Shadow of my Father - 2. Chapter 2

(CHRIS’S POINT OF VIEW)

When I woke up in the morning I was still sore. Still I knew I had to get into school today or questions will start to be asked. I got up, showered, dressed and headed out to school. As I was walking to front door as quiet as I could, I heard my dad in the kitchen slamming things around. I thought I made it to the door without my dad hearing me, but I was wrong on that.

“Chris I want you to come straight home after school. Is that understood?”

“Yes dad it is!”

I walked out and started my walk to school. About halfway to school, I ran right into Josh. When he saw me, his faced brighten up. Right away he was at my side. I didn’t want to look straight at Josh because I still had bruises and some cuts left from when my dad hit me.

I wasn’t so lucky though. As we talked I did look at Josh and his face dropped. He wanted to know what had happened, but I didn’t tell him. I asked him to please not say a word or ask about it and he agreed.

As soon as we got to school, Josh and I went our different ways. I needed to get to the attendance office and get my pass back to class. As soon as I walked into the attendance office, the clerk looked at me and she wanted to know what had happened.

I told her the story that I had rehearsed all weekend long. She knew I wasn’t telling the truth, but let it go. I was happy for that because I didn’t want to go into the principal’s office to explain it all over again. I have found in the past, as more people start to ask me questions, the more nervous I get, so I stumble in my story.

My first day back to school was full of students looking at me and wondering who had beaten me up. At least I think that is what they were thinking. I just wish they would go back to the way they were with me all my life. As a no body that didn’t deserve the time of day.

Finally school was out and swim team practice was left. I promised my dad I was going to quit the swim team. True to my word, I walked into the coach’s office to let him know I was going to quit the team

Coach Montoya looked up from his clip board when I walked into the pool area. I knew exactly what he is looking at. I walked up to him and started to speak.

“Coach Montoya I need to quit the swim team, Sir!”

“Chris, can I ask why you are quitting the team?”

“I am needed at home right now in the afternoons. So I cannot be part of the team anymore Sir!”

“You are having so much fun and it seems like you like being on the team.”

“I do coach, but my father feels I need to be at the house not here at school more then I need to be.”

“Chris, I really need you on the team. You and several others are the future of this team. I have plans for several of this year’s freshmen” Coach said really encouraging me.

“I just can’t stay on the team. My father will not allow me to.”

“Can you tell me why your father won’t let you stay on the team? Maybe I can help you and talk with your father!”

“No coach it has nothing to do with the team! It has everything to do with me and my private life at home.”

“Please stay for practice today and I will stop by your house this evening and see if I can get your dad to allow you to stay on the team.”

“Good luck on that sir, it will not happen. But I will stay for practice today!”

Right as we finished talking the rest of the swim team walked in. I headed to the locker room to change. They had already changed so I needed to get ready as well.

I got into my swim wear quickly and headed back to the pool. As soon as I got there the coach told me to join the rest of the team doing warm ups. I was so into the warm ups; I didn’t hear what was going on.

When I reached the wall, I looked over where the guys were looking and saw my worse nightmare coming true right before my eyes. My dad was there, drunk as usual, yelling at me to get out of the pool.

I tried to hide from him, I dunked under the water. Of course that didn’t work at all. As I came up I heard him using the “F” word. At this point I was so embarrassed all I wanted to do was to hide and never come out. Then my dad was right on above me, grabbing for me. Just as he got a hold of my hair, he slipped and fell into the pool. When he came back up, he was angrier then before.

He got out of the pool and then grabbed onto me by my hair and tossed me. Before I knew it my father was on top of me beating me once again. Coach tried to stop him, but he slipped or something. Then I got the biggest surprise I never expected.

The entire swim team was on top of my father pulling him off of me. Once again my father was in the pool. Just as before he got out and came after me. He was stopped by the members of the swim team. But my dad wasn’t going to stop,

I was begging my dad to stop. I knew if this continued, he was going to be taken away in handcuffs and I was going into foster care. I kept telling my dad I was sorry and I will go straight home. I just wanted him to stop, but nothing was working.

The doors to the pool opened and the security guards and the principal came running in. I knew that was it. The security guards tackled my father and handcuffed him before he knew what had hit him. They pulled him from the ground and sat him down on the bleachers. The principal wanted to know what in the world was going on.

I tried to explain, but I the principal could see is the beating my father was doing to me on the school property. I knew right then and there that the principal was not going to let this go. So I was not going home tonight.

The police were called and my father was taken into custody. I knew I was going to be taken in as well, but to be put into the system. I was going into foster care.

I wouldn’t be put in a cell or anything like that. It was the lunch room at the police station. I just there thinking to myself this was probably for the best. I can’t I show my face at school anymore after today. It was so embarrassing.

I was in there for well over an hour when an officer came in to get me. I expected to be taken to a van then to a group home at the best. But I got the biggest surprise of my life. As I walked out, the coach was standing there with two other women. I can only assume one of them is his wife.

I was guided over to them by the officer. The coach looked at me then back to the two ladies standing beside him. The older one with glasses spoke first.

