Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:53:02 -0700 From: Jacob Miller Subject: Beneath The Mask: Chapter 20 {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 20 Alex's and Matt's first day out of the center they spent with Jacob and his family at the hospital. Although they aren't part of the family and just became part of the extended family, they felt they should go in order to show Jacob support through what looks like another trying time in his life. Alex and Matt sat in the far corner of the waiting room together. Ever now and then they would twist around the monitoring devices on their legs. They aren't used to them yet. It feels like they have weights on their legs that they can't take off. Still it is better than being locked up in the detention facility. Alex noticed that Matt has been pretty quiet since they got the devices put on. At first Alex thought that Matt might just be rethinking his decision getting involved with him. Now Matt's life is in danger because Matt knows Alex. This is something Alex knows he can't fix; it is now in the past. "Matt are you angry with me for what is going on? You know that I never meant for this to happen. I tried to keep you far from that part of my life. It just seemed no matter what I did, it pulled me in. In return it pulled you in as well." Matt looked at Alex. He thought to himself that he has been really quiet through the day. Matt reached out and grabbed Alex's hand. He squeezed it as he looked at him. Matt smiled at Alex as he started to talk. "You haven't done anything wrong Alex. In fact because of you, I am out of that center way before I am supposed to be. You have done more for me than you can ever imagine. We both have to get used to these bracelets around our legs." Matt pulled up his pant leg as he shook his leg in the air. "I just have been thinking a lot about my parents. I know that they don't like the way I am living my life. They think it is a choice, but as you know we don't choose our sexuality. Anyways it really bothered me when I heard they didn't want me. They didn't care if my life was in danger; they wanted me to stay in the center." Alex got up from his seat and knelt in front of Matt. He took both Matt's hands into his. He started to rub their hands together. Putting his thoughts together before speaking he looked up into Matt's eyes and his mouth just opened. "One day your parents will remember what a wonderful person their son is. A person that lights up a room when he walks in! A person that brings out the good in a person when others don't think there is any good in that person. A person that believes in others so much, you are will to do what it takes to prove that. Your parents will come around one day. When they do, show them that you are the better person. You don't turn away but rather, open your arms to them. Welcome them into your life again. Then and only then they will realize what fools they have been." Matt leaned down and started kissing Alex. They broke the kiss when they herd someone behind them clear their throat. Alex got up from the ground and looked around to see who it is. Looking back at Alex is Franseca smiling at him and Matt. "Honey, I need you to do me a big favor. I don't know how much longer we are going to be here and your brothers are getting hungry. Can you please take them to get something to eat? I don't want them getting fussy because they are hungry." "No problem mom, we will go right now." Alex pulled Matt up from the seat and started to walk to get Lorenzo and Ismail. "Mom, do I embarrass you when I show my emotions towards Matt in public? If I do, I won't do it around you." Franseca looked at Alex with an angry look on her face. "Don't you ever think that I am embarrassed by you Alex. I love you and I love Matt because he loves you. You are my son no matter what. I want you to be comfortable showing your affection with Matt in front of me. I love it when I see you this happy Alex!" Franseca pulled Alex into a hug. She whispered something in his ear that only Alex could hear. Alex broke the hug, wiped his face from the tears rolling down his face and started to walk away. Franseca grabbed a hold of Alex's hand and handed him money to buy the food. Alex took the money as he walked off. Alex asked everyone if they wanted him to pick up anything for them. They only wanted something to drink. Alex took down a list as Al gave him money to pay for the drinks. Alex tried to say no, but Al insisted, so Alex took the money. As they walked to the elevator, Chase ran up to them. "Hey guys, do you mind if I go with you? I am bored out of my mind here. Tom and David are in their own little world and they are the ones I usually talk with whenever we go places. It is cool if you guys want to be alone with each other." "Hell yeah buddy you can come. Never think you aren't wanted with us." Alex grabbed hold of Chase and pulled him into the elevator. They walked out of the hospital to see what fast food restaurants are in waling distance. Across the street is a Burger King, but they really don't like the taste of their burgers. They looked and saw just a couple blocks up is a brand new Taco Bell. They decided to walk over there to grab something to each. "Is this how it is normally whenever any of you get sick? Everyone goes and sticks around for support? I am not complaining, in fact I think it is cool if you guys do that." Alex looked at Chase as they walked up to the Taco Bell. "When Jacob got shot..." Chase looked at Alex to see if he over stepped, but it looked like he didn't. "...we all went to the hospital and stayed with Jacob. He then got diagnosed with cancer, and we were all there. Once he got through it all, we never stepped into the hospital again except for minor things. Everyone is scared right now. Jacob almost didn't survive that last time around. He and Joey just broke up because he had to move with his family. Here we are again and Jacob and Joey just broke up. I really think that Jacob worries way too much and that's what get him sick to a point. If I ever see that Joey, I am..." Chase faded off as he finished that sentence. They walked into the Taco Bell and got into the line. Lorenzo and Ismail ordered first and then Alex, Matt and Chase. They took their cups and filled them up with the sodas. Lorenzo and Ismail ate their tacos as Alex, Matt and Chase talked with each other; nothing about the family or the past, they just talked. Some how they ended up talking about what to expect when they go to school! Alex and Matt will be going to the same high school with Jacob and the guys. Although it is a different high school for Alex and Matt, they are know that their past will follow them. It's assured when the school gets their transcripts from the detention facility! Questions will be asked and they need to have answers for them. At least they have a week to come up with any questions that might be asked. They finished eating and got the drinks for the others before heading back. Lorenzo and Ismail played around the whole way back. Racing each other from one corner to the other corner and back to Alex, Matt and Chase. The guys just looked at Lorenzo and Ismail as they ran around full of energy. The minute they got up stairs to the waiting room, they handed out the drinks to everyone. When Alex approached Gloria and Andy Sr., he shook a little. Gloria actually scares Alex. He has never been scared of a grown up until now. She is willing to do whatever it takes to defend her family and that includes getting into a fist fight. Gloria took her drink and Alex moved on. After handing everyone their drinks, Alex rejoined Matt in the corner of the waiting room. They sat there talking until they saw the doctor walk out. Alex and Matt stayed put while the family talked with the doctor. Alex saw the expressions on Al and the others, what ever the news is, it isn't good. A few minutes after the doctor headed back to the back, Jacob came out with his doctor chasing him. Whatever is going on, Jacob isn't happy either. The doctor said something and then Jacob talked loud enough for the