Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2023 03:14:49 +0000 (UTC) From: Thomas Gaige Subject: My Step-Brother Jacob - Chapter 112 Nifty: Please add this chapter to my story under your "Gay - Incest" section. Thank you. Copyright 2003, 2023 Thomas Gaige. All Rights Reserved. This story is protected under US copyright law. No part of it may be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of the author. The author grants www.nifty.org and its mirror sites permission to post the story on their websites. DISCLAIMER: The following story is FICTIONAL. It contains descriptions of homosexual activities. If you are not over 18 years of age, or if you find this type of story offensive, or viewing this material is illegal where you are, then please DO NOT READ IT! If you choose to read it, then - I hope you enjoy it! My Step-Brother Jacob Chapter 112 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- We pick up right where we left off at the reception after my swearing in as a dual citizen... "Uh... Thank you very much Sir!" I said, and shook his outstretched hand. Then, quickly I added, "I'm John Wilder." "I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Wilder," Lord Pemberly said. Then he glanced around our group, his gaze ending with Jacob, who he continued looking at, and added, "But we've met before, haven't we?" He had to force himself to look around at the rest of us. Before I could say anything, Jacob piped up, "That's right Sir! You and I met in the loo at Parliament around Easter!" Lord Pemberly chuckled, and looked back at Jacob and said, "So we did... although the way you just said that, does sound a bit dodgy!" "I'm sorry Sir," Jacob said, blushing. "No need to worry about it," Lord Pemberly said, smiling at Jacob. "I'm sorry, but what was your name, son?" My breath caught when he said 'son'. "I'm Jacob Fowler," Jacob said. "I'm John's step-brother." "That's right, I do remember you were named Jacob!" Lord Pemberly said, adopting a slightly surprised expression, but smiling warmly yet. "And this is my partner, Andrew MacDoogle," I said, indicating Andy. "And our friend Evan Rothbard." "And this little guy," I said, taking Austin from Andy, who had been holding him, "is Jacob's and my half-brother Austin Wilder." "Well!" Lord Pemberly said, smiling yet. "it's a pleasure to meet all of you!" He shook hands with Andy and Evan then. "So.... I expect you're all in school or University?" Lord Pemberly asked. "Yes, we are," I said. "The three of us attend Middlesex University, and Jacob's in Secondary School." "Excellent! Education is most important!" Lord Pemberly said, beaming. "What are you studying?" he asked. "I'm taking various music classes, because I'm a musician and singer in a band back home in Asbury Park... in New Jersey," I said. "I'm also taking Business Administration classes." "Very good! It sounds like you're covering all your bases!" Lord Pemberly said. Then he looked at Andy and asked, "And you?" "I'm studying to work as a counselor for homeless, neglected, and abused children," Andy said. "Brilliant!" Lord Pemberly said, smiling and patting Andy on the shoulder. "The world needs more people like you in it!" Andy broke into a grin and thanked him. "How about you sir?" Lord Pemberly asked Evan. "I'm studying computers," Evan said. "Right now, I'm learning to build websites." "Very good!" Lord Pemberly said. "You'll make a good living working with computers!" Then he looked at Jacob, and the rest of his conversation with us was for the most part, only with Jacob, which I hoped Jacob and Evan didn't realize. "What year are you in at school, Jacob?" he asked. "I'm in year 11 at the moment Sir," Jacob said. "And how is it going? Are you getting good grades?" Lord Pemberly asked. "It's going well," Jacob said. "My grades are good. I like some classes, but some are rather boring." "Yes, I recall feeling the same way when I was your age," Lord Pemberly said. "It's very important though to do your best, and learn as much as you can, so you're prepared for whatever life throws at you - even if the classes are boring! So, I advise you to study as hard as you can and get the best grades you can. And before you know it, you'll be finished, and off to University. And then you can focus on classes you find more interesting! Do you know what you'll study at University?" "Not really," Jacob said. "Although, I really like music like John does, and he's teaching me to play his instruments. He got me my own guitar too! Then too, I also like computers a lot. There are really so many choices, I'm not sure at all what to do. And then I worry - what if I choose the wrong field to go into!" "Well," Lord Pemberly