“Chris Jimenez I assume!” She stretched out her arm for me to shake her hand. As I shook her hand I answered her question.

“Well Chris I am the Beverly Watkins and the social worker that has been assigned to your case. In the next couple of days I will need to sit down with you and find out what is going on in your household. But I will not do that tonight. You’re probably tired, hungry, and just want to forget what happened.”

“Thank you for that, Ms. Watkins! What’s going to happen to me now?”

“Well Chris I have several choices to choose from. I will allow you to make the decision. I never do this, but I have been told what a good person you are by several people so I will break my own rule.

I can either take you to a detention home for the night and then tomorrow or the next day to a group home. You’re not in trouble, but when we pull a child out of a home late at night like this it is the only option we have at the time.

The second choice is I can let you go home with Mr. Montoya and his wife tonight. They are registered foster parents for the State and have the room for you. I’d rather you go home with Mr. and Mrs. Montoya where your life isn’t changed that much.

So what is it going to be Chris?” Ms. Watkins concluded.

I sat there thinking on what Ms. Watkins said. She was right about going home with the coach and his wife. I surely didn’t want to spend any time in a detention home.

“If the coach doesn’t mind and it doesn’t put him out. I would like to go home with them.”

“Good decision Chris and they do not mind at all. As a matter of fact, they offered!”

I figure all the needed paper work or what ever needed to be done was already done before I walked out. Because all it took was me to agree to go with the coach and his wife. I was released to the coach and we headed out.

We didn’t say anything at first. The car was quiet as we drove to the coach’s house. When we got there I got out and just looked at it. For a teacher he has a beautiful home. I figure they pay teachers more now than I thought. The house is a two story home, nicely kept up, at least by the looks of the outside.

As we walked in the house, the coach introduced his wife to me.

“Chris this is my wife Nancy and Nancy this is Chris!”

We shook hands and then I was shown around the house. The final room the coach showed me is the room I am going to sleep.

“Coach I need to get some clean clothes and all my personal items!”

“I figured you’d need to do that. Let’s eat first and then we will go to your house and pick up whatever you need. Your father hasn’t been released yet.”

I agreed with the coach as we sat down for dinner. Nancy cooked meat loaf, mashed potatoes, corn, and bread for dinner. I cannot remember the last time I had a home cooked meal. In fact I do not think I ever have. My dad and I normally either eat sandwiches or T.V. dinners.

After going to my dad’s house and getting some of my belongings, I went to bed to end one of the worst days of my life. I know everyone at school will know what happened to me in the pool today. I need to be ready for the second worst day of my life tomorrow.

Nancy woke me up the next morning for school. I showered and dressed and was about to head out the door when Nancy stopped me to eat breakfast. Coach wasn’t there; he had left earlier in the morning.

“Chris how do you normally eat at school, does your dad give you money?”

“No ma’am he does not. I normally grab what ever is at the house or wait until I get home to eat for the day!”

“Well until I get used to your likes and dislikes, we are going to give you lunch money.”

“No ma’am you and coach do not need to do that. I will be fine, I promise!”

“Chris, you will eat three square meals a day while you are in this house.”

Nancy gave me several dollars for lunch. I felt bad taking the money from her and coach. They were already taking me in, and now this. I took the money and headed to school. As I arrived I was waiting for the mocking to begin, but nothing. No one even turned my direction and that really threw me in a loop.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

As everyone settled down and coach gave us his talk on not telling a soul about what happened in the pool and we were excused to go home. I showered and changed really quick and walked home. I still couldn’t believe what Chris’s dad did to him.

I went up stairs to do my homework before dinner. I just finished it as my mom called us down to eat. Even when my father is gone, my mom doesn’t change. She served us and made sure we had everything we needed before she sat down to eat. I always felt bad when I wanted seconds or another tortilla or refill to my drink.

Once I was done, I cleared my dish and placed it in the sink. As I was walking upstairs, my bothers started horsing with me. They know I do not like playing ruff, but they do it anyways. They kept picking me up and throwing me to the ground or couch. Each time I was getting angrier and angrier.

I finally was fed up with it, so I landed a punch on Carlos. He stumbled back, but when he regained his footing, he was angry. He was coming at me when mom walked in.

“Boys you know that your father doesn’t like you horse playing in the house. Leave Josh alone and go entertain yourselves in front of the television.”

We started walking off and Carlos punched me in the arm. My mom saw it and it didn’t make her happy at all.

“Didn’t you hear a word I was saying Carlos? Wait until your father hears that you deliberately ignored me after I told you not to horse play.”

Carlos was scared and he had good reason to. Whenever my father isn’t around, or even if he is, and our mom tells us to do something, you’d better treat it as if the request came from him. So by not listening to our mom, it isn’t listening to our dad.

After a couple hours of watching television, I was falling asleep in front of the TV so I decided to head upstairs and get ready for bed. I wanted the night to go by fast, so I can talk with Chris tomorrow. I have to find out what was going on.

As usual in the morning I ate breakfast with Eric. I didn’t see Chris anywhere in the cafeteria. As the bell rang for homeroom, Eric and I headed to class. The morning seemed to drag on and on. Second period is my most boring class even when I do not want to see someone or go somewhere.

