Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2010 22:53:52 -0700
From: Jacob Miller <jacobmillertex@aol.com>
Subject: Beneath The Mask: Chapter 19

{Beneath The Mask 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 19

Alex and the others started walking out the door when Jacob came running
down the stairs with Dewayne right behind him. They chatted for a few
minutes before Jacob and Dewayne joined them. Since there are too many of
them to fit in Jacob's car, they all decided it is best to just walk where
they are going.

As they walked down Mesa Street, Alex noticed Jacob is in his own little
world, not paying attention to what they are discussing. Even at times he
saw Jacob grabbing his side a couple of times. Alex can tell that Jacob is
in some kind of pain by the look on his face. The first look he learned
many years ago. Since he doesn't know Jacob that well, Alex doesn't think
it is his place to ask Jacob anything.

Alex just let it go and got back into the conversation. All of a sudden
Jacob spoke up about going to look at cars. Alex looked around at everyone
and sees they are as surprised to Jacob's comments as he is. None of them
objected and they headed over to the car lot.

Once they reached Mesa Ford, they started looking at the larger cars. They
even got into some of them playing around, acting like old people. These
cars are not made for the younger generation and that is why you don't see
them in them, Alex thought.

Even at one point Dewayne started to play. He jumped into an LTD and
slumped down to the point where his head is barely popping over the
steering wheel. He scooted the seat up all the way up and sucked in his
lips.

Dewayne started to pretend he is driving down the street. Honking and
talking like a little old man. At one point Chase jumped in the car on the
passenger's side and acted like Dewayne. They played as if they drove into
a drive through at a burger joint. Once they got their food, Dewayne
pretended to look down and then out the window.

In an old person's voice he spoke. "Where is the beef?"

We all started laughing our asses off. He pulled off that commercial of the
old ladies speeding through the drive through. Dewayne and Chase got out of
the car laughing their asses off as well.

They didn't even notice when Jacob walked away. They looked around and saw
Jacob walking towards the trucks and SUV's. They walked over and started
looking at them too. Jacob walked over to his grandfather as a salesman
joined them. They said something to the salesman and he left.

Alex didn't pay any attention to what Jacob and his grandfather are
discussing. First it is none of his business. And secondly, Jacob doesn't
look too happy with whatever they are discussing. Al on the other hand,
looks like he is trying to talk Jacob into something.

They stopped talking when several other men walked up to Jacob and
Al. Jacob passed the salesman and the other guy and headed to an older
gentleman that stood back. They look like they know each other. Alex and
Matt walked passed them to get out of the way. They overheard that the guy
Jacob is talking to his the owner of the dealership.

Alex and Matt just walked around the car lot as Jacob and his grandfather
spoke with the salesman, manager and owner. One thing that struck Alex as
weird, but he knows is shouldn't seem weird, is that Jacob knows the
owner. Not the manager, but the owner. Those kinds of connections will get
you places in life. Many times it's not so much what you know as who you
know.

Alex and Matt got tired walking around, so they headed over to the
showroom. They walked in and sat down in front of the TV. Every now and
then, when no one else was around, Alex and Matt grabbed each others hand.

About an hour of sitting there in the lobby, Chase came over to get Alex
and Matt. All of them walked out of the show room to be greeted by the
salesman holding keys in his hands. Alex looked over and couldn't believe
that Jacob actually bought that truck. He saw it, but never in his wilds
dreams thought that Jacob would buy it.

They all jumped in after Jacob said his good byes to his grandfather, the
owner and the others. They rode around the city playing and just talking!
They grabbed lunch, drove around some more, and then decided to head home.

Jacob noticed Tom and David as they turned onto their street and decided to
play a trick on them. To say that Jacob freaked out Tom and David is an
understatement. After they cooled off, they started looking at Jacob's new
truck. They liked it as much as the rest of us do. Tom and David got in and
played with things in the truck before getting out.

The rest of the afternoon went by fast. Before they knew it, Alex and Matt
headed over to eat dinner with Jacob and the rest. They talked and fooled
around during dinner. It looks like Jacob is back in a good mood Alex
noted. He also noticed that Jacob isn't grabbing his side anymore. Whatever
that was bothering, must not be bothering him anymore.

Alex helped his mother clean up after dinner. He doesn't like seeing his
mother work so hard. Not only she has to do the dishes for thirteen people,
but she does the cooking for them as well. Then she keeps this house
sparkling clean all the time.

As Alex loaded the dishwasher, he couldn't help but think that this machine
is a great invention. It does the major cleaning of the dishes, leaving
Franseca to just clean the pots and pans. Sometimes they actually put the
pots and pans in the dishwasher when they just need to be rinsed off.

After helping his mother, Alex went to find Matt and the others. He found
them down in the game room. They have out paint ball guns and all the
equipment. Alex joined them to see what they have planned. Just as they
finished explaining their plans to Alex, Jacob walked in and they had to
explain it all over again.

Once everyone got suited up, they headed out to the backyard. Although it
is small, it will do for them. Having even teams, each team hid their flag
and the game started. Alex, Matt, Toni and his two brothers are on one
team. Jacob, Dewayne, Chase, David and Tom are on the other team.

They started running between the three houses, the building supplies and
main street as they fought their battles. Alex got very close to capturing
the flag when Chase shot him, but then Matt shot Chase before he could get
back into the game.

This went on until the only two left I the game is Dewayne and Matt. Both
teams cheering on their team mate. Matt, trying to be sneaky, went around
Jacob's house and hid in the pool. He lay in wait for Dewayne to come
around and make his play for Matt's team flag. Dewayne didn't fall for
Matt's trap.

Dewayne came around Franseca's house and right before he got to the back
yard, he hit the ground, crawling in the mud as slow as he could. Matt lost
patience. He popped his head out of the pool, giving his location away.

Dewayne aimed at Matt's helmet and shot. Direct hit, Matt went down into
the pool stunned that he got hit. Dewayne got up and ran to flag and
claimed victory. Matt got out of the pool laughing at himself.

 Matt went running at Dewayne and grabbed a hold of him congratulating
him. "You wouldn't have won if I was not so impatient, but the best man
won."

They stood out playing several more games. Jacob's team only lost one out
the four games they played. Every time it looked like Alex and his team was
about to win, they shot themselves in the foot. From being impatient to
just going after the flag without thinking about who was around that might
shoot them.

The rest of the week went by quickly, until Saturday. Everyone decided to
head out and grab breakfast except Jacob and Dewayne. They haven't woken up
yet, so Al decided to let Jacob and Dewayne get some more rest. After
breakfast, everyone agreed to go shopping to pass the time. No one is
really looking for anything specific.

