Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:09:41 -0700
From: Jacob Miller <jacobmillertex@aol.com>
Subject: Jacob Finding His Way: Chapter 14

{Jacob Finding His Way is based on mostly true events in my life. To keep
the story interesting to the readers, some events now in the story are
fiction. As I am writing this story, I am above the age of 21. Any
similarity to any other events, names, or life events is pure
accidental. If you are a 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 cannot be distributed in
any way, shape or form without my expressed consent. I would like to give
thanks to my editor. He has volunteered his time, and not asked for any
thanks for his work. Thank You! (anyway) }

Written by: J.P.G.


		Chapter 14

(JACOB'S POINT OF VIEW)

As we approached Christmas, the apartment was completed. It was ready for
me and Joey to move in. It took several more days because we suddenly
noticed there wasn't a bathroom.

So, we all pitched in, including David, and laid the foundation. We ran the
water pipes and the electrical wires. Then we put up the walls and
roof. When it came time to get up on the roof, I was afraid of heights. I
did what I could, and it surprised me the amount of work I was able to do
from the ground level. Then came the time to put in the insulation I didn't
know how itchy that job could be until we were done. The rest was pretty
easy and went up fast. We had the bathroom knocked out in two days. We even
remembered to include a separate high capacity water heater for those "long
showers" that were always a welcomed luxury of life.

I knew as the day of Christmas approached, I needed to go down and spend
time with my family. So I decided that Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning
I will spend with my family and then return back to Joey's in the evening.

When I got to my mom's apartment, she was waiting for me. When I walked in,
my sister and brother greeted me with hugs, as well my mom. We sat down and
talked about everything under the sky except why I left.

As it got late, we headed off for bed. I went into my old room, and nothing
on my side was changed. My brother Andy came in soon after.

"So Jacob, really, how are you doing living away from home with another
family?"

"I am doing alright for now. I have some weight issues I need to overcome,
but other than that I am doing fine."

"How about the money, have you spent any of it yet? I figure Joey and his
family have you spending like crazy. I heard they added to their home
recently."

"Yeah they have added to the home, but not recently. Recently they finished
the job where I had a place to sleep. As far as spending any of the money,
I haven't touched a dime. Even if I were to offer to give some money to
Joey's uncle and aunt, they won't accept a dime of it. In fact they made me
promise that I wouldn't spend any of it until I was off to college or on my
own."

"Oh man sorry for doubting them. They sound like good people over there. I
am just trying to look out for you bro, that's all."

"That's ok Andy; you are my big brother, after all."

We both laughed and kicked off our shoes. I noticed my clothes were not in
the same spot as they were when I left. I couldn't find any of the running
pants I had. So I decided to sleep in the Levis I came in.

I woke up to the wonderful aroma of bacon and eggs being cooked. I looked
over and Andy was still asleep in his bed. I got up and put on my shoes,
took my morning medication and headed over to the kitchen. My mom was
already up and cooking breakfast.

"Jacob, I hope I didn't wake you up."

"No mom you didn't, I just smelled the food being cooked,"

"Come here and talk with me, please."

I headed over to the kitchen table and sat down. I noticed the orange juice
was out, so I poured myself a glass.

"Jacob, you know that I love you very much? I never meant to hurt you in
any way. I should have listened to you, and I won't make any excuses for
myself and why I didn't."

"I know mom, and I love you very much. As far as that day, it is in the
past. There isn't a thing we can do about it now by looking back on it. I
have never held bad will toward you or my family."

"Then why did you stay away for so long and do you still want to stay
away?"

"The reason I stayed away was I didn't want to testify. I knew that doing
so would put my life in great risk. I figured if they couldn't find me,
they can't make me testify. For wanting to stay away now, I don't. At first
I wasn't ready to come home. I was more afraid than anything else. Now I
just want to see if I can do it on my own. I will always need you, mom, and
if things fall apart, I hope could come home."

"This is always your home, Jacob. Always. You are my son, and I will always
love you. You out of you three, I believe we do great things out there in
the world. Don't get me wrong; Andy and Marie will as well, but you have
the brains. Please Jacob, promise me that you will go back to school and
graduate from high school."

"I will mom, I promise. I won't stay a stranger of course. I would like to
come over more often than I have already."

"I would love that Jacob. I will never pressure you to come back home, but
if you ever do want to, you don't have to ask. The door is always open."

I got up and hugged my mom. This has been the first time we have talked
like this in a very long time. I do love her to death, and I do know she
didn't mean to hurt me that day many weeks ago.

Andy walked in first then Marie after him. We all sat down and ate
breakfast as a family. Then we headed to the living room, and started
opening our presents. For my mom being the only bread winner in the family
she does do a great job. The gifts were great for all of us. She bought me
a palm pilot, which I loved, and some clothes and music.

I felt bad that I didn't buy her anything for Christmas. This poor woman
has worked so hard all her adult life bringing up three kids. There hasn't
been a year that we have bought her a gift for Christmas or her
birthday. If we each gave her a self made card, she was happy with that.

Soon after I found out that my grandfather always sent her a check of two
hundred dollars for Christmas to spend just on herself. He put as if it
came from us kids. At times she took the money and didn't spend it on
herself. Instead she spent on things for the house or for us kids.

The day went to fast for me. At first when I came here yesterday, I wanted
it to go fast. Now I just wanted more time with my family. But it was time
for me to be heading off now so I said my goodbyes and left.

As I was on the city bus going back to Joey's, I was thinking of the day I
had with my family. I never felt as happy before as I am feeling now.

When I walked into Joey's family's house, the gifts were still under the
tree and they were waiting for me in the den. Once I walked in, they all
jumped up, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

We decided that we were going to eat late, since I ate Christmas dinner at
my mom's house. I wanted to eat Christmas dinner with both of my families,
and the only way that could happen is by eating late in the evening at
Joey's.

We first sat around in the den and traded gifts. Once again I didn't buy
anything for Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez, but for Joey, I did. He saved my gift to
the end, but when he opened it, his eyes lit up. I bought a matching
his-and-his ring set, I had Joey's engraved in the band; "Joey my heart and
soul are yours."

He got up and came over to me and hugged me then we kissed.

I took his ring from the box, and put it on his finger and said; "Though we
cannot marry, this ring is my promise to you that I will always love you
and be yours forever! I will never stray or make you unhappy. The greatest
gift I have gotten in my life is your love, and that I get to wake up each
day to that love!" As I slid the ring on his finger, Joey started to tear
up.

He gently took the matching ring from the box, and started to slide it on
my finger as he spoke; "Jacob as I have told you before, from the first day
I saw you, I knew you were the one. I will walk through fire and move the
earth for you to keep you happy. I will always love you until my last
breath on this earth!"

Now I was tearing up with what he said as he finished sliding the ring on
my finger and we kissed for while.

