Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:06:03 -0700
From: Jacob Miller <jacobmillertex@aol.com>
Subject: Jacob Finding His Way: Chapter 54

{Jacob Finding His Way is based on mostly true events in his life. To keep
the story interesting for the readers, some events now in the story are
fictionalized. As I am writing this story, I am above the age of 21. If you
want a story with lots of sex, look elsewhere. This is a love story.

Any similarity to any other events, names, or life events is purely
accidental. If you are underage, (according to your state laws as a minor),
if this literature is offensive to you or to anyone around your viewing
area, or it is illegal for you to view such content where you are reading
it, stop reading the story. This story can't be distributed in any way,
shape or form without the author's expressed written consent.}

Written by J.P.G.


Chapter 54

David sat down on his bed the minute he walked through the door of his
room. He laid back and started to close his eyes when he heard a very high
pitch barking coming from the hallway. David pulled himself up from his
bed, walked over to the door of his room and peeked out to see where the
barking is coming from.

Still unable to determine where the barking is coming from, David walked
out into the hall. He started to go to room to room to see if he could hear
the dog. Just as he leaned in to at Jacob's door, the barking
stopped. David is almost for sure the barking is coming from Jacob's and
Dewayne's room, so he knocked. He waited to for an answer and when he heard
Jacob, he walked in.

Just as David walked in, he saw a little fur ball run behind Jacob and
Dewayne. "What do you guys have over there on your bed behind you? I can
hear the little guy barking all the way in my room. Can I please see the
little guy?"

Jacob reached behind him and picked up the little poodle. "He isn't a he,
he is a she. We still have not named her, but we will. Please be very
gentle with her because she is pretty small. Our hands are actually bigger
than she is!"

David gently took the little fur ball from Jacob's hand. He held her close
to his chest as he petted her. As he looked down, David felt bad for the
little fur ball. She is shaking so much; David feared that she might die of
fear. He handed the little fur ball back to Jacob and he minute he put her
on the bed; she went to hide behind Jacob and Dewayne.

"Jake that is one cute dog you have. I hope you don't roll over on her and
end up flatting her while you sleep!" David chuckled as he sat down.

"We have no plans to let her sleep with us. She has her own little bed over
there in the corner." Jacob pointed to the other side of the room. "She
will sleep in that bed during the night for just the reason you
mentioned. We don't want to roll on top of her and kill her."

David sat talking with Jacob and Dewayne until Tom came looking for
him. Tom tried to hold the little dog, but he had to give her back to Jacob
and Dewayne. He didn't want her to end up losing all of her fur because she
is scared and shaking. Tom conveyed to Jacob almost the same things David
did before he and David left the room.

Tom lay on the bed the minute they walked into the room. He didn't even
kick off his shoes, he just lay down. David couldn't believe that Tom did
that, just as David is about to move Tom's shoes off the bed, he got
up. Tom looked at David with a smile, which that confused David. He can't
figure what he has to be smiling about.


"Hey, stop smiling like an idiot and get your feet off the bed. It isn't
right to dirty the sheets and have Franseca wash them again. She just put
clean ones on today." David sat next to Tom, grabbing a hold of his
shoulders and pushing him back.

"Sorry, I am just so excited about the news I just got." Tom sat back up
with the stupid grin that David can't understand. "Before coming up here, I
spoke with Laney on the phone. He spoke with Coach after school and Coach
wanted Laney to pass me a message. Our school district finally decided to
have the first annual Junior Sun Bowl, which is the Westside against the
Eastside football players."

"Okay, so what does that mean? All the players on the football teams in the
schools on the Westside are going to be on one team and the same thing on
the eastside. Isn't that way too many players on one team?"

"You can never have too many players on one team. No what is going to
happen is the best players from each school are selected to play on the
team. Like there are only four players from our school that got selected,
and I am one of them! If Joey had stuck around, he would have been the
fifth player from our school to be selected."

"That is cool Tom! I am very happy for you!" David leaned in and hugged
Tom.

"Tom, I don't know what to do. We need to start practicing again after
school. Alex got me a job, and I want to keep it, but I also want to do
this. I think Alex might get mad and not keep the job for me. I really want
the job after this is over."

"I know Alex will understand what's going on. He doesn't seem like the kind
of person that will get mad and close you out. Just be upfront with him so
he knows you want to keep working after all this is over. I have no doubt
that Alex will say go for it."

Tom nodded his head and tossed David on his back. He rolled on top of
David, tickling him as he does. David kept trying to get away, but Tom got
him pinned before he could react. After tickling David until he started to
tear up due to laughing too much, Tom stopped and leaned in to kiss David.

After breaking the kiss, Tom rolled off of David and lay down beside
him. David glanced over to see Tom putting his feet on the bed again. He
got up and pulled off Tom's shoes and tossed them against the wall. He lay
back down next to Tom. He moved his hand down Tom's chest and stomach. Once
David reached Tom's dick, he wrapped his hand around it through the
jeans. David turned his face and kissed Tom without letting go of Tom's
growing stick.

The next morning, Jacob felt sluggish; worse than he has felt to date. As
he stood up, he got dizzy and felt pounding in his head. He had to sit back
down in a hurry, because if he didn't he felt that he might actually pass
out.

The pounding finally stopped after a few minutes keeping his eyes closed,
but left him with a bad headache. He got up and slowly walked to the
bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face, but noticed his hands
shaking. He sat down on the toilet and didn't move until he got everything
under control.

When the shaking stopped, the headache faded away, Jacob got back up from
the toilet. He did his morning routine in the bathroom in a hurry before
getting dressed. He walked out of the closet with his shoes and found
Dewayne awake. He walked over to bed and sat down to put on his shoes.

As he leaned down to lace up his shoes, he felt like his blood rushed all
the way to his head. Jacob didn't even feel when Dewayne wrapped his arms
around him. He got up and accidently hit heads with Dewayne. They both
laughed as they rubbed their heads.

"Sorry I didn't know that you were that close to me. If I knew, I wouldn't
have hit your head like that." Jacob looked at Dewayne rubbing the back of
his head.

Dewayne just smiled, rubbing his forehead. "Here, out your feet up and let
me help you get your shoes on. I don't like dressing as much as I like
undressing you, but I will take what I can. I just love touching every inch
of your body every chance that I can."

Jacob put on his other shoe, but let Dewayne tie them for him. As Dewayne
laced Jacob's shoe, Jacob ran his fingers through Dewayne's hair. He can't
help but think that there is no way that Dewayne will ever lose his
hair. He just has way too much of it.

"Hey handsome, I am wondering if you ever thought about the wave in your
hair. I love the way your hair is with the natural wave and I wonder how
you look with your hair a little longer on the sides. Does your hair have a
wave on the sides as well?"