Around one, they decided to grab lunch at one of Al and Jacob's
McDonald's. This gives Al a chance to check on the restaurant as a
customer. He wants to see how the crew acts towards the customers and how
the managers treat the crew.

As Al ate, he saw several things he needs to address. Nothing that can't
wait until Monday though! They finished eating and headed home. When they
drove up, Alex noticed the brand new truck gone.

Everyone started talking as they saw the truck gone. They walked in teasing
about the fact Jacob and Dewayne had gotten up finally and left. They must
have had some kind of night; Alex heard Tom and David tease.

Shortly after they arrived, the front door opened and Gloria and Andy
Sr. walked in. They looked around for their kids and only saw Marie. Once
they realized Jacob isn't around, they asked where he is. No one knew and
that is what they said.

That evening, the day came to a crashing end. Jacob and Dewayne walked in
and join everyone in the kitchen for dinner, but the moment. Jacob walked
in, his mother asked him where he was all day long. To everyone's surprise,
except for Alex and Matt, Jacob jumped down Gloria's throat for asking the
question.

He just turned and walked out of the house leaving Dewayne standing in the
kitchen. Everyone looked up at Dewayne for some kind of answer. He just
simply said a few sentences and sat down.

Since Alex again really doesn't know Jacob, or his family for that matter,
he just put it off as Jacob being Jacob. Alex finished eating dinner,
helped his mother clean up and then headed over to join Matt in front of
the TV.

As they all settled in and started watching the movie, Jacob walked in just
to be greeted by his grandfather. Alex looked over as Jacob passed the
room. None of them saw Jacob again until he walked by the room heading
upstairs. Dewayne got up to follow Jacob.

Shortly after that commotion, Al walked into the room. He stood at the door
and just looked at all of us. Dewayne looked at Al as he walked in. Alex
looked at Dewayne and back at Al. He now knows that there is something up,
and these two seem to be the only ones in the loop on it.

Al started to explain to everyone what is going on with Jacob. Alex just
kept looking around thinking that he shouldn't be here for this
conversation. He isn't part of this family and he still feels that he is to
blame for Jacob ending up in the hospital in the first place even though
Jacob keeps telling Alex over and over again that he had saved his life.

Once Jacob's grandfather got to the middle of the conversation, it just
sucked out all the air in the room. Alex saw in everyone's face as if they
were shot by a bullet when Al delivered the news. Even after Al left, no
one said a word or even moved.

Finally Jacob's mother and father got up and walked out. After that, the
room started to clear out. No one said a word to another about what they
were just told. Alex got up pulling Matt with him. They headed over to
their house, holding hands, but not talking to each other.

It headed straight to Alex's room and got ready for bed. Still not talking
to each other, they got undressed. Matt crawled into bed, then Alex. As
Alex pulled the covers over them, Matt wrapped his arms around Matt. Just
as their heads hit the pillow, they were out not realizing that they did so
much through the day, they actually were very tired.

The next morning, Matt woke up before Alex did. Just like at the detention
center, he Matt woke up Alex by taking care of his morning wood. Alex loves
being woken up with Matt's mouth around his dick, sucking out every drop of
his cum.

Also just like in the detention center, Alex didn't have the time to return
the favor to Matt. Just as Alex started to go down on Matt, his little
brother started knocking at the door. He quickly covered their hard ons
just in the nick of time as Lorenzo and Ismail walked in.

Alex's little brothers started laughing and pointing at Alex's and Matt's
midsection. Alex gave up trying to hide the fact that he is hard. He got
out of bed with his dick sticking straight up. He grabbed his little
brothers and pushed them out of the room.

"We will be right out you little rug rats. Let us get dressed and we will
meet you guys over at Jacob's house. Okay?"

Lorenzo turned around looking t his naked older brother. "Maybe you should
take a few minutes and let your boyfriend take care of that thing between
your legs. None of us wants to see you walking around all like that all
day."

Alex turned and asked Matt to throw him a pillow. As soon as he got the
pillow he threw it at his little brothers. Alex's brothers ran away
laughing. Of course Alex didn't even get close to hitting his little
brothers.

Alex and Matt quickly got dressed and headed over for breakfast. They sat
down and join the conversation that had already started. A few minutes
later, Jacob and Dewayne walked in. Everyone got quiet and just looked at
Jacob, but didn't say a word.

After eating, they headed out to the stores once again to just pass
time. Alex and Matt separated from the group and went their own
direction. This is their last day being in the free before they have to go
back to the detention center. They are going to make the most of the
time. They feel cheated because they only had sex once since all week long.

Lucky for them, Jacob felt that they should get home early so Alex and Mat
could pack. Alex and Matt have something else in mind instead of packing
once they get home. They want to really be with each other one more time on
their last day of freedom.

The minute they got home, Alex and Matt excused them selves from the
others, using the excuse that they need to pack. They walked as fast as
they could to Alex's mother's house. Matt pulled Alex in, barely giving
Alex a chance to lock the door behind him.

Matt pushed Alex on the bed pulling up Alex's legs. He pulled off Alex's
shoes, dropping his legs and laid on top of Alex. Matt pressed his lips
against Alex's lips. Alex opened his mouth letting Matt's tongue in.

Both of them got hard the minute their lips touched. They wanted each other
so bad they could barely keep themselves from ripping each others clothes
off. They held back their animal urges, and patiently kissed each other.

Matt made his way down Alex's neck. He got up and pulled Alex up from the
bed. Matt quickly pulled off Alex's shirt as Alex pulled off Matt's. Alex
got up from the bed and moved to the middle of the room.

The minute Matt joined him they both at the same time undid each others
pants. They pulled the pants and underwear down at the same time. At the
same time, they kicked off their pants to the corner of the room.

"Matt, before I went in, I got my hands on a few dirty magazines. Just like
all of us, I was curious. There is something I saw in a magazine that I
have wanted to do with you. It might seem strange at first, but I want to
do it before we go back. We can't do it in the center because we might
actually make to much noise."

"Name it and I will try it. I just want to be with you so bad, I can't wait
any more." Matt leaned in to kiss Alex.

Alex walked backwards to the bed. Once he felt the bed, He grabbed Matt. He
turned them around and they switched places. Alex pushed Matt on the bed as
he pulled a box out from underneath the bed.

