Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:24:48 -0700
From: Jacob Miller <jacobmillertex@aol.com>
Subject: Shadow Of My Father: Chapter 32

{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 written consent.}

Written by J.P.G.

Chapter 32

Football season is over, but that doesn't mean the cheerleaders are done as
well. Elizabeth arrived early in the gym to begin practice with the junior
squad. She is still worried about having allowed herself to show her cards
before she is ready to do so! She not only slapped Josh in front of her
friends, but in front of Jonathan, the head of Josh's security detail who
has Josh's father's ear.

Elizabeth knows that she is on thin ice as it is with Principal
Michaels. He is just waiting for any little thing to get rid of her. Now
she might just given him what he needs to expel her with what she did
yesterday. Elizabeth got snapped back to reality when several of her
friends walked up to her.

"Heather is looking for you. She doesn't look happy at all!" Emma spoke as
she and the other two walked up to Elizabeth.

"Well, there's no doubt she heard what happened yesterday. She wants to
show me she's the boss and kick me off the squad again. You guys saw how he
provoked me. They were kissing in public and we just told them not to be
doing that. They could have stopped and walked away, but they didn't. I had
no other choice."

"We agree and will stand up for you. Why don't you just leave and we will
make an excuse why you aren't here. Let us make clear to her that if she
kicks you off the squad again, we will walk with you. There is no way
Heather will loose the entire squad."

Elizabeth agreed with Emma and left the gym. She made her way down the hall
and just as she turned the corner, she ran right into Bernice. They stood
in the middle of the hall looking at each other, Elizabeth is confused as
to why Bernice is not walking off.

"You know you little bitch, I wasn't going to look for you, but man you
make it easy. I promised Josh that I wasn't going to do anything to you for
what you did to him yesterday. But the promise came with a caveat that
clause I wouldn't look for you. But here you are, falling right into my
hands."

Bernice looks Elizabeth straight into her eyes. She can see the fear in
Elizabeth that she is trying so hard to hide. At this point, Bernice came
to a conclusion that she won't just let Elizabeth walk off, not when she
walked right into her.

Before Elizabeth could talk, Bernice slapped her across the face. Knocking
Elizabeth back a couple of feet! Bernice followed up with several more
slaps stunning Elizabeth even more. All she could do is raise her hands to
protect her face.

"How does it feel being slapped in the face? You don't like it do you, you
little bitch? This dance you and I have is getting old. I don't want you as
a dance partner. So this will be our last dance and I will make sure of
that."

Once again Bernice slapped Elizabeth in the face. This time Elizabeth
covered up her face from the main hit. That angered Bernice so Bernice
grabbed Elizabeth's hair and tossed her across the hallway. All through
this, Elizabeth is unable to defend herself. All she can do is try and put
up a protective barrier between her and Bernice.

Bernice getting tired of chasing Elizabeth down the hall, she grabbed
Elizabeth's hair again and tossed her to the ground. Now with Elizabeth on
the ground, Bernice had the chance to jump on top of her. She did and just
started to wale on Elizabeth. Slap after slap landed all over Elizabeth's
face, neck and upper body.

When Bernice saw that Elizabeth has completely given up and didn't even try
to cover her face anymore, she got off of her. As Bernice towered over
Elizabeth on the ground, she could see the blood leaking from different
areas of Elizabeth's face plus red marks.

She knelt down and pulled a permanent marker out of her purse. Bernice
moved Elizabeth's face and started writing on it. Once she finished writing
on Elizabeth's face, she took out a bottle of dye she bought for use in her
science project. She mixed it and tossed it in Elizabeth's hair. Bernice
got up and looked down at Elizabeth.

"This is the last time we are going to talk. You some much look at Josh, me
or our friends we will do more than just dance. You lost him bitch and you
better get used to it. Move on and get another boyfriend. Josh is off the
market and even if he was on the market, he doesn't like girls, so nothing
you do is going to change that."

Bernice walked down the hall straightening herself up. When she walked into
the cafeteria, it didn't look like she just finished beating up
someone. She grabbed her breakfast and joined Eric and the others at their
table.

Eric noticed that Bernice is flushed and breathing a little hard. At first
he just thought she ran to the cafeteria. Then he saw several red marks on
her neck. He knows that she did something that she shouldn't have done.

"You know Josh you told us a riddle before you left and never gave us the
answer. That proves my point when I tell you guys that we should never ask
Josh for riddles. I have said over and over gain that he doesn't give us
the answers to them." Patrick looked at Josh trying to egg him on for the
answer of the riddle.

"Well you guys, I have said over and over again myself, I give you time to
try and figure out the answer to my riddles. Now since none of you came up
with the answer, and Patrick here is right. It is time for me to reveal the
answer. Now the riddle I..."

"You won't believe what just happened." Heather sat down at the table out
of breath. "I was looking for Elizabeth all morning, but she wasn't
around. When I ran into her little group of friends, they actually stood up
for her. They even went as far as to tell me if I kick Elizabeth off the
team, they will go as well, like that is going to stop me.

Anyways, as I am talking with Emma and the others, Elizabeth comes walking
into the gym. I walked over and I couldn't help but laugh. I know that was
mean of me, but man you should have seen her!"

Everyone leaned forward to get the juicy gossip from Heather. "Someone, she
won't say who, beat her up in the hallway leading to the gym. After whoever
beat her up, they wrote on Elizabeth's forehead `I AM A BITCH'." Everyone
started laughing at what they are hearing. "No that is not all you
guys. Get a load of this. We tried to wash it off and it was written with
permanent marker!

Not only that, whoever beat her up also put some kind of dye in her
hair. When we washed it out, it turned her hair blue. I am telling you
everyone started laughing at her. She ran out of the bathroom crying. I
don't have the heart to kick her off the squad anymore because we have
Polaroid's of her."

Heather took out the pictures and showed everyone at the table. They passed
them around laughing at the pictures with her hair blue and the writing on
her forehead. Eric turned to Bernice and knew that it was her that did
this. He knows that because she told him last night that she needs to stop
at the store before school and buy some dye.

"Well it looks like what goes around comes around as they say. Elizabeth
got her just desserts for slapping you yesterday Josh," Patrick said,
barely able to stop laughing enough to tell Josh and the others!

Heather gathered the pictures up when she saw Principal Michaels walk into
the cafeteria. He looked around the cafeteria and once he spotted Heather,
Principal Michaels walked over to the table.

"Heather I understand there was a problem during your practice session this
morning. Elizabeth is in my office crying as she waits for her parents to
come and pick her up. I don't like doing this because Elizabeth more than
likely deserved what she got. But I need the pictures. Whatever was put in
her hair is causing her hair to fall out."