During lunch, Eric and I sat down at our normal table. I was joking around with Eric when I saw his face change. Then I felt someone patting me on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Chris standing there with a lunch tray. This was the first time I have ever seen Chris in the lunch room or with food for that matter.

“Hey buddy! How’s it going? Please take a seat and chat a while!”

Chris sat down and started eating his lunch. Just like Eric, I couldn’t figure out what they were eating. That is what I was teasing Eric about when Chris came over. I decided to bring Chris into the joke.

“Hey Chris my friend, how is the slop today!” I started laughing while punching his arm.

At first I do not think Chris understood I was joking around, and then a he smiled. “Anything here is a hell a lot better then what I eat at home!” Chris chuckled.

I put on a fake smile and laugh, but man that sucks. If the school food is a hell lot better then what you are eating at home, there is a problem with the food at home. I didn’t want to get into it at the table with Eric there, so I just let it slide for now.

“Hey Chris I want you to meet my old friend, my best friend, Eric, Eric this is Chris, a friend swim team!” Both of them shook hands and went back to eating whatever the food was they were served.

Chris started breaking out breaking out of his shell when the bell rang. I saw a side of Chris that made my skin tingle. I cannot put my finger on it right now, but I will figure it out.

As we were walking out the door to head to our lockers, Elizabeth stopped me. She didn’t look to happy at all. I excused myself from Eric and Chris and walked several feet away from them to talk with Liz.

“What in the world is going on with you Josh? You have not called me or even bothered to hang with me since school started.”

“I am sorry Lizzy-bear, I really have no excuse.” I put on my puppy face look, and she always falls for it.

“Josh you keep doing this weird crap to me. There is going to come a day I will not forgive you for the crap you pull!” Liz said.

Liz pulled me in for a kiss. I started kissing her, but man I really hated doing so. Nothing’s wrong with Liz, but rather it is me. Really it is me, I am gay not straight.

We broke the kiss and I promised Liz that we will talk on the phone after swim practice today. We kissed one last time and we went our separate ways. Eric and Chris were waiting for me at the lockers. Chris just looked at me as I walked up to him and Eric.

Eric being his normal shelf, ragged on me. “Liz is becoming too demanding, it’s time to drop the woman. We are too young and just started our high school years to be tied down to any one woman.”

“Yeah, I know, I know.” I agreed. It’s just that we have been together since last year and it wouldn’t be right to just dump her now.”

“Screw that, just walk up to the woman and tell her its over and this is why. Just say we are at our prime and we need to roam free!” Eric said, punching me in the arm as he opened his locker!

Chris just stood there not saying a word. It looks like the good old Chris is back in his shell. The bell rang and he headed to his locker. Eric and I grabbed our books and headed to our first of the afternoon classes.

You might be confused right now so let me explain to you what is going on before I go any further. You remember me telling you that my father expects certain things from his kids; following in his footstep as far as sports, the military and on and on. Well he also wants each of us to marry a nice Hispanic woman, drop a few kids and make him a grandfather. That is what brings us here at this point.

My dad wouldn’t accept or understand that one of his kids is gay. So I started dating Elizabeth as a cover girlfriend where it makes my dad happy and he’s off my back. I know, I know, it never works, but I will keep trying. You have to realize, I don’t have options!

Now let’s continue! The rest of the afternoon went as slow as the morning. I do not know why, I’d already seen Chris. I figure it is just one of those Mondays. Slow as hell Mondays is what this one is turning into.

Finally it was time to go to swim practice. I look forward to this part of the day more than anything else. As soon as I walked into the locker room, I saw everyone sitting down on the benches. I took a seat right by Chris. Not a minute later after I took a seat, coach came out of his office.

“Ok guys it looks like everyone is here. Before we begin afternoon practice I need to make a couple things clear as far as yesterday. First, as I said yesterday, there will be no gossip about what had happened yesterday. What goes on in this pool during practice or meets, stays here. This is your extended family; we need to trust and respect one another.

Second as of right now Chris is staying with me and my wife. That doesn’t mean Chris is going to get special treatment or anything.”

We all looked over at Chris. I know this embarrassed him.

“And finally, I need to thank you all for a job well done yesterday. We stick up for one another no matter what. Now I am not saying fighting is the answer, but if you see one of your team members in trouble, you help him out. We all need to have each other’s backs covered. This really should apply to any person who can’t defend themselves!

Now if I made myself clear, let’s get ready for practice. Change and see you in the pool for warm up laps in five.”

The coach walked out and I got into my swimwear as quickly as possible. Chris and I finished at the same time and went running out to the pool at the same time. As we reached the pool area, we waited for the others to make it out.

As we did our warm ups, I looked up to the bleachers and saw Liz sitting there. I didn’t expect that she was going to come and watch me swim. I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing and the result I ran right into the wall of the pool. Man, that wasn’t smart and it hurt at the same time.

