Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:11:50 -0700
From: Jacob Miller <jacobmillertex@aol.com>
Subject: Jacob Finding His Way: Chapter 59

{Jacob Finding His Way is based on mostly true events in his 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.

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 the author's expressed, written consent.}

Written by J.P.G.


Chapter 59

It seemed like a revolving door of people coming in and out of Jacob's
room. As soon as Officer Jackson left, Dr. Whitmore walked in. Dewayne sat
up in his seat thinking that Dr. Whitmore was coming to deliver bad news,
because of the look on his face. After greeting Jacob and Dewayne, the
doctor got down to the reason he was there.

"Jacob the normal stay in the hospital for a transplant is between four to
seven days. It all depends on how quickly the new kidney starts to produce
urine and how often it does. The kidney you got started to produce urine
the evening of the transplant, which is very good. So all we have been
looking at is if the kidney is producing the urine on regular intervals,
which again, it is.

So I will be releasing you from the hospital tomorrow morning as long as
there are no complications through the night, which I don't see that
happening. I also have been wrestling with myself on what to give you as
far as medicine. I have several to choose from, but many are a cocktail of
sorts and that's what worries me. You are already on medicine that you will
more than likely be taking for the rest of your life.

After giving it some thought and seeing how good you are on taking the
other medicine, I am going to put you on a cocktail. This cocktail will
involve three pills, taken daily, which are tacrolimus, mycophenolate and
prednisone. As long as you take these meds, I don't think you'll have any
problems in the future."

"Wow, I can't believe that I am leaving the hospital so soon! I thought I
was going to be stuck in here at least two weeks, if not more. Thank you
for everything Dr. Whitmore, I really do mean it. There is no way I am
going to ever be able to repay you for everything you have done for me."

"Jacob you should know by now there is nothing I wouldn't do to make sure
you stay healthy. We have gone through a lot in these last couple of
years. Not to sound mean, I do hope this is the last time I have to deal
with you under the knife. It just bothers me when I see such a strong young
man sick.

Keep in mind though, I will be seeing you at least once a month until we
are sure that there are no problems with your new kidney. You are strong
guy Jacob, but not invincible. So take this and learn that you can't get
into fights or miss use your body in any way. You take very good care of
yourself and you will live to be a very old man."

Dr. Whitmore shook Dewayne's and Jacob's hand as he left. Neither of the
boys said a word at first. They sat there thinking of the good news that
Dr. Whitmore just delivered. Without a doubt, Jacob knew that he would be
going home tomorrow morning and back to school on Monday; back to a normal
life.

The rest of the day, Jacob and Dewayne talked about what they would like to
do when Jacob gets home. They ended up not deciding on anything for
now. When Jacob gets home, they would play the wait and see game. If he was
up to doing stuff, they would do whatever Jacob was able to do strength
wise.

Before Jacob new it, Al, Gloria, Andy and Marie showed up. Once they
settled down, Jacob told them the news they received earlier in the
afternoon. Just like Jacob and Dewayne, no one could believe that Jacob was
getting out as soon as he was. Putting that aside, they made plans on how
tomorrow morning was going to happen. Since Dewayne was going to stay the
night, he would bring him home. Later in the afternoon, they would gather
at the house and celebrate Tony becoming part of the family and Jacob's
coming home.

Soon after Gloria, Andy and Marie left, the gang walked in. This time Jacob
let Dewayne deliver the news to the guys. Once they heard, they jumped up
high fiving Jacob. When Chase high fived Jacob, he could see that there was
something weighing on Chase's mind. For now, Jacob decided to leave it
alone. Once he was home, he would talk with Chase and see if he could help
his best friend with whatever was bothering him.

Knowing that they didn't have that much time, they planned for tomorrow's
party. Jacob could see that Tony looked uncomfortable about the whole
thing. As he glanced at Tony and Chase, Jacob couldn't help but wonder if
there is something in the water at the house or school, that was making
these two think too much, about whatever was bothering them.

"Tony, this party tomorrow is long overdue. First, we had the trip up to
see Joey, then me being in the hospital. The party tomorrow isn't for me;
it is to welcome you into the family. You know that we have wanted to do
this since you officially became part of the family. So UNCLE Tony, cheer
up and tell us what you'd like in your party."

Everyone started laughing and calling Tony, Uncle Tony. That not only got
Tony in a happy mood, but got Chase talking and fooling around with the
guys too. When they left to go home, Jacob could hear them talking all the
way down the hall. Even when they were at the elevators, Jacob could hear
them playing around.

After the guys left, Jacob and Dewayne watched television for an hour or so
before turning it off for the night. The moment Dewayne crawled into bed
with Jacob he fell asleep. Since all that Jacob had been doing all day
long, for three days, was sleep, he didn't feel tired at all. He only
turned off the television because he saw Dewayne was nodding off to sleep
as they watched it.

Trying to force himself to sleep, Jacob gave up and got out of bed as
slowly and as quietly as was possible. As he walked out into the hallway,
Jacob made sure nothing of his backside was showing. He walked over to the
elevator and pushed the down button. While waiting for the elevator, Jacob
looked around to see where the nurses were, but couldn't see them.

He got on the elevator and pushed floor three as the doors shut. Less than
a minute later, the doors opened again and Jacob got out of the
elevator. Just like on his floor, the nurses were nowhere to be found!
Jacob looked on the wall to see what direction he needed to go, to get to
Alex's room.

Jacob thought that Matt or Franseca would be there, but he found Alex
alone. As he walked in, Jacob could hear Alex snoring softly. Since he had
come this far, Jacob decided to at least sit with his friend for a while;
at least until he got tired enough that he could fall asleep in his own
bed.

Taking a seat, Jacob noticed that Alex's blanket had fallen on the
floor. Confused as to why Alex wasn't awake trying to cover himself with
the blanket in this cold room, Jacob bent down and grabbed the blanket. As
he covered Alex, he could see Alex's chest and stomach since he was
sleeping in his boxers only. Jacob just stared at the area where the
bandage was.

Lifting his shirt, Jacob compared both areas. Leaving no doubt in his mind,
Alex had been cut in the same area that he had. Jacob dropped his shirt and
covered Alex just as the nurse walked in to check on Alex. Jacob looked
over at the nurse and hoped that she wouldn't send him back to his room.

"Young man you shouldn't be here, visiting hours are over. So you need to
leave so my patient can get some rest." The nurse saw Jacob pull up his
shirt and saw that Jacob was the one that got the kidney. "Oh I am sorry; I
didn't know that you were the one who got his kidney. You can stay, but not
too long. Just like my patient, you need to get back to your room to get
some rest."

Jacob nodded his head in agreement, as he sat down. He looked at Alex as he
slept, not understanding why Alex never told him that he was the one who
donated the kidney. If it wasn't for Alex, he would more than likely have
been waiting for a kidney right now, not going home. Jacob grabbed a hold
of Alex's hand and held it tight.

With Jacob holding onto his hand, Alex woke up. At first Alex thought it is
already morning and that Matt had returned. But when he focused on the
figure sitting in the chair next to his bed, he knew it wasn't morning or
Matt. The room was way too dark and the figure was taller and thinner than
Matt. Finally, after a few seconds of looking, Alex realized that it was
Jacob.

