Shadow of my Father - 6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

(MARTHA LOPEZ POINT OF VIEW)

I really didn’t want to let Josh go to the hospital and see that kid. I don’t trust that kid with any of my sons, more so with Josh. Josh has a big heart that gets him into a lot of problems he has a hard time getting out of. I only wish he turned out more like Carlos and Daniel. I also really hope Brandon doesn’t turn out like Josh. More and more Brandon stays around Josh and I worry.

The phone rang and I knew who it was. I walked into the den and answered the phone by the third ring. Daniel senior does not like to be kept waiting.

“Hello, Lopez residence, this is Martha!”

“Hon it is me! You don’t need to answer the phone like that. Just say hello and move on!”

“I know Danny, but I feel it is a must to answer the phone in that fashion…….”

We went through the normal how we each are, how the kids are and how the house is running. Daniel asked if I needed anything for the house or the kids. But it always seems to swing around to Josh when we talk. I wanted to know so I asked Daniel how he saw the boys.

“Hon, you really want to know the reason I seem more concerned about Josh than the others? I will tell you why. Daniel and Carlos are out there pleasing me on everything I ask of them. I know they will follow me into the military. They will marry and settle down to have a few kids along the way. Once done with the military they will get good jobs in the private sector and live their lives.

There’s nothing wrong with that at all! I really hope they do that and not look back. Josh is entire different story. Brandon I still don’t know where he stands.

Josh fights the status quo. He doesn’t want to be a duplicate of me. He wants to make his life his own and no one else’s. I really believe Josh is going to go places more than the other boys. Josh is strong and he leads and doesn’t follow! I love that about our son.

Don’t get me wrong, Hon. I love all our kids the same. Josh has really caught my eye in that he might lean toward doing the political thing like I want to do. I believe he can and will do whatever his heart desires; as all of our boys could!” Daniel concluded.

“Let me ask you this then Danny? What if your son is influenced by that kid that is gay and he turns our son gay? What do we do then? You don’t see gay politicians out there!” I asked.

“Martha, having gay friends will not turn someone gay! Look at me I have several gay friends and I am not gay. You can attest to that while we are in bed next time when I get home!” Daniel said in a humorous way, getting his point across and making me blush.

We both laughed at Daniel’s remarks.

“Martha if our son wants to have a gay friend, just let him. Josh knows what he is doing. If any of our sons comes to us and tells us they are gay, we will accept them as that and love them the same no matter what. We both were brought up in what is now, back dated beliefs. Times are changing and we must lead in these times. Please Martha, promise me to stop riding Josh about his friendship with this guy!”

“I promise Daniel because you asked me. Did you get the package a sent you?” I asked.

“Believe it or not, I got it this morning. The post office tries to get packages and letters to soldiers deployed overseas as quickly as possible. It doesn’t take as long as it did during the last conflicts we were in.

Anyways I was surprised at first it was a video tape. I was confused until I read your letter. I immediately went to the mess hall and threw the tape into the VCR. Martha our boy can sing!” Daniel exuded.

“Yes Danny he surely can sing!” I said with pride.

“I kept rewinding it over and over again, at least five times. Then several officers and a lot of other soldiers gathered around the TV as I watched the performance. They loved the way Josh sang also. He is going places, Martha.”

We sat there talking about the kids, the performance, and when he thinks he will be able to come home. Right now all that is up in the air as far as when he was going to be able to get back to us! He just told me to be patient and hold down the fort while he was gone. We talked for at least an hour before he had to go. We said our goodbyes and hung up.

I sat there in the study going over what Daniel had told me. I know he thinks he’s right about having gay friends but with Josh it’s a different story. I will need to find a way to keep this friendship from going anywhere. As I do that, I need to keep in mind the promise I made to Daniel. He can’t find out I am going around his back on this.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

We arrived at the hospital and took the long ride up the elevator to the fourth floor. I thought the ride took longer then ever before. I could just owe it to me not being impatient out to find out what is going to happen with Chris.

Once we walked into the room and I saw the doctor standing on one side of the bed and the Coach’s wife on the other side. Coach walked over to his wife as Brandon and I stood in the middle of the bay; if you can call it the middle! The bay is only large enough to hold the bed, machines Chris is on, and two chairs.

The doctor looked over to Coach and started to explain to him that Chris’s vitals were better over night and he feels even more confident to be able to take Chris off the machine.

We just stood there watching as the doctor started to turn several switches on the machine. He turned to Chris and did something to the tube going to down his throat. Then it happened, the alarms went off.

The doctor turned around and did something else with the machine again which shut off the alarms. He pulled several wires and tubes off of Chris. Then he just stood there looking at the screen. I wondered why he didn’t pull the big tube going down his throat.

The doctor turned around and smiled. “Everything is looking very good for this young man. I have a very good feeling he is going to make it.”

“Doctor, a question for you; why didn’t you remove the big tube going down Chris’s throat?” I asked.

“Jake it is because this tube helps him breathe. I do believe he can breathe on his own, but I can’t remove it unless he is awake. He needs to do things as I remove it!”

I just nodded my understanding. He is the doctor but it still confused me. They stuck it down there when he wasn’t awake, why can’t they take it out of him? We stood there like bumps on a log trying to see if Chris will do something. Nothing changed except Chris didn’t have as many tubes and wires going in and out of him.

