Date: Fri, 07 May 2010 01:00:06 -0400
From: jacobmillertex@aol.com
Subject: Shadow Of My Father: Chapter 8

The Shadow of My Father is pure fiction. As I am writing this story, I am
above the age of 21. Any similarity to any other events, names, or life
events is pure accidental. If you are a under age, (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 not be
distributed in any way, shape or form without my expressed consent.

Authoring a good and engaging story is only half the job. The other half is
having an editor that will take the artistic work and make it read smoothly
and easily. I have such a guy doing that for me and he deserves a ton of
thanks from me (and you) for what you read, both in this story and my
previous (and ongoing) story "Jacob, Finding His Way".  If you have
comments or want to speak to "Daddy" Rick, please feel free to do so. He's
an engaging character and has a lot of input to the final product you
read. He reads all the comments you send in by e-mail. Most times you will
see his remarks in the Editors Corner at the end of a chapter.}

Written by J.P.G.

		Chapter 8

(SERGIO JIMENEZ POINT OF VIEW)

"Sergio Jimenez you have a visitor!" The guard's voice echoing off the loud
speaker through the cell!

I got up threw some water on my face as I straighten up my jump suit. It
has to be my attorney because it isn't visitor's day. Even if it is
visitor's day I have no one to visit me anyway.

The gate opened for me to step through. As the inner gate closed the outer
door opened for me to exit the cell into the hallway. The guard closed the
metal control box and locked it as he turned to face me.

"Hands against the wall please!"

I put my hands against the wall for the guard to pat me down. Once he
finished he walked me down to the visiting room. I sat there waiting for
who ever came down to visit. I started wondering who it may be.

My question is answered. I saw my attorney walking into the room. He
doesn't have a happy look on his face. I hope it was that he had to deliver
bad news to another client of his here, not me.

"Mr. Jimenez, how are things making out for you here so far?"

"I just want to get out of here and get home with my son. Are you going to
be able to get that done for me?"

"I am not going to beat around the bush with you. The District Attorney in
this case doesn't want to deal in anyway with you. He wants to give you
time!"

"What is his problem? The judge seems to be on my side! I want to get out
of here and show my son I have changed for the good."

"That is the problem here Mr. Jimenez. The District Attorney is trying to
save face with as many cases as possible right now. He is having a hell of
a time with one case. So he is trying to show if the law and proof is there
that he will prosecute to the fullest of the law."

I just sat there thinking what in the world I did to anger this attorney. I
need to get out of here. I can't spend much more time in this place. It is
just driving me up the wall.

"I will not do time and you need to get it to happen that way!"

  "Mr. Jimenez you need to start getting in your mind that you might be
doing some kind of time. There is just noth..."

"Listen to me I will not do any time. I can't do time because if I do I
will loose my son. The judge believed I can get out. That is the only
reason he ruled the way he did with the custody of my son!"

"No Mr. Jimenez he didn't do that. I can promise you that. He looked at the
case file and saw that there isn't any way you were going to walk out of
this place a free man. That is why he made it so clear you needed be clear
in every way. He followed the law and looked good by doing it and allowing
you a chance to regain custody of your son.

No, I need you to think about it all. Really think about it. Ask yourself
why would a judge on a bench give you custody after all the things you have
done in the past? Let's put aside right now you almost killing your
son. All the police reports that are on file are what you need to think
about right now.

So you need to think if you want me to negotiate a plea in this case or
take it in front of a jury. I'm fine with either, but I need to warn you,
the outcome will be the same, time. So, think about it from now and until I
come back! In the mean time I will try to get the District Attorney to
reconsider!"

With that my attorney got up, shook my hand, and walked out. I just can't
believe a judge would do what he did, give me hope knowing I will not walk
out of here a free man. Damn it, what am I going to do?

(CHRIS'S POINT OF VIEW)

It is now my second day home from the hospital. It feels so weird calling
Coach's house my home. I know as of now it is, but it is weird. I heard
Nancy calling for me to join her and Coach in the kitchen. I wondered why
they needed to speak with me.

I walked out of the room I have been staying in and walked into the
kitchen. Coach and Nancy are already at the table waiting for me. I looked
at them as I sat down.

"Chris there isn't anything to worry about. Nancy and I just need to talk
with you on a few matters."

I sat down, folded my hands on the table and looked at Nancy and
Coach. Then they began with the bad news, at least they thought it was bad
news.

They told me about what my father wants to happen with me. He actually took
Coach and Nancy to court trying to get back custody. Coach told me how the
judge ruled on the custody arrangements. Right then I got the shock of my
life.

The judge actually awarded my dad custody of me if he walks out of jail;
free. I can't understand what they need for him to do to me in order for
them take me from him. Do I have to join my mother for them to see my dad
doesn't love me? I started to tear up as I thought about what the judge
ordered.

Nancy must have known I was about to start crying. She got up from her seat
and came over to me and held me tight. Right then I just broke down and
started crying. I don't want to go back with my father. He almost killed me
this time.

As Nancy held me, she started rocking me back and forth. At the same time
she hummed a tune into my ear. I felt her heart beating through her chest
as she held me. With her humming and the feel of her heartbeat, I felt
safe. I stopped crying knowing, for now, I am safe from the outside world.

I didn't want to let go of Nancy. For the first time in my life I now know
how it feels having a mother comfort me. I have seen it on television the
few times I watched and I've heard others talk about how their mothers are
but I never had that in my life until now. I want Nancy to keep holding me
forever.

But forever had to come sooner then I wanted. Nancy put her hand under my
chin and lifted my face to face hers. She smiled down at me that made this
warm feeling just go through my body.

"We are going to make sure that you never go back to your father again. If
that means we have to break the law and take you out of here for your
protection, we will. I give you this promise here and now Chris. No one
will ever hurt you again as long as I am alive." Nancy said with total
conviction.

I just couldn't believe the love I am seeing in Nancy's eyes as she spoke
to me. I knew she meant what she said. With that I felt even safer than
before.