"Do we need to pull in the water hose in order to separate you guys?" we
heard Joey's Aunt and Uncle inquire.

We stopped kissing and started laughing. Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez wanted to see
the rings I bought.

"Those are really nice Jacob. You boys deserve one another. Love like yours
is hard to come by; even more rare than once in a blue moon." Mr. Alvarez
stated.

I loved all the gifts I got and will cherish each and every one of them. We
decided it was time to eat, so we headed from the den to the dining room. I
had two large ham dinners that day, and I ate every bite of them.

It was getting late; it was almost one in the morning when we decided to
call it a night. Joey and I headed to our room for bed. Joey was in the
living room of our apartment, I pulled out the other gift I had bought him.

When I walked into the living room, Joey was sitting on the chair. I snuck
up behind him and covered his eyes. "I have one more gift for you Joey;
hold out your hand for me please."

As he started to hold out his hand, he spoke; "Jacob you have given me
everything I wanted for Christmas this year. I don't want anything else
except you with me in our bed."

We both laughed as Joey opened his eyes. Looked down at the box I put in
his hand, and then looked up at me.

"What is this Jacob?"

"Open it and find out. I saw you eyeing it one day, and knew that you
wanted it."

Joey unwrapped the gift and opened the box. His eyes just opened wide and
looked up to me.

"No way Jacob, you didn't buy this for me, it's too much!"

"Nothing is too much for you Joey, plus I got a big discount on it."

I laughed as Joey pulled the watch out from the box and put it on. It fit
him just right. He turned around and pulled me over the chair, and we
started kissing one another.

We were getting so worked up, we headed to the bedroom. By the time we made
it to the bedroom, we had each others' shirts and shoes off. We had a trail
of clothes from our living room to our bedroom.

When he hit the bed, I ripped off his pants and then underwear. I was down
on him before his head hit the pillow.

"Wow Jacob that feels awesome. The only gift I ever want is you!" Joey said
with passion.

I kept bobbing up and down, making my way to his balls. As I was about to
start sucking on his balls, Joey flipped me on my back. He pulled at the
button of my jeans then pulled them off. I was so hard; my dick was already
out of the pee slot of my underwear. He pulled of my boxers, and went down
on me.

"I love the way you make me feel when we make love, Joey. It feels so great
man, I going to explode!" I said barely even able to talk.

He went towards my butt crack and started rimming me. Then he started
kissing back to my balls and dick. Taking my dick in his mouth again,
bobbing up and down. My dick slipping out of his mouth, he started kissing
his way up.

He started to tongue inside my belly button, which was getting me even
hotter, if that was even possible. He kissed his way to my chest, and
sucked on each of my tits. Kissing my neck as he made it to my ear,
nibbling on it; "Jacob I want you inside of me, I want to feel you! Make
love to me please, Jacob!"

I flipped Joey on his back, and started to rim him. I was getting him nice
and wet, before I stuck in my first finger, then my second. When I knew he
was nice and ready, I gently started going in with my dick. At first it was
hard to get in, but once my head pierced the entrance, I was able to slide
in. Inch by inch I was sinking in until I felt his hair on mine. "Are you
ok my Joey? Do you want me to pull out?" I asked.

"It is ok, it feels great. Just let me adjust to you first!" Joey panted
out.

I stayed there for several minutes until Joey gave me the indication he was
ready for the next step. I started at very slow at first, then, gradually
picked up my speed and lengthened the strokes. I was in heaven, going in
out of Joey. Joey was moaning so loud that I knew he was enjoying me being
inside of him.

It didn't take long, Joey was very tight, and I was about to cum. "Joey I
am about to cum, do you want me to pull out?"

"No man, no, I want to feel your warm sperm pumping into me. Please cum
while you're inside!" Joey implored.

I kept the same speed, and then it happened; "Joey I am going to cum man, I
am cum..." I just exploded inside of Joey as never have done before.

When I was exploding Joey yelled; "Man Jacob, you hit the damn spot. I'm
cumming, damn man, this feels so damn good."

He started shooting all over the sheets of the bed, while I was shooting
inside of him. When I finally shot my last shot, my dick slipped out and I
rolled off of Joey falling on the bed beside him. We both just sat there in
silence, and I was seeing stars.

About ten minutes later, I pulled Joey to me, and we moved to the top of
the bed. We were kissing all the way until we got to out pillows. We
snuggled with one another, with Joey back against my stomach. I was trying
so hard to get close to Joey!  I wanted us to meld into one.

We just went to sleep right there in that position, snuggled up, warmed by
each others' body heat. I never slept as well as I did that night.

It seemed that we both woke up at the same time the next morning. It was
around ten or so. We decided to take a shower together, but once inside we
couldn't keep our hands off of one another.

I had often heard of people having sex in the shower, but I never had. We
didn't enter one another, but we had given each a thrill so good that we
sprayed the shower down with cum. Once we finished, we had to clean our
shower, and then shower ourselves again. I was very thankful for that high
capacity water heater we thought to put in when we built the bathroom.

When we got out, we got dressed and changed the bedding on the bed. We
threw the dirty sheets and bedspread in the hamper and headed to the
kitchen in the main house.

When we got there, Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez were having coffee.

"Look who decided to join us this morning, the love birds." Joey's Aunt
cooed.

They both laughed as we grabbed a glass of orange juice. Then we sat down
at the table with the old folks.

"So you oldie but goodies, what are we having for breakfast this morning!"

"We will show you old!" Mr. Alvarez said as he came at me, and before I
knew it I was in a head lock. He was rubbing my wet hair as if he wanted to
rub it off. He let me go and sat back down.

"We figured we would go out to eat. What do you guys think about that?"
Mr. Alvarez asked.

"We are fine with that man!" Joey and I said in unison.

In the course of the conversations Mr. Alvarez asked me; "Hey Jacob I know
it is none of my business, but, how much of the money have you spent?"

I replied with a smile on my face; "Please don't worry about asking me sir,
I have no problem answering. I haven't spent any of it yet."

"How could that be, with the shopping you have been doing and all?" he
asked.

"I only am spending the interest the money is making. I don't know how my
grandpa and the Trust Department set it up exactly, but the money in some
kind of investment program that makes very good interest on the money!" I
answered.

"I need to get financial advice from your grandpa one day. That is smart
Jacob, spending only the interest. Is there still some left?" Mr. Alvarez
further inquired.

"Yes there is, quite a bit, actually. Do you need something sir?" I asked
with a bit of concern.

Mr. Alvarez smile and responded; "No, we are doing well. I just want to
make sure you are set and are able to have money if needed."

"I thank you for asking and for your concerns for my well being!" I
responded.

We headed out the I-Hop for breakfast.  The wait was long but it was well
worth it. In public Joey and I don't show the affection we have for one
another. We so badly want to be able to show the love we have, but at the
same time we fear the outcome of doing so.