“You guys were expected Chris to jump up awake the minute I took these wires and tubes out. He will wake up but it will be on his own time table” the Doctor explained.

The doctor spoke up as he left the room. All of us just looked at each other not really knowing what to say about what the doctor just said. I moved in closer to look at Chris and see if there is any change in his face. I saw no change at all.

The Coach asked me if it is ok they take Brandon down to the dinning hall to get something to eat. I nodded ok; I really didn’t have a problem with that.

(CHRIS’S POINT OF VIEW)

I know I am not dead because I keep hearing voices around me. I just can’t open my eyes or move at all. I can make out it is Coach and Nancy there talking. I know Nancy has been staying with me all the time. I also know I have to be in the hospital because of the sounds of the machines and medical lingo I keep hearing.

The really last thing I can remember that happened to me is going through the windshield of my father’s truck. Then I saw the front end actually come at me. The last voice I heard was Josh’s. He was singing to me as I sat there when I as going in and out.

I remember several people around me talking and asking questions. I felt my chest explode and then I opened my eyes when gasping for air. I know I grabbed my wallet and handed to someone to call Coach.

That was it until now. I hear the voices of Coach, Nancy, I think the doctor. Someone else I don’t even know said a few words. Still the most important voice I wanted to hear and have been hearing since I have been in here is Josh’s.

Josh’s voice brought me back from the darkness. I don’t know where I was or where I was going but I do remember Josh holding onto my hand pulling me back with his voice. I know he cried and begged me to stay with him. I know if I was conscious I would have cried too.

Then Josh did the most unbelievable thing for me, he sang. He has sung to me everyday since I have been here in this bed. His voice is what I look forward to every day. I love his voice and him singing just for me. It makes me feel so special.

Now there is something going on here. Someone is tugging on me! They are pulling out something from my body! Please who ever this is stop hurting me, please! They can’t hear and I am screaming at them at the top of my lungs, but nothing is coming out. Please, Please, Pretty Please stop it! I want to live!

Now there are all these alarms going off. What is going on with me? Am I going to die? Please doctors stop this and make me better. Now it is very quiet in the room. Have I died and now I am in heaven or something like that?

That voice I can only place as it being a doctor. He is speaking! I just can’t make out what he is saying. What is he telling those that are there with him? Then I heard the voice I look forward to hearing everyday. It is Josh asking something I can’t make out. Whatever he asked is explained away by the doctor.

Now it is the Coach’s voice talking to Josh. I still can’t make out what they are saying. What is wrong with me? Chris, open your eyes; yell at them that you are still here. Just open your damn eyes Chris!

Nothing happened at all. I still lay here knowing what is going on around me, but know that no one knows that I can hear and feel everything that is happening. It is very quiet now in the room again. I wonder if everyone left. Maybe that is what they were talking about.

I felt the loving hands of my Josh. I know when Josh is holding my hands. He just has this feel that is just Josh. Oh yeah, that is what I want from the one I love. Josh is kissing me on the lips right now. I only wish I can return the kiss to him. I want to show him the love I have for him.

“Chris, I am here for you no matter what. Please don’t give up! Stay with us and see your way back. I don’t care how long it takes, just come back Chris!” Josh was pleading with me.

I really wanted to cry, I know I am crying inside. Still I can’t open my eyes. I try and try to open my eyes. The only thing I can do is squeeze Josh’s hand. Just as he finished I squeezed his hand to let him know I heard him.

Josh just held my hand even tighter when I squeezed his. Then he started singing a song to me that made me fall to pieces. I wanted to wake up and just grab Josh and hold him for the rest of my life. As he sang I couldn’t help but cry. Josh really loves me and I know that more now than ever before.

I recognized the song right away. It is one of my favorite Whitney Houston songs, “Saving All My Love For You”. Call me sappy or gay, but I love that song. By the way I am gay.

I know now that Josh is mine and will always be on my side. I just wish I could wake the hell up and be with him. Once Josh finished the song he kissed me again.

All of a sudden Josh let go of my hand. Then I knew why he did. I heard the Coach talking to him. He told Josh it was time to go. I didn’t want Josh to leave just yet. Please let him stay for just a little longer. I tried to move more than my hand. It must have worked.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

Coach came in and patted me on the shoulder. I saw him and my brother coming down the walk way before he walked into the bay. I was able to let go Chris’ hand. I turned around to see what Coach wanted. I kind of know it is time to go.

I got up and spoke with the Coach when I saw his eyes move over to the bed. I looked behind me and saw Chris’s arm and one leg moving around. The Coach’s wife right away went for the doctor. I went to Chris to see if he is awake.

The doctor rushed in looked over Chris. He looked at us after a few minutes and smiled. I am starting to hate this guy’s smile.

“This is good once again. Chris is trying to get someone’s attention in this room. This is telling us there is someone home and he is talking. Just go with him and think about what he might have heard and then talk to him about it.”

The doctor left again leaving us looking at each other. I knew what we were talking about; me leaving. Chris does not want me to leave so soon, at least I think. I don’t even know if he can hear me when I am at his side. Am I making a fool of myself thinking that?