Nancy got up and headed back to her seat. Coach continued with the items he
needed to talk with me about. He went over that I could go and see Josh in
one or the other events he is doing this weekend. I told Coach I still want
to see the entire team on Saturday. This was playing off that Josh is the
only one I wanted to see in Speedos.

Then the Coach talked about the clothes I have. He and Nancy feel I need
new clothes so this weekend they are going to take me out to buy some. I
can't remember the last time I actually walked into a store and bought new
clothes. Most of the clothes I have are clothes my dad didn't want anymore.

Just as I got up to head to the room, Coach stopped me; "Chris by the way,
when we go out buy clothes for you this weekend, we need to get stuff for
you to make your room your own too; posters or pictures or whatever you are
into. That room is yours and Nancy and I want you to get used to staying in
this house, because if everything goes right you will be staying here for a
very long time."

I just looked at Coach and Nancy. I walked up to Coach and hugged him and
then Nancy. I couldn't speak because I really didn't know what to
say. These guys brought in a kid they hardly know and made him their son. I
couldn't be any happier!

(BRANDON'S POINT OF VIEW)

I know Josh is afraid of heights. That is why I volunteered to help out
with this task at dinner. Mom was looking straight at Josh not really
giving him a choice in the matter. I know we all have heard of
Cinderella. Well, this is the male version of that story making Josh the
slave of the family and Daniel, Carlos and me, the evil step
brothers. Although I am going to rewrite the story and befriend my brother!

After Josh set up the ladder he went to get the new light bulbs out of the
storage closet. I noticed Carlos and Daniel rough housing around. They
think they are wrestling, but they are just pulling at each other's hair
like girls. When Josh walked back into the room I heard him telling our
brothers something, but I didn't understand.

All of the sudden I felt the ladder disappear from under my feet. At first
I thought I was floating in the air. Then it happened it happened so
quickly; I crashed to the ground with my head hitting something was the
last thing I remembered.

The next time I woke up, I could barely make out the figures in front of
me. I know one is Josh because of his voice. Then Josh got pushed out of
the way by my mom. She kept saying something to me I couldn't make
out. Then I was out again.

I feel as if I am floating again when I come to. I was kind of floating
because some guys are picking me up. They are placing me in a bed, I
think. Once I settled into the bed I looked around the room. I saw Daniel
and Carlos just standing there scared out of their minds. I know they
didn't do this on purpose. I really hope Josh explains that to mom. If he
doesn't, mom is going to get carried away with punishing them.

Someone I don't even know started talking to me. Once again my mom appeared
over me. This time I can see her lot clearer. She looks like she is
crying. I stretched out my hand to grab hers to let her know I was
fine. But I couldn't move my arm, it felt like it is tied down or
something.

I started getting rolled out of the house when I heard one of the guys tell
my mother that someone can ride with me to the hospital. I looked up and
tried to move my head. I couldn't even move my head in any direction. What
is going on with my body? Nothing wants to work for me. Then my mom leaned
over and asked me if wanted someone to be with me in the ambulance. I
whispered back to her "Josh".

The next thing I knew I was pushed into the ambulance. The next face I saw
is my brother Josh. He also looked like he is crying as well. He leaned
down to me and spoke, barley able to get the words out of his throat.

"I am so sorry Brandon. It should be me here not you. Mom wanted me to
change the light bulbs."

I cleared my throat! "I wanted to help you Josh! It is really no one's
fault. I just want to be able to move my body, but I can't"

Josh started to laugh through his cries. I didn't understand why he is
laughing at what I just said to him. I didn't think it is funny at all.

"Brandon the reason you can't move anything is because you are strapped
down to the bed. They strap down anyone that they move around."

I realized it is pretty funny. I started to laugh at myself as well. I
can't believe I thought I lost the ability to move. The guy in the back
with us even started to laugh with us. I looked back to Josh to see if he
stopped crying. He just looked concerned for me.

It didn't take us long to get to the hospital from the house. When we first
left they were not driving with the sirens on. I asked them since this will
probably be my only ride in the back of an ambulance if they could turn on
the siren. The driver actually turned on the siren for me.

The doors flew open to the ambulance as we were backing up. I got pulled
out of the ambulance into a long hallway. I looked around to see a whole
lot of people in scrubs and white coats around me asking questions. Josh
kept up with the bed as they rolled me down the hallway.

The next thing I saw is a room. Not really a room, but more like a bay. The
doctors moved me from one bed to another and thanked the guys that brought
me in. I raised my hand in a fist for the first time since I fell. The guys
knocked my fist as they left. I felt good I could move my body!

Soon after the doctors left my mom and brother's came running into the
bay. I looked at them and smiled. I started joking around to make them feel
better. I didn't want them to think I am hurt badly. My mom and brothers
sat there smiling and joking back with me until the doctor came back.

For the next several hours the doctors poked and prodded at me. They ran
test after test to make sure I was fine. Finally, after being at the
hospital for several hours I got released with orders to be more careful
from now on. All I had is a gash in my head that took fifteen stitches. By
the time I walked out of the hospital, all I wanted to do is go to bed and
sleep.

My mom decided to keep me home from school on Friday. I fought her on that,
but she won. I didn't want to miss Josh's first Glee Club performance or
whatever they call it. At the end I folded and agreed to stay home, but I
won to still be able to see Josh perform.

(JOSHUA'S POINT OF VIEW)

Finally I put my head on my pillow to relax. I couldn't get out of my mind
the scene of little brother falling from that ladder. It just kept
rewinding itself over and over again playing in my head.  I kept seeing
Brandon falling from the ladder hitting his head. I know this memory will
be with me for a long time to come.

I felt someone getting into my bed right when I had fallen asleep. I looked
over and saw it is my little bro. I opened the covers for him the crawl
in. Once he settles in, I looked at him and smiled.

"I am glad you are ok Brandon! I don't know what I would do without my
little brother! You know I love you so much!"

I grabbed ahold of Brandon and hugged him. Brandon spoke into my chest all
muffled up.