Matt looked at Alex confused as he opened the box. Alex pulled out a bottle
of lube that Jacob gave him a couple of days ago. He opened the bottle and
squeezed some of it on his hand and then some of it on Matt's dick. Matt
moved his hand around his dick, but Alex brushed Matt's hand away.

Alex reached around his back and rubbed the lube around his hole and in it
as he rubbed the lube around Matt's dick. Once Alex felt ready, he looked
up at Matt. Matt looked back at him confused on what Alex has in mind to
do. Just as Matt opened his mouth to ask, Alex put his finger against
Matt's lips.

"Just follow my instructions and you will enjoy it. Get up and stand on my
bed. I am going to get on my back with my legs in the air. You are going to
go down as if you going to do push ups. You will put your dick in and go
down as you are going down in a push up. Once you are completely in, you
are going to go up and down."

Matt understood and liked the idea. It is a weird sex position, but he is
willing to do it. Matt moved between Alex's legs, his dick pointing down at
Alex's hole. With one arm holding him steady, Matt used his other arm to
guide his dick into Alex's hole.

Once Matt's dick penetrated Alex's ring, Matt put his other arm down. He
slowly at first went into Alex. As he went down, Matt started to kiss
Alex. Both of the boys have not ever done this before, both they are
feeling emotions that they have never felt before.

Matt hit Alex's prostate, causing Alex to shiver and start moaning. Matt
slowly pushed his body up and then went back down. Within minutes, Matt
gained speed, throwing him into another world. He loves this new position
that Alex showed him.

Every time Matt went down, he kissed Alex. Matt started to get use to the
position, after a while, he didn't even break the kiss when he pulled
out. They kept their kiss as Matt slid in and out of Alex's hole.

Matt didn't want to cum to soon, so he pulled out and got off the bed. Alex
rolled to his side and got up. Matt lay on his back, looking over at Alex
as he moved between his legs. Alex put Matt's legs on his shoulders.

He reached out and grabbed the lube. Alex squeezed some on his dick and
once again on his fingers. Matt reached out and started to rub the lube all
around Alex's dick. Alex started to lube Matt's rosebud and eventually got
three fingers into Matt's hole.

Once they felt they are both ready, Alex leaned in until his dick broke
through. Alex tried to be as gentle as possible with Matt. He went slow at
first, but gained his speed. As Alex started to get into his rhythm, he
started to lick Matt's chest.

Matt closed his eyes, wrapped his hands around Alex's butt. Matt loves when
Alex is inside of him. He just loves the feeling when Alex pulled out and
then pushed back in and hit his prostate. That always causes Matt to moan a
little louder each time.

Alex felt he is close to climax so he pulled out and quickly moved up to
Matt's face. Matt guided Alex's dick into his mouth and started to suck on
it. Alex started moaning, grabbing at Matt's chest.

Alex moved around where he could reach Matt's dick. He leaned down and put
Matt's dick in his mouth. They both sucked on each others dick. Getting
each other to the brink of their climax and then stopping. Once they came
down, they started sucking on each other again. They want to pull as much
cum out of each other as possible.

By the third time bringing each other to the edge, they let each other
shoot. Almost at the same time, they started shooting in each others
mouth. Shot after shot of cum went down each of their throats. Both of them
fought to swallow every drop of their partners cum. Neither of them wanted
to lose a drop of cum.

Once they sucked each other dry, Alex rolled to his back. Alex and Matt
laid there with their eyes closed and breathing really hard. They are
learning how to bring each other to their climax and not letting the other
cum before they are ready.

Alex turned around so his head isn't at Matt's feet. Alex laid his head on
Matt's chest and closed his eyes. Matt started to rub the back of Alex's
head. They are still recovering from the sex session they just had.

Matt lifted his head, pulling Alex's head off of his chest at the same
time. "Hey you, my awesome lover, let's get up and take a shower
together. I want to examine that awesome body of yours under the water."

Alex smiled up at Matt as he got up. He helped Matt up from the
floor. Neither of them grabbed anything to cover themselves up, they walked
across the hall totally naked. After the water got to the right
temperature, they jumped in.

They took turns washing each other. Matt took more time washing Alex
because he examined every tattoo on Alex's body. Some of the tattoo's Alex
is embarrassed having and some he isn't. Matt paid more attention to one of
the tattoos.

"Hey, I am not that person anymore because of you. When we get out of the
place, I will do everything I can to get these removed." Alex pulled Matt's
face up to face his.

"If you don't mind me asking, but what does this tattoo mean? I have heard
that each tattoo you have means something. You don't have a tear drop
tattoo coming out of your eye. That means that you haven't killed anyone."

Alex turned off the water and got out of the shower. At first Matt thought
he crossed a line that he shouldn't have. Alex grabbed two towels and threw
one of them to Matt. They walked across the hall to their bedroom in
silence.

As soon as the door shit, Matt looked over at Alex standing in the middle
of the room naked. Alex waved Matt over to him. Matt slowly walked over to
Alex not knowing what he's thinking.

"I will tell you what each of these tattoos mean but you need to understand
that I am not that person anymore and I don't want you to think any less of
me. Please promise me that you won't think any less of me when I tell
you. I don't want to loose you over this."

Alex I love you and that will never change. When I fell for you, I knew who
you were. I knew a lot about you. There is nothing you can say that will
change the fact that you are the greatest thing that has ever happened to
me."

Alex smiled and kissed Matt before explaining the tattoos to him. He went
from side to side explaining the meaning behind each of his tattoos. Matt
just stood there as naked as Alex listening to him. Once Alex finished,
Matt felt different about Alex, but it is not what Alex thought would
happen. Matt fell even more in love with his boyfriend.

Matt walked up to Alex and pulled Alex into him. They started to kiss when
the door opened. Lorenzo walked and turned around. Alex and Matt broke
their kiss and looked over at Lorenzo.

"Little rug rat, you have bad timing today. I hope this won't cause you to
have mental problems in the future. I won't have the money to send you to a
shrink!" Alex and Matt started to laugh as Lorenzo turned back around.

"There is nothing you can do big bro that will cause me to go crazy. I only
have one question though for you. When I get your age, will I have my, you
know, as big as yours? Does it run in the family you think?"

Alex walked over to his little brother wrapping his towel around his
body. "They say us Mexican's have bigger dicks than the whites, but not as
big as the blacks. To tell you the truth I don't want a horse dick between
my legs.

When you get bigger, there is no doubt that your dick is going to be as big
as mine if not bigger. You are already a man at your young age. Whatever
young lady that gets you will be lucky to have you. She won't know what to
do with your large dong."

