudly, at the
door saying breakfast was about ready.  Then the 4 of us heard Jake, in a
very loud voice, tell the brats and their guests to get dressed in
something more appropriate for breakfast than their birthday suits.  I
think he may have seen what was going on in the shower.

   There were 10 of us for breakfast. Kori was our chef and Jake our
waiter.  Jake looked at each of us and said . . . . "Good morning and what
handsome gentlemen we have at our table today.  Justin, Kyle, Carl, and
Sven I see you did find clothes to slip into; I must say how much better
you look in shorts and t-shirts than last I saw you.  Now gentlemen may I
offer you your choices for breakfast." .... .... Ahhh, Jake did see the 4
runts & their activity in the shower.

   Jake continued but, now looking at all of us with . . . . "You may have
your choice of soft scrambled eggs with special home fried potatoes, bacon,
apple sauce, and toast, of course with hot chocolate." ... that is where
Jake stopped, and then Kris asked . . . . "and? ... what is the other
choice? ... "Yes, Kris, that is the choice, and it's also the other choice,
so what will it be?"

   Justin was just about to say something when Keith covered his mouth, and
Jake gave Justin and Kyle the look ... "The Look!" ... ... we all enjoyed
... soft scrambled eggs with special home fried potatoes, bacon, apple
sauce, and toast, of course with hot chocolate.  Antonio was quick to thank
Kori for his ability to honor us with such a delicious breakfast.  Everyone
broke into laughter when Kris stood next to Kori and then bent down and
kissed him.  I think Jake was jealous and Kori turned all red.

   Breakfast was over and then came an announcement from Jake that just
made our day as he said . . . . "Ok, Ethan and Keith I know we have been
depending on you guys a lot these past few days.  Kori and I need a favor."
. . .  All the mouths were open waiting for what was this `big favor'......

   ......Then Jake continued . . . . "Kori and I have to run up to Point
Judith, Rhode Island to look at a piece of property as an investment; it
would be an all-day mostly in the SUV for you guys plus your guests would
have to go home ... ... So, can you and Keith hold down the fort for the
day?"

   Oh wow, can we? ... Yes!  Then the best part as Jake finished his `favor
request' . . . . "Kori and I thought you guys might like to make a day of
it at the beach.  Next week is school and the weekend will be at the `farm'
so, here is $100.00, umm, no let's make it $150.00 for gas, and food, and
if there is any charge for parking and dinner too" .... OMG this is so
great.  I haven't seen Keith this excited since yesterday when Antonio and
Kris arrived.  Of course, that was for other reasons.

   I did my best to not act excited and even asked Jake and Kory if they
were sure.  Ok, so my acting isn't that great and Jake was ready to give me
a good whack but, I gotta a big hug instead.  I didn't have time to ask
about trading vehicles when Kori handed me the keys to the `New SUV', and I
gave him the keys to the Willys with instructions about making sure it was
all gassed up when they returned.  For my last comment, I got a punch in
the arm, not a little one a good one but, he smiled so it's all good.

   Keith and I thought it was very interesting how quickly Jake and Kori
were in the Willys and out the driveway.  Now decisions, decisions just
where to go.  Antonio had a great idea to bring the volleyball net and play
on the beach like in the Olympics.  Kris thought going to Rocky Beach would
be great because it has smooth sand, huge rocks to climb, and some trails.
It was the way Kris said the word `Trails' that had my attention.

   Sounded great to everyone.  We packed the cooler and decided to stop at
`Subway' for lunches.  Smartass Sven asked if we could get some
`beer'. ... He was joking ... but, we did have root beer, and it went in
the drink's cooler along with flavored waters, water and water bowls for
Silence and Penny.

   There is just one problem ... I've heard about Rocky Beach but, never
been there.  Seems Kris and Antonio also knew about Rocky Beach but, had
never been there.  So, what's so great about this place? ... ... Well, it's
well known for being a swimsuit `optional', and a place also known for hot
young guys. Keith is so smart with his tablet and maps.