"I love you as well, Josh. Trust me; I am not going anywhere anytime
soon. I am going to be there in your corner tomorrow and everyday of our
lives!"

I just held onto Brandon as we fell to sleep. He made me feel taller than
life to have chosen to come to me during the night. Brandon couldn't sleep!
He was having nightmares of what happened earlier.

The next morning I woke up before the alarm; the first time I did that all
week long. I didn't want the alarm to wake up Brandon. I slowly crawled out
of bed to ensure I wouldn't wake Brandon up. I stood over the bed just
looking at my little brother. He is just lying there asleep with not a care
in the world right now. I wanted to make sure he was sleeping so I kept a
close eye on his chest. I finally saw his chest moving up and down as he
would breathe.

After that I got ready for school throwing on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt,
and sneakers. I headed down to grab breakfast before heading out. As I
walked out the door I told my mom that Brandon had nightmares last night so
he came in and slept with me. She didn't seem happy with what I said, but I
had no time to stick around and see if she was fine with it.

On my way to school I started thinking about how my mother going to tell my
dad about what happened with Brandon. I really hope she thinks twice about
telling him. He doesn't need this news while he is away now and actually in
battle.

All day long Bernice kept asking me to finish the dream I had about
Chris. Each time we were alone throughout the day, she asked. Just as I was
about to start telling the story, someone from our group would pop up on
us. You could see that Bernice was getting very impatient about hearing the
ending of my dream.

During Glee we didn't even pick up a sheet of music. Mr. Edger decided to
give us the day to goof around. He didn't want us practiced out in time for
the competition so all we did is play around with the musical instruments
during class.

The rest of the day went by in a blur. I started getting nervous about
tonight. That is all that is on my mind. I knew this was going to
happen. That is why I am glad our swim meets are on Saturday instead of on
Friday. I would be a bundle of nerves before I even got into the pool if
they were scheduled on a weekday.

I lied to Coach when I decided to skip swim team practice. I told the Coach
I needed the time to practice up for Glee. He didn't like it, but he
allowed me to skip practice for the day as long as I make it time for
tomorrow's competition. But instead I wanted to use the time to see
Chris. I haven't seen him for a while.

I gave Bernice the heads up earlier in the day on what I had planned to
do. She wanted to go with me to keep a look out. I just thought she wanted
to go to see if Chris and I get it on or something like that.

So we met at my locker when the bell rang. Right away we took off over to
Coach's house. As soon as we walked up to the house I didn't know what to
do. I didn't think this through at all. If I knock on the door the Coach's
wife will answer and then tell Coach. I will be in trouble with Coach for
skipping practice under a lie.

"Bernice I can't knock on the door. The Coach's wife will tell Coach I was
here."

Bernice just looked at me with a big smile on her face. She started walking
toward the door. She left before I could stop her. I ducked behind a tree
where I wouldn't be seen. I looked on as Bernice stood at the Coach's front
door.

The door opened, but I didn't see who answered it. Whoever answered the
door invited Bernice in. Just as Bernice walked into the house she looked
back at me and winked. I am starting to love this girl even more because
she can think fast on her feet.

I really don't know how long I stood behind the tree out side Chris's
house. It felt like eternity, but I know it wasn't that long. All of a
sudden I heard someone whistle. I looked around and didn't see anyone
around. Then I heard the whistle again. I saw Bernice's face popping out a
window on the side of the house.

I smiled and laughed to myself as I walked over to where Bernice was
sticking her head out. Once I got up to the window, Chris was standing
there. I smiled at him as he looked down at me.

"Why didn't you knock on the front door to come in?"

"I told Coach I needed the time to practice for Glee. That is why I needed
the time from swim practice today. If I would have knocked on the door, he
would know I was lying to him. You know how he gets if we lie to him?"

Chris chuckled at what I said. He stretched out his hand to help me through
the window. Once I got in I looked at Bernice and mouthed to her thank
you. I looked back over to Chris. Man is this guy got me all hot all over
the place.

"Oh I am sorry Bernice this Chris, Chris this Bernice!" I realized they
have not met.

They both shook hands while I whispered to Chris. "What did you think when
Bernice here came knocking on your door?"

"At first I thought she has the wrong house. Then when she said her name I
knew she was here for you."

Chris gave Bernice his computer chair to sit on while he and I sat on his
bed. We talked about really nothing earth shattering. I really wanted to
take this time to get to know Chris more in the romantic setting than a
friendship setting. When you are just friends, we keep things to ourselves.

I learned a little more about the way he lived. How much a difference it is
living here with Coach and Nancy! He told me about what his father is
trying to do. I really didn't know what to tell him about that. I had never
been in a situation like he is in right now.

Somewhere as we talked we got closer and closer on the bed. When I finally
noticed we were getting closer together, we started holding hands. This
whole time Bernice sat there quietly listening to me and Chris. When she
saw we started holding hands, she smiled at us.

The table got turned on me as I had to tell Chris about my life; things
I've not shared with him before. I told him how it is living in the house
of a father that is totally different than his. My father is strict with
us, but he is fair when he lays down the law. The other difference is that
my father wants to get somewhere in his life unlike Chris's father.

I made sure as I told him about my house, I was careful how I worded it. I
didn't want to open any wounds or him hating me for something I might
say. But I must have said everything right because he smiled all the way
through.

All of a sudden I heard Coach voice in the hall. I ran into the closet to
hide just as the door opened. I picked out the crack of the door to see
what was going on. Coach popped his head in and looked around. Just as he
looked at Bernice he swung really quickly back to the closet door.

"Ok Josh. I know you are in here. Please come out, I am not upset!"

At first I didn't know what to do. All I know is that Coach could either
wait me out or actually search the room until he finds me.

I opened the door to the closet and walked out. I looked at Bernice then
over to Chris. Chris actually looked really scared. I think he thinks he is
in hot water. I looked over at Coach to try to read him. I didn't have any
luck doing so.

"You have a heavy voice that Nancy heard you talking the whole time you
have been here. Plus when she said Bernice is here, I knew you are
somewhere around."