"Hey there Jacob, I didn't know it was you sitting there. I thought it was
Matt, because he and my mother are the only ones that hold my hand like
that." He looked at Jacob's face and saw the tears rolling down his
cheeks. "You shouldn't worry about me Jacob, I'm fine, it's you, that we
need to worry about. You just went through major surgery."

"I understand you went through major surgery as well." Jacob trying to get
control of himself, but couldn't. "Why didn't you tell me you were the one
donating the kidney? I had to hear it from a nurse I didn't even know. I
would have liked the chance to talk you out of taking such a big risk. If I
failed at that, I would have liked to have shared a room with the guy
giving me another chance at life. We could have gotten well together and
gone home together.

"That is exactly why I didn't tell you Jacob. I didn't want you to try and
talk me out of it or think that you owed me anything for it. In fact, no
matter what I do for you Jacob, I will never be able to repay you for all
that you have done for me. So please stop crying, I am fine and will be
going home, hopefully tomorrow, as long as I don't open my stitches again."

Jacob leaned in a little closer to Alex. "Listen Alex, there isn't a thing
that you owe me. What happened in the past is just that, the past. We
didn't know each other back then and over time, we have gotten to know each
other. Everything you have right now, from your freedom, to the business,
is there because you have earned it. So I don't want to hear anymore that
you owe me! We are FAMILY, and family does things for each other."

"Thank you Jacob and no matter what you think now, I was a complete ass
when we didn't know each other. I'm grateful that you are a bigger man than
I was and came to my defense when things looked gloomy. From now on, I
won't say that I owe you anymore, but between you and me, I do. I love you
Jacob, because you are the brother that I never had."

Jacob and Alex hugged each other. After getting over the emotional part of
their talk, Alex made Jacob promise him that he wouldn't tell the other
guys that it was him that donated the kidney. He did let Jacob know who
knew, but no one else was to know.

"By the way, I think somehow your grandfather found out. He came down
several times to visit with me when he thought I was asleep. One of the
times, I could hear him whisper to me, but couldn't catch what he was
saying. He also talked with me days before the surgery. He let me know in
his own subtle way how thankful he was."

"That's my grandfather for you. Some that know him, but don't really know
him, they think he's a no nonsense kind of guy. He is totally no nonsense
when it comes to running the business and the work that he does for the
Governor. But he is fair and will always give people a chance and a second
chance and a third chance before he gives up on them. So if he knows, he
will be there for you. You will know that, when things that don't look too
good all of a sudden do."

They sat there talking until the nurse from Jacob's floor came down to get
him. When she walked in angry with Jacob, Jacob and Alex started to
laugh. Not to be mean to the nurse, they just thought it was funny that she
was this angry for Jacob being down there. Never before had either of them
seen a nurse this angry!

Jacob got up and hugged Alex and kissed him on the cheek before leaving his
room. All the way up to Jacob's room, Jacob tried to tell the nurse that he
was visiting the guy that donated the kidney to him. No matter what Jacob
said, the nurse wouldn't smile. She didn't leave Jacob's room until she saw
him in bed.

The whole time that Jacob was gone, Dewayne didn't wake up. Jacob felt bad
that his boyfriend was so beat that he didn't even move once. He settled
in, wrapped his arms around his Dewayne, kissed him on the lips and went to
sleep. Jacob didn't wake up again until he felt someone shaking him.

It took a while for Jacob to focus, but he saw Dewayne smiling back down at
him as he held several bags from McDonalds. Jacob jumped up, rubbed his
hands together as he smiled at Dewayne. He was already tired of hospital
food.

"You read my mind handsome! Ever since I woke up from the surgery, I've had
this hunger I couldn't seem to satisfy. I was glad when Dr. Whitmore moved
me off of the liquid diet, but still, the food they serve here isn't
enough. So I hope you brought enough food to feed an army."

Dewayne laughed as he pulled out two breakfasts deluxe from the
bags. Taking the top off of one, he placed it in front of Jacob and then he
took the top off of his. In no time flat, Jacob ate the entire deluxe.
Dewayne thought that Jacob was going to eat the packaging that the meal
came in!

Right when Dewayne opened his mouth to talk, Dr. Whitmore walked in. Both
of them looked at Dr. Whitmore and couldn't figure out what was going
on. Normally you could read Dr. Whitmore, but not this morning. There was
nothing the boys could read from Dr. Whitmore's face, nothing.

"Jacob I've had a complaint from the evening staff about you. When I got
it, I thought they had the wrong patient, but they said the complaint was
about you. I understand you went out for a little walk last night." Jacob
nodded his head up and down. "I don't see anything wrong with that. Those
nurses need to get a life if they are complaining about that.

Everything is still a go as far as getting you out of here this
morning. Your vitals are really good and I don't see any reason to keep you
here. So, let me get your paperwork done and Alex's as well. That way you
two can leave together. I can also go home and have a weekend with my
wife!"

Dr. Whitmore winked at Jacob as he put the clipboard back on the foot of
the bed. As he walked out, Jacob looked at Dewayne with a big smile on his
face. Then it hit him. Where were the clothes that he was wearing when he
came in here on Wednesday? Since he has woken up from the surgery, he
hadn't thought about his clothes."

"Um, Dewayne..." Dewayne interrupted Jacob. "I know what you are going to
ask me Jacob and I have it covered. When you went into surgery, I took your
clothes. Not really knowing when you were coming home, I carried a set of
clothes for you in the truck. I brought the clothes up when I went out to
get us breakfast.

Now, I would like to know where you went last night. I didn't even know
that you left. That means I must have been dead to the world when you got
out of the bed. Or you were just that sneaky, that I didn't feel you
getting out of bed."

"All I was doing was tossing and turning when we went to bed last night. I
didn't want to wake you up, so I decided to go and visit with Alex. He has
been here the entire time that I have and not once have I gone down there
to say hello. So I went down and we talked until the nurse came down there
to drag me back up to my room."

Dewayne couldn't help himself; he started laughing. In his mind, he saw
Jacob sitting in Alex's room and the nurse walking in grabbing him by the
ear and dragging him all the way back to his room. It would have been a
funny sight if that actually happened.

"Well I hope Alex was given the good news when Franseca or Matt was
here. That way he has some clothes to put on. If not, he will be riding
with us, naked, all the way home Jacob. Every now and then, I have wondered
how Alex looks without clothes. Not that I like him, but I have never seen
a cholo naked before. The tattoos they have should be a site to see."

It didn't bother Jacob at all that Dewayne has wondered how Alex looked
naked. He has wondered that as well and got some of the answer last night
when he saw Alex in bed without the covers. Jacob also knew that he has
Dewayne and there was no one on this green earth that could take Dewayne
away from him.

The nurse brought Jacob out of his thoughts when she came in and started to
unhook the IV lines. When she pulled the IV out of his arm, Jacob knew for
sure he was going home. After she left, Jacob got up, got dressed and sat
back down on the bed. Dewayne crawled beside Jacob and they sat there on
the bed together watching television.