Coach finally introduced his wife to me. He introduced her to Brandon when they were down in the dining hall. They brought me a cake because they Brandon know how much I love sweets. I will rot my teeth out before my thirtieth birthday.

We sat in Chris’s bay for at least another hour talking to him. At times it seems Chris understood what we were talking about. Still the day had to come to an end and the Coach took us home. He promised us to let us know what is going on with Chris.

The rest of the weekend went by really quickly. Before I knew it I was walking to school for the start of the week. As always I met Eric and Billy at breakfast in the lunch room. Bernice joined us for the first time. I introduced her to the guys. They took her in as if they had known her since birth.

We headed outside to the stadium to talk after we ate. Just as we approached our normal place where we talk, this guy is sitting there. I looked over to Eric and then back to the guy. I know we don’t own the spot but you must understand why we feel as though we do.

There are clicks in every school. All of us have been there and wanted to be part of one. We surely don’t want to be a loner. There are the jocks with falls in the category of football players, then basketball players, track and the rest. Then there are the rockers, the stoners, the cheerleaders, and on and on I can go. Each group had there little section of the stadium. This was ours!

I walked up to the guy as the rest stood back. I leaned down to see what was up.

“Hey what is up dude?”

The guy just looked up at me like I was crazy or something. I looked down at him refusing to break eye contact with him. He finally spoke up.

“Look I am just sitting here minding my own business! So if you guys are going to ruff me up to get me to move, I will just move.”

What is it with our group that brings together all the kids in the school that are being singled out? I just don’t understand it but I will not condone it either. I have been where this kid is at now. If it was not for Eric becoming my friend I might still be in the same spot this poor kid is in.

“Look I am sorry for coming off the way I just did! It wasn’t my intention. My name is Joshua; all my friends call me Josh for short!”

“My name is Patrick Petrillo, you can call me Pat!”

“May I ask why you are sitting here all by yourself Pat?”

“Everyone I know thinks I am scum or something like that! So they screw with me every chance they get” Pat replied flatly.

“Well Pat, with us you don’t have to worry about that at all. If you want, I would like it if you would hang with our little group.”

I waved over Bernice, Eric and Billy. As they walked up to Pat and I introduced everybody. Patrick seems to be a nice guy, scared, but nice. He is a gorgeous looking guy. If I wasn’t so hot for Chris I would want to jump his bones.

He looks like he stands maybe five foot six, around one hundred fifty maybe sixty pounds. He has beautiful light brown hair not long but not cut short either. There’s kind of a wave in his hair. He also has they grey beautiful eyes. They are awesome eyes that I can’t stop looking into.

We sat there talking to our new friend trying to find out as much as we can about him. He has one younger brother and one older sister. His sister is already in college. His mom and dad work all the time. They are barely home when they get up or go to bed. Unlike Chris, there is not abuse in the house, just busy parents.

Patrick is a loner by nature. He started to tell us that he really hasn’t had they many friends through school. So he has gotten used to being by himself. Well I had news for Patrick; he now on he has a small group of guys and a girl to call his friends.

The bell rang so we headed off to our classes. Without Chris around I kind of feel empty right now. I know that sounds weird because we really haven’t become really good friends yet, we are more less a couple. I just feel our souls have gotten closer in the last couple of days.

The morning dragged on as all Monday mornings do. By the afternoon, my day started to lighten up. Mr. Becker has started to depend on me to help him out with certain things in class. He noted my love of math and that I can catch onto any problem in the text book. He has asked me to help those in the class that just don’t get it.

At lunch Patrick was nowhere to be seen. I wonder if he thinks we were trying to set him up or something. I knew where to find him if I really wanted to. So I pulled the group along and sure enough Patrick is where I thought he would be.

He was sitting in this little small corner of the main building that really no one goes around. They think the school is haunted, but more so this area. The reason I knew I would find Chris here because he told us. He told us this where he gets away and feels safe here at school.

“Hey buddy, why are you here not in the cafeteria with us?”

Patrick just looked up at us and then straight into my eyes. He actually looked scared.

“Come on my friend, get out of the corner and join us, please!” I said as I extended my hand to Patrick waiting for him to reach out for it. Finally his trembling hand reached out for mine. He is actually shaking like crazy.

“Hey what do you have for lunch Patrick?”

Patrick actually showed me the tray of food he took out of the cafeteria. I smiled at him while slapping him on the back. I told him my theory about school lunches as we walked back to the cafeteria together as a group.

When we sat down, Patrick was looking everywhere. He realized everyone in here didn’t care about any body else that isn’t in their group. I started teasing the guys and I knew only one for sure way to get Eric all riled up.

“Hey you guys do you want to hear a riddle?” I asked, dangling the bait.

“No man! Please don’t get him started on riddles. He hasn’t even given us the answer to the past riddles he has told us!” Eric whined.

“What do you mea I haven’t told you the answers? I have given you the answers to the riddles at the locker the other day. Don’t you remember or is old age getting you already?” I said verbally poking at Eric.

Everyone started to laugh and that got Eric even madder.

“You gave us the answer to the first riddle but not the second one!”

“Oh you are right but none of you guys even figured it out. Here just let me throw it out there for Bernice and Patrick to figure out.”

