Jacob Finding His Way - 39. Chapter 39

(GRANDPA AL’S POINT OF VIEW)

After Andy left I headed out to my meeting. I drove downtown as quickly as possible. I arrived at the Hilton Hotel, parked my car and headed in. The minute I stepped in I spotted the young men I am here to meet.

Although I have never met these young men before, I can they are the ones all dressed in their yuppie suits, slick hair and briefcases. They are trying to look important, when they never built a thing from the ground up.

I walked on over and patted one on them on the shoulder. “Hello my name is Alfred Serna. I believe I have a meeting with you gentlemen, Mr. White and Mr. Stevens.”

I looked at them as they smiled back. They presented their hand for me to shake. Not even a minute later we got escorted to our table. As we walked to our table they told me who is who.

Mr. Stevens is the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of McDonalds and Mr. White is the Franchise President. Many don’t know that McDonalds Corporation doesn’t own all the McDonald’s nation or world wide. In fact they allow franchises to use the name as long as they follow strict guidelines and formulas on everything from the layout and look of a unit to the paper goods used to line the trays and wrap the sandwiches. These guidelines are followed to the letter and that ensures that the public is unable to discern whether a unit is company owned or franchised. It’s all about consistency and PROFIT!

Here in El Paso there are five franchises that own and operate McDonald’s. The way it works, at least the way I understand it, is simple. McDonald’s Corporation owns the land, the building and the name. Everything in the building is owned by the franchisee.

The Franchisee is subject to everything the corporation sells even if a particular product isn’t any good. All the restaurants must look the same and kept up. And at anytime the corporation can walk in and pull your franchise license. That is very rare, but it is happening right now.

All the five franchises went into a biding war with each other. They started to undermine the rules and guidelines they signed onto. Lawsuits started to get filed. When that happens, it not only affects the franchises themselves, but the corporate image. The corporate headquarters is fed up with it and is ready to pull their franchise licenses.

What has been holding them back on that is a person able to walk in and buy into the franchise. In order to buy a McDonald’s restaurant you must front two hundred thousand dollars per restaurant. Jacob alone can front all the money and not even hurt. But I plan to have all three of us get into this evenly.

Mr. White started off the conversation getting right down to business saying; “So Mr. Serna, I understand you are very interested on buying into the McDonald’s brand. Let me tell you we rarely have a franchise opening and for there to be five in the same city is almost unheard of. Because what happened here, we only want one franchise ownership per city.

Right now there are fifteen restaurants here in El Paso. In order for one person to buy up all five franchise they will need to come up with two hundred thousand dollars per store. We are willing to cut some of that down. The reason for that is that we have already gotten this fee once before.

Still there isn’t anyone in this city or near this city that can come up with that amount that is needed to buy up the franchises here.”

“What is the total asking amount you want a person to come up with today in order to take ownership of these stores?” I inquired.

Mr. Stevens got into the conversation this time since we are talking about hard core money matters; “Well it isn’t just the amount we want right now. We don’t want it done through loans from a bank. If you default on the loan the bank will take over and foreclose on the restaurants. If that happens our corporate image hurts. People will start thinking we are going belly up. You need to have the money in the free in clear.”

“I understand that part! I ask again, what is the amount you are asking for in order for one person to step in and take over all five franchises today?” I said showing bit of mild irritation when my question wasn’t answered directly.

“Our regular price to buy up these five franchises would be three million dollars. But again we have collected that amount already. We are willing to knock off five hundred thousand of it if you have the rest today,” Mr. Stevens said finally answering my question.

“Mr. Stevens let me say this right at the beginning. I have done well with money all my life because I know businesses. If you are willing to take off five hundred thousand at the get go, another five hundred thousand will be no problem.”

Mr. Stevens looked over to Mr. White for a few minutes. Mr. White leaned in and whispered something in Mr. Stevens’s ear. I really don’t like when grown ups act like little children. It goes back to what I said earlier when I walked in and saw them for the first time. They never had to work a day in their life to be where they are now.