(DAVID'S POINT OF VIEW)

Beyond the problem I had with Tom, I was having a pretty good Christmas
vacation. I hung out with Ralph and the guys, and we played touch
football. I got home and I was beat. The touch football game went into full
contact. I was hit often and was on the ground more then I was up during
the last minutes of the game.

Just as I put my feet up after getting home, there was a knock on the door.

"The door is open, come on in!" I yelled from the living room.

"Hello David? Where are you, man?" I jumped to my feet, it was Tom! What in
the world does he want? I walked over to the hall, and Tom was just
standing there.

"Hey Tom, what's up? Come on in to the living room, man." I said just a bit
less than warmly.

"I just want to come by and talk with you. You haven't called me since the
last time we were together here!" Tom stated.

I responded, again with a definite lack of warmth; "No, you made yourself
clear as a bell. I don't want to be second to another in a
relationship. Don't get me wrong Tom; I do understand where you are coming
from. I would stand by you while you work through your demons, but I won't
stand there and be a dirty secret for anyone."

Tom had a pained look on his face as he replied; "David, I didn't mean it
the way it came out. I just come from a family that is a man's, mans kind
of family. Being gay is not even an option."

"Come on Tom, we didn't decide to be gay, at least I know I didn't. I
struggled with it at first, but then said to hell with it. I am a man's,
man! I don't walk around like some delicate little fairy!  I act like a
man, because I was born a man. The only difference is that I like guys not
women." I stated laying out my perspective on my sexuality and the reality
of it being as it is.

With a guarded smile, Tom replied; "That's why I know I like you David!
You are not like the fairies I see on television walking in those parades
and all. I think that's what I am afraid of. Iif I tell people I love
you. They would think I was one of them."

"Yeah and it's sad, we can't just love who our heart desires. Look, I will
wait for you to decide what you want, but not for long. This has to be a
two way street to work and you know just exactly how I see things and why";
I said with just a touch of warmth, but giving no indication that vast
compromise from me was a big part of the picture.

"Thank you David. I do know that I love you! I have just got to figure out
how to have this life and the one I want in football and stuff. It just
seems that nothing is simple and uncomplicated for me. " Tom lamented.

"It will be hard and that is no lie. It isn't like I want us hugging and
kissing in public, I don't. I just want to be the one you open up to and
depend on when times are hard. I want to help you figure things out and
find the balance" I offered.

"I know David and that is what I want as well. We will get there. Please
just give me some time." Tom said.

"I will and I'm glad to do that for you, Tom. When you are ready, I want
you to meet some of good friends of mine." I added.

"Who are they, do I know them?" Tom inquired.

"I don't know if you do or not.  I think you might have heard of one of
them. I have friends that I have had since we were little kids, and some I
just met a year ago. Regarding the ones I met a year ago, we have gotten
very close. Those are the ones I want you to meet, and eventually my other
close friends as well." I said with a smile.

"So who are these friends you met a year ago David?" Tom said with more
interest.

"Oh sorry, they are Jacob and Joey from school" I said.

Tom's face registered recognition as he replied; "Yeah I have heard of them
both. Isn't Jacob the one that almost get killed at school a few months
ago?"

"Yes, that was Jacob, but he came through just fine, thankfully" I
confirmed.

"I heard that the dude is rich now; something like ten million dollars from
the law suit his grandfather filed against the City and the School
District." Tom said reflectively.

Smiling, I said; "Yeah he did get in the millions, but I do not think it
was that much though. I never asked him how much he did win!"

Tom, thinking more said; "I haven't seen Jacob around in the last weeks of
school before the break. I asked about him when the rumors started floating
around about the money he won. I was told he took off from home or
something like that."

I informed Tom; "Yeah he left home for fear of his life. Those stupid gang
members really wanted to kill him."

"Well it is good that he is safe and home now" Tom said, closing the topic.

We sat in the living room watching a movie on pay per view. As the movie
wore on, Tom snuggled up to me, and I put my arm around his chest. We
watched the rest of the movie snuggled up together like that.

When we heard a key in the door, Tom jumped up from the couch, and sat on
the chair. My parents walked right by the living room and never looked
in. I laughed out loud at Tom's panic reaction; he had a look like a person
in the head lights.

We got up and hit fist, and he was off. I felt good!  I think we settled a
lot that day. We might even make as a couple if we both work on it.

(ALJENDRO POINT OF VIEW)

We finally figured out a plan on how to get rid of my problem once and for
all. As I sat there watching Jacob and his friend's family eating at I-Hop,
I knew it had to be done.

They got up and headed to their car and drove off. I was right on their
tail. They drove into the parking lot of the Wal-Mart and I knew this was
my chance.

We figured that this guy was going to go to a store or the mall
eventually. Right now the stores are so packed we can get close enough and
stick a knife in his gut. Then be out of there before he knows what hit
him.

I got out and called up a couple of my homey's and had them come meet me
here at the Wal-Mart. They got to the store within ten minutes. I think
they ran every red light to get here so fast.

I greet my boys saying; "Hey home's, how's it going?"

"Great, so where is this little prick?" one of the guys asked, excited to
do my dirty work.

"He is somewhere in the store shopping. You guys know what to do, right?" I
asked.

"Yes we do and we won't fail you" my anxious bud replied.

They headed into the store as I followed behind them to ensure it was done.

(JACOB'S POINT OF VIEW)

Joey and I were clowning around in the clothing department of Wal-Mart,
then we decided to head on over to the video department. When we got there,
Joey went over to the rock section and I went to the country music section.

I don't know how we did it, having such different tastes in music, but we
did. I didn't find anything new, so I headed over to the game area. There
was a line to play the new Nintendo game system that came out, so I went
over to the Saturn area.

It was gone and along with it went the games. Shit! Did they stop making
the system and the games, I thought to myself?

So I decided to play the Sonic the Hedge Hog since there wasn't anyone
there in line. I wasn't that into this particular game, but I wanted to
pass the time where Joey could shop for his music. I got tired of the game
pretty fast and I just walked off.

As I was walking through the crowds of kids that were gathered to play the
new system, I found it still too long for my patience. I got over to the
movies and started looking at what had recently come out. I didn't find a
thing I liked, so I headed back over to Joey.

He was looking at music from his favorite bands. I started going through
the music and found an album by The Cure. I like them, so I decided to get
it. Joey picked out a couple of CDs and we headed off.

We went through the sporting goods. I didn't really look. I wasn't that
much into sports.  I was surprised Joey was actually looking. I waited for
him to finish looking at whatever was catching his attention. I didn't
bother to look, I know I should have.

As we started our way to the registers to pay for our merchandise, I felt a
hand on my shoulder. At first I thought it was Joey, but I felt as if
something was being stuck into me. Within seconds it felt like it was being
pulled out.

