Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:52:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: jacobmillertex@aol.com
Subject: Shadow Of My Father: Chapter 20

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

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

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

I would like to give a shout out to a reader that has helped me with some
great ideas on where the story should go. Thank You!}

Written by J.P.G.


		Chapter 20

(ERIC'S POINT OF VIEW)

After school I found Bernice at the school parking lot waiting for me. She
didn't see me coming, so I ran up right behind her to surprise her. I
couldn't believe how far she jumped, or should I say how high she jumped,
when I put my hands over her eyes and yelled out a dark bark.

Bernice turned around and started hitting me over and over again. Calling
me every curse word in the book, I never knew she had a mouth on her like
that. I could do nothing more than laugh as she kept hitting me.

"Come on Bernice, you know I was just playing, so please settle down. Now I
know not to ever sneak up behind you again and try to scare you. Let's just
go ahead over to my house starts to study."

Bernice reluctantly stopped hitting me and that is when I took her hand in
mine. All the way to my house we held hands and talked about how our day
went. Eventually the conversation got around to the subject of us telling
Josh and the guys about us.

I agreed with Bernice it is time to tell Josh so we didn't need sneak and
hide anymore. I just wish I was there when Bernice and Josh had THIS
conversation! Simply put, Josh my best friend I should have been there.

Instead of getting into a fight with Bernice I just dropped the
subject. It's over and done with and there is nothing I can do to go back
and be in the room while the conversation is happening. There is no need to
fight about something that can't be corrected or changed. It's like that
old saying about beating a dead horse.

As soon as we got to my house we went into the living room and laid out
books. Immediately we started to study and get our homework done. I am
hoping that Bernice and I can have some spare time before father arrives to
be together alone.

You know just her and me in front of the TV, cuddling, and maybe a little
kissing. I know she is not ready for anything more than that and to tell
you the truth neither am I. I don't want to rush her into something that
she may regret later on.

It didn't take long for us to complete homework assignments and my wish
came true. My mother brought out sodas and chips for us to drink and eat as
we watch TV. I know my mother is really checking up on the girl I brought
home.

We actually had the entire living room to ourselves for almost an hour but
we didn't do anything more than kiss and cuddle. At one point Bernice
actually moved in between my legs so I could wrap my arms around her. I
love feeling her heartbeat as she lay against my chest.

When Bernice's father pulled up and honked his horn I couldn't believe it
is ready time for her to go home. Both of us reluctantly got up, gathered
our books, and walked as slowly as we could to the door. Trying to get as
much more time together as possible!

I can't believe how nervous I am about meeting Bernice's father. The whole
way from my front door to her car felt to me like a dead man walking to the
electric chair. What worries me the most is her father being a priest.

We walked up to the car and Bernice's father got out. I walked up to him
with Bernice on my side shaking from head to toe. I know Bernice and her
father both can tell I am very nervous about meeting him.

"Dad this is Eric, Eric this is my dad Sergio Gomez."

I extend my shaking hand to shake his. "Mr. Gomez it is an honor and a
pleasure to meet you Sir! I can't tell you how much I have wanted to meet
Bernice's family. I know right now is only you but I hope soon I can meet
the entire family."

"Eric I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I am not "mister", I
am a priest so you are call me Father Gomez. The black suit and white
collar I am wearing should give that away don't you think?"

I looked down to my feet and then up to Bernice trying to figure out what
to say. I know he doesn't mean to be mean or rude. He is trying to get his
point across. Without a doubt I got what he is trying to say.

"Father Gomez please I am sorry for disrespecting you, I never meant to do
that. I am very nervous and I know that is no excuse for what I just
said. I promise to always call you father not mister."

Father Gomez started to laugh and I had no idea why. "Every time I meet
someone new in my daughter's life, I pull this same joke on them. And every
one of you falls for it every single time. Please Eric just call me
Sergio. There's no need to be formal."

I actually breathed a little after Bernice's father explained it was all
just a joke. I hugged Bernice and helped her into the car as her father got
in. I said goodbye to Bernice and her father as they drove off.

I walked back in to my house thinking how cool Bernice's father is. To tell
you the truth, I have never met a priest that likes to fool people. It
actually brings a new light on the way I think about priests. They are not
all bad, old, old grumpy old men.

(CHRIS'S POINT OF VIEW)

As I walked into my house I didn't recognize the car that is in the
driveway. I really didn't pay much attention to it until I opened the door
and saw my father actually sitting in the living room talking to the Coach.

The minute I walked through the door of the living room my father just
looked up at me. I can't believe the Coach is actually talking to
him. After everything he has done to me, he is actually sitting here in
this house talking and waiting for me.

"Coach what is going on?  Why is he here? I thought he was not allowed to
be around me until he finishes whatever the courts told him to do. Even
then he needs to go to the courts in order to see me. I don't want to see
him for no reason at all, even if he is dying."

The Coach in my dad just looked at me as I spoke. At this point I can't
even stand the sight of my father. I don't understand why even the Coach
would invite him into his house. Knowing my father he is up to no good and
that is the plain honest truth.

"Look son I was just here talking to Mr. Montoya about how I can start
seeing you. I know I have a lot to do to gain your trust again. All I can
ask for now is that you trust that I am trying my best change and
understand your life."

"Dad, you have had many, many, I mean many years to understand my
life. Instead you sat in the house, drinking night and day, and then beat
on me whenever you felt like it. So forgive me for saying I don't trust a
word that is coming out of your mouth."

At that point Nancy walked in to see what is going on. She just looked at
me then over to her husband and then over to my father and gave him a dirty
look. I know for sure Nancy doesn't like my father at all and I thought the
Coach didn't like him either.