They just looked at me then back at Eric and Billy. Billy just shrugged his shoulders and then looked back at me.

Here let’s see if any of you could figure this riddle out: The man who invented it doesn't want it. The man who bought it doesn't need it. The man who needs it doesn't know it. What is it?”

Everyone just looks at each other with a confused and befuddled look on their faces. I couldn’t help but laugh and that got their attention.

“It is a coffin people, a coffin!” I said in a chiding manner.

I just started laughing harder when they just stared at me as if they wanted to jump over the table and kick my butt.

“Who here wants to join me and kick my long time friend of many years butt?” Eric said grabbing onto me rubbing the top of my head.

“Ok now let me tell you a new riddle to figure out. I promise it will be simple and you will get it.”

I looked around the table and all eyes were on me. I looked back to Eric and saw he had a big grin on his face. He is waiting for the riddle to kick my butt if it is too hard.

“Ok here it is let’s see who gets it. A man was driving a black truck. His lights were not on. The moon was not out. A lady was crossing the street. How did the man see her? “

Everyone just started talking all at once. I kind of giggled at it because they are putting their heads together to try and figure out the riddle. Still with all their hard work, they just couldn’t.

The bell rang and we all headed to our next class. For me it is Glee. I love this class more and more. We have been practicing “We Are the World” and it is getting better. Once Mr. Edger made it clear to the class this is a group song, not for one individual to shine we started getting it where it should be.

Roll call was made and Mr. Edger has an announcement to make. We stayed on the benches along side the wall to hear what he had to say.

“Ok you guys and girls, we have our first Glee Club True Test. We will be competing against four schools from the Socorro District two weeks from this coming Friday. We have a little over two weeks to get all of our songs down and win. So there is no time to waste anymore!”

With that Mr. Edger placed us where he felt we were best suited. The music started after and the class was a blur. The bell rang and I thought it just started. Mr. Edger dismissed us once he realized it was the bell that rang. As I was making my way to the door, Mr. Edger stopped me.

“Josh I know you are on the swim team. When do you guys practice?”

“We practice after school, sir!”

“Ok if I call for practice in the morning you can attend it right?”

“Yes sir, if it is in the morning I can!”

Mr. Edger released me as the classroom filled up. I had to run to make it in time for fifth period class. I wasn’t happy because I barely made it. You can’t be late for this class or they will make you run the monument. I still don’t know what that is, but it doesn’t sound too cool to do.

I had to return to swim team practice today. Coach said I already missed too much and he still cared about his team and winning and we have another meet this weekend. I didn’t lose a second off my time in any events I am racing in. That felt really good to be able to jump back in and be the same after a week off.

Bernice and I walked home as we always do. I am getting used to her being by my side. I even started holding her hand on the way home. I don’t know why I started to do that, but I did. I know I didn’t need it to sell what we are. I just did it!

(PATRICK’S POINT OF VIEW)

I sat in my fifth period class thinking about what just happened during lunch. These guys actually came looking for me to join them to eat. No one has ever done that before. Still I know if anyone of them finds out who I am, they will run away from me like rats when the lights turn on.

Let me tell you why I have stayed a loner all my life. Since I could remember I knew I was gay. I also knew it wasn’t right. At least that’s what I have been taught. It is a sin against God to be this way. I answer that by saying, why did God make me this way if it is against Him? I know I didn’t choose to be gay.

Then there is my family. My parents are never home so they don’t care if we live or die. At least that is the feeling I get. I have to take care of my younger brother because no one else is there to do it.

I was up one night and heard my parents talking. I know they didn’t know I was there and listening. What caught my attention is my name. They kept saying my name over and over again. At first I ignored it, and then I heard the magic word ‘gay’. They were actually talking about me and I might be gay.

Both of my parents agreed that they can’t accept it and will not accept it. So I knew right then I could never come out to them. If I did they would send me packing.

And finally, there’s everyone else! They look at gays as if it is a disease that can be cured, but until the person is cured from that disease, stay away from that person! Who cares who another loves and makes a life partner with? I don’t care so why should they? Still they do and they run for the hills whenever they know someone is gay.

So I decided to stay to myself early on. I still get my butt kicked because they think I am weird, not gay, but weird. So can you imagine if they found out that I am gay? What a different Hell I will be living in than the Hell I am living in now.

I need to prepare myself when these guys find out I am gay. I know it will happen. I know they won’t ask me straight out. These guys have more character then that. Still they will realize one day I am not dating girls and they will wonder why.

I was pulled out of thought when the bell rang to release class. I headed out to my locker and then to my next class. On my way to class, Josh ran by me patting me on my shoulder. In a quick hi, Josh took off.

Josh is one handsome guy and I am starting to fall for him. I need to not do that. I need to tell myself to stop and look the other direction. I want him as a friend and if I fall for him; well, let me just say this; that’s it for our friendship.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

Tuesday went by pretty quick. During class in Glee Mr. Edger told the class about mandatory practice in the morning. The class booed and made all kinds of weird sounds but accepted at the end.

Still there isn’t any good news about Chris. He is still breathing on his own but hasn’t come out of his coma. I am getting worried about this. I have heard about people in comas for years and years.

