Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:04:53 -0700
From: Jacob Miller <jacobmillertex@aol.com>
Subject: Beneath the Mask: Chapter 26

{Beneath The Mask is pure fiction. As I am writing this story, I am above
the age of 21. If you want a story with lots of sex, look elsewhere. This
is a love story. Seeing as it is a love story, sex is in there, but it's in
realistic balance in the characters' lives.

Any similarity to any real events, names, or life events is purely
accidental. If you are underage, (according to your state laws as a minor),
if this literature is offensive to you or to anyone around your viewing
area, or it is illegal for you to view such content where you are reading
it, stop reading the story.

This story can't be distributed in anyway, shape or form without my
expressed consent.}

Written by J.P.G.


				Chapter 26

Alex found Lorenzo in the living room, not the game room, with Jeremy. He
walked over to see what they are up to in the corner. When he reached them,
he couldn't believe his eyes. Jeremy actually got Lorenzo away from the TV
and video games to draw. Since he has been out of the center, you could
always find Lorenzo in front of the TV playing a game on it or simply
watching it.

Trying to not make a noise. Alex turned to walk away when he heard his
brother call for him. Alex turned around to see what Lorenzo
needed. Lorenzo showed Alex the picture he is drawing with a big old smile
on his face.

"That is really good Lorenzo." Alex walked back over to his brother. "I am
not lying, that is very good. You are a very good drawer, with awesome
detail. There is no guessing on what you have drawn here."

Lorenzo smile got even bigger; it went across from side of his face to the
other. He gave Alex the drawing and started to work on a new one. Alex sat
down and pulled a piece of drawing paper from his brother and started to
draw himself. Drawing is one of the things he started to do when he was
locked up. Either draw, play cards, dominos or sit-ups is pretty much all
you can do, Alex chose drawing.

He got so into drawing with his brother and Jeremy, Alex didn't realize
that he had been there on the floor for over an hour. Matt walked in
looking for Alex for the third time and this time he saw them on the floor
behind the couch. Matt quietly walked up to see what his boyfriend is doing
behind the couch.

"Hey, you had me worried Alex! I have been looking for you all over the
place. This is the third time I walked into this room. I never thought of
looking behind the couch for you. What in the world are you guys doing
behind here?"

Alex looked up at Matt, who is leaning over the couch. "Can't you see that
we are drawing and coloring here? There is no way you have been in here
three times already. I would have heard you the first time you came
in. Also, I haven't been back here that long, maybe twenty or so minutes."

"That's where you are wrong Alex. You have been drawing for over an hour if
you started doing this since you left me and your mother."

Alex peeked over the couch to look at the grandfather clock in the corner
of the room. He couldn't believe his eyes. Matt is right, he has been
drawing over an hour already. How in the world the time passed by the fast,
Alex thought. Not thinking too much into it, Alex got up from the ground
and joined Matt on the other side.

"Please don't get mad out me for what I am about to say." Matt looked deep
into Alex's eyes as he grabbed Alex's hand into his. "Your mother and I
started to talk after you left. We were not talking about the subject that
all of us were talking about. I told her about what is happening with us
dealing with getting to work and back after school."

"No, please don't tell me that you told my mother about not having a ride
to work. I told you Matt that I wanted to take care of this issue on my
own. My mom and Jacob have already done so much for us, we need to start
showing that we can do things on our own. How can we do that if we keep
going back to them every time something comes up?"

"I didn't mean to do that Alex, please believe me. We started talking about
things at school and some how we got into the subject about our job. Once I
said the words, I really wanted to take them back. I knew you were going to
get mad with me, but I couldn't do anything after I said it."

"So what did you and my mother decide without me being there?" Alex got up
angry with what Matt did.

"We didn't decide anything without you Alex. We talked about several
options that we have, but no decision was made. You are acting like I
planned to go behind your back to talk with mom about this. I didn't mean
to do that and I am sorry that I even mentioned it to mom. If I could take
it back, I would."

Matt got up from the couch and walked out of the living room. Before Alex
could say another word. Matt made his way through the kitchen and had
reached the back door. Alex ran after Matt, but didn't catch up to him
until he reached their house. He walked in the house right as Matt closed
the back the back door.

Alex grabbed a hold of Matt and swung him around. He pulled Matt into him
and held him tight. After a few seconds of standing there, Matt wrapped his
arms around Alex, whispering in his ear that he is sorry for talking with
their mother. Alex broke the hug and placed his hands on Matt's
shoulders. He looked straight into Matt's eyes.

"You did nothing wrong when you talked with mom about the ride issue. I
need to stop being so hard headed. There are things I just can't do without
help and one of them is getting a car right now. Thank you for talking to
mom about it! Now tell me what you and mom think we can do to solve this
problem?"

"Well, there are two options we came up with. The first one is the one that
we talked about and that is taking the bus to work. There are some draw
backs to doing that. The main one is the time it takes the bus to get from
point A to point B. I can go through the list of the others, but you know
them.

The second is getting a car. Mom is willing to go with us to a dealership
and put her name on the paperwork since she has the employment history to
show that she can pay for the car. All we have to do is pay the monthly
payments. Basically those are our two options, besides walking to and from
work."

"Where will we get the money for a down payment if they ask us for one? All
dealerships ask for a down payment on any car they sell and we don't have
that kind of money. The only one I know that has that kind of money is
Jacob and there is no way I will go and ask him for another loan. Not after
all the money he has loaned us already."

"That I don't know. We didn't even talk about that part. It must have
slipped our minds or we didn't know about it. If the dealership asks..."

"That is where I come in at as well Alex." Alex and Matt looked over to
Franseca as she walked into the kitchen. "Since I have no house payment or
sending a good chunk of my money to your father, I have been saving. I have
little tucked away in the bank and I will loan it to you guys to put down
on a car."

"But mom, you worked hard for that money. I can't..."

"Don't think I am just doing this for you. I like to say I am, but to be
honest, I am not. I need a way to go shopping on my own as well. Whenever
you guys are at school, I plan to use the car if I need to. Don't worry,
the car will be here for you to use when you get home from school. But I
don't like asking for a ride to do my shopping."

Alex and Matt looked at each other and laughed. This will work out for all
of them. Alex didn't even think about how his mother went shopping without
a car. He just came home and always found what he wants or needed in the
house. Now he can she that she had to always ask for a ride to go to the
stores.

"Now if you boys are done talking about this, let's go out and look at the
cars before it gets any later." Franseca walked out of the kitchen towards
the rooms. "Go over and get tell your brothers that they need to change to
go out. Virginia already agreed to give us a ride to the dealership to look
at cars."

Not having to be told twice, Alex got up and went over to get his
brothers. Lorenzo and Ismail came running into the back door to their rooms
to get ready. Alex stayed at Jacob's house to help Virginia with
Jeremy. Although he doesn't know sign language, Alex is doing his best to
help Virginia to explain to Jeremy what is going on.