Bernice sat back feeling like crap. She didn't mean for that to happen to
Elizabeth. She just wanted her to stop being such a bitch to Josh. Nothing
that she did this morning to Elizabeth this morning was planned; it just
happened.

Eric looked at Bernice and knew she felt like crap. "Principal Michaels,
what will happen if Elizabeth tries to blame someone here at this table for
what had happened to her? You know her as well as we do. She doesn't like
anyone in our group and she will use this as a chance to push the blame on
to us."

"I thought of that and I won't believe her unless someone backs her
story. That someone has to be a student or teacher that has no ties with
Elizabeth. Her friends, just like friends do, will lie for her as you would
lie for each other if need be. So Heather, do you have the pictures she
told me you guys took?" Principal Michaels put out his hand for the
pictures.

Heather pulled them out of her back pocket and handed them over. The
Principal looked through the pictures and a quick smile crossed his
face. He started to walk off and then turned back around and walked back to
the table.

"Whoever did this to Elizabeth, gave her back the medicine she has been
giving herself to others. I don't condone this in my school, but good job,
whoever. I really hope I never find out." Principal Michaels winked, and
smiled as he walked off.

Heather sat down and looked around the table. "I know it had to be someone
at this table that did that. Hats off to whoever did it. I couldn't stop
laughing when I saw her. I know whenever I see her; I won't be able to stop
myself from laughing."

Once again everyone started to laugh. No one else at the table even though
that one of them did that to Elizabeth! The bell rang and they all got up
still laughing. Josh and Cesar walked down to their lockers. They are so
busy talking they didn't even hear Chris yelling for them down the hall.

Chris ran up and joined Josh and Cesar. They got to their lockers, got
their morning books and headed off to class. By third period rumors started
to float around the school about what had happened to Elizabeth. By the
time Josh and them heard the rumor, so many people added to it so it is way
bigger than what actually happened to Elizabeth.

After eating their lunch, Josh, Cesar and Chris separated from the
group. They walked to the very end of the stadium to talk in private. Their
talk turned to them looking at the male population of the school and rating
them.

"That guy on the field; now he is hot! His girlfriend knows that and that
is why she is all over him. She wants to let the others girls know that he
is taken. I can promise you that he has fucked every girl that is around
him." Chris pointed to one of the football players.

"That is no lie; he is hot! Still I wouldn't want a guy like that. Now look
over there on the steps in the middle of the stadium. He looks like a
loner. Everyday when we come out here and play around, I never see anyone
talking to him.

He looks like he is in our grade, maybe a year above us. He isn't built,
but he isn't skinny. He isn't ugly either. The guy is hot and a person
doesn't have to worry about him cheating on them. He looks like a guy that
would be faithful. If I wasn't with Josh, and if he was my type, I would go
for it."

"Why do you think he is my type? You and I both like Josh, so we have the
same taste in guys. Also we don't even know if he is gay like us. I don't
want to walk up to a guy and say something that might get them to punch me
in the face."

Cesar stood up straight looking at Chris. "Don't take what I said wrong,
Chris. I know your taste. What I meant to say is that he isn't my type in
that I am taken. I am not free and on the market anymore. I should have
chosen my words better.

As far as finding out about the gay issue, you don't just go up and hit on
the guy. You go and talk with him, just like you did with Josh before you
guys got together. No matter how hard a person tries to hide that they are
gay, through talking, we let a little slip out and we don't even know that
we did it."

Josh pointed out another guy and they talked about him. It went back and
forth, over and over again between the two of them. Some how it always came
back to the lonely kid sitting on the steps in the middle of the stadium!

"Okay if none of you have the guts to go and talk with him, then I will."
Josh started to walk over to the kid.

Cesar and Chris caught up to Josh. They didn't say a word as they walked
over to the kid. Josh stopped a couple of steps above him. They just looked
at him before going down to him. Josh is trying to figure him out before he
starts talking with him.

"Hello there, my name Josh, what is yours?" Josh walked to the kid's side
and extended his hand for the kid to shake.

The kid looked up at Josh, blinded by the sun. "What do you want? I am not
doing anything or bothering anybody. Just leave me alone please!"

Josh bent down in front of the kid. There's no doubt in Josh's mind the kid
is in their grade. He has seen him in a couple of his classes. He sits way
in the back in the corner keeping to himself. He never speaks and the
teachers never call on him.

"Look I know you don't know me and if I were in your shoes right now I
would have said the same thing. My friends and I were standing over there
and I saw you sitting here alone. I have seen you sitting here every day
alone since the beginning of the school year. I just wanted to come down
and say hi. I have been where you are and it sucks."

The kid folded up his note book and put it in his bag. He dusted his hand
before extended it for Josh to shake.  Josh accepted his hand. "I am sorry
for acting like a jerk. My name is Rusty, Josh; it is nice to meet you."

"It is nice to meet you Rusty. This is my very good friend Chris and this
guy is my boyfriend Cesar. I hope that you aren't offended with me and
Cesar being gay. I know some people around here are."

"No I am not offended. I can't be offended with what you are because I am
the same way. Plus I knew you the minute I looked up. Everyone in this
school knows you and your brothers. Not in person, but we all know about
you."

Josh looked over to Chris and winked at him. Rusty just answered their
question about him being gay. He didn't say it straight out, but he said
it. Chris walked over to the other side of Rusty and sat down. Cesar sat
down beside Josh as they talked.

"Rusty I know this might seem weird to you, but we would like it if you
would think of joining our little group of friends. You don't have to give
me an answer today, just think about it. I don't like seeing people being
outcast if I can help it. You seem to be a normal person; just you had bad
run of luck that's all."

"I will think about it and thank you Josh. I don't make friends
easily. That is why I am sitting here alone. You guys are the first to come
up to talk with me in a while. I know that sounds sad, but it is the
truth."

They sat talking until the bell rang. Josh got up, pulling Cesar up with
him. They shook Rusty's hand before leaving. Josh turned and yelled at
Rusty to think about what he offered. Josh turned back around thinking that
he can't believe that Cesar spotted another one like them half way across
the stadium.

Josh looked over to Chris and saw that Chris looks worried. "Chris listen,
if he doesn't like you or you don't like him that is fine. We all can
become good friends and we will leave it like that. Just don't worry about
anything before it actually happens."

"I know that you're right Josh, but I can't help it. You know how hard it
was for us to get together. I can't go through that again, I just
can't. Maybe what I need is to stay out of the dating world for now; just
work myself in little at a time."

"We aren't going to push you to go where you aren't ready to go yet. Let's
get to know Rusty and see what type of person he is. Maybe through that you
will fall for him. But if not, like Josh said, we will just have him as a
friend."