The Coach decided to pick me up to visit Chris after school. He told me on the way to the hospital when I am around Chris, Chris reacts a lot better and seems to get better. I didn’t want to say anything that might out me or Chris so all I did on the ride to the hospital is nod my head in agreement with Coach.

As soon as I walked into the bay in ICU, Coach and Nancy left me and Chris alone. It has been a routine for me to sit there beside Chris when I visit. Hold his hand and talk with him about everything that is going on.

Today I had a lot of news for Chris.

“Man Chris, I can’t wait until you come back to school. I want you to meet this new kid that has joined our group. His name is Patrick and he is so cool. Just like Billy though, he is running from something. I don’t know what, but he is.

Bernice has joined our group as well. Don’t get me wrong on this Chris; I love you with all my heart and want to be with only you. I still need a cover for my parents. I love them to death! Still I know they will not accept me being gay.

I kind of outted you with Bernice and for that I am sorry. She will not tell anyone. In fact she will keep our cover where she can date woman. Yeah you heard me right, she is gay as well. What is it with us? We attract all the weird ones and gays!”

I sat there talking to Chris about everything going on in swim practice and Glee Club. I told him how much I am looking forward to singing in the first competition.

“Chris, it won’t be complete unless you are there with me. So please Chris, wake up and get well so you can be there in my corner!”

As always I ended with singing a song. Chris always likes it when I sing to him. Today I decided to practice the song we have been singing in class. You know “We Are the World”. I tried to sing all parts but kind of messed it up.

Something caught my eyes to look down at Chris’s face. Chris is trying to open his eyes. They are fluttering back and forth. I leaned over to make sure my mind was not playing tricks on me. Right as I leaned over, Chris opened his eyes!

I jumped away from the bed. It spooked me at first and then I leaned back to Chris. I smiled down at him as he smiled up at me. He grabbed my hand and held it tight. He kept pointing to the tube in his throat. I nodded at him and walked out to get a nurse.

The ICU nurse that is assigned to Chris’s bay right away walked in to see what I told her. She looked down at Chris and smiled at him.

“Welcome back sweetheart! We all have been very worried about you. I knew you were going to pull through. All the good ones do. Let me page the doctor for you!” the nurse said as she turned and almost was skipping back to the station.

I went back and sat next to his bed. I held his hand again just smiling at him.

“Thank you for coming back to us Chris. I don’t know what I would have done if you didn’t. I was getting really worried these last couple of days since you have not woken up yet!”

Chris used his other hand and crossed his heart. He pulled it out from his chest in a cup giving me it. I think he is telling me that he is giving me his heart. I took his hand and then did the same thing for him.

Chris smiled again at me and the back over to the door. I turned around and saw Coach and Nancy walking in. They still have not looked down at the bed and see for themselves Chris is awake.

As they walked over they looked down at Chris. Nancy jumped back holding her hands to her face. Coach just stood there looking at Chris with tears rolling down his face. I couldn’t help myself as tears started rolling down my face as well.

The doctor walked in looking at all of us. He smiled as he looked down at Chris.

“My boy it is good to see you awake! You are one strong young man. Welcome back and please, don’t ever give us a scare like that again!”

Chris just looked at the doctor and then over to us. The doctor moved in closer to Chris and started fooling around with the tube. He put some kind of needle in the tube. Then he gave instructions to Chris what to do as he pulled the tube out.

Chris followed the instructions as the doctor pulled out the tube. The minute the tube was out, Chris started to cough. The nurse walked in with a cup of ice chips. She started to put them on Chris’s lips to moisten his mouth. Within a few minutes Chris stopped coughing and started sucking on the ice chips.

The doctor explained to all of us that Chris is going to stay in ICU over the night but in the morning he will be taken up to his own room. He looked over at Chris and said a couple of parting words as he left.

“Son, don’t try to talk. It will take you a couple of days for you to get your voice back. Be patient with your recovery and we will have you out of here in no time.”

The doctor left leaving me, Coach and Nancy with Chris. I knew it is a matter of time before they pull me out of there to go home. We stayed talking to Chris for another fifteen minutes. Then we had to leave. Nancy stayed with Chris when Coach took me home.

Before I left I walked up to Chris and shook his hand leaning in to his ear and whispered:

“You stay well and be good until I see you again. Remember this; I love you and only you!”

When I left Chris watched me all the way out with a big smile on his face. Coach and Nancy just looked at him and then at me. I know they are curious and want to know what I said to him, but they didn’t ask.

All the way home we sat in the car quietly. Neither Coach nor I spoke one word. We are left with our thoughts and those thoughts for me are awesome ones. Chris is back and soon I will be with him. As we drove to my block, I saw Bernice waiting for me. Coach grabbed a hold of my arm and pulled me into a hug.

“What ever you said or did to get Chris to come back, thank you. It was you that brought him back to us. I will never forget what you did for him. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you,”

The Coach let me go as I opened the door. All I could do is nod at him as I got out of the car. Coach had tears rolling down his face as he drove off. I couldn’t help myself for the second time today. I started tearing up again.

As I turned around and faced Bernice she had a confused look on her face. She ran up to me and held me tight. I just started to cry the minute she grabbed a hold of me. All the emotions I have been holding down just boiled over at that moment.

