Someone's Son Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Sheldon had a feeling today was going to be awesome. His father phoned during the week and said to also bring shorts and a bathing suit.

As was his usual custom, Sheldon thumped down the stairs with shouts of, "He's here!" Poor mom. He kept forgetting to say "Bye" or "See you later, alligator." He had heard the horn. But this time, it wasn't his father. It was Larry.

      "Hey, where's my father?"

          "Something came up, and he asked me to take you out today." Larry said. "We're going to visit the Tim Horton camp at Tatamagouche."

          Sheldon waited. "So, what happened?"

          "I'll explain on the way. Jump in." And the boy did.

          "It's a place where boys and girls go for a ten day summer holiday. And only for kids without two parents."

          I'm not sure why I'm going, Sheldon thought. I have two parents.

          Larry explained further. "Your father thought it would be good to join the Colchester County Big Brother-Sister organization for the outing. Not just anyone can visit this place, you know. We have a special invite. So, loosen up. Okay?"

          My father must have connections, Sheldon thought. He wondered how he managed to get two spots for Larry and himself on the bus? When they arrived at the Mall he saw other cars parked with adults and kids waiting around.

          "I still don't understand why dad didn't come," he said. But Larry didn’t seem to be listening. When the bus came everyone chased after the best seats. Larry and Sheldon managed to get in first, sitting near the front.

          He watched other children get on, some not looking very happy. Maybe it’s because they don’t have a mom and dad like himself.

          "These adults are older friends to these children," Larry said. "They're called Big Brothers and Big Sisters."

          "You're so smart, I hope to grow up like you." Sheldon teased.

The look he received meant his remark was not funny. Larry explained further, "This club helps kids have fun by taking them places."

          "One of them goes to school with me." Sheldon joined in. "That girl, her name is, Melanie." His face turned red when she looked at him.

Larry looked around and then said, "Ooh, la-la."

          How could she was so smart in class if she only has one parent? It was a puzzle for Sheldon. You think she'd be angry at this situation, like he was. Where was his dad anyway?

          The bus trip was noisy. They watched a video movie, E.T. If you listened carefully above the chatter you could even hear what the actors were saying. Sheldon wasn't really interested. He was busy checking out everything. He discovered the huge bus had a washroom at the back.

          Traveling through scenic Wentworth Valley was fun on a highway that seemed to twist and dance around hills of all sizes. The day was so beautiful, Sheldon felt like shouting. No sweat.     

          "There’s Ski Wentworth. "Larry said. "When I was your age, I fell after my slalom downhill. That scared me so much, I never went back to skiing."

          "I wouldn't fall if I tried," Sheldon boasted. "How much does it cost to go on the ski lift?" he asked.

          "I'm not sure, Sheldon. Enough."

          Elliot, the young actor in E.T. was running across the movie screen by the time they arrived at the camp.

 

As the bus stopped in front of the main building, everyone began yelling. The unhappy bus driver finally managed to settle everyone down. He didn't understand why younger children liked to squeal.

          A short lecture on rules was like being back in school. Larry scolded Sheldon with his eyes. "Listen," his lips said. The boy paid closer attention. Sheldon was glad Larry had brought him here. They took out two bicycles and Sheldon waited for his friend to get ready.

          "Race you up the hill!" Larry yelled suddenly, then roared away.

          Sheldon felt sorry for him, huffing and puffing like that. But his friend was really brave even if he was out of shape. Of course the younger boy beat him. Sheldon wished his father were here, too. He could have joined in the fun.

          Splashing around in paddleboats was super. After Larry saw how well Sheldon could do, he allowed him to be in one by himself. They raced around the pond with other children and adults.

          "Sheldon," he kept teasing, "you can't catch me." Larry bumped their boats on purpose. He kept at it as if he were trying to get Sheldon mad. But it didn't work. Besides, how could he? Larry and Sheldon were buddies. And buddies were friends. And friends don't get angry at each other. Right?       

          Eating time. "Cool!" Everyone could munch as much as they wanted. "The cafeteria has room for 200 people," Sheldon announced as a result of his research. There was corn on the cob and soup. And egg rolls and chicken wings. Some of the kids filled up their plates as if they never saw food before. "Maybe they don't eat so good at home," Larry said.

          "Larry? Why are they ---?"

          He motioned Sheldon, with a finger to his lips. The boy got the message and stopped asking questions. He quietly looked around instead. A few children didn't take anything except dessert and pop. Sheldon had a little of everything. This was feast time.

          Mother said he had a huge appetite. And she was right.

          Larry showed him how to make an ice-cream float. "Just put gobs of ice-cream into a glass of pop." Hey, Sheldon managed to do it. Going on thirteen and didn't know how to make one before now.

          Sheldon spilled it the first time. It fizzled quite quickly. But he learned by practice and even had two.

          On the gym bars Larry asked him to be careful.

"I will, I'm not a baby," Sheldon kept saying. But Larry stayed right beside his friend as Sheldon was swinging. After Sheldon finished, another boy tried and fell. He began crying and the man who was his Big Brother felt bad.

          Now Sheldon knew why Larry had worried. It was okay for Larry watching over him. "Sometimes I get too brave, heh?" And Sheldon punched his friend on the shoulder.

          "Right." Larry punched back.

          Before too long everyone began shouting, "Boat ride! Boat ride! And the crowd became a mob rushing to the dock. Larry was first in line, having had a good head start. Sheldon told him, "Don't get a heart attack."

They were among the first 20 people to get on. Sheldon hated being last. It was almost as bad as falling in the mud while wearing your Sunday clothes. Wearing life jackets was necessary and kids under 12 had to sit on benches along each side of the deck. The boat was a huge barge with a powerful motor on the back.

          The canopy made a great shelter from the sun. An excellent view allowed everyone to see over the railing. The Camp's General Manager acted as boat captain and guide too.

          The ride took half an hour, in an interesting tour around the edge of Tatamagouche Bay. “Fort Franklin was built on Blockhouse Point many years ago, the guide said. "Right over there," he said motioning to a finger of land.

          Everything was thrilling. Sheldon's excitement caused him to move around a little too much. Suddenly, he had to go to the bathroom. "Where is it Larry? Hurry, tell me," he said with a groan.

          Looking around Larry asked, "If I find a bottle or something would you go in it? Because there’s no washroom on board."

Sheldon thought he was joking. "No way." There were girls here.

          Larry smiled a little.

          "Not funny," Sheldon said. And before they got to shore, Sheldon wet himself. He couldn't hold it anymore. The air sucked right out of him. “Imagine someone his age peeing his pants,” would be terrible to hear, if anyone realized what happened. Thankfully everyone was too busy looking at the water.

When they returned to dry land, Sheldon scrambled off first. He was wet down his legs and the front of his pants. "I don't want anyone to see," he whimpered. Larry walked in front so no one would notice.

          When they were far enough from the others, Sheldon rushed to the main building where he had his bathing suit. After showering in the change room, it sure felt good to have something dry on. Part of his dignity was now restored.

          Larry was most understanding. He didn't even make fun or scold him. It made Sheldon feel okay, and he quietly placed his wet clothes in a plastic bag.

When they returned home, Sheldon said, "Thanks. Thanks a lot, Larry."

          You did okay, pal," Larry answered.

          Sheldon felt good being with Larry again.