Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:00:39 -0400 (EDT)
From: jacobmillertex@aol.com
Subject: Jacob Finding His Way: Chapter 39

{Jacob Finding His Way is based on mostly true events in my life. To keep
the story interesting for the readers, some events now in the story are
fictionalized. 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. There
is sex here and there but in realistic proportion to real life.

Any similarity to any other 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 any way,
shape or form without my expressed consent.}

Written by J.P.G.


		Chapter 39

(GRANDPA AL'S POINT OF VIEW)

After Andy left I headed out to my meeting. I drove downtown as quickly as
possible. I arrived at the Hilton Hotel, parked my car and headed in. The
minute I stepped in I spotted the young men I was there to meet.

Although I had never met these young men before, I could tell they were the
ones I was there to meet by their yuppie suits, slick hair and
briefcases. They were trying to look important, when they had never built a
thing from the ground up in their lives.

I walked on over and patted one of them on the shoulder. "Hello my name is
Alfred Serna. I believe I have a meeting with you gentlemen, Mr. White and
Mr. Stevens."

I looked at them as they smiled back. They presented their hands for me to
shake. Not even a minute later we got escorted to our table. As we walked
to our table they told me who was who.

Mr. Stevens was the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of McDonalds and
Mr. White was the Franchise President. Many don't know that McDonalds
Corporation doesn't own all the McDonald's nation or worldwide. In fact
they allow franchises to use the name as long as they follow strict
guidelines and formulas on everything from the layout and look of a unit to
the paper goods used to line the trays and wrap the sandwiches. These
guidelines are followed to the letter and that ensures that the public is
unable to discern whether a unit is company owned or franchised. It's all
about consistency and PROFIT!

Here in El Paso there are five franchises that own and operate
McDonald's. The way it works, at least the way I understood it, is
simple. McDonald's Corporation owns the land, the building and the
name. Everything in the building is owned by the franchisee.

The Franchisee is subject to everything the corporation sells even if a
particular product isn't any good. All the restaurants must look the same
and be kept up. And, at anytime, the corporation can walk in and pull your
franchise license. That is very rare, but it was happening right now.

All the five franchises went into a biding war with each other. They
started to undermine the rules and guidelines they signed onto. Lawsuits
started to get filed. When that happens, it not only affects the franchises
themselves, but the corporate image. The corporate headquarters was fed up
with it and was ready to pull their franchise licenses.

What had been holding them back on that was a person able to walk in and
buy into the franchise. In order to buy a McDonald's restaurant you must
front two hundred thousand dollars per restaurant. Jacob alone could front
all the money and not even hurt. But I plan to have all three of us get
into this evenly.

Mr. White started off the conversation getting right down to business
saying; "So Mr. Serna, I understand you are very interested in buying into
the McDonald's brand. Let me tell you we rarely have a franchise opening
and for there to be five in the same city is almost unheard of. Because of
what happened here, we only want one franchise ownership per city.

"Right now there are fifteen restaurants here in El Paso. In order for one
person to buy up all five franchises they will need to come up with two
hundred thousand dollars per store. We are willing to cut some of that
down. The reason for that is that we have already gotten this fee once
before."

"Still there isn't anyone in this city, or near this city, that can come up
with that amount that is needed to buy up the franchises here."

"What is the total asking amount you want a person to come up with today in
order to take ownership of these stores?" I inquired.

Mr. Stevens got into the conversation this time since we were talking about
hard-core money matters; "Well it isn't just the amount we want right
now. We don't want it done through loans from a bank. If you default on the
loan the bank will take over and foreclose on the restaurants. If that
happens our corporate image hurts. People will start thinking we are going
belly up. You need to have the money in the free in clear."

"I understand that part! I ask again, what is the amount you are asking for
in order for one person to step in and take over all five franchises
today?" I said showing bit of mild irritation when my question wasn't
answered directly.

"Our regular price to buy up these five franchises would be three million
dollars. But again we have collected that amount already. We are willing to
knock off five hundred thousand of it if you have the rest today,"
Mr. Stevens said finally answering my question.

"Mr. Stevens let me say this right at the beginning. I have done well with
money all my life because I know businesses. If you are willing to take off
five hundred thousand at the get go, another five hundred thousand will be
no problem."

Mr. Stevens looked over to Mr. White for a few minutes. Mr. White leaned in
and whispered something in Mr. Stevens's ear. I really don't like when
grown ups act like little children. It goes back to what I said earlier
when I walked in and saw them for the first time. They never had to work a
day in their lives to be where they are now.

"Mr. White and I need to know if you have the funds to do that. Then
another million and a half for operating capital and an additional half mil
for reserves?"

"I have the money and then some. I just want to get the best deal I can and
assurances that you will not come down and pull our franchise licenses as
you are doing right now to these folks."

"Mr. Serna, these folks seriously broke the terms of the contract they
signed when they got their franchises. They were all given numerous
opportunities to get things back on track. I worked with all the parties
personally to try and resolve this situation. The paper trail to verify
this is available for you to review. As long as you don't break the rules,
you will never have anything to worry about," Mr. White stated.

We sat at that table for the next hour discussing in detail what the rules
were. I had no problem with any of the rules that would be in the
contract. I let them know I would have my grandson on the contract as
well. They seemed to not have a problem with that.

The reason I didn't ask about Joey wasn't that I was ashamed of him. It was
just that I didn't want to invest his money in the same venture as
Jake's. I wanted something that Jake owns by himself. The money that is
made will be there for both of them to use, but I want this in Jake's name
only. I will do something different for Joey.

Once we settled on the price and the details of the contract, we called the
waitress over to order drinks to close the deal. The paperwork will be sent
to the law firm I put on retainer for Jake here. Now they will be the law
firm in charge of all our legal matters personally and with our new
business interests.