Bernice didn’t say a word, she just held me until I stopped crying. I pulled away from her wiping my face. She handed me a tissue and asked the question I know she was dreading to ask; “What happened at the hospital today that got you and Coach all shook up?”

I just stared at Bernice then opened my mouth. “Chris woke up, finally!”

Bernice jumped up and down screaming at the top of her lungs. It made me smile seeing her like that. I just forgot about everything and grabbed a hold of her. We walked towards my house talking.

“When we get up to your room you better tell me everything and not leave a single detail out! If you do leave something out, you will pay!” Bernice warned.

Bernice slugged me as I opened the front door. We headed upstairs without saying a word to anyone. The minute we walked into my room Bernice threw her bag on the floor and jumped on my bed.

I shut the door before I spoke up again. I walked over to the bed telling Bernice everything that happened at the hospital. Me telling Chris everything about school, Patrick, her and then singing to him! When I finished singing how Chris opened his eyes and gave me his heart in his hand.

That brought Bernice to tears for the first time today. I couldn’t understand what she was saying through her sobs as she was crying. I just let her cry as I held her. The same way she did for me outside when all what has happened hit me.

Once she got control of herself we grabbed our book bags and started on our homework. Nothing was said again until it was time for Bernice to leave and that was the normal ritual of saying goodbye we do. As I walk her to her father’s car.

Bernice’s father called out to me. I turned and he is waving me back to the car. I thought to myself I must have done something wrong because we haven’t spoken at any length since the first time I met him. I didn’t hesitate I walked over to see what he needed.

“Josh I was wondering if your family wanted to come to my church this Sunday?”

I just looked at him then to Bernice. She had a surprised look on her face. I started thinking what to say to get me out of this.

“Thank you for the invitation, Father. I know my family and I do appreciate it but we have our own church we go to on Sunday. I know my mom loves it there and will not change.”

I lied of course, but what else could I do? Bernice’s father surprised me with the question out of nowhere!

“That is no problem I was just wondering since you are going out with my daughter. I saw you on the news singing at school. Have you ever thought of being part of the church choir?”

“To tell you the truth sir, I have not given it much thought. This Glee Club thing is new to me and I really don’t know where it is going to go. If I do stick with it and decide to join a choir, I will let you know.”

“That is all I can ask, Josh. Take care and see you again tomorrow. We need to have you over at our house soon!”

Finally they left and got me off the spot. I didn’t want to think about anything heavy right now. I want to enjoy this moment of time with Chris back. It looks like we are on the same sheet of music about where we want to go.

For the next couple of days it seemed to be nothing but Glee Club and swim team practice. I couldn’t do much of anything else. Since Chris is getting better by the day. Coach decided to have me attend all of my practices.

By Wednesday Coach started attending practices. That told me Chris in fact is getting better. Coach told me that Chris might be coming home late in the week. I really wanted to see him when he did. At the same time I didn’t want to push and out me and Chris.

So not matter how much it hurt. I decided to stay in the back ground and let Coach and Nancy be with Chris right now. I hope Chris understands I am not backing away. Just the opposite of that! I want to be with him more then anything in this world. I know we will have plenty of time once he returns to school again.

As the week is coming to an end both Mr. Edger and Coach were getting nervous about their respective competitions. Swim team meet is this weekend and with Glee Club, we still have a week’s worth of practice to go.

The loss of Chris was felt during the competition. I was able to take first in all of the individual races I was in. I helped out on taking first in the team events. One or two of them were hell to win. It came down to me at the end of the races. I don’t know where I got the burst of energy to bring the races home, but I did.

As far as Chris’ races we took one and fell to second place on the other. Overall though, because we did well in the other races and placements, we took the meet. All of us can’t wait until Chris returns and helps us be untouchable.

Bernice decided to go and be my cheering crowd. I thought it was going to be just her. She was able to drag along Eric, Billy and Patrick to be there. I kind of enjoyed them being there cheering for me as I raced. At the same time I didn’t like them seeing me in my Speedo! I wish we could wear something else except these panties.

After the meet Bernice and everyone waited for me to hang out. I needed to get permission from my mom to do anything except going straight home. So as always I dreaded walking in and asking for permission to go with my friends. Eric and rest went with me to ask.

Eric and I learned a long time ago it was easier to get my parents to say yes if he was there. I don’t think they wanted to embarrass me in front of my friend. Today I will bring several more to be in my corner. The rest, except maybe Bernice, didn’t know why I asked them to come to my house. All they knew I wanted to change.

The minute I walked in my mom met me at the door. Once she saw the crowd I had she kind of played it off as if she was going upstairs. She looked down at me and pointed to the study. I knew I was in trouble. I asked the guys and Bernice to sit in the den while I talked to my mom.

I waited for maybe five minutes before my mom walked in. I didn’t know what she was angry about but I will find out soon.

“Josh you don’t answer for this family on anything! Why in the world would you lie to Bernice’s father? You lied to a priest of all people!”

“I am confused mom I don’t understand what you are asking about!”

“Father Gomez called to see if we might have changed our minds about going to his church. Imagine my surprise when I had no idea what he was talking about. I didn’t lie to Father Gomez Josh! I told him the truth that we don’t go to church and you never spoke to me about the invite he had given!”