entire floor to hear him. "I am not going to be put back into this hospital. I shouldn't have ever agreed to come down here in the first place. If you guys get me back on the surgery table, I know I'm not walking out of here through the front doors! I am going home and that all I am going say about it!" Jacob pushed past Al, Dewayne and Andy Sr. He walked over to the elevator to leave. "If any of you want a ride home with me, you'd better get on this elevator or you can find another way home." Alex and Matt got up grabbing Lorenzo and Ismail on the way. They walked to the elevator not saying a word to anyone. On the way down, Alex felt like he is standing in a freezer and not an elevator. None of them said a word making things even worse having things just hanging out there without a solution. Once they got home. Alex and Matt joined Lorenzo and Ismail in front of the TV. About forty minutes later, the rest showed up. They walked in and went different directions. Dewayne walked into the TV room and straight over to Jacob. Alex looked at them through the corner of his eye. Trying to seem like he is watching TV, not Dewayne and Jacob! Alex witnessed actual true love between those two. Whatever Dewayne is telling Jacob, Jacob is agreeing with him. The rest of the evening went without anymore surprises. Alex and Matt headed back to their house after watching a couple more hours of TV at Jacob's. They wanted to make love with each other, decided not to. They couldn't believe how tired they got just sitting in a waiting room doing nothing all evening long. Cuddling with each other in bed, Alex and Matt fell to sleep in each others arms. Knowing that they only have a week before they have to go back to school, they just want to be with each other happy knowing that this is going to be their lives for now on! After coming back from breakfast at Jacob's, Alex and Matt just lazed around in the living room. They sat in front of the TV really not actually watching what was on. They explored each others bodies. They never could do that in lock up because of the fear of someone walking in on them. Alex and Matt got jolted out of their passion with a knock on the front door. Alex got up and slowly walked over to the front door. He peeked out the peep hole to see Carlos standing on his front porch. Alex turned and mouthed to Matt that it is Carlos. Neither of them knowing what to do, Alex decided to see what Carlos needs! He opened the front door and invited Carlos in. Carlos greeted both Alex and Matt as he walked to the couch and sat down. Alex followed but sat down on the chair instead. Matt stayed on the far end of the couch looking at Carlos. "Carlos, I'm sorry, but I am surprised seeing you here. I figured the next time I see you it would be with you holding a gun at me. With what's happened, this gives you a way back into the gang without being under me." "Come on Alex, you know no matter what, I have been on your side. We both worked on a common goal to get out of that place and move on with our lives without being in the gang. What Mr. Henderson did just moved our plans up by almost five years." "Don't get me wrong, I am glad to see you Carlos, but what happened? I thought that the DA only got Matt and me out. He never talked about you or the others. I couldn't put any demands. If I could have I would have demanded that you got out as well." "I went to report in when I was supposed to and they told me I made a mistake. I didn't have to come back until the second. I knew that I didn't make a mistake, but I said okay and left thinking this is a set up. Robert, Steve and I went to report in this morning but pulled into another room. The DA walked in and told us what is going on. He handed us probation paperwork and got these monitors attached to out ankles. He went in front of our judges and got them to agree with this instead of the center." Carlos lifted his leg and showed his monitor to Alex. "So the Governor got you out of the center as well Carlos?" Alex looked at Carlos monitor as he walked over to sit next to Matt. "What do you mean the Governor Alex? My judge hated the idea, but signed the order because he doesn't want it to get out that I got killed when he could have signed this order to keep me safe. I have to be on this thing until twenty one. If I don't get into trouble, I get it taken off." Alex looked at Matt and back over to Carlos. Carlos continued telling them his restrictions. They realized that Carlos judge got stricter with him than they got. Alex and Matt both felt lucky for what they got. "At least we aren't in the center anymore. We have more freedom then we had in the center. Where are you living at now Carlos? Are you going to go back to Austin or change high schools?" "The DA made it clear that I couldn't move in with my parents as long as they still live around the gangs. The reason of me getting out is to protect me from the gang, not to put me back in the middle of them. So my mother's parents agreed to take me until my mother and step father get a place out of the old neighborhood. They live on this side of town. That means I am going to El Paso High School." Alex got up and headed to the kitchen to get sodas for them to drink. He returned handing a soda to Carlos and Matt. He sat back down, opened his soda, and drank almost the entire can before putting it on the coffee table. "Carlos, this is a chance that we will never get again. I am not going to return to the gang life at all and that even includes going any where near our old neighborhood. None of the gang comes around here or other places where I have gone. I finally got a life that I always wanted; a life I only saw on television. I live with my mother, brothers and my boyfriend. I love each and every single one of them very much. You are like my brother and I don't want to loose you, but if you want to return to our old life. You will have to do it alone Carlos." "Look Alex, thanks to you, these last couple months in the center has been bearable for me. Because of you, I got out of protective custody and back to talking to someone other than myself. They wanted to kill me before you came and more now since all that has happened. You are my brother, we grew up together. We did what we did because it was what our fathers wanted us to do. Now both of our dads are dead, my mom remarried, but not to a man in the gang life. We can get out of that life once and for all. I will never return to that life no matter what Alex." All three of them sat there talking about what it is going to be like returning to regular life from being locked up. They all agreed it will be hard to make it. After hanging out for a couple of hours, Carlos left Alex and Matt. Matt noticed a change in Alex's mood after Carlos left. He closed off, just like he did when they were in the center when Alex needed to deal with the gang and didn't want to get Matt involved in that part of his life. "Hey Alex, what is wrong? I know you and you are thinking way too much right now. I am getting worried about you." Matt walked up behind Alex and wrapped his arms around Alex, pulling Alex to the couch. "I really don't trust Carlos right now Matt. Don't get me wrong, I trust him, but why did he come over here right after he got the monitor? I've just got a weird feeling in my gut and I really don't like what I am feeling right now." "You have lived in a different world than I have, Alex. You have to always be looking for the worst in everyone. You have to look for the ulterior motive a person has in coming around beyond the reason they said. I have never had to live in your world. Still, trust me when I say that Carlos has as much if not more to lose as you do if he returns to your guys' old life. If he is stupid enough to think that the gang wants him for him, he has another think coming. If he went back to them, they are going to use him to get to you. Once they get to you, he is as good as dead. Carlos has to know that. It seems to me he has a brain and he can figure that out." Alex leaned in and started kissing Matt. Matt fell down onto the couch, Alex following right