Chris nodded in agreement to Cesar. They reached their lockers to grab
their books for the afternoon classes. Josh knows that that they are
jumping the gun. They don't even know if Rusty is going to take them up on
their offer to be friends. If Rusty chooses to stay a loner, all of what
they are talking about is moot.

After school, Emma walked straight to Elizabeth's house. She could not get
off of her mind all day long on who did that stuff to her friend. Even on
her way over to Elizabeth's house she couldn't stop thinking about it. She
knows for sure it was not Heather or any of the other cheerleaders because
they were all in the gym at the time.

She knocked on the door and waited for Elizabeth to answer. Instead
Elizabeth's father answered the door. He looked at Emma trying to figure
out the same thing that Emma could get off her mind all day long.

"I know you are one of my daughter's best friends. But for now, she doesn't
want any visitors. She is hurting and not coming out of her room. So you
better just come back tomorrow or maybe Thursday, and she'll be ready to
talk."

"Sir, with all due respect, we want to find out who did that to her. We
can't allow anyone to walk around the schools thinking that they could do
this kind of stuff and get away with it. Please let me try to talk with her
if she refuses to answer her door I will leave and come back as you want."

Elizabeth's father got out of the way and allowed Emma to come in. As she
walked towards his daughter's room. He kept an eye on her, but knew that
she wasn't the one that did that to his daughter. He waited to see if
Elizabeth would let her in.

Emma knocked on the door and waited for Elizabeth to say something. When
she didn't hear anything she knocked again. This time, Elizabeth yelled out
to leave her alone and to stop bothering her.

"Elizabeth, its Emma, please let me in." Emma leaned against the door as
she spoke.

Emma waited to see if Elizabeth will let her in. At first she didn't hear
any noise coming from the room and then she saw the door handle wiggle as
it got unlocked. Emma opened the door and walked in to find Elizabeth
sitting on her bed.

Elizabeth has a scarf around her head to hide the fact that she had to
shave her head. Emma walked over and sat next to Elizabeth. She grabbed a
hold of her hand as she just sat in silence looking into Elizabeth's eyes.

"I don't know how I am ever going to be able to show my face again at
school looked at what they did to me Emma." Elizabeth's pulled off her
scarf to show Emma her bald head. "That stuff that was put in my hair not
only bleached it, it actually made it fallout! How can I walk around the
school with no hair?"

Emma rubbed Elizabeth's head. "You can hide that easily by a wig, but if
you don't show up, the people that did this to you will know that they have
won. The Elizabeth I know doesn't quit or allow anyone to run her off. This
shouldn't be an exception to the rule. Don't allow them the satisfaction,
Elizabeth."

Elizabeth shook her head and just sat there in silence as Emma talked. She
knows that her friend is right, and she can't allow anyone to run her
off. She got up from her bed and walked over to her dresser to pull out of
box that has the wig her father bought her earlier in the day. Just like
Emma, her father told her the same thing.

"We need to get back the person that did this to you. If it's more than one
person, we will get them all back. They can't be walk around the school
thinking that they can get away with what they did to you. You know as well
as I do that Principal Michaels isn't going to spend any of his time
finding out who did this to you."

"I agree with you on Principal Michaels he isn't going to do anything about
this. I also agree that we do need to get back the person that did this to
me. But for now I'm going to keep that person's name to myself until I
devise a plan to get her back. When I do she won't walk away like she
allowed me to."

Emma got up and helped Elizabeth put on the wig. They tried to comb it out
into a style, but couldn't, so they decided to go down to a salon to get it
done. That way when she goes to school in the morning, there is no way
anyone would be able to tell that she is wearing a wig.

Josh, Cesar and Chris quickly did their homework before going back down to
watch TV. After dinner, Jonathan asked to speak with them. They didn't go
to the study, but to the den instead. Jonathan believes that the study is
Governors Lopez's office and he doesn't want to disrespect his boss.

"Boys there are a couple things I need to speak with you guys about. Let me
start off by saying this to you guys. We aren't trying to dictate to you or
your friends or who you can hang out with. But when ever you decide to
become friends with somebody new, we need to clear them. We need to make
sure that they aren't a threat to you, this family or your father. I know
that is a high price to pay, but it has to be done."

"Are you telling me that when ever I want to become friends with somebody
at school, I have to go to you before hand?" Josh looked at Jonathan with
discuss in his face.

"I know you don't like this Josh and I don't want to do this. Your father
is Governor, and there are people out there that would do anything to get
to him. That even includes involving his kids in order to get to
him. Everybody in this state and in the nation knows that your dad would do
anything to keep you guys safe.

Josh, please don't think they were trying to control your life. If you guys
want this new kid to be friends with you, no problem; we will check him and
his family out. More than likely we won't find anything on him or his
family. I don't suspect anything because this kid has been at your school
since the beginning of the school year."

"Fine, I understand, and please check him out. We offered him a chance to
become friends with us. He hasn't given us an answer but if there's
something wrong, we can stay away from him when ever he approaches us."

"Good Josh and thank you for understanding. Now on to the other pressing
matter that I have to speak with you guys about. We got a hold of Chris's
foster parents without a problem, but we are having a problem getting a
hold of your dad Cesar.

We know that he goes out of town a lot dealing with his job. So we checked
in with his job to see when he is due back, but we got surprising news. He
hasn't been working for this company for over a year. Since he hasn't been
in the picture that much, we didn't do the kind of background check that we
do with everybody else that gets near the Governor and his family. That is
how this escaped us.

Now we did do a full background check on your father and your complete
family Cesar. There are way too many inconsistencies in your father's
background that we can't figure out. Everything is pointing to wrong doing
on his part. Even when he worked, ninety percent of the time your father
never showed up to work. That's why he got fired.

When we left to Austin your father was brought in for questioning by the
local police department. This is not the first time he's been brought in
and just like the other times. They had to let him go because of
insufficient evidence. We believe now, he actually is on the run from the
law."

"What does all this mean Jonathan? Are you telling us that Cesar can't be
here because of his father?" Josh got up, and had anger on his face.

"What I'm trying to say here Josh is that Cesar's father can't be around
you, this family or your father. If he returns back to El Paso and Cesar
goes home. I am sorry to say this, but Cesar wouldn't be allowed in this
house either.

We aren't trying to tell Cesar to choose between his father and you. With
the facts at hand, we believe Cesar's father won't come back to El
Paso. He's afraid to get arrested and that is what's going to happen if it
comes back. With that said, Cesar's father is going to try to reach out to
him and ask him to join him. That is when you're going to have to make a
decision Cesar."

Josh looked over to Cesar to see if he could read his face. The only thing
Josh is getting off of Cesar's expression is surprise. By the looks of it
he never knew that his father was a criminal and provided for the family by
breaking the law.