“Mr. White and I need to know if you have the funds to do that. Then another million and a half for operating capital and an additional half mil for reserves?”

“I have the money and then some. I just want to get the best deal I can and assurances that you will not come down and pull our franchise licenses as you are doing right now to these folks.”

“Mr. Serna, these folks seriously broke the terms of contract they signed when they got their franchises. They were all given numerous opportunities to get things back on track. I worked with all the parties personally to try and resolve this situation. The paper trail to verify this is all available for you to review. As long as you don’t break the rules, you will never have anything to worry about,” Mr. White stated.

We sat at that table for the next hour discussing in detail what the rules are. I have no problem with any of the rules that will be in the contract. I let them know I will have my grandson on the contract as well. They seem to not have a problem with it.

The reason I didn’t ask about Joey isn’t that I am ashamed of him. It just I don’t want to invest his money in the same venture as Jake’s. I want something that Jake owns by himself. The money that is made will be there for both of them to use, but I want this in Jake’s name only. I will do something different for Joey.

Once we settled on the price and the details of the contract, we called the waitress over to order drinks to close the deal. The paperwork will be sent to the law firm I put on retainer for Jake here. Now they will be the law firm in charge of all our legal matters personally and with our new business interests.

“Well it looks like we have a deal here. You will be the only franchise here in EL Paso, Texas. If we open another restaurant here it will be yours. We are talking with Wal-Mart about putting McDonald’s in all their stores. Those will be yours as well,” Mr. White stated sweetening the deal a bit more.

“So that is why you are asking us to have a million dollars in the bank so that anytime you can come in and put in another store?”

“Yes that is one of the reasons. We will talk with you ahead of time to give you plenty of time to getting the money together. I am pretty sure you don’t like to touch your savings if you don’t have to.”

You are correct there but again, with my grandson and me, we have enough money. You don’t have to worry about that with us. I am doing this investment because the stock market isn’t doing so well right now. Physical property and business is the best way to go. Either we run them right or not. The success is on the owner of the business.”

We drank a couple of beers before we parted company. The contracts will be sent over night. In which that means I need to have my attorneys ready to look at them tomorrow and ready to sign by Monday.

When I walked out of hotel I walked down the street to my attorney’s office. They are in the Well’s Fargo building about five blocks away from the Hilton Hotel. I don’t know if they will see me since I don’t have an appointment.

The minute I told the secretary who I am, she called the firm’s senior partners. I have never met with them before. I just want to meet with the same attorney I have been dealing with for years here.

“Mr. Serna please come in to our conference room. My name is Theodore Roberts and this here is Franklin Scott and Arthur Bailey. We are the founding partners of this law firm. You have thrown us a lot of business through the years. We have been wanting to meet you for awhile now.”

“I plan to throw you a lot more business, but first where is Dale Mason? I have dealt with him the entire time since I have been doing business with your law firm.”

“He is in court right now. He will still be your contact person with us. Still we will be poking our heads in from time to time. Please let us be of service to you. What is this other business you are talking about?”

I laid it all out on the table for them. As I explained more to them, their smiles on their faces got bigger and bigger. At one point I thought their smiles might actually go around their entire head. It actually looked like it could have happened once I finished telling them everything.

“If you stay with us I promise you will get the best our law firm has to offer. In fact you will be among our largest clients. You have the contract delivered to us tomorrow. I promise to have our team of business lawyers here working on over the weekend ready for you and your grandson to sign Monday.

We want you to have the best deal. Also we want to make sure there isn’t anything in small print that will hurt you. If we find anything, we will call you first then them. By the time it is done, you will have everything that has been promised and all the protections you need.”

I already have the contract being delivered over here. I just came down to give them the heads up and that is what I told them. When I walked out I felt more confident that I am making the right decision with Jacob’s and my money. This investment will always pay off no matter what the economy does. I did my research; when the economy gets tough, people still have to eat and they spend their money more wisely at places like McDonald’s rather than higher priced places.