It got to a point that Virginia told Alex that it might be best that she
stays home and loans them her car. Alex figured to give it one more try to
get Jeremy to understand what is going on. He walked over to where he is
curled up at on the floor. He sat down several feet away from him
remembering what Jacob has told him about Jeremy.

He kept saying Jeremy's name over and over again, until Jeremy looked
up. Alex did his best to make things out of his hand as he talked to
Jeremy. Somewhere in the middle, Alex got through to Jeremy and he got up
and walked upstairs to get ready. A few minutes later Jeremy walked back
down ready to go.

Not willing to loose the progress he has made. Alex walked with Jeremy over
to Virginia's car. They got in and waited for Virginia to join them. The
whole time they waited, Jeremy tried to talk with Alex, but again Alex
didn't understand him. Right then and there, Alex decided to ask Jacob to
teach him sign language.

Virginia walked out of the house, followed by Matt, Franseca and Alex's
little brothers. Before walking out of the house, Virginia told them how
Jeremy is acting. She explained not to make any sudden moves or do anything
that might confuse Jeremy. If Jeremy gets agitated, just step back and let
her or Alex deal with it.

So when they got into the car, they talked in very low voices and didn't do
anything that would get Jeremy going again. They made it to the car
dealership where Jacob bought his truck. Remembering what Virginia told
them, they waited for Alex to explain to Jeremy where they are and what
they are doing there. Once Jeremy understood everything, he got out, which
allowed the rest to get out as well.

Virginia and Alex walked Jeremy inside with his coloring books to the
waiting room. They sat down and let Jeremy settle in before doing anything
else. Once Jeremy got into his coloring books, Virginia told Alex that he
could join the others. She will stay with Jeremy and if she needs help, she
will have someone go out to find him.

Alex found his mother, brothers and Matt looking at the same big cars that
they looked at when Jacob bought his truck. They turned and saw the look on
Alex's face and walked towards him. Matt reached Alex before anyone else.

"I know what you are going to say, so don't say it. There is no way we are
going to buy a grandma car. Even mom has said there is no way she is going
to drive an old person car around town. We just were waiting for you so
where we can look at the cars that we want to buy and are happy with."

Alex laughed, grabbing Matt's hand, and walked with his family up and down
aisles looking at the cars. Every chance they got, Alex and Matt stole a
kiss in places where people couldn't see them kissing. Each time they stole
a kiss, they felt tingling feelings all up and down their bodies. They feel
closer than they have ever felt before.

On the way home, Alex drove with Virginia. Although he really wanted to
drive in the SUV they just bought, he didn't want to leave Virginia alone
with Jeremy. She kept telling Alex she would be fine, but he didn't
listen. He rode in the back seat with Jeremy all the way home. The entire
time Jeremy kept Alex laughing.

At the same time they drove into the driveway, Al drove in. Alex helped
Jeremy out of the car and looked over to Al. Man does he look tired, Alex
thought. By the looks of it, Al didn't sleep at all. Whatever is going on,
it took it out of Al really bad.

Virginia walked up to Al and grabbed his bag that Jacob took him last
night. "You look beat honey! Why don't you just go in, take a shower and
relax the rest of evening? I will prepare something to eat and bring it up
to you!"

"No, I am tired but all I need is a nice hot shower. Once I take a shower
I'll be okay. Where are you coming from with Alex and Jeremy? Forget that,
how were you able to keep Jeremy calm to even go anywhere?" Al chuckled as
he brought Virginia into a hug.

"It wasn't me that kept Jeremy calm. If it wasn't for Alex, I had no chance
of keeping Jeremy calm. That young man has a way on talking with our
grandson, I can't even explain it. He doesn't even know sign language, but
Jeremy understands him. In fact Jeremy seems to love being around Alex."

Al looked at Alex as he passed him with Jeremy. Not saying a word to Alex,
he walked in with Virginia. Not saying anything to his wife, Al went up
stairs and took a quick shower. When he returned downstairs, he found
Franseca and Virginia trying to defrost some meat to cook dinner.

"Don't worry about that, ladies. Let's just go out to eat dinner." Al
walked up to Virginia and wrapped his arms around her. "I am tired and I am
pretty sure you both are tired as well. So instead of making a mess for you
to clean up, let's just go out and eat dinner."

Franseca looked at Virginia trying to get some kind of sign from her on
what to do. She put the meat they were trying to separate in the bottom of
the refrigerator for them to cook tomorrow. As she walked out of the
kitchen, she told Al and Virginia they will be ready in fifteen minutes.

A lady of her word, right down to the minute Franseca and her family walked
into the kitchen ready to go. Al smiled at them as he got up to go and get
Jeremy. The good thing for them is that Al does know sign language. Plus
Jeremy trusts him no matter what he says. It didn't take long for Al to
return with Jeremy ready to go.

"I understand you guys bought a vehicle today. I wish you would have waited
for me or Jacob to get you a good deal on the vehicle. These car
dealerships try to get every penny that they can with their vehicles. Trust
me when they are giving you huge discounts, they can give you even more."

"Yeah, that is no lie sir! The salesperson we were talking to gave us a
price and told us that it was the best price they can give. When we went in
and talked with the manager, we told them who we knew, well let's just say
the red carpet got rolled out." Al started to laugh when Alex said the part
of the red carpet.

"Let's take the new SUV so I can ride in a new car. We can talk on the way
to Golden Corral. I would like to hear all about what happened when you
gave out our names. It's good sometimes to hear that companies we deal with
actually will roll out the red carpet for those that are part of our
family."

All the way to the restaurant, everyone took turns telling Al what happened
when they were buying their SUV. As they talked, Al looked around the fully
loaded SUV and couldn't believe the deal they got on the truck. Some of the
savings will be wiped away with the interest charges on the loan, but even
then they still will end up paying a lot less than what the truck is worth.

One thing that Al understands is that they didn't want to ask him or Jacob
for help buying a car. As they explained it they feel they owe way too much
already to them, they can't keep adding to that. In Al's eyes he doesn't
feel that they owe him anything, and he is sure Jacob sees it the same way.

When they walked in the house, Al went straight up stairs and went to
bed. He could barely keep his eyes open during dinner. At times he caught
himself actually falling asleep. He thought it would have been funny if he
would have fallen asleep and his face landed in his plate of food! Thank
god that didn't happen!

Although it is Sunday morning, Al got up and went into work. He missed
Friday and Saturday and there was already too much work on his desk before
he left. As he walked up to the front door of the building, he ran into
Ron. They did their normal greetings as Ron unlocked the door and Al turned
off the alarm.

"I can't believe what I am seeing all over the news Al. There can't be
places like that in real life. The news had to doctor the footage to make
it look that bad. If there are places like that, I don't want to live in a
state that allows this to be a normal kind of business."