"Well it looks like we have a deal here. You will be the only franchise
here in EL Paso, Texas. If we open another restaurant here it will be
yours. We are talking with Wal-Mart about putting McDonald's in all their
stores. Those will be yours as well," Mr. White stated sweetening the deal
a bit more.

"So that is why you are asking us to have a million dollars in the bank so
that anytime you can come in and put in another store?"

"Yes that is one of the reasons. We will talk with you ahead of time to
give you plenty of time to get the money together. I am pretty sure you
don't like to touch your savings if you don't have to."

You are correct there, but again, with my grandson and me, we have enough
money. You don't have to worry about that with us. I am doing this
investment because the stock market isn't doing so well right now. Physical
property and business is the best way to go. Either we run them right or
not. The success is on the owner of the business."

We drank a couple of beers before we parted company. The contracts would be
sent by over night Federal Express, which meant that I needed to have my
attorneys ready to look at them tomorrow and be ready to sign by Monday.

When I walked out of hotel I walked down the street to my attorney's
office. They were in the Well's Fargo building about five blocks away from
the Hilton Hotel. I didn't know if they would see me since I didn't have an
appointment.

The minute I told the secretary who I was, she called the firm's senior
partners. I have never met with them before. I just wanted to meet with the
same attorney I had been dealing with for years here.

"Mr. Serna please come in to our conference room. My name is Theodore
Roberts and this is Franklin Scott and Arthur Bailey. We are the founding
partners of this law firm. You have thrown us a lot of business through the
years. We have been wanting to meet you for awhile now."

"I plan to throw you a lot more business, but first where is Dale Mason? I
have dealt with him the entire time since I have been doing business with
your law firm."

"He is in court right now. He will still be your contact person with
us. Still we will be poking our heads in from time to time. Please let us
be of service to you. What is this other business you are talking about?"

I laid it all out on the table for them. As I explained things to them the
situation became clearer and the smiles on their faces got bigger and
bigger. At one point I thought their smiles might actually go around their
entire heads. It actually looked like it could have happened once I
finished telling them everything.

"If you stay with us I promise you will get the best our law firm has to
offer. In fact, you will be among our largest clients. You have the
contracts delivered to us tomorrow. I promise to have our team of business
lawyer's here working on them over the weekend so they will be ready for
you and your grandson to sign Monday."

"We want you to have the best deal. Also we want to make sure there isn't
anything in small print that will hurt you. If we find anything, we will
call you first and then them. By the time it is done, you will have
everything that has been promised and all the protections you need."

I already had the contract being delivered here. I just came down to give
them a heads up and that is what I told them. When I walked out I felt more
confident that I was making the right decision with Jacob's and my
money. This investment will always pay off no matter what the economy
does. I did my research; when the economy gets tough, people still have to
eat and they spend their money more wisely at places like McDonald's rather
than higher priced places.

 (ANDY'S POINT OF VIEW)

I can't believe what just happened to me. Am I ever going to get a break
here? First I am losing my family. Isn't blood supposed to be thicker than
water? Why can't they understand I love Normal and in time she will see
that Jacob is a guy you want in your corner, not as an enemy. I love my
brother so much; I don't want to be hurting him.

Right now I have to deal with this damn car crash! What is it, a sign or
something? Am I making all the wrong decisions in life right now or what?
Is this the way I am being told to wake up and see what is in front of me?

I sat there in the emergency room waiting to be discharged I couldn't help
but think about what I needed to do. Normal was going to have to deal with
Jacob and my family. If she really loves me, she will take everything about
me. From my drug use to my gay brother and all the way to my family! Trust
me when I say I come with a lot of baggage.

"Andy Hernandez my name is Dr. Michael. I know your brother Jacob very
well. In fact I am one of the doctors that did surgery on him after he got
shot. I was the doctor on duty that went in and did what needed to be
done."

"Since I recognized you when I got called down here, I called Jacob's
house. You didn't have any numbers in your wallet or a contact card. You
grandfather is the one that answered the phone and he is coming down for
you."

"You don't look pleased about who I called. I'm sorry if I upset you, but
you have no contact card in your wallet in case of an emergency. Your
address on your driver's license is the same address as Jacob. I assumed
you live with him."

"No, that is fine Dr. Michael. It is better for you to call my grandfather
than my finance. I was in her car when I got into the accident. She isn't
going to let me forget this one. I am really not in the mood for a fight
tonight."

"Well if it puts you at ease the police ticketed the guy that ran the red
light and hit you. They have his insurance information for you on the
police report. As much as I can gather your finance's car is totaled, but
will get replaced by that guy's insurance.

Let me get you all the information the police left for you and your
paperwork for your discharge. You will have couple of prescriptions to
fill, and you'll be laid up for a couple of weeks. Still, you will live
young man. Your family seems to be the luckiest family on earth."

Dr. Michael walked out of the bay as a nurse walked in. She undid my IV and
handed me my clothes in a bag. As I pulled them out to put them on I found
that they cut my pants and shirt. I really had nothing to wear.

"You can wear home what you have on since your clothes are all ripped and
pretty much no good."

"No need nurse. I brought some clothes for him. I know they will fit
because it is a t-shirt and some sweats."

"Grandpa thank you so much! I can't walk out of here with my butt hanging
out for all to see." My grandpa handed me the clothes as the nurse
left. "Thank you for coming after how we left things. I know I really
haven't been a good grandson, brother, or simply a person altogether."

"You have nothing to worry about Andy. I have told you this in the past and
I will never change. No matter what you do I will always love you and be
here for you. I may not love who you marry, but you are always my grandson
and nothing will change that."

I smiled up at my grandpa as I got up to hug him. Although we are not a
hugging family, I hugged him for a few seconds. Once we let go of each
other I started to get dressed as my grandpa took a seat. As soon as I got
dressed I sat back on the bed.