Right away I grasped to my side, then looking down. I saw blood leaking
from my side to the floor. I couldn't believe this, was I actually stabbed
here in the store but by whom? I looked up as Joey was looking down at my
side.

He reacted fast by pulling off his jacket and pressing it on my side. All I
could do is just stand there, trying to understand why this was
happening. I didn't at first hear Joey talking to me until he hit me on my
shoulder.

"Jacob are you hearing me, man? Tell me if it is hurting you!"

"Yeah um, yeah it is! What in the world just happened Joey?"

"Two guys came up behind us and stabbed you in the side. They took off
running down that aisle."

"Hell, man, I just have bad luck don't I!"

I laughed, but Joey didn't find it funny. We walked to the front of the
store as quickly as possible. Due to being the holidays, and Wal-Mart
having problems with their customers being stomped on when the doors open,
they started posting police officers at each of their stores.

When we reached the front of the store, past the registers, we found a
police officer. At first he wasn't paying any attention to us, and then
Joey yelled at him. "My friend here was stabbed just right now in this
store. Do you understand me?"

The officer finally looked at my side then radioed in for back up. Soon
after he got off the radio he finally spoke to us.

"What is your name son?"

I always wonder why older people call male teenagers "son"; it isn't like
we are their kids or anything.

"My name is Jacob Hernandez, sir!"

"Can either of you two explain to me what happened?"

Joey responded; "Yes sir, we were walking to the registers from sporting
goods..."

At that moment several other officers showed up with EMT'S. The EMT'S
started looking at me. They pulled off the jacket and cut away my
shirt. After looking at my side, one of the EMT'S radioed something over
the radio, and the other took out a bag of something from his bag. "This is
to help control the amount of blood you are losing. It won't stop it, but
it will slow it down. We then need to get you on the stretcher, then the
hospital as soon as possible" the EMT stated.

I told him; "I can walk myself outside sir, and then I will get on the
stretcher. Already too many eyes are looking over here at me."

The EMT responded; "That's fine with me, but we've got to move now. I heard
your name is Jacob Hernandez, is that correct?"

"Yes it is sir." I confirmed.

"Ok then, we need to start moving now and get you to the hospital!" the EMT
said, packing up their kit.

Joey stopped speaking to the police officer and stopped me as I was walking
away."Where are you going Jacob?" he asked.

I replied; "They want to take me to the hospital and get me taken care
of. Finish up here and find your aunt and uncle and tell them what
happened."

"What hospital are you taking Jacob sir?" Joey asked the EMT.

"We are going to take him to the nearest one.  I believe it is Columbia
West" the EMT answered.

"So he will be at Columbia West, correct?" Joey asked for absolute clarity.

"Yes that is correct, that's where we are taking him" the EMT confirmed
clearly.

I headed out with the EMT'S to the ambulance that was parked right in front
of the store. Once I reached the door of the ambulance, I got onto the
stretcher. They loaded me on the ambulance, and we were off.

About ten minutes later I was back at Columbia West once again. This is
becoming all too much a routine for my liking. Man do I hate hospitals!  I
never wanted to see the inside of one again.

When I was rolled into the emergency room, one of the doctors that came up
to look at me knew who I was.

"Jacob, what in the world are you doing back here? You're not the stab
patient we were holding for are you?" he asked with a bit of disbelief in
his voice.

"Yeah doctor, someone stabbed me at Wal-Mart" I confirmed.

"The same people who tried to kill you before Jacob?" he asked?

"It might be, I really can't say for sure. Joey was the one that got a good
look at them" I said.

"Damn it, why haven't the police caught these fools yet? Let me take a look
at you!" the Doctor said as he took over and started looking at my side. He
had me rolled into x-ray in front of everyone else. I felt bad for that, I
really don't know how long they were waiting, but now I was pushed in front
of the line. Several x-rays were taken and then they had me rolled into an
examining room. Shortly afterwards the Doctor walked with a smile on his
face. "Jacob you are a lucky kid. The surgeries you've had in the past is
saving your life today. In the area where the knife penetrated, and it went
down far I'll tell you; it didn't hit any organs at all. The reason it
didn't hit any organs, there are none to there to hit! This is the main
side where you must have had the cancer and Dr. Whitmore had to remove most
if not all the organs there" the Doctor reported almost with glee.

"I don't understand sir; I thought I had organs on both sides." I quarried.

The Doctor answered; "You do Jacob, but the surgeries you had; pretty much
rearranged the location of your organs. So, buddy, that has saved your life
today. All we have to do is clean out the wound and staple you up."

"That is cool, Doctor! Does that mean I won't be here over night this
time?"

"Correct, Jacob, just a couple of hours; that's all. I know you must hate
this hospital by now. I will be giving you a shot for the pain and one to
numb the area. Then I will clean out the wound and then close you up" the
Doctor confirmed with a grin on his ( I just noticed) quite handsome face.

"Wow doctor, I thought nurses did that!" I said in a somewhat teasing
fashion.

"Most of the time we have our med students do it. But, seeing as you are
our special patient, so I will go ahead and do it. I also promised
Dr. Whitmore to always take care of you in case you ever come through the
emergency doors again" the Doctor quipped back at me.

"I really like Doctor Whitmore; he goes out of his way to take care of
me. Now I am going to have another scar to add to my collection of scars."
I said.

The Doctor smiled and went to work. As the doctor was finishing up, Joey
and the Alvarez's came walking through the curtains.

Joey was still very concerned as he asked; "Jacob is everything alright
with you?"

I shot him an assuring grin and replied; "Yeah Joey, he just had to clean
out the wound and close it up."

Surprised, Joey asked; "It didn't do any damage inside you Jacob?"

Even with the bit of pain I was feeling, I kept smiling and maintained eye
contact with Joey and said; "No the doctor said I am I lucky man, right
Doctor?"

The Doctor confidently confirmed; "That is correct Jacob. As I told Jacob,
the other surgeries he had are saving his life here today. Dr. Whitmore had
to move around what was left of Jacob's organs, so, as a result the knife
didn't hit anything critical!"

"That is one less worry for us to think about then!" Mr. Alvarez said with
relief on his face.

"Joey did you give the officers all the information they needed" I asked.

"Yeah I did, but the weird thing is, and you won't believe this, the stupid
fools stayed in the store to admire their handy work. Isn't that stupid
Jacob?" Joey asked.

I had to agree; "That is pretty stupid to say the least. I thought you
didn't get a real good look at them though. I don't want the wrong people
going to jail on this."

Joey continued with the saga; "First thing, the stabber still had your
blood on his arms and legs. Secondly, they pulled the video from the
cameras in the store. That nailed them one hundred and one percent!"

With obvious relief, I said; "That's cool, Joey, then there's nothing to
worry about with this one."