"If I don't go back to my father Jonathan, I will end up being put into
foster care. I am not going to be as lucky as Chris getting Coach and his
wife for his foster parents. I am too old and people aren't looking for
teenagers to adopt. They want babies so they can bring them up the way they
want them to be. Plus, I am gay. There is no way anyone in this state will
adopt me."

"What we need all do is settle down. I spoke with the Governor and he has
instructed me what to do in this area. For now you're going to stay here
like you have been. We will look for your father, but not hard. That way no
one can say that we aren't looking for him. We are going to assume your
father is coming back for you.

Don't get worried about anything right now that isn't a real issue. As we
look for your father, the Governor has hired an adoption attorney. They are
going to start getting the paperwork rolling to take your father's parental
rights away. That way you are able to be adopted. At that point, we will
file the paperwork. At no time, you will end up in the system. So don't
worry about what you are thinking right now."

Cesar looked at Josh, trying to figure out what to do. He doesn't want his
family problems to interfere in Josh's father's career. After watching
Josh's father run for governor this last time, he knows that politicians
will use anything they can to get elected. This will be like a kid in a
candy store in the political world.

"Has the Governor really thought about doing this? He does realize by
having me around he is giving ammunition for others to use. I don't want to
be the cause of any problems for the Governor or Josh. I love Josh way too
much to become a problem."

"That is noble of you, the way you are thinking Cesar. The Governor thought
of it and decided on this course of action. In the next couple days he is
going to have a news conference to let the public know on what is going
on. Now that news conference is going to depend on what you decide here
tonight and I report back to him.

One thing, the Governor learned in this election is that the public doesn't
care about what's going on in his personal life just as long as he doesn't
cover it up or try to fix it by the power of his office. The people want a
truthful leader, and they will forgive that leader almost everything as
long as the leader is the one that comes out and tells them what is going
on, and how he is dealing with it."

"I love my father, but I don't know him. I really don't think he's going to
reach out to me like you say he is. He is gone and gone for good. The
reason I say this is because he abandoned me once before, and it didn't
hurt him. Now he is gone, and I can guarantee you, when we walk into his
house, we will find everything of his gone as well.

Please let Josh's dad know that I will follow and do whatever he needs me
to do. The only thing I see as a problem is if he adopts me, although we
aren't blood, Josh and I can't date. People will consider us brothers and
think bad about us dating after the adoption." Cesar pulled Josh back to
the couch to sit next to him.

"I will inform the Governor about your decision. One thing I guess I didn't
make clear is who will be adopting you. Governor Lopez is going to pay for
everything, but I am going to be the one that will be adopting you. That
way all the issues that you are thinking about we thought about first and
resolved them.

Now enough with this sad and gloomy part of the evening! You boys don't
worry about this stuff. Just be teenagers and go to high school and worry
about high school problems. We will take care of everything so you guys
don't have to worry."

Jonathan got up to leave the den, but then remembered something else. "Oh
by the way Josh, if your friends were the ones that did that thing to
Elizabeth, tell them good job. As I looked over your shoulders at the
pictures of her I couldn't stop myself from laughing either. That was some
funny shit you guys did."

Josh tried to say something, but Jonathan walked out. He turned to Cesar
with a big smile on his face. All three boys got up and headed over to
watch television with Josh's brothers. Before they knew it was time to get
ready for school and go to bed.

The next morning during breakfast, the cafeteria went quiet when Elizabeth
walked in. Josh and his group of friends looked at Elizabeth trying to
figure out if she's wearing a wig or not. The only conclusion they came to
is, if she is wearing a wig, whoever styled it made it looked like her real
hair.

Josh's attention got pulled back to the conversation at hand. Josh, Cesar
and Chris were telling the others about Rusty. None of them objected to
having Rusty part of their group. In fact, they love the idea because the
more they have the less chances that other groups will bother them at
school.

"Now yesterday morning, we were talking about stupid riddles that you tell
us Josh. You were about to give us the answer to the riddle that you told
us before you left. I couldn't get the riddle out of my mind once we start
talking about it, because I want the answer. So are you going to give us
the answer or not Josh?"

Josh looked around at the faces of his friends as he cracked a smile. "You
know my answer to that Eric. I would like to give you the answer to the
riddle but you guys don't even try to solve it but I'll go ahead and just
give you all the answer.

Let me tell you guys the riddle and then give you the answer to the
riddle." Josh looked at everyone again and they all shook their heads up
and down. "Three brothers share a family sport. They run an endless
marathon. They race every day and last the whole day long. The first of
them is short and stout, the second tall and thin, the third is tiny, short
and thin but he is sure to win. What are we?"  Josh looked around the table
to see if any of them came up with the answer. From behind Josh, Rusty
walked up and gave the answer to the riddle.  "The answer to your riddle is
the clock hands. The first hand is the hour, the second hand is the minute
and the last hand is the second hand!"

Everyone looked at Rusty and back over to Josh. "Come my friend and sit
down. How did you know the answer to that riddle? Everyone here has had the
riddle for weeks now and couldn't figure out the answer. You come and hear
it once and got it."

"My father has a show on the radio. Everyday he tells a riddle. He used
that riddle on his show I think over a month ago. Sometimes the callers get
as angry as your friends were with you over the riddles he puts out
there. The only difference he does is he gives the answer at the end of the
show everyday. Your friends had to wait weeks for the answer."

Every agreed with Rusty and threw something from their tray at Josh. After
they settled down, Josh introduced Rusty to everyone else at the
table. Just as they said, they took Rusty in with no problem.

The bell rang before they had a chance to head outside like they always
do. They got lost into conversation; they didn't pay attention to the
time. Josh walked to first period thinking about what Jonathan told him the
night before. They need to clear any new friends and their family before
they can become friends. Josh walked back to Jonathan.

"Have you gotten any information on Rusty yet? Out of respect I need to let
him know what is going on. That way if you guys find something he isn't
surprised when I tell him I can't be friends with him."

"Josh don't worry about Rusty. We work fast when it comes to your friends
and their families. Rusty and his family are clear and you can be friends
with him. He seems to be a very good kid to have as a friend with what I
gave read."

Josh looked at Jonathan with a puzzled look on his face as he caught up
with Cesar. He doesn't understand what Jonathan meant at the end of his
statement. They walked into the classroom right when the warning bell
rang. Josh noticed as he took his seat that there is a sub sitting at the
desk.

Jonathan noticed the same thing when he walked in. He walked over and asked
the student in the desk next to Josh to switch seats with him. At the same
time, the other security detail did the same thing with the students behind
Josh and at his sides. The only one that didn't get asked to move is Cesar.

The sub just sat there looking on as Josh's security detail rearranged the
seating. "I don't know what is going on, but I don't like it. I have a
sitting chart and you need to be in your correct seat. If you aren't, I
will count you absent."