"Look everyone, let's settle down, take a seat, and talk like
grown-ups. The reason your father is here Chris is to talk about
guardianship. None of us wants to involve the courts because we don't know
how the court is going to rule. Your father might get you back, or he might
get partial visitation rights or nothing at all. Nancy and I don't want to
lose you Chris. We have gotten so used to having you here and want to keep
you."

"Once again with all due respect, I would rather take my chances with the
courts than spend a day with my father by choice. You never lived in that
house with my father as I did. The day that you walk in my shoes, get
treated the way my father treated me, then and only then you can sit there
and tell me this is the best way to handle this."

"Chris I have been going to the class the court made me go to and I have
found that I treated you really bad as you grew up. I am asking you to give
me another chance to show you I have changed and will treat you right.

I should have never blamed you for your mother's death or for the life I
have led. You have nothing to do with the way I lead my life or your mother
passing away. For that I know I will never get your forgiveness."

I just sat there and couldn't believe the words that were coming out of my
father's mouth. I know my father better than anyone in this world and I
know he is lying right to my face. No one can believe a person can change
in less than three months like he claims he has changed.

I know Nancy and Coach know what I'm about to say. They have never come out
and asked me, but I know they know. Because I am so hard headed and refused
to live the truth, I lost my true love.

I threw caution to the wind and started to put it out there; "You have said
that you have changed, but let's be honest with each other here. There is
no way you have changed to the point you can accept me as your son and my
being gay. Dad that is what I am. I am gay and there's no way you can deal
with that."

The look that went across my father's face is of total disgust. All of a
sudden my father jumped up from the couch and ran over to where I am
standing. I had no time to react to his reaction to what I just said. He
started whaling on me. All I could do is curl up in a ball on the floor of
the living room.

As my father beat me, he kept yelling out that he won't have a fag for a
son. The hits kept coming harder and harder and I didn't know if the hits
will ever stop. At this point all I know all is that Nancy and the Coach
are seeing the true colors of my father as he continues hitting me.

I started hearing Nancy in the background yelling at my dad to stop
hitting. If she was not yelling at my dad, she is yelling at the Coach to
get my dad off of me. To tell you the truth I don't know how long my dad
was hitting me when the Coach finally pulled him off.

Once Coach pulled my dad off of me, he actually dragged my dad all the way
out the front door. Nancy right away ran up to me, with her shirt, she
started to wipe away the blood that was coming down my face. To tell you
the truth, I don't know where the blood is actually coming from. The only
thing I know for sure is that I am bleeding and bleeding a lot.

When Coach returned, he helped me up on the floor and walked me to a chair
in the kitchen. At the same time Nancy went to go get a first aid kit. I
know that Coach and Nancy are worried, because the way they're running
around the house.

"Chris I honestly thought that your dad actually changed, but I was
wrong. I need to take pictures of what he just did to you. That way when we
go to court and fight him for custody, we have one more tool to use against
him."

I have no objection to taking pictures; in fact I want them to. Just like
the Coach said, a picture speaks louder than words. This way when we walk
into court he can't say he never was at his house or did what he did! Now
that I think about it, we need to call the police and make a police report.

"Coach, one thing I have learned in the past when dealing with my father is
not to make any mistakes. What I mean by that is that I never call to
police when he beat me. The result of not doing that is there is nothing
documented about what he did to me. We need to call the police and actually
get this documented with them as well."

Nancy and the Coach didn't disagree with me. As the Coach took pictures,
Nancy called for the police. Less than five minutes later the police
arrived. When they knocked on the door, Nancy went to go answer it.

To my surprise my father didn't leave yet. In fact he didn't even get out
of the front yard. What a stupid fuck of a person he is for not leaving as
quickly as possible. As one of the police officers was inside taking our
statements, the other officer is outside arresting my father. I'd like to
see him get out of this one as quickly as he did with the other beatings he
gave me.

The police gave Nancy a number for her to call to get a copy of the police
report. They told her that when she goes and picks up the police report
that they will return the photos just taken of me after they make
copies. Nancy agreed.

I know I provoked my father when I said what I did. I wanted to do that
because he was actually pulling wool over Coaches face! My father won't
accept me for who I am. I am barely accepting who I am and I'm living the
life!

(JOSHUA'S POINT OF VIEW)

After the incident yesterday morning I pretty much kept myself. I didn't
get any repercussions in class yesterday, but today is a different
story. Major Moore is running around like a chicken with its head cut off
getting ready for inspection that might or might not happen. He should
realize my father is actually too busy right now getting ready for his
inauguration.

"Major Moore, may I speak with you Sir?" I asked as I walked up to him at
the desk. When I stopped, that is when he looked up at me.

"Josh with all due respect I need to get ready for the inspection that your
dad is going to make. I spoke with Col. May yesterday he wants me to make
sure we pass the inspection the General makes."

"Major Moore you know as well as anyone in this building knows that my
father has no time to inspect anything right now. He is so busy getting
ready to take over the Governorship that he really doesn't have any time to
spare.

Major Moore, I will be talking to my father as soon as he gets home. I will
let him know that the majority of what happened yesterday was my fault. I
can admit when I am in the wrong, like yesterday even if it means I get
punished for it."

Major Moore just looked at me like I had totally lost my mind. I may not
like this class, but I won't ruin it for those who do. There is no doubt if
my father comes down for inspection, the unit will fail. Not that the unit
is a bad one, my father will hold it up to the standards that he holds his
to.

"Josh I won't lie to you, I don't want this inspection. We are not ready
for any kind of surprise inspection and to get ready for any kind of
inspection will cost this unit money it doesn't have.