said. "You have some time yet to make your decision. And, if you decide later on that you want to switch to something else, you can do that! I did myself! I started out to be an investment broker, like my father had been. Then I decided that was boring. I'd always liked history and politics, so I decided to study that. My father was not very happy with me for changing the course of my studies, although since I was to inherit his Earldom, he really couldn't argue with my wish to study politics. In the end, I think I made the right decision. And, I'm sure you will too Jacob!" "I hope so," Jacob sighed. "At this point in my life though, it all seems very uncertain." "Well, I expect John here will help guide you along, and will be there to help you make your decisions, if you need his help," Lord Pemberly said. "Most definitely!" both Jacob and I said in unison, causing everyone to laugh. "Well, I really would like to stay and continue talking with all of you, but I suppose I should move on and greet the other new citizens and their families as well," Lord Pemberly said, and he looked genuinely sad. He forced a smile though, and began shaking all our hands, to say Good-bye. He left Jacob for last, and spent slightly longer saying good-bye to him. I could see he really just wanted to take Jacob in his arms and give him a long firm hug, but obviously he couldn't do that. "We're having a party for John at the Bell & Crown in a little while," Jacob suddenly piped up. "If you have time to stop by, please come!" Again, my breath caught. "I think that would be brilliant!" Lord Pemberly said, smiling. "But unfortunately, my schedule is full for the rest of the day, so alas, I won't be able to, as much as I'd like to." "I figured you'd be busy, but thought it was worth asking," Jacob said. "I'm sorry you can't come, but... if something changes, we'll be there all day and evening, so just stop by!" "Well, if I do get any cancellations, I might just do that," Lord Pemberly said. "I really rather doubt that will happen though. But thank you so much for the invitation!" And then, as if it was just an automatic response to the invitation, Lord Pemberly did step forward and he gave Jacob a quick little hug. "Good day Gentlemen!" he said, looking around at all of us, after he broke his hug with Jacob. Then he looked back at Jacob and said, "And you young man... listen to your brother... he has your best interests at heart, and will help steer you along in the rest of your maturation as much as you need his help!" "I will!" Jacob said. Lord Justin smiled warmly at him again, and said, "OK then, Good-bye now, and good luck to all of you in all your endeavors!" I noticed a sad look in his eyes, as he looked me in the eye, and again nodded imperceptibly at me. Then he turned and stepped away, and walked over to another table to greet others. "He's Brilliant!" Jacob said, grinning, and looking after Lord Pemberly. "Yes he is," I agreed. "Is it OK if I get some more to eat?" Jacob asked then. I looked over at the table of refreshments, and saw there were still plenty, so I said, "Sure. Just not a heaping plate. Leave some for others." "I will," Jacob said, and grinning, he headed back to the pastry table. I noticed Evan was looking back and forth between Jacob, who was filling a plate, and Lord Pemberly who had quickly moved to yet another table already. "Wow!" he said. "He barely gave those people the time of day! He sure spent a lot more time with us! and... by the way, did either of you notice just how much he and Jacob resemble each other?" For the third time my breath caught, and I saw Andy's eyes get large again. A second later, I recovered, and pointedly looked at Jacob, then over at Lord Justice, then I looked at Evan and said, "Maybe a little, but no, not really that much!" "Seriously John?" Evan asked, looking strangely at me. "If they were the same age, they could be twins!" I looked at both again, and casually said, "I really don't see it." "Me either," Andy chimed in, nonchalantly. Evan looked at both of us with a confused expression on his face. Just then Jacob re-joined us, and said, "There's still plenty left, if any of you want some more." Evan glanced at the pastries on the table across the room then, and said, "Guess maybe I'll get a couple more too." With that he wandered away toward the refreshments. "Aren't you getting any more too?" Jacob asked me and Andy. "I think I've had enough," I said. Just then I noticed Lord Pemberly heading for the door. Quickly I added, "Besides, I have to find a men's room and change Austin." Evan rejoined us, and had a heaping plate of scones. "I got a couple extra for you two, too," he said, grinning. "Save