Jonathan got up and pulled the sub out into the hall. A few minutes later
they walked back in. The sub repeated what he said, but again no one
moved. He filled out the attendance sheet. As he walked over to the door to
put in the attendance sheet, Principal Michaels walked in. He looked over
at Jonathan and waved him over. Jonathan got up and joined the Principal
and the sub out in the hall.

"I didn't even know that Mr. Shredder was absent today until a few minutes
ago. There are different policies set up for this school whenever a sub
comes in and teaches for us. You need to be on the approved list of
teachers. I don't know you and that means you aren't on the approved list
of teachers."

"Excuse me sir, with all due respect, I am a teacher that subs all over El
Paso school districts. I have never been turned away from doing my job. If
you don't want a problem from the teachers union, you will let me get back
to my job."

"Sir, this has been cleared through the teachers union. This gentleman here
is in charge of the security around one of the Governor's sons that is in
this class. Any sub that walks into this class needs to be on the approved
this. Once again you aren't on that list, so you can't sub for that reason
alone. You are probably a good teacher, but you can't sub in this school
while we have the Governor's sons attending here."

The sub looked at the Principal and walked back into the
classroom. Something bothered Jonathan about the guy so he followed him
in. As he walked up to the teacher, he had the drawer open. Jonathan didn't
like the look on the teachers face when he reached into the draw for a bag.

"Sir please stand back and let me get the bag for you." Jonathan leaned
over and whispered in the teacher's ear.

The sub refused to stand back and kept reaching for the bag. Jonathan
slammed the drawer shut on the teacher's hand, causing him to scream. The
entire class went quiet as the other security detail pulled Josh out of the
classroom.

Jonathan grabbed the teacher's arm and pulled it out of the drawer. He
opened the draw and pulled out the bag. Not even looking into the bag,
Jonathan slammed the teacher against the wall and held him there until back
up arrived.

Principal Michaels looked at Jonathan thinking that he is taking this a
little too far. "Hey there is no need to be that way with him. The only
thing that is wrong here is that he is not on the approved list. Let him go
so he can get medical treatment for what you did to his hand."

"I afraid I can't do that sir. He is going to be placed under arrest. There
is a gun in that bag. There is only one reason he would bring a gun to
school."

Principal Michaels stood there stunned by what Jonathan just said. Just
then his back up ran into the room and threw the guy to the
ground. Jonathan picked up the bag from the desk and walked over to the
Principal. He opened the bag to show the Principal what is inside of the
bag.

"This is why I am here. This is why we have the approved list of subs. I
don't know what he had planned, but whatever it was, we spoiled it. Maybe
you aren't cut out for being the Principal at this school while the
Governor's kids are attending it."

"Look this is not my mistake. The minute I found out that Mr. Shredder
didn't come to work today, I came right over. I thought that you were going
way too far with this guy. Now I see you weren't and I will never question
what you do again."

Jonathan walked over to the teacher on the ground and pulled him up. They
walked him out of the classroom over to the conference room. As Jonathan
and his detail secured the teacher, Principal Michaels brought the class
back into the classroom. He talked to class until one of the approved subs
showed up and took over the class.

While this was going on, Josh and his brothers were taken into another
conference room for their security. Once the security detail did a sweep of
the school they let Josh and his brothers return back to class. By then
first period was over in the second period had already on its way.

The gossip changed from what had happened to Elizabeth yesterday to what
happened during first period. Just like any gossip, by the time it got back
to Josh, it changed drastically from the truth to a horror story!

Josh ignored it and just went on with his day. Even his friends at
lunchtime didn't talk about it; they noticed the look on Josh's face that
they have seen time in and time again. The look of just leave me alone and
don't ask me about what you're hearing.

Rusty didn't join them in the cafeteria, but he joined them when they made
it out to the stadium. As he joined the conversation Josh, Cesar and Chris
kept listening to every word that he said. Looking for any clue that he is
not involved in a relationship. They don't want to assume that he isn't and
then find that he is in a relationship.

The group of friends that they have right now has shown them to always be
on the safe side. When Patrick first joined their circle or friends they
had no idea that he is gay and that he had a boyfriend. The only difference
here is that they know Rusty is gay.

As they started to go in, none of them are any closer to finding out
whether or not that Rusty is in a relationship. Josh came to a conclusion
that the only way they'd ever going to find out is if they just ask him
straight out.

They started to hear the crowd behind them crack up laughing. Josh and the
others turned around to see what they are laughing about and couldn't
believe their eyes. They looked up at the top of the building to see frogs
falling down. Josh and his friends quickly walked into the building so they
wouldn't get hit with a frog.

Eric walked up to Josh, and held him back as the others walked to their
lockers. "I really need my best friend back. I know you say that you have
forgiven Bernice and me but you don't talk with us like you used to. You
are the only one that would understand where I'm coming from."

"I didn't lie to you or Bernice about letting go what had happened. It's
just been one crazy thing after another ever since my dad got elected. I am
sorry if you feel that I have neglected our friendship. I didn't mean to do
so."

"I know it Josh, but I really need your help. I am getting very
frustrated. I know that I shouldn't be getting frustrated with Bernice. But
you know her and you know me and you are the only one that can give me an
unbiased opinion."

"I will try my best to give you an unbiased opinion. You just have to do me
a favor no matter what we say, you don't repeat back to Bernice. If you
can't do that then don't ask me for my opinion."

"Now you can trust me I can." Josh leaned against the wall to see what Eric
had to say. "You know that I love Bernice and Bernice loves me. We kiss and
touch each other, but she stops it before it goes any further. Every time
we study it looks like she wants to go further than we have. But then she
stops it and leaves me with a really bad set of blue balls." Josh started
laughing at Eric.

"I'm sorry my friend. I don't mean to be laughing at you, but that is
Funny. Bernice is different than the other girls you might have chosen to
date. I am pretty sure she has told you how she and I became friends." Eric
nodded his head up and down.

"Think about it my friend, the answer is right there in front of you. Give
her time, and she will give you what you want. But let me tell you this
much, if you want to have sex right now, Bernice isn't the one for you. I
really don't foresee her giving it up while she is in high school no matter
how much she loves you or how you ask."

"I can wait. There's no question about that. What I don't like is when she
gets me all excited and then just stops. She needs to remember also that I
am a man, and it is hard for us to just stop. I do it because I respect her
and I am not the type of man that will force any girl to have sex with me."

"Those points you have are on target Eric, but tell her that. The reason
Cesar and I are great together is because we talk with each other. We don't
leave things bottled up until it gets to the point that can destroy our
relationship. If you and Bernice don't have a relationship that you guys
can talk about anything and everything, it's going to end before it even
begins."