So if you want to do this from the kindness of your heart, I'm fine with it
but if you're going to do this and suspect some kind of payback in return,
then just forget it. Not even my battalion staff, officers, drill team, or
rifle team gets any kind of special treatment."

"Trust me, Major Moore I am doing this through the kindness of my
heart. All that I am asking in return is you treat me like every other
cadet in this unit. I will always do what you, Sgt. Haney, or any cadet
above me asks me to do. That's it; nothing more, nothing less."

"That sounds fair to me Josh. I can live with that if you can. Whatever you
can do to talk to your father and keep him from coming down here and giving
us a surprise inspection will be helpful."

You know I have done nice things in the past for my friends, family, and
even strangers, but to do this for Major Moore is actually making me feel
like I belong to this Battalion for the very first time since I joined.

As I walked away from Major Moore he didn't stop getting ready for the
inspection. I think he is thinking better safe than sorry. Or he may not
trust me with what I promised him I am going to do. Whatever the reason is,
I am going to prove to him I am a man of my word.

Since I am no longer studying with Bernice, Cesar and I walk to my house
and study. I am hoping today we do more than study. Don't get me wrong I do
like the kissing and the cuddling we do, but I have teenage hormones that
need to be taken care of.

Where I used to meet Bernice is where I meet Cesar now. Cesar met me
halfway between the Main building and Schuster Street. Once we got several
blocks away from the school I grabbed hold of Cesar's hand as we walked. We
really didn't say much to each other all the way to my house.

I think one of the reasons we really didn't speak is that Cesar still
hasn't gotten used to the guard detail following us. And to tell you the
truth I still haven't gotten used to having those shadows around me all the
time. Once we get to my house and up to my room, there is no one to bother
us.

Like the day before we immediately started studying and doing homework and
this time I actually finished before he did. So I moved across the bed
until I reached Cesar. I looked over his shoulder as he was doing is
biology homework. We have the same classes but not at the same time or the
same teachers so our homework is never the same and I think that's pretty
weird.

I know Cesar knows I am looking over his shoulder right now. I wrap my arms
around his neck and pull his head towards mine. He was practically looking
up when our lips touched. One thing about Cesar is that he likes it when I
take control.

As we kiss I move my hands down his chest until I reach his waist. I jiggle
a little on his belt before I move my hand to his shirt. I grab hold of the
bottom of his shirt and started moving it up towards his neck.

With one hand I held onto his shirt in the other hand I started to massage
his chest moving from one nipple to the other. I can't believe what I'm
seeing in his pants. I can actually me outline of his dick, and it's
actually jumping around trying to get free.

I know I don't have that much time before my grandmother calls me down for
dinner and when Cesar has to leave, so I don't waste any time. I let go of
his shirt and make my way back to his waist.

I don't bother stop at his belt, I went straight for what I want. I put my
right hand down on his lap and felt his dick. I actually wrapped my hand
around his dick through his Levi's. I want more! I want to see his dick!

I stumble around trying to get the zipper of his Levi's down and with a
little help Cesar gave me I actually got his zipper down. Without skipping
a beat I put my hands into his pants and pulled out his dick. I can't
believe how huge Cesar's cock is when it's hard. The thing actually reaches
up past his belly button.

I didn't want Cesar's pants to get messed up so I went ahead and undid his
belt and his button to his Levi's. With Cesar's help I pulled down his
pants and underwear past his knees. I got up from my bed and walked around
to face Cesar.

Not even warning him I went between his legs and put his dick into my
mouth. At first I couldn't get it entirely into my mouth but after maybe
five minutes or so I actually got his entire throbbing manhood in my
mouth. The taste of his pre cum is a treat all of it's own.

I started to pull up and down on Cesar and all he could do is moan. At one
point I actually took my left hand and covered his mouth because he was
actually getting very loud. I surely didn't want any of my family and all
to know what is going on in my room!

I think or should I say I know that Cesar is actually as horny as I am
because it didn't take long before he started yelling that he is about to
cum. At one point he actually tried to pull my mouth off of his dick.

"Josh please I am about to explode. Please Josh, please I am..."

That was it.  He started shooting into my mouth. Since I am no expert doing
this I actually lost more than I swallowed. I don't know how much he shot,
but it had to be a lot because the amount that escaped my mouth looks like
a lot and I know that I swallowed at least half of it.

I let Cesar's dick slip out of my mouth as I got up and sat on his left
hand side. I look over to him and see that his face actually red. Seeing
that I couldn't help but think how much redder his face will get when we
actually have sex.

I leaned back against the headboard and closed my eyes reveling in moment
that just happened between Cesar and me. All of a sudden I felt Cesar's
hands on my dick. I right away opened my eyes to look over to Cesar, but
the instant I turned to look at Cesar his lips touched mine.

I don't know how he got my zipper down and my dick out, but he did. The
minute my dick was free, Cesar broke the kiss and moved down to my dick. I
know for fact it is not going to take me long to hit climax especially with
how fast Cesar is going.

Just as I reached my climax, just like Cesar did to me, I warned him I am
about to shoot. Just like me Cesar didn't release my dick. The big
difference between him and me is that none of my cum dripped out of his
mouth.

Once I finished shooting Cesar releases my dick and let it fall against my
stomach. Now we are both sitting against the bed on the floor with our
dicks in the air. I really hope no one walks into my room right now!

The minute I caught my breath I got up from the floor and walk over to my
closet getting a towel. After cleaning myself off I handed the towel over
to Cesar. As he cleaned himself up I pulled my underwear and pants back up.

I went back and sat down against the bed waiting for Cesar to join me. As
he was cleaning himself all he turned around and I saw his butt for the
first time. It took every ounce of power in my body not to get off the
floor and put my face in between his butt cheeks. My dick got hard
instantly once again.