(ANDY’S POINT OF VIEW)

I can’t believe what just happened to me. Am I ever going to get a break here? First I am losing my family. Isn’t blood supposed to be thicker than water? Why can’t they understand I love Normal and in time she will see that Jacob is a guy you want in your corner, not as an enemy. I love my brother so much; I don’t want to be hurting him.

Right now I have to deal with this damn car crash! What is it, a sign or something? Am I making all the wrong decisions in life right now or what? Is this the way I am being told to wake up and see what is in front of me?

I sit here in the emergency room waiting to be discharged I can’t help but think what I need to do. Normal is going to have to deal with Jacob and my family. If she really loves me, she will take everything about me. From my drug use to my gay brother and all the way to my family! Trust me when I say I come with a lot of baggage.

“Andy Hernandez my name is Dr. Michael. I know your brother Jacob very well. In fact I am one of the doctors that did surgery on him after he got shot. I was the doctor on duty that went in and did what needed to be done.

Since I recognized you when I got called down here, I called Jacob’s house. You didn’t have any numbers in your wallet or a contact card. You grandfather is the one that answered the phone and he is coming down for you.

You don’t look pleased about who I called. I’m sorry if I upset you, but you have no contact card in your wallet in case of an emergency. Your address on your driver’s license is the same address as Jacob. I assumed you live with him.”

“No, that is fine Dr. Michael. It is better for you to call my grandfather than my finance. I was in her car when I got into the accident. She isn’t going to let me forget this one. I am really not in the mood for a fight tonight.”

“Well if it puts you at ease the police ticketed the guy that ran the red light and hit you. They have his insurance information for you on the police report. As much as I can gather your finance’s car is totaled, but will get replaced by that guy’s insurance.

Let me get you all the information the police left for you and your paperwork for your discharge. You will have couple of prescriptions to fill, and you’ll be laid up for a couple of weeks. Still, you will live young man. Your family seems to be the luckiest family on earth.”

Dr. Michael walked out of the bay as a nurse walked in. She undid my IV and handed me my clothes in a bag. As I pulled them out to put them on I found that they cut my pants and shirt. I really have nothing to wear.

“You can wear home what you have on since your clothes are all ripped and pretty much no good.”

“No need nurse. I brought some clothes for him. I know they will fit because it is a t-shirt and some sweats.”

“Grandpa thanks you so much! I can’t walk out of here with my butt hanging out for all to see.” My grandpa handed me the clothes as the nurse left. “Thank you for coming after how we left things. I know I really haven’t been a good grandson, brother, or simply a person altogether.”

“You have nothing to worry about Andy. I have told you this in the past and I will never change. No matter what you do I will always love you and be here for you. I may not love who you marry, but you are always my grandson and nothing will change that.”

I smiled up at my grandpa as I got up to hug him. Although we are not a hugging family, I hugged for a few seconds. Once we let go of each other I started to get dressed as my grandpa took a seat. As soon as I got dressed I sat back on the bed.

“I don’t know if you are going to stay for dinner or not. So I will tell you here what I am going to tell the others at dinner….”

“If you don’t mind grandpa I would love to stay for dinner. By the way grandpa I noticed when I drove up the house you guys have been doing a lot of work to it. By the looks of it, you guys joined two houses together. Or am I imagining things?”

As we waited for Dr, Michael to return my grandpa told me what has been going on. The house next door to Jacobs is his now. He bought it once he and my grandmother decided to stay here in El Paso.

But there is another house that Jacob bought right behind his. That house is now Beth’s, but it is going to be joined with Jacob’s as well. Once all the work is done, three homes will become one.

“So basically Jacob and you are building a mansion. Although he gave the house to Beth, it is one house once it joins his. Then your house got joined to his, making it again one house. Jacob will have a mansion once it is all done.”

“You are getting this all wrong Andy. Jacob didn’t set out to do that. In fact he did buy the house for Joey’s mother, but she didn’t want it. She will live in it, but it is Jacob’s. So to make it easier for her to get from that house to his, we decided to join them with a pool in the middle. I am the one that wanted my house part of his.

