Almost a month has past since Nate arrived at Camp Kidney. That first day had proving to be a greatly successful one, especially after the rescue of fellow camper Edward. Edward, as well as all the campers, had become good friends with him. The only thing was there seem to be still some distance that Edward kept. Oh he was not constantly avoiding Nate or ignoring his presence. No it was nothing like that but it seemed as if there was something Edward wanted to say. Something that, for what ever the reason, he just couldn't make himself say it, as if it would break some kind of rule or something. Nate had always seemed to possess this ability to read people. The good thing was that, for the most part, this ability served him well. He was sure that whatever it was that Edward was holding back, he would say it when he felt the time was right. Now regarding the squirrel scouts, they had been decent with him since his arrival. He would even go as far to say that he considered most of them friends. Judging by the what was said about them by most of his fellow bean scouts, Nate was coming to conclude that maybe they had just been easier on him because of his condition. Whether or not this was the case, he was just glad he had gotten along with them alright. He at some occasions found himself, say somewhat attracted to the pink-haired mongoose known as Patsy. Sometimes he'd entertain the notion that Patsy and himself might go steady. Nate, however, decided that just being friends with her was best. Besides he already had a close friend back home that he had already considered to be his girlfriend and he also saw the attraction that Patsy had for Lazlo. He had already considered the two a great couple in the making. Perhaps he could convince Lazlo that going steady with Patsy would be a great idea. He would not push the idea on Lazlo too much though as he felt the little monkey was not quite ready to accept that idea yet. So much done this past month and now here it was the 4th of July and his 12th birthday.

Location: Jelly cabin at Camp Kidney

Time: July 4th, 2006 at 7:45 A.M. M.S.T.

Nate sat on the edge of his bed, still in his PJs, his feet hovering just above the wooden floor of the cabin. At 2:35 late last night he had turned 12 and was now pondering over the past. Raj had long since gotten up and giving his usual wake-up reverie over the camp loudspeaker and was probably now at the mess hall helping set out breakfast. Clam was snoring softly across from Nate on the other side of the cabin. Lazlo, however, in the cot next to him started to stir and seeing Nate so deep in thought immediately got up. He seated himself on the edge of his bed to face the young coyote deep in thought.

Lazlo: Nate? Are you alright?

Nate: Oh...good morning Lazlo. Yea I'm fine I'm just thinking back is all.

Lazlo: Ah...so what are you thinking back too.

Nate: Just some birthday's past I've had. Especially those with my friends at the baseball camp I had attended from the age of 9 up too the accident. Oh what a blast I would have. My family would always send me a video of them celebrating and I would then send them one with me and my friends celebrating as well.

Lazlo: Well that's not going to change my friend. We do plan to celebrate this momentous occasion with you. After all, it is the least we could do after all you and your brother have done for this camp this past month.

Nate: Yea well I thought y'all would enjoy water-skiing as an additional activity.

Lazlo: Hey why don't we go down to the lake after breakfast and watch Dave and Ping-Pong practice. They have really been looking forward to this day but between you and me, I think there very nervous about trying it.

Nate: Oh...It's not all that bad once you get started. It will be nice to be down there to give em a few pointers.

Lazlo: Then let's get ready to greet the day before it slips too far away pal.

Nate: Right on.

Clam: (suddenly waking from his slumber) Breakfast!

The three then went and had there showers and then got back and put on their uniforms and headed to meet Raj at the mess hall for breakfast. Raj was at the front of the mess hall waiting for them to arrive.

Raj: Well it is about time the three of you showed up. You've wasted much too much of the morning away. Why it is now... (looks down at watch)...already 8:56. Come we must eat quickly.

The four got their trays of breakfast and sat at their usual table. This was another good day in the fact that Raj was finally rid of that retainer of his. It was hard to discern who was more grateful for that fact: Raj himself or his bunkmates that he'd grossed out countless times when removing it before eating. Meanwhile at the table next to them, Edward was busy eating and thinking to himself while his dung beetle bunkmates carried on about some weird dream one of them had had. Edward was wondering if this would be the best time to tell Nate. This was a serious matter for Edward as he had to consult his close companion Veronica the doll late yesterday about it. He had made up his mind. It had to be today but before he could get up and go speak with Nate, he saw that all four of them had already left. Well Edward thought, it can wait till later. Just as long as it is today.