Cesar pulled up his underwear and pants and walked over to me and sat on
the floor right beside me. We just looked at each other and started to
laugh. I grabbed a hold of his biology book and helped him finish his
homework.

Just like the day before I asked him to stay for dinner, but he said
no. His parents demand that he eats dinner at home with them every
evening. There's no exception to that rule. So with a sad heart I walked
Cesar to the door and bid him goodbye with one final kiss.

Right as we sat down to begin to eat I heard the front door opened and
shut. At first we each looked at each other not knowing what just walked
through the front door. It can't be anyone to do us harm because of the
guard detail that is outside.

Since it looks like Daniel or Carlos aren't budging to see who it is. I
decided to see. I got up from the table and walked to the entrance of the
dining room and the hallway. I didn't make it into the hallway when my
father walked through the other entrance.

Without being asked my grandmother instantly got up and went to the kitchen
to get another plate and soda for my dad. Once we were all served my dad
explained why he is back so early.

After he told us what happened to him down in Austin, we just looked at
each other. Now I need to start watching the news whenever my father isn't
around. It seems I'm missing a shit load of stuff and it's not boring stuff
either!

The rest of the week went by pretty fast. Before we knew it, Friday is
here. During lunch Patrick pulled me to the side. Whatever is on his mind
looks like it's beating him up inside. I hope Patrick tells me about
whatever is bothering him.

(PATRICK'S POINT OF VIEW)

The day that Bernice and Eric told the guys about them going out, I lost my
nerve to tell Josh about me and Frank. Every time I see Frank he has his
look of being hurt. I know he really wants to rejoin the group.

So I decided as I walked to school this morning and that today is going to
be the day I sit down and tell Josh the whole truth. If anyone at the table
can understand where I'm coming from, it will be him. The reason I say that
is because he has been where I am right now; afraid of my own shadow when
it comes down to my relationship with Frank.

During breakfast we were joking around with each other. I lost track of
time and before I knew it the first Bell rang to get to class. Now I'm will
have to wait until lunchtime. I know Frank isn't too happy with me right
now because I keep delaying the talk with Josh.

When the third period bell rang I literally jumped out of my seat. Everyone
looked over at me like I'd lost my mind. There is no doubt my face turned
all sorts of red. I am so nervous about what I'm about to do.

I went to my locker to put my books away and then headed to the
cafeteria. I walked past Frank on the way over to the cafeteria. I looked
over to him and gave him a nod to let him know I am about to talk to Josh.

Just like during breakfast everyone is joking around with each other. I
need to get this over and done with as soon as possible. There is no way I
can walk around another day with Frank mad with me.

I leaned over to Josh and whispered in his ear. "Hey do you think I can
talk with you in private before the bell rings?" Josh nodded his head yes.

We got up and walked to put our trays away and then we walked outside. Once
I felt sure no one could hear what I am talking to Josh about we stopped. I
just looked at Josh at first rubbing my head and then crossed my feet.

"Josh I know what I'm about to say might get you mad, but please let me
finish. I have been lying to you and everyone at the table since I met you
guys. I think that you and the others will stop being my friends once you
find out the truth about me.

You know when I introduced Frank as a friend? I lied and when I told you
guys that he and I are no longer friends, again I lied to you. He is more
than a friend to me. He is what Cesar is to you.

Josh I know that I should have told you the truth from day one. Let me now
correct that wrong. Frank and I are couple; we are gay."

I just stood there looking at Josh trying to figure out what he is
thinking. Just like his father, you can't read his face. I never want to
play poker with this guy because I would never know when he is bluffing.

"Patrick I have known your secret since I met you. When you introduced
Frank, I could tell that you two were and are a couple. Just the way you
both looked at each other and behaved around each other. I wish you could
have trusted me and the guys with your secret. I know the burden that you
and Frank are carrying.

By not being honest and upfront it also allowed someone like Chris to try
and use it against you. That is why that day when Chris came over to us and
try to that, I pulled him away. I figured whenever you and Frank were
ready, you would come and tell us.

There is only one thing I do ask of you Patrick. Don't wait much longer to
tell the rest. They will understand, back you up, and be there if you ever
need someone to talk to. The kind of lives we are facing is already going
to be hard without holding in secrets and we need the full support of our
friends."

At this point tears started rolling down my cheek. Josh is right I should
have trusted him and the others since I first met them. I need as many
people in my corner as possible. Also I can't afford to give anyone the
tools to hurt me.

"So Patrick, whenever you are ready, bring Frank back to join us. Even if
you are not ready to tell the other guys about you and him, then bring him
back. It doesn't make any sense to stay away from the one that you love."

"I know you're right about everything you just said. I will bring Frank
back in at the same time I am going to tell everybody about him and me. I
want what you have and that is having the one that you love by your side.

If you don't mind I would like to go and find Frank right now. He and I are
fighting about this whole thing and I want to let him know I finally told
you."

"No problem. Go get your boyfriend and makeup with him. If you can't rejoin
us don't worry. What is important right now is that you and Frank fix your
relationship. When I lost Chris to hurt really bad! I've never want to see
a friend or even and enemy go through what I went through when I lost
Chris."

I shook Josh's hand before I left looking for Frank. I can't believe how
much better I feel with this off of my chest. Secrets are the hardest
burden to carry because they weigh you down in the worst way.

(JOSHUA'S POINT OF VIEW)

After lunch I can't wait to get to glee Club. It is the most fun class I
have all day. Mr. Edgar makes you want to go to class everyday. I can't
remember the last class or teacher that got me that excited for a class.

Today, just like the other days, we are practicing the six songs that were
selected to sing in the next competition and for my father's
inauguration. Still I am the only solo artist the glee club has right
now. Sometimes I wish there were others to help out and share the pressure
I have as the only solo artist.