"I don't know if you are going to stay for dinner or not. So I will tell
you here what I am going to tell the others at dinner..."

"If you don't mind grandpa I would love to stay for dinner. By the way
grandpa I noticed when I drove up the house you guys have been doing a lot
of work to it. By the looks of it, you guys joined two houses together.  Or
am I imagining things?"

As we waited for Dr, Michael to return my grandpa told me what had been
going on. The house next door to Jacobs was his now. He bought it once he
and my grandmother decided to stay here in El Paso.

But there is another house that Jacob bought right behind his. That house
is now Beth's, but it is going to be joined with Jacob's as well. Once all
the work is done, three homes will become one.

"So basically Jacob and you are building a mansion. Although he gave the
house to Beth, it is one house once it joins his. Then your house got
joined to his, making it again one house. Jacob will have a mansion once it
is all done."

"You are getting this all wrong Andy. Jacob didn't set out to do that. In
fact he did buy the house for Joey's mother, but she didn't want it. She
will live in it, but it is Jacob's. So to make it easier for her to get
from that house to his, we decided to join them with a pool in the
middle. I am the one that wanted my house part of his.

This way we all can live as one happy family. So yes, in one way you are
right. It is going to be a big mansion once it's done. In the other you are
wrong. Jacob didn't plan it to be this way. It just happened."

 I just nodded to my grandpa feeling pretty bad about what I just said. It
came out all the wrong way. Now that I think about the way I just stated
the house issue it sounds like I was saying Jacob is taking everyone for a
ride. That isn't what I meant to say at all. I just wanted to say to my
grandpa that they were doing well.

Dr. Michael walked in for me to sign my discharge papers. At the same time
he and my grandfather started talking like old friends. I never knew that
my grandfather made friends with Jacob's doctors. I wondered if he talked
to Dr. Whitmore the same way. I know, I know; it isn't any of my business.

"Now Andy you need to rest for the couple weeks. If you do that you will be
like new. Here is the paperwork I was telling you about that the police
left for you. I hope this helps out with your little Miss's."

I shook Dr. Michael's hand as we walked to the waiting room. At that point
my grandfather took the lead. I followed him to his car and as we got in I
noticed the time. That is when it hit me on how much trouble I was in with
Normal.

As we drove up to my brother's house I got my answer about the trouble I
was in with Normal. Hector and Normal were waiting outside in Normal's
mother's car. I figured she couldn't wait to yell at me.

I got out of my grandfather's car and met Normal and Hector halfway between
the two driveways of my brother and grandfather's houses. Before I could
say a word Normal slapped me across the face.

"How could you crash my car Andy? One time, just the one time I loaned you
my car you go and get into a car accident! My mom told me last night not to
loan you the car, but I didn't listen. Now look where that got me; no car!"

"Normal, the car wreck wasn't my fault. Look the police cited the other
driver. They got his insurance information. He has to pay off your car. He
ran his red light, not me. I wasn't out there looking to get into a car
accident."

"Bullshit Andy, nothing but bullshit! You can't even imagine what has been
going through my mind once I heard you got into a car accident. You
grandfather calling over to my house to let my mother know that you were in
the hospital. Why in the world didn't you call me instead of your
grandfather?"

"It wasn't me that called my grandfather, it was the doctor. The doctor
recognized me from a couple of years ago when Jacob was in the hospital. He
was..."

"I don't want to hear your brother's name being mentioned. I don't care who
recognized whom here. You should have called me not your grandfather. This
family doesn't give a shit about you and you know that. Now get in the car
and we will continue this conversation on the way home."

"Normal, you know what I have been thinking? I have had several hours to
think today as I lay in the hospital. To tell you the truth you are right
in part, but mostly you are wrong in general about my family.  The one that
has been around the last couple of months is the one that kicked me out. My
mother is the one that didn't want to deal with me. So she just told me to
get the hell out of her house. I was fourteen at the time, and that made my
brother and sister even younger then. They never gave up on me Normal. They
just couldn't DO anything at the time. Jacob snuck me in through the window
for months so I had somewhere to sleep at night. He snuck me food from the
kitchen while my mom was asleep. He never once said no until I made him
feel like shit. Yes he is gay and yes he is my brother. I am not going to
tolerate you talking down about him. He has done so much for me and I go
and treat him like shit. You take me the way I am, and that is with my
entire baggage from my mother to my brother Jacob all the way to my drug
problem! You need to take it all like I have taken everything about your
family. Neither of us is from a perfect family."

"We will discuss this when we get home. Get into the car now Andy!"

"No I am not getting into the car. In fact, until you can take my family
and me as a whole I think we need to call off the wedding. Now that I think
about it, we need to just stay away from each other until you can accept
everything. You are not going to disrespect my family any more.  If you
want me as your husband you will straighten up and do as I say."

I handed Normal the paperwork I got from Dr. Michael that he received from
the police. That meant that she could be the one taking care of getting her
car either fixed or paid off and replaced.

She looked totally unhappy as she actually stormed off. Hector shook his
head as he turned and followed his sister to the car. I know now I should
have done this since the day she started with all the crap about Jacob. He
is my brother and I need to be there in his corner as he has shown me many
times in the past that he is in mine.

Just as Normal sped off, my mom and sister drove up. I looked over at my
mom as she put her arms up in the air in gesture of what was going on. I
just shook my head back and forth.

Marie got out and ran up to me. She wrapped her arms around me really
tight. I couldn't help but notice for the first time how Marie is getting
to be a stunning young lady now. In fact she is turning into a very
beautiful young lady!

"Where did Normal just go? I thought your grandfather invited the entire
family over for dinner. That does include your soon to be wife Andy?"

"Mom she made the decision not to join us tonight. As far as her becoming
my wife, that is on hold as well. Before you go asking why, I finally saw
the light. I put my foot down with her tonight that she needs to accept my
entire family with open arms or none of us. That includes Jacob!"