The first bell rang for fifth period. As they walked to class, Eric thanked
Josh for listening. He will leave it up to Bernice on when they're going to
have sex, but also he is going to talk with her about some ground rules.

On the way to his locker, Josh saw Patrick and Frank walk out of the
bathroom together. Josh couldn't help but think that those two were being
naughty in the stalls. They have told him about their crusade of having sex
in places that they might get caught. They even tried to talk Josh and
Cesar into joining them. Of course, Josh and Cesar politely declined their
invitation.

Patrick noticed that Josh noticed them coming out of the bathroom. He
turned to Frank with a concerned look in his face. Frank had no idea why
Patrick looked terrified. Frank figured that Patrick will tell him what is
bothering him after school.

The rest the afternoon went by pretty fast. During Glee Club, Josh and the
rest kept practicing for their competition on Friday. They think they are
pretty much are ready for the competition, but Mr. Edgar didn't think so.

On the way home Cesar noticed that Josh is in a different world. "What do
you have on your mind right now Josh, because you aren't paying attention
to me or Chris. We asked you questions and you didn't answer any of them"

"Believe it or not, I really do feel bad for what had happened to
Elizabeth. I know she is a bitch and she wouldn't care if anything would
happen to me. Still I do care about her and believe that if I didn't lie to
her she wouldn't be where she is right now. She honestly loved me, and I
just let her believe that I was straight."

"Fine, I will give you that you lied to her, but you had your reasons. I
know that that is no excuse for what you did, but again, you apologized to
her until your face turned blue. She not only didn't accept your apology,
she made your life a living hell and is still doing it. There should be no
reason that you should feel bad for what happened to her yesterday."

"I know that you are right on everything you're saying Cesar but I don't
wish what happened to her on anybody although it is pretty funny!" Josh
started to laugh, causing Cesar and Chris to laugh as well.

Before dinner, Josh and his brothers spoke with their father. He called to
make sure that they are okay and that nothing had happened to them. After
speaking with each of his sons, Daniel Sr. asked to speak with Jonathan
alone. As soon as Josh and his brothers walked out, Jonathan informed
Daniel Sr. his boys had left the room.

"After I spoke with you earlier this morning Jonathan, I spoke with
Principal Michaels. That guy in my opinion is nothing but an idiot. He
doesn't know how to run his school with kids that have family members that
are politicians or in the public eye. To his defense, my family is the
first he has had to deal with.

I'm very concerned that a teacher, a sub or not, can walk into that school
with a gun. I know when I spoke with you this morning you guys were just
barely beginning to question him. What have you learned since then?"

"Governor, Sir, it looks like he was just executing his right to bear
arms. He brings a gun to school for protection because of what is happening
in the bigger cities. This teacher doesn't want to go to a school and end
up getting killed because he doesn't have any means to protect himself."

"I certainly understand that he has the right to bear arms, but not at a
school. One of his students could get a hold of his gun and use it for the
wrong reasons. If I'm not mistaken, and I might be, but I believe that
teachers aren't allowed to be carrying firearms on school property. I will
speak with my state attorney general to make sure I am right.

For the meantime, let's just let the Police Department handle this. You
already have your hands full making sure nothing happens to my
family. Please let Josh and Cesar know that I plan to hold a press
conference sometime tomorrow late afternoon or early evening. I don't want
them to be caught with their pants down on this."

Jonathan promised the Governor that he will inform his sons and Cesar about
the press conference. They talked a little bit more about the adoption
before hanging up. Daniel wanted to make sure that Jonathan is doing this
because he wants to and not because he feels that he has to adopt Cesar to
do or keep his job.

After dinner, everyone went to the den to play video games. Just when
Brandon's character died and Josh sat down to take over the control,
Bernice walked in. Josh gave his control back to Brandon as he walked over
to Bernice. They walked up to Josh's room in order to talk in private.

"I don't know what I did wrong with Eric. Josh please help me and tell me
what I have done wrong with him." Bernice's voice shook as she talked.

"You don't have to give me more than just, you did something wrong with
Eric. I thought you guys are getting along without any problems. Why all of
a sudden are their problems with you guys right now?"

Bernice basically told Josh the same thing that Eric told him at
lunch. There are only a few minor differences between their stories but
nothing that would make anyone think that one or the other is lying about
what they are saying.

"If you are asking me for my opinion, I don't have a problem telling you my
opinion. But you need to promise me that what I tell you won't get back to
Eric."

"I promise to never again repeat anything that we talk about. I want your
friendship, and I want you to trust me completely again."

"I will trust you, but if you repeat what I say to you again, trust will be
destroyed and our friendship is over. Now let me tell you that you need to
stop over-thinking things. You are just like me; we both over think some of
the situations that we are in.

You are trying to figure out who you are as a person. Just a few months ago
you thought you were like me. Then you thought, because you never had a
real boyfriend, you might have jumped the gun on thinking that you are a
lesbian.

Both you and Eric are my best friends, and I don't want to see either of
you hurting. You need to take it slow with Eric to make sure he is the
one. Even if you are straight like you believe, you have got to make sure
Eric is the one. Don't give yourself to him when you aren't certain about
yourself.

What you two need to do is date, not have sex. Get to know each other and
make sure that you guys are the right for each other. Kiss him, because
that's what normal couples do, but don't tease him. I am not saying that
you are doing that, but if you are, stop it. He is a normal guy and when
guys get horned up, it is very hard to come down from that. I know women
probably are the same way."

"You're right and I know that. We are trying to act like you and Cesar and
we shouldn't be doing that. I know I'm not ready to have sex, and I don't
know when I will be ready to have sex. At the same time I do tease Eric a
lot and I need to stop doing that."

"Did you guys have a fight or something this evening that made you come
down here in tears like you were?"

"We really didn't have a fight in the sense that we argued with each
other. Just like every other night after school we studied together, but
this time Eric didn't want to sit next to me like we always do. Do what you
think he is getting tired of me?"

"No Bernice I can tell you without a doubt that Eric isn't tired of you. In
fact, I can see in his eyes and in yours you both are really in love. What
you guys need to do is open up a line of communication between each
other. That will solve a lot of problems that you guys are having right
now. Also, you need to stop teasing him."

"I promise that I will stop doing that. As soon as I get home I'm going to
call him and we are going to talk about each other to each other. You
probably know more about Eric and me than we know about each other. Thank
you for listening to me Josh. I will prove to you that you can trust me
again."

Josh walked Bernice down to the front door. When he opened the door he saw
her father sitting in his car in the driveway. Josh walked Bernice over to
the car to make sure she got in safe. He also wants to say hi to her father
as well.

Bernice's father spoke with Josh as if Josh and his daughter are still
going out with each other. Like old times, Bernice's father invited Josh
and his family for Sunday services. Josh politely said no, and thanked him
for his invitation.