Alex walked in dressed in street clothes and joined Jacob and Dewayne
watching TV. "Hey, I heard that you slipped getting an x-ray the other day
and pulled out your stitches. I hope they stitched you back up good,
because we don't want you to get that wound infected again. One time is one
too many to come back into the hospital for that."

"Yeah they stitched me back up okay, Dewayne. I thought I could be
independent, but the drugs from the surgery hadn't left my body yet. To be
honest with you I am glad that is all that I did. When I fell, I could have
hit my head on the machine or really hard on the floor. Of course,
Dr. Whitmore rushed in and took care of me."

"I knew someone was talking about me because my ears are ringing."
Dr. Whitmore walked in with a nurse. "Well I have you guys all ready to go
and I don't want to see you guys back here in the hospital for ANY reason
again! Here you go, your prescriptions, you both need to fill them today so
you can start taking the meds."

Dr. Whitmore handed the prescriptions to Jacob and Alex while the nurse
asked Alex for his insurance. Alex looked embarrassed when he told her that
he didn't have any. Then the nurse didn't make things better when she kept
asking Alex how he planned to pay for his stay there in the hospital.

"If he needs to pay for it now, I will take care of the bill." Jacob
interrupted the nurse as she pressed Alex for an answer. "There is no need
to give my friend the third degree like that. So give me the bill and tell
me where to go and pay it!"

"Well the cashier's office is closed on the weekends, so we will need to
send you the bill. Once you receive the bill, please submit payment as soon
as you can. That way we can mark this young man's account paid."

"You know I don't understand you accounting people at all. When you walked
in here, you knew he didn't have insurance. I think you did what you did
because you love belittling people because you have the power to do
so. Send the damn bill in the mail and it will get paid the minute I get
it."

The nurse asked for Jacob's information, but Jacob directed her to his
paper work. All the information she needs is on that. Dr. Whitmore stepped
up and asked the nurse to leave the room. He wasn't happy with the way she
handled things, but didn't deal with her in front of Jacob, Dewayne and
Alex.

"You guys are all set, so get on out of here and enjoy your weekend. Don't
worry about the bill; I will get everything handled over here Jacob. Just
go home, relax and don't do anything that will pull out your
stitches. Either of you!" Dr. Whitmore looked at Alex. "Mainly you Alex,
you know what I am talking about young man. You behave yourself and I
shouldn't see you again before your normal visits."

The boys thanked Dr. Whitmore and shook his hand before walking to the
elevator. When they got out of the hospital, they headed over to Walgreens
to get their prescriptions filled and then home. Dewayne kept Alex looking
at magazines while Jacob paid for Alex's meds. Jacob made a mental note to
get Alex on his company insurance so he was covered. As a matter of fact,
he extended that thought to Franseca and Alex's brothers. They should be
covered as employees. That was an oversight, that Jacob would correct.

When they got home, Al, Virginia, Tony, Franseca and Alex's little brothers
were waiting at the door to greet them. After hugging and greeting each
other, they walked into the kitchen where Franseca had a small snack
prepared for them. As they ate, Jacob and Alex talked about how good it was
to be out of the hospital.

Immediately after they finished eating, it seemed that everyone was back to
business as usual. Al asked to speak with Jacob in the study while the
others went to get ready for the party. Pretty much everything had been set
up, so there was no need for them to help in that area. Tony tried to hide
his excitement about the party, but everyone could see right through
him. He could barely keep himself from jumping around.

"Jacob I know you just got home, but I need to talk with you about a couple
of things before everyone gets here." Al sat down in the chair next to
Jacob. "I understand you offered the training position to your instructor
that just retired from teaching ROTC. I have no problem with that, but are
you sure? You and he didn't see eye to eye on things while he was your
instructor. If you guys can't get along, it will be hard."

"Grandpa, he is very good guy that needs something to do. It isn't that
hard to train people to work in our stores. While we set up the training
floor with cash registers, grills and everything else, Major Moore can be
at the stores learning first hand. He will get trained by the store
managers before he trains new employees."

"Again, I have no problem with that at all Jacob, but I understand he will
be doing all the training for our company as well as Dewayne's and
Tony's. He has never worked this kind of job before and we are asking him
to train others to do so. It's kind of like the blind leading the blind
here. I hope you see where I am coming from Jacob."

"I do grandpa and I did give it thought before asking him. No matter who we
put in this position, they won't know everything about our stores. That is
why we will send him off to train in the stores before he trains new
employees. He will get certified to train in the area of training others to
sell alcohol and cigarettes. I know that the trainer for the company needs
to be certified in that area in order to certify others to sell that
stuff. But no matter who we chose for this position, they would need to go
through the same thing.

Also, you and I both know we are having problems with the management staff
already. We can't take one of them and put them into this position. As far
as the Seven Elevens are concerned, they don't have a person for that
position. So having everything on one floor and using one trainer will save
both companies money. His salary will be split between the two companies
and any other trainers we hire."

"Don't get me wrong, it is very cost efficient doing it this way. Since you
got Dewayne on board with this and I got Tony, the training department will
be run by Major Moore. I just wanted to get your thinking on why you went
this way with that position. Good job and you keep showing me that you
won't have a problem taking over when you do.

Let's talk about the visit you got from Officer Jackson yesterday. First,
I'm sorry that he talked with you before I had a chance to tell you what's
going on. He told me that at first, you didn't like the idea, but
eventually you saw the reasoning behind it.

You have to understand after what happened in the last couple of weeks why
I am doing what I am doing. There are crazy people out there that will do
whatever they can to make quick money. That includes kidnapping you and
holding you for ransom. Also, those places like where Joey was at are in
business and out there still. There's so much evil in this world I want to
make sure you and the rest of my family are protected from it."

"Grandpa there is no need to explain why you did what you did as far as the
security goes. I know when you do things; it's for the right reasons. So
again, don't worry grandpa. I will help as much as I can to make sure
things run smoothly. I know at times I can be a hassle and more than likely
you are getting all your white hair because of me!"

"No these white hairs are your mother's fault! You're a great kid
Jacob. Every chance I get, I tell people about the great grandson I
have. They all think I'm lying, because there couldn't be a person like
you, but I don't care what they think. I know you are the person I tell
everyone you are." Al got choked up as he talked. "Let's stop this talking
and get out there and get ready for the party."

Jacob looked in on Jeremy as he headed up to his room. He found Jeremy
sitting in the middle of his room, on the floor, playing with
Cupid. Although Cupid was Jacob's dog, Jacob didn't mind that Jeremy had
her all the time. With Cupid with Jeremy, it kept both of them from getting
lonely.

Before leaving, Jacob popped in and greeted his brother. Jeremy jumped up
from the floor and ran to Jacob. Not knowing his own strength, Jeremy
pushed Jacob down to the floor as he grabbed hold of him in a hug. Jacob
hugged Jeremy back and didn't mind landing on the floor. He knew that
Jeremy didn't know any better. Jeremy, in his own way, was showing Jacob
how much he missed him and he loved him.

After spending time with Jeremy, Jacob headed to his room. He liked the
fact that now when he lies down beside Dewayne, he didn't have to worry
about connecting himself to any machines. In fact, the machine was no
longer on the bedside table. Jacob looked around but gave up, figuring that
the hospital came down and picked it up already. There were so many other
people out there that need the machine as much as he did.