"Sorry Coach for lying to Nancy, but it isn't Chris's fault. He didn't even
know I planned on coming down today. Everything has been a complete
surprise to him."

Coach looked at me funny. I think he realized what I was doing. He looked
over at Chris and saw what I am looking at. Chris is red in the face,
sweating, and his right leg is actually shaking.

Coach walked in and sat beside Chris. "Chris you are a teenager and you are
going to do teenager stuff. This isn't going to be the first time you sneak
someone into your bedroom window. You guys were not doing anything bad in
here, just talking. Yes I want Josh to knock on the front door in the
future. Just don't worry about this. You are not in trouble with me or
Nancy."

Coach playfully punched Chris in the arm. As he started getting up, he
looked straight at me as he walked to the door.

"Josh you and Bernice need to go home now before your parents start to
wonder where you are! Plus you have Glee tonight and Mr. Edger will be
highly upset if you would get punished and not make it."

Bernice and I said goodbye to Chris before we left. Just as we got to the
street I looked back at the house.

"Bernice wait here for a minute please."

I ran back to Chris's window and looked in. I saw Chris is still sitting on
his bad with the door shut. I know Coach isn't in the room. I tapped on the
window to get Chris's attention. Chris walked over and opened the window.

"I wanted to see you so bad I was willing to walk through fire in order
to. I can't wait to see you tomorrow at the swim meet!"

"I wanted to see you as well. I am glad you came over!"

"Hey handsome, come here for a moment." Chris poked his head out of the
window. "No come on closer I promise I will not hurt you."

Chris lowered down to my face until our lips touched. I grabbed ahold of
the back of his head in order to get a good grip of this guy. The minute
our lips touched, was like a feeling I never have had. It felt like
fireworks started going off. My heart started pumping so fast I thought it
would rip out of my chest. We broke off the kiss and just looked at one
another for a few moments.

I brushed my hand across Chris's cheek as he smiled down at me.

"I am falling madly in love with you Chris Jimenez! I can't stop thinking
about you. I am having wonderful dreams about you that I hope you will make
them come true!"

Chris just looked at me now with tears rolling down his face. I wiped away
the tears from his cheek.

"I don't want to ever see you crying again. I will always be here to
protect you. I love you and I know I will never leave your side Chris
Jimenez!"

Just as I walked away I heard Chris say the words that just made my heart
skip a beat.

"I love you too Joshua Lopez. I have loved you from the first time I saw
you!"

I turned around and blew Chris another kiss. I ran back to Bernice who is
still waiting for me in the middle of the street. She actually had tears as
well going down her face. I wiped them off as I grabbed ahold of her
arm. We walked all the way to my house arm and arm.

Bernice's father had given permission for her to go with me and my family
to the competition. But now, with my dad actually on the battle field, my
mom didn't want to leave the house in case of he called while we are out.

So we talked Bernice's dad into giving us a ride. Daniel and Carlos didn't
want to go. They have a football game to loose. Brandon was waiting for me
as soon as I walked through the door to go. I went up stairs and changed as
fast as I could. Brandon and I said good bye to our mom and headed out the
door.

(DANIEL LOPEZ POINT OF VIEW)

The minute the Iraqi soldier yelled out whatever he said in his language, I
knew we were in a whole lot of trouble. Then he opened up his jacket, it
confirmed it. I ran as quickly as I could as he yelled and opened his
jacket.

I got to him just in time to throw him away from my soldiers but into his
fellow soldiers. The bomb went off leaving me with a buzzing sound in my
ear and body parts flying in the air at us.

Once I got ahold of myself I got up looking around. I needed to make sure
all of my soldiers were ok. Once I knew none of the bodies on the ground
were my soldiers, I felt relieved. I ordered my men not to touch these guys
in any way.

One had a bomb strapped to his body that could indicate others could have
them as well. I know this doesn't look good at all, but we didn't kill
these soldiers. They committed suicide. I looked around to see where the
embedded reporter was at. I found him actually telling his camera man to
get as much footage as he could.

I walked up to the reporter to try to reason with him. This damn guy is
from CNN and thinks he owns the battlefield. I couldn't make him understand
by his reporting this incident that it puts other American lives in
danger. Still, no matter what I told him, he didn't want to hear it. I
finally gave up and ordered my soldiers to get the footage they taped.

"If you report this news right now, you will give away where we are at to
the enemy. Under the rules you all signed you know that is a
unacceptable. I tried to ask you nicely to not report it but you
refused. So, I am sending you and your crew back to the states."

"What gives you the right to do that?" I reporter asked with indignation.

"First of all, I am the Commander of the Army here in Iraq. That alone
gives me the right. Second, you broke the agreement your company signed in
order to have you embedded with the Army.

I never said you couldn't report this, I said you couldn't do it now. You
wanted to go live giving away our location and I can't have that. Now you
can't even take the footage with you for breaking the rules."

The reporter tried to say something, but I ordered my troops to take them
to the back line. I also ordered them to be checked for any other cameras
or recording devices including their phones. I wanted them all. I wasn't
planning on keeping them, I just wanted to clear the memory and then they
will be returned.

There wasn't much more time to waste. We had already lost enough time
dealing with this mad man. Once we had the prisoners handed off, we were on
our way. It didn't take long to make contact again with the Iraqi forces.

This time the fighting was intense. Whatever Iraqi forces are in front of
us aren't ready to lay down their arms. We kept firing at them as they
returned fire. Through the dust I made out figures in the desert coming at
us.

They actually ordered their ground troops to attack. I ordered several
flares to be fired into the night sky to see clearly what we are
facing. The minute the sky lit up I was right. There had to be at least
several hundred Iraqi soldiers on foot heading at us.

I radioed in bearings to our ships to fire u[on. Seconds later the sky lit
up again, but this time it was lit up by bombs falling on the Iraqi
soldiers. I ordered not to let off. I called out more bearings to make sure
I got the soldiers that started retreating. I can't afford for those
soldiers to have another chance to kill American soldiers. They knew what
was coming.