on top of him. Alex started to move up Matt's shirt when they heard someone walk in the back door. Alex jumped off of Matt as quickly as possible, but Lorenzo ran in just as Matt got up to straighten himself up. Lorenzo stopped and looked at his big brother. Alex can't figure out the look on Lorenzo's face. The look is between be confused and being disgusted with what he is seeing. Alex walked up to Lorenzo to see what is going on in his head. "Lorenzo, what's up? Did you need me for something?" Lorenzo looked down at his feet and mumbled something that neither Alex nor Matt could understand. Alex knelt down and lifted his brothers face to face his. With one hand Alex held Lorenzo's face up and the other hand he wiped the hair out of his brother's eyes. Lorenzo just looked at Alex not saying a word. "Little bro what is on your mind? You don't look too happy for some reason. Did I do something that is freaking you out? Is there something you do not understand that is going on between me and Alex? Please Lorenzo; tell me what is bothering you." "I am sorry for rushing like I did. I know you guys want to be alone together. Just I wanted you to come over and play video games with me at Jacob's. But if you are too busy with Matt, I understand. I will play against the system like have been doing." Alex cracked a smile after hearing what is bothering his little brother. He felt bad disturbing them on what they were about to do. Alex got up and picked up Lorenzo. He ran to the couch and dropped him on it. Before Lorenzo could do anything. Alex started to tickle him. Lorenzo started laughing asking Alex to stop. "You are my little brother Lorenzo, if you ever want to do anything with me, just ask. Unless I and Matt are in our room and the door is shut, I will find the time to be with you. Just let me get dressed and we can head over to Jacob's. Let me tell you though little bro, I am going to kick your butt on what ever game you pick!" Alex stopped ticking Lorenzo and started walking to his room. Matt got up to follow Alex to their room to change as well. At the same time, Lorenzo ran after his brother down the hall. He jumped on Alex's back when they reached the middle of the hallway. Alex started laughing, but carried Lorenzo to his room. Once they got in, Alex dumped Lorenzo on his and Matt's bed. Neither of the boys has unpacked. They are still living out of their suitcases. Alex walked over to his suitcase to pull out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Matt did the same as Alex. They got dressed quickly, as Lorenzo looked on. "Alex, are you guys going to unpack? Aren't you guys here for good?" Lorenzo got up from the bed and walked over to his brother's suitcase. "Why don't you help me unpack, bro? Let's unpack all of my stuff now and that way you can put the suitcases where ever mom had them. We don't want mom cleaning here when she does that all day over at Jacob's house." Alex picked up his suitcases and started to empty everything on the bed. After putting his things away, they helped Matt do the same thing. Matt didn't expect that at all. He thought that he would do it later, but not get help from Alex and his brother. After they finished putting the suitcases in the garage, Lorenzo jumped on Alex's back. They made their way over to Jacob's house. On the way down to the game room, Alex and Matt kissed Franseca on the cheek. When they opened the door to the basement, they found Ismail standing on the other side. "Hey Lorenzo, you stupid jerk! You told me that you were going to be gone only for a few minutes. Here I am waiting for you like an idiot with the game on pause. That isn't cool at all!" Ismail started to walk back down the stairs not too happy with Lorenzo. "Ismail, I held up Lorenzo at the house. I am sorry; I didn't know that you were over here waiting for him. Next time I promise not to do that again." Alex yelled out to Ismail from the top of the stairs. Once they all got downstairs, Lorenzo and Ismail started playing and talking as if nothing had happened. Alex took Matt to the pool table to teach him a few tricks of playing the game. Matt knows the basics of the game, but he isn't really that good at it. That's why he never played with Alex and the others at the center. The Governor heard a knock on his door and he looked up to see Rich standing there. He waved Rich into the office. Governor Lopez finished up what he was doing before Rich told the Governor why he is there. "Mr. Governor, Mr. Henderson is here as you requested. He is sitting in the outter office." Rich spoke as the Governor got up from his desk. "Does he look nervous being here Rich?" "He does Governor, he does! He has no idea why he is here. He came to my office first to see why you asked to see him. I told him I knew, but I am not going to tell him. He needs to speak with you first, sir." "Good job Rich! Go ahead and ask him to come in. I want to make this quick. My schedule is already packed today. He is using up the little free time I have for myself." The Governor walked back around his desk as Rich walked out. Rich returned with Mr. Henderson. Governor Lopez looked up at them as they stood at the door. The Governor pointed to the seats in front of his desk. Both Mr. Henderson and Rich walked in and took a seat in front of the Governor. "Mr. Henderson, thank you for coming so quickly. Let me start by saying I don't like calling anybody to my office. I never did that in my military career, but it seems being Governor I have had to play the role of principal quite a bit. You painted me in corner and I don't like it one bit. I am trying so hard to understand what was going through your mind the last day you were at the Juvenile Detention Facility in El Paso. There is nothing coming to my mind that logically explains why you did what you did. Mr. Henderson, you made sure whenever you spoke with Officer Jackson about what Alejandro Garcia was doing for you, you did it behind closed doors. You did everything possible to make sure that no one would hear what you, Officer Jackson and Alejandro Garcia were talking about. That is why I don't understand why you did what you did. Looking at the way you handled yourself in the past, I can only come to one conclusion. You can't blame me to coming to that conclusion. But, I have learned not to assume; to get all the facts. So I need to hear from you why you did what you did Mr. Henderson." Mr. Henderson swallowed the lump down his throat as he rubbed his sweating palms together. "Governor Lopez, I really don't know what you are talking about sir. I never did anything wrong dealing with Alejandro and Officer Jackson." Governor Lopez slammed his fist against his desk. He got up and walked around. "Don't you give me that line, Mr. Henderson. You stood in the middle of a hallway discussing what you, Alejandro and Officer Jackson have been doing. You did it where any officer or inmate nearby could hear you. Are you telling me that Officer Jackson and the others are lying?" "Sir, I know what you are talking about. That day I talked with Officer Jackson on my way out of the facility, I don't recall ever mentioning names or details of what we were working on. I talked in code. If others picked it up, that can't be my fault." "Mr. Henderson you aren't a stupid man. You knew what you were doing when you were doing it. Let me tell you what I think with the facts I know. The success you had at that facility didn't come until Alejandro got there. You didn't want anyone else to have the success you had so you burned the bridges so no one else can walk across the bridge you did. Let me make this clear to you right here and right now! I don't like getting a call and being asked to pardon anyone because of stupid mistakes. The inmates in question should have stayed locked up and served their time. Because what you did, I had to get involved and fix it. If these kids go out and commit another crime, it is on me for letting them out." Mr. Henderson didn't say a word as the Governor walked back behind his desk. He sat down and pulled out Mr. Henderson's personnel file. The Governor