Joey agreed with my take on the situation and said; "That is true. I really
think they are going away for a long time. The only thing that might get
them off with a lesser charge is their age. They look to be only thirteen
or fourteen at the oldest."

"Wow it totally sucks that they messed up their lives so early on." I
lamented.

The doctor finished closing me up. He looked over at Joey and the Alvarez's
and said; "Well Jacob is going to be ok, maybe some pain, but ok. I will
prescribe him something for the pain, and get him going."

I interjected; "Doctor I am already taking something for my spine. It is a
very strong pain medication."

"What is the name Jacob?  I don't want to over medicate you!" the Doctor
replied with obvious concern.

"I don't know. I can't remember to tell you the truth. Can't you look it up
on my records?" I asked.

Right at that moment, Dr. Whitmore walked through the curtains. "Jacob what
in the world did you get yourself into now?"

"I ran right into a knife sir." I replied with just a hint of "smart ass"
in my reply.

I started laughing, as well as the others. Dr. Whitmore tried not to laugh,
but he couldn't hold it in.

"Don't worry about it Jacob, you just have really bad luck! Let me see the
chart and I can answer if the pain meds you are taking right now will be
enough" Dr. Whitmore replied with just a hint of "smart ass" coming right
back at me.

Dr. Whitmore looked over the chart, then back to me and said; "Jacob there
isn't any need for any other pain medicine. You will feel out of sorts for
a couple of days, but nothing major."

"Thank you both. Can I go home now, please?" my tone indicating my patience
was worn past thin.

Dr, Whitmore rubbed the top of my head and laughed. "Certainly you can go
home, just don't run into any more knives Jacob."

We signed the needed paperwork and left. Once we were home, I was happy. I
went into our living room, threw up my feet, and put in a movie. I really
didn't want to think about what just happened because I knew if I did, I
was going to over think it, and then freak out about it.

I didn't realize I was tried, I fallen asleep while watching the movie. The
next thing I knew, Joey was whispering in my ear that dinner was ready. I
got up, washed up, and headed to the kitchen to eat.

Nothing else was said about what had happened earlier that day. We ate and
talked about other things; mainly about returning to school.

The rest of Christmas break went by quickly and before we knew it, the New
Year passed and it was time to return to school.

When we arrived to school, Joey and I did the norm. We headed down and had
breakfast, I free lunch card still worked. I had to stop in at the
attendance office before first period, so I left before the others.

When I got to the attendance office, the clerk told me I had to go and see
the Assistant Principal. I got to his office and knocked on the door.

"Come in please!" a voice behind the door spoke.

When I walked in the office the place gave me the creeps. It was a size of
a broom closet, with nothing but a desk and filing cabinets wall to wall.

I said; "Yes sir, I was told I had to see you in order to return to
classes. My name is Jacob Hernandez."

He looked up from his desk, and then asked me to take a seat. "Yes
Mr. Hernandez, we have been waiting for you to come back to class. I know
you were not sick this time, so why were you out so long?"

"I had to take care of some personal stuff sir!" I responded.

"That isn't an adequate excuse to be absent for six weeks,
Mr. Hernandez. You know this year, the eighty day rule kicked in. Between
all you absences you have gone way over the eighty day rule. Even if I let
you return to classes and you pass them with one hundred percent, you won't
get credit. So, do you still want to come back to classes under those
circumstances, Mr. Hernandez?" the Assistant Principal asked in a somewhat
antagonistic manner.

I responded "So you are telling me sir, I should just drop out since I was
attending to some personal issues and before that, I was almost killed on
your school property?"

"You are twisting my words around Mr. Hernandez, and I don't appreciate
that. You already got rid of one of us; I won't let you do the same to me!"
the A.P fired back.

"I am sorry for that, but that is the way I understood what you told me. As
for the other issue, I didn't do anything to one of your own. He did it to
himself" I said making sure he understood exactly where my understanding of
things stood.

"That is true Mr. Hernandez, but I won't make any mistakes. I am going to
follow the rules that are set by the State to the very letter. You will not
get credit for this semester for any of your classes. So all I was saying,
there is no point for you to even attend since you won't be credited" the
A.P. stated with solid assuredness.

"Yeah, I do know about the eighty day rule. I also know about the appeal
process if a student has reason for missing classes. I do, and will show
that in the appeal process. In the mean time, I want to start attending my
classes" I stated without being intimidated.

"You really think you will win the appeal process with the last six weeks
of being out? Dealing with "personal issues" as an excuse to be out of
school won't cut it" the A.P advised in a patronizing tone.

Being undeterred I said; "Let's leave it up to the appeal process to sort
out, sir, but for the mean time, I need you to let me attend my classes."

"Fine then: I will give you a pass to return to class. I will be keeping an
extra close eye on you Mr. Hernandez, and you step out of line even once,
you'll be out of here" the A.P. said in a most ominous manner.

Not feeling the least bit intimidated, I replied; "Well that is totally up
to you sir, but if I feel that you are singling me out or harassing me, I
will take action against you and the school. All I want to do is attend
class and move on, that is all."

The Assistant Principal just looked at me, then handed me a note. I left
his office and went to class. The rest of the morning went pretty good,
with students coming up to me welcoming me back. Students I didn't even
know in many cases, but I thanked them all the same.

Once lunch came around, I tried to use my lunch card, it was denied. I paid
for my lunch and headed to the table with Joey and the guys. We sat there
eating and chatting up a storm. Once again I left before the others.  I
wanted to know why my card wasn't working. I went into the office and asked
the lunch clerk why.

"Well Mr. Hernandez, it has come to our attention your financial situation
has changed. The free lunch program is for those who cannot afford to eat
lunch or breakfast. You can. Isn't that correct Mr. Hernandez?" she asked
with a sneer on her face and in her voice.

"If you are referring to the money my grandfather's law suit won for me,
then that is true ma'am" I said without any hesitation.

"That is what I am saying. I see you used your card this morning when you
shouldn't have. I need to collect fifty five cents from you, Mr. Hernandez"
the clerk replied, still with total distain in her voice and manner.

I gave her the money and left the office. It is just beginning. I should
have expected this type of behavior. My grandfather beat them in a law
suit, and now they are playing childish games of retaliation.

I found Joey and the guys talking at the lockers. I pulled Joey to the side
when I saw him waving his hand so we could talk in private.

"So what happen about the lunch card Jake? Why didn't it work?" Joey asked.

"They turned it off, stating I don't qualify for the free lunch program
anymore." I said.

"Why is that? Is it because you don't live at home anymore? My aunt and
uncle will fill out any paper work that is needed" Joey stated.

I shook my head and said; "No it's not that; it's the money my grandfather
won. They know I have access it, so I don't have a true need for the
assistance anymore."

"Damn it Jake, be careful and don't let them start running all over
you. First they tried to keep you from attending class and now this. They
have a major bug up their butts because you grandfather sued their asses!"
Joey ranted, just a bit.