me one!" I said. "I have to go change Austin." Quickly I headed toward the same door Lord Pemberly had just exited the room through. As luck would have it, he headed into a men's room, alone, so I quickly followed. Luck was on my side even more so, as we were alone in the men's room. Lord Pemberly was standing at a urinal. "Did you get my message that I need to talk with you?" I asked. "No, I've been away from the office a couple of weeks," Lord Pemberly, who was standing at a urinal said, after twisting his head and seeing it was me. Quickly he glanced around, and seeing nobody else, he asked, "Is something wrong?" "Not really," I said. "But I do need to talk with you about a problem that's popped up." Before either of us could say anything else, two men walked in, "Is everything alright?" one of them asked Pemberly, who'd just zipped his fly and was turning away from the urinal. Apparently they were his security detail, and had seen me follow him into the men's room. "Yes," Lord Pemberly said. "Mr. Wilder here was just thanking me for making his swearing in so special." "And, I needed to change the baby too!" I added forcing a chuckle, and I turned to the fold down baby changing table hanging on the wall, folded it down, laid Austin down, and began undressing him. Lord Pemberly washed his hands then, and as he dried them on a paper towel, he said to his body guards, "Go check the hallway, I'm right behind you!" "Yes sir," one said, and they both left. "I'll call you in the morning. I have your mobile number," Pemberly said in a low tone, as he walked past me. "Thank you," I said. And he was gone. I finished changing Austin, and headed back to the party, which was beginning to wind down. Jacob took Austin from me, so I could eat the scone Evan had gotten me, and finish my drink. As I finished my snacks, I was shocked to see Jacob use the index finger of his free hand to wipe up a bit of clotted cream off his plate, and stick it up to Austin's lips. Grinning, Austin quickly reached out and pulled Jacob's finger into his mouth and began sucking the pudding off of it. "Dude!" I cried. "He's only just two months old! He's only supposed to be drinking formula yet!" Jacob suddenly looked very guilty, and apparently didn't know what to say. Quickly, he ripped his finger from Austin's mouth though, but it was too late. Austin had thoroughly cleaned his finger. "Have you been giving him tastes of other things?" I asked. Jacob looked even guiltier, but in an abashed tone, said, "only a few things. I didn't think it was wrong to do it." "What have you fed him?" I asked. "Just some vanilla ice cream, clotted cream like you just saw, marmalade - only the liquidy part, maybe a couple other things. I just give him a taste off my finger. He really loves marmalade, but he hates Marmite!" he said. "Good God!" I said. "Jacob! His body can't digest those kinds of things yet! And we also don't know if he's allergic to anything. You cannot be feeding him anything but his formula. Not until his pediatrician says we can - Okay?" "I'm sorry," Jacob said. "I didn't realize. I thought I was doing something nice for him." "I know, but please - nothing but formula from now on, OK?" I said. "Okay," he said, still looking a little dejected. "Well, enough of that," Andy said. "People are starting to leave." I looked around and saw that everyone else had finished eating as well, and were beginning to head out, so I suggested we take off as well. Outside the building, Evan said he was going home to change into more comfortable clothes, and that he'd see us at the pub in a little while. We split up then, and he drove off in one direction, and I drove us home in the other. * * * When we got home, we too all changed into more comfortable clothes. No sooner had we all gone back downstairs, than Grandma and the twins called to congratulate me. I used the speaker phone mode on my cell phone, and we all had a short conversation. It was cold in New Jersey. The twins thought they were getting too much homework to do. The usual. They were all excited though about their upcoming trip to London at Christmastime. They wished we could all be together though for Thanksgiving. I told them we could all have another conversation on the phone like we were having then, on Thanksgiving too. They thought that would be nice, but still not like being together. We talked a little longer, then hung up. Jacob called Harry then, as Harry had asked him to call him when it was convenient for me to speak with him. So we talked a few minutes, then, as Laney and Steve were at the apartment, I chatted with each of them for a couple minutes. All three of them were depressed that they were going to