looked it over as Mr. Henderson and Rich sat there. "You have had a great career and it is sad that you are willing to destroy it this way. You got the promotion based on all your success at the detention facility in El Paso. Right now you are going to stay where you've been while this is being investigated. As long as no criminal charges are filed against you, you won't lose your position. I really hope you aren't planning for any more promotions. While I am Governor, I will make sure you won't get any. I will also ask the Board of Corrections to look into this. I know they can't file criminal charges, but they can suspend you. One way or another, you will feel a pinch of what you did. You are a disappointment and that is what I am going to write into your permit record. What you did is unforgiveable, almost causing the death of one of your friends and several inmates that were in your charge! People like you don't deserve to be in positions you are in. I don't have the power to fire you directly, but I will do whatever it takes to put the weight of this office in play to make you pay for what you did. Thank you for coming down to speak with me today!" Rich and Mr. Henderson got up and walked out of the Governor's office. Mr. Henderson followed Rich to his office. He shut the door and started pacing around the center of the office. Not able to understand what the Governor meant when he said that he is going to use the full force of his position to get him removed. "Look Mr. Henderson, you put the Governor in a very bad spot. He had no other choice but to sign a partial pardon to two of the inmates. Their judges wouldn't budge from their original decision. If it blows up on the Governor, it looks like he is soft on crime." "It seems every time I turn around, the Governor wants to change the way things are done. He believes in second chances and not keeping a criminal locked up. He needs to decide where he stands and let the rest of us know. Either he is soft on crime or he goes gung ho and make the laws in this state a stricter like they should be," Mr. Henderson said with distain. Rich couldn't believe his ears. This guy is in the wrong, but yet he is here talking bad about another that pulled his butt out of the fire. If it wasn't for what the Governor did, Mr. Henderson would be unemployed right now. "Look, there is nothing you can do right now about what is going on. Just go home and go to work. If you aren't charged or the Corrections Board doesn't do anything, you are in the clear. Just don't think you are going to get another promotion. You need to get used to the fact that you are going to retire from this job if you keep the job at all." Mr. Henderson looked at Rich. Knowing that there is nothing he can do or say. He walked over and shook Rich's hand. After thanking Rich, Mr. Henderson walked out. As he left the building, Mr. Henderson couldn't stop thinking there has to be a way to fix this. He needs to speak with Officer Jackson and see if he can talk him down from saying anything else to anyone. After spending the entire day with Lorenzo and Ismail, Alex and Matt walked into their room a little after nine in the evening. They both walked over to Alex's single bed and lay down. Alex moved onto his side looking at Matt. "You know something Matt? We need to get a bigger bed. There is no way we can keep sleeping on the bed I slept in growing up. If we were just visiting, like we thought we were, this bed would be okay for a week." "I don't see a problem sleeping on this bed. Yeah sometimes at night I get woken up with your legs or arms all over my body, but I like that. I love feeling you by me when I sleep. I love waking up with your face right in my face. I just love everything about you!" Matt leaned in and started kissing Alex. Alex let Matt's tongue into his mouth as they kissed. For some reason Alex loves it more when Matt's sticks his tongue into his mouth, not when he sticks his into Matt's mouth. Alex started to move his hand down Matt's chest, stomach and reached Matt's hard dick. Alex tugged on Matt's hard dick through his jeans. All that did is make Matt's dick even harder and caused Matt to moan into Alex's mouth! "Let me show you what we can do in this small bed." Matt broke the kiss as he crawled on top of Alex. Matt towered over Alex, just looking down at him. He started to pull off his shirt slowly, teasing Alex. Once Matt got off his shirt, Alex undid Matt's belt and jeans. He slid Matt's jeans down his thighs, looking straight at Matt's hard dick fighting to get free from the boxer briefs Matt is wearing. Alex pulled Matt's body into him. He started licking the outline of Matt's dick through his underwear causing Matt to moan as he bent his head back! After a few minutes of sucking Matt's dick through his underwear, Alex started to taste Matt's pre-cum. Wanting more, Alex pulled Matt's underwear down his thighs. Matt's dick popped out and almost hit Alex in the face as he pulled the underwear down. Alex grabbed a hold of Matt's dick and gently started to play with it. Running his finger over Matt's head, causing Matt to moan a little louder! Alex moved on the bed until his back hit the wall at the same time pulling Matt with him. Once Alex settled in, Matt put his hands against the wall. Grabbing a hold of his dick, Matt slid it into Alex's mouth. Controlling the speed, Matt started to fuck Alex's face as Alex grabbed hold of both Matt's butt cheeks. Matt, leaving one hand against the wall, used his other to reach around his back. He felt around until his hand reached Alex's dick. Alex already hard as a rock, Matt didn't have to do anything to get him excited! Not even looking, Matt undid Alex's belt and then pants. He spread the flaps of Alex's jeans, Matt pulled Alex's dick through his boxers. Matt started pulling at Alex's dick as he fed his dick to Alex. Both of them loving what the other is doing, they didn't want to stop. If they could, they would do this all day long. Alex let go of Matt's butt cheeks and pulled down his pants and underwear without letting Matt's dick slip out of his mouth. Now with nothing in the way, Matt started to jerk Alex off. Several times, Alex had to control himself where he didn't bite down. Without warning, Matt pulled his dick out of Alex's mouth leaving Alex with an empty feeling, Matt started to lower himself until his butt touched Alex's dick. Matt slowly put Alex's dick at his entrance and little by little, Alex's dick sank deep into Matt. Alex opened his eyes surprised that Matt wanted him to fuck him. He wants Matt to fuck him. If they don't do this right, Matt might shoot before Alex getting Matt to fuck him. Loving the feeling though with his dick in Matt's tight butt, Alex just went with the flow! Once Matt adjusted with Alex's dick inside him, he started to ride him. As he went up and down on Alex's dick, Matt leaned in and started kissing Alex. Wanting Alex's entire dick inside him, Matt needed to break the kiss. Alex reached up to Matt's chest and started playing with his chest. He wrapped his arms around Matt and gently lowered him to the bed. Now Matt is laying on his back and Alex on top of him. Matt wrapped his legs around Alex as Alex picked up the speed. As Alex reached his climax, he stopped and pulled out. Catching his breath and pulling himself down from his climax. Alex leaned into Matt to nibble on his ear. He worked from one side to the other and back again. "Now I want you inside me Matt. Please Matt I want to feel you inside me making love to me. I have wanted you inside me since the last time we made love." Alex resting his head on the side of Matt's whispering into his ear. Alex moved onto his stomach with his butt in the air. Matt moved between Alex's legs. He spread Alex's butt cheeks to get access to Alex' hole and leaned into Matt's crack and started to lubricate Alex's hole with his tongue. Once Matt felt the he had lubricated Alex enough, he got off his knees and moved on top of Alex. With Alex's help, Matt entered into Alex without a problem. Once he got his entire dick into Alex's butt, Matt rested on top of