Putting a calming hand on his arm I said; "I know, but I am not going to
fight them on this insignificant issue. They are actually right; I
shouldn't be on the free lunch program anymore. I am going to choose the
battles to fight very carefully. I know I am going to win the appeal
process, simply because Dr. Whitmore is going to fill the needed paper work
out that covers me for those days I missed. So let's see what else they try
to throw my way."

The hand on the arm worked and Joey replied much more calmly; "You're right
Jacob. I just don't like seeing anyone picking fights with my boyfriend!"

"Thank you Joey, we will stick this out together!" I said giving his arm
one more squeeze.

We returned to David and the guys. The bell rang right then, so we were off
again to our afternoon classes.

As Joey and I were walking to fifth period, I thought to myself how lucky I
was. I had a guy like Joey for starters, and all the hell I have been
through and that I am still standing. We walked into JROTC building and
took our seats.

Roll call was taken, but my name wasn't called. It didn't surprise
me. After a certain period of time; your name is dropped from the roll call
sheet. I didn't say anything, I knew I would be called into Major Moore's
office soon enough.

Not skipping a beat, right after the Company Commander took his attendance
sheet into the office, the Major walked out.

"Mr. Hernandez I need to see you in my office right now son!"

I got up and walked over to Major Moore's office as the rest of the Company
went to the range. When I walked in not only Major Moore was there, but
Sergeant Haney and the Assistant Principal, Mr. Stone.

"Mr. Hernandez please take a seat. We need to speak with you" the Major
said.

I walked over to the only seat that wasn't taken, right in front of the
three teachers.

Major Moore took the lead; "Mr. Hernandez I have been speaking with
Mr. Stone here about your attendance issue. He has brought up lot of
important points to me and Sergeant Haney. Why is it that you came back to
class this semester Mr. Hernandez?"

"Because, Major Moore, I was ready to return to class and my studies. No
real out there reason, just I am ready to come back." I said flatly not
caring to discuss the whole matter with this group.

"That's all fine and dandy, but you have missed more days then you're
allowed, Mr. Hernandez. We cannot have you attending class, and more so
this one, when the program is going through the bi-annual inspection. This
inspection is very important and I do not need anything to lose points on"
the Major said, pressing his point of view.

I replied with total respect for the Major; "With all due respect Major
Moore; I have already had this talk with Mr. Stone this morning. He cannot
keep me from attending any of my classes, and he knows it. He wants to
continue to try to undermine the process. He is setting this school up for
another issue with the courts."

Mr. Stone quickly jumped into the conversation; "Jacob, there is no need to
be threatening us this way. I am just letting your teachers know what is
going on with you and your situation about attendance; that is all."

Looking directly at Mr. Stone with penetrating eyes I said; "If I do not
win the appeal process, then my credits get pulled. You do not need nor
should you be going to each of my teachers discussing this with them. I
could probably prove that you or any of the other office staff have not
done this before in the past with other students that fell outside the
attendance rule."

Mr. Stone stayed quiet as well as the instructors. I knew what I was
talking about because I read up on the rule before I returned. Joey and I
talked about my return many nights, and we knew I was going have it bumpy
due to the law suit.

Turning my attention to the Major; "Plus, Major Moore, it doesn't matter
whether I do get my credits for my classes or I don't. It won't affect your
inspection results one way or another. Mr. Stone has been making it hard
for me all day. He is making it his mission in life to see that I fail."

Mr. Stone reacted immediately to what I said; "That is wrong Jacob and you
know it! I have a job here, and it includes making sure that no one is
treated any different than another."

Knowing I'd hit a nerve I responded; "That is fine, so do that job
Mr. Stone. You are singling me out for what has happened to the former
principal at this school. If you still have a problem, let's meet with the
new principal and get this matter settled, right now."

"That sounds like a good idea Mr. Hernandez, let's do that!" Mr. Stone
responded.

At that point Major Moore picked up the phone and called over to the main
building. About five minutes later a man walked through the door. He wasn't
an old man, but not young, maybe mid fifties, tall, with salt and pepper
hair, and a nice suit and tie.

He was informed by Mr. Stone and Major Moore why he was called over. I
didn't say I word; they had the principal's ear and I was certainly not
going to interrupt and be rude in any way.

"Ok then, let's all just settle down here for a moment. First of all Jacob,
I have just been on the phone with Dr. Whitmore. He asked if anything
happened here, he was the one you wanted to be called in on your
behalf. Does that still stand young man?" the Principal asked.

"Yes sir it does!" I replied with finality.

The Principal stepped over to the Major's phone and punched a button;
"Dr. Whitmore we have you on speaker phone and we are in the JROTC
building, office of the senior army instructor. Here in the room is Major
Moore, Sergeant Haney, Assistant Principal Mr. Stone, myself, and Jacob."

"That is fine, Jacob is everything alright?" Dr. Whitmore's voice came over
the speaker phone.

"Yes Dr. Whitmore everything is fine. I am having a little problem with
Mr. Stone here about my attendance and the eighty day rule." I reported
factually.

"Plus he tried to steal breakfast and lunch today on his free lunch card"
Stone interjected.

The Principal took control of the conversation; "As of now, that is a dead
issue, Jacob paid for the meals. We are here because Mr. Stone, you are
trying to get Jacob to drop school until the new semester. Let me say this:
we do not do that. If the student wants to attend classes, we let them. We
all understand this point.

That leads to the issue of his attendance and the eighty day rule. I have
gotten a fax from the School District that is over riding the rule for
Jacob due to his sickness and doctor stating that he was out due to his
sickness.

I just received the fax maybe a half hour ago. I think this was the first
issue on the School Board's agenda this morning when they returned. So the
issue we are here about is moot as of now. Jacob will be receiving his
credits for his classes as long as he passes them."

Dr. Whitmore came across the speaker phone saying; "That sounds good to me,
and I want to make sure, here and now, that Mr. Stone stops picking on
Jacob. He is a good kid, just has had some bad knocks and they weren't even
his fault."

The Principal wanted this potential bomb defused here and now. He said; "I
promise you Dr. Whitmore and Jacob, the issue here with Mr. Stone is
over. He will no longer be dealing with Jacob. I do not want any more
problems for this school or the district. What we will do from now on is
that Jacob will be coming to me with any issues where he would normally go
to his assistant principal. If that ever happens, I will make sure to have
you present in one way or another, Dr. Whitmore" the Principal stated
clearly.

Dr. Whitmore responded; "Again I like this idea as well. Let's just let
Jacob return to school and be a teenager for once. He needs to live and
enjoy his youth."

Summing things up the Principal said; "We now have this all settled
then. Mr. Stone let's get going. There is no need to be taking up more of
the instructor's time. Dr. Whitmore, thank you for your time.  I know you
are a busy man."