   So, Keith, Antonio, and Kris are already drooling.  I'm not going to
mention that the other 4 brats are making gestures with their hands like
shaking something, ... oh, I guess I did mention it.

   We were loading the SUV and it looks like we're going on a weeklong
trip, and not just to the beach. We packed 2 old blankets, 10 large towels,
sunscreen, and the `Super Shade' for Penny, and Silence.  With just us it's
6 and the dogs but, with Kris, and Antonio here most of the time that's 8
of us. Dad was smart when he bought the New SUV.

   Kris was in the back of the SUV packing everything tight so we could get
it all in when he asked Keith and I how often we think of sex.  Keith was
just being funny when he said . . . . "Depends Kris ... when you and
Antonio are around it's like constant." ... hmmmm, was he really being
funny or was that the truth.

   Ok, there are 8 of us and 2 Whippets. It appears all 8 of us are already
excited, and so are the dogs.  I don't mean just about going to the beach.
The SUV is loaded and we're all buckled up and there it is that one
`statement'.  I knew we would never make it out the driveway without
hearing "I gotta pee" ... ahhhh, today that wasn't what I heard ... no, no
what I heard from Kyle was ... ... "You gonna drive or take a nap Ethan?"
... I'll get even and he knows it.

   Then it all started ... it was one wisecrack after another all the way
to Rocky Beach and my `boyfriend' Keith wasn't any help!  Rather he was the
ring leader, ... ... I'll get even with him too.  It was a 30-minute ride
and we pulled into the parking lot at the beach.  It looks like there
aren't many people with only 8 cars.  The big question is ... will Rocky
Beach live up to its reputation or end up just being a regular beach?

   Kyle, Justin, Carl, and Sven have one job ... being responsible for
Penny and Silence.  Now for the sex-crazed maniacs, Antonio and Kris, they
will help me carry all our beach stuff.  Keith is very quick at putting up
the `Super Shade' ... that is if he isn't distracted by other exciting
subjects. He and I have an agreement that it's "Ok" to look, but don't
touch, but I have noticed that he likes to flirt every chance he
gets. ... ... I don't.

   I really don't, ... come on, you can't count smiling at someone as
flirting.

   Maybe this will be 2 trips. From the SUV it was about 50 feet to the
`Boardwalk' to the beach.  When you are actually on the beach it's a right
turn and a short walk past what appears to be some rocks sticking up
however, make a quick left turn around those rocks and you've arrived.
Wowww!  Amazing .... it's a combination of bright soft sand and these
beautiful rocks that allow for sunbathing and some hidden nooks.

   We've arrived, and Yep, and there he is ... this cute kid carrying a
shortboard.  Antonio noticed first, and in his enthusiasm to make a great
impression tripped over a `small tuft of grass'.  I was looking at the kid
and he did acknowledge Antonio's greeting and I think that was half a smile
he gave Antonio.  Later we found out his name was Dimitri, interesting, and
not gay! ... but was here with his older friends who are gay.

   Keith almost had the `Super Shade' up and the `4 bratlings' were already
in the water.  How surprising was that they had actually put all their
stuff and the dog's stuff neatly in the shade of a large rock.  I think
they're already suffering from the sun.

   Cooler with lunches and the cooler with drinks were now in the
shade. With the help of Kris, and Antonio we had the volleyball net up
staked into the sand with the help of a few good-sized rocks.  Now for the
most difficult job of all ... ... getting the 4 bratlings out of the water.

   Antonio and Kris, ankle-deep in the water said something to Kyle, and
Sven and the next thing Keith and I knew was everyone was ready to
play. I'd love to know what Kris and Antonio said.  Sides were chosen.  On
Keith's team ... Kris, Justin, Carl and of course Keith.  We all knew that
if we are playing a game ... a board game in the house, soccer, or whatever
Justin will always be on Keith's team just like Kyle will always be on my
team.