Alex's back. Not moving, Matt started to kiss up and down Alex's neck and shoulders. Starting out slowly, Matt started pulled out and then goes back in. He started to gain speed, making Alex grab the bed post. With his face in the pillows, Alex started moaning making Matt want to go even faster! Just like Alex, Matt pulled out as he approached his climax. He lay on top of Alex to calm down and catch his breath. Neither of them letting themselves cum, they lay on the bed wanting to get another chance at each other's butt. Matt rolled off of to Alex's side. Alex looked over at Matt with a huge grin on his face. Alex jumped to his knees and back on his side. Now with each of their hard dicks at each others face. They leaned in and grabbed each others dicks with their mouths. Due to them both getting very close on shooting already, it didn't take them long to reach climax again. Although they have not known one another that long, they have gotten to know each other's reactions. They know when the other is about to cum, so they don't really didn't need to warn each other. Almost at the same time, they started shooting into each others mouth. They continued to suck on each as they shot into each others mouth. Shot after shot, they swallowed each other's cum not letting a drop of cum leak out; both of them sucked each other dry. Alex and Matt let the dicks slip from their mouths. They didn't move they laid there on the bed with their eyes closed not thinking about anything, just trying to come down from their high. Little by little, they caught their breath. Alex looked over at Matt to see his eyes closed. He pulled himself out of bed, walked over to the hamper and pulled out a towel. After wiping himself off, Alex walked back to the bed. He sat on the edge and started cleaning Matt. Matt opened his eyes, looked at Alex and smiled. "Have you ever thought about who in our relationship the top is and who the bottom is? The reason I bring this up is because we both like being top and bottom. We never walk in and right before having sex decide who is going to do what." "To tell you the truth I love it when you are inside me more than me being inside you Matt. But I also love it when we both get a chance on doing the same thing to each other. The way I look at it is that we are in love. There is no need to make clear in our relationship who is the man and who is the woman. We are both men and we love having a chance to be making patient love with each other. That is all that counts here." Matt pulled Alex into the bed with him. They started kissing as they pulled the covers over them. Breaking the kiss, Alex moved to his side. Matt moved close up to Alex and wrapped his arms around him. Not saying a word to each other; they fell asleep once again in each others arms. The rest of Alex's Christmas vacation flew by. Before he knew it, he and the others made their way to Western Play Land. Alex tried to spend as much time his little brothers as possible. He is trying to make up for lost time with them. He knows that he will never get the past back, but he is going to do what ever it takes to make every day count with them. He doesn't want them to get into trouble with the law like he did. Lorenzo and Ismail took to Matt as if they grew up together. It didn't bother either of the two younger Garcia's that Matt is Alex's boyfriend and they are together. In fact they love having two older brothers living with them. If Alex wasn't around, they'd find Matt. The entire day at Western Play Land, Alex, Matt, Lorenzo and Ismail stayed together. They rode as many rides as they could. Many times they went back and rode the rides again and again. All of them love amusement parks and can't get enough. Since the next day is the first day back to school, Franseca wanted the boys home at a decent time so they walked into the doors a little after six. After telling Franseca everything they did, Lorenzo and Ismail ran to their rooms to get ready for school. They seem to be excited in going back to school, unlike Alex and Matt. Alex got up to head to his room when his mother stopped him. "Alex please come over and sit with me for awhile. I want to speak with you." Alex looked at his mother, smiled and walked back to the chair. "I know I have told you this so many times, but I am going to say it again. I am glad to have you back again. You are so different now then you were when you left. You are more comfortable and happy. You don't have that cloud hanging over your head anymore; that cloud that seemed to get you in trouble all the time! I don't think being locked up or that detention facility did this to you. Look at your father. If being locked up changes a person, your father should have been a change man way before we had you. No, I don't believe you being locked up changed you. You got comfortable in your own skin and that I really think is because of Matt. He showed you that there is nothing wrong being who you are. I know for you, being in the gang made it a lot harder. Still you got through it and now you are here with your family where you belong. Also, not to sound mean, but I am glad your father is gone. May he rest in peace, but he did more harm to this family then he did any good. Look at what he turned you into. I know you are going to say that you had a choice. But really, did you? Since I could remember your father pushed you into that kind of life. I figure what I am trying to say is this Alex. The days leading up to you going back I couldn't eat, sleep or even think straight. I didn't want to take my son to be locked up again. Then when we sat in the study with Al and Jacob, and I heard that if you return to that place you more than likely wouldn't leave standing up." Franseca couldn't hold back her tears anymore. She broke down crying in front of Alex. Alex got up and walked over to the couch. He sat down beside his mom and grabbed her. He held her tight until she stopped crying. "No matter what you did Alex or will do, I will always love you no matter what. Please do this for me, Alex: Don't get into trouble, please leave that life behind you. I can't lose you again. I just can't go through that again. I rather die before you get taken away from me. You are my oldest and I need you here with us." Alex let go of his mother so he could look at her. "I promise you mom, I will never do anything that will get me in trouble with the law again. I don't want to be locked up again in my life. There is nothing that will make me return back to the life again. You, my brothers and Matt is all that I care about. No matter what; I am going to do what it takes to stay out of trouble and be with all of you." Alex kissed his mother on the forehead and didn't leave until he knew that she is okay. He ended up being the last one on the shower, which means he doesn't have any hot water. Alex quickly took his shower and ran to his room as fast as he could. Matt lifted the blankets to let Alex jump right in. With Matt's body heat and the blankets, Alex warmed up before he fell asleep. Matt couldn't fall asleep, so he just laid there looking at Alex as he slept. With his finger, Matt softy went up and down Alex's face and arm, stopping at his tattoos tracing around them before moving on. Finally Matt tired himself out and went to sleep. As they got ready for school, Alex and Matt found themselves very nervous. Alex couldn't believe how nervous he is. He couldn't even eat breakfast at Jacob's house before leaving to school. Everyone at the table tried to settle Alex down, but nothing they said or did worked. Matt pulled Alex out the door to Jacob's truck. They all climbed in and waited for Jacob to say his goodbyes to Dewayne. They all forgot that Dewayne had already graduated and they won't see each other until this evening. That has to be different for Jacob. Jacob is used to having his boyfriend at his side in school. The short ride to El Paso High, Jacob pulled into the upper parking lot. Alex got out of the truck and just looked at the school. He thought that Austin High was spooky; this school looks even spookier. You can actually see how