Alex rubbed his brother's head. Lorenzo looked up at Alex and smiled. "What
happens if I am like you Alex? Will you or mom be mad with me?"

Alex couldn't believe that his bother thought that way. He knelt down in
front of his little brother where he could look him in the eye. Alex
gathered his thoughts in order to make sure he says the right thing.

"Right now little bro you are going through the stage that you still hate
girls. Trust me when you reach puberty, those feelings will change. It
doesn't mean that you are going to be gay because I am. It doesn't work
that way. If you are, I know mom and me an Ismail won't think any different
of you or love you any less.

We love you Lorenzo and nothing will change that. Don't ever think you
can't come and talk with me about anything. You will see, in a year or so,
you are going to go through changes. You will see then what I am talking
about regarding the girls."

Lorenzo leaned in and hugged Alex. "Nothing against you big bro, I am glad
you found someone that you love as much as you love Matt. I don't think I
am like you. I hope you won't get mad that I don't follow you that way."

"I don't want you to follow me in anyway. Be your own person. I have done
so much bad in my short life so far, I want you and Ismail to learn from my
mistakes. Don't do what I have done; just be your own person Lorenzo."

Lorenzo broke the hug and told Alex why he came in. Dinner is almost ready
and he got sent to get him and Matt. Lorenzo ran out of the room and out of
the house over to Jacob's. Alex got up looking at Matt.

They got dressed, combed their hair and headed over to Jacob's. Just like
in the morning, they sat down and joined the conversation already in
progress. This time Jacob and Dewayne beat them to the table. Jacob looked
over and by the look on his face; he knew what Alex and Matt just got
finished doing. He just smiled at Alex.

Knowing that they have to go back to the detention center in the morning,
Alex and Matt made love one more time before falling to sleep that
night. The love making has become more patient; more than just screwing for
the sake of screwing.

As they make love with each other, they caress every part of each others'
body, kissing and softly touching every muscle. When they enter each other,
they make love gently yet with passion. Yes with lust, but not the kind of
lust you would give a one night stand you will never see again. Alex and
Matt know what the other likes and makes it happen.

The next morning they woke up. Looking at each other with the same thought
on their minds! Their time away from the center went way too fast. They
just want to stay in bed holding each other forever, but they can't. They
have to get up, get ready and head back to the hell they put themselves in.

Alex and Matt dressed as slowly as they could. Lorenzo and Ismail walked in
with sad looks on their faces. They started crying as their big bother and
his boyfriend pulled out their suitcases. Both of Alex's bothers ran up to
Alex and didn't want to let him go.

After holding his little brothers as long as he could, Alex got up from the
floor. He picked them up, like when they were smaller, and carried them out
of the room. Alex sat his brothers down in the living room to explain to
them he is going to go back for a short period of time, but he will be
back.

Once Alex saw that his brothers understood, he got up to help Matt with the
suitcases. All together, they walked over to Jacob's house. They waited for
Jacob to join them at the front door of his house.

A few minutes later Jacob came walking down the stairs. He looked at
everyone, said his good mornings, and walked out the door. Alex and Matt
grabbed their suitcases and followed Jacob to his new truck. They threw the
suitcases in the back before getting in the back with Alex's little
brothers.

All the way back to the center, they talked about everything else except
the two white elephants in the truck. Jacob's illness and the fact that
Jacob is taking Alex and Matt back to the center. All of them tried their
best to stay away from those two subjects. The only time they spoke about
Alex and Matt going back is when they agreed it sucked being locked up for
New Years.

The ride to the center felt like a few minutes to Alex in Matt, but the
ride actually took almost forty five minutes. Alex and Matt said their good
byes to Jacob and thanked him for everything he did for them before walking
in the center with Franseca, Lorenzo and Ismail. Jacob felt it best they
been alone when they say goodbye.

Franseca is barely able to move as she follows her son into the
building. She doesn't want her son to get locked up again. She wants him to
be at home. He has changed, and the change is to the good. Barely able to
keep the tears back and stay up on her feet, she walked through the doors
of the detention facility.

Alex and Matt put down their suitcases and walked over to check in. Lorenzo
and Ismail sat down next to Franseca watching Alex and Matt walk up to the
window to speak with the guard. The guard left the window, and a minute or
so later several guards walked out.

Alex and Matt just stood there not understanding what is going on. They
know they didn't do anything wrong, so why are they getting Officer
Jackson. But when the door opened and another Officer walked out that isn't
Officer Jackson, the boys started to think they are in trouble for
something they don't have any idea about.

"Alejandro and Mathew you boys are reporting in earlier then you are
scheduled. Is there something we need to know that is causing you guys to
come in two days early?"

Alex looked at Matt and back over at the guards. He could swear that the
paper work they signed when they left, said to report back in on New Year's
Eve. There is no way they are going to give up two extra days of freedom.

"No sir, there is nothing wrong. We thought we had to come back today. By
what you are saying, we are wrong. We are more than happy to take another
two days with my family. Can we still have these two days sir?"

"Yes, your mother signed you out for them. I believe that is her over there
sitting with what looks like your brothers." Alex looked at where the guard
is pointing and back to the guard. He nodded his head up and down. "We will
see you back here day after on the second. You boys stay out of trouble
until then."

Alex and Matt turned around and walked over to Franseca and Alex's
brothers. Alex explained to his mother what is going and she
smiled. Lorenzo and Ismail jumped up and hugged their older brother. They
wouldn't let go no matter what Alex offered them. They just kept saying
their prayers were answered.

Finally Lorenzo and Ismail let go of Alex where he could grab his
suitcase. They walked out to Jacob's truck. Jacob got out, and asked
immediately what is going on. They explained to them about the mistake as
they threw their suitcases back in the back of the truck. Jacob smiled just
like Franseca as all of them got into the truck.

As the boys laughed and kidded about the screw up, Franseca stayed in her
mind. She couldn't stop thinking that she is not going to be able to go
through this again in two days. She can't stand sending her son to lock
up. She has no idea what she is going to do when Wednesday comes around.

Instead of going straight home, they went out to eat. The whole clan
arrived to have breakfast together. Alex looked around the table and
couldn't believe how close this family of Jacob's is. They do everything
together without a bad thing to say.

After they finished eating, Al paid for the meal and they headed out. Jacob
and Dewayne said their goodbyes and kissed each other before Jacob got into
the truck. Alex and Matt looked at each other squeezing each others hand
tight.