I looked around to see if anyone saw me, and it looks like no one did. I looked back to Liz and she was laughing. I pulled myself out of the pool and walked over to where the rest of the team was. The coach was starting to assign which event he thinks we would do best in. The coach assigned me in several events including the team event.

We spent the rest of practice working in the events the coach placed us in. I raced against the veterans of the team and actually beat them. It wasn’t by any huge margin, but I still beat them all the same.

The coach pulled me aside as we were heading in the locker room to change. “Josh I know you can and will be probably our best swimmer. Look at you right now how you are doing. You could only get better as you practice and listen to me.

With that said I need you to hear me and hear me good, you cannot have your girlfriends, parents, uncles or anyone here during practice. I made that clear the first day of practice and you signed onto it when you agreed to the rules. I run a close practice and there aren’t any exceptions to the rule. Do I make myself clear on this, Josh?”

“Yes sir you do and I will make sure it doesn’t happen again!” I responded very appropriately.

“Good and please make sure it doesn’t. I cannot have people on this team deciding which rules to follow and which not to follow. It will hurt this team if I have to remove you from it, but I will.”

I walked back into the locker and showered. As I was changing, Chris tried to talk to me, but my head was wrapped around what the coach told me. Why in the hell did Liz even come to practice? Damn it!

I walked out along side Chris chatting about the races we might swim. He seemed pleased with the ones he got. We are going to be on the same in team event, and that is awesome to me.

Chris said his good byes and met up with coach in his office. I walk out to the pool area and Liz is still sitting there. I walk up to her and grabbed her hand. We walked out, and I stayed quiet at first. I needed to speak with her but at the same time not get her angry with what I was about to say.

“Liz this is my fault because we haven’t talked since school has started. I just got my butt chewed by the coach because all swim practices are closed to everyone except team members. Again it is my fault because I didn’t tell you about it.”

“I am sorry Josh I didn’t mean to get you into trouble. I promise I will not attend any more of your practices. Still the swim team events are open to the public audience?”

“Yes you can watch me if I do compete in those!” I started laughing at what Liz said and the look on her face maid me laugh even more.

As we walked to my house, Liz got closer to me. We held hands all the way to my house talking about going on a date this weekend. She knows how my father is and how hard it is to get permission to go out on any date.

The minute I walked in the door, I told my mother I was home and that Liz was with me. She came out and greeted Liz as we put up our school books. Just the smile across my mother’s face makes this even harder for me. I know how much my mother and father love Liz. When the day comes, and that the day is going to come, that I break up with Liz, it will hurt them probably more than it will hurt me.

Liz and I went upstairs to my room. My mother doesn’t worry as much as my father if we have our girlfriends in our rooms. The reason behind that is the one time I found my mother constantly sneaking by my brother’s door and listening in to what was going in there when he has his girlfriend over.

I closed my bedroom door and went and sat down on the bed near Liz. I pulled out my Algebra book to start on my homework. Liz didn’t have that on her mind at all. She moved in closer to me and started to move her hands up and down my leg.

I moved away and placed my book bag in between us and pretended to be going through it looking for something. But it didn’t deter her at all. She moved in even closer and started to kiss me. I kissed her back. As I was kissing her back, she put her tongue in my mouth. I didn’t like it but also I didn’t return the kiss either.

I figure this gave the ok for her to go even further. She started moving her hands up my leg and inch by inch making her way to my zipper. It really made me feel ugly having her touching me like that. There’s nothing wrong with Liz, I’m just not into her sexually.

I thought to myself to let it go! That way she could talk that we went further than just kissing. I needed to find a way of getting hard, so I started thinking of Eric like I always do, but my mind wouldn’t stay with Eric. It kept jumping to Chris in my head. We are taking a shower in the locker room showers after practice. We still have on our Speedos. Water is rolling down his body! I could make out the lump in his shorts. Man was I getting hard just thinking of him.

I didn’t even notice when Liz unzipped my zipper and had her hand in my pants. I just kept my eyes closed thinking about Chris. He walks across the shower to me, with his chest glistening with the water running down his chest. As he walks up to me, he grabs me and pulls me close to him.

Before I knew it, we were kissing. I just loved the way Chris’ lips felt against mine and then he does something I don’t expect. He starts kissing down my wet body, at the time I was thinking this; Liz pulls up my shirt and is kissing me down my chest.

Chris starts to tug at my shorts; Liz is taking off my belt and undoing my pants. Before I know it, Liz has my hard cock out and in her mouth. I don’t even pay any attention to her as she was going down on me. I love what my imagination is doing for me!

Chris tugs my shorts down, putting my pulsing cock in his mouth. He starts bobbing up and down on my eight inch circumcised cock. I am surprised he takes my entire cock in his mouth.

I am reaching climax really quickly, I jolted a little and then my entire body tightens up. I feel this feeling I have never felt in my life. I go numb all over my body. Then I feel this flood of emotions going through me.

I don’t even open my eyes at all. I love seeing Chris going down on me, even if it is just in my head. I started blasting, shooting everywhere. I don’t even bother to count how many times I shoot, I just shot.