   Not far from us were 2 kids doing flips, cartwheels, and back stands and
it didn't take long before they had our attention. Perhaps it was more
`they' wanted our attention because they wanted to play.  Well, let me
introduce them ... the one in the `black' Speedo is Joel, and the one in
the `multi-colored' Speedo is Julian.

   Oh, looking at them did you assume they were brothers? ... ... We all
did, they look like brothers, but `nope' they're not they're just good
friends, and Joel is a year older than Julian.  Are they gay? ... I don't
know I didn't ask them, but judging by how they look at Kris and Antonio
I'd have to say ... Yes.  Did they join in the volleyball game? ... Yep,
and it became lots more fun!

   I should have explained this earlier ... when we arrived and looked
around, we set some ground rules.  We came here as a family to have fun and
swim and play frisbee, and volleyball.  We did notice some older guys, and
neither Keith nor I are making any judgment, but we also noticed them
looking at us and then walking down one of the trails and looking back.

   So, having explained the ground rules we also said that if some guys our
age made friends and wanted to play then that'd be great too.  It wasn't
long and Dimitri had joined us, but just wanted to sit and watch.  He did
point out his friends Ivan and Sean standing out in the water.

   Now, remember Julian and Joel, and how things became lots more fun?
Well, these two gymnastic athletes are crazy aggressive about whatever game
they play.  Yes, they had told us they like to win, and holy smokes with
Joel on my team and Julian on Keith's team we spent a lot of time in the
sand.  They both like to play the `net', and can jump in the air and slam
the ball over the net right into the sand.

   I guess we were making a ton of noise and the next thing we knew we had
2 more onlookers `Steve' and `Jack' and in minutes they were in the
game. Now it's a real game!  Each side now has 6.  As we added the extra
players the game became more aggressive, and I can't believe just how agile
and aggressive those rug-rats became.

   Ok, if at first there may have been some `interest' in our new friends
Joel, Julian, Steve, and Jack well, that all disappeared.  This game became
one of blood n guts!  It was 3 games each.  Time-out had been for drinks
and we sliced up all the `Subs' and snacks were shared by everyone. ...OMG
... Things came to an abrupt stop when this kid walked by holding his
swimsuit.  Not a word ... we smiled ... he smiled back and kept walking.

   I'm kinda amazed that there wasn't even a comment about him, nothing
said by anyone.  However, everyone watched till he was out of sight.
Conversations went right back to school, swimming and who was going to lose
the next game.  I thought it was best to just say `my' team will win
... period. ... ... Kyle was right on that with me.

   Ahhhhh, it was Jack that said . . . . "Ethan, maybe we could put a
little bet on what you say ... no money, ... but I'm sure we could think of
something for what the winner could get." ... ... What had I just said
about nothing sexual? ... ... I knew just what he was
suggesting. ... ... Before I knew just what I was saying I looked at him,
with his smirk, and agreed.  I'm just glad Kyle and Justin didn't
understand.

   It was all-out `War' ... ... Antonio was serving and Keith was at the
net on his side and I was at the net on my side standing face to face with
him.  He was looking right at me when he said . . . . "And I get to watch
so you better win!" ... ... Maybe Jack isn't thinking what I'm thinking
about, and that was what the loser has to do.

   Antonio served. ... It was our point.  The game was heated and there
were lots of things said that Keith and I don't ever want to hear Kyle and
Justin saying.  The last serve was by Keith's team and it was perfect.  The
ball was just over the net and directly to Joel.  He jumped and came down
on that ball and drove it right at Keith's feet.  Game over!  Jack and I
exchanged numbers and I said I'd collect soon so he'd better not be leaving
town!

   The truth is I don't think I'll be calling Josh he's not my type plus
Keith means more to me than some bet on the beach.  It was time for us to
get things picked up and loaded back in the SUV.

   It was a perfect day.  Everyone had a great time.  Keith took down the
`Super Shade' and we headed back to the parking lot.  We rounded the corner
by the big rocks.  It's a little narrow but much quicker than the other way
back.  What had we missed, and why didn't he join us?