Gloria, Andy Sr. and Marie arrived before anyone else. They walked in
without knocking and called out for anyone. No one answered, so Gloria and
Andy decided to go and see how far the construction had gone. They were
hoping that it was close to being done so that they could move into the new
house.

As they walked to the back door, they couldn't believe that the back door
was gone. In its place was a long hallway leading to Franseca's part of the
house. Gloria walked down the hall and stopped halfway to look out the
windows. Across the yard was another long hallway like this, which meant
that the hallway must lead to her part of the house. She turned around and
pulled Andy back down to the kitchen.

"What's going on Gloria? I thought you wanted to go and see how our house
was?" Andy felt like an idiot chasing after his soon to be wife.

"That hallway more than likely goes to Franseca's part of the house. Didn't
you see the hallway on the other side of the yard? I think that hallway is
connected to dad's kitchen. Like the hallway we were just walking down is
connected to Jacob's kitchen. Since there's no map of this place, we're
just guessing where we are going."

Andy looked closer at the kitchen and realized that he must have been blind
when he walked through it before. The kitchen was double the size than it
was before. The construction workers joined the two kitchens together to
make one. All new appliances and a huge table where there once was the
other kitchen.

"Hold on Gloria, look they have joined the two kitchens together
already. We don't have to walk around the house to get to dad's
kitchen. All we have to do is walk across the kitchen to the other
hallway. Man, what they have done in here is really nice. I like the island
here in the middle and everything else. I don't know who created this but I
can tell you, it's a one of a kind kitchen."

"I didn't even notice that the work had gone this far. Now I am wondering
what else they have done between the two main houses. Did they join the
dining rooms and living rooms together? Since it is one house now, it does
make sense to do that."

Before looking at the rest of the main house, Gloria and Andy walked down
the hallway that connected the house they were going to be living in, to
Al's house. Just like the other hallway, it had windows all the way down to
look into the yard, with a door in the middle of the hallway that lead into
the yard. On the other side of the hall, there were not as many
windows. Gloria figured they didn't put as many windows on that side
because this side of the hall is facing the neighbors.

As they walked into their part of the house, they couldn't believe how nice
it looked. Everything had been redone from top to bottom. Brand new floors
in the kitchen and bathroom, and brand new carpet in the rest of the house!
It's the exact carpet she chose and wanted in her other house. The kitchen
counters and cabinets were brand new and in the living room were the
built-in book cases that she had asked for, but didn't think her dad was
going to put in. All in all, the house was exactly as she wanted it!

"I can't believe my dad and son did this for us. They were listening to me
when we sat down and I told them what I would like in the house. Every
single thing I asked for, I got. There is no way I am going to move out of
this house ever!" Gloria kept saying the same thing repeatedly as she
walked from room to room.

"Your son and dad really love you Gloria. It shouldn't have taken this
house to show you that. They have stood behind you no matter how much hell
you put them through. Now that you see that Jake and Al don't care about
the past, you can leave the past in the past as well. We have a chance here
to start out new, from marriage to a new house. I suggest we take this
chance and make things completely work in our family."

Gloria walked up to Andy and hugged him. She started crying into his
shoulders realizing that what Andy was saying was the truth. She had been a
total bitch, and now she needed to show everyone that she wasn't that
person. Not because of the house, but because no matter what she has done
to her family in the past, they did stick by her.

"Let's head back to the main house and see what else has changed. This
house is so huge now, I can actually get lost in it." Gloria wiped her face
as she laughed at what Andy just said. "There is no doubt that things are
going to be a lot better from here on out. We are going to be living in a
house that is full of love and a hell of a lot of energy."

"That is true and that will get some time to adjust to. Even when I had all
of the kids at the house, it didn't compare to the amount of people that
live in this house. At the same time Andy, I know I am going to love the
hustle and bustle of this place. It will keep me young, not only at heart
but on the outside as well."

Al looked up from the table to see his daughter and son walking in. "I see
you guys took a look at your part of the house already. All the
construction work is finally done and boy, let me tell you it's about time!
I threatened to hold back payment to the damn contractor I hired to do the
work because they were so far behind schedule. Not wanting to lose a huge
payday they assigned several work crews to get them caught up and finish
ahead of schedule for the bonus."

"Dad the house looks beautiful! The work you guys did will definitely, make
this house one of a kind. Not just on this block, or this town, but I can
say in this state. People from all around would love to have a house like
this. Just don't sell your blue prints to anyone to copy this beautiful
place."

"Trust me sweetheart, there is no way the blue prints of this house will be
sold. We will be living in a house that no one else lives in. All these new
houses look exactly the same and I think that's sad. Where is the
imagination and creativity with our country today? Everything from houses,
to stores and all the way to cars look like they come off of an assembly
line. They build them as fast as they can and move on to the next project."

Just then, the doorbell rang and before anyone could get up to answer the
door, they heard Marie yelling that she would get it. That caused everyone
to wonder why she wanted to answer the door. So they got up and walked out
to see who she had invited to the party.

Gloria surprised Al and Andy when she didn't react the way they thought she
would when the young man walked in. Andy honestly thought that he was going
to have to hold Gloria back when she saw Greg. Instead, Gloria walked down
and greeted Greg as if there wasn't a past between them. As Marie closed
the door, they door bell rang again. When Marie reopened it, she didn't
recognize the couple at the door.

"Come on in Major Moore, it is so good to see that you were able to make
it." Al walked up and extended his hand for Major Moore to shake. "This
beautiful young lady at your side must be your daughter. Hi, my name is Al,
what is your name?"

Major Moore's wife laughed as Al paid her the complement. "You are so
sweet, but you know that I and not so young as to be Joe's daughter, I am
his wife. It's nice to meet you Al and my name is Shanita Moore."

"Well it is an honor to meet you Mrs. Moore and I was not just saying that
you look young, because you do. Welcome, both of you, to our house. You
better grab a seat now before all the boys get back from work. Once they
get here, there will be nowhere to sit."

"Please Al I keep asking you and Jacob to call me Joe and please call my
wife Shanita."  Al nodded his head in agreement to Joe's request. "We are
honored to be here. Thank you for inviting us to this get together. I
understand Jacob is doing well and he is actually out of the hospital
already?"

"Yes he is, but right now he is up stairs resting. Although everything went
well, Jacob does need to rest after a surgery like he went through. No
matter what he thinks, he isn't superman. He needs to rest and get his
strength back before returning to school on Monday. You know as well as I
do that there's a lot of work for him to catch up on."

Joe agreed with Al as they walked into the den. As Joe talked with Al and
Andy, Shanita joined Gloria and Franseca in the kitchen. Both groups talked
about different things and that is why they went into different rooms. None
of them wanted to talk over the others as they talked to each other.

No matter what Jacob did, he couldn't get himself to fall asleep. Right
when he gave up, Dewayne woke up. Jacob looked at his handsome boyfriend,
who was smiling back at him. Jacob turned to his side, as did Dewayne and
they just laid there looking at each other. Dewayne moved his right hand
and started to caress Jacob's cheek.

