The Castaway Hotel: Book 9

We boarded the bus a little after four and I could tell most of the boys were tired. I told them to find seats and get comfortable and then they could go back to sleep for most of the three plus hours it would take us to get there. They seemed happy with that suggestion, so the ride to Washington was very quiet.

The Lawrences, Jake and I dozed off too, but one of us stayed awake at all times to keep the driver company. We stopped for breakfast before we reached D.C., and it seemed their mood improved in direct proportion to their tummies filling up. As we drew nearer to our final destination, the excitement level began to increase, especially for the Brazilian brothers, the Lawrences and Jesse.

Our first stop was the White House, but I won’t go into detail about what we saw and did there, because I’m certain I must have told you about that on one of our previous visits. It was basically the same, except I let the boys fill Wil, Marcos and the Lawrences in about different trivia concerning what we were seeing. I was quite impressed by how much they remembered from our previous trips and was delighted to listen to them share this knowledge with the others. Oh, I did jump in to insert a few trivial details from time to time, but the boys did most of the work as tour guides.

After we left the White House, we took everyone to see the Capitol Building, and then followed that up with lunch. After we finished this brief rest and refueling stop, we took them to the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, before we went inside the Washington Monument. The view from the top was spectacular and breathtaking, but once we came down, we went to look at the Viet Nam Memorial and then the World War II Memorial. I think everyone was impressed and enjoyed the sights, although we seemed to be rushing them around from one location to another.

After we had a lovely dinner, we went back to see the various Memorials again. The Lawrences had said they’d heard all of these places looked much different at night, so we made sure to give them the chance to check that out for themselves. When they did, they were even more impressed than they had been during the day, as the numerous spotlights gave everything a totally different appearance and aura. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day.

The next morning, we got up, had breakfast and made some quick trips. After a brief stop at Arlington National Cemetery, where we visited the graves of President and Mrs. Kennedy and saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, we got back on the bus. Our next stop was to Mount Vernon, to see the home of George Washington, and then we went to Monticello, to see Thomas Jefferson’s estate. I think the Lawrences appreciated all those stops as well, because I knew Wil, Marcos and Jesse certainly did.

Once we’d had a chance to see those places and grabbed a quick bite to eat, we began the long ride home. I would have tried to do more, but the Lawrences still had to drive to Pittsburgh and catch their flight home. Since I didn’t want to put them in a position where they would have to rush or risk missing their flight, I made sure we would get back early enough, so they could take it easy on the way to the airport.

Once we collected our things at the bus terminal and drove home, we bid the Lawrences good-bye. While we were doing that, Nick had transferred their belongings from our vehicles to their rental car and then he went up to say good-bye to his parents. Mike and Julie thanked us over and over for the wonderful time and then took, off, leaving Nick behind. He was going to stay with us for a while longer, so he could spend more time with his host brothers and then join us on our summer vacation, after Wil and Marcos had returned home.

During the last week of their stay with us, I allowed the boys to take Wil and Marcos wherever they wanted, so they showed our guests a little more of the area. Dustin and Danny drove all of the boys to Hershey Park one day, which has a nice amusement park. It was a pretty long drive, but I trusted them as drivers, and all of the boys said they’d stick together in fairly large groups and promised to watch out for my two youngest.

From what I understand, they all had a great time and Wil and Marcos loved going on the rides. I think both boys were also starting to become a little sad that they would be returning home in a couple more days, since their school would be restarting after a lengthy winter break. Since we could see how this was affecting them, Jake and I spent some time with them too, hoping we could make them feel a little better. We assured them they were welcome to come back whenever they wanted and told them we might even come to Brazil one year, for our vacation. That seemed to perk them up a little, especially since the boys were also doing all they could to make the Brazilian boys’ final days with us memorable.

I had also planned ahead for their return trip and was going to take them to see another musical before they left. Their flight wasn’t until late Saturday night, so I scheduled us to attend another matinee. I never mentioned this to anyone, but they suddenly got the idea when the bus pulled up in front of one of the theaters. This time, I was taking them to see the ‘Lion King.’

Once again, I think most of the boys wondered if this was going to be age appropriate for them, because I saw many of them flash questioning looks to one of the others as we entered the theater. However, once the production began, I think all of their doubts vanished. It was a masterful production, with the actors either wearing headpieces to represent their character or by donning very colorful and exquisite costumes. Some even carried a representation of their character with them, but some of the more elaborate costumes included a pair of very tall giraffes and an extremely large elephant that strolled down the center aisle of the theater and then up a ramp, before going on to the stage. The music was fantastic (the same Sir Elton John score as for the movie) and was well delivered. The actors and actresses were energetic and passionate about their roles and the overall performance was absolutely magnificent.

I didn’t hear anything but raves afterward from my group and they all continued talking about the production throughout dinner. Wil and Marcos each thanked Jake and I several times for making their stay so wonderful, and I was almost to the point where I wanted to keep these two wonderful young men here with us for a while longer. Unfortunately, I realized that couldn’t happen, so after the meal, we took the boys to the airport to catch their return flight.