"I wish I could tell you that the news did doctor the footage, but they
didn't. When I got there on Friday, I couldn't believe my eyes. A place
like this isn't only up and running, but parents actually put their kids in
there at no fault of their own. It made me sick to my stomach so much I had
to get out of there.

Let me tell you when we pulled Joey out, we thought we saw the worst that
place was able to do, but we were wrong. We barely scratched the surface at
that point. Hundreds, I mean hundreds of kids were locked up in that
building in rooms even smaller than the criminals in our jails get. Then on
top of that building, we find out about a camp that they have. When we got
to that camp, it was even worse."

"We need to thank our lucky stars that we don't think that way. There is no
doubt I have had friends that are gay, but never said a word to me about it
for fear of what we are seeing right now. When I met Alex and Matt, I
didn't know they were gay. They are no different than you or me. When I
found out, I didn't care. I even told them that I didn't care that they are
gay."

Al and Ron walked to the elevator and went up to Al's office. Al put on a
pot of coffee and they sat in the break room talking about the camp and
drinking coffee that Al got ready. Ron couldn't believe the details that Al
is giving him about that place. From the rooms, the torture rooms, the
amount of food they gave each of them all the way to what the kids looked
like when they pulled them out of the building. Ron just couldn't believe
what these poor kids went through.

"How is your grandson Jacob, Al? I hear that he isn't doing so
well. Something about his kidneys isn't working. I really don't know how
you are getting through the days without going crazy. If I were in your
shoes, I would be out of my mind already."

"I tell you when it rains it pours Ron! At first Jacob didn't want to tell
us what he was going through and I think that is why his kidneys completely
shut down. He waited too long to see the doctor.  Now he has no other
choice but to go under the knife. Let me tell you that he doesn't like that
idea!"

"At least you don't have to worry about waiting for a kidney to come
available. Not with what Alex is doing for Jacob! A friend that is willing
to do things like that for their friends are unbelievable. Who would have
ever thought these two would have become friends like they have after what
they went through."

"Wait a minute Ron, what are you talking about? Jacob is on a waiting list
to get a kidney as far as I know. This thing about Alex is the first time I
have heard about it. When did you hear that Alex is a match and is going to
donate one of his kidneys to Jacob?"

Ron tried to recover as fast as he could. He realized that Al didn't know
and he shouldn't have let the cat out of the bag like he did. Mentally, Ron
kept kicking himself for speaking out of turn. By the way Al is acting;
Alex meant it when he said that he is going to not tell anyone about what
he is doing.

"Look Al, I just screwed up! I shouldn't have said a word. Alex asked me
not to say a word to anyone. I walked into his office the other day when he
got the call letting him know that he is a match to Jacob. He asked me not
to say a word to anyone and here I am screwing that up."

"I don't even know where to start here Ron. I had no idea that Alex is
doing this for Jacob. I doubt Jacob knows, because he would have told
me. That means Alex just went in the last couple of days because
Dr. Whitmore hasn't called to inform Jacob that he has a kidney for him. We
will probably get that news on Monday more than likely."

"Please Al; don't tell Jacob that it's Alex the one that is donating the
kidney."

"Why? If I were to donate an organ I would want the person to know! That is
where I am so confused. Why doesn't Alex want anyone to know that he is the
donor? He has turned out to be a great kid. There is no reason for him to
do this for Jacob or anyone else." Al got up from his chair and started
walking back and forth.

"I don't know why Alex doesn't want you, Jacob or anyone to know that it is
him that is donating the kidney. All I know is that when I talked with him
he told me that he is doing this because it is the right thing to do. Not
to pay back you or Jacob, it is the right thing to do. Dr. Whitmore even
made sure of that when Alex asked to be tested.

I shouldn't have even mentioned this to you Al. Alex asked me not to and if
he finds out that Jacob knows that it is him that is donating the kidney,
Jacob will try to talk Alex out of doing it. Plus I will loose any trust
that Alex has in me. You know how hard it is to get these kids to trust
you."

"Yes I do and I will not breathe a word to Jacob. I still need to talk with
Alex about him doing this. Not to talk him out of it. It looks like he has
his mind already made up. I just want to talk with him and let him know how
thankful I am for what he is doing for my grandson. He is indeed a very
special young man for doing what he is doing."

Al started to walk out of the break room as he continued talking. "I
promise when I talk with Alex that he won't know I got the news from
you. Dr. Whitmore has always told me what is going on and he will tell me
when he calls to give the news. That is where I will tell Alex that I got
the information from. So don't worry about losing the trust that Alex has
given you. I will cover you there."

Even though Al is going to cover for him, Ron still felt bad for letting Al
know. Alex trusted him not to say a word and the first time he sees Al, he
spills the beans. There is no way that Alex will believe him that it was an
accident. If he ever finds out that he was the one that let Al know that
is.

Ron went down to the print shop to start working on the paperwork he came
in to do. At the same time, Al sat in his office thinking about the news he
just got. Both of them couldn't get their mind off of the conversation.

Alex woke Matt up by kissing him on the lips. As Matt came to life, he
couldn't help but smile when he saw Alex's face looking down at him. Matt
started to return the kiss and before they knew it, they got into a full
make out session not paying attention and ended up falling off the bed onto
the floor. They started laughing as they got up and sat back on the bed.

Matt pushed Alex onto his back and crawled on top of him. At this point
Alex is lying between Matt's legs. Without warning, Matt started tickling
Alex, causing Alex to try to wrestle free. He couldn't, not with Matt
holding him down with his body weight and tickling him. Alex is laughing so
much; he has no strength to use to get himself free.

As fast as Mat started tickling Alex, he stopped. Alex looked up with
blurry eyes. He laughed so much; it caused him to start crying. Not the sad
crying but the happy, joyful crying! He thought that Matt started to lean
in to kiss him, but Alex is wrong.

"I can't say it any other way but to say it straight out. You are the
cutest guy I have ever seen in my life. You make me feel so special I can't
wait to be with you every minute of every day. Boy I got lucky when you
became my roommate and my wildest dreams were answered that day!"

Alex wrapped his arms around Matt with a big grin across his face. "You say
you are the lucky one, I beg to differ with you. You brought the real me
out. The person I kept pushing down inside and never wanted to
release. When you were created, you were given every good trait and none of
the bad ones. I love you Matt and nothing will ever change the love I have
in my heart for you!"

Alex pulled Matt's into him until Matt lay on top of him. With their chests
pressed together, they could feel each other's heartbeat. It felt as if
their hearts are beating as one. Without saying a word, they knew what each
other are thinking at this very moment.

Just as Alex started to move his hand down Matt's back, someone started
knocking at their bedroom door. Once the knocking stopped, Lorenzo's voice
came through the door letting them know that breakfast is ready. Neither
Alex nor Matt answered Lorenzo in hopes he would go away, but that just
made Lorenzo knock again.

"Okay Lorenzo, we are awake and getting dressed. Thank you and let mom know
we will be there in just a few minutes."