I lay back as I shot my last load. For the first time since Liz started going down on me, I open my eyes. I was out of breath, trying to catch it. Liz lay right next to me and started kissing me. I really didn’t want to be kissing her after having such an amazing imaginary sex with Chris.

So as Liz kisses me and I go back into my head again. Chris stood up and leans into me as I am sliding down the wall of the shower. He holds me up, and we kiss this long patient kiss. Then it was over, he disappeared from my dreams.

I opened my eyes and look over at Liz. At first I didn’t know what she was smiling at, and then I looked down to my lap. I was rock hard again, and it wasn’t because of Liz, it was because of Chris. Liz started jerking me off, when my mom calls for us.

I jump off the bed, grab the towel next to my hamper, and quickly cleaned up. Liz is just sitting there looking at me with a big smile on her face. As soon as I knew I was clean, I pulled up my pants and then we both went downstairs.

All through dinner, Liz was doing weird things with her food. When ever she would put a carrot in her mouth, should act as if it was my cock, or a green bean. I was lucky that none of my brothers or mother saw her doing it.

As soon as we were done, I picked up my and Liz’s plates and placed them in the sink. Then I walk Liz to the door, and she leans in and kisses me. We say our goodbyes and she was gone. Boy was I happy that Liz left; I couldn’t stop thinking about Chris all through dinner. My dick never went down.

(CHRIS’ POINT OF VIEW)

 

When I joined Josh and his friend for lunch, I was happy as could be. Josh right away took me in as if we had known each another forever. He joked with me and got Eric into the joking as well. Every time I looked at Josh, I fall for him all over again.

He is the type of guy that is in love with life and makes everyone around him feel just great. No one felt lesser of a person to the other. He somehow splits his time evenly with each of us, and, at the same time, doesn’t ignore the other. Some may say people like Josh, in love with life, try get away with everything with just charm nothing more than that. Josh isn’t like that at all. He works hard at his studies, swim team, and his friendships. He cares, works for and deserves everything he gets.

As we were walking to the lockers, this girl I have never seen again is calling for Josh. I looked at her as she approached him. The look on his face was a look of ‘give me a break’ kind of thing. Then the next thing I found out was this girl is Josh’s girlfriend. They have been going out for over a year now.

It just threw me into a totally bummer mood. Couldn’t believe this cute guy has a girlfriend. I really thought I had a chance with him, but now it has been confirmed that he is straight. Damn! When is my luck ever going to change?

The rest of the afternoon I was in a bad mood. I misread the signs coming from Josh. I thought he was interested in me as I was in him. I was really wrong about that. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it all afternoon.

Then to make matters worse, she shows up for swim practice. By the look on Josh’s face, he didn’t know she was coming. Still, she was there and it was against the rules. We finished up swim practice, coach pulled Josh aside and then Josh came in and hurried to get showered and changed.

We walked out talking again as if we were old friends. Josh walked very close to me the entire way to coach’s office. A couple of times he would brush up against me as we walked. Then he would brush his hand against mine as we walked. I would look at him and he would just smile at me.

This guy is either, just very friendly and confident in his sexuality or, he really does like me. It has to be the former rather than the latter, because he has a girlfriend. Damn, what I wouldn’t do to get my hands on this guy’s body. He is so damn hot; I could go all day with him.

As we reach coach’s office, Josh shook my hand and left. I walk into the coach’s office holding a book in front of my pants. I have a rip roaring hard on that wants to rip through my pants. I really want to get Josh into bed. Coach looked up at me and then pointed to the seat in front of his desk.

“Chris, give me a few minutes to finish this paperwork and then we can go!”

“No problem coach, I can wait.”

“By the way Chris, when we are not in practice or here at school on a professional level, call me Juan or John if that makes you feel comfortable.”

“Thank you John, and either way is fine with me.”

Coach finished his paper work and we headed home. I really wish this would become permit, but my dad can get out and demand for me to go home. When we walked in the house, you could smell the food on the stove. The next thing I heard was Nancy calling out that dinner was ready.

For the last two nights, I have sat at the table eating dinner as a family for the first time in my life. I really liked it. I was putting my dish in the sink getting ready to wash it when Nancy came up to me.

“Chris, don’t worry about that. I will wash the dishes. Juan and I want to talk with you before you go and do whatever homework you have to do.”

I followed Nancy back to the table, and coach was sitting there. He looked at me and Nancy as we were taking our seats.

“Chris, not to worry; you aren’t in trouble with us. I just need to be sure you understand what all is going on here; that’s all.”

I nodded my head in agreement and looked straight at coach. I really hope he doesn’t have bad news like I have to go back home to my dad.

“As you know you were put in our custody temporarily. Your dad bailed out of jail today, as he has the right to. The first thing he did was call and see where you were at. They didn’t give him that information, but if he wants you, he will not stop looking for you.

This afternoon Mrs. Watkins, the lady you met yesterday, went to the judge and had a protective order put in place. What this means is that your father cannot come within one hundred yards of you, or he will be picked up.”

“How long does that stay in place Juan?”

“As long as you do not go back to your dad and live with him or when he goes in front of a judge to have it removed. There is no way a judge will remove the protective order until he is found not guilty in court for what he has done to you.