"You don't know how badly I want to make love with you right now. You are
so handsome I can barely keep my hands off of you anytime we are together."
Dewayne leaned and kissed Jacob on the lips. "It's good to have you back
home. When you are healed, we are going to make love until we can't do it
anymore."

"We will make love all day and night long until our dicks fall off." Both
of them started to laugh. "Really we are going to be together like we have
never been before. But in the mean time, we can cuddle and just be together
with each other. Just having you beside me is enough to satisfy me for
now."

They started to make out when someone started to knock on the door. Jacob
begged Dewayne to ignore it, but the person at the door didn't stop
knocking. It got to the point; neither Jacob nor Dewayne could put the
knocking out of their mind. They stopped making out and yelled at the same
time. The door opened and Chase popped his head in.

"Am I bothering you guys?" Jacob looked at Dewayne and back at Chase and
shook his head no. "I am sorry for barging in like this, but I wanted to
welcome Jacob back home. It hasn't been the same with out my best friend
around. I hope you never end back up in the hospital for any reason."

"Thank you my friend, that means a lot to me. Why don't you come in and
talk with me while I get ready for the party? I need to know what I missed
since I have been gone. So sit and start talking. Don't leave one single
thing out Chase! You know that I know when you are not telling me the
truth."

Chase laughed as he sat down in the chair. As Jacob got ready, Chase went
through the days that Jacob missed. He told Jacob about what was been going
on at school. Then he talked about Ethan. As Chase talked about Ethan,
Jacob saw a look in his eyes that he hadn't seen in a long time. Not since
he was dating Linda that is.

"Chase, Ethan sounds like a really cool guy. I am glad that you invited him
over today. If he comes, I want to meet him. It seems that he will fit
right in with our group. Plus you need to remind me when I see Carlos again
to thank him for helping Ethan out. He didn't need to do what he did, but I
am grateful that he did."

Jacob didn't want to push Chase for anymore information. He saw something
that Chase was trying really hard to hide, but he wouldn't call Chase on
it. When Chase was ready to talk about it, Jacob knew that he would. Until
then, he would be there for his best friend.

While Jacob and Dewayne took a shower, Chase kept talking. Every so often,
he peeked in to see how Jacob and Dewayne were together. The way he saw
Jacob and Dewayne together, he realized they loved each other
completely. This was something he's never had with any woman, and that
included Linda.

"So Chase tell me what you think is going to happen downstairs. I know we
discussed this party yesterday, but at the same time, I know you guys. You
guys change plans every minute. So there is no way the party is anywhere
close to what we had discussed."

"First, Major Moore and his wife are here along with Colonel May, I think
that is his name, just got here. Those are guests that I didn't even know
were coming. I hope they don't drag the party down because of their up
tightness. From what I have seen of Major Moore, he looks like he's always
up tight; like he had something stuck up his ass."

Jacob's imagination got away from him when Chased said that. He thought of
Major Moore walking around the school with a broomstick stuck up his
ass. If that was true, it could explain a lot of how Major Moore was. But
now Jacob knew the truth and that popped in his mind, causing him to stop
laughing.

"Give Major Moore a chance. If you do, you will see he is really a nice
guy. Just like me, he has health issues. I won't say anything because it's
not my place to talk about it. So for me you guys, please treat him as part
of our family."

"You have a deal Jacob!" Dewayne said trying to change the direction the
conversation was heading as fast as he could.

"Okay, well we found out the party had pretty much been put together by
your grandpa so we had no chance to put our two cents in! As soon as we get
down there, we'll all find out what kind of party it is." Chase slapped
Jacob on the shoulder as he walked out of the bedroom.

Jacob and Dewayne followed Chase out and down to the den where it seemed
all the guys were gathering. As Jacob went around the room shaking hands
with everyone, he introduced Dewayne to those that had not met him
yet. Every time Jacob introduced Dewayne to a person that hadn't met him,
Jacob would say I would like you to meet my handsome boyfriend, which made
Dewayne turn all shades of red.

Soon after Jacob, Dewayne and Chase sat down, the man of he hour walked in,
Tony. Al got up and introduced Tony with pride to everyone as his son, not
adopted son, his son. Just like Dewayne, Tony turned all shades of red each
time Al introduced him. Dewayne couldn't help but think that Jacob's family
surely knew how to make people feel great.

"Okay everyone, since most of the guests have arrived, I say we should move
this party outside to our newly constructed inside pool. It is heated and
it's indoors unless we open the roof to let the sun in, but trust me I have
no plans to open the roof. It's still winter out there and I don't want
anyone that decides to swim catch a cold."

At the same time, everyone got up and followed Al to the back yard. They
walked out and sat down with whomever they came with. While everyone got
comfortable, Al pushed a button and the floor started to open up, causing
everyone to get up and look at the pool. At the same time, Al pushed
another button which caused another area of the floor to open up and a
grill rose into position.

Joe and Jacob joined Al at the grill to help him get started. Franseca,
Virginia and Gloria went back to the kitchen to put together everything for
the guys to cook on the grill. It didn't take long before everyone started
to relax and have a good time. Besides Jacob and Alex, everyone else
changed out of their clothes and into swimming suits and jumped into the
pool. Jacob sat down on a lawn chair and watched the others fooling around
in the pool.

Even Dewayne joined the others, which Jacob didn't mind. He wanted Dewayne
to feel that he couldn't join the others because of him. It didn't take
long for the food to get done and for Al to bring the hungry teens to the
table.

Once they sat down with their plates full of food, they all looked over at
Al. Al kept looking over at the phone as if he was expecting a phone
call. Just when it looked liked Al was about to give up on the call, it
rang. Grabbing the cordless, Al answered the phone, said a few words and
then put the phone on speaker.

"Here at this table are my family, extended family and close personal
friends of our family. I would have liked it if all of my family could be
here today, but one of my grandsons couldn't make it. Although he isn't
around this table, he is with us on the phone right now. Everyone, say
hello to Andy Jr."

All at once, everyone yelled out their greetings to Andy. "Andy we miss you
and hope you can come home very soon. This place isn't the same without you
around. So do what you feel you need to do there in the Army, and then get
back home safe to us."

"I love you grandpa and everyone at the table. Trust me; a day doesn't pass
without me thinking of everyone there. There are nights that I keep up my
squad with stories of my crazy family and they think I am making it all
up. They can't believe there is a family like us that care so much about
each other."

"This party has been in the making for weeks now. A couple things came up,
causing me to delay the party. Now that there is nothing huge happening, I
am glad that you all have made it. The young man sitting at my side is a
very brilliant young man. When I first met him, I knew and still know he is
going to do things in his life that will change the world, as we know it,
and I am not just saying that.

I am glad to now say he is part of this family, my youngest son, Tony." The
table broke into applause as Tony got up from his seat. "Now our family is
one person bigger, it is also stronger with Tony part of it. So welcome
son, and please enjoy this night because it's yours to enjoy.

The boys started to chant over and over again "Uncle Tony", causing Tony to
turn all shades of red again. Al picked up the phone to talk with Andy,
which told everyone else that he was done with the speech. They all dug in,
talking in their little groups. After Al finished talking with Andy, he
handed the phone to Gloria, then Gloria handed the phone to Andy and then
to Marie. As soon as Marie finished talking with her brother, she handed
the phone to her other brother Jacob.