   He who? ...  Wow! ... It was `Michael' a kid from Antonio's school here
with his brother.  Ok, so what does the name Michael mean?  One of the
archangels the most important angel. ... ... Geeeeze, just look at this
kid.  I heard Kris and Antonio say for him to give them a call and maybe
have a sleepover at Antonio's grandfathers.  Michael's reply was a thumbs
up and I heard him say . . . . "That'd be a fun night with you two."

   The drive home was loud.  Everyone was talking all at once and there
were 3 different conversations going on all at the same time.  Keith had a
big question for me.  I knew what it was when he began with . . . . "Ethan
are you..." ... That's as far as Keith got when I told him, No, .. I'm not
calling Jack ... it was a bet for something I'm not interested in, plus
I've got you.

   The expression on Keith's face said that what we have many people never
have or understand that kind of love.  The rowdy behavior of the rest of
the delinquents didn't stop all the way home.  We arrived home and unloaded
the SUV.  Rug-rats and friends walked the dogs, and then it was unpacking
the beach stuff and put everything away.  Then much-needed showers.

    Yes, the showers were fun.  Kyle, Justin, Sven, and Carl were down in
their shower, and Kris, Antonio, Keith, and I were in the master
bath. Everything was accomplished quickly, and the built-up sexual tension
was relieved.  I would have enjoyed knowing which boy at the beach each of
us was thinking about during our short shower adventure.  I'll admit I was
thinking of the kid with `no-name' with his swimsuit in his hands.

   Just how long does it take Justin, Kyle, Carl, and Sven to get the
saltwater off?  It's about time, ... we could hear the rug-rats and the
other 2 brats marching down the hallway from the rug-rats bedroom.  They
rounded the corner and into the kitchen all dressed in soccer shorts and no
t-shirts, just bare skin, not bear skin that is something else entirely.

   It's so obvious what that does for Antonio.  I looked at the 4 twerps,
as cute as they are, and said t-shirts then a quick snack and we can head
to the park.  Why does such a simple request like `put on t-shirts' require
an argument, and pouting?  Sven and Carl had no problem with the request
and were first down the hall laughing and talking all the way.  Kyle and
Justin on the other hand found it necessary to show me a particular finger
as they left the kitchen.

   I thought hmmm, could it be signs of `testosterone'? ... ... I had to
look it up .... Definition = Puberty may begin at `9', and the testes
increase testosterone, and that causes the reproductive organs to mature,
muscle and bone to grow ... "well we know their little boners grow all the
time", and they begin to have `pubic' hair. ... ha, no hair down there yet.

   The 4 tyrants returned, and now it's off to the park for soccer then
stop at Zeneli's Pizzeria for a pizza party.  Penny and Silence were happy
to be in their crates and we were off.

   The park was empty and the game was much shorter than we thought it
would be. ... Why? ... hunger set in.  We did have time to throw stones in
the lake and show Sven, and Carl `The Bridge' then off the Zeneli's.

   We walked in the door looking like a mixed-up crazy soccer
team. ... ... Why do `Grandmothers' have to make such a fuss?  Antonio is
used to it and, he doesn't mind the kisses, or is it an Italian thing?
... ... Now as for Kris, Justin, Kyle, Carl, and Sven ... well, you'd think
getting some little peck on the cheek hurt, like getting a shot at the
doctor's office.

   We have our usual table, almost like it has our name on it.  We haven't
even decided what we want and the food begins to arrive.  Toasted garlic
bread, fried wings, some kind of hot peppers fried with cheese, so good!

   Antonio's grandmother came over to take the order.  We have decided
1-pepperoni, 1-Margherita - San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil,
evoo, and 1- Antipasto stella ... light tomato focaccia bread, arugula,
cherry tomatoes, shaved parmigiano,.  Then Antonio says . . . . "extra
large `Nonna' please". ... You know the way he says it, says he loves his
"Nonna'

   Nonna, is Italian for grandmother, we all know that the other thing we
know is that Antonio is `Nonna's little boy ... very spoiled and Kris is
becoming the same.  Those 2 boys got more hugs and kisses every time she
came near the table.  Keith had to caution the other 4 monsters we had
tagging along with us not to make any faces.  Seriously ... No faces!