 "Yeah, my hair has a wave on the sides as well. That is why I don't grow
it long. If I let my hair on the sides and the top get long, I would look
like the little poodle we have. My hair won't comb into any style if it is
longer than it is right now."

Jacob ran his hand through Dewayne's hair once more before getting up from
the bed. He walked over to the desk to gather his books. After putting his
books in his book bag, Jacob and Dewayne walked down to eat breakfast
together. They joined the rest already eating breakfast and into their own
conversations.

Neither Dewayne nor Jacob wanted to leave the other's side, but they knew
they had no other choice. Standing at the front door, Jacob and Dewayne
kept their kiss a lot longer than usual. When they broker their kiss, they
heard the horn being blown from Jacob's truck.

"You go and learn something new today Jacob, then come and teach me. I
slept through all four years of high school, now I wonder what I missed."
Dewayne kissed Jacob on forehead and slapped Jacob on the butt as he walked
out of the house.

Just like every morning of school, Jacob ate and headed to the ROTC
building, but this morning went a little different for Jacob. When he got
up, he felt a head rush and got dizzy again. He barely kept himself on his
feet. He walked over to the bins to put his tray away in a fog. His body is
going on auto pilot right now.

Jacob felt like he is outside of his body, but not in the same time
zone. He walked over to the ROTC building, trying to play off that he isn't
feeling too hot. When he walked in, he immediately got called over to the
office. As he walked through the large classroom, several cadets asked him
questions. He knows he is saying something to them, but he has no idea what
he is saying.

He walked into the office and sat down in front of Major Moore's
desk. Major Moore only looked up when he directed Jacob to take a
seat. Other than that, he spoke to Jacob as he continued to do his paper
work.

"I just got a call for Colonel May moments ago. The El Paso School District
is going to hold a Westside versus Eastside foot game for the first time
this year. They are going to hold in the Sun Bowl and call it the Junior
Sun Bowl.

We have been selected to do two things. First we are in charge of the color
guard. You will need to put that together. And secondly, you will need to
select a company of cadets to represent our battalion. Every school will be
putting a company together to march onto the field to represent each school
in the district.

Right now, the Mayor is the only one planned to be in attendance as far as
political heads, but that might change. The Governor hasn't gotten back
with the school district yet. So I need to include the Governor's sons in
the company. No matter if he is in attendance or not, his sons need to be
in the company."

"Yes sir, I will get right on it. Will the battalion staff be marching in
front of the company or just the company commander?"

"That is a good question; let me get back with you on that. For now just
get the cadets chosen and we will go from there. I should have an answer
for you by lunch time. I would like a list on my desk before the day is
out. That way I can let those cadets know that they are going to march in
the company."

Before getting dismissed, Jacob agreed with Major Moore. He got up, but he
had to sit right back down again. His head is spinning so fast, he can't
keep his balance. Major Moore looked up at Jacob with a confused look on
his face.

"Jacob, are you feeling alright today? You look green, as if you are about
to throw up all over my desk."

Major Moore got up from his desk and walked around. He sat in the seat next
to Jacob to get a closer look at him. Major Moore can see that Jacob isn't
feeling good. Whatever is going on with Jacob, it can't be good.

"Yeah I am fine Sir, thank you for asking. I didn't sleep well last night
and I don't think breakfast is sitting well with me. Once I digest what I
ate, I should be fine. Let me get out of here and start getting the list
together."

Jacob got up from the seat and walked out. Major Moore looked at Jacob as
he walked out, and saw that he is wobbling back and forth. By the looks of
it, Jacob is having a hard time to keep his balance. Major Moore got up to
stop Jacob from leaving, but his phone rang. He picked it up to put the
person on hold, but it is Colonel May on the other end.

Jacob sat down in one of the desks in the large classroom. He started to
write down names on who should be part of the company. Right before the
bell rang, he had his list made up. Jacob got up and placed it in Major
Moore's in-box before walking out to the main building. Once he stepped out
side, the cold breeze cleared his head.

After crossing the street, Jacob leaned against the wall to breath in the
fresh cold breeze. It only took a few minutes to clear his head and feel
normal again. Jacob walked into the main building and straight over to his
locker. He grabbed his morning books and headed off to his first period
class.

It didn't take long for Jacob to start feeling bad again, but this
time. When it hit him, it hit him even harder than the first time. Jacob
really felt like he is about to pass out. His head is pounding so hard, he
thought that his head is going to explode. Jacob finally gave in and asked
to go and see the nurse.

The teacher only had to take one look at Jacob and know that he isn't
feeling good at all. He got a pass without asking again. He grabbed his
books and walked over to the nurse's office. The minute the nurse saw him
walking into the door, she got up from her desk and met Jacob as he walked
in.

"Jacob, what is going on? You look like you've been chewed up and spit
out." She helped Jacob over to the bed.

As they walked to the bed, Jacob explained everything to the nurse. From
the moment he woke up to what just happened to him in first period. How he
felt better outside in the fresh air, but it came back once he got back
into the building.

The nurse put an ice pack on Jacob's head and laid him back. She walked
over to her office, to get his file from the filing cabinet. She sat down
and called Jacob's doctor's office. Dr. Whitmore's secretary put the call
though right away. After explaining everything to Dr. Whitmore that Jacob
had explained to her, he knew what is going on with Jacob without even
looking at him.

"You need to take his sugar count and I can tell you it is going to be
high. Right now his body isn't cleaning his blood and that results in not
getting rid of the sugar in his blood stream.  He needs to come in where I
can get him on the right medicine to take care of that. Now, do you have
insulin on hand for emergencies?"

"Yes, I do, and a glucometer so I can check his sugar level."

"Good!  If his sugar is over 250, give him five units and if he's over 300,
give him 10 units. This will bring his sugar back in line within a few
minutes."

The nurse agreed and hung up the phone. She walked over and took Jacob's
blood count and just like Dr. Whitmore said, his count is breaking three
hundred. She asked her student helper to get her a vial of insulin, a
hypodermic and another alcohol prep pad.

"Jacob you are going to be fine. Your sugar count is way out of
whack. Dr. Whitmore gave orders to give you insulin.  Once your sugar count
comes down, you will need to go and see your doctor. He needs to get you on
medication to control this. If you don't watch out and it gets out of
control again, you will fall in a coma."

"My doctor never told me that I have this. What do I do to keep this from
happening again? I don't want to feel like this ever again! I really
thought I was going to die. It was just a matter of time, but it was going
to happen."

"That is why I am telling you to go and see your doctor. He will get you on
medication to get it under control. He will also tell you what you can and
can't eat. You will need to keep up with that diet or you will end up the
same way."