miss the party at the pub! By the time we'd finished our phone calls, Laney's friend who we'd used a couple times to sit for Austin arrived. She was going to stay with Austin and Jack. She'd brought a new book she wanted to read, and told us to stay as late was we wanted to. We thanked her, and took off for the pub then. When we arrived, it was hard to find parking! The place was packed. George was open for regular customers, but our group had the back end of the pub, and George had even hung a couple of Union Jacks on the walls, to make it more festive. I couldn't believe all the people who showed up at the pub for my party! Of course Evan and all of our friends were there. But there were also several of our neighbors, including Mr. Walsh, and the Fletchers too! A couple of my new friends from University stopped by as well. And even Andy's mother shocked all of us by stopping by! She heartily congratulated me, and we squeezed her into the table we were seated at. She had a pint and some doughed bangers, and she and Andy had a nice little visit. I couldn't help wondering if Ian was lurking about outside, but she said she'd driven herself. She stayed about an hour, then said she'd best be getting along. A bit later on, one of my father's army buddies even stopped by. He said he only had time for a quick pint, as he was going back on duty in an hour, so we stood at the bar, and visited a few minutes over our pints. At some point somebody began to holler for me to play and sing, and soon the majority of the patrons, and all of my friends had started yelling for some entertainment. Finally I held up my hand and hollered, "OK already! I'll play and sing a little!" and almost instantly they were all clapping and cheering. I made my way to the piano and hollered, "Sorry, but I don't have my guitar, or amp, so you'll have to settle for my piano and non-amplified voice!" I thought a moment, and chuckled to myself, and announced, that since we were celebrating my new dual citizenship, I would start off with the national anthem! Purposely, I started playing and singing the "Star Spangled Banner"! "WAIT!" "STOP!" "WHAT'RE YA ON ABOUT MATE?" and all such cat calls erupted. I stopped and turned around laughing and said "Sorry - force of habit!" Then I turned back to the piano and started "God Save the Queen"! Before anyone could start singing, l began singing the words "My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty....", and again there was a eruption of bellowing, and a couple of people hollered that I was an arse! Chuckling I said, "OK - the real thing now!" And I did then play and sing the British National Anthem. As I did, and they realized I was being serious, some people stood up and then everyone did, and they all joined in singing loudly along with me! It was really quite impressive! When it was over with, a cheer went up - George bellowed "God save the Queen!" and the entire room responded by bellowing "Hip Hip Hooray!" They did this three times! Then everyone clapped and cheered, and sat back down. Grinning, I hollered for my University friends to come join me. At first they motioned "No", but I kept at them, and finally, laughing they made their way up to the stage, and joined me. All my other friends were a little surprised, but after I conferred with my friends and asked them to do the song we'd been practicing together for a school project, and they agreed, I sat down to play the piano while James broke out his tin whistle, and together we played the opening for Celine Dion's song "My Heart Will Go On" and Julia joined in and sang. Everyone was even more surprised... actually rather stunned! When the song ended, everyone was on their feet applauding and cheering loudly, and calling for more. Since we hadn't really practiced anything else together before, we talked it over a minute, and broke into a bunch of sing-alongs we all knew, and everyone boisterously joined in! And so, with the three of us playing and singing a bit, and some games of Arrows and Snooker, along with a lot of good British Food, washed down with a lot of ale, the evening flew quickly by, and before we knew it, it was last call! Most everyone in our group had been partying for so long, they decided to forego a last drink, and bid us farewell, and left. "Are you OK to drive?" Andy asked me, looking at me. "Yeah! I switched to ice water an hour ago!" I said, smiling. "Good, because I didn't!" he chuckled. Evan had actually had too much to drive as well, so Arthur asked for his car keys and went and moved his car off the street into the parking lot, and when he came back in told Evan he could bunk there overnight in one of the empty rooms upstairs. I was