At least this time we have a lot more time to learn each song Mr. Edgar
chose. It is only a week apart between my father's inauguration and the
competition. I couldn't understand why Mr. Edgar chose different songs for
each.

I know, without a doubt, we could get away with the same set of songs we
sing at the inauguration, we can sing a week later at our next
competition. Who knows what goes on in someone else's mind? Half the time I
don't even know what's going on in my own mind!

Mr. Edgar worked with me during class with the piano. He knows I'm very
nervous when it comes to playing the piano. It isn't that I don't like the
piano. I just never took lessons on it until now.

I sat there for the entire hour playing the same song over and over again
on the piano. By the time the bell rang I actually and the entire song
memorized. I don't know if that is what Mr. Edgar was trying to get
accomplished, but that's what happened.

The rest of the day flew by quickly and before I knew it I was already
walking home. On Friday evening Cesar goes straight home because his
parents don't allow him to go to anyone house. I still have not met his
parents, but by the sounds of it they are very strict.

The minute I walked up to the house the front door opened and my family
walked out. For the first time my brothers actually beat me home. I guess
they don't have a football game tonight.

"Josh don't worry about your books just put them in the back of the car. We
are going out to eat for dinner tonight." My dad said as he walked towards
the truck.

Ever since he got elected to the Governorship of Texas, we stopped going
out to eat on Fridays. At first I thought it was because my mom is no
longer with us. Then I figured it wasn't that, it was because the issues
with security.

In order for my father to go anywhere now the security detail has to clear
the building and those around wherever he is going to be. To make it a lot
easier for everyone concerned, they now just clear the restaurant or the
movie theater or wherever he decides to go.

I heard when my father went to Austin and took a regular flight it drove
the security detail crazy. The Main reason is because they couldn't secure
the entire aircraft and because of that they couldn't guarantee my father's
safety.

You know how the world is getting nowadays. There are so many crazy people
out there trying to get themselves on the news! One way they do it is
trying to assassinate a public figure either in politics or
entertainment. Because of that it is causing the problem with security
details trying secure locations where these politicians and entertainers
go.

I jumped in the back seat of the truck and threw my books in the back just
like my father asked me to do. Brandon got in and sat right next to
me. Daniel and Carlos sat in the next seat and my grandmother sat up front
with my father.

I noticed when we drove off there is a vehicle in front of us and the same
kind of vehicle behind us. I figure this is my father's security
detail. That means there is a lot more on duty today because we are going
out. I am pretty sure there is a security detail already at the restaurant
where we are going.

My father went around the truck asking each of us how our day went at
school. We pretty much answered the same. The teachers are getting ready to
administer our semester exams. That means the next couple weeks are going
to be mainly study sessions. I ready think class is boring and now it is
going to be worse.

We drove up to the restaurant where we are going to eat. We got down from
the truck and the security detail got in and drove away. I figure the
guards need to keep everything my father uses in their sight. We are not
even allowed to let anyone get into our vehicles.

At first when we walked into the restaurant, no one recognized us. But when
the owner came out and personally took us to our table, it got everybody's
attention. As I followed my father I noticed he was not too happy with
being treated like a rock star.

When we reached our table and sat down, we ordered our drinks. Once the
waiter left my father finally spoke about the reason he decided to take us
out to eat tonight.

"Although I had a weird week, I can't forget about my family. I have been
so busy since I ran for this office we haven't gone out like a family. That
dawned on me today and I planned to fix it.

I know kids when I go to Austin, you guys are going to stay here. But when
you guys come to Austin this summer, we are going to have our normal
Fridays and we are going to start now.

I want to know what goes on in your lives. I don't want to be one of those
parents always wondering where my children are. I lost many years of your
youth. I won't get those years back, but I won't miss anymore."

We all just looked at each other trying to figure out what is going on. I
already know that my father will give up everything for us. I think he is
feeling right now ashamed because he has been so involved in both of his
jobs.

We know as of December the first my dad is officially out the
reserves. Right now he is turning over this office and duties as the
Commanding General of the US and allied troops in the Persian
Gulf. Although he is here, he is still giving out orders dealing with the
ground troops.

None of us actually answered my father. Instead we changed the subject to
what is going on in our lives. I think we all figured out that my father
wants to be part of our lives. We went around the table and now it's my
turn as the food arrived.

"Really everything is about the same like it is with Carlos and Daniel. I
think the only major difference is my Glee Class." I looked around the
table as I spoke.

I explained to my father and everyone at the table about the song choices
we made. After telling my dad the songs we plan to sing at his inauguration
he seemed pretty happy with the selections and really happy with the
country songs we chose.

The rest of the time at the dinner table we just fooled around and pretty
much talked about nothing earth shattering. I like it when I see my father
in the mood he's in right now; laid back with no worries.

I know my father worries about each and every single one of us. He just
doesn't want us to know that he actually does worry. At times I really
think he takes way too much on his shoulders. Then to top it all off he
doesn't let anyone into his world when things boil to the breaking point. I
really do hope he finds someone that he can talk to soon.

(DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW)

After dinner we headed straight home and went our separate ways the minute
we walked through the front door. Carlos and I headed up to my room to hang
out since there is no football game or party to go to tonight.

"When do we plan to talk to Josh, Daniel? I really do feel bad about
everything we have done to him. If it wasn't for us Elizabeth would have
never come up with the evil plan that she came up with.

Then we made things bad way before that when we went running around the
school telling anyone that would listen to us that Josh is gay. Because of
that it has made Josh's life at school in living hell."