Jacob didn't say anything; he just lay back on the bed. A moment later the
student assistant came in with the insulin and syringe. The nurse drew the
proper dose of insulin into the syringe. She asked Jacob to roll up on his
side and `show some cheek' so she could put the injection at a more central
location on his body for the fastest reaction. Jacob grinned and winked and
did as he was asked. The nurse just grinned.

The nurse didn't let him leave until he got back to almost a hundred
percent. As the nurse wrote Jacob his pass back to class, she stressed to
him to go and see his doctor, rather than go back to class. Jacob promised
to set up an appointment with his doctor as soon as he can as he walked out
of the nurses office.

Jacob walked into his second period class, handed his pass to the teacher
and walked to his desk. He pulled out hisn'tebook and went back to doing
things as if nothing had happened. In his mind, he is feeling good now, so
there is no rush to see the doctor.

By the time Jacob walked into third period, he felt just fine. He started
to work on his new program. Couple of the other students still haven't
completed their first and asked Jacob for help. Jacob didn't have any
problem helping out any of his classmates that needed help and asked for
it.

At lunch, Jacob and the guys went to Taco Bell like always. Like always
they got their order and sat at their same table. This time though, Dewayne
isn't working the steam counter. In fact it looks like the manager did a
flip between him and the young girl that kept rubbing against Dewayne. She
is working the steam counter and Dewayne is working the counter.

Jacob kept letting others go in front of him to arrange it so Dewayne would
take his order. When he walked up to the counter, Dewayne laid his hand on
the counter where no one could see but Jacob. Jacob took his hand and held
it has he put in the order. When Dewayne counted out Jacob's change, he
mouthed to Jacob that three words Jacob loves to hear coming from Dewayne's
mouth, `I love you'.

After getting his order, Jacob walked over to the table and sat down. He
kept looking over at Dewayne and Dewayne kept eye contact. Once the line of
customers got served, Dewayne walked around the counter over to Jacob and
the guys.

He knelt between Jacob and Chase's chairs to hand Jacob a bag of cinnamon
twists. Jacob leaned down to Dewayne and kissed him on the lips for the
entire lobby to see. Everyone at the table was totally shocked that Jacob
is actually kissing Dewayne in public. That is one thing they have never
seen Jacob do; to show this kind of affection in public.

Dewayne got up and started to clean the tables that the other students ate
at. He would come around every few minutes and take a piece of Jacob's
food. He would either eat it or hand feed Jacob. This went on until the
second rush started to come into the restaurant.

That is Jacob and his crew's queue to get up and get on out of dodge. Jacob
made it a point to go up and say good bye to Dewayne before he left. They
both really want to kiss each other, but they know it isn't proper. They
settled for a hand shake and left at that.

Right after roll call, the company commander took the new cadets into the
range to start to teach them to fire a long barrel twenty two rifle. That
is the rifle they use for the cadets to get their marksman badge. It is
also the same rifle the rifle team uses as well.

Jacob looked in as the company commander talked about safety first. Then he
moved onto talking about the three positions they have to fire in; the
prone, kneeling and standing positions. The position Jacob hated the most,
but shot just as good in it as the rest, is the kneeling position. He
looked over to Alex and sees him smiling. He looks like he likes this. Just
then, Sergeant Haney came up behind Jacob to let him know that Major Moore
needs to speak with him.

Jacob left the range and walked through the small classroom, into the large
classroom on his way to the office. He knocked on the door and waited like
he always does for Major Moore to invite him in. Once Major Moore invited
him in, he waked over to his desk and took one of the seats in front of it.

"Jacob, you look a lot better than you did this morning. Please let me know
what you ate from the cafeteria this morning where I don't make the same
mistake." Major chuckled as he looked at Jacob. "The reason I called you in
is because I looked over your list and I have no problem with the cadets
you chose.

It looks like you are awarding the cadets that have done well in the
program this year. That is what I like to see from my cadet leaders. I like
it when you guys reward those that deserve to be awarded. Job well done,
Jacob; job well done!"

Major Moore extended his hand for Jacob to shake. Jacob leaned forward and
extended his hand. This is rare for Major Moore to do what he is doing. He
only talks with a cadet when that cadet does something wrong. Jacob is kind
of enjoying this moment.

"Now the other thing I need to talk with you about is that I got your
answer on the question you asked me this morning. Colonel May wants the
battalion staff marching in front of the company, like a pass and
review. He is going to have his brigade staff in front you guys marching in
formation. He found out from the school district that the Governor is going
to be present for this game.

That means you need to work with your staff and your company to make sure
we are ready for a pass and review. I know we don't have our pass and
review until the end of the year, but this even means we have to be ready a
lot sooner."

"Not a problem on that sir. We will be ready and will make our school
proud."

Jacob got up after Major Moore excused him. He walked into the large
classroom to see the cadets that have the marksman badge fooling around. He
walked past them and over to the range to speak with Sergeant Haney.

"Sergeant Haney I have a quick question for you." Jacob walked up to
Sergeant Haney at the desk in the range. "If I am not mistaken, we have to
re-qualify for our marksman badge every year, am I right on that?"
Sergeant Haney nodded his head on the positive.

"Well why are the cadets that have the badge just sitting in the large
classroom doing whatever they want? I don't remember doing that when ever
we had new cadets in the middle of the year. If they don't need a review of
procedures on the range, that is fine. But they should be doing something
dealing with ROTC."

"You are right; we gave them the option to come back here and get a review
on procedures, but they felt they didn't need it. So we left them studying
for next week's inspection."

"Okay, that is all I needed to know. I don't want to say something that
goes against what you told them to do. I will get back with them and let
them know that they should be studying." Jacob nodded Sergeant Haney's hand
before leaving him.

He walked back to the large classroom. He stood at the podium and watched
as the other cadets are horsing around in one away or another. Some of them
are sitting on top of the desks. Others are playing paper football or
actually playing the real thing.

"Look you guys, I know we all enjoy a free period, but you are taking
advantage of it. You could have sat down and talked with each other
quietly, but instead you act like ten year olds horse playing. Please take
you seats and either study for your inspection for next week or for another
class. I don't care what you decide, but decide on one of the two choices I
have given you. No more horse playing in this classroom."

The senior cadets sat back in their seats and pulled out something to
do. Jacob walked to the back to start working on the next newsletter. But
he can't get the pass and review out of his mind. Not only they are doing
it several months early, but they are doing it in front of the
Governor. They will be the first battalion in the pass and review to march
in front of the Governor, because they are the first battalion of the first
brigade.