"I'm never going to give up on you Josh. One day you will come for Sunday
services. No one in my church will judge you. Think about it, and if you
decide to come, you are more than welcome in my church. I know you and my
daughter aren't going out anymore, but that doesn't mean you aren't welcome
in my home or in my church."

Josh thanked him as he rolled up the window. He walked back to the front
door and watched Bernice and her father driveway. Josh can't help but think
about Bernice and Eric's relationship. Both of them are worried about their
relationship, but won't talk to each other about those concerns they have.

As soon as Josh walked into the house, he headed upstairs to get ready for
school the next day. After taking a shower, he headed into his room to find
Cesar and Chris already in their beds. He looked over to Cesar and really
wanted to go up to him, kiss him and just cuddle. He is very thankful that
he and Cesar aren't having communication problems.

All through the night, Josh kept waking up. He finally gave up trying to
force himself to sleep. He got up, walked around Chris and crawled into bed
with Cesar. Cesar woke up, as Josh, covered them up with the blanket. He
smiled as Josh wrapped his arms around his body and cuddled up against his
back.

The next morning, Chris got up first. He looked over at Josh's bed to find
him not there. He thought it was weird because Josh is normally not the
first one up. He stood up and as he is stretching he noticed two bodies in
Cesar's bed. He walked over and woke up, Cesar and Josh so they don't get
caught sleeping together in the same bed.

As they walked to school, Josh couldn't stop smiling. Although they didn't
have sex with each other the night before, he felt as if they did. He loves
being with Cesar and just feeling him near him as he did last night.

When they walked into the first period, Josh noticed Mr. Shredder behind
his desk. He doesn't look like himself. Josh sat down and started talking
with Cesar until the final bell rang. Mr. Shredder took attendance really
quickly.

"I understand that there was a commotion in this classroom yesterday
morning. Let me tell you guys first that gossip won't be tolerated. This
school is going through a lot of changes right now. We are adjusting to
having kids from a political family attend this school. We will fumble the
ball once in a while.

I'm not at liberty to tell you any details of what had happened with the
teacher that was here yesterday. But I will ask you guys to stop gossiping
about what had happened in this classroom yesterday. It doesn't benefit
anybody. Do I make myself clear on this?"

In unison the students said `yes'. Mr. Shredder left the subject and
started going over the homework assignment from yesterday. He realized that
due to the commotion that occurred in this class the Principal didn't
follow the instructions he left. He had to shove two days of work into one
in order to stay on schedule for this semester.

The students got up when the bell rang and didn't say a word. They handed
Mr. Shredder their assignment as they walked out the door. Even Josh didn't
look his teacher in the eye as he handed in his assignment.

Class after class, every teacher gave the same speech to their students
about creating rumors or adding to the rumors. It looks like they must've
had a meeting before school or after school yesterday about these rumors
because they basically are all saying the same thing. All the students need
to stop gossiping about other people or incidents that they don't know
anything about. Even if they know anything they need to keep it to
themselves.

The only teacher that didn't give the speech is Mr. Edgar. After taking
attendance, he pulled everybody together to start practicing. Mr. Edgar
explained that they basically only have two actual rehearsal days
left. They need to practice, because they have never won this meet in the
programs history.

At first everyone started to moan and groan, but got down to
business. Before Josh knew it, the bell rang, ending the period. The last
two periods of the day went by even faster than the morning did. Josh
couldn't wait to get home and spend time with Cesar.

As they walked through the door, Josh, Cesar and Chris headed to the
kitchen for their snack before studying. They didn't find the snack on the
table as they normally do. Josh didn't even see his grandmother or Isabella
anywhere in the kitchen. He thought that was weird because they are always
in the kitchen when he gets home.

 Just as Josh started to pull out the peanut butter and jelly to make
sandwiches his grandmother walked in the door and stopped Josh. She asked
Josh and the other two to join her and Josh's brothers in the den. As they
walked out of the kitchen, the boys have a confused look on their faces.

They walked in to find Daniel, Brandon and Carlos already sitting in front
of the TV. Josh looked to see what they are watching but found it on a news
channel. That is when he remembered about what Jonathan told him the night
before. This has to be his father giving a press conference about what's
going on with Cesar.

Josh sat down beside Cesar the floor and Chris joined them. Just as Josh
turned to look at the television, the Governor's mansion appeared on the
screen. In front of the mansion is a podium and every news channel and
newspaper reporter. All of them are either writing something down or
reporting to their channel live.

The camera moved up to the front door of the mansion as it opened. Governor
Lopez and members of his staff walked out and started walking towards the
podium. As they reached the podium they evenly separated and stood on one
side or the other of the Governor. He looked out to the reporters and
smiled.

"Good evening everyone and thank you for waiting. I know that my staff has
been telling you guys that I wanted to do this press conference since
earlier this afternoon. Issues kept coming up that needed my attention
immediately. I am one of those on hands-on governors that likes getting his
hands dirty. So again, I do thank you all for being patient.

The day that I threw my hat into the ring for this position, I told the
people of this state that I will always be truthful with them. I would
never hide anything from them no matter how bad or how good it might be for
my career.

A personal issue has come up in my family. It won't affect my ability to
execute the office of the Governor of Texas. But I want you to hear it from
me first. Once it gets out there those that don't like me being Governor
will use it to make me look unfit to be Governor. I say to you guys here
today what I'm telling you is the complete truth.

My middle son Josh as you all know is gay. He also, as you know, is in a
relationship with another young man. This young man is in his same grade
and in his same high school. I have grown to really love this young man,
because of the way he respects and treats my son. Both of them make each
other very happy.

In order for anyone to be around my family or me, they have to go through a
complete background check. Without going into complete detail, because we
don't know the complete truth, something has been discovered about my son's
boyfriend's father."

The Governor went into detail of what they found. As he spoke written
copies of what the Governor is talking about are being passed out to the
members of the press corps. They stood there listening to the Governor as
he explained everything that they had been handed. A couple of times the
Governor had to stop in order to compose himself.

"Like I said earlier, we don't know the complete truth here. I won't ask my
son to break up with his boyfriend because of what his father has done. He
has shown me that he's not like his father. In his case the apple did fall
far from the tree.

In closing I would like to address every politician that might be tempted
to take to the airwaves as soon as I walk away; to those that might try to
sell this as an example of me being an unfit Governor. My family didn't run
for this office. I did and I should be the only one under the microscope;
not my family.

I know every politician and analyst out there has family. Do you want your
family to be put through the wringer for a job that they don't hold? My
kids are just that, kids. Let them be kids and grow up as normally as
possible. I am asking you not as a Governor, but as a father. Please leave
my kids alone and let them grow up like every other kid out there. Thank
you again for your patience and God bless this great State of ours."