old the school is by just looking. Alex grabbed Matt and headed off to the registrar's office, but Chase stopped them. "There is no way the registrar clerks are in this early. You will be lucky to see them before first period ends. Don't waste your time just sitting in the office. Come with us, hang out, and get something in your stomach. When the bell rings, you can go over and register yourself for your classes." Alex agreed with Chase. He and Matt followed Chase to he cafeteria to grab breakfast. As they walked in, no one looked at them like Alex thought they would. Alex started to breathe easier as he went through the breakfast line. He paid for his and Matt's breakfast and walked over to the table where Jacob and the others are sitting. Not even asking, Jacob and the others accepted them into their group of friends. Within minutes, Alex found himself getting into the conversation. They all acted as if they have been going to high school together since freshman year. Just as the bell rang, Alex got up and followed the others to put his tray away. Chase helped Alex and Matt find the registrar's office. He wished Alex and Matt good luck and headed off to his first period class. Alex looked at Matt, took a deep breath and walked into the registrar's office. Right away when Alex walked in, he noticed Carlos, Steve and Robert sitting in the chairs against the wall. Both Alex and Matt waved at them as they walked to the counter. One of the clerks got up from her desk and walked over to the counter. "Mr. Garcia and Mr. Robinson, could you please take a seat next to your friends. Principal Michaels would like to speak with you guys before you fill out you class schedules." The old clerk walked back behind her desk. Alex and Matt turned and walked over to the seats against the wall. As they sat down, they shook hands with Steve, Robert and Carlos. Not saying a word to each other, they sat there in silence looking straight ahead. If you looked at Alex and Carlos, you would never have known that they were in a gang. Principal Michaels walked in and looked at all five students against the wall. "Gentlemen, please follow me to my conference room." Alex and the others got up and followed Principal Michaels to his office. They walked in and were escorted to the conference room. Not saying a word, Alex and the others each took a seat around the table as Principal Michaels remained standing up. "My name is Principal Michaels, I am this schools Principal. I was informed last Thursday that you five will be attending my school. To be honest with you, I don't like the idea of you guys being in my school. I do have my fair share of trouble makers, but I don't have anyone involved in gangs, on probation or wearing monitor devices like you guys are. I don't know if you saw as you walked into this school this morning. There are no metal detectors or uniformed police at every entrance. Unlike Austin High School, we are a very peaceful school with very few problems. I am a straight forward man. When I say something, you can take me at my word. With that said, I tried everything in my power to keep you from registering. Everywhere I turned I ran into a brick wall. By Friday afternoon, I found out way that is. Let me make myself clear here. I don't care who some of you guys are connected to. If you screw up even once, you are out of here. I don't even care if you don't start it. If you are found involved in anything, you will be out of m school before you can mutter the words `I'm sorry'. I won't have my school turned upside down. For several reasons I won't have my school turned up side down. I have the Governor's sons attending this school and I run a very clean school. There is no way I am going to have the Governor or the School Board breathing down my neck because you guys are trying to turn my school into Austin High School. Do I make myself clear?" The Principal looked around the table as Alex and the others said `yes'. He handed each of them a partial schedule. The only thing they have to fill in is their electives. The required courses have already been selected for them. "The monitoring devices you guys are wearing are to be kept to yourselves. You can't tell anyone that you are wearing them. That means if you have not gotten your PE credits yet, you need to choose another elective that won't have you suiting out. I really hope you all have your PE credits, because the only other course that counts for those credits is JROTC. From your back ground, you would hate that class. Also you must pass all your classes. I don't care if you pass them with straight A's; just pass them. I want you guys out of my school when you are supposed to graduate. And finally, no gang's affiliation will be allowed. If you have tattoos of belonging to a certain gang, cover them up. You aren't to wear gang colors and the clothing that you normally wear in a gang. I know you know what I mean and I don't have to go into detail about that. No throwing signs or bringing your gang members to this school. If you follow these rules along with the rules the other students have to follow we will get along just fine. If you don't, like I said before, you are gone. I am not afraid of you or that you are part of a gang. I am asking you not to test me on anything I have told you." The Principal stepped out of the conference room as Alex and the others started to fill out their schedules. Alex couldn't believe that he never took his PE classes. Well, he never went to classes anyways, so even if he was enrolled. He would have flunked out of those classes due to not attending. That means he is going to have to take JROTC. After filling out their schedules, they sat there waiting for the Principal to come back. One at a time the Principal took each of them into his office and talked with them separately. After he talked with them, he sent them to the registrar's office to get their printed schedule that has their teachers and classrooms. Alex being the last one to be called, he got nervous once again. Alex doesn't understand this thing that is going on with him. He has never gotten nervous, not even when he went to court. For some reason he is now getting nervous and he can't figure it out. At least until he walked out of the conference to the principal's office. Matt walked by and smiled at Alex. That's it! Alex figured out! He has never had much to lose in the past. He had already disappointed his mother to the point no matter what he did, his mother wouldn't be surprised. Now he has Matt in his life and gotten very close with his brothers and mother. He has a lot to lose if he screws up this time! "Please take a seat Alex!" Principal Michaels pointed to a chair in front of his desk. "I am not going to go through the whole spiel again with what I said in the conference room. When I saw the list of kids being released, you are the one I wanted to make sure never stepped foot in my school. You are the gang leader outside and inside. You are the one that did the drive by shooting at Austin High School. Too many people have your back now. I don't know what you did, but you even got the student that you shot behind you. The Hernandez family has a lot pull from his grandfather to Jacob. His grandfather can pick up the phone anytime and talk to the Governor directly. Jacob is way very well connected for his age that he can call many connections if he needs to. Your instructor from the facility actually took the time and saw me on Friday. He had nothing but good things to say about you. Several officers from the facility and the facility director did the same. I also got a visit from a Ron Baird, the retired colonel; another respected person that had nothing but good to say about you. Then I looked at your grades that you were getting in the facility. I compared them to the grades you were getting when you bothered to attend school. What a turn around you did when you went into that facility. Even Mr. Simons tested you at a senior level and you passed higher than my top seniors do. I will be honest with you here Alex. If you stay clean and keep up what you were