impressed! Arthur had come one Hell of a long way since I'd first met him! And so, I asked for the bill, and George told me it was all taken care of. I started to open my mouth, but he cut me off and said that Andy and all my friends had went in together on the party, and I needed to just go on home and get to bed! "Is that true?" I asked Andy, and he nodded and grinned. "Well... OK then I guess," I said. "But I feel a little guilty about it." "Go home John!" George barked. "OK - well, thanks! See you Friday then," I said. "See yer Friday!" George said grinning, and we left. In the car I asked Andy, "So really - who paid for all that food and drinks?" "Sincerely, all of us did collectively!" Andy said. "Although George did only charge us at cost, and subtracted a nice amount of that as well, as his contribution. Still - everyone did throw money in - even Jacob did!" "Really?" I asked, looking in the rearview at Jacob in the back seat. "Yup!" Jacob said, smiling. "Well, thank you guys so much for planning and organizing this all for me! It was great!" I said When we got home, I paid the sitter, and we let Jack out for a couple minutes. I gave Austin another bottle and changed his diaper, then we all crawled into bed, and went to sleep right away - no sex! That's how tired we were. * * * The next morning, Andy had early classes, so he took Jacob to school on his way to the university. I had the morning free, and stayed home with Austin and Jack. At ten minutes after nine, my cell phone rang. The screen only gave the calling number, no name, so it wasn't anyone in my contact list. When I answered, it was Lord Pemberly. I was surprised he was calling so early. "So, you said there's a problem?" Lord Pemberly asked, after exchanging brief pleasantries. "Is Jacob alright?" "Yes... and no," I said. "Jacob has found out that Duke isn't his biological father, and is determined to find out who his real father is!" I gave Lord Pemberly a brief run-down of all that had occurred, and when I was finished, he let out a huge breath, and said, "Bugger!" which also surprised me. "He hasn't learnt that I'm his father, has he?" he asked. "No," I said. "However, he knows that I know who his father is, and he knows our barrister knows. He highly suspects Duke also knows. And my partner Andy knows, but Jacob believes he doesn't, because Andy has a hard time keeping secrets. That said Sir, there are three other people besides you and I who are aware that you're Jacob's father, and two of those people aren't the best at keeping secrets - Andy, and Duke. Now, on top of that, as I told you, Jacob ran away to New York when he found all this out. And one reason he ran away is he was certain I know who his father is, and he couldn't handle the fact I would lie to him. When I caught up with Jacob in the States, I took him to an old family cabin, and we spent a couple days talking! At that time, I did finally admit to knowing who his father is, but I didn't give it away. I did my best to explain that his father simply wasn't in a position to meet him, or have a relationship with him. Naturally, that hurt him. Still, he couldn't really grasp the idea, especially after he asked if his father were a good man, and I told him you were the best! After that he was sure you wouldn't deny him knowing who you are, and meeting him. Honestly, I believe the only reason he agreed to return to England with me, was because, I agreed to try and set up a meeting between him and you. I told Jacob it might not happen, and in fact probably wouldn't. But he has faith that I'll be able to convince you. Now, to that end, I sincerely believe it's Jacob's right to know who his father is, and I also believe the two of you need to meet and talk. I also believe that Jacob wouldn't break your confidence, and would keep your secret. So... how about it? Can we please set up a one-time meeting somewhere for the two of you to meet privately, and discuss your situation, and anything else either of you wants to share with one another?" There was a long silence, but I knew he was there, because I could hear his breathing. Finally, Lord Pemberly gave a long, sad sigh, and said "I may live to regret this, but, alright, I'll meet him. But just this one time, and he has to promise to keep my identity a secret! Do you think you can get him to agree to that? And if he does agree, do you believe he will follow through and not let on that I'm his father?" I thought a moment and said, "Well, I think he'll be so excited about finally knowing who you are, and getting to meet you, that he'll agree to anything up front. I'll do my best to explain to him ahead of time that he cannot tell anyone that you're his father. But