This isn’t the first time he has beaten you Chris, is it?”

At first I didn’t want to answer the question. I was more embarrassed than anything else. I started to mumble my answer to the coach.

“No sir, this wasn’t the first time he has beaten me.”

“There are several open case files of child neglect or abuse on your father. But I can bet you my last dollar there are a lot more abuses you have gone through that haven’t been reported. Don’t worry; I know this is hard for you to talk about. I will not make you answer my questions.”

The coach just sat there talking to me as an equal, which I have never gotten from a grown up. He explained to me the rules of his house and what he expects of me while I live under his roof. It was up to me to either have Nancy fix me a sack lunch or they will give me money for lunch. He doesn’t want to ever again hear that I am going without a meal. Then he left me with one last lingering thought.

“And Chris, if there is anything you need to talk to me or my wife about; I mean anything, please feel free to talk to us. Neither I nor Nancy will ever judge you. We will back you and support you with whatever you face as you go through life! “

With that I was excused and I headed upstairs. I thought to myself what a cool people coach and Nancy are. I wonder if he knows that I am gay, and if so, will he and his wife actually support a gay person in his house. With that bouncing around my head, I went to sleep for the second night without any worries of being woken up with my dad barging into my room screaming and hitting me.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

The minute I got to school, Liz was waiting for me. She grabbed my hand and we walked into the cafeteria together. I found Eric in the normal spot, but this time he is with Chris. I felt really bad that I am with Liz rather than the one I truly want to be with.

Liz and I sat down at the table with the guys. Right away, Liz puts her hand into my lap. I really think she wants to send a loud and clear message I am taken; no longer on the market for any other girl that would be looking at me.

All of us sat there talking. The minute Chris opened his mouth I knew Liz didn’t like him at all. Just the look in her eyes told the entire story. She was actually throwing daggers at Chris. I wanted to defend Chris so bad, but bit my tongue the whole time.

After breakfast Liz and I were walking out of the cafeteria and she started going at it.

“Josh, I do not want you to hang around that freak, Chris. Do you understand?”

I stopped dead in my tracks and looked at her, thinking to myself; who in the hell does she think she is? She has no right telling me anything I can or cannot do. She certainly has no say in who I have as a friend or hang with.

“Elizabeth, why in the world don’t you like Chris? You just met the guy less then thirty minutes ago and you are already passing judgment on him!” I said letting my displeasure show clearly.

“Don’t you see the way he is looking at you? It looks like he is stripping you with his eyes. There is no way you can tell me that that guy isn’t gay and that he is hot for you bad!”

“Even if he is gay, even if he is hot for me, who cares? Chris is a good guy, going through a bad time in his life! I want to be his friend.”

“Josh don’t you understand by hanging around one those, they make you into them. It doesn’t sit right with me and I know it will not sit right with your parents!”

“First of all, how do you know what will and will not sit right with my parents? Second of all, you cannot catch being gay. That shows how dumb you are about this. And finally just give Chris a chance; you will see he is a really great guy” I said standing my ground.

“Josh I am not dumb and I do not like being called dumb. Also if you ever want me to do what I did for you last night, and I know you enjoyed it, you will drop that friendship with that faggot!” she all but ordered and clearly threatened.

“I never asked you to do that to me. So if you don’t do it again, I can live with that. Plus, I do not care what you, my parents, or anyone else says, for that matter! I will be friends with whomever I want. That includes Chris!”

“What if I say if you do not end the friendship with Chris, then I will end our relationship?” Liz had the temerity to ask.

“I would say that I will miss you. I will not allow you or anyone else to demand anything of me is such a manner; even more to the point, who I choose to be friends with. Do I make my position perfectly clear, Liz?”

With that, Liz got angry and stomped off. Maybe it would be good if she would break up with me. That way it would be her and I could go out with the one I really want to go out with. I would have to hide it, but still, I would be happy.

(ERIC’S POINT OF VIEW)

The moment Liz got up. I knew she wasn’t happy at all. At the same time I knew she was going to let poor Josh know it too. Josh shook our hands and left with Liz. I was left with Chris. Josh was right about the guy. He is a pretty cool guy.

Chris is funny and just lightens up when he is around Josh. One thing I do know for sure, and I know that is wrong with Liz; Chris is gay. Plus Chris is hot for my friend Josh. If Josh was gay, these guys would be a good couple.

Chris and I got up and just talked as we went out to the stadium. Chris was loosening up around me more and more. Although he didn’t light up as he does with Josh. He was still opening up to me.

I found out he is living with the coach from the swim team. He likes it there and doesn’t know how long it will last. He told me a little bit about his dad and they way he is. Chris really didn’t get into a lot of detail. I knew it bothered him a lot to do so. I didn’t push him. What ever he is willing to tell me, I listened.

We heard kids screaming, so we looked around to see what was going on. A shit load of frogs were flying through the air falling onto kids on the stairs leading into the building. I couldn’t help but start laughing at these guys. It was funny as hell.