After all Wil and Marcos had done to let us know how much they had enjoyed their stay and their time with us, it was very difficult for us to say good-bye. When it came time to catch their flight out, there were more than a few tears shed, so I reiterated my promise that they could come back whenever they wished and we would try to go to Brazil for one of our vacations. I think that eased their apprehensions a bit and made having to leave a little more bearable, since they felt they would see us all again some day. Once they had cleared security and disappeared from sight, I led everyone else back to the bus and settled inside for the long ride home.

While the boys dozed off, Jake and I tried to stay awake, so we could keep the driver company. We certainly didn’t want him falling asleep during the long, and sometimes monotonous, drive back and I think he appreciated us doing that for him. It also made the trip a little easier and more enjoyable for him as well, because he didn’t have to endure it in monotonous silence. I think we were all happy and relieved when he finally pulled in to the bus terminal, and after transferring everyone to our vehicles yet again, I let Dustin and Danny drive the rest of the way. They had been able to sleep during the ride back, while Jake and I had not, so we thought they were in better shape to do this than we were.

Once we got in the door, the boys immediately went to their rooms. Even though they had slept a little on the bus, they were still tired and eager to get to bed. That was fine with me, since Jake and I were going to do the same, but now we had only a couple of weeks left until we went on vacation. Damn, it seems like things never slow down for us.

Over the next couple of weeks, I was very busy helping to interview the candidates for the high school principal position, and then we finally hired someone. I was also involved in hiring several new teachers, before I officially retired from the district. The new superintendent, my secretary, the other principals and the teachers and staff, along with the board of education, threw me a party on my last day. It developed into a very emotional parting, although I’d hoped I could do this quietly and without so much fanfare. I was only leaving them as a working colleague, but would still see them around from time to time, so I didn’t really see the need for all of this drama. However, I did appreciate what they did and made sure to let them know that as well. During the gathering, they also presented me with a plaque, for my many years of service to the school district, and gave me a few personal presents as well. I also agreed to be available as a consultant, should they ever need me, and then I left my office for the final time.

I don’t think it actually sank in that I would no longer be going back there, until I got home. Yes, I knew well in advance I was doing this and had made a conscious choice to see it through, but the reality, and finality, didn’t set in until that final hour. Once I removed the remaining personal items from my desk and counter tops and carried them home, it suddenly struck me that I no longer had to get up and go in to work every day. My getting up mornings and rushing off to the job were no longer required and I had just closed the final chapter on a long career with the school system. I had started out as a teacher, moved up to become principal and then eventually became superintendent. It was not going to be easy to put all of that behind me, without some sense of regret, no matter my reason for doing so.

Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t wish I’d made a different decision and I was still looking forward to having more time to spend with Jake and the boys at home. I was also thrilled and excited about taking care of a baby again, especially since it would be the youngest of my grandchildren, but no matter how great it was going to be, there were still the drawbacks. I’d once again have to put up with the crying, the smelly diapers and getting up at all hours of the night for feedings, even though none of that had ever bothered me when I did it with my own children. Then came the realization that I’d also miss my job, because I loved what I did and the people I worked with. Now, I’d also have to cope with withdrawal from no longer seeing them on a daily basis and my days would no longer be consumed with school matters.

I’m trying to stay focused on the positive aspects of this change, such as cuddling with a helpless newborn and having him fall asleep on my chest, with his head over my heart. I will try to relish every smile I’ll receive from the baby when I read him a story or sing a song, as well as cherish his joyous laughter when I play peek-a-boo or some other silly game with him. Yes, I was definitely looking forward to doing those things with him, since it would also stir up many pleasant memories from when I did those same things with my biological children and grandchildren too.

In addition to that, I would also be able to be there for Jesse and Andrew through the difficult adolescent years they still had ahead of them, and I’d be able to help guide Sammy and Little Ricky through their final year of high school. I think by concentrating on these things, it will more than make up for what I am losing by retiring.

The rest of the family also sensed my uneasy truce with the idea of being retired, because they tried their best to distract me in a number of different ways. Jake would ask me to go on walks with him or get playful and drag me off to our room earlier than normal. The older boys would ask for my help or advice, while at other times they’d try to drag me outside or to the athletic fields to participate in one of their activities with them. Jesse and Andrew were constantly asking me to go on bike rides and I must admit all of those things did help, at least until the baby arrived to take up my additional free time. I was extremely appreciative everyone cared so much and went out of his way to help make this easier for me, so I happily drifted along on the currents of their love.

Fortunately, getting ready for vacation also helped keep me busy and took my mind off of my other concerns. As I had promised Peter, we were going to Australia this year, to visit him and his family. Peter and Ricky had been spending a lot of time on the webcam together planning some of the activities we’d be doing once we arrived. Peter had also arranged for some of his mates, whom Ricky had hung out with as well, to be there to meet us at one point, and this included Kylie. Damn, that’s why that name sounded so familiar when Marie told me about the baby. I knew I liked the name and had heard it before, but I never put the two things together. I wonder if Marie got the idea from hearing Ricky talking about her, although I can’t think of any specific time when that might have happened. Still, it was possible or was it merely a coincidence that she just happened to pick it out at random. Either way, I’m surprised Ricky never pointed this glaring coincidence out to me.