By early morning the Iraqi unit surrendered to us. This time I had every
Iraqi soldier that did surrender lay down in the middle of the
battlefield. I was not going to take any more chances. I ordered one
soldier at a time to walk forward and lift their shirt and pants.

Once we had all the soldiers checked and in custody, we made our way across
the battlefield. I felt sick to my stomach to see all the dead bodies lying
on the ground. I know I had to do what I did. Still what I waste of life!
No one deserves to die in this fashion.

As we destroyed the Iraqi tanks and equipment, we continued our assault
leaving behind a desert littered with dead bodies of the Iraqi troops. This
blood is on the hands of the president of Iraq, no one else's.

(PATRICK'S POINT OF VIEW)

Josh asked me to watch him in competition tonight. When he asked me on
Wednesday I couldn't stop thinking about it. I felt part of a group for the
very first time in my life. I actually asked Frank to come with me.

Frank and I decided to meet at my house and then head over to the
school. Frank showed up early. None of my family was home when Frank showed
up and I still needed to finish getting ready. I told Frank to wait for me
in the living room.

Before I could make it past the couch, Frank pulled me down. We started
kissing each other. I couldn't stop kissing Frank.

"Man Patrick, you make me hard all day long. I can barely keep myself
together!"  Frank went right to work getting my shirt off. Once he had it
off, he started playing with my chest. I am very sensitive around these
areas. The minute he started sucking on my right nipple, I started
moaning. He made his way to my left nipple and then down my chest to my
belly button and he started sticking his tongue into it!

He was driving me crazy. I couldn't control my moans. I know I started
moaning so loud the neighbors can hear me.

Frank made his way to my pants. Frank had my belt loose in no time, but he
couldn't get my button to my jeans lose.

"Patrick the one thing I love about you is your jeans, but now I can't get
them off to get to the thing I really want from you!" Frank hissed.

I laughed at what Frank said. I reached down to unbutton my jeans for
him. Once I did that, he brushed my hands out of the way. He had my jeans
and underwear around my ankles in no time. My dick was in his mouth before
I could settle back down on my back.

I started going crazy as he played with my foreskin of my dick. He started
licking my shaft before he took it all the way in. Frank started bobbing up
and down at a faster speed than before. I knew if I didn't stop him really
soon, I am going to explode. I want to get my dick in his nice bubble butt!

I grabbed ahold of Frank and pulled him up. I took him by the hand and
pulled him to my bedroom. Once inside, I closed the door and moved us both
closer to my bed. I took off his shirt as I made my way to his chest and
then his belly just like he did to me, I did to him. He started moaning
just as loud as I had.

With my teeth I pulled down his zipper and undid the button to his jeans. I
pulled them down along with his boxers. Franks dick popped out at attention
the minute I free it. Just as Frank did to me, I played with his
head. Frank is cut and has this beautiful mushroom head I like to play
with.

 Before Frank could say anything or do anything. I tossed off my shoes and
then my pants and boxers. Once we were both naked, I pushed him down on the
bed. I pulled him up to me as I stood on the floor at the edge of the
bed. I put Frank's legs over my shoulders, bent at the knees. I opened my
bedside table drawer and fished out my tube of KY Jelly. I got a big glob
on my two fingers.

I lubed Frank's hole up. I first just used one finger, then two, and then
three. The whole time Frank moaned as I played with his hole. I reached
over to my wallet. I needed to get the condom I always carry.

The minute I got the condom on, I split Frank's legs apart. I put the head
of my cock to the entrance of Frank's hole. I slowly entered Frank as
carefully as I could. Once I was in I let Frank adjust to my dick.

I slowly started pulling back out then went right back down. I did that a
couple of times before I picked up my speed. I started going faster onto I
got into a rhythm. I couldn't believe how Frank makes me feel. He is so
damn tight!

"Frank your ass is the greatest! I love how tight you are man! You are so
damn..."

I just started moaning along with Frank. I reached down to Frank's dick and
started jerking him off. He didn't loose his hard on from when my mouth
left it. I got into the same rhythm jerking Franks dick off as I am fucking
him.  F Frank's eyes were closes and his head was moving back and forth as
he moaned. I was going into his as keep as can be. This position gives me
the best depth and also makes me able to give him power strokes. I bent my
knees a bit which made my dick go into him at a more upward angle. I could
feel his happy spot, deep inside him. I felt my cock head pass over it on
each in stroke. I kept on jerking him off. All of a sudden I felt Frank
shiver, his dick jerk in my hand and his dick head swelled up even
more. Right then he started shooting...

"Patrick I am cum..."

As he reached his climax, his hole clamped even tigher around my dick. That
brought me to my climax. I started shooting into Frank's ass. I couldn't
believe the feeling that came over me as I shot. All I could do is hold
onto Frank as I made one last plunge to full depth into him.

I pulled Frank close to me as I shot. I started gripping his legs hard due
to how hard I am shooting. Frank also was still shooting, but now his dick
is sandwiched in between our stomachs as I was leaning over him. I could
feel his warm cum shooting between our stomachs.

As I finished shooting and started coming down from my climax, my body
relaxed. I slipped out of Frank and fell beside him on the bed. Neither he
nor I moved for a few minutes. Then he looked over at me and I knew what he
wanted.

We locked lips playing tonsil hockey. I had to break to kiss in order to
breathe. I looked over at the clock. I realized I needed to get ready. I
took Frank's hand, pulled him up with me and we went to the shower to get
cleaned up.

We didn't have enough time to take separate showers. So we took a quick
shower together, got dressed and ran out the door. We got to the school
just in time as the lights dimmed. I looked over at Frank as we took our
seats. We smiled at each other!

(ELIZABETH'S POINT OF VIEW)

I walked out of my friend's house and to my surprise I see Josh hiding
behind a tree. At first I didn't understand why he is looking at the house
across the street from my friend's. Then it dawned on me. It is the coach
of the swim team's house. I was about to walk over to Josh to see what he
is doing, then I heard someone whistle.