He got pulled out of thought when the other cadets returned from the range
to their seats. The company commander started to ask procedure questions on
firing on the range to every cadet, senior and new cadets. The new cadets
answered the questions right when called upon, but the senior cadets
didn't.

After the company commander finished quizzing his company, Jacob pulled him
into the outer office. The company commander knows that Jacob isn't happy
with him at all. Now with the senior cadets making him look like a fool, it
proved Jacob's point.

"Look, I know it isn't easy on having your Battalion Commander in your
company. If I was in your shoes, I would hate it. This is your company and
you run it as you want to as long as you follow the protocols and
procedures.

With that said, I need to say this isn't a democracy. None of the officers
in our company got their positions because they got elected to them. Trust
me if that is the case I wouldn't be where I am. You don't give
subordinates a choice in anything. You learned a lesson here today and I
know you won't make the same mistake twice.

Always remember where you came from and how it was being there. If you can
remember that, you will know when your leg is being pulled. Also you will
never get a big head. Many that get promoted forget they started out as a
private and they hurt themselves more than they realize."

"Thank you Jacob, I won't make this mistake again. No matter what we are
doing, every cadet will be doing it. I don't care if it is their first time
or their fourth time doing it, they will do it again."

Jacob let it go, he said his peace. They walked back into the large
classroom right when the bell rang. The company commander called the class
to attention and released them. Jacob walked out of the ROTC building
through the office door. He walked over to the main building and hoped that
sixth period won't drag on.

After school, Jacob waited for Tony at his truck. Once Tony arrived, Jacob
pulled out and instead of heading to his office he decided to go and see
his doctor. Tony just sat in the passenger seat not saying a word. Jacob
looked over to see if Tony is actually awake because he is so quiet.

"What is going on Tony, does a cat have your tongue? You are so quiet over
there; I thought you were asleep. I see your eyes are open so you are awake
unless you learned how to sleep with your eyes open!"

Tony turned to look at Jacob. "Sorry Jacob, I am just thinking about what
you grandfather told me. He is going to let your mother know about adopting
me on Saturday. I know she is going to blow a gasket after she finds
out. She is going to think I conned my way into the family for the money."

"First Tony, you already know how to handle my mother. You have a leg up on
her because you already know what to do when she flips out. Second, I will
be there when he breaks the news. Not only will I have your back, but my
grandfather will as well. And finally, you have your own money and it isn't
chump change. You didn't con your way into this family for the money or
anything else. We want you in our family and that's that! Nothing more
needs to be said about this subject."

At that moment, Jacob drove into the parking lot of his doctor's office. "I
need to go in and talk with Dr. Whitmore really fast. I would like it if
you come in with me, so you aren't sitting in the hot sun."

Tony got out of the truck and followed Jacob into the office. Jacob walked
up to the receptionist and signed in. He explained to her that he doesn't
have an appointment, but he needs to see Dr. Whitmore. She explained to
Jacob that Dr. Whitmore has been waiting for him and to go straight back.

Jacob walked to Dr. Whitmore's office. He found him sitting behind his desk
writing notes in a file. Jacob knocked and instead of Dr. Whitmore inviting
him in, he got up and took Jacob to an exam room.

"I wanted you to come down the minute you were able to. Not hours later
Jacob. I don't know how to get it through your head how important it is
that you come and see me whenever you get as bad as you did this
morning. You really let it get too far this time Jacob. You could have gone
into a coma, don't you understand that?"

"I am sorry and I know you are angry with me. You need to understand I
can't miss school right now. There is so much going on, if I miss one day,
I will be lost when I return. It is a lot different than it was when I was
a freshman in high school."

"Nothing in high school is worth your life Jacob. I am so close on putting
my foot down with you. You aren't listening to me and I won't let you kill
yourself for a high school program or project. What happened with you today
isn't a thing to play with."

Dr. Whitmore explained to Jacob what had happened to him this morning and
what caused it. He tried to get it through Jacob's head that a lot of
things can happen with his body right now since his kidneys aren't working
on their own. Jacob sat in the exam room listening to Dr. Whitmore as he
got examined.

Dr. Whitmore left Jacob in the exam room to look at the results. When he
returned, he didn't have a smile on his face. In fact the look on
Dr. Whitmore's face is a mixture between fear and sorrow.

"Jacob I am afraid I don't have good news. Your kidneys have not started to
work and they should show some improved function by now. Not only they
haven't improved, they have gotten worse since the hospital.

This explains why you went through what you went through this morning. You
are going to have a lot more days like this until we get you a working
kidney. It will even get worse before it gets any better so you need to
prepare yourself.

I will contact the hospital and see if we can move you up on the list. The
mean time, you should get everyone in your family tested to see if they are
a match. If you can get your friends tested, please do so as well. We need
to find you a match really soon. If we find a match you can live a healthy
long life with one kidney.

In the mean time I am going to give you some pills to keep your blood sugar
under control. Please Jacob, take this medicine no matter what it does to
you. It has some side effects but it will help you through the rough
days. Also I am going to put you on a diet, and you must follow it. Do you
need me to call any one like your grandfather and let them know what is
going on?"

"No that is okay, I will tell them tonight. Just give me the medicine and
the diet that you want me to follow. I promise you I will follow anything
you ask me to do."

Jacob looked down to the floor not understanding why this is going on with
him. He has already been put through the wringer several times and now it's
happening again. How can he ask his family and friends to give up one of
their kidneys? What will happen if their only kidney gives up and they need
one themselves? Jacob hit the bed, trying to not think about it.

Dr. Whitmore returned with a booklet of instructions on how to prepare the
right meals, along with a menu of food he can eat. He also gave Jacob a
bottle of medicine that he has to take twice a day. Jacob looked at the
huge bottle and back to Dr. Whitmore.

"Everything is going to be fine, just take your medicine and talk with your
family. The faster we find you a match, the faster this will be all over. I
don't want it to get to the point I have to put you into the hospital or
you coming into the ER."

Jacob agreed as he hopped off the bed. He thanked Dr. Whitmore and left the
office. Jacob thanked the receptionist as he walked out to the lobby. Tony
got up as Jacob walked towards him. Neither of them said a word to each
other on the way home. They both have several things weighing them down
that they couldn't get out of their minds.

Dewayne met Jacob as he walked into the house. Jacob couldn't tell Dewayne
that his kidneys aren't getting better, they are getting worse instead. He
is too happy and Jacob didn't have the heart to tell Dewayne to blow his
good mood.

Instead Jacob went upstairs with Dewayne and acted as if everything is just
fine. Before Jacob walked two feet into the room, Dewayne started to jump
around like a little kid. Now this getting Jacob to think on what has
Dewayne so happy! He sat down on the bed next to Dewayne in hopes that
Dewayne lets him in on whatever is going on.