Location: Dock on Leaky Lake

Time: July 4th, 2006 at 11:35 A.M. M.S.T.

The four campers of jelly cabin had been here at the lake a little over an hour watching as the loon brothers Dave and Ping-Pong got use to the fundamentals of water-skiing. Both had proving to be very quick learners of the sport and Dave had decided that he would go on and try the more extreme form of the sport, barefoot water skiing. This he decided to do even after his brother Ping-Pong and the two otter lifeguards operating the boat made it clear that he probably shouldn't. As they started out, things were going pretty good. Nate was using a megaphone to give instructions. Before his accident, Nate had become a master of at least the traditional water-skiing. He had not quite mastered the more extreme form Dave was now trying but knew enough to counsel Dave on what he was attempting.

Nate: Ok Dave...that's pretty good start. Keep upright and balanced. Try not to make too many subtle movements and things should go smoothly.

And so things were for awhile but for some reason Dave ended up losing control and flipping up into the air. Fortunately he keep a grip on the tow-rope but he ended up landing on his head and was now skimming the water with the top of his head instead of the bottoms of his feet. This brought initially laughter from all but realizing the potential for danger. He called out to the otters to stop the boat. After the boat was stopped, the lifeguards readied themselves to jump in after Dave if necessary but after initially sinking, Dave came up to the surface and was dragged into the boat.

Dave: Whew...now that was one wild ride.

Ping-Pong: Yea that was something but now there's the little matter of the 10 bucks you now owe me.

Dave: What...Oh come on, it had to been at least 10 seconds.

Ping-Pong: Nope...afraid not brother. You wiped-out in just 6.7 seconds and we agreed that if you couldn't stay upright for 10 seconds then you loose.

Dave: Fine... (reaches in and gets out a 10 spot)...I'd like to see how long you could stay up.

Before Ping-Pong could have a turn though, they started back to the dock. After all it was important that Dave was checked-out to make sure no injuries were incurred.

Lazlo: I'm glad to see they are coming to shore. That was some spill Dave took.

Nate: Yea...though it was funny at first, landing and skimming the water on yer head like that can be dangerous. I've heard about many a broken neck being suffered from accidents like that. Best to be real careful lest you end up like me in a wheelchair.

Raj: Yes and those two have a particularly elevated risk of breaking their necks.

Clam: Long necks.

Nate: Well once they get in, I want to talk a bit more about safety with this sport.

Lazlo: Um...Nate. Could you fill me in on the specifics of your safety talk later. There's one thing I have to do.

Nate: I guess I could do that Lazlo. Take care bud and I'll see ya a little later then.

While Nate was giving his safety talk, Lazlo was now writing down a phone number he had gotten from Nate's little pocket organizer. While it wasn't in his nature to go through his friends' belongings, it was important for him to locate this number in order to set up what he hoped would be a pleasant surprise. He would then make his way to the scoutmaster's cabin to make the call.

Location: Albuquerque, NM; at the office of Mr. Jacob Charlie Crisp.

Time: July 4th, 2006 at 11:45 A.M. M.S.T.

Secretary: Mr. Cri...Jake sir.

Jake: Yes Liz?

Secretary: There's a call for you on line 1 from Camp Kidney.

Jake: Camp Kidney? Is it Nate?

Secretary: No, he says his name is Lazlo and he wants to speak to you in regards to Nate's birthday.

Jake: Alright Liz. I'll see what he wants but have him hold for a few seconds.

Secretary: Yes Jake.