It caught Josh's attention and mine. We both looked around to see who it
was that is whistling. I didn't see anyone. From the looks of it Josh
didn't either because he didn't budge from the tree. Again I heard the
whistle and looked to see who it was that is whistling. I didn't see anyone
again. When I looked over at Josh he must have seen whoever is whistling
because he started crossing the street over to his coach's house.

Josh walked to a window to talk with someone. I couldn't make out who it
is. Josh talked for a few minutes and who ever he is talking to helped him
into the house. I don't think he is robbing the place, but I could not be
positive about it.

I thought to myself even if Josh isn't robbing the house, he still is
sneaking into the window. I can get him in trouble for doing that with his
Coach. Damn that would be a start of getting Josh back! So I decided to
walk to the school and tell the swim Coach what I saw.

When I walked into the pool area the Coach was yelling at one of the
swimmers in the pool. I waited for him to finish up yelling at the swimmer
before I went to talk with him. Once I saw he was done, I walked over to
the Coach.

"Sir I am sorry to be bothering you here during you practice. But I thought
I should tell you I saw one of your swimmers crawling through your window
at your house!"

"What are you babbling about young lady?"

"Your swimmer, Josh Lopez; I saw him crawling into one of the side windows
of your house just now."

The Coach just looked at me like I was from space or something, before he
spoke again.

"Young lady, I know who you are and what games you have been playing with
my foster son. I decided to keep my mouth shut on the subject because you
guys are teenagers here in high school. But since you came to me to get him
in trouble, I won't.

As of this moment on you will stop the name calling and getting your
friends to pick on my foster son Chris. If I hear you or your friends
continue teasing my foster son, you will find yourself on the other end of
a very angry father that you don't want to see.

As far as Josh visiting one of his best friends after he got released from
the hospital is none of your concern. They normally use the window instead
of the door. It is no surprise to me they are still doing it.

So if that is all young lady, please get out of my sight. I don't want to
see you in my pool area again!"

I couldn't believe this crap! I can't catch a break here. Just when I
thought I had Josh, I get yelled at. I can't let him keep getting the upper
hand here. I know the Coach had no idea Josh crawled through his
window. Just the look on his face! Still Coach defended him because of the
wrong rumors he has heard about me.

I walked around the school for awhile trying to figure a way to get back at
Josh and his friends. I just can't let him get away with it again. I know
there is something there. It is right in front of my face, I just can't see
it clear enough yet, but I will.

I decided to walk back to my friend's house to see if I see something. Just
as I turned onto the street my friend lives on, Bernice is just standing in
the middle of the street. I looked to see what she is doing. All I could
see is her just standing there looking at the Coach's house.

I looked over to where she is looking at, but couldn't make out what is
going on. I know one of the figures is Josh and the other in the house has
to be Chris. They look like they are talking. It looked like Chris bent
over to get something from Josh. I can't make out what in the world they
are doing. I am to far from them.

Just like that Josh started walking back towards Bernice. He looked back at
Chris and said something, but I couldn't hear what it was. It was my turn
to dodge behind a tree where Josh and Bernice didn't see me. As they walked
by me they were arm and arm.

Once I knew they were far enough they couldn't see me. I walked over to my
friend's house. I looked over to Chris's house for now. I see that the
Coach is home already. I didn't even see him pass me. He must have arrived
when I was at the school feeling sorry for myself. That must be the reason
Josh is going home with that slut.


I just have this feeling in the pit of my stomach there is something else
going on between Josh and Chris than just a friendship. I need to learn to
read between the lines of what they are doing. I am going to make it my
mission to expose those two if it's the last thing I do here at this
school.

(PATRICK'S POINT OF VIEW)

I thought our school was going to perform first. I am wrong about that. We
are now on the second school that is performing. I look over to see Frank
just glued to the stage. He seems to like the performance. Right next to
Frank is Billy and Eric. To my left Bernice joined us half way through the
first school's performance.

The minute Bernice sat down she told us that Josh is very nervous. She has
never seen him like that. Eric chuckled and told all of us once Josh gets
on stage he will be ok. He is like this whenever he has to perform in front
of a crowd.

The friendship Josh and Eric have goes back a very long way. It reminds me
of Frank and me. We first started out as good friends. If we didn't get
together as boyfriends, I know we would be the best of friends today.

I met Frank in the second grade. He actually helped me out of a jam. After
that he and I were always together. Frank is pretty much the only friend I
had growing up. That is why when we came out to each I was afraid to go any
further. I didn't want to lose Frank's friendship if we didn't work out as
boyfriends.

We have now been going out for almost two years. We have our small fights,
but nothing big. Within our first year of going out we really didn't do
much but kiss. Even kissing was rare for us in the first year. It's only
been the last six months we have been getting a lot more into the love
making that we did earlier. I think by waiting as long as we did makes our
love making even more special now.

I sit here listening to the Glee Clubs perform. I realize how lucky I am to
have met Frank those many years ago. If I didn't meet him, I don't know
where I would be today. I can say without a second thought, I would be in a
bad place if it wasn't for Frank.

(JOSHUA'S POINT OF VIEW)

Bernice's father dropped us off in front of the school. Bernice, Brandon
and I walked into the school and back stage to find our Glee Club. I saw
Mr. Edger first then I the Glee Club. They were just bouncing around like
they were shot up with vials of caffeine.

We joined them until Mr. Edger asked for all those that didn't belong with
the Glee Club to find there seats in the auditorium. I got permission for
my little bro to stay back with me. I used his accident as an excuse and
Mr. Edger bought it.

I didn't regret having Brandon back stage with me. He knows how to calm my
nerves. We sat there talking about Bernice and the girl he likes at
school. I told him that he needs to get the nerve and ask her out. He was
going to do that today, but he had to stay home. I laughed as I told him
maybe it isn't meant to be.

Brandon got a look on his face as if I killed a kitten or something.