"Jacob you won't believe what happened to me at work after you left!" Jacob
just shrugged his shoulders. "The new store manager pulled me into the
office and offered me assistant manager position!"

Jacob was surprised on the news. Dewayne hasn't even been working at Taco
Bell for a month yet and he got the promotion over others that have been
there a lot longer. He is happy for Dewayne, but can't understand why he
got promoted over the others.

"That is great news Dewayne, very good news. You deserve this and no one
can take it from you!" Jacob pulled Dewayne to him and wrapped his arms
around Dewayne.

"There is something wrong Jacob. I can see it in your face, there is
something wrong. We both know each other way too well now so we can read
each other." Dewayne broke the hug and just looked into Jacob's
eyes. "What's bothering you? You don't think I deserve this promotion, do
you?"

Dewayne got up from the bed and walked over to the desk. Jacob turned and
looked at Dewayne as he sat down in the seat by the desk. Jacob knows that
the next thing out of his mouth needs to be the truth or Dewayne will see
right through it.

"I truly believe that you deserve the promotion that you got today, but you
are right. There is something that is bothering me. You will be working
evening shifts, because that is where all assistant managers are put. When
you switch over to evening shifts, we won't see each other that much."

"Your wrong Jacob, I won't be working evening shifts. The store manager
needs to work them because something personal in her life that won't change
any time soon. I wouldn't have taken the promotion if it meant that we
won't see each other. I hate the time we are already away from each
other. I won't add any more time to that."

"I should have let you finish Dewayne. For that, I am sorry! Honestly, you
deserve this promotion and I wish I could have given it to you with my
company." Jacob got up and walked over to Dewayne. "You mean everything to
me and I don't want to lose you. Please don't be mad with me, I am sorry
for assuming."

Dewayne stood up and hugged Jacob. Just as they leaned in to kiss each
other, they heard the little dog barking. Jacob started to look for her
every where in the room, but he can't find her. Dewayne went looking for
the little poodle in the bathroom and closet, but he can't find her either.

They decided to follow the barking. They heard the barking coming from the
hall, so they walked out and down the hall towards the barking, When they
got to Jeremy's door, it sounded to them that the barking is coming from
Jeremy's room. Jacob opened the door and found Jeremy playing with the dog
and the dog playing with Jeremy.

Jacob walked in, followed by Dewayne. Jeremy looked up to see Jacob
standing there watching him. Jacob signed to Jeremy asking him if he likes
the dog. Jeremy signed back yes and grabbed the dog. Jeremy placed the
little dog in his hands as you would a little baby. The poodle kept jumping
up to lick Jeremy's face.

Jacob walked over and sat on the floor next to Jeremy and Dewayne next to
Jacob. Jeremy signed to Jacob what is the dog's name. Jacob shrugged his
shoulder and signed back to Jeremy asking what he would would like to call
the dog. Jeremy looked down at the poodle trying to crawl up and lick
him. He looked back to Jacob and signed that he would name the dog Cupid,
because she is lovable. Jacob agreed and told Jeremy that is her name.

Just then, Virginia walked into the room. She looked around the room and
told Jacob and Dewayne that dinner is ready. At the same time she signed to
Jeremy the same thing. They got up and walked down to kitchen to join
Lorenzo, Ismail, Tony and Al at the dinner table.

Nothing really that important was talked about during dinner. Most of the
time got spent in silence. The only thing you could hear is the person next
to you chewing their food. After helping Franseca clear the table and do
the dishes, Jacob went looking for his grandfather and Dewayne. He found
them both in the TV room watching something on the television. Jacob walked
in to find Lorenzo, Ismail and Jeremy on the other side playing with Cupid.

"Grandpa and Dewayne can I speak with you guys for a minute please?"

Both Dewayne and Al looked up at Jacob with confused looks on their
faces. They got up and walked out to the den. As Al sat down in the chair,
he already knows this hasn'thing to do with the company. If it did, they
always talk about the business in the study. This means it is something
else.

"This morning when I woke up, I wasn't feeling that good. I thought that I
might not have turned on the machine last night. When I disconnected the
IV, I looked at the machine and turned it off. So I thought it had nothing
to do with my kidneys. I just thought I might not have slept well or ate
something bad."

Jacob explained what happened to him in the morning. He started when he
woke up, got to school, in Major Moore's office and in first period. He
told them how he felt better when he stood outside in the cool breeze, but
it came back the minute he walked back into the building. He went on and
told them what happened in the nurse's office.

He stopped and looked at his grandfather and Dewayne. They are just sitting
in their seats listening to what Jacob is telling them. He continued how it
all got better after getting insulin. He then told them what happened at
Dr. Whitmore's office. That got both of their attention even more.

"Jacob, are you telling us that your kidneys are in complete failure? The
machine didn't work and now you have to have a transplant." Al leaned
forward hoping that he heard Jacob wrong and it is only going to take a
little more time than they thought it would.

"According to Dr. Whitmore, I need a transplant. He says it is best from a
family member, and no not you grandpa. Like Andy or Marie are the best
candidates to donate a kidney to me. Jeremy can't because of the medicine
he is on. He needs both of his kidneys in order to filter his blood."

"Okay, let's not panic about something that is solvable. We will sit down
with Marie and let her know what is going on. She will need to get tested
and see if she is a match first. If she is, we will work from there. At the
same time we can talk with Andy and get him tested where he is at. If he is
a match, then we will take it from there. Right now we need to start with
the testing before anything else."

"I agree with you grandpa, and in the mean time. Dr. Whitmore gave me
medicine to keep my blood sugar under control so it doesn't happen
again. He did warn me what to look out for and I plan to do so. Also I have
to follow a certain diet from now on. At least until I get the transplant
and then he will look at my diet again."

"Are you supposed to use the machine or are you done with it? The only
reason I ask is if it didn't work, why keep using it?" Dewayne looked at
Jacob in his eyes with a worry look in his face.

"Yes, I am supposed to still use the machine. My kidneys aren't working and
I need to filter my blood. If my blood isn't filtered, I will get weaker
and weaker everyday. It will get to the point if I don't filter my blood I
can actually die."

"It won't get to that point and I don't want to hear you talking like that
again." Al got up from the chair and walked in front of Jacob. "You will
use that damn thing everyday like you have been doing. If you feel week or
tired, plug yourself up to that machine. If you get sick at school again,
you call me and I will come and get you.

I was there today dealing with Alex and Matt. I would have left and taken
you to Dr. Whitmore's office. You need to stop thinking that you are alone
in all of this. You should have never gone to school this morning! Damn it
Jacob! Stop being so damn hard headed and ask for help. I won't out live my
grandchildren!"