"Andy you are going to lose that young lady. She has been here for you when
your brother hasn't been. Just look at the present to prove my..."

"Mom I don't want to hear it anymore! If you don't have anything good to
say about Jacob, don't say anything at all. I am tired of this family being
divided through plain hate because of what Jacob can't help. Now let's go
in and see what grandpa wants to tell us."

My mom tried to say something else, but I didn't allow it. We made our way
to Jacobs's house not saying another word about Normal. Before we could
even knock, Beth opened the door to let us in.

Everyone greeted us as if nothing had been going on. My mother and I have
been trying to cause problems for Jacob and Joey. Still everyone started
talking to us as if we had been here every night and all is as it should
be.

I didn't see my grandfather, Jacob or Joey anywhere. It seemed that Chase
could read my mind because he told me that they were in the study talking
finance issues. Chase looks a little worried about what just left his
mouth. He is the only one here that isn't getting any kind of money from
his parents. That didn't mean that Jacob was going to throw him out.

(JACOB'S POINT OF VIEW)

Joey, my grandfather and I talked in the study for a few minutes. He needed
to tell us first what he was going to tell the family. Once I heard the
news I couldn't believe he did what he did. I am not mad at all. In fact I
love the idea of owning the McDonald's all around town.

Just as we walked out, I saw everyone making their way to the dining
room. Tonight my grandfather wanted to eat in the dining room. Normally we
only eat in this room for special occasions or the holidays.

I hugged my mom, sister and brother as we started to take our seats. Beth,
with help from my grandmother, was still bringing the food out of the
kitchen. Once the last tray of food got placed on the table, Beth and my
grandmother took their seats.

Everyone looked over to my grandfather to see what he needed to tell
us. Why he called for all the family to be here. Chase, David and Tom were
surprised to be included in this group but they have become family to me.

"Ok, ok, I know you all want to know why I needed to speak with everyone
tonight. Well to start with it isn't bad for anyone. I needed to talk with
Jacob and Joey because it concerns them mainly. Now that they are onboard,
I can tell you all.  I know you all have been worried for several days now
that I had liquidated all of Jacob's investments. All the indicators I have
been seeing aren't good for the stock market right now. In fact it is
pointing to a huge drop in the market in the months to come. We don't want
to get caught in the middle of that since we really are little people
compared to the other investors in the stock market.  So today I closed a
very important meeting that will secure my grandson, Joey and me. I
stumbled across a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy several
restaurants. These restaurants are not just hole-in-the-wall types. You are
looking at the owners of all the McDonalds locations in El Paso."

I looked around the table to see the faces of everyone including my
mother. They all look stunned by the news. I really liked the investment
because the money we spent at the McDonald's today will come back in the
first year and then some.

"We take over ownership of the McDonald's at the first of the month. But
that doesn't mean once we do that you guys can get free Big Macs and
fries. Maybe a family discount, but not free!"

We all laughed at what my grandfather just said. Nothing more needed to be
said or got said on that subject. We started to eat dinner and talk about
school or other things. We all are looking forward to the upcoming holidays
that are just weeks away.

Joey and I have gone through a lot this year. In fact we have gone through
a lot since we got together. I wonder if we will ever get a time in our
lives that we can just be us. No worries of being beaten up, or threatened,
or sick. I really hope that day is coming.

Andy seems to be enjoying himself. My mother on the other hand was giving
Joey dirty looks every time she looked at him. I know Joey, and he isn't
going to take much more of the dirty looks she was giving.

"Hey grandpa I don't think we have to worry about anyone walking into the
house tonight trying to pick a fight with me or Jacob. What do you think
grandpa?"

A shot fired by Joey across the bow of my mother. She just looked at Joey
with eyes shooting out daggers. I couldn't help but laugh at what Joey
said. Everyone at the table joined into the laughter except Andy.

I forgot that he didn't know about the fight I had with the guy my mom sent
in here to separate me and Joey. Now that I think back at it all, it is
really funny. It's like a soap on day time television, "In the Life of The
Hernandez's".

After dinner we all helped Beth and my grandmother clean up. Once all the
dishes got done, the dinning room got cleaned; we all went to watch some
television. As I walked with Joey and Chase, my grandfather was pulling my
mom into the study. I really didn't want to be in that room, even as a fly.

Joey cuddled up into my chest as we lay on the floor in front of the
television. I didn't notice Andy walk up behind me. I felt someone behind
me and I turned my head to see Andy looking at me. He looked like he needed
to talk with me really bad. Just the look on his face was making me feel
for him.

"Jake I hate to ask you, but I need a place to crash. Normal and I are on
the outs right now. I don't even know if I even have her anymore or even my
belongings." Andy whispered in my ear.

I turned my head where only he could hear me speak. "You never have to
explain a thing to me big brother. This house is always open to you. You
always have a room in this house whenever you need it. Your room will
always be your room."

Andy smiled and tried to hug me, but due to Joey leaning into my chest, it
was a half hug. Andy got up from the floor and headed to hang with Chase. I
knew those two got along because they have a lot in common with each
other. You know, women!

I didn't notice the clock when I walked in there, but it had to be at least
forty-five minutes since my grandfather pulled my mom in to the study. She
must be putting up a fight over why she did what she did. Still nothing
excuses her for pulling that stunt.

Maybe another ten or so minutes passed when my mother and my grandfather
walked out and joined us. I looked over to them trying not to turn my head,
just taking side glances out of the corner of my eyes trying to figure out
what had happened in there. At the same time I don't want my mother or
grandfather catching me looking at them.

With the glare of the television I finally got a good look at my mother for
a few seconds. It looked like she had been crying. She had puffy red eyes,
her makeup was smeared under her eyes. My grandfather must have laid into
her pretty hard.