honestly, I believe you need to impress that upon him. I think you probably can get him to promise to remain silent on the matter. And generally, Jacob keeps his promises." "You're not 100% certain though, are you?" he asked, miserably. "To be honest, I'm probably 95% certain, but you need to remember, besides, the two of you, there are four other people who know, and a couple of them are not the best at keeping secrets, even if they mean to," I said. "I'll do my best to keep Andy under control, and at this point, I don't see that there's a reason Duke would talk... but... you can't tell about him." "Very well, I guess there's nothing else to do but move forward with the meeting then," Lord Pemberly said. "When and where do you propose we do this?" "Well," I said. "The sooner the better. And, I thought maybe we could meet at some public spot, where nobody would suspect anything of your being there, nor Jacob and I." "Actually," Lord Pemberly said, "I think I'd prefer to keep it to someplace small and out of the way, where I can sneak in the back way, incognito." I thought a moment and said, "What about the Bell & Crown? They have private parking and a back entrance that leads up to the upstairs, where there are a bunch of guest rooms. I work at the pub - singing Friday nights. I could talk with the owner, and get a room, and bring Jacob down, and then you could sneak upstairs, and duck into the room, and after the shock wears off for him, you too could talk alone for a while." "That actually sounds like a good idea!" he said, surprising me. "Cool!" I said. "When would you like to do this? Jacob's out of school by 3;00 each day. I do suggest a week day - not Fridays, as the pub's not as busy." "How about Wednesday afternoon, 4:00?" he asked. "Will that give you time to get him to the pub after school?" "Yes, that will work," I said, as I felt my heart begin racing. "Can I call you on this phone number? I'll arrange for a room, and call you with the room number. We'll be there at 3:45, in the room, and you can park in back, and sneak in the back entrance, and upstairs, and come to the room." "Yes, that will work, and yes, you can call me at this phone number. It's a personal mobile phone, registered under a false identity. You can use it to reach me though," Lord Pemberly said. "Very good," I said. "Should I go ahead and tell Jacob that you're his father then?" Lord Pemberly hesitated, then said, "I think you should wait, and let him find out when we meet. I'd rather have the opportunity to explain my side of things to him, right away." "OK," I said. "Well, if there's nothing further, I do need to get to Parliament," Lord Pemberly said. "I'm good, if you're good," I said. "I'll set up the room, and call and leave you a voice message with the room number, and we'll see you Wednesday at four." "Brilliant!" Lord Pemberly said. "See you then." "Very good," I said, and we both hung up. As I sat there with the phone in my hand, I felt a little stunned actually, as well as relieved that he'd agreed to meet Jacob, and at the same time, very nervous about it all. I was also surprised that as he was hanging up, he had suddenly sounded rather happy, and excited. I expected it was because deep in his heart, he desperately wanted to see Jacob as well. That thought at first made me feel good - good for both Jacob and Lord Pemberly. After further reflection though, I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy... once Jacob knew who his father was, and they'd met... things would be different - for everyone. I just hoped that Jacob didn't end up more hurt and confused than he already was! "Well," I muttered to myself. "Too late now... it's all in motion!" * * * Before I got busy, I decided to call the Bell & Crown and get a room nailed down. George was surprised when he picked up the phone, and heard my voice, as I usually never phoned the pub. "Is everything alright?" he asked, concerned. "Yeah, all's good," I said. "But listen, I need to rent a room for Wednesday afternoon, just for a few hours. I was hoping to get the one in the back corner, just as you come up the back stairs, before you come to Arthur's room. Is that available?" "Uh... yeah, it is," George said, sounding confused. "What d'yer need a room for just a few hours for? Are yer bringin' a woman here?" I burst out laughing, and said, "NO! I need a quiet out of the way place for a couple of people who need to meet in private." George still sounded concerned as he asked, "There's nuthin' illegal going to happen is there?" Again, I laughted and said, "Hardly. It's all on the up and up. Listen, you'll be doing a couple of people a great favor! So, can I get the room?" "Sure," George