Al walked out of the den angry and hurt at the same time. Jacob looked at
Dewayne trying to figure out what just happened. One moment he was mellow
and then Al just flipped out, yelled and left the den. Jacob hasn't seen
his grandfather that mad since he got spanked when he and Andy started
their next door neighbor's yard on fire.

Jacob and Dewayne got up and walked upstairs. Jacob sat down at the desk to
do his homework, when he felt Dewayne pulling up his arm sleeve. He looked
over at Dewayne as he plugged up the IV to the machine.

"There is no need to do it right now Dewayne. I will keep using it all
night long like I have been doing. You moving that machine around where
ever I am is going to get tiring after awhile. I don't want you spending
your free time following me around with that machine. You need to rest as
well that you are the assistant manager."

"I will never stop caring for you Jacob. You keep thinking you are alone on
this and like your grandfather said. You aren't. Stop pushing people away
and let us help you. That is why Al is angry with you. You keep thinking
you are alone on this. He wants to help you and I do as well. So stop being
a baby about this whole thing."

Jacob nodded his head and went back to doing his homework. He kept trying
to figure out why his grandfather was at the school this morning. He didn't
hear anything about that during lunch. Jacob got tired of trying to figure
it out, He got up, unplugged and walked over to Tom and David's room.

As he walked up and knocked on the door, Jacob remembered that they are at
work. He turned and walked back to his room. He sat back down at the desk,
plugged up and went back to doing his homework. It didn't take Jacob too
long to finish his homework. That surprised him, because he had a lot to
do.

After closing his books and putting them in his book bag, Jacob got up,
carried the machine over to the bed. He put the machine back on the end
table before joining Dewayne on the bed. He grabbed hold of Dewayne's hand
and started to rub their hands together. Both of them sat there on the bed
not saying a word to each other. They communicated everything they needed
to with just by touching and looking at each other.

Jacob dozed off to sleep before Dewayne. Dewayne just lay there looking at
Jacob as he slept. With his left hand, Dewayne started to brush against
Jacob's face. He circled around each eye as he made his way to the nose and
down to Jacob's lips. Dewayne kept go around and around Jacob's lips before
he finally stopped in the middle. He just rested his finger there, feeling
the softness of Jacob's lips.

After getting Jacob undressed and under the covers, Dewayne got undressed
and jumped in bed with Jacob. He pulled Jacob up against him, held him
tight as he drifted off to sleep. Jacob woke up a couple of times through
the night, but went right back to sleep within minutes of waking up. One of
the times he woke up, Jacob thought he heard the phone ring, but then he
thought it is just his mind playing tricks on him.

The next morning Jacob woke to find Dewayne already up. He looked at
Dewayne to see his smiling face looking back at him. Jacob couldn't help
it; he smiled back at Dewayne as he stretched his arms.

"What has you so happy this morning Dewayne? I love seeing you so happy,
because it is telling me that you are no longer mad at me. I can live with
that." Jacob got out of bed looking back out to Dewayne for an answer.

Dewayne just sat up in the bed looking at Jacob as he got ready for
school. "I now know why you are so happy right now. Today is your first day
as manager!" Jacob jumped on the bed with Dewayne. "I am telling you mister
I want my meal for free whenever I go into your store. I won't take no for
an answer."

"You know I can't do that Jacob. I don't even get my meals for free and I
work there. No one gets their meals for free."

"I know that handsome, I am just playing. I will pay for my meal whenever I
go in there. We don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about you. If they
see you giving me free food, they will think it is okay for them to give
free food to their friends and loved ones."

Jacob jumped out of the bed to get his shoes from the closet. After he got
finished dressing, both Jacob and Dewayne walked down to join the others
for breakfast. The minute Jacob sat down; he asked everyone what went wrong
yesterday that his grandfather had to go down to the school.

Alex explained to Jacob what had happened with his anklet monitor. How his
and the others went off and they went over to the principal's office. He
continued telling Jacob what happened in the office from the principal to
the detectives all the way up to when Jacob's grandfather showed up. Jacob
sat there listening to what Alex is saying, but getting angry at the same
time because of the detective.

"If it wasn't for your grandfather Jacob, we would have been taken downtown
and thrown back into jail. By the time they realized their mistake, it
would have been too late. My old gang would have already reached out and
gotten us."

"I certainly understand where you guys are coming from. Talking about my
grandfather where is he this morning?" Jacob looked around the table and
then over to Franseca. "I know he got mad with me, but he is always here
for breakfast. Franseca, do you know where he is by any chance?"

"All I know is that he left early this morning after getting a phone call
late last night. He didn't say much to me and I didn't ask much. As you
know your grandfather is doing a lot of things, so the phone call could be
anything."

Jacob let it go at that. He finished eating breakfast, and headed out to
school. He said his normal good bye to Dewayne before walking out. He
thought the entire way to school what his grandfather could be up to. He
finally just let it go to something dealing with the Governor and it's none
of his business.

After eating the second time, Jacob walked over to the ROTC
building. Instead of working on the newsletter, he helped with the company
formation. He has marched in a pass and review, but Jacob has never given
the commands in a pass and review. Those commands are a lot different than
marching a platoon of men.

He got the commands from Fierro and they both worked together on getting it
right. Fierro has to learn his own sets of commands; some are the same as
Jacob's but a few differences. By the time they released the others, Jacob
and Fierro memorized their commands they will need.

Jacob looked up at the monument to the new unarmed drill team commander. He
can't figure out why she is giving her commands to the team up there while
her team is on the football field. There is no way her team can hear her
right from there. Fierro looked up at what Jacob is looking at.

"Major Moore has everyone one of his new commanders to his teams give out
commands from up there. A lot of people think by yelling is the right way
to give out the command. They don't realize that the command of execution
comes really from the gut area just like you learned as a drill sergeant
Jacob in your first couple of years."

"Yeah, but I was never told to go up there and give commands. It took me a
couple of days to learn the difference between the two commands, but I got
it without going up there. The poor girl is going to be horse all day
long."

"That is just it Jacob, you should not be horse if you are giving the
commands right. All commands come form the gut and you shouldn't lose your
voice if you do it right. You are natural and that is why you were never
sent up there. Remember when you drilled, after learning the difference;
were you ever horse?"

"No I wasn't horse after Sergeant Haney explained the difference. I tell
you those first days after drilling, I couldn't even swallow water because
my throat was so sore. I wanted to learn fast so I didn't have to go
through that every day."

The bell rang. Instead of going inside, Jacob said good bye to Fierro at
the door as he turned around to head to the main building. The morning flew
by fast for Jacob. Before he knew it; he is walking into third period.