"Hey Brandon you know I am playing with you. If you like this girl I say go
for it with all you've got. Don't take no for an answer but also don't be a
stalker either."

I leaned in and hugged my little bro. Just as I released him, Mr. Edger
called for us. It is our turn to perform. Brandon wished me luck as we made
our way onto the stage. The curtains are still closed as we take our
spots. As the music started to play and the curtains open up. The crowd
went into an uproar of shouts and clapping.

The judges were right in front watching our every move on stage. The first
two songs were our group songs. The music that opened the curtains
ended. We stood there waiting for the audience to take their seats before
we began. Once the auditorium went quiet, the lights dimmed to almost being
pitch dark.

I walked out to the middle of the stage grabbing the microphone. The music
started for our first song which is "Lean on Me", made famous in 1989. The
spotlight turned on as I started the song. Once again the crowd went into
an uproar. Jackie took the other solo part of the song. Jackie and I stood
in the middle of the stage singing the solos as the rest of the Glee sang
behind us. Towards the middle of the song we started moving around on the
stage. The crowd is getting into the song by putting their hands in the
air. I knew we had the crowd behind us, I just couldn't see the judge's
faces to see if we got them.

Just as the song ended Jackie and I joined the Glee Club. The music started
on our second song of the night which is "We Are the World".  Once again we
had the crowd but again I couldn't see the judge's faces.

Now is my true test if I had it in me to perform in front of a lot of
people I didn't even know. I stepped off the risers we are standing
on. Just as the first song I made my way to the middle of the stage. Just
as before the lights dimmed. The music started and I opened my mouth but
didn't look out to the audience at first.

Just as I started to look over the faces in the audience I saw there was
not a dry face in the crowd. I went on singing the Bette Midler Song "Wind
Beneath My Wings". I moved a little around the stage, but this song didn't
call for a lot of moving. Just as the song was ending I took one more look
out to the crowd to see them raise clapping and yelling.

Just as we got off the stage, Mr. Edger came up to us; "Great job out there
you guys! No matter what the score is, you did yourselves, your school, and
your families proud out there today!"

We looked at each other still in an `oh my God mood'. Brandon brought me
out of thought when he jumped o my back.

"You are the greatest singer I have ever heard. When you break into the
music business, take me along. I will pick up after you in order to get to
the babes that are going to be climbing all over you!  I couldn't help
myself but to laugh at what Brandon said. Just as Brandon got off of my
back, the announcer grabbed the microphone.

"The judges have made their decision here tonight. But before we announce
who is going to take tonight's honor. The El Paso High School Glee Club
instructor would like to say a few words."

Mr. Edger walked onto the stage. None of us knew he planned to say
something.

"Thank you all for coming tonight. I would also like to thank all the
schools that participated in tonight's meeting of the Glee Clubs. The
reason I wanted to speak with you tonight is to tell you the meaning behind
the song selection of my school's Glee club.

One year ago, our schools were rocked with violence we are not used to
seeing here in our town. Just like anything in the past, as time goes on,
we forget what has happened.  I know we want to forget that day, but we
must learn from it and never forget. So I selected songs for this Glee club
to perform to remember that day.

The students in all of our schools need to remember that we teachers are
here for them. If they fell threatened in any way, come to us. If you see
wrong, come to us. If you are being asked to join a gang, think twice
before doing so. It won't lead you down the right path. It will take all of
us to keep our youth safe and on the right path. Remember that no problem
is too little or big for your teachers to help you out.

Thank you all once again and good luck to all the schools that performed
here tonight."

Mr. Edger handed back the microphone to the announcer. He made his way back
to us with applause from the crowd. I always wondered why he picked these
songs to perform tonight with. When the rest of the schools went out on
that stage and rocked them. Now the answer is given.

"The winner of The Fall Glee Club Competition is..." He seemed to be having
a problem opening up the envelope. Why did they seal the damn thing? It was
only going from the table to the stage. Maybe twenty feet at the most! "El
Paso High School ladies and gentlemen!"

We walked out to the stage to take our bow. Mr. Edger walked out just as
the trophy is being presented. The trophy was presented to Mr. Edger as we
looked on. I thought to myself that we actually won, we actually did it!

Brandon and I walked out to meet Bernice and the guys. They teased me as we
waited for Bernice's father to arrive and pick us up. I let the guys fool
with me. Bernice, however, kept whispering in my ear I did a awesome job
and she is proud of me. Also, she knows if Chris was here tonight, he would
be proud of me as well.

When Brandon and I walked in the house, no one asked how it went. My mom
seemed to be more interested in my brothers' game of football. As usual,
they lost. I know the main reason she didn't ask me how it went. She feels
the Glee club isn't for men; it's not for her boys to be in.

The next morning I got up earlier to compete on the swim team. Brandon came
into my room once again last night. He had another bad dream. I am starting
to get worried about Brandon. We need to find out what is causing these bad
dreams.

When Brandon came in last night, he asked me not to tell mom he
did. Brandon told me that mom got onto him about him doing it the night
before. He needed to man up and fight the nightmares away. I know if she
would find out Brandon came into my room once again last night, she would
make it hard for Brandon.

I tried to wake up Brandon as I was leaving. He is even worse than me when
he sleeps. Nothing could wake me up once I am out. Brandon seems to be the
same way. I looked down at him and see my little bro needing someone to be
here for him. He is having nightmares for a reason. When he is ready, he
will talk with me about it.

I opened my bedroom door and looked out into the hallway. It looks like mom
is still in bed. I went back to my bed to get Brandon. I gently picked up
my little brother and carried him to his room. I laid him in his bed and
covered him up.

I walked out to the kitchen. I am right that mom isn't up yet. The house is
so quiet when everyone is sleeping. I grabbed a bottle of orange juice on
my way out. Just as I started locking up the door, the phone rang. I ran to
the phone and answered it.

"Hello Lopez residence!"

"Good morning to you Josh. How are you doing this early in the morning?"

"I am doing great dad, how about you?"

"Josh I am counting the days down to get back to you guys! How did it go
last night with your first performance of the year?"