The one thing I know about dealing with my grandfather is that you don't
want to piss him off. Like I mentioned before, my grandfather is more like
my father to me. Remember he stepped in after my father and mother
separated.

I remember a time when Andy and I were maybe eight or nine at the
oldest. We were still living back home in Cheyenne Wyoming in a mobile on
the south side of town. The land was cheap back home so we all had very
large yards.

The mobile home behind us never cut their grass. I am not stretching when I
say their grass was actually taller than me at the time. Well anyway, me
and my brother went out to the back yard and started playing with
matches. We all do that when we are young.

So here we are lighting match after match laughing and then blowing them
out. As we blew out the matches, we tossed them on a paper bag we laid down
between us. One match was still lit when it landed on the paper bag. You
don't need me to tell you what happened to the paper bag.

 What we did next would surprise you. Andy and I freaked out and really
didn't know what to do. So we grabbed the burning paper bag and tossed it
over the fence. We ran into the house and acted like nothing happened.
Just as we ran in, my grandfather was pulling up. He ran and got the hose
at the side of the house and put out the fire. He walked into the house
with his lunch box and he was pretty angry. He laid down his lunch box on
the coffee table and walked over to us.

We knew we were in trouble just with the look on his face. Nothing was said
because he caught us. So we got up and walked to his room. He pulled out
his belt while we pulled down our pants. I'll just leave it to your
imagination with this as the ending of this story; we, literally, couldn't
sit for days after the whipping we got from my grandfather that day.

I know my mom didn't get a whipping from my grandfather today. I just told
you our story so you know that you really can't get away with anything with
my grandpa. Just his talking to you in his angry tone is enough to set you
straight.

(CHASES'S POINT OF VIEW)

After Andy spoke with Jacob, he and I decided to go outside to talk. I know
Andy is confused right now about what to do with Normal. She isn't willing
to deal with Andy's family. And for now, Andy is the only one that can
decide what to do with her.

I did my best to stay away from the subject, but it was hard. Over the
years since I have known Jacob, Andy has become a brother to me as
well. When I see him hurting, I hurt with him.

"So Andy, isn't that neat what you're grandpa did with Jacob's money? Now
they own all the McDonald's here in El Paso. Who knew that would ever
happen? I surely didn't ever think Jacob would ever own any kind of
business."

"You're right on all that, Chase. I have always known Jacob was and is a
very smart guy. With the help of my grandpa, these two are going to get a
lot of things done. Now I wonder what else the guys are going to buy. "

Andy and I sat there and talked to each other in the backyard. No matter
what Andy says he was bothered by his fiancée not being able to accept
Jacob. He knows either Jacob or his fiancée are going to have to break down
and be the bigger person. In my mind the bigger person will be Jacob like
always.

Andy as well feels bad that the only time he talks with Jacob is whenever
he is in trouble. Like tonight he spoke to Jacob for the first time in
several months and the only reason for that is because he had no place to
stay.

In order for Andy and me to get our minds off his fiancée, I told him about
my girlfriend, Linda. He couldn't believe that I was actually about to
become a father. At the same time he understood why Linda and I decided to
give our baby up for adoption. There was no way we could take care of a
baby and go to school at the same time.

The greatest news is that Jacob and Joey are going to adopt the baby. I can
see my baby every day and not have to deal with Linda. The weird thing is
that Linda isn't fazed one bit about never seeing her child. I know it's a
stupid thing to think about.

"So, tell me Chase, how did Jacob and Joey get involved with you, Linda and
the baby issue?  I know Jacob has a big heart, but still Jacob and Joey are
both still going to school just like you and Linda are. I think the baby
will take a lot of time out of Jacob and Joey's schedule of free time. "

"You know Andy, I thought about that as well, but when I mentioned that to
Jacob, he told me not to worry. Still, like you, I do worry. Jacob is my
best friend and he is already doing a lot for me right now. "

"Yeah, that goes back to what I was saying that Jacob has a big
heart. Sometimes I worry that big heart is going to get him into a lot of
trouble. Not from you, David, Tom, or those in this house. There are others
that know Jacob can't say no to anyone.

Look at all the work he is doing in R.O.T.C. You can't tell me that Major
Moore isn't taking advantage of Jacob. He is just a junior in high school
and he is already running almost everything in the program. Most of that is
Jacob's fault. He just needs to learn to say `no'. "

"Andy, when you are right you are right. Now that Jacob is going to own
McDonald's restaurants, kids he never knew at school will come out of the
woodwork. They will ask him for free stuff during lunch. I will need to be
around Jacob and help him say no."

"Chase I really don't think he will give away anything for free to anyone
he doesn't know at school. Jacob is a lot smarter than that. The reason I
know that is that Jacob wants his McDonald's to succeed. "

I sat there talking to Andy very surprised he wasn't angry about not being
part of what is becoming a family business. I think he knows he has a long
way to go on fixing things with Jacob and his grandfather.

Right now Andy's main concern is getting his fiancée and Jacob in the same
room together so he can go and reschedule his wedding. I really hope that
Andy doesn't ask Jacob for money right off the bat. I think if he does that
he is going to hurt his relationship with Jacob and his grandfather.

How he is going to get his fiancée and Jacob in the same room together
beats me. I don't see Jacob being a problem. The one that will refuse will
be his fiancée, because bottom line, she is one total bitch.

When we heard Andy's mother call for Marie, we decided to go in to say
goodbye to Gloria and his sister. Just out of respect to Jacob I walked in
and said my goodbyes. I have no problem with Jacob's sister, just Jacob's
mother. She has not shown me, or anyone else, that she deserves the same
kind of respect that we give Beth.