Jacob got asked to help out the other students having problems with their
programs. He is already ahead by several weeks from the others. Jacob
gladly pitched in, in fact he felt special by being asked by his instructor
to help out.

It didn't take long for Jacob to figure out what is causing the problem for
the first person he helped. He quickly found the problem that was causing
the program to not work. After helping him, he went on to help two other
people before the bell rang. The third person took longer than the other
two but together they figured out why the program wasn't working.

During breakfast, Jacob told the others that they will be eating in the
cafeteria for lunch. He didn't want to bother Dewayne on his first day as
assistant manager. Jacob feels that Dewayne is already nervous enough as it
is. With him and the others there watching him, he might get even more
nervous to a point that he does something wrong.

At lunch, Jacob met up with the others in the line. They grabbed their food
and headed over to their normal table. As they walked up to it, they found
another group of students sitting there. Both groups of kids just looked at
each other. They both think they have claim staked on the table, but
neither of them do. Jacob started to say something when Alex and Carlos
walked up. That caused the other kids to get up and leave.

Jacob didn't say anything, he just took his seat. In fact he thought it was
pretty cool the way the kids just got up and left. This might cause Alex
problems in the future though. If the students here know who he is, it
won't take long before it gets back to his old gang. When that happens,
there's no telling what will happen.

After they finished eating, they headed out to the football field. This
time Jacob joined them instead of going to the ROTC building. At first they
passed around the football, but it didn't take long for a group of kids
walked up to them. They asked to play a small game of touch football, and
of course Tom and the others didn't say object.

No was no question who is going to play quarterback, it's Tom. Tom told the
others what positions they are going to play and the plays they are going
to run. They quickly got the ball and just ran right over the
others. Within a six minute time frame, Tom moved his team down the field
and scored.

On the very first play, Jacob couldn't believe he read the play and
intercepted the ball. He ran it in for a touch down. Just as he turned
around to head back, one other others kids on the other team tackled him in
the end zone. Jacob got right up and brushed himself off. Tom and the
others came running over to Jacob, but Jacob swore he wasn't hurt.

Because of the late hit, Tom told the others that the gloves are off. When
the ball got hiked, they penetrated the front line and tackled the
quarterback with a loss of sixteen yards. They couldn't move the ball
forward after that. With every single play, they lost yards and never
scored. By the time they called it quits Tom and his team scored twenty
eight unanswered points.

The Coach of the football team watched the entire game and called Tom over
after they called it quits. Tom passed David the ball as he ran over to the
Coach. When he ran up to the Coach, he rested his arms on his legs to catch
his breath.

"Tom, this is the second time I have seen you playing football out here
during lunch. I have no problem with that, but you guys look better than
the actual team at times. I know the ones you were playing are really no
football players, but those you have on your team playing out there aren't
either.

Who is the tall guy that did the interception on defense? He looks like he
can read an offense and get through the lines. I lost count on how many
times he kept the receivers from getting the ball. The quarterback on the
other team stopped throwing where that kid was at. You guys noticed it and
switched things around to keep the quarterback on his toes. He never had a
chance to get the ball down field."

"The kid you are talking is Jacob. If you are thinking about asking him to
join the team, I don't think he will." The Coach looked at Tom confused
with the remark. "He is Joey's ex and doesn't think much of our football
team. He thinks they are haters and they don't want anything to do with
people like him."

"Well if you aren't walking proof they aren't like that, there is really
nothing else we can do to prove to that kid that your teammates aren't, as
you said, haters. I don't want that kind of drama on my team anyway. Talk
with him and tell him I would like to see him come out for the team next
year, but don't beg him to."

"Yes sir, I will pass on the message." Tom turned to walk back towards the
others, but ran back to the Coach. "Coach, one thing you forgot about why
they have accepted me. They know me; we grew up together and
therefore. They know I will never do anything to try and change them. They
don't know Jacob and barely knew Joey. That is why they act different with
me than they did with Joey."

Tom turned and walked back to the others. He told Jacob what the Coach
wanted him to pass on. Jacob laughed a little at what Tom is suggesting. He
noticed that Tom is taking offense to him laughing at the idea.

"Tom I know you are taking why I'm laughing wrong. Can you imagine my
skinny butt running around on that field? A real football player would run
right over me on the field. There isn't way I can help your team. In fact I
would do a lot more harm than good on the team. Please thank the Coach, but
I don't want to mess up your chances on going all the way next year."

Tom understood where Jacob is coming from and let it go. They headed to
their lockers and didn't speak about the Coach's invitation again. Jacob
thanked Tom once more before heading to his fourth period class. He felt
that he might have made Tom feel little by laughing at what he had
said. That isn't at all what he meant when he did that.

The afternoon went as fast as the morning did for Jacob. Even history class
flew by for Jacob and that's unusual. No matter how fast the rest of the
day is going, history always drags on for Jacob. But again Jacob thought it
didn't, because he likes what they are studying right now in class.

Jacob and Tony went straight home after school. Jacob thought about going
into the office, but decided against it. He still doesn't know if his
grandfather is still mad with him. He doesn't want a family drama unfold at
the office. He knows that his grandfather is more professional than that,
but he might say something.

As Jacob drove into the driveway, he can't believe that he beat Dewayne
home. Normally Dewayne gets home before he does and meets him at the
door. Jacob parked the truck and started to walk in when he heard his
mother calling out to him. Jacob turned to see his mom getting out of her
car.

Gloria walked up to Jacob standing at the front door. "You and I need to
speak about what you grandfather did. He has to be going out of his mind if
he thinks I am going to let some kid that walked off of the street come in
and take everything away. That kid..."

"Don't say another word here at the front door for the entire neighborhood
to hear. Let's go inside and talk in the study with our normal voices. You
can say what you need to say without yelling about it. It will get across
no matter how you say it."

Gloria followed her son into the house and over to the study. Along the way
she stopped in and said hello to Jeremy in the TV room. Jeremy just waved
at his mother since he really doesn't recognize her as his mother. Gloria
felt hurt, but walked into the study to talk to Jacob about Tony.

"Is you grandfather feeling okay? Has he lost all of his common sense? Or
has he got hit over the head with a rock? There has to be some logical
explanation why he did what he did. I just need to hear it from his mouth."

"If you need to hear it from his mouth, maybe you should wait and talk with
him and not me. I was aware of him adopting Tony and I agreed with him
doing so. He hasn't lost his mind or anything like that.

He saw a scared thirteen year old that just lost his foster parents and
then his foster grandparents. He ended up in a group home that tried to
take advantage of him. I never believed in Cinderella until now. He was
treated like the slave of the foster home. Grandpa couldn't sit by and let
that happen."