Lorenzo talked through the door letting them know that he is going
now. Matt got off of Alex and pulled Alex up. They got dressed, pushing
their hardened dicks into their pants. Both of them hoped that their dicks
would soften up before they walk into Jacob's house, because if not,
everyone would get a visual that they are not expecting to see!

"You know Alex, I love it that your mother cooks for us and all, but it
seems she knows what we are doing somehow. This isn't the first time we
were about to have sex when your mom sent one of your brothers to get us
for breakfast. Now I will have to deal with blue balls all day long!"

"Who says that you are going to have to deal with blue balls all day?" Alex
walked up to Matt and squeezed his package. "As soon as we finish eating,
we can come right back to and pick up where we left off. You will only have
blue balls through breakfast."

They walked out of their room adjusting themselves. No matter what they do,
they can't hide what is going on down below. As soon as they walked into
the kitchen, they took their seats as fast as they could. Everyone just
looked at Alex and Matt when they sat down. By sitting down so quickly, the
table nodded.

After getting question after question on why they sat down so quickly, Alex
gave in. "Fine you guys caught us. Matt and I were about to be with each
other when Lorenzo came over to get us for breakfast. We didn't want you
guys to see what is going on down below, so we tried to hide. Are you guys
satisfied now that you know what is going on?"

Alex looked around the table trying to hide the fact he is embarrassed, but
it didn't work. The color of his face changed several shades of red as he
tried to show that he isn't embarrassed. Franseca laid down the plate of
pancakes and changed the subject, letting Alex and Matt off the hook.

Right after breakfast, as promised, Alex and Matt returned back to their
room. The minute they closed the door, they started to pull each others
clothes off. By the time they got to their bed, they are both naked. Alex
fell first back onto the bed and Matt crawled on top of him. They are back
in the same position they were in before breakfast.

This time they didn't say a word to each other. Instead they started to
kiss each other. Matt broke the kiss and started his way down Alex's neck,
chest and finally stopped right at Alex's dick. His dick is pointing
straight up, leaking a steady stream of pre-cum.

Matt wrapped his hand around Alex's dick and jerked it a couple of
times. That caused Alex to softly moan. Matt reached over and pulled out
their tube of gel. He spread it all over his dick and Alex's
entrance. After getting what he thought is enough, Matt put the gel on the
floor and lifted Alex's legs over his shoulders.

Since they are used to each other, Matt put his dick at the entrance of
Alex's hole and pushed in. Not fast, but not slow. Alex bore down and his
hole opened to welcome Matt's cock in.  Matt slid his dick right into
Alex. Matt loves the way Alex's butt feels around his dick. It is so tight
that it fits like a glove.

After sinking his dick completely into Alex, Matt leaned in to kiss
Alex. Alex opened his eyes right when Matt's lips touched his own. Matt
allowed Alex's tongue to invade his mouth without a fight. Alex felt every
inch of Matt's mouth with his tongue, while Matt started to get into a
rhythm.

Before they knew it, they started to work up a sweat. Each time they
reached their climax, they stopped to come back down from the edge. Neither
of them wants this to be quick. They want it to last as long as it
can. They want to make patient love with each other.

By the fourth time Matt got close to his climax, he pulled out of Alex. He
picked up the bottle of jell and prepared Alex's dick. Once he felt that
Alex is lubed up enough, he got on top straddling Alex and lowered himself
onto Alex's dick facing Alex's feet.

As Matt allowed Alex's dick to go deeper and deeper inside of him, Alex
wrapped his hands around Matt's stomach. He allowed Matt to choose the
speed; he just sat there for the ride; a ride that he loves to get on when
ever he is given the opportunity to do so!

Matt leaned all the way back until his back rested on Alex's chest. As his
back end got pumped with Alex's dick, he started to enjoy the intimate kiss
that he is sharing with Alex. Matt couldn't help moaning into Alex's mouth
as they kissed. Every times that he went down onto Alex, Alex's dick hit
his prostate.

Just as Alex reached the point of no return, he mumbled trying to warn
Matt. Matt understood what Alex is saying and stopped to let Alex to calm
down. Once that happened, Matt started all over again. They did this for
the next thirty minutes before Matt finally got off of Alex's dick.

He got between Alex's legs and started to jerk him off. It didn't take much
for Alex to start shooting his cum. Every bit of cum that Alex shot, Matt
swallowed it. He can't get enough of Alex's cum. He could drink it every
minute of every day if he could.

Once Matt drained Alex, he crawled back onto the bed. He kneeled over
Alex's face and started to jerk himself off. Just like Alex, it didn't take
long for him to start shooting. When he did, Alex reached up and pulled
Matt's dick into his mouth. He wants to have every drop of Matt's cum as
well.

Matt fell back onto the bed once he had no more cum to shoot. They both lay
on the bed side by side. Alex reached over and grabbed Matt's hand. They
held each others hands as their sweaty bodies laid side by side.

After they got their strength back, they ran out of their room to the
bathroom. Not even asking each other if it is okay to shower together, they
got in. At first the water was cold as ice, but warmed up. Taking turns,
they washed each others backs. Not skipping anything, they made sure that
every inch of the others backside is clean.

It took the water to go cold again to make Alex and Mat get out of the
shower. They had fallen to the floor of the bath tub and started kissing
each other under the shower head. When the water went cold, it brought them
back to earth and out of the shower.

As soon as the dried off, they walked back to their room and got dressed
for the second time. Alex checked Matt over and Matt did the same thing to
Alex before they left their room and headed over to see what Lorenzo and
Ismail are doing. All the way to Jacob's house, they held hands like love
sick puppies.

To no surprise to Alex or Matt, they found Lorenzo and Ismail down stairs
playing video games. Alex couldn't help but think to himself that his
little brothers might one day get sucked into that TV. If that happens,
neither Lorenzo nor Ismail would be bothered. They would actually enjoy
living out the games that they play.

Alex and Matt played video games with Lorenzo and Ismail as long as they
could. They have to head out and get some of their community service hours
done. After a couple hours of playing, they got up to leave, but Alex's
little brothers asked to go with them. Alex had to explain to them where
they are going and why they can't go with them. Not liking the idea, but
accepting it, Lorenzo and Ismail went back to playing their game.

As they reached the kitchen, Franseca stopped Alex. "Where are you boys
going? Al asked if you guys could help him with the yard. A lot of the
trash the construction workers should have cleaned up is now all over the
yard. Al doesn't like seeing his yard is the dirtiest yard on the block."

"Mom, we have to go and get some of our community service done. We are
going to go down to the retirement home and put in a couple more hours in
before we have to report in again. Anyways, Al isn't here, I think he is at
work!"

"That doesn't matter if he is here or not, he is asking for you guys to
help him out. I just got off the phone with him and he asked for this
favor." Franseca put away the dishes in her hand and looked over to Alex
and Matt. "Al also told me that Ron, the guy you see do your community
service hours with, is at work. Plus didn't you guys do some of your hours
earlier this week?"