“Mom I just figured that……”

“Josh you don’t answer for this family! What part of that do you not understand? You bring it to me while your father is gone or to your father when he is here. At no point do you decide what we are going to do on any issue.”

“Mom I just…….”

“No excuses Josh! You lied to me and you lied to Father Gomez. You will need to deal with him on that. As for me you will go out there and send your friends on their way. Return here to the study where you will receive your punishment.”

I got up and walked to the den where the guys and Bernice are sitting. I looked at them. I felt someone standing behind me. I turned around and it is my mom.

“Hey guys I can’t go anywhere today. Maybe some other time we will be able to go skating. Sorry for having you wait!” I said very much chagrined.

“Josh tells them why you can’t go!” My mom looking at me!

“I disrespected Bernice’s father when he invited us to go to church today. I lied to him telling him we went to church somewhere else.”

“What else did you do Josh?”

I just looked at my mother. I couldn’t believe she is embarrassing me like this. “I never told my mom or family about the invitation. She felt bad when Father Gomez called and extended the invitation one more time.”

My mom didn’t say anything else. She just walked to the study waiting on me. I walked the guys out to the door. Bernice walked up to me with a sad look on her face.

“I am so sorry Josh if my father or I got you in trouble.”

“Don’t be sorry Bernice. I should have told my mom about the invitation and let her decide if we would attend.”

Bernice and the rest walked out talking to each other as they made their way down the street. I closed the door and walked over to the study. I knew my mom and it was not going to be just grounding.

I walked in and my mom instructed me to shut the door. I did as she instructed me to do. I walked over to her and sat down on the chair. I looked straight on my mother. I didn’t show her any fear of what she might do.

“Josh at this point I don’t know what to do with you. I am going to have to bother your father once again when he calls. You will wait in here until he phones and we will see what he wants to do with you!”

My mom walked out to who knows where or what. I thought my dad called yesterday. I figure since he didn’t that means he is busy and will not be happy with me when he does call. I lied and I know that, but why is my mother so mad about it?

I sat there just thinking about Chris and what we will do once he gets out of the hospital. Then the dreaded phone call came in. My mom walked in and answered the phone glaring at me.

They did their normal greetings and talked about everything in general. My mom then turned the call to me. She told my dad what I did with Father Gomez and what she has done so far. The last thing that came out of my mom’s mouth was the question of my punishment.

I don’t know what my father is telling my mom. By the look on her face she isn’t happy. Most of the time she was quiet only saying “yes” and that is about all. I figure the same rule goes with my mom when she talks with my dad as us. We let him say his peace and never talk back to him.

My mom finally covered the receiver and directed me to get my brothers. I went out and got Daniel, Carlos and Brandon still very confused what is going to happen to me? We all walked into the study and stood around the phone while my mom put it on speaker.

My father greeted us and asking how we are doing. We all took a turn telling him what is going on in school. Dad told us what he was doing to get ready for what might come in the desert.

We each had a chance to tell him what we were up to. He seemed pleased with what we told him. He sounded lonely on the phone. For the first time I heard sorrow in his voice. That is very strange for our dad to show emotion like that.

Once we were all done, we said our goodbyes and love you to our dad. I felt bad for him being over there. As we were growing up my dad was gone a lot. It was always military reasons why he was gone. He always called us twice a week. My dad would call once somewhere in the middle of the week and once on either Saturday or Sunday. I think the reason he does this is his way of controlling the house while he is gone.

This time though I do miss my father more then the other times. I can’t explain why, I just do. You would figure it would be the opposite, but not with me.

We were rushed out so my mom could finish up the call. I went straight up to my room to get ready for dinner. No sooner than I was able to shut the door Brandon walked in.

“So why did mom keep you in the den? Did dad get all angry with you for what you did with Father Gomez?”

“Believe it or not I still don’t know what is going on! Mom told him but he didn’t want to talk with me about it”

“Oh man that is not good at all. That means dad is so angry he needs to settle down before he talks with you!” Brandon observed.

“I really don’t know what they are going to do! Whatever it is I figure I deserve it. I should not have lied to the Father like I did.”

While Brandon and I were talking mom called for us. It is dinner time and we went down the stairs like a herd of buffalo. When we sat down at the table the food was already there. Mom actually had our plates served and drinks on the table.

We sat there eating while talking about the up coming week. Daniel and Carlos are upset because they have lost more football games they have won. I actually teased them that they lost all of their games so far. They were not pleased with my teasing.

As we were clearing off the table for our mom, she pulled me aside. She told me there will be no more discussion of what I did with Father Gomez. It is done and over with. I just looked at her wanting to tell her what was really on my mind.

I don’t want to mix my family up with my relationship of Bernice. I know it is just a cover, but they don’t. If for some reason Bernice and I get into a fight my family and I would feel bad attending the church services of Bernice’s father’s church.

My mom would, more than likely takes Bernice’s side and leave me out to dry. Just look at my mother’s track record on this. You know Elizabeth comes to mind. I know nothing at this time would come between me and Bernice’s friendship. Still it is too early to tell.

I didn’t say what is on my mind out of respect to my parents. I just shook my head and walked up to my room. I was spooked when I saw Brandon sitting on my bed. I just looked at him and knew what he wanted.