After Jacob's mother and sister left we all sat in front of the TV and
watched for a couple more hours before any of us went to bed. When I
finally called it a night, so did Andy. We walked up together to our rooms
talking about the hot women we saw in the movie we just watched. I normally
don't get a chance to speak about the hot girls I see on a TV show or a
movie with Jacob and the guys. I know Andy isn't going to stay for very
long so I will enjoy this little perk while it lasts.

As I walked to my room I looked over to Andy and saw the look on his
face. I think he thought his room was going to be different but Jacob never
allowed anyone to go into that room to change a thing. He always believed
Andy would come back.

(JACOB'S POINT OF VIEW)

I never asked, nor did I ever want to know, what happened in the study with
my grandpa and my mother. One thing I have learned is that nothing will
ever change the way my mom thinks about my lifestyle and me. So I need to
always be on alert for wolves in sheep's clothing. I know that is a bad way
to live.

Within a blink of an eye the weekend was over and school had started
again. In most classes we started to study for our six weeks exams and our
semester exams at the same time. I always found it odd that they give us
two major exams days apart, because nothing is really different from our
six weeks exam to our semester exams.

The only class I was looking forward to was R.O.T.C.  Basically, we are
juniors now, and there isn't much more to learn so we don't really have to
study with the sophomores and freshmen. I couldn't help but think back to
when I told Major Moore how unfair it was when he had his drill team and
rifle team in a small classroom. I am now spending my class time in the
small office. I can't stop thinking what the freshmen and sophomore cadets
are thinking about me.

Major Moore called me into his office the minute after roll call was the
done. There was no question why he needed to talk to me. I had not told him
that I had already dealt with the banner for the Thanksgiving parade.

"Mr. Hernandez what in the world is going on with the banner? You have not
come to me after the last time we talked about this issue. This is not the
kind of leader I thought you were. It seems that you are getting lazier by
the day. "

I couldn't believe what Major Moore just said. With everything I have been
doing since I had entered this program he had not changed one bit. In fact
I thought I was getting a lot better at everything from the newsletter to
my position as Battalion Commander.

"Major Moore every time I have tried to talk with you, you are running out
the door to a meeting. Maybe I should start doing is leaving you notes on
your door. That way you'd not be wondering if I'm doing what you asked me
to do.  As far as the banner is concerned I have already ordered it and it
should be here no later than Thursday of this week. That is almost two
weeks ahead of schedule. I cleared the banner with our sponsor. So there
will be no questions about whether of not our sponsor will like the banner
after it is done. "

"Good job Jacob and you are right about me always running out to a
meeting. What we should do for now on is to put an in box at the entrance
of my office. I have not been getting any updates from my Battalion
Staff. That isn't you guys' fault; it's mine."

"No problem Major Moore I certainly understand how it feels running around
like a chicken with your head cut off. Now I will make sure to inform you
about any thing you might have missed during any meeting I am part
of. Basically that should be my job as Battalion Commander. "

I sat down and started to discuss who was going to march in the
Thanksgiving parade with Major Moore. In the past it has always been the
drill team and rifle team. I have no objection to what was done in the
past, but we need to start awarding other accomplishments in this
Battalion. Major Moore agreed with me and asked me to make a list of the
others I felt deserved to march in the parade representing our Battalion.

The next thing on the agenda was the formation of next semester's
Battalion. I remember what a bitch it was at the beginning of the year. We
had too many officers in one class and too many non-commissioned officers
in the other classes. This time we want to make sure this doesn't
happen. The enrollment increased for next semester. We might even have
enough to form an entire new company.

I asked Major Moore for next semester's roster. That way I would be ahead
of the game. I can take a look at whom we have in what class. If we are in
the same spot as we were at the beginning of the year I can go to the
registrar's office and correct it before the students' schedules are
printed and given to them.

Normally there are no promotions in the middle year and this year wasn't
going to be any exception the rule. The Battalion Staff was well staffed as
well as the Company staffs. So we had one less worry too worry about.

Major Moore and I left the office at the same time. I went into the large
classroom and Major Moore left the building. Joey split the class into
groups to study. We had found in the past it makes it easier for each
person to learn in a small group.

The rest of the week ran about the same way as Monday. Nothing but studying
in each class was getting old. Don't get me wrong I like school, but come
on, studying in each class for six hours a day can even put the dead to
sleep.

While I was at school, my grandfather was putting everything together to
take over the McDonalds's. He had already had several meetings with the
outgoing owners. By what my grandfather has told me, the meetings haven't
gone so well. He has been dealing with angry people not wanting to accept
they had lost everything they had worked for all their lives.

To tell you the truth I could understand where they're coming from. A group
of people walking into town and pulling my livelihood away! I would be
angry too, no doubt about it.

By Friday my grandfather and I took several tours in several of the
McDonald's we were going to own. It seems that the regular employees look
more worried than the actual management staff does. It should be the
management staff that is worried. At this point we don't know if we are
going to keep any of the management on.

Basically it was the management that had nearly destroyed their
restaurants. Every single McDonald's restaurant here in El Paso was built
to be million dollar net income stores. That is money that is taken home,
every year, per store, after all the bills and taxes have been paid. But in
the last two years the stores have suffered from embezzlement committed by
management staff.

That alone was the main reason my grandfather was really thinking of
getting rid of all management, because they don't know which manager is the
one that is stealing from stores. There is no way we are going to take any
chances.

After touring the stores my grandfather and I headed home. I know Joey
wanted to go, but he has a football game tonight. I wish I were there to
support him while he played. Still Joey understood that the tour needed to
be done.

Just like the weekend before, it flew right by. The only thing that
actually happened during the weekend was a fight between Andy and his
fiancée. She demanded for him to go with her or it was over between
them. What surprised me the most was that Andy put his foot down with
Normal. It actually made me feel great because finally he was standing up
for me to his fiancée. Actually, I'm really glad to see him standing up for
what's right and not letting her run rough shod over him. No relationship
can grow without respect flowing equally in both directions.