Hmmm...Lazlo. That name was familiar to him from the many letters his brother had sent from the camp. A monkey and fellow jelly cabin mate who had been maybe the most kind to his young brother on his first visit to Camp Kidney. He still didn't trust anyone at that camp despite all the praise Nate gave them. He had come to the conclusion that Nate would be willing to lie about his treatment at camp just to protect it. True though that he knew this could not be the case for his brother would never deceive him like that. Still he would hear what this monkey had to say.

Jake: This is Jacob Crisp.

Lazlo: Hey Mr. Jacob Crisp sir. I'm Lazlo, your little brother's bunkmate. I have an idea for a birthday present but I need your help to get it.

Jake: You need my help?

Lazlo: Yes...it could be a gift from the both of us.

Jake: I thought I was in agreement with Nate that the water-skiing equipment I got him late last week would be his early birthday present from me. I can't keep dishing out my money every time y'all want some new activity or some improvement with your camp.

Lazlo: But it's not just for the good of our camp. It is something that will help Nate to fill more welcome here and to give him some more normalcy here. I'm talking about a baseball park.

Jake: A baseball park!!!

Lazlo: Not one too extravagant. There's some land at the edge of the Camp Kidney property that would be perfect. All it needs is to be fenced in, have a couple of bleachers, a couple of dugouts and of course the base paths and mound. I know of a landscaper in Prickly Pines that can come in and get the job done before 7:30 tonight but I need your financial assistance. Please Mr. Crisp sir, for your brother.

While Lazlo was going over his plans, Jake couldn't help but be impressed with the young monkey's enthusiasm and his desire to get the best gift he could think of for his friend. Jake's trust of anyone at that camp was still thin but listening to Lazlo he knew that there was no way his friendship with Nate was made up. No, this young monkey Lazlo was an honest fellow from what he could gather listening to him over the phone. He reminded him of someone, in fact of himself and his days back in Camp Kidney. He too had been that happy-go-lucky and carefree and yes, that helpful and considerate of his friends. Was that not still the case. Wasn't his compassion for his brother still strong that he would do anything for him. Oh yes, and it is that fact that will make him give in and make the call to the landscaper Lazlo spoke of.

Jake: Ok Lazlo. You've convinced me but understand this, I'm not doing this for you or for Camp Kidney. This is all for Nate. I do, however, thank you for contacting me and convincing me to do this. You have shown yourself to be a true and loyal friend to my little bro and for that I am grateful. And you've also reminded me of the spirit I once possessed when I was your age.

Lazlo: Thank you so much Mr. Crisp. This will be a great investment for the camp. I'll let you go now so that you can make the arrangements. Thanks once more.

Jake: No problem Lazlo. Goodbye.

He then hung up the phone. Investment huhhh. Part of him still wanted to see the day when that future of Camp Kidney that he was now going to invest in ceased to exist. Still let them have a ball park to enjoy. Might as well make what should be its final camp season a good one for all those campers after all. He lifted the receiver once more to place another call.

Location: Back at Camp Kidney

Time: July 4th, 2006 at 2:05 P.M. M.S.T.

At Camp Kidney, there was a new flurry of activity as the landscaper had arrived to build the park. For the next five hours onward they would toil to complete the task while the campers managed somehow to keep Nate distracted from what was going on, though he sensed that all the activity must've been for him. Of course it could have been some special thing for the Independence Day festivities but the fact that his fellow scouts were doing there best to keep him away from the activity told him that this was some surprise for him. The bulk of there day was spent out on the lake water-skiing. By this time, all the campers had an easy time of it though no one tried the barefoot variety of water-skiing after Dave's not so successful attempt. Dave was ok to the relief of all and he was back at it though on skies this time. The park was done at around 7:10 P.M. and at 8:00 all of the campers were summoned to the new field for a 4th of July cookout. Nate was led out into the new field. Though he could make out that they had made a ball field in this area, it was hard to make out until the lights from the light stands that were set up around the new field were lit.

All Gathered: Surprise!!!!!

Nate looked on in astonishment as Lazlo approached.

Lazlo: Happy Birthday Nate. This is a gift from all of us at Camp Kidney to you. But this could not have been possible with funding by your brother Jake.