"I understand the poor kid went through a lot, but still. He should have
talked with me and your aunts before doing anything like this. He isn't
getting any younger and this kid is just thirteen years old. He has already
lost his foster parents and grandparents once before. How will he feel if
he loses another foster parent?"

"Grandpa is healthier than me and maybe even you. By the looks of it, he
can out live us both. There is no way grandpa is going to leave this world
before Tony graduates college and many years after that.

Mom, Tony is my friend and he needed a good family. Grandpa can give him
that loving home that he's not had in a long time. All through what we have
been through, I know you love me and really don't have this much hate in
you. You aren't the person that you have been in the last couple of years.

You are my mom, the woman that worked herself to death to get food on the
table and clothes on our backs as we were growing up. You went without so
much that way we didn't go without. I know you went to bed every night
struggling to get ends to meet and somehow you always did!

I want my old mother back. I miss the mother I grew up admiring every day
of my life as a kid. I know she is still in there somewhere. Please mom,
you aren't the woman that is sitting in front of me right now."

Gloria started to tear up. Until now, she really never saw the hurt she is
causing her son. With him pleading with her to be the mom that he loved
growing up, was more than she could stand. It hit her harder than any punch
in the gut would. She choked down the ball in her throat and wiped her
eyes.

"I hear you Jake and I will let it go. You are right about everything you
said to me. I am trying to be the mom that you knew and now I see how much
I have hurt you over the last couple of years. That kind of hurt won't
happen again.

Tell you grandpa when he gets home that I was here. I came down to meet my
new brother, but will wait until he is here. We have to have some kind of
party to officially welcome Tony into the family. I love you Jacob and I
will prove it to you once I move into the nice house you bought for me."

Jacob walked his mother to the door and hugged her before she left. This is
the first time he has hugged his mother in years. He actually felt the love
from her as they hugged. She didn't just do it because Jacob wanted a
hug. Gloria actually wanted to hug Jacob because she loves him and he is
her son no matter what is going on in their lives.

As Jacob closed the door, he can't believe that he might have finally
broken through the hard shell around his mother. She actually looks like
she is ready to accept everything as it is without a fight. Then Jacob
started to think as he joined Tony and his brother that this could be a
short lived victory. So many times in the past it looked like she was ready
to accept, but she changed back to her ways after being by herself.

TO BE CONTINUED...

WRITER'S CORNER:

{This story is just getting better and better as the chapters come out. I
know I should not be saying that since it is my story. I am just feeling
more and more comfortable as I write each of the chapters. I never thought
this story would go this far. By the way it looks, before we even get into
college years of Jacob. This story can go up to one hundred chapters in the
high school years.

I am slowing down the time line in this story, "Beneath the Mask" and
"Regrets and Heartaches" in order for "Shadow of My Father" to catch
up. Several of you have written me and asked me to try and get the time
lines to match up. I don't want to speed up "Shadow", so the next best
thing is to slow down these three stories.

I am trying to put an end to several open plots in this story so I can make
room for the new plots I want to open. One of the plots I closed off is
Tony's adoption finally. The next one I want to close off is Jacob's
sickness. I jumped back and forth from kick starting his kidney and
transplant. As you read I ended up with transplant. There is a drama being
built here that came from a reader. You will need to stick around to see
the drama I am talking about.

Grandpa Al finally told Jacob he is getting tired of Jacob refusing to let
others help him. Dewayne said the same thing later that evening before they
went to bed. Jacob needs to stop thinking that he is Superman and nothing
can harm him. He is human and he can get sick like he did in the past. When
that happens, he needs his family at his side.

Dewayne got some good news and that is that he is going to be assistant
manager. That means more pay for him. Jacob is happy for him and they
should tell the entire family. The only bad thing is that his good news got
over shadowed with Jacob's bad news. I wonder if Dewayne will ever think
twice about what he has gotten into with Jacob.

Now if you guys have read "Regrets and Heartaches" to this point you should
know what the phone call is all about that Al got the night before he
left. If you haven't, well then you will have to wait to next chapter to
find out where Al went and who called him late the night before. I keep
saying that all my stories are together. You can't just read one and
understand certain plots in each of the stories. You will send me emails
asking me what is going on.

One final thought on the chapter is Gloria. Do you all think that Jacob
finally reached her? Is she going to change or just like Jacob is preparing
himself that she will go back to being same old person? Jacob did let
Gloria see that she is really hurting him with all the hate she has inside
her. I only hope that by seeing that, she will change and stop being the
wicked witch of the Westside of El Paso.

As always I can go on and on about the open plots in the story! If I do
that, I can actually write several more chapters. There are so many plots
that can take a turn at anytime. You might think it is going to go one way,
but is ends up going another. Don't miss out on anything, or you will be
kicking yourself for it.

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

There is a so much to answer in the chapters to come. Stick around and keep
reading the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how
I am doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}

EDITOR'S CORNER:

Gloria certainly didn't disappoint with her initial reaction to Al and
Virginia adopting Tony. I always felt she's a vulture biding her time
waiting for her father to pass so she can inherit. I'm sure that Al will
provide for her, but I also suspect that getting a huge lump sum won't be
Al's plan either. Al realizes that substantial money will corrupt those
that are weak in moral center.

Jacob needing a new kidney makes my thoughts go a dozen different
directions. Andy Jr., Marie, or will the donor be someone that's not even
related? Of course we know from our esteemed author's clues that Jacob will
get a kidney. If he weren't able to get a transplant, his life expectancy
would be too short to contemplate a long range future.

Dewayne got a promotion. That is fantastic! I'm sure he's an exemplary
employee, but his tenure at the Taco Bell isn't very long. Yet, anyone who
manages a business knows that the hardest part of running a business is
finding good help. When, as a manager, you find someone good, if you're
smart, you take GOOD care of them !  The question was posed wondering if
Dewayne will have second thoughts about what he's gotten into being with
Jacob. My sense of it is `no way'. Dewayne has a good head, a huge heart
that belongs to Jacob and he's in it "for better or worse".  If anything
were to go awry with Jacob and Dewayne's relationship, it will be Jacob
that screws it up. Well, that's my thoughts anyway...

The poodle and Jeremy discovered each other and have started to bond. I
suspect that the dog will be more therapeutic for Jeremy than all the
programs, teachers and loved ones combined. Even those with severe
developmental challenges can sense the unconditional love of a dog and
respond positively to it. This was realized a long time back with "pet
therapy" where dogs and other pets were brought to visit in nursing
homes. The elderly residents that were otherwise non-communicating would
respond dramatically.

I hope that everyone is doing well. I want to thank those that have
e-mailed for their greetings to me personally. It means a lot.

Until next time,

"Daddy" Rick