I knew it was a joke. Frogs cannot fly and everyone knows that. I got up and walked over to where the frogs were landing. I picked one up and looked at it. It belongs to the science lab. They are dead and have been for a while.

I turned around and threw the frog at Chris. He started running around in a circle that just made me laugh even harder then I did before. As I was watching Chris brushing off his clothes, I saw Josh walking up to us.

“Hey Josh! You just missed all the excitement!”

“It looks like I have! What in the world happened here?”

“Someone was on the roof throwing dead frogs down on us! I mean on those sitting on the stairs at least! I find it funny, but your buddy over there doesn’t!”

“I found the frogs being thrown off the roof funny, but not being thrown on me!” Chris was still brushing his clothes off.

“You and Chris were sitting on the stairs?”

“No, I just picked up a frog and threw it on him. Anyways, what is up with that old ball and chain of yours? She seems to own your balls already man!”

“No, she just being the same old Liz; that’s all!”

“This time it looked like more then that. She was huffing and puffing as you two were walking out of the cafeteria!” I laid out my observations.

“I know, but I put my foot down. If I let her push me here, then she knows she can push me around all the time. I won’t have that!”

“Well whatever it was, you better watch out. She is over there watching us right now.”

Josh turned around and looked where I pointed, Liz didn’t look happy for whatever reason. I looked at Josh and he looked angry as well. He ignored her and turned to us.

“So what were you guys doing before the flying frogs made their appearance?”

“Chris and I were just sitting here talking about pretty much nothing, that’s all!”

“Oh I see, and then let me sit here and talk about pretty much nothing with you guys. I have a riddle for you two. Do you want to hear it?”

“Do I have a choice in the matter?” I already knew the answer to that, but it didn’t hurt to try. I looked over at Chris and he was just hanging on every word Josh was saying.

“You know the answer to that, no! Here it goes: Let’s say I have two coins in my hand. You add the two coins together and they total out to fifty five cents. But one of the two coins isn’t a nickel. So what are my two coins you guys?”

“This is real American money, not fake Josh’s make believe money?”

It is real money Eric, just tell me the answer, don’t try to see if I will slip up and give away the answer!”

“Well one of the two coins has to be a fifty cent piece for sure!” Chris said scratching his head. “That makes the other a nickel, has to be a nickel!”

“Remember Chris I said one is not a nickel. So are you sure about this?”

Chris just sat there rubbing his head and shaking it no. I was confused as all hell. If one of them isn’t a nickel, there is no way it ca ne done!

“Come on Josh, you’ve got to be pulling our legs. If one of them isn’t a nickel, then there isn’t any way. There is no answer to your riddle!”

“Trust me my friend Eric, there is an answer. Just listen to the words closely and it will come to you.”

Right then the bell rang and we headed into the building. I watched out for flying frogs as we walked up the stairs. All the way to our lockers, I kept asking Josh what the answer was. He wouldn’t tell me. All he kept saying is listen to the words and it will come to us.

Chris separated from us where he could get his books and go to class. Josh and I grabbed or books from our lockers and went into homeroom. Still on my mind the riddle Josh told me and I knew it wouldn’t stop bothering me until I find out the answer.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

As the morning wore on, I was increasingly bothered by the way Liz demanded me to stop being friends with Chris. She thinks because Chris is gay, and that still hasn’t been confirmed, that I can become gay. Bad news to Liz, I am gay and there isn’t a thing she or anyone can do about that fact.

By the time lunch rolled around. I hung out with Eric and Chris. I noticed that Eric and Chris are getting along better than I expected. If I didn’t already know that Eric is straight, I would think he wanted what I wanted: Chris! Wait a minute here! What if Eric is doing the same thing I am doing, you know acting straight? No, that cannot be; at least I really hope not!

Liz didn’t come around during lunch time. I know she is pretty angry with me right now. I really hope this unsettled her enough that she will break up with me. That way she is the bad guy not me.

The bell rang and off we went to start the afternoon classes. I enjoy my fourth period class. I love math and again this teacher is awesome when it comes down to teaching the course. Mr. Becker turns everyday into an amusement park of math.

Fourth hour flies by way too fast for my taste. I then have to deal with ROTC afterwards. That means my brothers, acting all cocky and superior then me. I walked across the street, and with out skipping a beat, my brothers jumped all over me.

I ignored them, they are not my father. They may think they are when he isn’t home, but they aren’t. The rest of the afternoon went by slower then snails crawling. Once the final bell rang, ending sixth period, I was happy.

Liz popped in my mind once again, as she has been doing all day long! It isn’t anything positive; I just wish I knew what she was going to do. I need to know if she is going to break up with me or not. I was in my own mind and I didn’t even notice when I bumped into Chris.

When I looked up and saw it was Chris that I bumped into. I cracked a smile as he was looking . He smiled back at me. I almost lost my balance once again when he smiled at me. I just love his smile, the white teeth showing off and the dimples on each side of his face. Pouty lips curling up, bringing attention to his eyes. I popped a half-boner right there.

We walked into practice. Today swim team practice was harder then any practice we have had in the past. The coach is getting us ready for our meet this Saturday. He wanted to win and win with a clear message.