They headed off to the stores to get everything they agreed they needed for
tonight. Alex and Matt stayed in the truck as the other went into the
store. They just lay back in their seat, holding each others hand. Both of
them know what they want to do several times before they have to head back
on Wednesday. One thing is for sure; spend as much time with each other as
possible.

Jacob and the others came out of the store, loaded the bags of food, soda
and wine in the back of the truck. Jacob drove off with his grandfather in
the following them. All the way home, they all agreed to laze around until
tonight.

Jacob noticed when he turned on his street, several cars parked on the
street of his house. He parked his truck, and everyone started to get
out. Jacob got down and right away recognized one of the men getting down
from the truck.

Alex walked around the truck and noticed the District Attorney walking up
to Jacob. Alex looked over at Matt with a creepy feeling in his gut. Alex
walked over to see what is going on. There is no doubt in his mind that the
District Attorney his here because of him and Matt. What for exactly, Alex
doesn't know.

Alex walked up right as Jacob and Al shook hands with Mr. Anderson. "Jacob
and Mr. Serna, I am very sorry to disturb you today. I got called in to
deal with this. I decided to come straight over here and see if we can
figure something out. Is there somewhere we can talk in private? I will
need Alejandro and Matthew present with their parents."

Alex noticed Jacob looking at his grandfather as he answered the District
Attorney. "Why don't we go on in and talk in the study. No one will bother
us in there."

As they walked in, Jacob saw Alex behind him and waved at Alex to
follow. He also asked Matt and Franseca to join them. They walked straight
into the study and closed the door. Each of them took a seat and waited to
see what Mr. Anderson felt is urgent enough for him to come over and make a
house call.

Mr. Anderson looked around the room. He got up from his chair and
introduced himself to Franseca and Matt. He said `hi' to Alex, and seemed
to like doing it. He walked back to his seat and grabbed his brief case.

"Out of respect to you Al and Jacob, I am coming to talk with you both. You
have done so much for me, and I won't forget it. I am about to hand my
office over at the end of the week and head up to Austin to be sworn in."

Al looked at Mr. Anderson and just nodded his head. Alex looked at his
mother for some kind of answer that she doesn't have regarding what
Mr. Anderson is talking about. Alex doesn't know that Al is part of
Governor Lopez's staff and got Mr. Anderson pointed to State Attorney
General.

"Ms. Garcia, Alejandro and Mathew I am here because of several events that
happened over the holiday week at the detention facility. As you may know,
Mr. Henderson got promoted and left his post at the facility for the new
post.

On his way out, he spoke with Officer Jackson. The conversation got over
heard by residents in building `B'. Mr. Henderson or Officer Jackson didn't
know they were over heard until it was too late.

Officer Jackson got jumped and almost killed as he did count the day after
Christmas. Mr. Henderson had already left and we are investigating if he
had anything to do with this since he left. A lot of things that happened
in the last week are not sitting right.

Then you add Officer Jackson's statement in the mix, it is worse. He
couldn't understand why Mr. Henderson is having a conversation like this in
the open for anyone to hear. To top it all off, everything he said
surprised Officer Jackson as well."

"Excuse me Mr. Anderson; what does all this have to do with Alex and Matt
here? So far everything you have said is looking like an issue that is
internal.  You need to leave this for whoever is taking your job to take
care of."

"Al, so far what I have said you are right, but there is more. Officer
Jackson told us what they were discussing in the open was everything about
you Alex, from what you are doing with Mr. Henderson to you and Matt."

"Wait a minute here, what you are telling us is nothing to overlook." Al
got up from the desk looking at Mr. Anderson angrily. "Alex has been doing
his part in good faith with a promise no one will know about it. It will
get him killed if anyone found out about it."

"That is what I thought at first when this got brought to my desk Al. I
ordered that when Alex and Matt return, they are to be put in protective
custody. Now something has changed that has me over here today.

Several letters were intercepted going from pod to pod in building
`B'. Also two recorded conversations have come to light, one at the county
jail and one at the detention facility." Mr. Anderson handed Al the letters
that are in plastic covers.

"As you can see Al in the letters what has been ordered. The recorded
conversations are exactly the same thing. The bad thing about all this is
that we know the order came from the top, but the lower people in the gang
passed the order."

Alex stood up and walked over to the desk. Al handed him the letters to
read. After he finished reading the letters he looked over at his mother
and then Matt. Alex didn't return to his seat, he just stood looking at
Mr. Anderson.

"You don't even need me to decode these letters. They are as plain as day
what the order is. They want me, Carlos, and everyone that has talked with
me since I got to the facility killed. They don't even care if it looks
like an accident. They just want it done and done the moment we return to
the facility.

We didn't make a mistake today when we went back to go in, did we
Mr. Anderson? We were scheduled to report in today, but you or someone gave
us a couple of days where you could figure all this out."

"Alejandro you are right on all counts. The problem is that we hit a brick
wall. Your gang knows how to get to those in protective custody. We might
be able to keep you safe for a while, but eventually they are going to get
you and the others."

"Then it is simple Mr. Anderson, he or his friends can't go back there. You
can't keep them safe, and that is a major problem!" Al spoke coming around
the desk to console Franseca as she started to cry.

"I have a problem with that. These guys already got a break on going in the
detention facility instead of going to prison. They have to go back and do
their time. Now I need all of you to know what is going and what is at
risk."

"No Mr. Anderson that won't work. You have the power to do a lot of things,
use that power. If you don't, I will pick up the phone and call the
Governor. Once I let him know what is going on, he isn't going to be
happy. We have to work together, but I am not going to sit by and send
these two young men into that place to come out in the back in body
bags. No sir I won't do that."

Mr. Anderson sat down in his seat. He actually doesn't know what to do
here. This has never happened before in his reign as District Attorney. He
also knows that Al has the ear of the Governor and the Governor listens to
him. That is why he is about to be sworn in as State Attorney General.

"Al I am being honest with you about all this. My hands are tied on what I
can do. These kids went in front of a judge and either plead or got found
guilty. They got sentenced to the facility by a judge that has power that I
don't have.

The only one that can override a judge is the Governor. You better pick up
the phone and call him. Other than that, they are going back to the
facility on Wednesday. I don't want to do it, but I have no other choice."

Al got up and walked back to his desk. "Mr. Anderson I understand what
power your office has. There are things you can do but you unwilling to do
it. Maybe I pushed the wrong man to be the Governor's State Attorney
General!"

Al picked up the phone and dialed the Governor's personal number, A few
rings later, the Governor answered the phone. Al put the phone on speaker
the minute he dialed the number so everyone in the room could hear the
conversation.