   When `Nonna' was walking back to the ovens we heard `Yuk' from the
rug-rats. ... ... Keith leaned over to Justin and said something ... then
Justin frowned n looked all bent out of shape. ... ... Soon `Nonna'
returned with the Pepperoni pizza ... Antonio got a little hug, and she
said something in Italian.  As `Nonna' turned to walk away Justin said
. . . . "Nonna, don't Kyle n I get a little kiss too?" ... Oh, Kyle and
Justin sure did get that little peck, and she even pinched their cheek the
way grandmothers do.........

   OMG we all laughed it was so cute. ... Keith will pay for what he must
have said to Justin, but the result was perfect.  Just then my phone
buzzed......

   ........ I looked and it was a text from Jake saying it had taken much
longer than they thought.  He and Kori would stay the night and look at
another property tomorrow and thought they would be home late afternoon.
That was if Keith and I could hold down the fort.  He reminded me to make
sure to have Carl and Sven home by 2 pm tomorrow.  I told Jake no problem.

   It was this question and that question about who was on the phone.  All
smiles when I told everyone it was just us boys again tonight. ...  Well,
that wasn't all true because Kyle and Justin started in with, ... "Why does
`Dads' have to stay another night?  What time they coming home tomorrow n
you think they'll bring us stuffs?" . . . . The questions came to an abrupt
end when `Nonna' handed Antonio a list of things that needed to be brought
up from the storeroom in the basement. ... Smiles, big smiles ... devious
smiles.

`Dads' were forgotten.  All of a sudden Antonio and Kris have all this
help, however when Keith and I said we'd help too I got a look from Kyle
and Justin that said, we weren't needed. ... Well, guess what rug-rats,
Keith and I will be helping this time! ... No sneaking around between the
shelves!

   Wowww ..... it was a big list, but grandma needed the supplies because
it was off to school for everyone this week.  ...  Antonio and Kris won't
be around the restaurant that much because this year they're on the school
soccer team.  It looks like this year will be very busy for all of us.

   The best thing is that we will be at the farm from Friday to Monday
morning, and even better on all long weekends.  I bet rug-rats will invite
Sven and Carl, it'll be tons of fun with them.  Now I'm thinking Antonio
and Kris will be right along every chance they get.  I'm laughing to myself
watching Kris going up the stairs and thinking of `the nice lady'.  Keith
asked what I was grinning about.  When I told him, he wanted to bet Kris
has been texting Raven ... maybe we could ask Antonio, ... maybe better
not.

   All the supplies were now in the closet off the kitchen.  With 2 large
bags filled with snacks for later, it was off to home.  Penny and Silence
were excited and greeted everyone with a little poke here and there.  With
the warm temperatures, and the sun still above the horizon, we had some
time for soccer. ... ... This particular game became more of a brawl than a
soccer match.  Maybe brawl is the wrong word ... hmmm, gropeawl might be a
better description of the activities, and even the dogs were on it.

   It was the last chance for a group sleepover and late movie.  Inflatable
beds were dragged into the living room.  Ground rules ... boxers stay on,
cuddle allowed, roaming hands "not allowed!" ... rules made to be broken on
that one.  Movie choice? ... `The Exorcist' rating is TV-14, and the
rug-rats are?

   I didn't think this was a good choice for Kyle and Justin ... so, I said
pick another. ... ... Oh, the screaming, and name-calling, why I am just
the meanest person in the world! ... ... I knew I was making a big mistake
when I gave in, and reluctantly said, Ok, ok ... `The Exorcist' but when
you're scared to death don't come running to me for protection.