Still, Normal kept coming around on Saturday and Sunday making trouble. She
demanded that Andy come home by standing outside yelling at the top of her
lungs. It got to the point on Sunday afternoon one of the neighbors
actually called the police. None of us actually went outside to tell the
police that she was my brother's fiancée.

The thing I don't understand about Normal was why she couldn't understand
that none of us chooses this kind of life. I have said it over and over
again; I'm not going say it again. People like her (and my mother) will
never understand.

(NORMAL'S POIINT OF VIEW)

I don't understand why Andy wants to stay in the house with his gay
brother. Every time we talked about it, it seemed that he disliked it as
much as I do. Now he is over there acting like nothing ever happened
between him and his brother. I need to prove to Andy that he is being
pulled the wrong direction.

After the police asked me to leave Jacob's house I decided to go to
Gloria's house. I needed to talk to her to help me get things right with
Andy. If anyone can help me, she could. I know she hates Jacob as much as I
do even though Jacob is her son.

The minute I drove up to Gloria's house, I got out and walked to the front
door. Gloria told me that I never needed to knock whenever I showed up at
her house. So I just walked in and headed over to the living room. That is
where I knew I could find my soon-to-be mother-in-law.

Just as I walked into the living room, Gloria looked up at me. At this
point I started to cry. Andy is really hurting me and I don't know how to
fix this problem between him and me. I hope Gloria can find a way through
this mess that Jacob has created.

"Normal, what are you doing here? Where is Andy and why in the world are
you crying?"

"Gloria I don't know what to do. Jacob is really causing me a lot of
problems with Andy right now. He is brainwashing Andy and there is nothing
I can do about that. Please Gloria, can you help me?"

Gloria got up from the couch and walked over to me. She gently grabbed a
hold of my hand and guided me towards couch. I was crying the whole way
over, not able to control myself anymore! I was so embarrassed right now I
can't believe I'm letting Jacob do this to me. Never have I let a guy make
me cry, much less a gay one.

"Look sweetheart there is really nothing I can do for you right now. My
father will take Jacob's side on everything no matter if it is right or
wrong. Until my father sees what Jacob is, there is really nothing I can do
when it comes to Jacob."

"Okay I understand that Gloria, but what about Andy? He listens to you no
matter what happened between you two, he listens to you. I need your help;
there is no one else I can turn to."

Gloria sat there explaining to me why she couldn't help me. I couldn't
believe that her own father would actually believe the grandson over the
daughter's word. For sure Jacob has everyone at that house brainwashed.

As Gloria spoke to me I decided the only way to get Andy back from Jacob is
to actually either hurt or go as far as killing him. No matter which
direction I go, I'm going to need my brother and his friends to help.

After we talked I stayed for dinner with Gloria and Marie. Marie doesn't
look like she really likes me because of the looks she has given me across
the table as we eat. I think that she is taking Jacob's side.

After supper I said my goodbyes to Gloria and Marie and headed home. All I
could think about as I drove home was how I could get Andy back. I really
wish it wouldn't come down to me either hurting or killing Jacob.

(JOEY'E POINT OF VIEW)

After dinner I helped my mother clean up the kitchen and put away the
dishes so she could go home. I heard her talking all day long about a movie
she wanted to see on the TV tonight, so I wanted to make sure she got home
early enough to change and relax before the movie started.

Since the walkways had not been built between the two houses, we each took
turns walking my mom and sister home. My sister already left earlier saying
something about her boyfriend coming down to pick her up. That was all I
could gather from her as she walked out the door.

I told the guys I would walk my mom home tonight. I knew there was
something on her mind because she really didn't talk much as we walked
between the yards and I knew it had something to do with me.

"Mom what is bothering you right now? You are being way too quiet."

"Look Joey I know you love Jacob with all your heart and I don't want to
get in the middle of anything between you two. This thing of him at his
grandfather buying the restaurants without you as a named partner is really
bothering me."

"Mom, Jacob's grandfather explained all that to us before he came out and
told all of you everyone about the restaurants. I understood where he was
coming from not including me as part owner. He has no say regarding my
money like he has with Jacob's money. That is the main reason my name isn't
part of the contracts."

"Come on Joey. You know that is nothing but bullshit. That is nothing but a
copout that Al used and you know it, as well as I do."

I couldn't understand why my mom was talking this way. She knows whatever
Jacob owns I own and the same goes with whatever I own, he owns. I have
never had to worry that Jacob was trying to screw me over.

"Mom I love Jacob but I really trust him. Please mom, believe in me as much
as I believe in Jacob. He will never hurt me no matter what. I have learned
that about him. You don't know all that I have done to him and he has
forgiven me."

"Joey quit thinking that you are lower than scum, because you aren't. I am
to blame for you thinking that way because I should have left your father a
long time ago! I should have left way before he started hitting you, your
sister, and me. The way you grew up in that house is making you think the
way you think now.  When Jacob came into your life, you both were
lost. Although Jacob has gone through a lot more than you doesn't mean he
is better than you. Joey, I love him like a son, but I don't want you to be
taken advantage of."

"Mom, trust me! I am not being taken advantage of. Jacob has given me
everything I ever wanted and then some. So again, please trust me when I
tell you that there is nothing going on behind my back."

Just then we arrived at the back door of my mom's house. She turned and
hugged me before she went in. I know she means well, but there are things
Jacob and I can never do. One of those things is being owners of property
together.

So what my mom told me really didn't bother me, because I know how it
is. On my way back to the house I kept looking back to make sure my mom was
safe in her house. Now I have to worry about her more now than I ever have,
not because of what she thinks about Jacob and his grandfather, but because
she is getting old and she will not have that many more years doing what
she is doing right now.

That is why with Jacob told me he hired Alex's mother to help out around
the house, I was glad. Now my mom has less work to do and more time for
herself. I really hope that she understands she is family, not hired help.