I told my dad that we took first place. When I told him that, he stunned me
by saying that he is very proud of what I am doing.

We talked about how he is doing out there. He tried to stay away from the
detail, but he feels the war is going to be over really soon. In just a
couple of hours they are going out again. I couldn't believe when he told
me they do all their moving at night. But it did sound right to me. The
less the enemy could see the better.

Just as we were finishing up, mom walked in. I told my dad I missed him and
that I loved him very much. To get home to us very soon! I handed to phone
to my mom when my dad finished telling me the same thing.

It felt weird competing without Chris in the locker room with us. I know he
is going to be out in the audience cheering us on, but I miss him still the
same. We joined the team together, and now he is laid up.

We walked out knowing we had a real good chance on winning this meet. All I
could think about is finding Chris in the audience. It didn't take me long
to do so. He was seated with the coaches. They should have allowed him in
the locker room.

Just before we went on, each team member slapped fist with Chris. I easily
won my part of the competition. When it came down to the team events is
when I truly noticed Chris isn't there. For the first time this year I had
to fight to catch us up. We were so far behind when it came my turn as the
cleaner.

We took all the team events and only lost one event that Chris normally
performs in. When it was said and done, we took the swim meet.

During the meet, Chris told me to hurry to when I showered. He wanted to
spend some time together before he had to go home. With that, I showered as
fast as I could, and changed. I flew out the door faster than ever before.

There is this storage that is always unlocked. I didn't know what the room
is used for. But today it is going to be used for Chris and me to meet
in. When I walked into the room, I found Chris already waiting for me.

We sat there talking for a while. Holding each others hands while we
talked. He would rub my fingers or I would rub his. We looked at each other
getting to know one another. I could see in Chris's eyes that he truly is
in love with me. I can't say if this is just a teenage love or a love that
will survive the test of time.

At this moment I will take what love Chris is able to give me. Just when I
couldn't stand it any longer, Chris leaned into me and we kissed. Just like
the first time, fireworks are exploding in my mind. I felt like I am
floating in the air.

All of a sudden the door to the storage room flew open. Just as I broke the
kiss with Chris, I heard whoever it was speak.

"What the hell is going on in here?"


TO BE CONTINUED...


NOTE TO READERS:

{Just as Chris and Josh seem to get together, there is always something
that stops it. I wonder who caught Chris and Josh in the storage room
kissing. I really hope it isn't Elizabeth or a student that dislikes
gays. Because Chris and Josh don't deserve the hell that comes with it! Is
Elizabeth ever going to let her hate for Josh and his friends go? She needs
to move on and let these guys get on with their lives as well. I wonder if
there is going to be a problem with Josh's mom. She seems not to like
whatever Josh is doing no matter how good it is. She certainly treats Josh
differently than her other sons. It isn't Brandon's fault he is having
nightmares. We all have them, at least Brandon feels comfortable on going
to Josh about it. We haven't heard much about Eric in the last couple of
chapters. Don't write him off yet. He does play a major roll in Josh's
life. The question is if the role is good or bad. Bernice needs to ask the
girl that she likes out. That way she can double date with Josh and Chris
and not be standing on the outside looking in. There are so much now going
on, I can't take all your time asking what is going on. Stick around and
see how the future unfolds in the lives of Josh and friends.  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: Once again, we have the cliffhanger, and once again, I
don't have the next chapter to edit yet!

A reader asked some questions about me, so Uncle Roger, here's the
scoop. I'm 58 and live in Dallas with my male partner of eight years. How
did I get the "Daddy" moniker? Well, in the past, before being gay was even
spoken about and before such handy things as the internet, many of us just
did what was "expected".  So, yes, I was married and had two kids. They are
now grown and have blessed me with four grand kids, all boys.

Anyway, when my kids were growing up, our home was the gathering place for
my kids and all their friends. There was but a few meals I put on the table
where it was just the four of us and not at least two of my kids'
friends. All of their friends called me Dad or Daddy. I guess that the most
defining aspect of my life is that I am a "dad" kinda guy, always ready to
help out anyone I can. I was blessed to have a wonderful dad and I'd like
to think I'm a positive reflection of him.

Well, that's the short telling of a very VERY long story.

Until next time...be well and enjoy spring ! I sure am after an unusually
hard winter here in Dallas. We even had one day where we got twelve and
half inches of that white GLOBAL WARMING stuff !

"Daddy" Rick

Cast of Character's:

Daniel Lopez I						Father
    (6'1, 175 lbs., brown eyes, black hair, stocky build, 35 years old)
Martha Lopez						Mother
    (5'6, 145 lbs., green eyes, black long hair, slender, 34 years old)
Daniel Lopez II					First Born
    (5'9, 165 lbs., brown eyes, black hair, muscle build, 17 years old)
Carlos Lopez						Second Born
    (5'8, 163 lbs, light brown eyes, black hair, broad shoulders, 16 years old)
Joshua Lopez						Third Born
    (6'0, 155 lbs, brown eyes, black hair, swimmers build, 14 years old)
Brandon Lopez					Fourth Born
    (5'4, 126 lbs, green eyes, dark brown hair, skinny frame, 13 years old)
Eric Martinez						Child Hood Friend
    (5'8, 165 lbs., blue eyes, blonde hair, muscle build, 14 years old)
Chris Jimenez  					Swimming Team Member
    (5'9, 160 lbs., green eyes, light brown hair, swimmers build, 14 years old)
Benjamin Tacked					Friend
Sergio Jimenez					Chris's Dad
Bernice Gomez					Joshua's Girlfriend
Father Sergio Gomez					Bernice's Father
Patrick Petrillo					Friend
Frank Comacho					Friend (Patrick's boy friend)
Elizabeth Salas					Joshua's ex-Girlfriend
Coach Juan Montoya					Swim team Coach
Mrs. Nancy Montoya					Coach's wife
Mr. Becker						Math Teacher
Mr. Edger						Glee Teacher
Mr. Shredder						Homeroom Teacher