   Keith was already trying to get Antonio and Kris to comfort him, however
I had to remind them of the `agreed to ground rules'.  Kyle, Justin, Carl,
and Sven were already propped up against the long living room couch
shoveling popcorn in their mouths as fast as they could and guzzling OJ and
sprite mixed.  We seem to drink that mix by the gallon.

  The movie started and I heard someone, ... `Kyle' .... "this ain't
scary", but we all know the beginning isn't scary ... we'll just wait and
see what happens. ...  Now some talking from the munchkins about how this
is like what Kori does, n like some movie about a Mummy's curse, it's no
biggie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzFCk_cvmik&ab_channel=MOCUCH
... ... Yep, that's right it's no biggie, let's give everyone 30 minutes n
see.

   Keith and I are comfortably situated next to the front door with Antonio
and Kris in between us.  From time to time I had to remove Antonio's hand
as he was trying to find a warmer more comfortable place for it.  Soon it
was the bedroom scene where young Regan's bed began to shake, and things
were moving, then things started floating, ... then what happened?

   Justin and Carl seemed to float, almost as if supernaturally gravitating
from in front of the couch to under the blanket next to me saying the
living room was cold. ...  At this point, I think Keith and I were
chuckling to ourselves because any hand roaming had stopped.  Any
noticeable `lumps' under the blanket had dissolved to nothingness, and
heartbeats quickened.

   Without warning the window in Regan's bedroom began to open and close
violently.  Her bed dropped smashing to the floor.  Her bedroom door open
and closed with loud, violent slamming sounds from the surround system and
TV.  Sven, and Kyle, the bravest ones, had crawled from their place against
the couch to under the covers between Antonio and Kris.  I looked over and
it was eyes only peeking from under the blanket.

   I looked over at Keith.  He had a big smile as he enjoyed one piece of
popcorn after another.  The movie increased in thrills, and violence and
then it came to that scene, the one where Regan stabs herself repeatedly,
and that was the end of the movie for 4 of our audience members as they ran
for their bedroom screaming gross, disgusting.

   Sven made his way back down the hall to the living room and said
. . . . "Ethan, can you shut the movie off and we can come back, please?"
... ... So, the movie ended.  The crew migrated to the kitchen for
ice-cream-sundaes. Funny not one person mentioned the movie.

   Time for Penny and Silence to go out, they weren't bothered by the movie
at all, probably because they were sleeping.  Returning our entire crew,
dogs and all, piled on the inflatable mattresses on the living room floor.
Some kind of magic happened during that `disgusting' movie because all
during the night nothing happened; not even with Antonio and Kris.  Now
that's one for the record books.............

   I smell coffee. ... ... OMG, Jake and Kori are home!  My eyes were open
wide and Sven, Carl, and the rug-rats are gone.  Must be they're in the
shower or out in the kitchen with `Dads'.  I shoved Antonio's hand, woke
Keith and Kris and now we're in a slight state of panic.  The living room
is a wreck, and explaining this to Kori and Jake ... nah ... they'll
understand.

   We, that would be me, Antonio, Kris, and Keith scrambled to get things
looking a little better.  Then it was out to the kitchen. ... Surprise
... ... Jake and Kori aren't home.  Rug-rats along with their sidekicks are
making breakfast.  French toast or eggy toast or Poor Knights of Windsor
toast, rug-rats like that one best, and it all looks good.

   Keith looked as surprised as I did.  Not a mess and they already had the
French toast stacked 8 high, and in a warm oven.  I think we all knew by
the ear to ear smile on Sven's face who was the breakfast chef.  Sausage,
the entire 2 packages of sausages were in the large pan.  The coffee was
perfect, Kyle and Justin had done that part, Jake had made sure they knew
how.

   Breakfast was just so much fun ... until ... Keith and I were elected to
clean the kitchen.  The rest of the crew, including Kris and Antonio were
off for showers, and that was interesting.  Seems Kris and Antonio had
talked the rug-rats into showing Carl and Sven the big shower in the master
bath. Antonio and Kris get away with a lot of things when they're here.