"Yes we did do some hours earlier this week, but we don't want our
probation officer to have any reason to try and take this away." Alex
picked up his leg and pointed to the anklet around his ankle. "Plus we had
no idea that Ron planned on going into work today. By Al giving you the
heads up, it saved us a trip that we would have wasted gas."

"Your probation officer has to settle with the hours you can get
in. Between going to school, working and your homework, he is lucky that
you have time to get any community service hours done. You guys can't be
killing yourself to get what he wants. He is going to have either take
lower hours or lower payments."

"He doesn't see it that way and we can't tell him that. If we tell him
anything like you just said he will put us in front of the judge. Let me
tell you if that happens, the judge will for sure send me back. I know when
he found out I got released, he didn't like it. He is just waiting for me
to mess up. I will not give him that satisfaction."

"Since Ron is at work and not at the retirement home, we can stay here and
help out Al. The people in charge over at the retirement home will not let
us deal with anyone else but Ron since he is the person we are assigned
to. They are already giving us a break on letting us continue doing our
hours over there as it is."

Matt surprised both Alex and Franseca when he spoke up. He spoke with logic
and common sense that neither Alex nor Franseca could object to. There
isn't a thing that Alex and Matt can do at the retirement home when Ron
isn't there. So they would have been turned away when they walked in.

Alex walked out to the back yard over to the shed to get what they need to
work on the yard. As they pulled out the rakes, gloves and bags, Lorenzo
and Ismail came running out. With the four of them working on the yard, it
didn't take long to get it done. They worked their way from the backyard to
the front.

When they reached the front yard, they found Jeremy on the grass playing
with Cupid. At first Alex feared that the little dog would try and take
off, but as he watched Jeremy and Cupid play, he released that Cupid didn't
want to leave Jeremy's side. He thought that was neat to see Jeremy
actually outside playing instead of coloring in side.

They worked around Jeremy, trying not to scare Cupid. When they could no
longer work around them, Alex asked Jeremy to go back inside with Cupid. At
first Jeremy looked like he was about to blow, but after Alex explained to
him why, he picked up Cupid and walked back into the house without a
problem.

Once they finished cleaning the yard, they sealed the bags and brought them
to the curb. Alex looked around and could see a major difference on how the
yard looks. He patted himself on the back for a hard days work as he walked
into the house. The yard does look different from what it looked like when
they started.

Just as Alex started to walk into the TV room, he heard the door open. He
turned to see Al walking in with his brief case. Alex waived at All as he
started to walk into the room. Alex didn't even make it past the door frame
when he heard Al calling for him. He stopped in his tracks hoping that he
heard wrong, but Al walked up behind him.

"If you have a few minutes young man I would like to speak with you before
dinner." Al looked into the room over Alex's shoulder. "The yard looks very
good you guys. Thank you! I know it took some of your weekend away and I am
sorry for that."

Al walked into the TV room pulling out his wallet and gave Lorenzo, Ismail
and Matt ten dollars each. As he walked out, he gave Alex the same
amount. Alex didn't feel right taking the money, but he knew he needed it
for gas. He put the money in his pocket and walked with Al to the study.

"This will not take long, trust me! I am already dead on my feet and all I
want to do is sit in front of the TV like you guys are doing." Al made his
way around his desk. "I tell you when you start to run your company Alex;
don't think it will be any easier than doing the job that you are doing
now. In fact running the company is a lot harder than just working like a
regular employee."

"By the look on your face, I can see that. I hope running the print shop
isn't as hard as running the huge company you are running without much
help. I know Jacob wants to help, but he is still going to school. Pretty
sure when school is out, you will see Jacob hard at work along with you."

"That I know will happen as well. No matter what I tell that young man, I
can't keep him away from the office. He doesn't like seeing me working so
much. I think he feels guilty that I am working as much as I am, but I want
to. It keeps the blood flowing through my veins and makes me feel young."

As Al talked about how he is feeling, Alex felt more at ease. He knows that
he isn't in trouble like he first thought. In the short period of time he
has lived here with Jacob, he knows when Al isn't happy. This isn't one of
those times!

"The reason I needed to speak with you is about something I found out
today. One of the things I did when I first went into the office this
morning is return the calls that I missed while I was put on Friday. Let me
tell you I thought I would never get off the phone." Al chuckled as leaned
back in his seat.

"One of the calls I missed was from Dr. Whitmore. Before I get into that
call, I need to let you know that Dr. Whitmore has to call me with anything
that is going on with Jacob's health. Ever since he got sick and didn't
tell anyone, Dr. Whitmore and I made a deal to talk with each other dealing
with Jacob's health. Plus Jacob has given Dr. Whitmore permission to speak
with me about anything and everything.

With that said Dr. Whitmore told me that he found a match for Jacob. When
he said that I couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe that he found a
match this quickly. Then I started to worry because of what I know about
organs. If he found a match, that means a poor soul has just lost their
life and the organ is on ice somewhere. I know for a fact that an organ
could only be kept on ice for a certain amount of time before it goes bad.

You know that Jacob isn't in town and by the time we get him back it might
be too late. When I explained that to Dr. Whitmore, he told me not to
worry. He explained that it is a private donor. There is no need to rush
Jacob back into town, but he would like to get the surgery done in the next
couple weeks.

I started to press him on who the donor is, and he didn't want to give up
that information. He kept telling me that the donor didn't want to be
revealed. I understood that, but I still wanted to know. So I kept asking
him over and over again who the donor is."

Alex started to feel very uncomfortable being there in the study with
Al. He can't believe that Dr. Whitmore actually folded and told Al that he
is the donor that is going to donate the kidney. If Al knows, that means
Jacob will find out as well. That is something he never wanted to
happen. No matter what he says, he knows Al will tell Jacob.

"No matter how many times I asked Dr. Whitmore, he refused to give me the
information. That is why I have called you in here. You are close to Jacob
and I am thinking that Jacob might know who the donor is. If you find out,
I would like you to come and tell me who the person is.

The only reason I want to know is to thank the person from the bottom of my
heart. I need to let that person know the gift he or she is giving me and
my family means the world to us. Saving my grandsons life is something I
will always be in debt to that person for. No matter what happens, I will
always consider that person part of my family. Please try to find out for
me where I can pass this on to that person personally!"

"I will do what I can to help you out sir." Alex is trying not show how
much the words Al just spoke mean to him. "No matter if you get that chance
or not sir, I know the person that is doing this for Jacob isn't asking for
any pay back. He or she is doing it from their heart and knows what a gift
that Jacob is to you, this family and everyone around him."

Al wished that he could tell Alex straight out that he knows and how
thankful he is for what he is doing. But he knows that he has to do it this
way where he doesn't get Ron or Dr. Whitmore in to any trouble. He tried
his best to thank Alex and show him that he is in his debt for helping his
grandson out.