doing at the center, I won't see you again in my office. If you return to your old life, you won't be in my school. You seem to be a good kid. Don't make the same mistakes again." Alex got up to leave the office when Principal Michaels called him back in. Alex closed the door and walked back to his seat. He looked at the Principal as he sat down. Not knowing what else this guy can actually say. "Keep your loved ones close Alejandro. I see something there between you and Matt that is more than just friends. If I am right, hold on to that young man. He made a small mistake and almost ruined his life. Don't worry about being who you are in this school. We already have several couples in the open and no one cares. Well I few idiots do, but outside of that, no one does. You start thinking about doing anything dumb, find me please. I will stop whatever I am doing and help you through it. There are too many people believing in you. At the same time, there are way too many ways to trip you up. I am not your enemy, Alejandro; I can be your friend. Now get out of here and be careful." Alex got up and shook the Principals hand. He walked out of the office and straight back to the registrar's office hoping to see Matt. He walked in to find Matt still waiting for his schedule. Alex walked up to the counter and handed a younger clerk his choices. "Look Matt, I should have done this before coming to school this morning." Alex pulled out some money out of his pocket. "Here take this so you can pay for you own stuff. You don't have to wait for me to pay for anything." Matt smiled at Alex and took the money. "Thank you Alex! You know it didn't bother me that you paid. In fact I felt babied when you did it. I like it when you take care of me. Still, thank you and one way or another I am going to pay back mom." "You don't have to pay mom back. You are my family and she has no problem giving you money. Don't ever worry about that." The registrar clerk handed Alex and Matt their printed schedules. They walked out of the office and compared their schedules. Right down the line they have the same classes and teachers. Alex figured that Matt must have looked over to his sheet and filled it out exactly. They smile and started looking for their first period class. Alex walked in and handed the teacher his schedule. After the teacher wrote Alex into her attendance sheet and grade book, Matt handed her his schedule. Once she finished up with Matt, she directed the boys to sit in the two empty desks in the front of the classroom. Not saying a word, Alex and Matt took their seats. As soon as the bell rang, Alex walked out of the classroom followed by Matt. They started to look for their next period and got completely turned around in the building. Before they knew it, they landed up where they started at. The warning bell rang, causing Alex and Matt to start worrying about being tardy. They realized that their class is on the third floor. They ran up the stairs as quickly as possible. Walking into their second period class right after the final bell rang. The teacher looked at them as they took their seats in the back. After taking roll call, the teacher asked if there is anyone that he didn't call. Alex and Matt raised their hands along with several other students. They all got up and handed the instructor their schedules. Just like the teacher in their first period, this teacher did the same thing. As soon as they got written into the grade book and roster, Alex and Matt took their seats again. The rest of the morning ran the same way. Not knowing where anything is, Alex and Matt got lost trying to get to their next period class. Running in just in time before the tardy bell! When the bell rang releasing them for lunch, they walked down to the cafeteria; the only room in this school they actually know the location of! Grabbing their food, Alex and Matt made their way to Jacob and the guys. Alex sat down and just looked at Chase who looks like is trying to keep himself from laughing, but is losing the battle. Just then, Chase broke out in laughter, causing everyone to look. "I am so sorry, but you guys should look at yourselves in the mirror. It looks like you guys went to hell and back. Man is this school just chewing you up and spitting you out!" Alex looked at Matt and saw what he is talking about. Both Alex and Matt started to laugh after looking at each other. Alex didn't see anyone coming up behind him when he felt a tap on his shoulder, causing him to jump up. He looked around to see Carlos, Robert and Steve standing behind him holding their trays of food. "Carlos you scared the shit out of me man! You know not to do that to me!" Alex shook Carlos hand and then Robert's and Steve's hand. As everyone started to make room for the new arrivals, Alex introduced the three new guys to the group. Everyone shook hands and went back to eating. Just like in the detention facility, Carlos sat next to Alex to ensure there is no threat to him. Jacob and the others didn't know that, just the five guys from the center knew that. As soon as they finished eating, Jacob left the table to deal with JROTC. Alex looked at Chase to see why Jacob left. Before he could even ask, Chase knew what Alex is thinking and is about to ask. "Don't worry; Jacob didn't leave because of you or your new friends. He is the battalion commander and the instructor has him running around like a chicken with his head cut off. Major Moore blames Jacob for not having a back up plan for where to have the news letter printed. He did, but that fell apart as well." "Oh shit, I completely forgot about that. Even if we aren't around, they have the machines. They should open up the print shop and start honoring the agreements we made. What happened with us should not affect Jacob in anyway." "That isn't how Major Moore sees it. The little Jacob told us is that the Juvenile Detention Facility asked for the machines to be picked up. They are sending back the donation that was made to them. Something about the new Director and his new rules that he doesn't want to give inmates rights that they lost when they got sentenced." "That really throws Jacob in a bind doesn't it?" "You aren't lying there Alex. What is Jacob going to do with printing machines? He bought the machines to donate to you and your project, not for him to put in storage somewhere. Now he has property that is going to hurt him come tax time." Alex looked over at Matt and the others from the center. Jacob had told Alex that the school district donated the machines. Now he is finding out that the machines were bought by Jacob and he donated the machines. Jacob continues to go out on a limb and do things. Alex can't believe that Jacob has done this for him. They all got up to put away their trays and the bell rang. On the way out of the cafeteria, Chase asked to see Matt's and Alex's schedule. As he looked them over, the expression on his face is of surprise. He handed Matt back his schedule, but not Alex's. Chase told Alex and Matt where each of their classes are and the fastest way to get there. He even made a map of the halls with arrows and everything behind Alex's schedule. That way if Alex or Matt forgets, they can look back to the map for reference. Alex thanked Chase as the separated to go to their fourth period class. Alex couldn't believe when he walked into his fifth period class to see Jacob in the back of the room talking to an older African American in uniform. Alex figured as he and Matt took their seats that the guy that Jacob is talking to is the teacher. Another classmate stood in front of the class and as soon as the bell rang, he yelled something that Alex and Matt didn't understand. All at once, everyone stood up from their seats. Alex looked around and saw it is not just him and Matt that are lost with what's going on. Several other students are just as lost. They just got up and stood like the others. The student in the front started yelling out last names. Once he finished, another African American instructor walked up in front of the class. Yelled out something causing every one to separate their