With that the principal and Mr. Stone left, and Dr. Whitmore hung
up. Sergeant Haney left as well, leaving me in the office with Major Moore.

"I know sir I have lost my position and rank. Tomorrow when we are in
uniform I will turn in my stripes." I told the Major.

With a hint of a smile on his face the Major said; "Mr. Hernandez, that
isn't going to happen. You still have the same rank and position son. We
are going to do other changes though. I want you to select another cadet,
and you two will be responsible for raising and lowering the flag.

Plus Mr. Hernandez, I know you wanted to join the Teams, but right now you
can't due to your injuries. We just won Mid-year Drill and our Rifle Team
has won District. So that means our teams will be going to State. I need
you to get this newsletter up and going. I want the first issue out before
State.

I still cannot make you the editor, but I will make you assistant editor
with a promise the newsletter is yours next year. The Battalion Cadet
Command Sergeant Major will be the editor this year. Please see her and let
her know how you want the newsletter to run. She is the editor, but the
baby is yours to get off the ground. I am depending on you to get it done,
Mr. Hernandez."

I smiled as I said; "Thank you Major. I will not let you down. To be honest
with you, I have given it a lot of thought."

"Good, then get out there and get it done. I asked the Command Sergeant
Major to meet you here after school. She is excited about doing this. She
is a little down. The Battalion Commander and Command Sergeant Major didn't
do well in front of the Promotion Board for Brigade positions" the Major
stated.

I left the office pretty happy with what went down. I was nervous as hell
when I was standing up to Mr. Stone and others. I thought for sure I was
going to be kicked out of school. But I wasn't and instead everything was
settled.

The bell rang and I told Joey all about what had happened in the office. He
was angry at first, and then settled down. He didn't have the same
Assistant Principal due to being assigned our assistant principals by our
last name.

We were both excited to have things to do after school. He got on the Rifle
Team, and I am now putting together the newsletter.

Finally the day ended and I was so excited. Joey and I hurried over our
lockers and grabbed the books we needed. We then headed over to the ROTC
building. Joey went to the range, while I waited for in the main classroom.

The building was busy with drill team members, rifle team member, color and
honor guard members coming in and out. Then the Battalion Sergeant Major
walked in. I knew who she was; a real bitch to say the least. I never met
her, but knew her face by the picture on the board of the Battalion
Staff. We had to know who they are for inspection reasons.

She walked over to me and introduced herself. "Hello Jacob, I am Loraine
Rodriguez, the Battalion Sergeant Major."

"Good to meet you Sergeant Major, I think you can now add Editor In Chief
to your resume."

She laughed at what I said, I just smiled.

"I know it isn't the school newspaper, but I'm hoping we will make it even
better." I said.

"I hope so Jacob, I need to fill my after school projects up for college."
She explained.

We sat there talking at first about what to name the newsletter. We finally
agreed on the name, The Flying Tigers. Our mascot is a tiger, and the teams
are known everywhere as the Flying Tigers. The name was given to our drill
teams because of all the throwing they do in their drills. Our teams get
more points for doing the harder drills, which include a lot of weapons in
the air.

The next thing we had to decide was where we were going to do this. First
of all, we need a base of operations. Since it isn't that big, just a desk
with a computer. We knew the school newspaper wasn't going to let us use
their printing machine to print ours. I already had that solved.

I told Loraine how we were going to get it printed; "When a student gets
ahead in school credits, they are offered to go to Tech High. It gives them
a technical degree along with their high school degree. They do all sorts
of classes, which includes printing business cards, letters, newspapers,
and the like. I don't know what kind of Tech degree that is, but we only
pay for the supplies and that is it."

"Major Moore has told me we had a budget to work with." Lorraine remarked.

"He told me we do, and what it was. If we watch the amount we spend on film
and other things, we can get this done under the monthly budget he has
given us." I said with confidence.

"Then let's get it going Jacob" Lorraine said.

By the time Joey was ready to go, we had already decided what would be the
first stories and how the newspaper was going to be set up. We left the
outline of what the newspaper was going to look like on Major Moore's
desk. Now all we had to do was get other cadets involved.

As the weeks went by, we had the newspaper well under way. Major Moore was
right; Loraine wasn't going to have time to spend on the newspaper. She was
busy with the other teams. So the paper was pretty much mine.

By the third week, the first volume of The Flying Tigers was
published. When we got it back from the printers, everyone was happy with
the final product. We came in way under the budget and had four hundred
copies made, and in color!

At the same time Joey and I were going to the top of the building putting
up and taking down the flag. One morning while we were up there, it was six
thirty in the morning. None of the teachers have arrived yet; just the
school's teams were there at practice.

The key we used to open the door to get to the flag pole on top of the
building was a master key. We didn't know the key actually opened every
door in the school. Joey and I were fooling around, and I tried the key on
another door under the flag pole.

We were both surprised it opened it. We decided to go down and see where
the stairs led it to. When we got to the bottom of the stairs, it opened
into the science labs. But this room wasn't open to the students.  It was
the room that was used to store the equipment and materials for the science
classes.

We started looking around and found large fish tanks full of dead frogs. I
went and open the big metal door. It was a walk in freezer, and inside were
dead cats in bags.

I looked over to Joey and grabbed one of the cats from the freezer. We went
running up the stairs and locked the door. We ran to the one side of the
roof that over looked one of the stair cases going into the school.

"Hey Joey, let's leave the door unlocked, and when the bell rings we come
up here and throw the cat down on the students when they are coming up the
stairs to class." I said in a devious tone.

I started to laugh but Joey wasn't at first.

"We will be caught Jacob, I don't want to get into any trouble" Joey said
in total sincerity.

"First of all the teachers on this floor are already used to seeing us
coming and going through this door. And second of all, it's a cat, no one
will figure out it came from the labs, and if they do, they will think it
was one of the students taking the class. Neither you nor I are taking a
science elective this semester" I said with my sly grin still plastered on
my face.

"Your right Jacob and it would be pretty funny watching whoever's head it
hits" Joey conceded.

We high fived each other, and unwrapped the cat from the bag. I wanted to
dry it out if it was wet. We left it there, and went to practice.

As always Joey got out of practice for us to go and eat breakfast. We ate
really quickly and headed back up to the roof. As we went to the stairway,
there was no teacher in sight.

We sat there waiting for the bell to ring. When it did, we looked over the
wall, and, as we thought, there, looking like little ants, were students,
going up and down the stairway. I grabbed the cat, put it on the edge, and
then pushed it over.


Joey and I started running to the stairs when we heard yelling. As we were
running down the stairs, we slowed down to a casual walk as we reached the
door to the fourth floor hallway. We walked out normally, and again, not a
teacher in sight.

At that point we walked over to the windows going down the stair way on
that side of the building. We both looked out and saw several students
standing there brushing off their clothes, and another guy was just kicking
the poor cat down the stairs.