"I know, I know, we really fucked everything up with our brother. To tell
you the truth Carlos, there is no excuse for what we did. We are
individuals like dad said and we can no longer blame others for our
mistakes; not even our upbringing or our mother on anything we do in our
teenage years."

"You know I think Josh went to his room. Why don't we take this time to go
over and talk with him and let him know we always will have his back no
matter what. I know it'll make him feel better and us too."

"We may not feel better Carlos, but at least we will do what is right. What
we should have done that from day one. We have screwed up dealing with Josh
from day one. I know no matter what we do from now on we're going to always
be playing catch-up. I really think that no matter how fast we run, take
shortcuts, or try to make up for the past, we will never be able to make up
for the past."

Carlos and I got up and walked over to Josh's room. We knocked on the door
before walking in. Once we heard Josh tell us to come in we opened the door
and found him in Brandon talking.

"Josh is it okay we talk with you please? It's okay that Brandon stays
because it concerns him as well."

Josh and Brandon looked up at me and Carlos with confused looks on their
faces. I don't blame them since we never give those two the time of day. If
we are not ragging on them or simply just screwing with them we would
normally never talk.

Carlos shut the door once he came in. We both walked over to Josh's bed and
sat down. I looked over to Carlos and then we both looked over to Josh and
Brandon. They still wore confused looks on their faces. I figured I'd just
start talking.

"Josh I really don't know where to begin or how to say what I'm about to
say so I'll just say it. Brothers are supposed to support each other even
if they don't agree with what the other is doing, no matter what. Don't get
me wrong on what I'm saying..."

I'm stuttering and screwing this all up from the beginning. "...Carlos and
I both know there are no way you would choose to be gay. There is no excuse
for what we did to you when mother told us the news. We were scum, in fact
lower than scum for the way we reacted.

So just let me get to the bottom line here. Neither I nor Carlos will make
any excuses for what we have done in the past. What we can do is promise
you now in the future you can always count on us no matter what. You will
no longer have to look over your shoulders worrying on what your older
brothers might do.

We sit here today and promise you we have your back. We will go down
fighting for you if anyone steps up and causes you problems. We love you
and always will. Do you at least forgive us for the crap we pulled?"

Josh looked at me the entire time as I fumbled around trying to organize my
thoughts and get out I had to say. His face never changed from the
concerned look from the moment we walked in the door. He is in the right to
be concerned whenever we come around.

"First let me say thank you for what you just said. You may not know how
much this means to me. One thing I want to let you know from the get-go is
that I know that no matter what, you would never allow anyone to hurt me.

Brothers always fight, that's just in our nature. One thing I can say about
this family though is that we are closer to each other as brothers than
many other families out there. I have known that you guys have supported me
since the day the press and mom cornered me. You two left your stage and
had my back. I never thanked you for that and I really appreciated it that
day.

As of this moment our slates are clear. I really hope in the future I would
never be in a position that would need to ward off physical violence. I am
not living in a dream because there are bigots out there that want to hurt
people like me. The sad thing about those bigots is that they don't
understand or know the realities of a person living a gay life."

Josh got up and walked over to me and Carlos. At first I didn't understand
why he is walking over to us. Then he presented his hand for me to shake
and then I extended mine. But instead of shaking my hand he pulled me up
from the bed and hugged me. I can't remember the last time I have hugged
Josh.

He let me go and turned around to find Carlos is already standing. He
immediately hugged Carlos and Carlos returned to hug. That is when I felt
Brandon tap me on the shoulder to hug me as well.

Once all the hugging was done we headed downstairs to join my father and
grandma in the living room. We talked him into playing Monopoly. The funny
thing is the last time we played Monopoly was when I was probably eight
years old. We played till around midnight when we all finally called it
quits and headed up to bed.

As my head hit the pillow I can't remember the last time my mind was clear
as it is tonight. I guess when you are an evil person or play evil games
you always go to bed with a worried mind. I actually dozed off almost
immediately and slept soundly.

(DANIEL SR's POINT OF VIEW)

I got woken up by loud banging on the front door. As I made my way to
answer the front door the security detail stopped me. One pushed me into
the living room as the other went and answered the door.

I recognized my soon-to-be ex-wife's voice at the door. She is yelling up a
storm loud enough to even wake up the dead. I walked out of the living room
over to the front door to try and calm her down.

"What is wrong with you? Your children are sound asleep in this house!
Don't you have any respect for yourself or for your children? What are you
doing here so damn early in the morning?"

I pulled Martha into the house and walked her to the study. Immediately
after we walked in I shut the door behind us because the whole way from the
front door to the study she wouldn't shut up.

"Do you think you can throw me out like yesterdays garbage? If you think
that, you got something else coming to you. I won't go away quietly
Daniel. I will make it as much noise that I can between now and your
inauguration in order for you to listen to me."

"Martha, just tell me what you want! You already have on your mind what you
want, so just put it out there."

"I want you and the kids back; bottom line. You wouldn't be here today if
it wasn't for me being behind you all those years when you were in the
military. You know that just like I do. I should at least reap the rewards
of my work."

"You know Martha you have not changed one bit. I would think the last
couple months you would at least have thought about what you did. Instead,
you think everyone including me and your kids owe you now. No one owes you
a thing for being a mother and a wife since we were married and had kids.

So your demand is denied. I plan to go through with divorce without
question. I can only put it this simply to you: I DON'T TRUST YOU WITH MY
KIDS! In return I will never allow you to be around our kids"

"Are you ready for a battle Daniel, because that's it is what you'll
get. Not only will I fight you for every dime you have now and in the
future plus I will fight you for sole custody of our children. The law
recognizes the mother before they recognize father and because of that I
will more than likely win.