said. "Great! Thanks George! By the way, what's the room number for that room?" I asked. "13," he said, and oddly his voice sounded a bit ominous. "Wonderful!" I thought. To George I just said, "OK thanks George. I'll be there around 3:45 Wednesday then." "OK, see yer then!" George said. "Bye," I said, and we hung up. "Lucky room number 13 !" I muttered. "Great!" Quickly I called Pemberly's number, which I'd stored as a contact under "LJP" in my phone. It went to voice mail. I left a message telling him the room number was 13. A minute later, "LJP" texted. "Very good!" * * * "Sorry I'm a tad late. Did you have an exciting morning?" Andy asked, as he walked through the kitchen door a couple hours later, as I was sitting at the table feeding Ausitn a bottle. "Um... actually yes, but, I'm late now, so I'll fill you in later! Here!" I said, and I handed Austin off to him, grabbed my backpack and dashed out the door, leaving him staring after me, blinking. "Well," Andy said to Austin. "That was rather rude! Now I have to guess all that's happened while I was at Uni! I don't suppose you know what happened, do you?" Austin looked at Andy, belched, and smiled. "No, I figured as much!" Andy said. * * * Mondays were the day I came home late, even after Andy was back from Fletchers'. When I walked in the house a little after 6:00, I found Andy just where I'd left him, holding Austin, and an empty bottle. "You have moved since I left six hours ago haven't you?" I asked. "What?" Andy asked, confused. I chuckled and said, "You were standing in the same spot holding Austin and an empty bottle, just like that, when I left earlier!" I chuckled again, and Andy couldn't help snorting as well. "Well, he's a hungry little bugger!" he said. "So.... you left me in suspense, and it's been killing me all day! What excitement was there this morning???" "Oh!" I said. And I took a deep breath. Suddenly I felt a bit nervous about telling Jacob about his upcoming meeting with his father. I stepped over to the overhead cabinet next to the stove, where I'd stashed a bottle of scotch, got it out, along with two glasses and sat down at the kitchen table, as Andy looked at me, both surprised, and even with even more curiosity. "WELL???" Andy cried, as I slowly poured each of us a couple fingers of Scotch. "Jacob's going to meet his father Wednesday afternoon," I said. "I AM???" Jacob shrieked, causing me to jump. I hadn't heard him coming into the kitchen from the hallway behind me. At the same time, Andy's eyes bulged. "JOHN!!!! REALLY???" He cried, dashing around in front of me. Still oddly nervous about it all, I managed to smile, and nod. "I told you I'd speak with him and do my best to convince him to meet you, and well, we spoke this morning, and it's all set. You'll meet him after school Wednesday," I said. "WHO IS HE???" Jacob gasped. Frowning, I said, "He asked me not to tell you until you two meet." "Why???" Jacob asked. "What's the huge secret?" "You'll understand when you meet him, I said. "But for now, you'll have to trust me that it's all good. But Jacob... there's a catch." "What catch?" he asked, his joyous smile instantly replaced with a worried frown. "Your father is going to ask you not to ever tell anyone who he is, and he's not going to be able to meet with you again after Wednesday," I said, "What? Whhyyy???" Jacob asked, tears forming in his eyes. "I'll never see him again??? Why is he doing this to me??? He doesn't want me at all does he?" "Actually, quite the opposite!" I said, frowning. "He would like nothing more than to be your father. Unfortunately his circumstances don't allow for that." "I don't understand!" Jacob said, looking very confused, and hurt. "I get that," I said. "And, because of the situation, I can't try to explain any further at this time. But I expect you'll understand fully by this time Wednesday." Jacob snorted, and said, "Yeah... by this time on Wednesday, I'll have finally met my father, only to have lost him forever!" "I'm sorry Jake!" I said. "It's the best I could do, and actually, it may not always be this way. Things could change down the road, but ... you'll just have to wait and see." Jacob looked at me, and I could see the pain in his watery eyes. "I get it's not your fault," he said. "And I believe you tried your best. It just sucks though." With that, he turned and walked out of the kitchen and went back upstairs. "Fucking Hell!" I snapped, and I downed my entire glass of Scotch, as Andy looked at me with wet eyes, and sniffled. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next chapter in this series will be published as soon as possible... 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