"Do what you can, but I mean what I have said. I want to thank that person
in person." Al got up from his desk joined Alex on the other side. "Now
let's get out of this stuffy room and relax for the evening. I have a full
day ahead of me tomorrow and I know you probably do as well."

They walked out of the study together and over to the TV room. Alex joined
Matt on the couch, while Al sat in his lazy chair. Matt looked over at Alex
and started to pull Alex closer. Once Alex rested his head on Matt's chest,
Matt wrapped his arms around him. They sat there watching TV until dinner.

After dinner, they found themselves right back on the couch relaxing. Even
Al joined them in front of the TV for the evening. Within an hour and half,
Al and Alex dozed off to sleep. Matt kept fighting to keep his eyes open,
but eventually lost the fight. They got woken up when they heard the front
door open.

Alex got up, stretched and walked out into the hall to see who is making
all the noise. As he walked out, Jacob and Dewayne walked into the
house. Jacob looks just as bad as Al looked, maybe even worse. He has no
color whatsoever in his face and he looks like he is dragging himself
around.

Matt walked over to help them with their bags. Alex walked over to see if
Jacob needed help with anything else. Jacob polity said no and headed to
the kitchen. Alex looked over to Dewayne to see if he would lighten him on
what is going on.

"Don't worry about it Alex, Jacob is just a little tired. Imagine what he
is going through right now. The poor guy doesn't have the strength anymore
like we do. He gets tired a lot faster, but tries to hide it. I can see it
and try to help, but you know Jacob. He will not take any help from anyone.

To make matters worse, Jacob didn't use the machine Friday night because we
were driving up to Alamogordo. As soon as we got there, we went straight to
the hospital after grabbing something to eat. Spent the entire day with
Joey and didn't get into our room until eleven or so Saturday night. He
can't afford to skip treatments like that."

"Well hopefully all this will be over soon. I can't imagine what Jacob is
going through right now. The look on his face, the lack of color and how he
is dragging himself around I can see. Still, seeing is one thing and
actually being in his shoes is another. You guys need to eat and just go
upstairs and relax for the rest of the evening."

Dewayne agreed with Alex and walked to join Jacob in the kitchen. Alex
decided to stay out of there way and headed back to the TV room. He sat
down and started to watch the movie that is on. It has already started and
Alex has no idea what the movie is all about.

Matt walked in several minutes later and rejoined Alex on the couch. Soon
after that, Chase, Tom and David walked in. They sat down and started to
tell Alex and Matt all about what they saw over the weekend.

Alex couldn't believe what he is hearing. If he would have been put in one
of those places, he would not let them change him. He would fight them to
his dying breath. There is no way he will allow them to pass judgment on
him and than try to change him to what they think he should be.

He kept thinking to himself that these people are worse than they make the
gay community out to be. They think they know better and can decide who
lives and dies. And if one of the kids die in their care, they wash their
hands of it saying it is meant to be. In Alex's mind people like that
should be taken out back and shot.

"So how is Joey doing? It sounds like he went through hell and back and is
able to tell the story of it. I don't know where he got the strength, but I
am glad that he made it."

"That I agree with you one hundred percent Alex. He is doing good and he is
back home with his boyfriend and his boyfriend's family. It will take
months before Joey is back to his normal self, but he will get there."

Tom went on telling Alex and Matt about Joey's new boyfriend and how they
found him a wonderful match for Joey and how the family is awesome. How
they have accepted their son and now they have accepted Joey as their son's
boyfriend. They went into a little detail on how Caleb looks and that did
surprise Alex. A total opposite of Jacob, Alex thought. Jacob isn't stocky
or big, but slender and cut. Joey went for an opposite this time.

They stayed in the TV room talking about their trip for hours. Finally
David got up and headed out to get ready for school. Tom followed and
shortly after that Chase headed up to get ready for school. Alex and Matt
picked up Lorenzo and Ismail and headed to their house. After putting
Alex's brothers to bed, they got ready for bed themselves.

When the alarm clock went off, Alex hit the snooze button and rolled
over. He started to mumble to himself loud enough to wake up Matt. Matt
pretended to try and turn off the alarm clock by hitting Alex's forehead
softly. Since Alex is mumbling loud enough to wake him up, he wanted Alex
to know that he wanted to sleep a little longer.

"What is bothering you so much that you are mumbling so much? I love you
Alex, but I wanted to get a little more sleep in before I had to get up for
school." Matt leaned forward and stretched out.

"Sorry, I hate it when the weekends go by so fast. Don't you think this
weekend went faster than the weekends in the past?" Matt nodded his head in
the positive as he crawled out of bed. "I just wish the weekends would go
slower and the school days would go faster but I know that is wishful
thinking!"

Alex gave up trying to fight a losing battle. He walked over to the
bathroom and got ready along side Matt. After brushing their teeth, Matt
leaned in to kiss Alex. That woke up Alex and put a big smile on his face.

"I knew that would wake you up. Whenever you have a hard time getting up,
just let me know. I have something that will always make you look forward
to the day ahead." Matt leaned in and kissed Alex once more at the same
time pinching his butt.

Carlos started to walk up the stairs heading into the main building when he
heard his name being called out. At first he froze in terror, he thought
that maybe the gang has found him finally. Once again the same person
called for him and he recognized the voice. He started to turn around
thinking that he is imagining things.

Just as he turned around the person calling his name came running up to him
with a smile across the face. That is when Carlos knew that he isn't
imagining the voice at all, it is actually her. He met Dabria halfway down
the stairs. They ran into each others arms, hugging each other as if Carlos
just returned from war.

"What, I mean how did you get out? I thought you were locked up just like I
was until our twenty first birthday. Now here you are out and at the same
high school. Don't get me wrong, I love it and wow, did I miss you! Still I
am so confused on how you did this."

"If you will stop talking I can answer all your questions." Carlos and she
walked up the stairs to get out of the way of the other students. "I
couldn't stop worrying about you when I heard that your gang wanted to kill
you. Everyone talked about it in our dorm when you left. They didn't know
that you and I are going out so they didn't care talking about it in front
of me. I had to sit there and listen to what they are going to do to
you..."

"I am okay Dabria, seriously I am okay! You can see that for yourself! The
plot was found out in time before I got back from the Christmas break. When
I went to report in, they sent me back home until they could figure what
they were going to do with me. I got the anklet instead of the facility."
Carlos showed Dabria his ankle.

"Wow, I heard about those! Even my attorney tried to get me on that instead
of the facility, but I got the facility instead. It is so good to see you
Carlos! I couldn't believe it when I saw you walk past my mother's car. I
jumped out and yelled out your name hoping that I wasn't imagining
things. When you turned around, I thought my heart was going to jump right
out of my chest!"