"Good afternoon Al and Happy early New Year my friend, to you and your
family! I wish you could have broken away and spent the New Year down here,
but I understand why. To what do I owe this phone call from you today?"

Mr. Anderson moved to the edge of his seat feeling uneasy about this whole
thing. Alex, Matt and Franseca moved up closer to the desk. Jacob is
standing behind the desk listening to what is going on.

"Mr. Governor I am sorry to bother you on a day of celebration, but I have
no other choice. I have in my study..."

After Al told the governor everyone that is in the study, he went on to
explain the call. From who is Alex and the others to what Alex has been
doing all the way to what has happened in the last week. The Governor
didn't interrupt Al one time until Al finished explaining everything to
him.

"Mr. Anderson I am having a hard time understanding why you are so willing
to send these boys back into a facility where you know they are going to be
killed. What the hell is going on there?" Governor Lopez started to
yell. "I just signed off on that facility's director promotion and he goes
and pulls this crap!"

The Governor called for Rich to come in. He asked Rich to order
Mr. Henderson to Austin immediately. He explained to Rich what is going on
and asked him to return after placing the phone call.

"Mr. Anderson I am not a happy camper over here to say the least. I agree
with Al when he says that your hands are not completely tied. You are still
the District Attorney until the end of the week. You can pull back the
charges and settle them out under a different punishment if you want to."

"Governor Lopez, I can do no such thing. Once a defendant goes in front of
a judge and that judge sentences him or her, there is nothing I can do. If
the case has not gone in front of the judge yet, I can do a lot of things."

"What if they get an attorney and you two go in front of the
judge. Together appeal to the judge the punishment is wrong and there was
not evidence to support or something like that. If both sides go in front
of the judge together, no judge in their right mind will deny the
motion. At least a judge that wants to get elected again, won't deny the
motion!"

"Al a judge can still throw it out. I won't stand in open court or in
chambers and say I forced a plea bargain when I didn't have the
evidence. These defendants are guilty of the crimes they are sentenced on.

Sorry that they are now reaping what they did. Life has twist and turns;
these defendants got themselves in this spot. I am willing to go so far,
but say I was wrong. No Al, I won't do that. If that means loosing this
appointment, so be it."

The room went dead quiet. On the Governor's end you could hear the door
open and someone walking in. You then herd the Governor whispering to the
person that walked in. More than likely the person that walked into the
office is Rich.

"Look, there is a way we can fix this without making anyone look like they
did something wrong. Over my first year in office I have learned what I can
do and what I can't. So this is what I say we should do at this point.

We remove all the individuals in question out of the facility. I won't give
a full pardon for their crimes, but I will give a partial one. You are
right Mr. Anderson, these individuals did break the law and that is how
they ended up in there. At the same time I am not willing to send them back
with what I know is to be a death sentence.

They get removed out of the Juvenile Detention Facility, put on probation
with a kicker. They will have that device around their ankles. From a
certain time in the morning to a certain time at night, these boys will be
allowed out of the house. They still have to go to school and have a life.

If they don't break the probation or the law in any way and they graduate,
the anklet will be removed on their eighteenth birthday or graduation,
which ever comes last. They will stay on probation until their twenty first
birthday. If they do everything right, they will get off and their records
will be sealed.

I feel this is the best we can do all around. Both sides get what they
want. But let me say this, if these kids mess up in anyway, they will be
prosecuted for their new crime and the old crime as well. I won't step in
again. In fact I will make sure they get the book thrown at them. I will
not look like a fool!"

No one said a word; they just looked at each other. Al knows that he is
putting his reputation on the line as well. He has no problem with Alex and
Matt.  The others he doesn't even know them. He is going to have to take it
on faith alone.

"Governor Lopez I have no problem with your decision whatsoever. You will
need to get your signed pardon to my office by Wednesday morning or these
kids are going back in. I also need what you are going to require of them
delineated in writing."

"You will have everything in your hands within the hour. I want you to do
something for me Mr. Anderson. You will need to get your police department
out there and arrest this gang leader and everyone in that gang you
can. They need to be in your jail before you leave office on Friday. I am
sure there is plenty to arrest them on."

"I will do a warrant sweep, starting tonight. They will more than likely be
easy to catch because they are going to be in one place. As far as the gang
leader, I have nothing on him. He has stayed clean on everything that is
happening."

"Mr. Garcia, are you still in the room?"

Alex answered the Governor with a shaky voice. "Yes sir I am still here in
the room. How can I help you and Mr. Serna?"

"I am putting a lot of faith in you that you have turned yourself around
and that you are not returning to gang life anymore. To show me good faith
back, you need to tell Mr. Anderson everything you know about this gang
leader. I am sure Mr. Anderson can charge that guy with something with what
you tell him."

"I will tell Mr. Anderson everything I know Governor Lopez." Alex leaned
into the speaker talking to the Governor.

"There you go Mr. Anderson, get it done. I think our business is done
here. Al please pick up the phone so I can talk with you about you coming
up here. I need to bend your ear in person about several issues on my
agenda."

Al picked up the receiver, leaving Mr. Anderson to talk with Alex. Just as
Alex finished up with Mr. Anderson, Al hung up with the
Governor. Mr. Anderson put his notes in his briefcase as Al walked around
from behind his desk.

"So how does it look Mr. Anderson, is there anything you can charge that
guy with?"

"There is plenty I can charge Mr. Flores with. Alex you are going to stay
available for the incoming District Attorney. I am not going to lie to
you. More than likely you are going to testify against Mr. Flores and the
other gang members."

"He will be available, just make sure whoever takes over your position goes
through me to talk with Alex. I want to make sure this young man doesn't
get the bad end of the stick. Over this last week, I have seen what Jacob
sees in Alex. There is nothing but good."

They finished talking before walking out of the study. Alex and Matt went
looking for the others as Jacob and his grandfather escorted Mr. Anderson
and his team of lawyers out of the house. As Alex and Matt walked to the
door of the basement, Jacob joined them. He slapped both of them on the
shoulders as they headed down the stairs.

"You guys can actually unpack for good. I believe in both of you that you
are not going to mess up this opportunity. You guys can see now that there
is a lot of us batting for you. You are part of this family."

Alex choked down a big ball in his throat. With every ounce of power in his
body, he held back his feelings. He can't believe that he and Matt are
free. They are not going back to that detention facility again.