"Hey little bro, I am glad to hear that you made it out of surgery okay and
back home. When I heard that you were sick and then landed in the hospital
I couldn't think straight. When grandpa called me and told me that you came
out of it okay, I was able to breathe again. Please stop making the
hospital your second home."

"I have no plans to ever step foot back into any hospital. They had to drag
me back over there to get the tests done. So you can see that I don't want
to make the hospital a home away from home. How is everything there for you
Andy? Just like you, I really miss having my big brother around."

Andy told Jacob how basic training went and now how they were stationed at
their temporary bases until they got assigned into their field. He made it
clear that he didn't think basic training was going to be that hard until
he actually did. Jacob laughed and teased Andy, that when they saw him
again he would be nothing but muscle.

"Jacob do me a favor and please take care of yourself. Don't get into
anymore fights at school or anywhere else for that matter. Now that mom is
moving in, your hands are going to be full with her around a lot more. I
don't know what was going through your mind, when you bought her a house so
close to you. If I was in your shoes, I would have moved her to another
town."

"I know that you and mom don't see eye to eye, but she is good deep down
inside. She is trying to change and maybe when you get home you will see a
brand new mom. I love you Andy and you come back to us. Don't you do
anything crazy over there that will get you hurt or killed for that
matter. Just come home so you can start working in the family business
where you belong."

Andy and Jacob spoke for a couple more minutes before they hung up. Jacob
rejoined the others at the table right when dessert was being served. That
was the one thing you couldn't pull Jacob away from, dessert. He had a
really bad sweet tooth and would eat anything that was made out of sugar if
you put it in front of him.

As the party returned back to the pool area, Jacob started to walk over to
join the others, but he heard the doorbell. He walked over and answered the
door trying to figure out who might be standing at the front door. The
minute Jacob saw the kid standing there at his front door, he knew who he
was.

"You must be Ethan, Chase has told me all about you." Jacob extended his
hand and Ethan shook it. "We thought that maybe you got lost or decided not
to come after all. Anyways that doesn't matter, you're here now. So come on
back, everyone is in the back yard around the pool."

Ethan didn't say much of anything but yes or no as they walked to the back
yard. First he couldn't believe the size of the house and secondly he
didn't know that it was going to be a pool party. When they walked out,
Chase jumped out of the pool and ran up to Ethan.

"Ethan you made it, that's cool. I can see that you met Jacob already."
Ethan nodded his head in agreement. "Well let me introduce you to everyone
you haven't met yet. Everyone here is cool and you have nothing to worry
about."

While Chase introduced Ethan to those that he hadn't met, Jacob took off
his shoes and socks to sit at the side of the pool. Dewayne swam up between
Jacob's legs and placed a hand on each of Jacob's legs. He reached up and
pulled Jacob down so they could kiss each other.

"You are as handsome as ever standing there with water all over your
body. That is hot and causing me to have a problem below in my jeans."
Dewayne placed his right hand over Jacob's dick and smiled. "Now you are
not making anything better for me. There are guests here that don't want to
see me pop a boner!"

"Trust me they will think it's hot like I do." Dewayne kept massaging
Jacob's dick through his jeans, making Jacob's dick to start leaking
pre-cum. "I really want to have you, but I will muster up all my energy to
hold off until you get better. So you'd better get better really soon, or I
can't be held responsible for what I'll do with you."

Jacob leaned down and kissed Dewayne. They stayed there in the pool in that
position for over an hour. No matter how much Jacob asked Dewayne to join
the others playing chicken or volleyball, he wouldn't leave Jacob's
side. They watched the others play and kept score whenever they got into a
game of volleyball.

As it got late, people started to leave. By ten, the only ones left in the
house were those that live there and Ethan. They got out of the pool and
changed into dry clothes before going into the TV room. Just like the other
rooms in the house, the TV room was remodeled. The wall between that room
and study got knocked down to make a huge room, with a big screen TV with
surround sound, of course.

Those that had a significant others, sat together. Leaving Chase and Ethan
as the odd men out, so they sat in chairs to watch the movie. By midnight,
Jacob could barely keep his eyes open, Dewayne finally helped Jacob up to
his feet and half carried him up the stairs to bed. When they got to their
room, Jacob could barely keep himself awake to strip down to his boxers and
fall into bed.

Dewayne changed Jacob's bandage before he crawled into bed with him. After
pulling the covers over them, Dewayne moved as close as he could to Jacob
and wrapped his arms around him. He kissed Jacob several times on the lips
before falling asleep himself. Neither of them woke up until late morning
on Sunday.

The group just hung out at the house all day Sunday. They did help Franseca
and Virginia clean up the mess from the party, but other than that, they
pretty much plopped their butts in front of the television all day
long. The only time they got up was to eat, use the bathroom or to get
something to drink and snack on in between meals.

Around one, Ethan stopped in and joined them. Jacob couldn't help but
wonder if Ethan was wearing the same clothes that he was wearing the day
before. He couldn't see anyone owning more than one pair of overalls. But
Jacob decided not to say anything for the fear it might run off their new
friend if he did.

Even Marie and Greg showed up. They sat together on the floor and from
where Jacob sat, he could see that their relationship has blossomed since
the last time he paid attention to them. They were doing more than just
holding hands. They were making out more and more in front of others no
matter who was around.

By eight, Al walked in telling everyone they need to get ready for
school. Marie tried to talk Jacob into letting her stay at the house and
when she didn't win with Jacob she tried Al. Just like Jacob, Al told her
that it wasn't their decision to make. If Gloria says it was okay, then she
could stay. Marie knew that their mother wasn't going to give her
permission, so she gave up asking.

Dewayne played taxi and took Marie, Greg and Ethan home. Chase went with
Dewayne telling everyone to keep Dewayne company on his way dropping
everyone off. But that wasn't the real reason at all that he wanted to
go. The whole time Chase talked with Ethan as they dropped everyone else
off first. When they got to Ethan's house, Chase got out and talked a
little longer with him before shaking his hand.

On the way back, Dewayne and Chase talked about Jacob returning to
school. Dewayne's main concern was to make sure that Loraine and her
boyfriend were not going to make trouble for Jacob. When Chase promised
Dewayne that he would keep an eye on Jacob no matter what, Dewayne dropped
the subject.

The next morning, every met in the kitchen for breakfast like normal. As
they started to head to Jacob's truck, Chase asked Jacob if they could stop
and pick up Ethan on the way to school. Jacob didn't object, but thought to
himself that it would have been nice if Chase would have asked him the
night before about this. He let it go when Dewayne walked up and kissed him
goodbye.

"No matter what Jacob, you promise me that you are going to be careful at
school today. You can't do anything that might reopen your stitches or get
you hurt. Just go to class and stay away from the nasty bitch that has it
out for you."

Jacob kissed Dewayne several times on the lips. "I love it when you worry
about me like you do. There is no way I am going to go near trouble, no
matter if it jumps in front of me. I am going to heal so I have some of
this very soon."