Carlos opened his mouth to say something, but Dabria put her finger over
his lips. She knows that he wants to know how she got out. There is no
doubt that he is worried that she is here in one way or another to hurt
him. The kind of life he led makes him ask these kinds of questions. Dabria
knows that and is fine with it.

"My parents hired a new law firm to get me an early release. Not only did
they get it granted, they got my records expunged. As long as I don't get
into any more trouble, my past will never be brought back up again.

I got out last Wednesday, but my mom didn't enroll me until Friday. She
wanted me to have time to settle in before going back to school. If I had
known that you are attending this school, I would have come to school the
first day I got out! Now we are out and attending the same school. We are
meant to be if I don't say so myself."

Carlos looked into her eyes as she spoke. She never broke eye contact,
stuttered or looked like she was making up the story as she talked. He
knows that she is telling the truth. Plus she had no friends in the gang or
knowledge of the workings of the gang he belonged to. When they first met,
she didn't even give him the time of day because he belonged to a gang. In
time, Carlos broke Dabria down and they fell in love.

"I want you to come and meet my friends. A couple of them you know from the
facility, but the others you have never met before. I need to warn you
before hand Alex might not take to you right off the bat. He will think
that you are here to find us and let the gang know where we are."

"I thought by being on the anklet you couldn't be around others that have a
record or on the anklet as well. Don't get me wrong, I want to finally meet
your childhood friend, but I don't want you to get into any trouble. I know
you owe him a lot and even more when he got into the facility. Because of
him, you were able to come out of protective custody."

"You always worry about me and that is one of the things I love about you
along with how beautiful you are and how you accept who I am. I was so
lucky when I met you Dabria. I never thought that I would find someone like
you in a place like that.

Now I know you are worried for me, but due to what had happened at the
facility we all ended up on this side of town so the judge gave permission
for us to be around each other. The ones that got out of the facility with
me are the only ones I'm allowed to be around. I can't be around anyone
else that has broken the law and is on some kind of probation. Trust me
when I say that my probation office doesn't like it, but has to accept it."

Without hesitation, Dabria grabbed Carlos's hand as they walked over to the
cafeteria. She actually didn't want to come to school this morning because
of being the new student and not knowing anyone. Now that her boyfriend is
attending the same school and he has a group of friends, she will not be a
loaner.

Grabbing their breakfast, Dabria followed Carlos to the table where his
friends are sitting. She laid her tray on the table beside Carlos. She felt
every eye looking at her as she sat down. This is a lot harder than she
thought it would be.

"Everyone I would like you to meet my girlfriend Dabria, and Dabria this
is..." Carlos went around the table introducing everyone to her.

Alex just looked at Carlos, not even looking at Dabria as he nodded his
head. He knows her name and he knows that she is the girl from the
facility. In return he thinks she is here to find them and let his former
gang know where Carlos and he are. Out of respect to Carlos, Alex didn't
say a word about what he suspects.

Not only Dabria got the feeling that Alex doesn't like her, Carlos got it
as well. Carlos is thankful that Alex didn't tear into him in front of the
others, but he knows it's just a matter of time before he does. One thing
he knows about Alex is that he is a very cautious person. More so when his
life is at risk!

While they ate, Alex kept a very close eye on Dabria. When she smiled at
Alex, Alex didn't return the smile. He just stared her as if he is trying
to read her mind. That bothered her even more than the knowledge that he
doesn't like her. Dabria started to feel that Alex is making a mental plan
to take her out.

When they walked out of the cafeteria, Alex finally walked up to
Carlos. "Will you please excuse me and your boyfriend for a few minutes? He
will be right back at your side as soon as we finish talking about a very
important issue."

Not giving Dabria a chance to respond, Alex pulled Carlos down the other
hallway. At this point Carlos knew that Alex is very angry with him. Not
only he could hear the anger in his voice as he talked, he can see it in
Alex's eyes. As they walked into the men's restroom; Alex locked the door
and slammed Carlos against the wall.

"What the fuck is wrong with you man? You keep fucking everything up. Every
time I turn around you find a new way to get us caught. This doesn't look
right no matter how you look at it. How in the world did she get out and
end up coming to this fucking school?" Alex held his arm against Carlos
neck.

"She isn't here to report back to our former gang. I know..."

"There is no way you can know that for sure. No one gets out of that place
until their twenty first birthday. We were the exceptions to that rule
because what Mr. Henderson did that put our lives in jeopardy. No sir,
there is no way she is out by luck. She is here to find us and report back
to out former gang."

"No matter what you believe Alex, our former gang doesn't have that much
power. They can touch us anywhere in the prison system, but they can't get
anyone out. In order to have that done, they would need to have judges on
the payroll. Our former gang isn't the mafia. They are lucky they have
guards on the payroll."

Alex removed his arm from Carlos's neck and walked away from him. Carlos
fell against the wall rubbing his neck where Alex's arm was at. He
understands why Alex is thinking what he is thinking. At the same time
Carlos believes that Alex needs to trust him for once. There is no way he
is going to do anything that will harm him or anyone.

"You have to trust me Alex; she isn't here as a spy. Just like you, I was
totally shocked when I heard her calling out for me in front of the
building. At first I didn't trust her. After she told me how she got out I
believed her and know for a fact that she will never involve herself in a
gang, no matter what they offered her."

"If you are wrong on this Carlos, it isn't only your life you are putting
on the line. It is mine, Matt's, Robert's and Steve's that you are putting
on the line with her word. You know as well as I do how our former gang
works. They will come by this school and shoot it up to get who they want
damn whoever gets in the way of getting us!

Because of everything you have done for me and our friendship, scratch
that, we are brothers, I will believe in you. I will believe that you know
what you are doing here. No matter what we do now, she knows where we
are. I really hope you are right and we can continue rebuilding a normal
life."

Just then someone started to pound on the door. Alex washed his hands and
walked out of the bathroom. Carlos followed Alex back to the group. Neither
of them spoke another word about what they talked about in the
bathroom. When they reached the group, they put on a happy face as if
nothing had happened.

Matt looked at Alex and knew right away that he is mad as hell. He looked
over to Carlos and saw the markings on his neck. Whatever happened, Alex
had the upper hand. He knows that it has to do with Dabria, but why he will
need to find out.

They started to walk to their lockers right before the bell is to ring
splitting off into their normal groups once they entered into the
building. Matt tried to tap Alex's hand like they do, but each time Alex
pulled away. That confirmed to Matt that something is definitely up because
Alex is starting to return to his old self.

Alex started to turn the dial of their combo lock when Matt put his hand
over the lock. When Alex looked up, he face turned from anger to
sadness. He started to shake and tears started to roll down his cheek.

"I don't think I can do this much longer! Every time I think things are
going good, something comes at me and puts me back in my place. I will
never be able to leave the gang life. They will keep searching and
searching for me until they find me. When that happens, they will kill me
and anyone around me. I don't want you to be killed because of the
decisions I have made in my life."