I walked in and headed up to the room to find Jacob already lying in
bed. As I shut the door, Jacob looked up at me with a big smile on his
face. I really don't want to destroy his happy mood.

"So babe what took you so long walking your Mom to her house? It isn't like
she lives several blocks away. I have been waiting for you to cuddle before
we go to bed."

"Sorry Jacob, my mom has me worried. She said some weird things to me on
our way to her house and it kind of got under my skin. I know she is just
looking after me like a mother should do."

"You know Joey I am here if you want to talk. I will never ask you to talk,
if you are not ready. I just hope that our relationship could take anything
that is thrown at it."

"You know Jacob you're right about the relationship, because it can take
anything that anyone throws at it. Just look at everything your mother has
done. We are still standing aren't we, even after all her efforts?"

Jacob started laughing at what I just said. He knows that I am right about
his mom. I didn't say it in order to get him off my back. I said it to make
my point that our relationship is stronger than ever.

"Look Jacob what my mom is worried about is the idea of your name being the
only other name on the contract with your grandpa. I explained to her what
we agreed upon in the study before we went out there for dinner. Still she
didn't seem to be satisfied with my answer. But I know she will live with
it because I am."

"Joey you know why my grandpa did what he did. He has nothing against you
or our relationship. If your mom ever doubts that, all she has to do is
look back to the fact that grandpa is the one person in my family that has
supported us unconditionally from the beginning.  I don't know what your
mom wants, but if she has comments, doubts, or questions she needs to sit
down and talk with all three of us at the same time. Please Joey don't get
mad at what I just said, you know I love you so much I will never, ever
allow anything come between us."

"I know that Jacob you are right and my mom really didn't mean anything by
it. Let's just let it go, because I know she will. Now you were saying
something about cuddling, let's get down to cuddling!"

I jumped into the bed with Jacob and laid my head on his shoulder. He
wrapped his arms around me and started rubbing my stomach. At the same time
he started kissing my forehead. I like when Jacob does that to me.

Before I drifted off to sleep I couldn't help but think how life has been
with Jacob. This guy treats me like a king. I don't know how I ever came to
deserve a boyfriend like Jacob. The only thing that comes to mind is the
Lord is looking down at me.

TO BE CONTINUED...

{Wow! A lot got covered in this chapter. I know when I try to cover several
weeks in one chapter it is kind of confusing. But I don't want to be
stranded in one day of my life of Jacob, his friends, and family.

It looks like Andy finally sees the hatred that Normal harbors. He is now
living again with Jacob and trying to give Normal the benefit of the
doubt. Still Norma isn't making it easy for Andy to do that. But it will be
up to Andy to get Normal to speak with Jacob. I think before that happens,
hell will freeze over.

I wonder what Jacob's grandfather told Jacob's mother in the study that
night. Whatever it was it could not have been good for Gloria. As Jacob
explained she looked like she was crying before she came out all of the
study. I really hope that Al made it very clear to her that she needs stop
everything she is doing as far as causing trouble for Jacob and Joey.

How about what Jacob grandfather did in this chapter? He took the money out
of the stock market that he invested for Jacob and then bought restaurants
with it. McDonald's restaurants of all restaurants to buy! I don't know
about you, every time I pass a McDonald's, it is always busy. So now that I
think about it, it is a good investment.

Joey understood why his name didn't go on the contract, but his mom is
questioning it. I understand from where Beth is coming from, but at the
same time she needs to understand Jacob would never leave Joey out in the
cold. Still if she has problems with the setup of the restaurants, I agree
with Jacob, she needs to talk with all three of them at the same time. I
really hope that Beth will not become a problem in the future.

In the last couple chapters we haven't heard anything about Jeremy. Don't
worry he is still around and will be in the next couple chapters. He is a
great character that many of you have been asking about and I am telling
you, he was not written off.

There are so many plots going on at the same time. I will never get to all
of them in one chapter. David and Tom really were not in this chapter, but
again they will be in the future chapters. As well as Greg, Linda,
Dist. Atty., and other characters from my other two stories. So please
stick around and keep reading.

As always I can go on and on about the open plots in the story! If I do
that, I can actually write several more chapters. There are so many plots
that can take a turn at anytime. You might think it is going to go one way,
but is ends up going another. Don't miss out on anything, or you will be
kicking yourself for it.

There is a so much 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!}

EDITOR'S CORNER:

Yes, there was a lot of ground covered in this chapter!  I hope that
someone gets through to Normal and defuses her. She's a time bomb waiting
to go off when it will do the most damage. I was glad to see Andy get in
touch with his balls!  It's been too long in coming, but at least, and
hopefully, better late than never!

Joey hasn't snapped to an idea yet. Joey leads with the end of his nose
rather than seeing far ahead. He needs to tell Grandpa Al to just take over
management of his assets and do what is right for him. It is not good for
spouses to be bound contractually in a business venture. That can bring
undue pressures that no relationship needs into play. Joey needs to ask
Grandpa Al to find another deal for his assets that will remain separate
from Jacob's. That would also answer Beth's concerns. Yes, gay couples can
jointly own property. It just has to be set up as a BUSINESS
partnership. There are plenty of ways gays can have the same rights,
protections and benefits afforded straight couples.

Ok, I'm dying to know what the conversation between Al and Gloria was all
about. Ok, Jacob, find a way to give us a replay!  We know that Al knew
about Greg and Gloria's plot. We know Al was very angry.  Perhaps Gloria
needs the treatment the boys got for playing with matches!

I wonder what's going on between Marie and Greg...are things warming up and
going in a good direction?

Like Jacob, I could go on for hours, but I won't bore you.  Please let us
hear your thoughts on whatever is important to you in the stories.  Both
Jacob and I relish your e-mails.

Until next time,

"Daddy" Rick