Nate: (a little teary-eyed) Oh man...this brings back such fun memories. Thanks everyone. I can't begin to express how happy I am at this moment.

Lumpus: Well enough with all this chatting, these burger and hot dogs are getting cold. Let's eat.

This brought cheers from all the campers gathered. Joining them at these festivities were the squirrel scouts from Acorn Flats. They ate and shared in a good time as fireworks were set off in the sky in the distance. These were obviously the fireworks show that Prickly Pines was putting on. With that done, the beans were ready to play the first game on the new field. They were divided up into two teams of 10. The other team had all nine position players and a designated hitter while the team Nate was on was set up a little differently with the nine position players and a so-called designated runner (DR) to run for Nate. Nate was the pitcher and he would bat with a DR standing just behind him to run if he made contact with the ball. The other team's pitcher would not bat, his spot in the batting order being used by the designated hitter. This way both teams had ten players, nine that fielded positions and one that didn't. For tonight's game, Nate's team consisted of Lazlo as DR, Clam as the catcher, Dave as the 1st baseman, Edward as the 2nd baseman, Chip as the shortstop, Ping-Pong as the 3rd baseman, Skip as the right fielder, Raj as the center fielder, Samson as the left fielder and of course himself as pitcher. They played for only six innings but what a fun six innings of baseball it was. Many of the squirrel scouts stayed to watch this inaugural game. Since this was close to their camp property, they were invited to use the field as well when they liked for softball. Nate was happy with the results his team had won by one run and he had allowed only 2 runs to score. He was glad to see he still had his pitching ability. He was very impressed by well everyone played, even Samson. They've all must have played some baseball at some point. He had even gotten a single and a double, a perfect 2-2 night for him. He could have played on forever but it was getting late and they really needed to get ready for bed and shut down the massive light stands before too much power was consumed. He would hate to be in Lumpus's office when the power bill came for all these lights burning hehehehe. He was about to head for the cabin when Edward came up to him.

Edward: Ok Nate...there's something I must tell you. Something that I've been having a hard time coming to terms with saying.

Nate: (a little nervous) Um...OK...Go ahead.

Edward: Nate...I know who was really responsible for the theft and vandalism your brother was accused of 11 years ago.

Nate: You...do? Well who is it then?

Edward: It was my older brother Melvin.

Nate: Your brother. How...When did you find out about this?

Edward: Oh it's been a couple of years now. He had told me how easy it was to frame Jake because he was a coyote and was not trusted. I later recorded him telling one of his friends about it. I was planning to use it to blackmail him. But then you came to camp and after you saved my life well...I have made the decision. It took me a month but its been done. I've sent the recording to the big bean himself along with copies to Hoo-Ha and Lumpus. Your brother should be getting a formal apology from the Big Bean and all responsible for his banishment from camp.

Nate: Wow. So after all this time the record is finally set straight. Oh Edward. I can't thank you enough. Come here you. (gives Edward a big bear hug)

Edward: Ahhhh...alright your welcome already. Enough with the hugging.

Nate: (releases) Sure thing. Well I have to go. Thanks once more. This baseball field was great but you Edward have given the best gift I've could've gotten. My family name has been cleared. I have to speak to Jake. Later pal.

Edward: yea...later buddy.

Slinkman was kind enough to drive Nate down to Prickly Pines to spend some time with his friend and driver Dan and to call and talk personally with Jake. Jake had mentioned to Nate that the apologies were already making there way to him and that he felt a great weight lifted from him. Nate knew the weight was that awful grudge he had held over the false accusations that got him banished. Nate could tell how much better his brother felt just from the way he talked, so freely and lightly, no more sense of hostility. Though the memory of what happened might never fully leave him, at least he knew who had been responsible for setting him up. He had a feeling it was Melvin. He had always had issues with jelly cabin and setting up Jake would not only put a bad name on the Crisp family but on jelly cabin as well. The two brothers talked for hours about what has been going on with each other. He finally fell asleep in his wheelchair and in the morning Dan took him back to Camp Kidney. There was still more summertime fun to be had here.