Then, once I get custody of the kids I will send Josh to this religious
group that specializes on turning kids that think they are gay into
straight God abiding kids. It has been known though, that some of the kids
actually die in there. I am willing to take that chance in order for Josh
to live the right life."

I couldn't believe the words coming from the mouth of the woman I once
loved with my whole heart. "You are one evil bitch! Hell will freeze over
before you get ANY custody of our kids. You are right that the courts rule
more often in favor of mother than the father. In your case, however, there
is no court in this State or any State that would give you custody of our
kids. Not when I present the court with the tape of our conversation the
night that we separated and then with all the interviews and press
conferences you have done.

As far as the money is concerned I am willing right now to give you what
the courts will give you. In the state of Texas you get fifty percent of
what we accumulated while we were married. That shut off the minute I filed
for our divorce. So Martha right now I will write you a check of half of
what this house is worth and what we have in the bank the day I filed for
our divorce."

I can tell Martha is steaming hot at this point. She thought if she walked
in here and made threats that everything will go back to normal. There is
no way I will ever allow her to once again influence our kids.

"Daniel there is no way I am going to allow you to quietly sweep this under
the rug. Let's do this since you are so protective over Josh. You keep Josh
and Brandon and I take Daniel and Carlos as well as your offer of money."

"You must be crazy Martha, because there is no way I am going to separate
these guys. Although you tried to damage Carlos and Daniel, I have
successfully undone some of that damage. There is no way I'm going to let
you get your hands again on Carlos and Daniel.

Either you take the money I am offering now or I will see you in court. If
you choose the latter, you will lose. You might not even walk off with the
amount I am offering you right now. You decide and take your
chances. Again, remember I tape every conversation I get into with anyone
that is a threat."

I pointed to my tape recorder on the desk. I know she saw me press record
the minute we walked into the room. There will be no surprises for her when
I said I tape every conversation I am in.

"Daniel you are leaving me with no other choice than to take you to
court. If this is what you want, then so be it. I will see you in court the
next time we meet. I really hope it is during the week or on the day of
your inauguration."

Martha got up from her seat and walked to the door of the study. I
immediately got up from my seat and joined her at the door. I want to make
sure that she doesn't say another word as I escort her out the house.

"Martha the minute I open this door you won't see another word. I won't
have our kids woken up by your outbursts. If you want to test me on this do
it. And if that's the choice you make the guard detail will ensure you shut
up."

Martha just looked at me with a stunned look in her face. I really don't
care anymore if I hurt her feelings. She doesn't love me or the kids. She
tried to use the kids as a tool against me. For that reason alone I won't
let her see the kids.

"Daniel I was hoping since I am here are ready I can see the kids. I would
like to see all of them except Josh. That way no fights break out and it's
only a visit with the kids."

"No Martha there is no way I will let you pick and choose which kids you
want to see. Even if you want to see all four of them, I won't let you not
in the emotional and irrational state you are in right now."

Martha slaps me and then ran out the study once again yelling at the top of
our lungs. Somehow she got through the guards at the bottom of the
staircase. As she started running up the stairs Daniel and Carlos met her
halfway.

"There you guys are! I have been asking your father to allow me to see you
guys and he has been saying no. In return he has left me with no other
choice but to barge in here like a crazy woman."

Daniel and Carlos just looked at Martha like she was out of her mind. She
tried to hug them except they stepped out of the way. That not only is
stunned me, but by the looks of it, it stunned Martha as well. She just
looked at Carlos and Daniel with the same hate in her eyes as she has for
me and Josh.

Daniel chose to speak up for himself and his brothers; "Mom we love you so
much but what you are doing to this family is destroying it. Dad hasn't
said anything to us about you and him. In fact any time that dad speaks
about you to us is nothing but good.

But you need help mom! I am not about to stand here and tell you why you
need help because I'm your son. Only you can figure what help you
need. Until you can love and accept all four of us as your kids, none of us
will see you."

With that Daniel and Carlos turned around and walked up to the room. At
that point the security detail surrounded Martha and started to escort her
down the stairs. Martha didn't put up a fight as they escorted her out the
house. I think she finally realizes she is in the wrong. The sad thing
about this whole thing is that it took her kids to slap her awake. I really
hope she takes the message my sons are trying to convey to her.

(MARTHA IS POINT OF VIEW)

As the front door of my house shut in my face I couldn't stop thinking
about what my two oldest sons told me. Of all my kids I never thought I
would ever get back talk from the two oldest.

Although they said that Daniel never spoke ill of me I know that can't be
the truth. Reason I say this is because Daniel and Carlos would have never
talked to me like they did moments ago.

I made my car barely holding in from anyone seeing me crying. Never in my
life have I been treated the way I got treated in that house. No one, let
alone a mother, deserves to be denounced by their own kids and being told
they need help.

With blurry eyes and tears rolling down my face I couldn't even find the
keyhole of the ignition of my car. I'd rather just sit here and get control
of myself before leaving and getting into some kind of car accident.

As I sit here looking at my house I can't help but think of the past; our
boys playing in the front yard with their trucks and cars were playing hide
and go seek with each other. Those days I wish I could have back. Those
days I knew my kids were always looking up to me and asking me questions.

Now I have a gay son who doesn't understand being gay is wrong. No matter
if you're religious or not it is wrong. Any normal person knows that you
don't lay down with the same sex. No matter if it is a woman lying down
with the woman or a man lying down with a man.

I know all what I need to do even if Daniel doesn't agree with me. Even if
I don't get custody of my kids, I need to carry out my plans. Josh and the
rest of my family may hate me at first, but after it is said and done they
will thank me.