We started laughing as we made our way down the stairs. We met up with
David before first period. He was angry as a hornets' nest.

"What is wrong David, some pee in your breakfast this morning?" I asked in
total innocence.

"No man, this stupid cat fell off the roof of the building and hit me and a
couple of other kids."

It took everything in my power not to break down right there in laughter,
and then I looked over at Joey, and saw the same thing.

"That damned cat must have wanted to commit suicide or something! Why in
the world would it jump for the top of the roof otherwise?" David ranted
on.

I couldn't hold it in anymore, I just broke down in laughter. As I was
laughing Joey just broke down and started laughing as well. David was just
looking at us like we were crazy. I finally was able to speak between
chuckles. "David, my man, maybe that cat saw your mug and felt it didn't
have a reason to live anymore."

We kept laughing even more. David on the other hand was getting madder. He
was about to blow his top, when I talked again. "David, I don't really
think that cat jumped off the roof. It might have slipped, but committing
suicide? I don't think so. Come on man, lighten up, you were just in the
wrong place at the wrong time."

At that point David finally started to laugh. I never seen that guy angry,
but we couldn't tell him the truth. The less people knew what we did, the
less of a chance of it coming back to bite us. We laughed so hard, it
brought tears to my eyes. We finally were able to stop laughing and headed
to class.

As first period rolled along, David was laughing and joking about what had
happened to him and the other students before class. We got into the
playing around until the teacher asked us to be quiet and study.

During lunch, all the teams were asked to be in the JROTC building for the
last thirty minutes of break. Major Moore got a message to me during second
period I was required to attend the meeting as well.

When we walked into the building, it was packed; not a single place to
sit. So, Joey and I stood along the side of the wall.

Major Moore walked out of his office and began; "Alright settle down now, I
need to have quiet!"

The Team Captains brought their teams to attention, then, put them at ease
to let Major Moore speak.

"Now take you seats please and let me talk for a few minutes. As you all
know we won the Fall and Mid-year Drill Meets and will be heading to
Houston for the State Championship. There is a lot riding on this, and to
add to the confusion there are new rules.

Before, we were allowed to use members from other teams to fill in our
Color and Honor Guards and the Orienteering Team. This year, we need to
have totally separate teams, and that just doesn't help us. We had a short
fall in students joining the program and therefore, fewer personnel for the
teams. We need to get out there to our Companies and get more cadets
involved with the remaining teams.

We already have our Armed and Unarmed Drill Teams filled along with the
Rifle Team. Any of the Spear Team members that are not forming in the units
will be moved into the Color and Honor Guards. The last team I am worried
about is the Orienteering Team. Let's do what we can to get these filled
and trained for Houston."

The teams went to their areas and started talking on how they are going to
help out the other teams. I just stood there wondering why Major Moore
asked me to attend this meeting. As he walked by me, he patted me on the
back and waved for me to follow him. We walked outside of the building.

"Mr. Hernandez, I need your help. We must use every tool available to us to
get the word out. Can we get together a special issue of The Flying
Tigers?" the Major asked me.

"We can, but I don't see what we can say in the newsletter that can't be
put out by the Company Commanders in class" I said with curiosity.

"So how do you figure we can get these teams filled, Mr. Hernandez?" the
Major asked.

After a moment of thinking I told the Major; "Well, Sir, one thing you know
is this class and its teams are for the nerds in the school. When I first
took the class, I only took it to offset PE credits. You made it fun and
more than just drilling in a box.

As of right now, you have a rule that freshman cannot join the
teams. Freshmen are your largest segment of cadets. What I think you should
do is allow them to join your Orienteering Team then up to your Color and
Honor Guards. Make the Drill and Rifle teams the elite teams to shoot for."

The Major had stopped in his tracks looking at me and listening
intently. "That is a good idea, and that way we might be able to keep more
of our cadets the following year. It would take care of my enlistment issue
at the same time. That's why I kept you around. With your keen mind, one
day you will be in my Battalion Staff. Oh, also you do know you are going
with us to Houston. Right?" he more stated than asked.

"No sir, I am not on any of the teams!" I replied honestly.

"No you're not on the teams, but you are running my newspaper." The Major
pointed out.

He patted me on my back and we headed back into the building. He called
over Sergeant Haney and his Team Captains to speak with them. Joey and I
headed out.

After practice we headed home, as I walked through the front door,
Mr. Alvarez asked to speak with me in the den.

I walked into the den, and sitting there were a couple of uniformed
officers and a couple of suits. I just looked around at them and then took
a seat on the chair.

"Jacob, Mr. Gonzalez is the new District Attorney and he came here to speak
with you. I will stay here with you while he talks with you" Mr. Alvarez
explained.

"Jacob, I am sorry for just showing up on you like this out of the blue. I
never make house calls, but in this instance I felt I needed to. You were
stabbed after Christmas is that correct?"

"Yes, but I didn't see who did the stabbing!" I added.

"I know that, we already have the kids in custody and pleaded out. We had
video tape of them stabbing you. We have a problem though, Jacob. When we
were going through the store recordings of that day, we found a face
following you around the store" the D.A. said with obvious concern.

At that point Mr. Gonzalez handed me some pictures. When I looked at them,
it was of the kid that did the shooting at Austin High School over a year
ago.

Mr. Gonzalez continued; "We spoke to the young kids that stabbed you and
finally got them to tell us why they did it. They were picked by this
guy..." He said as he pointed to the picture on the table; "to stab you and
get you out of the way. They figured since the kids were underage, they
would not get in as much trouble as adults would. We then pulled our plea
agreement from them and told them we will prosecute them as adults. Then
they spilled the beans on Aljandro and the gang.

They were after you to get you out of the picture. Aljendro was scared that
we might prosecute him again for the shooting. We had no attention on doing
so until now. They have other plans in the works on getting to you, Jacob.

We need to protect you and pick this guy up. Right now we can't find him,
so it makes him even all the more dangerous. The only problem we have is
that we just don't have the budget to have a protective detail on you. So
we asked for volunteers to give up their free time in order to provide the
protection. We got a few to do so.

Will you please testify for us and once and for all put this guy behind
bars for not only the shooting at Austin high but for the attempted murder
of you twice past the shooting incident?" the D.A. asked ?

TO BE CONTINUED...


{Oh wow it looked like Jacob was finally getting to be a teenager for once,
and now a ghost from the past has come back to haunt him. Will Jacob step
up and finally testify for the State or just walk away as he did before? We
need to keep an eye on the relationship between David and Tom.  It looks
like it is getting stronger or is it? Joey and Jacob are finally living
together and falling more in love with one another. Will Joey's family step
in and mess things up when they find out of the living arrangements? There
is a lot to answer in the chapters to come. Stick around and keep reading
the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am
doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}