legs and put their hands behind their backs. Alex and Matt just did what the others are doing. After the instructor welcomed everyone back from their Christmas vacation, he gave permission for everyone to take their seats. Just then, Alex felt someone tapping him on his shoulder. He turned around to see Jacob standing there waving him and Matt over to the back of the classroom. Alex got up, followed by Matt and walked to where Jacob is. Not saying a word, Jacob walked into the office. Alex and Matt followed him into the office. They stood there as Jacob brought over the kid that was yelling out the last names. "Alex and Matt this is your Company Commander. He needs to see your schedule so he can write you in on the attendance sheet." Alex and Matt handed the student their schedules. Jacob walked over to the desk with him. He said something to him, and by the looks of it. The kid didn't like it. Jacob left the office as the other kid finished writing Alex's and Matt's name and school ID number on the attendance sheet. The kid walked over to Alex and Matt and handed them their schedules back. The other students that didn't have any idea what was going on just like Alex and Matt walked in. The Company Commander looked at them. "Let me start off by apologizing to all of you. I forgot it is a new semester and we get new cadets every semester. I should have explained our procedures before just calling the class to attention and taking roll call." The rest of the period, the Company Commander explained the day to day procedures from how they take attendance to the commands that are given. One at a time, the Company Commander took his time and worked with them. Once the Company Commander felt that they caught on, he excused them to join the others. The rest of the day flew by. Alex's sixth period class is history, and he loves history. This is one class Alex knows that he is going to enjoy. Even more now after hearing the stories from the Colonel! The bell rang, and Alex and Matt headed over to Jacob's truck when Chase stopped them. Chase explained that Jacob stays after school dealing with ROTC. They always walk home unless Jacob tells them otherwise. Alex, Matt, Chase and David talked as they walked home. The topic of conversation they talked about is how Alex and Matt felt being back for their first day of regular school. Both of them told them about what had happened in the morning with the Principal. They told about getting lost all morning long. That caused Chase and Matt to laugh. Once they stopped laughing, Alex and Matt went on about their first day of school. Every time that Matt talked, Alex started to think about what Jacob did for him. He wished that Jacob didn't buy those machines. If the school district didn't want to donate them, then they would have had to think of another model. Alex came to a conclusion that he needs to fix this somehow for Jacob. He shouldn't have to keep those machines. TO BE CONTINUED... WRITER'S CORNER: {Thank you guys for coming back for another chapter full of excitement. In this chapter we got old characters that came back into play. The only other character that I have not written back into the story that is coming back is the Colonel at the retirement home. Other than that, these are the characters that are going to stay with the story. Alex, Matt, Carlos, Steve and Robert for the detention facility are the only ones that are going to keep their plots going. I might, and that is a big might, bring in the other characters as guest. As of right now I have no plans to do so. I want to bring Alex completely out of the gang life and into normal teenage life. With that said, a lot happened in this story. We saw Carlos appear at the beginning of the chapter. That is when we found out about Carlos, Robert and Steve. They all got out of the center, but under stricter rules than Alex and Matt did. I didn't go into detail, because I didn't want to bore you guys. But they were not as lucky as Alex and Matt. Do you guys think that Carlos walked away from the gang life or is he still caught up in it? Did he make a deal with the gang to stay alive to deliver Alex? I really hope not, because those two are very good friends. Because of that friendship, Alex won't question Carlos, or will he? We all saw how he felt when Carlos left. We all saw how Franseca feels about her son. She was driving herself up the wall the days before Alex had to go back to the center. This poor woman cares so much for her son; she will do anything to keep him out of trouble. Let's hope that Alex does really see that and between that, Matt and his brothers. Alex doesn't get into any kind of trouble. There was a little small sex scene in this chapter, nothing big. If you guys are looking for major sex scenes in all my chapters, you got the wrong stories. I will write them in when it fits, but it is not a must have for me to write. I might go for several chapters before I write in another sex scene. I can write so many different ways on how they blow each other and fuck each other before you guys get turned off. Sorry for my language. Alex and Matt returned back to school. What a rollercoaster ride those boys had on their first day! The Principal laid down the law with them, and then showed another side when he talked with Alex by himself. I really hope he isn't like Mr. Henderson and says one thing and then goes and does something else. Don't look for Alex trusting anyone again like he did with Mr. Henderson. Alex found out the truth about the machines that Jacob said that the school district donated to his business module. The only thing I can say about this topic, it will get answered in Jacob Finding His Way, Chapter 50. It will mainly be in this story, but the kick off is going to be in the Jacob saga. I still believe this story received a makeover. 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 can't 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 are 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: Not only was the first day of school a rollercoaster for Alex and Matt, but it seems that there's an unforeseen twist almost daily for the guys. They are having to adjust to a new life reality. That adjustment has to be huge! Matt continues to be solidly there for Alex, not only as a lover, but as his best friend and, unwittingly, as a mentor. I hope that Alex's conversion to normal life doesn't overburden either of them, but particularly Matt, who is carrying a lot of weight I don't think he realizes is on his shoulders. Matt isn't shrewd or clever. He's just open and honest, caring and loving. I hope he doesn't blindly march into any serious situations he's unprepared for. Carlos...I'll take him at his word, but like Alex, my eye will watch him warily. It's not his character I question; it's the outside pressures he might come across that concerns me. The gang is not going to go quietly into the night, I suspect. Unlike Matt, Alex is shrewd and savvy. He's concerned about the printing business having been shut down and Jacob ending up with the equipment as a burden. Something tells me Alex is going to come up with some very clever way to turn this lemon of a situation into lemonade. I suspect he's going to do something for Jacob this time around. Alex's mom; what a wonderful, loving mother she is. Her unconditional love for her sons is what being a mother is all about. She loves Alex so deeply even after his having disappointed her in the past. She, like Jacob, sees the good in Alex and will support him to help him become a good, perhaps, great man. Alex loves history, huh? I wonder if that will translate into political involvement? There's a hint for our esteemed author! I am just waiting for Alex's brothers to come up with the inevitable questions for Alex regarding what being gay is all about. They have been open and accepting of Alex and Matt's relationship, but their curiosity has to be running at Warp 6 ! Let us hear from you with your thoughts and ideas. Yes, you can e-mail me via Jacob's e-mail. He will forward it on to me and I will certainly reply. Until next time, "Daddy" Rick