The church group I plan to send Josh to for help has a branch that goes and
kidnaps kids that refuse to go voluntarily. At that point it takes only one
parent of the child to place him or her into the program! That means I
don't need to have Daniel's signature on any of the paperwork. Again he
might be mad with me, but when Josh returns to us as a normal teenage boy
dating girls, Daniel will forgive me.

Now as far as the other boys I need to figure out a way to talk with
them. If Daniel is brainwashing them, I need to do the same. I have so much
I can tell the boys about their father it will make their heads spin. So if
Daniel wants war over our kids I will give it to him. When the dust settles
I will be in the winning the corner!

In order for me to get all this done I will need to get allies in my corner
I have never thought I would ever go to. One of those allies I know I can
depend on is Elizabeth. I known she wants the same thing that I do
regarding Josh.

And finally Daniel thinks with his little recording I will flinch. He has
another think coming when we go to court. I know for sure the court will
rule in my favor no matter what Daniel says or has against me. Simply put
there is no court or judge in this state that will rule against the mother
and in favor of the father as far as custody of the children. Not if they
want to get elected back to their bench, anyway.

After I wipe the floor with him in the courts I will destroy his political
career before it begins. If I can't be at his side, then nobody will. I
will go to the press, do as many talk shows as needed, and show up at every
event Daniel is at to destroy him. Once I am done with him, he won't even
be able to run for dog catcher.

Still my first order of business is going to be Josh. I stopped crying and
wiped my face as I looked at my house for one last time. The next time I am
here I will be the one living in that house not Daniel!

I will also be the one to have custody of our kids and Josh in that church
group. If he dies while in custody of that church group might be the best
end result for Josh. One part of me wants to believe they can actually help
my son but there is another part of me that knows they can't.

I started my car and pulled out to the street to head home. The first thing
I am going to do when I walked through the doors of my apartment is make
the phone call. I know they can only kidnap him at school and that is what
I am going to tell the church group.

I hope that Josh doesn't put up a fight because if he does he will get
hurt. I really don't care whether or not Josh gets hurt. I hope he resists
and they have to use a huge amount of force in order to take him. That
might actually make him a man.

TO BE CONTINED...

{Hey guys another busy chapter with a lot of things going on. More and more
in the chapters to come we are going to cover a lot of time per
chapter. For example this story we are about to start chapter twenty and we
have not even made it past their freshman year. Still it will take more
chapters in this story to be written to get through one year of a life of
Josh because of the many different plots.

Finally it looks like Daniel and Carlos have seen the error of their
ways. They sat down and spoke with Josh and let him know how bad they feel
about letting him down. I really hope they are true to their word. They
have already taken a positive step when they spoke to their mom the next
morning.

Talking about their mom, what is up with her? Does she understand she has
lost everything with Daniel and her kids? Her blackmailing her husband, or
should I say ex-husband, isn't helping her at all. She is one weird evil
person. She offers to meet halfway saying she will be willing to take only
two sons. She must be on drugs or something if she thinks her husband would
agree to that.

Also look at her sitting outside in her car figuring out her next move on
the plans that she told her husband. I hope whatever church group she is
going to fails because if they don't I have heard once a child goes into
one of those groups it is impossible to get them out.

Josh's father is very worried about his kids. He knows once he goes to
Austin he is going to miss out on a lot with his kids. I think that is one
of the reasons he took them out to eat on Friday. He wants as much time
with his kids as possible before the gets inaugurated.

Finally Patrick grabbed his balls and told Josh about him and Frank. Now he
sees he was wrong about Josh because Josh didn't react the way he
expected. I don't understand the thinking of Patrick because Josh is the
same way. There is no way Josh would have taken offense to anything that
Patrick said. So I hope Patrick does tell the rest the group very soon.

There are so many plots going on right now you can't miss a
chapter. Chris's dad doing everything he can to get Chris back. Even if it
means killing Chris in order for no one else to have him! I know Chris and
Josh are no longer together, but that doesn't mean I want harm to come to
Chris.

Also let's not forget about Elizabeth she is still around. She is somewhere
out there licking her wounds, but she will be back and when she returns she
will be ready to do battle with anyone that stands in her way.

I could stay here all day long, with all the open plots already in this
story, but I won't. I warn you though! Don't skip a chapter, or you will be
lost. There is a so much to answer in the chapters to come. Keep reading
the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am
doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}

EDITOR'S CORNER:

Yes, it was a busy chapter!  Ok, I'm dying to see how Martha puts her plan
into play. She's not thinking rationally. Remember what happened to Chris
when he ran frantically toward Josh?  Oh, I'm betting she and the "church
group" will give it a shot. I'm chomping to see how that drama plays out!
Then once all is known to Daniel Sr., we'll see what kinds of legal
pressure will be brought down upon Martha AND the "church group".

I wish that what Jacob is pointing toward with these "church group"
operations that "fix" gays wasn't true.  Unfortunately, they do exist and
are no better than concentration camps.  There are some that have been
penetrated and found to be dens that harbor pedophiles. Those of that ilk
operate under the guise of therapy but rather, the "patients" become sex
slaves. Perhaps the Governor Elect will find legal means to find such
places and rid our society of such "institutions".

I'm also ready for some more political intrigue!  I don't know about each
of you out there, but this story has me totally hooked on many levels.  I
love politics and the inner workings; behind the scenes things. The
character Rich intrigues me and I get a sense there's a lot more
interesting about him that will be revealed as time goes by. What is under
the veneer of the incoming Chief of Staff? Who is the man behind the
professional?  Inquiring minds want to know, to quote the slogan of the
famous (or infamous) "periodical".

Let Jacob (and me) hear your thoughts and interests. Where do YOU think the
different plots should go?  Remember, on numerous occasions, readers input
has influenced the path of Jacob's stories.  Let us hear what you think.

Until next time,

"Daddy" Rick