I told him what mom said to me before I walked up. He looked as confused as I felt on the whole ordeal. I just decided to let it drop altogether as my mom asked.

The next morning at school in the cafeteria everyone at our table wanted to know what happened. Poor Bernice looked at me with sad eyes.

“Bernice, don’t worry about it. Nothing happened to me at all. Just got embarrassed in front of you all! As you get to know my mom she does these weird things sometimes. Right, my friend Eric?”

Eric almost choked on his breakfast. “Yeah whatever your sorry ass said about your family!”

I looked straight into his face with pleading eyes.

“Look guys let me tell you all about Josh’s family. What you should and shouldn’t do when you are at his house……”

Eric sat there telling everyone the tricks we’ve learned about how to deal with my parents and brothers. One thing we did know is how to work around each of them to get what we wanted from them. It was done by trial and error.

Once Eric finished everyone had a laugh at my expense. I have no problem with that. At least it pulled everyone out of the bummer mood they were in. The rest of breakfast we talked crap about school and what bull it has been so far this year.

(COACH JUAN MONTOYA’S POINT OF VIEW)

Nancy and I pulled another all nighter at the hospital. Chris developed a fever that got the doctors worried. They closed Chris up on Friday. They figured there will be no more swelling inside the head. Chris is finally past that.

Still Chris is prone now to getting these huge headaches. They, at times were getting so bad the nurses had to put him under. By Sunday morning it looked like they got his medicine correct to deal with the headaches without needing to put him under.

By Sunday evening Chris developed a fever that could result in reopening him again if it gets worse. Nancy and I stood at his side through the night holding onto him. I knew the person he really wanted to be there. I just could not deliver Josh this time.

By three in the morning on Monday Chris broke the fever. That made the doctors happy when Chris’s temperature was coming down. It got any higher they might have had to put him into an ice bath to cool him.

Nancy decided to stay with Chris. I actually thought to call in again. But decided not to because I have already missed too many days already! I rushed home, showered and got ready to head into school. Just as I was walking to the door, there was a knock.

I opened the door and didn’t recognize the two guys standing on my door step. I looked at them like what the hell do you want before saying a word.

“Yes may I help you gentlemen?”

“Are you Juan Montoya sir?”

“Yes I am Juan Montoya, who are you guys?”

“Our names don’t matter, what matters are these papers we have. You have been served”

I couldn’t believe these idiots this early in the morning. I walked back in the house and opened the envelope I was handed. I started reading to see what in the world they gave me. It was an order from the court to appear in the case of Chris.

Chris’s dad is actually suing me for custody of Chris. Doesn’t he know he already done enough damage to his son? There can’t be any way in hell he can get Chris back.

TO BE CONTINUED……………

NOTE TO READERS:

{Oh where oh where to start with what is happening in the life of these kids! Just as you think Chris is finally out of the woods and coming home. Something comes up and sends the doctors running around. I hope Chris gets better and goes home. Give a chance for Chris and Josh to create a relationship like they want. Chris’s dad seems to be up to no good right now. Look at what he is doing, trying to get Chris back. Will the courts of Texas be stupid enough to hand over custody back to him? Keep in mind all courts in this land prefer to have the biological parents if possible. We can only wait and see. Patrick is a new guy in the crazy world of Josh and company! He fits right in with all the secrets and he being different. Do Coach Montoya and Nancy know that Chris and Josh are in love with one another? By the looks of it they might! And there is Josh’s mom just hanging out there trying to micromanage Josh’s life. She doesn’t seem to do it with his brothers, so why him? Will Josh’s dad come in and put an end to this? Stick around and see what comes next in Josh’s life. 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:

I’m sure you are as relieved as I am that Chris has come out of his coma. Of course, after the injuries he suffered, his recovery isn’t going to be quick or easy.
Coach and Nancy definitely “got it”, I think. Let’s see how much angst has to happen before all the parties start to openly communicate….or if I’m totally of base.

Remember, I read these Chapters as you do. I don’t read ahead. That’s my system so I give the readers a smooth and easy read.

Chris’ dad…well, he still has charges pending even if he’s playing the game in the civil courts. Let’s get out our pom-poms and cheer for the prosecution so the jerk gets his! Now, there can be interesting angles and developments in Texas courts. Things don’t always go as expected. Don’t bet the ranch on the twists and turns that can happen.

I want to sell tickets to the scene when Josh or his Dad deal with the games his mom is playing. That’s going to some steamy dialog! We already know how Daniel reacted to the Liz situation. I think the stage is set for the fun when Josh’s mom gets caught with her games. Now, you watch…I’ve said that and our esteemed author will foil my predictions. Naaa….he will want the drama we all are anticipating. Ok, start the betting pool and see if I’m right or not!

I’m waiting to see how Josh faces Father Gomez. His mom was one obstacle he knows how to hurdle for the most part. Fr. Gomez is a new player for Josh to figure out. This should be interesting!

Patrick will find the day he ran into Josh as being providence smiling upon him, I’ll wager.

Keep those e-mails with your thoughts and comments coming. Jacob and I really enjoy hearing from each and every one of you.

Until next time, take care of yourself; then, take care of those that need love and support as you encounter them. The paychecks for the spirit are enormous.
“Daddy” Rick