When I got home, I was surprised to see Liz sitting in the living room. I looked at her, but she didn’t have a smile on her face. I didn’t know why she was there and why she didn’t tell me she was coming over. I walked into the living room and looked at her.

“Liz what are you doing here? I don’t recall inviting you over.”

“Josh I needed to talk to your mother. You are not listening to me!”

“What? You needed to talk to my mother! What gives you the right to barge in here to talk to my mother as you wish?”

I was raising my voice! Liz had no right doing what she did, and she knows it. The look on her face told me a different story. She still thinks she is right and has the right to be here and talking to my mother. My mom walked in and sits down.

“Josh you will show respect to Liz! It took a lot for her to come here and talk to me about this!”

“No I will not show her respect, when she didn’t show me any respect! She has no right going to you or anyone else when we disagree!”

“Josh you need to settle down and listen to her. She had a point. I do not like the idea you are hanging around a kid that is gay, Josh!”

“Mom we do not even know if is or not. Even if he is, we were brought up to respect everyone no matter what walk in life that person comes fun. That includes religion, ethnicity, sex, or now in this matter gay or straight. Do you want me to throw out the window everything you and dad taught me?”

“Josh, you are taking what we taught you to a level we never intended it to go. If this kid is gay, I, and I know your father, wouldn’t want you hanging around him!”

“With all due respect mom, I will hang around with this kid. He has not done me or anyone close to me wrong. Until that day comes, I will not stop being friends with him. Now in this matter with Liz is a different story. She has done me wrong!”

“Wait a minute Josh, don’t take this wrong! She was just scared and wanted me to know what was going on with you.”

“Mom you would have never pulled this stunt with dad. I know you didn’t when you were going out, and you wouldn’t do it now. Liz has disrespected me and that is totally uncalled for.”

I used my mother’s up bringing to my adavantge. I know for a fact my father would not stand for it and my mom knows that.

“Josh you are right on that. Still, times have changed since me and your dad were going out. Let’s let your dad settle this later this evening when he calls!”

“Fine I cannot say no to that, but I will settle this part now! I looked straight at Liz before I spoke again.

“I really hope you feel this was worth it. I am now going to have to explain to my father about a good guy and friend. You have started a firestorm in this house that didn’t need to be started. With what you did, I cannot trust you. You went behind my back to my mother crying to her about our issues. I cannot date or I do not want a person around me that is so willing to stab me in the back like this.

We are done Liz as now. Please get up and leave this house. I do not want you around me or my family anymore!”

Liz just looked at me and started crying. My mom walked over to her and held her. As she held her, she was looking at me.

“Josh this isn’t you! Do not do this to the poor girl. Settle down and think about what you just did. I know if you do that, you will make a different decision on this.”

“Mother, my decision is made on this subject! It wouldn’t matter how long I think about it. Liz has broken my trust, and I just cannot trust her again. If I cannot trust a person, I then cannot be around that person. As far as me and Liz are concern it is over and that is final!”

I got up and walked upstairs to my room. I heard Liz crying all the way upstairs. The minute I stepped into my room I was trembling. I couldn’t believe what I just done with Liz. Now I have to put together another cover for myself. More now than ever since I am standing firm about staying friends with Chris.

I heard the front door open and then close. I really hope it is Liz leaving. No matter how much my mom doesn’t agree with me on my decision, it has been made. My mom cannot change my mind on it.

I was nervous all through dinner. My mom wouldn’t speak with me and my brothers just gave me looks. As soon as I was done, I placed my plate in the sink and headed back to my room. As I was doing my homework, the moment I dreaded the most arrived. The phone call from my father!

“Josh come down here, your father wants to speak with you!”

TO BE CONTINUED……………..

WRITER'S CORNER:

{It looks like Elizabeth opened a door of trouble for Josh. What right was it of hers to go and talk with Josh’s mother like she did? Josh had every right and reason to break it off with her. He cannot trust her at all. Will Josh bend to his mother and make up with Liz? Remember Josh needs to cover up the fact that he is gay to his parents. Chris’s dad got out of jail and wants Chris back. I really hope he doesn’t get Chris back, but who knows how the law works. Josh’s closes friend Eric seems to like Chris as a friend. Josh really wanted that to happen. Do you think it is an act and really Eric thinks along the ways as Liz does? There is already plots open that you need to stick around and find out what happens. Then there are so many other plots that have not even popped up yet! Stick around 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:

OK…major cliffhanger! I read the story as it unfolds and never read ahead. It’s part of my system to be sure no detail is left dangling.

Right now, I’m ready to start work on Chapter 3. I was going to give up working for tonight, but, with the cliffhanger, I HAVE to start working on the next chapter. I won’t be able to sleep if I don’t !

If you are new to Jacob’s work, let me warn you that you need to be ready for a LONG ride. This story, like his first, will NOT be a short story by any means.

Let Jacob and me hear from you via e-mail. Your reactions and responses do, at times, make some changes in the story line.

Remember, flames will be politely ignored!

Ok…enough for now..I have to open Chapter 3 !

Until next time,

“Daddy” Rick