"Look Alex, when we started to go out with each other, I knew what I was
getting into. I know what is going on and nothing is going to make me leave
your side. I love you way too much to let any son-of-a-bitch run me off. No
sir, I will not let anyone take you from me. Not after I got you back.

If something is going on with that girl that Carlos brought to the table,
we will deal with it together. You stay strong for me. You stay the man I
fell in love with. If you do that, we will make it through whatever your
former gang or enemies throw at us. Let's not let them or anyone break us
apart Alex!"

Alex reached out and took Matt's hand into his. He opened their locker and
leaned in to kiss Matt. They broke the kiss, grabbed their books and headed
to class. As they walked down the hall, they noticed that no one saw them
kissing. They were too much in their own little world to care what they
were doing.

Alex sat down in his desk and waited for roll call to be taken. He looked
over at Matt to see him smiling back at him. That smile will make anyone
smile no matter what they are feeling at the time. Alex smiled back, but
really wanted to run over to Matt and just start kissing him in front of
everyone.

He turned back to face the front and thought to himself that Matt is right
with what he said at their locker. Whatever is thrown at them, as long as
they are together, they will make it. Just look at what they have gotten
through already. Just thinking about that, Alex's hope got renewed. His
body felt reenergized and ready to take on whatever is thrown at him not
matter what.

So if Dabria is a spy from his former gang, bring it on. Alex knows it is
going to take a lot more than just a couple of his former gang members to
take him down. If they are coming at him, they better come ready to die
themselves. That is what is going to happen if they come at Alex. If they
come to kill him, he will defend himself to the very end.

TO BE CONTINUED...

WRITER'S CORNER:

{This story is unfolding so well after I gave it new life. I have said this
several times already, I felt I was losing you guys in this story. At least
where I had it at, the plots were getting very boring and now, well let's
just say it brings you back week after week.

At the end of this chapter I threw in a plot twist and I love it. First let
me sum up the chapter from the beginning. This story had the characters
from Jacob Finding His Way, but basically went on its own merit. I am
trying to re-separate the stories, but it will have plots that you will
need to read the other stories in order to understand what is going on.

At the beginning of the chapter we saw a side of Alex that I know we all
knew was there. Just look how he is with his younger brothers. So it wasn't
much of a jump for him to be able to keep Jeremy calm. It is good that Alex
was able to do that, because if he wasn't, they would not been able to go
and look at cars.

Talking about cars, I gave the solution to the problem that popped up in
the last chapter when Tom told Alex and the others that he will not be able
to give them rides anymore. I didn't spend much time walking you guys
through them buying the car. I did that twice in Jacob and I will not put
you guys through it again. I took you to the dealership and back home. I
know you don't want to read about the sale in any way shape or form.

It seems that people around Alex keep slipping up. Mr. Henderson screwed
and almost caused Alex and those around him their lives. Poor Ron slipped
up and told Al about Alex being the donor for Jacob. Ron didn't mean to do
that, he thought that Al knew. No matter what he said, he couldn't take it
back.

Al covered for Ron when he talked with Alex. In Al's own way he did thank
Alex for doing what he is doing for Jacob. He did it without letting Alex
know that he found out that the kidney is coming from him. If Alex ever
puts it together, it will be too late. By the looks of it, Jacob is going
to need the transplant soon.

There is a very small love scene in this chapter. I don't want to have my
main characters jumping over each other when they make love with each
other. I want it to sound like and make you feel that they are making
patient, deep love with each other. So once again if you are coming to my
stories for stroke material, you shouldn't read on. These stories I am
writing are more for readers that want to see what is going on in the
everyday life of my characters with their ups and downs as they work
through their problems.

Now the twist I threw into the chapter. I pulled up my characters list and
was trying to figure a way to bring life to Carlos again. He is basically a
minor character right now because of Alex not being locked up anymore. Now
bringing his girlfriend back I was able to bring life into the character of
Carlos.

It does look weird with her appearing the way that she has. If I was in
Alex's shoes I would be thinking the same thing. Do you guys think she is
spying for the gang? Or do you think that she is telling the truth? Carlos
believes her and we know that he will do anything to protect Alex from
those that are out to hurt him.

Now with Dabria coming onto the scene it allowed me to recover another plot
I went into detail earlier chapters. Somehow some of the readers missed it
or I thought I wrote it in and never did, but I took this opportunity to
clear it up. I explained the question I keep getting on how is it that Alex
and the others that got released from the facility are allowed to hang
around each other. In this chapter I answered that question and I hope I
cleared it all up with any of your readers that keep asking me.

Since this story received a makeover some characters were dropped and new
ones came in. It is going to be very exciting in the chapters to come,
trust me on that. Right now, so many of the old plots in this story I hope
are keeping your head spinning on what is going on.  As the chapters
finish, I hope you can't wait for the next posting of the new chapter.  I
really thank you guys for coming back week after week, and reading my
postings.  I hope I will never let you guys down as far as drama in the
storylines are concerned.

I don't want to say too much more and spoil the future chapters to come, so
I won't. I warn you though! Don't skip a chapter, or you will be
lost. There is a so much to answer in the chapters to come. Keep reading
the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am
doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}

EDITOR'S CORNER:

I really like this story a lot. It's very balanced and is a read where I
don't have to consciously suspend my senses of disbelief. I think that is
high praise for an author's work.

Al got his message through to Alex loud and clear. It wouldn't surprise me
that Alex gets a feeling Al knows what's going on, but it's not going to be
right away. When the truth surfaces I expect it will be an incredibly
emotional scene. That's the thing about truth, it defies being kept covered
up. Truth by its nature works its way to the surface and into the light.

I'm glad Alex and his family finally got transportation. It was no surprise
to me that Franseca stepped up to pave the way for that to happen. It was
cute that she had a very pragmatic angle to make it seem so much less a
gift or burden to Alex and Matt. She carefully crafted the situation to
preserve their pride, integrity and dignity.

I really appreciate the expressions of caring toward Jeremy by all in the
immediate and also the extended family. I may have mentioned this before, I
have three severely autistic grandsons. I know, first hand, what a person
like Jeremy needs and the challenges. I know how vitally important
unconditional love and caring is to those with mental challenges.

I'm glad Dabria showed up and came into Carlos' life once again. Carlos
deserves to have love in his life. I don't sense anything dangerous with
her. I think it is just what it appears to be. I hope Jacob will give us a
glimpse of Carlos and Dabria's intimate moments; not in detail, but enough
for us to get a sense that the love is real and that there is passion and
intimacy there. I hope to hear wedding bells for those two in time.

Another aspect of Carlos' life we've not heard about is his family and
living situations. We could use an update on that aspect of his life. That
will have to come to light if he and Dabria get it going strong.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to those that e-mail me or mention me
and send greetings in e-mails to the author.  Those e-mails mean a lot to
an editor!  Thanks, again.

Until next time,

"Daddy" Rick