I did corner Ricky the following afternoon and mentioned the irony of the situation. He just smiled at me, before he spoke.

“You know, I thought about that when you told me what Marie was naming the baby and all,” he began, “but I thought you had already put the two things together. That’s why I didn’t say anything about it.”

“Well, did you ever mention your Kylie to Marie?” I followed, wishing to ease my curiosity.

“I might have said something about Kylie in the emails I sent her too,” he confessed, “but I just don’t remember. It was a long time ago, but it is a very pretty name. I actually think of the Kylie in Australia, every time someone talks about the baby, and then I remember some of the great times we had together while I was there.”

“Have you kept in contact with her?” I pressed, since I wasn’t certain if they had remained in touch.

“Nah, she was mad when I left and I didn’t want to fight with her about it any more, so I just kind of let it go,” he admitted. “I was hoping she might write or email me one day, but so far she hasn’t. I was kind of surprised when Peter told me she wanted him to let her know if we came over, because she’d like to see me again. I’m not sure if it’s so she can smack me with a boomerang, feed me to the crocs or if she really wants to spend time with me. I guess I’ll find out when we get there.”

That ended my curiosity about the subject, at least for the time being. I still want to ask Marie how she came up with Kylie’s name, and I’ll do it the next time I see her, especially since neither Ricky nor I are sure if Ricky ever mentioned the other Kylie to her. I know it sounds petty and dumb, but I’d just like to know. I’m not sure why, other than to fulfill some morbid curiosity I have about it, but I’d like to settle this issue once and for all.

The first week of June, Jake and I took a long weekend, so we could fly up to Canada and get married. I made sure everyone understood Dustin was in charge while we were gone and then we left Thursday night, after Jake got off of work, and flew to Toronto. After we landed, I rented a car and we drove to our hotel. It was near downtown and after cleaning up, we went out to eat. It was a nice restaurant, located in a renovated warehouse, along with three or four other restaurants, but each had their own theme. We had selected the Italian restaurant tonight.

After we finished our meal and a bottle of wine, we went back to our hotel and turned in for the evening. We would be getting up early to take care of everything we needed to do, so we could have the ceremony performed. It was just a simple civil ceremony, but we did get a marriage license as a result, so we could now say we were married. I was just sorry the entire family hadn’t been here with us, but they had been to our commitment ceremony and that, to us, was more important.

Once we had been pronounced man and husband, we went out to celebrate. It was still early afternoon, so we stopped for a late lunch and I ordered a bottle of champagne. After we’d toasted each other several times and finished our meal, we returned to our hotel, where we made love. The only difference this time was that we could call this our honeymoon, and maybe we did feel a little closer connection because of it, but we always loved one another and always would.

After cleaning up and taking a short nap, we went out for a late dinner, and I took Jake to the revolving restaurant and the top of the CN Tower. At night, with the city and the airport lit up, it was very dazzling in deed. We were seated at a table next to one of the huge windows and had a great view of the scenery as we revolved around.

Jake and I discussed many things while we ate and drank, but it was mostly about the family. We each expressed our feelings about what we thought should happen, if anything happened to either one of us, and how best to take care of the boys, at least until they could take care of themselves. Since most of them already could do that, it only left a few for us to worry about, but we did reach an agreement on how things should be handled, if that unfortunate scenario came to pass. I think Jake and I both considered we had beaten death once, so this idea was not an unlikely scenario, but rather a grim reality that we might be called upon one day to endure.

Once we had reached an agreement on those items, we went barhopping for a bit, just to get a different flavor of this beautiful city and celebrate our new status a little more. We didn’t turn in until after 3:00, and by that time we were both exhausted. We did have enough reserve strength left to make love one more time before we went to sleep, but we collapsed after that and didn’t wake up until nearly noon.

Even though we got a late start, we spent Saturday getting to see more of the sights this magnificent place had to offer, but I’m not sure I can recount what we saw. I was too focused on Jake and the fact that we were now married, at least here in Canada, but we’d have to face the reality that it was not valid in the US, once we returned home. However, another thing we had discussed was how that piece of paper was nice, but it didn’t really change our true relationship or affect the way we felt about each other. No matter what either country or our state said, we were still a committed partnership and the head of a loving and close-knit family. No one could ever take that away from us.

We did continue to party most of Saturday night and then after making love one more time we went to sleep, knowing we’d be leaving for home in the morning. It was a blissful slumber, which we spent in each other’s loving and reassuring embrace.

Sunday, we returned to the airport, turned in the rental car and boarded our flight home. When we got back, we picked up our own vehicle and drove home. The boys had put up the same sign they had used after our commitment ceremony at Easter to congratulate us, but each of them did so personally as well. It was definitely nice to feel the love they had to offer and they seemed as sincerely happy about our nuptials as Jake and I were. However, now it was time to turn our attention to other matters.