Jacob grabbed Dewayne's right butt cheek and held it as they kissed one
last time. Not wanting to, Jacob let go of Dewayne's nice butt. He joined
the others and headed to school. As promised, they picked Ethan up on the
way. More and more as Ethan hung out with Chase and the others, he was
opening up to them.

Getting back into the groove of things, as soon as Jacob finished eating,
he headed to the ROTC building. Chase walked with Jacob as he promised and
left Jacob when he walked into the building. Jacob felt weird about having
an escort like that, but knew that they would stop worrying about him once
they saw that there was no longer a threat.

Not knowing what was in store for him, Jacob walked over to the outer
office to see how much work he had fallen behind on. Although the XO took
over some of his duties, most of what he did the XO had no idea how to
do. He knew that his in box is going to be filled with work that would keep
him busy for a couple of days.

As he sat down in the desk in the outer office, the door leading into the
inner office opened up, startling Jacob. He looked to see who the new
senior instructor was. To his surprise, the sergeant that taught at Austin
High School walked out. A first they looked at each other before the
sergeant spoke up.

"It's good to see you back Jacob. We heard that you got rushed into surgery
last Wednesday. There was no question that you would be returning, but we
didn't think you would be back this soon."

Another voice yelled from the office, a voice that Jacob recognized. "Is
Jacob out there? If so, tell him to come on in."

Jacob got up from the desk and walked into the office. When he saw Colonel
Pigeon sitting behind Major Moore's desk, it looked weird to him! His
attention switched when he saw Loraine sitting there in the office as
well. He froze, not knowing what he should do. Jacob thought that he was
never going to see Loraine again, but there she was.

"Jacob come on in please and take a seat. I am glad that you are here so
where Loraine doesn't have to wait for your decision. She is asking us to
let her come back to the program after Major Moore removed her from it. As
I was explaining to her that decision isn't mine; it's yours to make since
you are the battalion commander."

"Sir with all do respect shouldn't the decision be left to the battalion
staff. Jacob and I have a history and that history isn't good. Ever since
he knocked me out as battalion commander, he has been after me. He got his
way when he got the unarmed drill team taken away from me."

"Let me make this clear here and now to both of you. This is a program that
is not a democracy. The higher classes get promoted into leadership
positions because they have earned them. We, as instructors, give the
cadets the tools to lead and once we hand those tools over, we stand back
and let the cadets run the program. We never step in unless we see a wrong
decision being made.

With that said, Jacob here is the battalion commander. He makes the
decisions like these, not his battalion staff. That staff is there to run
their position and report to him. He doesn't go to them for permission on
anything. If I ever have a battalion commander or a leader in any position
that asks for permission from their lower ranking officers, I will remove
that cadet form that position. Again this is not a democracy!

I don't care about the personal problems you two have. Leave that baggage
at the door. Jacob, Loraine wants top come back to the program and feels
that she didn't deserve the demotion that she got. I told her that you
would make the decision and let me know. Do you need time or can you give
me your answer now."

"Colonel Pigeon, Loraine got demoted to the rank because of her actions
throughout the year. If I made the wrong decision on the demotion, Colonel
May would have not signed off on the demotion. So as far as the demotion is
concerned, it is a closed matter.

Moving onto the subject of her being kicked out of the program, that
decision was Major Moore's, not mine. She got her boyfriend to jump me. He
made it clear that he would not stop hitting me until I gave back Loraine
her position. I agree with Major Moore's decision when he removed her from
the program. She went too far and broke several rules along the way."

"Loraine, I have your file and Major Moore wrote in detail why he removed
you from the program.  If Jacob would have disagreed with Major Moore, I
would have gone with his decision. Since Jacob doesn't disagree with Major
Moore's decision, I will go along with that decision. I know you don't like
it, but it is final.

You might have once been a good cadet, but something went wrong along the
way. Major Moore saw something in you and gave you more chances than he
should have. I respect the man so much, but those days are gone. Rules and
protocols are in place for a reason and no one should think they are
allowed to break those rules. So Loraine, go down to your counselor and
have him or her put you into another class."

Loraine got up and stomped out of the office. "I don't think that is the
last we are going to see of her. With what I have heard about her and seen
right now in person, she is not going to go away quietly. Doesn't she know
that every instructor in the program knows what she did spying on other
drill teams and recording them?"

"To be honest with you I don't think she actually cares. If she did, she
would not have asked what she asked. Anyways she will let others know that
I do not allow the rules to even be bent, much less broken." Colonel Pigeon
turned from Sergeant Byers and looked at Jacob.  "If she comes around the
building or you for that matter let me know. In my opinion, for what she
did, she should have been expelled, not suspended."

"Yes sir, but I don't see her bothering me or coming around the program
anymore. Before she thought she had Major Moore in her pocket, and she wore
that out. There is only so much a person can do for another before he or
she has to cut ties with that person. She took advantage of Major Moore,
and her luck ran out."

"Well I know you just got back to school and don't want to hit you with all
the changes I have done since I took over. You know how I run the program
because you started out in my program. I am fair, but I won't allow some of
the things that have been going on here to continue. Like I said those days
are over.

It doesn't matter to me if the cadet is on a team or not, if he or she is
the right person for the position, that person will get the position. I
want to win, but not at the cost of not teaching you guys the right way. We
teach values and leadership so you can use that leadership and values in
your life no matter if you go into the military or the private sector. Lead
by example and if you can't do that or get caught with your hand in the
cookie jar, you're out."

Jacob just looked at Colonel Pigeon, not saying a word. "I know I don't
have to worry about you Jacob. I gave a bigger speech like this to my
classes last Thursday. I just summed it up so if you are asked if I gave
you the same speech, you can say yes without lying to who ever asks. So
let's move and you brief me on where we stand as far as the program here. I
have seen a lot, but I like to hear it from those that are out there."

Jacob, Colonel Pigeon and Sergeant Byers sat in the office until the first
bell rang going over where everything stood. As far as the classes were
concern, they were exactly where all ROTC classes are supposed to be at
this point in the year. But the other things that were different from
battalion to battalion were what Colonel Pigeon wanted to get briefed on
and Jacob took him through everything.

"Jacob, it looks like I really don't have my work cut out for me here. When
Colonel May asked if I would take over this battalion, I knew that I
wouldn't. You instituted many of the things that we are now using brigade
wide. Stuff we should have been using for a long time, but no one ever
stood up and asked why things in the schools were not being run like the
Army, like you did.

As far as the teams are concern, I don't plan to change a thing about
them. The teams here have a tradition, a tradition I plan to keep. So you
can inform the drill team commanders that they have nothing to worry about
as far as changes. I still want to win state, Ysleta and the Final Drill
Meet."

"Yeah, but there are a few more drill meets we are scheduled to attend
between those three. I will get the schedule to you before lunch so you can
see the kind of schedule Major Moore had for the teams here at this
school. He loved this battalion and wanted the cadets in this battalion to
show that they are the ones to beat. That included going to every drill
meet we could throughout the year."

"There is nothing I am going to change as far the tradition of this
battalion. If the teams attend twenty meets or fifty meets a year that will
stay the same. You ensured that when you got each of the school sponsors to
pay for all these extra items. There is still a lot we need to go over, but
not now. Jacob, go and take it easy and I will see you here during
lunch. You and I will look at the teams and see if they are where they
should be."