The news channel switched back to the studio. They right away started to
talk with their political analysts about the Governor's speech. One of them
supported the Governor and the other didn't. Josh got up and turned the TV
off. He doesn't want to hear anyone ripping into his father for supporting
him and Cesar.

Cesar got up and helped Chris get up from the floor. All three of them
walked up to Josh's room to start their homework. Not one of them spoke a
word to the other has they made their way to the room. They are all
thinking about the news conference.

Josh couldn't stop thinking that this might be a setback for his
brothers. They have come a very long way since their mom tried to poison
his brothers' way of thinking about gays. Now if they feel their father's
job is being threatened because of Cesar, they might actually turn back to
the way they were when Josh first came out.

As they sat on the bed Cesar turned and noticed Josh in deep thought. Cesar
knows that Josh is worried about him. So he got up and sat closer to Josh
in order to try and comfort him. He grabbed a hold of Josh's hand, and that
pulled Josh out of his thoughts.

All three of them started talking and playing around. It didn't take much
to get Josh to stop thinking about the situation. Instead of doing their
homework right away, they played around for a while. All of them stayed
away from the elephant in the room; the news conference about Cesar and his
father.

TO BE CONTINUED...

WRITER'S CORNER:

{I would like to welcome you all back to another great chapter of this
story. The story has moved back into the high school and a little away from
the political scene. I love the political part of this story and in the
chapters to come there is going to be a lot more political scenes written
in.

In this chapter we finally saw Eric and Bernice come back. I asked in this
corner about what to do about sex scenes with Eric and Bernice. I got a
even response to write and not to write about it. I decided to let the
readers know it is happening, but not go into detail about their sex life
unlike Josh and Cesar or Patrick and Frank.

In this chapter we saw both Bernice and Eric bothered about the same
thing. They went to Josh for help and Josh told them the same thing. He
ended it with they have to talk with each other in order for their
relationship to work. He at least told Bernice on behalf of Eric to stop
teasing him about sex. Do you all think that their relationship is going to
make it? Do you all think they are going to take Josh's advice and talk
with each other?

At the beginning of the chapter Bernice really handed Elizabeth a taste of
her own medicine. I laughed as I wrote that part in. These guys are kids
and they are going to do dumb things. I felt this story needed to be
brought back to us remembering that this story is part high
school. Remember back to you high school years the jokes or pranks you
pulled while in high school?

Now we saw that Elizabeth didn't turn in Bernice. She is going to get her
pay back herself for what Bernice did. We all know how dirty Elizabeth can
be. What do you think Elizabeth is going to do in order to get Bernice
back? Do you think it will be the same that Bernice did or do you think it
will be worse? Maybe Elizabeth will fail.

A new friend has come into the mix; Rusty. He seems to be a nice kid. We
know for a fact that he is gay just like Josh and the other three. Do you
think he is going to be more than friends with Chris? Do you think that
Chris is even ready to move on?

Poor Cesar, this guy isn't getting a break with his father. Just when it
looks like his father is going to be good for him, something happens. I can
write an entire page of what-ifs. If you guys want to know what is going to
happen there, you need to read on.

Other things happened in this chapter that brings us to reality about Josh
and his family. Let's use the sub for Mr. Shredder for example. Do you guys
think he came to school wanting to kill Josh or is he telling the truth
about having the gun? These questions will be out there hanging for a
while, I hate to say. (Yeah, right... ED)

Also we had Governor Lopez coming out and holding a news conference. Too
many of our politicians today try to hide the truth from the voters. Many
of times if they just come out and say this happened but it doesn't affect
me doing my job, the voters will understand and just let it be. But instead
they try to cover it up or use their position to I it. That is when it
becomes a problem for them.

I really think that Governor Lopez did the right thing. I also believe that
the news will talk about it, but the voters will just ignore them. They
might actually love this guy even more because he asked not as Governor,
but as a father, to leave his kids alone. The voters see how much he loves
his kids and that is what they want.

So much still out there unsolved! Martha for example; we need to see what
happens in court with her. Will Josh's brothers go back to the old way or
stay backing Josh? Patrick and Frank appeared a little in this chapter, but
will be back in the chapters to come full swing. As well so much more and
you don't want to miss a chapter.

So many open plots and so many more plots to come in this story. I love the
political scenes a lot and I hope I am not offending anyone with them. Keep
in mind it is only a story and I am trying my best not to preach my
beliefs. Please stay tuned and I promise that you guys won't regret opening
every new chapter.

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: Now that the inauguration of Josh's father has come and
gone, it appears that life is returning to some semblance of normal for
Josh's family and friends. Of course the ever-present security detail is
something anyone close to Josh and his family will trip over constantly.

It seems the Lopez family is making headway adjusting to the new realities
of life as the First Family of Texas and the friends are following
suit. The normal goings on in and around the high school are allowing the
Lopez boys and their associates the chance to be almost normal teens.

Leave it to Bernice to stir the pot!  Her payback to Elizabeth was poetic
justice if there ever was such a thing. Even the Principal is going to
remain blissfully ignorant of the facts of the ordeal Bernice inflicted
upon Elizabeth. Now Bernice had best watch her back. Everyone can depend
upon Elizabeth will come up with some sort of payback for Bernice and I'd
bet it's going to be a real scene!

Bernice and Eric are caught in the trap many young people get into as they
begin to develop relationship skills. They are talking and yet not
communicating. Josh's advice to both of them is wise beyond his
years. Those two have to talk honestly and openly about personal, private
matters and get understanding between them or their relationship is in
danger of failing. I suspect that both of them will take Josh's advice to
heart and do the right thing.

I wonder when Patrick and Frank are going to get caught playing their
dangerous game. The heightened thrill of the danger will certainly blind
them to a factor somewhere that will get them caught. Where will they be
when they do get caught? If it's at school, the repercussions will be most
unpleasant at the least but more likely, there will be dire consequences.

Cesar's father's behavior is perplexing.  I wonder what he's done that has
him on the wrong side of the law. I'm glad that the Governor took
preemptive steps to protect Cesar along with Josh and their
relationship. What is the deal with Jonathan being willing to take on
parental rights for Cesar? That is sure dedication to a job...or is there
another agenda lurking underneath? I can't make this one out.

Rusty is a bit hesitant yet. It will be interesting to see his personality
emerge and how he will affect Chris.  I know Chris is still working his way
back from the time he was with Josh and all that was happening in his life
at that time. I wonder if he's ready to stick a toe in to test the water
yet. I wonder if Rusty will take an interest.

Josh and Cesar are very much in love. I don't know how they are able to
keep the rules about not sleeping together and have only a sporadic sex
life.

Until next time,

"Daddy" Rick