Alex, Matt and Jacob joined the others down in the game room. They kept
asking what happened up stairs. Alex walked over to his little brothers and
took them off to the side. He wants to tell them first before he tells
anyone else.

As Alex delivered the good news to Lorenzo and Ismail, they jumped on
Alex. They didn't want to let Alex up. The two younger boys are so happy
that their older brother is going to be at home with them for good.

Everyone else just looked at the scene as it unfolded in front of
them. They couldn't help but be happy for Alex and Matt. Just like Al, in
the last week they had all seen what Jacob sees in these two.

They all turned and started to high five Matt. Lorenzo and Ismail let up
their brother and joined the others in the celebration. They are starting
their celebration a little early this evening, but it is warranted.

Nothing else major happened the rest of the evening. Dewayne arrived right
in time for dinner. They all sat down and ate together before heading to
the TV room. They passed the time by watching movies until midnight.

Jacob's entire family arrived and squeezed into the TV room. Everyone stood
and counted down to the New Year with their cups in their hands. As the
Times Square Ball fell on the television, everyone drank what is in their
cups.

Al poured everyone a fresh cup of what they are drinking. He raised his cup
and made a toast. Alex really felt every word that Al spoke. It hit him
right down to the bone. He has his family around him, with his new
family. Alex felt there is nothing that can top what is going on right now
in his life.

Alex and Matt left with Franseca. Alex picked up one of his little
brothers, and Matt picked up the other. They carried them over to the house
and put them in their beds before heading to their room.

They got undressed and crawled into bed. Matt went to sleep after talking
with Alex for a few minutes. Alex though couldn't fall to sleep. He crawled
out of bed and fell to his knees. He isn't a religious guy, but he feels he
needs to thank the man above for all the things that is going on in his
life right now.

After he finished praying, Alex got back into bed. He made a promise to the
man above that he will work every day in his life to make up for his
past. He won't mess up anything that is going on in his life right now.

The minute Alex laid his head on the pillow, he was out. Alex didn't wake
up until the next morning when Franseca walked into the room. She woke Alex
and Matt up to get dressed and joined her in the living room.

Half asleep, Alex and Matt walked into the living room to find several
police officers and a guy in a suit. They immediately woke up and froze by
the couch. Alex couldn't help but think that everything that happened
yesterday was nothing but a dream. Finally the man in the suit spoke up.

"Good morning, sorry for waking you guys this morning. I believe you are
Alejandro Garcia..." The guy pointed to Alex. "And you are Mathew
Robinson." The guy pointed to Matt this time.

"My name is Mr. Morgan, your probation officer. I got a call this morning
from Mr. Anderson to come over here and meet you guys. I will be putting
the monitoring devices on you this morning and I will explain your
conditions of probation."

Alex and Matt nodded their heads up and down. They walked over to the couch
and sat down. Both of them lifted their legs and placed them on the coffee
table. One of the officers pulled out two ankle bracelets, and started
putting them on Alex and Matt.

"These conditions can not be broken, stretched or bent in any way. First,
you guys must register for school next Monday. You can't miss any school,
if you do, you must answer to me for that. I don't care about grades beyond
just passing your classes.

Second, you won't be allowed to consume alcohol or any kind of drugs. If
you get sick, you must get a legal prescription and show me that
prescription. You will be tested randomly for drugs and alcohol. You also
can't have any weapons in this house.

Third, I will do random home visits. There can't be any drugs or alcohol in
this home. If I find any, I will assume you are using or drinking and
revoke you.

Fourth, you can't hang around with anyone with a criminal record. You also
can't go around the people that you offended. If you are in a store and
they walk in, you must leave that store immediately.

Fifth, you can only be out between the hours of five in the morning to ten
a night. I can change those times if you ask me, but I normally don't do
it. Once you are in the house, you can only walk to the edge of your front
yard and your back yard. If you go further, the alarm will go off. You will
need to get back into your house within sixty seconds and answer the phone
when the police department calls."

"Mr. Morgan, you do know this house is part of the main house. What I mean
is this house is joined into the house behind it and to the side of that
house. The owner of the house is joining all three of houses into one."

 "Ms. Garcia, please show me what you are talking about. We will need to
put the correct size of this home in the system where it doesn't go off."

Franseca walked Mr. Morgan out the back door over to Jacob's
house. Mr. Morgan can see the construction between the two houses. They
walked into Jacob's house and showed Mr. Morgan the entire house, including
Al's part.

"This is one huge house ma'am. I will make sure that the anklet bracelets
are set right. Their distance will be from the front yard of these two
houses to the front yard of the house you live in."

"That will work because we have all a meals here and the boys are with the
boys in this house either in the game room or watching television. I have a
question for you Mr. Morgan. What is going to happen to Matt? He isn't my
son, but he is more than welcome to stay in my house."

"I already spoke with Matthew's parents this morning. They do not want him
living in their house. Something about the fact that he is gay and they
don't want anything to do with him. In my opinion, those parents should be
arrested for abandonment.

Anyways, I spoke with Mr. Anderson as soon as I got off the phone with
Matthew's parents. He said that Alfred Serna is taking responsibility over
Matthew, and he is granted it. So he will be living in this house with
Alfred Serna."

"He can't stay in the same room with my son?"

"Since your house is part of Mr. Serna's house, I have no problem with
that. I will be speaking with Mr. Serna before I leave and as long as
Mr. Serna has no problem with it, I won't. The rules though must be
followed no matter where these young kids sleep. I will make that clear as
well to Mr. Serna."

As soon as Mr. Morgan walked back into the living room, he went over the
remainder of the conditions of their probation. Once Mr. Morgan finished,
he had Alex and Matt sign their paperwork agreeing with the
terms. Mr. Morgan headed over to speak with Al, leaving Alex and Matt with
the officers.

After Mr. Morgan finished with Al, he walked back over to Alex and Matt. He
called into the office and activated the monitoring devices. He wished the
boy luck as he left with the officers.

Alex and Matt looked down at their ankles at the devices. There is a little
red blinking light going off. Alex looked up to Matt and smiled at
him. They walked back to their room and lay down on the bed.

"I really hope when we take a shower or go swimming, these things don't
electrocute us. I don't want my brothers or mother pulling our naked bodies
out of the shower. I heard when a guy passes away, they get a hard on."

Matt started laughing at what Alex said. Alex tried to not laugh, but
couldn't help himself. He started laughing with Matt. They got up and got
dressed to head to breakfast. Just as they walked out the door, Lorenzo and
Ismail walked up.

"Let us see those things on your legs Alex and Matt. Come on let us see
them!" Lorenzo and Ismail said almost at the same time.