   Soon the naked team traipsed through the kitchen letting Keith and me
know the shower was free.  They even told us to have fun!  Finally,
everyone was dressed in shorts and t-shirts.  Now the living room ... we
rolled up the inflatable mattress, and put those away, and then it was off
to the park for some fun.  That means soccer ball, frisbee and throwing
stones in the lake.

   We walked over the bridge to this open area perfect for soccer, frisbee
and not where the Whippets could dive into the lake.  With the cooler
packed with our favorite drinks, and snacks for lunch, we decided it was
best for a little soccer because Silence and Penny can play too.  They
chase the ball and are part of the team ... well, mostly they're own team.

   It's surprising how many people ask if they are Greyhounds then the
rug-rats go into this whole verbal dissertation on what Whippets are, and
how they're used for hunting.  This usually goes on and on about their part
of the hound group, but sighthounds not scent hounds like a Beagle or
bloodhound.

   Ahhhh, today we're lucky we've got Sven and Carl.  The question when
asked if they're Greyhounds was answered ...  "Nope, Whippets". ... No
further explanation was given, and it was right back to the game.  Soon it
was our snack lunch and drinks.  Penny and Silence enjoyed some beef snacks
n about half the grapes. We had cheese and peanut butter crackers.

   It was time to get Carl and Sven home.  They had a great time visiting
with us and we all knew it wouldn't be the last time.  Then we dropped
Antonio and Kris off at their home with Antonio's grandfather.  The judge
had just arrived and just asked if everyone had a good time at the
beach. He seemed to be distracted, not really much conversation, I had to
think if it was about some child custody case because that's what he works
on.

   On the way home Kyle and Justin only asked 10 times when `Dads' would be
home.  The answer was the same each time ... "sometime this afternoon guys"
... a minute later it was the same question just phrased a little different
... like ... "Ethan you think `Dads' will be home at 2? ... or Keith did
`Dads' say before dinner?" questions continued non-stop.

   We pulled the SUV in the driveway next to Kori's car.  First thing was
to get the Whippets up to the backyard, then get the cooler, soccer ball,
frisbee, and towels we use to wipe the dogs with.  We were walking up the
steps to the back porch when the Willys pulled in............

   ........Swoosh the gate flew open and those brats n dogs were
gone. ... OMG whippets on the loose. ... ... I guess it wasn't a problem as
Kori and Jake were being attacked by rug-rats and hounds.

   Keith and I to the rescue ... ... well, it was more like Keith and I
became `porters' ... hope we'll get a good tip.  Neither Jake nor Kori
could get a word in edgewise no matter how hard they tried.  Kyle and
Justin pumped out one question after another, some were in Korean, and Jake
and Kori speak very little Korean ... maybe 10 words in Korean = total
vocabulary.

   Finally, in the house, Silence and Penny settled down but stayed right
next to Kori and Jake maybe that was because "The Twins" were glued to Jake
and Kori and not about to move any further. Hugs n kisses for `Dads'.

   "Keith, will you get that box that says Point Judith" asked Jake, but
then he said for us to all relax and be a little patient.  Jake and Kori
had big smiles as they opened the box.  Kori reached in and brought out 2
t-shirts that had the Point Judith lighthouse on them and one for Justin
and one for Kyle. ... ... Oh, those twins stripped off the t-shirts they
had on and of course, the new ones went right on ... they looked good.

   Jake reached in the box and out came Ralph Lauren dress shorts for me
and Keith, the really nice ones with 2 new shirts too.  Then Kori back in
the box, and out came a puzzle it was a very beautiful old sailing ship
puzzle, and a book for each of "The Twins".  I think we all had smiles, but
best of all Kori and Jake were home.  We had missed them..............

   The box hit the floor, and Kori got his tablet to show us some photos.
Jake started by saying how well things have been going with Kori meeting
with that doctor for sessions.  This is where everything was about to
change.........