"Thank you sir and I am glad that you are here. Although many would say
that Major Moore was a dick, I got to know him. He had his moments, but I
respect the man. He did a lot for this battalion while he was here.

With that said, if anyone that can come in and take over this battalion I
believe you are that one. I know I have not met the others out there, but I
respect you sir without question. You are now our senior army instructor
and I will follow your orders. Just like Major Moore, I will never question
what you ask of me or anyone in this battalion."

Jacob got up and shook Colonel Pigeon's hands. Unlike the first time he met
Colonel Pigeon, Jacob was more confident in himself. That first day he
found the Colonel behind his desk, in his office. Jacob felt that Colonel
Pigeon was a giant. He still felt like a giant to Jacob, but at the same
time Jacob felt he had grown a lot since their first meeting.  Apart from
what he had gone through in his private life, the other part had been under
Major Moore. He learned all the good and bad aspects of being a leader from
him.

TO BE CONTINUED...

WRITER'S CORNER:

{Another filled chapter of Jacob's and I hope you all enjoyed reading
it. This story is easy for me to write because of the characters in
it. They are not one sided characters. It seems that everyone that has read
this story knows them. Or at least has someone in their life that one of
the characters reminds them of that person.

Now I moved this chapter a long and got Jacob out of the hospital. To those
that research if that is possible or are in the medical field, I made sure
I didn't make it unbelievable that Jacob could get out in four days after
surgery. Since he had no complications and his new kidney is working just
fine, he got out in the four days.

Before leaving the hospital Jacob found out who his donor was. Although he
didn't go up to see Alex because he thought it was Alex that donated the
kidney. He went up to be at a friend's bed side. Also Jacob couldn't
sleep. Now the nurse screwed up by telling Jacob it was Alex that donated
the kidney.

It was an emotional moment between Jacob and Alex. I really do believe this
seals their friendship for life. They were already going to be friends for
life, but by what Alex did move him to the level of Chase in Jacob's
world. Chase is like a brother to Jacob and now Jacob feels the same about
Alex.

Now don't think anything major is going to change between Jacob and
Alex. Jacob is going to honor Alex's request and not tell anyone. Alex did
this out of the goodness of his heart, not expecting anything in return for
it. The friendship will be really strong, but no money or special favors
will come into play.

Finally the party to welcome Tony into the family happened in this
chapter. Just like Al said, so many things came up that caused them to keep
postponing the party. I really believe that Tony needed this because of the
kind of life he has had. With him now part of Al's and Jacob's family,
things are going to be a lot better for Tony.

Gloria and Andy Sr. looked around and saw that the house is ready for them
to move in. As well it looks like Gloria finally is seeing what everyone
has been telling her for a while now. Jacob and everyone in her family
haven't given up on her. They love her and no matter what she has done,
they stand behind her. I really hope she can change and not make anymore
trouble for Jacob and the others. Look at what she did when Greg showed up,
which I believe is a positive step.

I know it looked weird with Major Moore and Colonel May showing up for that
party. Now that Major Moore is no longer Jacob's instructor, you will see
him around in the family functions. He is going to take the job and Jacob
and he are going to build even a stronger friendship between them.

Colonel Pigeon now in charge is a good thing for all concerned. Maybe
things are going to run smoother. Although Major Moore was a dick at times,
he had a reason for his madness. Under his leadership, Newman High School
ROTC teams were unbeaten. They became the team to beat and that is
something Colonel Pigeon is going to have to continue. Sometimes taking the
laidback approach won't work. Look at the Dallas Cowboys of the 2010
season. They have the talent, but no leadership to lead that talent. That
is how they got to one and seven mid way in the season. I hope under
Colonel May the teams at Newman don't go that direction.

I know I still haven't cleared up what is going on with Chase. More than
likely it will happen in the next chapter. We need to learn more about
Ethan and where he stands as far as his sexual orientation. Who knows, he
could be like Chase, straight. Those answers and more dealing with that
plot will open and be answered in the next chapter.

We finally got to hear from Andy Jr. in this chapter. Although we didn't
get to see him, we know he is doing well. In the chapters to come Andy will
come home either for a visit or get stationed at Fort Bliss. I also felt a
need to close off the construction work to the house plot. It is done and
now that plot won't be talked about again.

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 lands up going another. Do not miss out on anything, or you will be
kicking yourself for it.

I keep saying over and over again don't forget about Chase. He will be
spending time between two of my stories. I am giving that away, but look
for him in "Beneath the Mask". He is going to come back full and what is
happening in his life will stun you.

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:

I'm so glad that Jacob had no complications with the transplant that that
the donated kidney kicked in. I hope that in the next couple weeks and
months that he starts to feel great, full of energy and he and Dewayne can
"get to it" as far as their intimate life is concerned. I want to see their
intimate life grow and enhance their relationship as it should. It's high
time that they have a normal love life!

I'm glad that Jacob, by whatever means, found out that Alex was his kidney
doner. With the situation, being so close in everyday life, Jacob needed to
know. I think that the conversation about the subject between Alex and
Jacob having been interrupted by the nurse will have to be completed at
some future point. Jacob needs to hear, in detail, Alex's mindset in having
decided to donate his kidney. Yes, Alex's selfless act will forge a bond
between the two guys and their families that will be deep and lifelong.

Ok...both Jacob and Dewayne are curious about seeing Alex in all his
natural glory. No, it's not sexual desire, but a deep curiosity. Now that
the pool is done, there might come a time when the "boys" all skinny dip at
some point. That would give (us the readers) a chance to get a full
physical description of each of the guys. We could then form a better
mental image of each character that would extend to enhance the perceptions
during the love scenes. (OK..was that hint to the author subtle enough?
<wink>)

I'm actually starting to believe that Gloria is beginning to "get it". She
has been on the receiving end of `unconditional love' that she should have
been giving to her kids and family all the way along. Perhaps she can learn
the concept and apply it to her life. The benefits are so great when
unconditional love is present. Andy Sr. is the focal point in her changing
her ways and perceptions. I'm glad he is in her life and that he turned out
to be a positive influence and that he had no hidden agendas.

I'm glad Greg and Marie are still together and that their relationship is
deepening. It's encouraging to see a good result come from something that
was evil in its intent in the beginning.

I hooted with Tony getting flustered over being called "Uncle Tony". That
was positively hilarious !  Tony is still young and I will enjoy watching
him grow into a strong personality of his own under Al and Jacob's
influence.

I was pleased to hear from Andy Jr.  I have been wondering how he's getting
along and what changes the military life has made to him. I know that his
family was dead set against him joining up, but I suspect we are going to
find him to be a much more solid and grounded man when he does get back
with the family in everyday life.

I'm anxious to see what role Ethan is going to play in the larger scheme of
things. His family is, seemingly, poor. Perhaps his parents can find a job
with one of the family businesses. They are going to need managers for both
McDonalds and Seven-Eleven locations. I also wonder what Ethan's sexual
orientation is. I'll be watching both stories to see how this plays out!
Oh, and what a total hottie he sounds like. I want to "see" more!

Until next time,

"Daddy" Rick