They fell to their knees and pulled up Alex's and Matt's pants. They
started moving them around Alex's and Matt's legs. Alex pulled his leg pant
back down and covered the device with his pants. Matt did the same thing as
they headed out the door.

Alex thought to himself as he walked over to get breakfast. This is the
first day of not only the New Year, but of his new life. He has Matt and
his family to keep him on the straight and narrow. He can't get any luckier
than he is right now.

TO BE CONTINUED...

WRITER'S CORNER:

{Okay everyone, another great chapter in the books. I am really starting to
enjoy writing this story as well. For the first time in all my stories,
this chapter has three of the stories involved in the plots. You need to
read all my stories in order to get the full picture of what is going
on. Some of it is in each story.

Where to start here, so much happened in this chapter! I will start with
the fact that this chapter is tied into chapter forty eight of "Jacob
Finding His Way". I had to pull up chapter forty eight in order not to
screw up the time line. I even had to add something to Jacob forty eight in
order for the time line to make sense. Rick, my editor, was almost done
editing forty eight when I did that! Sorry Rick! Also chapter seventeen of
this story is tied into "Jacob" forty seven. I hope I remember this as I
post the chapters.

Alex and Matt are getting so close; there is nothing that is going to break
them apart. Alex really depends on Matt to keep him on the straight and
narrow. Matt doesn't mind, he wants to do it. These two or perfect together
because they strengthen each others weaknesses! That is very rare in
relationships these days.

Everyone in Jacob's house is accepting Alex and Matt. They followed Jacob's
lead and gave Alex and Matt a chance. Now they all see what Jacob sees in
the two. They are becoming part of Jacob's extended family.

Lorenzo and Ismail; I am really enjoying writing about these two. They are
so young and loveable. They are like every young kid out there, wanting to
be like their older brothers and sisters. You will see more and more on
these guys in the future chapters. Look at Lorenzo and his talk with
Alex. That kid is so loveable; I wish he was real so I could just help him
along the way.

How many of you even saw the plot twist I put in this chapter coming. Come
on raise your hands! How many? I didn't even know I was going to write
Alex's and Matt's plot to this direction this quickly. I thought about it,
but I thought of doing it later on.

To tell you guys the truth, I was running out of ideas for this story. I
had to be real with myself on the direction where this story was going. It
was getting way too boring. There is only so much I could write about in
the locked up situation. I had to get them out of there.

In order to get them out there, I had to make it believable. What was
Mr. Henderson thinking doing what he did, almost causing the death of
Officer Jackson and Alex and the guys? What do you all think was going
through his mind when he did that? Trust me, the answers will becoming in
the next chapters.

Now Alex and Matt are in the free, but under house arrest. It is a positive
step forward for them. I really hope Alex does make the best of this and he
doesn't stumble into his old ways. If he should screw up he not only hurts
himself, but he hurts Al, Jacob, Matt, Franseca, and the Governor going out
on the limb for him. Do you guys think Alex is going to stay out of
trouble?

Although the guys are out of the center, many of the old plots are not
gone. They will still go and do their community service hours with the
Colonel. That plot I love it and it will stay in the story. Also Steve,
Robert and Carlos are staying around. The other minor characters are
gone. I am sorry but new characters are going to come and start up new
plots for this saga.

This story got a new life. It is going to be very exciting in the chapters
to come, trust me on that. Right now, so many of the old plots in this
story I keeping, has your head spinning on what is going on.  As the
chapters finish, you won't be able wait for the next posting of the new
chapter.  I really thank you guys for coming back week after week, and
reading my postings.  I hope I will never let you guys down as far as drama
in the storylines is concerned.

I do not want to say too much more and spoil the future chapters to come,
so I won't. I warn you though! Do not 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:

Whew!  I'm WORN OUT!  I'm going to bed and write my comments in the
morning!

Ok, I'm back, well rested with hot coffee at hand. Some might say that I
get too wrapped up in the stories. There have only been a couple authors
that have captured my attention as Jacob has. One author went 105 chapters
with an easy hundred to go in his story and he just stopped posting. One
reason I enjoy working with Jacob is that I can ease his workload and keep
him writing. There have been times when we have spent hours talking when
he's run into a wall. It's fun to work with him when that happens. All it
takes is one sentence to break the wall down and he's off at his normal
pace once again.

The tension I felt when I read about Mr. Henderson's major screw up and
realizing what it means to Alex, Matt and Carlos had me wound up really
tight. I'm glad our author has given up on cliffhangers. There was
incredible one available in that scene!

What was going through Henderson's mind?  He's far from stupid! Yes, he'd
made a mistake here and there in the past, but nothing to the degree of his
revealing Alex's alliance with the system to the gang!  I hope the Governor
gets to the bottom of this issue and Henderson gets what he deserves. I
can't imagine what he did can't be criminal in some way.

Alex and Matt are now in the free with only minor encumbrances to deal
with. The rules of the probation are workable particularly in light of the
alternatives. Alex's brothers are at a very vulnerable and impressionable
point in their lives. I look for Alex to be the male role model in their
lives. He's already shown he has what it takes to do that as he so
wonderfully handled Lorenzo's question. I'm sure that the boys will run
into negative forces here and there and I expect Alex will be right there
for them to keep them on the right path.

The love between Matt and Alex is growing in depth day by day. They realize
that each of them is enhanced by having the other in their life. They are
truly best friends first which is a great basis for a long lasting and
successful relationship.

In the next chapter I hope to hear about Franseca's emotional reaction to
Alex now being free. Her emotions have been swinging back and forth between
pure joy and nearly debilitating sadness with Alex coming home and then
facing his having to return to incarceration. We already got a glimpse of
Alex's brothers' reactions.

What is Alex and Matt's future?  Yes, they go to school, but what beyond
high school for them? What interests to each of them have that can
translate into a life and career path? I think Jacob has his work cut out
for him developing a future path for these two!

I am also wondering what is going to happen to the others like Carlos that
are now in extreme danger still being incarcerated. What can the D.A. do to
protect them? I can't imagine the Governor will be able to see his way
clear to release others as he did Alex and Matt. Also, Alex and Matt have a
support system of family and extended family to support them in a
successful transition to the free world.

Jacob may not be using cliffhangers any longer, but there's a ton of
questions he leaves us to ponder. I don't know about you, but I am hooked
and will find it hard to wait for each new chapter to find out what is
lurking in Jacob's mind!

Until next time,

"Daddy" Rick