   .........Kori opened the tablet, but before he showed us, he said
... "Jake and I spent hours talking about this, and we want you to know it
would only be if you guys agreed."  When Kori said that he was looking at
Kyle and Justin ....  he turned the tablet so Kyle and Justin could
see.................

   Kyle was leaning against Kori, and Justin was half in Jake's lap.  The
reaction was immediate. ... ... Justin had a blank look, and although not
crying, the tears began to well up in his eyes. ... Kyle's reaction was
verbal ... "No boat `Dad' ... no boat, boat bad, no boat.  Why you leave us
2 days? ... You said you go to look at property this not property this
boat, you lied.  No boat, please `Dad' no boat."  Kyle was hurt that Kori
looked at a boat, his hurt surfaced as anger and he was getting it all out,
even his face was angry.

   Justin was staring at Kori when Kyle continued . . . . "Dad, you said
you bring us these stuffs cause you love us.  This not love this just money
stuffs ... hugs n kisses that's love, not these stuffs" ... Kyle took the
shirt off and tossed it on the floor.  Kori and Jake were trying to
explain. ... ... Then what happened?

   Keith made a dash for a large bowl but not in time ... Justin threw up.
It was a typical Justin reaction.  We know it will happen because Justin
gets all wound up doesn't say anything, has that look, and up it comes.
Keith picked up Justin and headed for their bedroom along with Jake.

   I was angry.  I was very angry at both Kori and Jake. ... ... I looked
at Kori, he was in tears.  I knew Kori was hurting, it wasn't anything
intentional that he had done.  I just said . . . . Kori, I know you love
them and they love you and Jake more than anything. ... Right now is when
they need that hug.

   Kori didn't say anything he mussed my hair as he walked from the kitchen
and down the hall to "The Twins" bedroom.  Keith returned and I guess my
frustration all came out at him.  I was saying how angry I was at Kori and
Jake, but more at Kori for not have given much thought to how Kyle and
Justin would take being shown a photo of a boat.  Insensitive, stupid, and
cruel knowing what Justin and Kyle had been through.  I was angry.

   I couldn't stop until I took a breath, it was at that moment that Keith
reminded me of what we all had been through.  How, as much as I loved to
sail with Kori, like his first mate I didn't want to sail anymore.  Keith
told me I was being insensitive to Kori's feelings, how Kori was trying to
work through almost seeing his family die in a raging sea.

   Then he asked . . . . "Ethan, do you know how many nights I have that
dream?  Like you, over and over, I relive the storm.  I think if I didn't
have you, and our family I'd be in bad shape.  I think you need to give
Kori a break.  He and Jake were trying to show us how much progress Kori
has made.  They were thinking of us when they took the time to find special
things to say they love us.  Perhaps the t-shirts and puzzle were their way
to ease into the thought of a boat ... Kori said it would only be if we all
agreed"

   It had been some time and Keith and I went to check on Justin, Kyle,
Jake and Kori. ... I feel better.  Kori was wrapped around Kyle and Jake
was in his usual cuddling position with Justin ... they were asleep.
Silence was on the bed with Kori and Kyle.  Penny was on the bed with
Justin and Jake. The Whippets opened their eyes looked at Keith and me,
then went back to their `pretend' sleep.  Those dogs have watchful eyes,
they are protectors.

   Keith decided to make Liam's shepherd's pie for dinner.  I was the
helper. I think it must have been that wonderful aroma floating through the
house that awakened the sleeping crew down the hall.

It was the best sight in the world ... ... Jake and Kori walked into the
kitchen with Justin and Kyle on their backs.  They made a brief stop, and
our rug-rats hit the floor, they gave me and Keith a hug ... Oh, and a
cheap little kiss.  Then the very best news ... ... they were going for
showers with `Dads' As they left the kitchen Keith and I heard ... ... Let
the dogs out.......

About the boat ... ... well, that's in the next chapter...................

Comments to jacoblion@tutanota.com

To be Continued:
A Neglected Boy, "The Twins"