This way we all can live as one happy family. So yes, in one way you are right. It is going to be a big mansion once it’s done. In the other you are wrong. Jacob didn’t plan it to be this way. It just happened.”

I just nodded to my grandpa feeling pretty bad about what I just said. It came out all the wrong way. Now that I think about the way I just stated the house issue it sounds like I was saying Jacob is taking everyone for a ride. That isn’t what I meant to say at all. I just wanted to say to my grandpa they are doing well.

Dr. Michael walked in for me to sign my discharge papers. At the same time he and my grandfather started talking like old friends. I never knew that my grandfather made friends with Jacob’s doctors. I wonder if he talks to Dr. Whitmore the same way. I know, I know; it isn’t any of my business.

“Now Andy you need to rest for the couple weeks. If you do that you will be like new. Here is the paperwork I was telling you about that the police left for you. I hope this helps out with your little Miss’s.”

I shook Dr. Michaels hand as we walked to the waiting room. At that point my grandfather took the lead. I followed him to his car and as we got in I noticed the time. That is when it hit me on how much trouble I am in with Normal.

As we drove up to my brother’s house my answer of Hector picking up Normal from got answered. Hector and Normal are waiting outside in Normal’s mother’s car. I figure she can’t wait to yell at me.

I got out of my grandfather’s car and met Normal and Hector halfway between the two driveways of my brother and grandfather’s houses. Before I could say a word Normal slapped me across the face.

“How could you crash my car Andy? One time, just the one time I loaned you my car you go and get into a car accident! My mom told me last night not to loan you the car, but I didn’t listen. Now look where that got me; no car!”

“Normal, the car wreck wasn’t my fault. Look the police cited the other driver. They got his insurance information. He has to pay off your car. He ran his red light, not me. I wasn’t out there looking to get into a car accident.”

“Bullshit Andy, nothing but bullshit! You can’t even imagine what has been going through my mind once I heard you got into a car accident. You grandfather calling over to my house to let my mother know that you are in the hospital. Why in the world didn’t you call me instead of your grandfather?”

“It wasn’t me that called my grandfather, it was the doctor. The doctor recognized me from a couple of years ago when Jacob was in the hospital. He was……”

“I don’t want to hear your brother’s name being mentioned. I don’t care who recognized who here. You should have called me not your grandfather. This family doesn’t give a shit about you and you know that. Now get in the car and we will continue this conversation on the way home.”

“Normal, you know what I have been thinking? I have had several hours to think today as I lay in the hospital. To tell you the truth you are right in part, but mostly you are wrong in general about my family.

The one that has been around the last couple of months is the one that kicked me out. My mother is the one that didn’t want to deal with me. So she just told me to get the hell out of her house. I was fourteen at the time, and that made my brother and sister even younger then.

They never gave up on me Normal. They just couldn’t DO anything at the time. Jacob snuck me in through the window for months so I had somewhere to sleep at night. He snuck me food from the kitchen while my mom was asleep. He never once said no until I made him feel like shit.

Yes he is gay and yes he is my brother. I am not going to tolerate you talking down about him. He has done so much for me and I go and treat him like shit. You take me the way I am, and that is with my entire baggage from my mother to my brother Jacob all the way to my drug problem! You need to take it all like I have taken everything about your family. Neither of us is from a perfect family.”

“We will discuss as we go home. Get into the car now Andy!”

“No I am not getting into the car. In fact until you can take me and my family as a whole I think we need to call off the wedding. Now that I think about it, we need to just stay away from each other until you can accept everything. You are not going to disrespect my family any more. If you want me as your husband you will straighten up and do as I say.”

I handed Normal the paperwork I got from Dr. Michael that he received from the police. That means that she can be the one taking care of getting her car either fixed or paid off and replaced.

She looked totally unhappy as she actually stormed off. Hector shook his head as he turned and followed his sister to the car. I know now I should have done this since the day she started with all the crap about Jacob. He is my brother and I need to be there in his corner as he shown me many times in the past that he is in mine.

Just as Normal sped off, my mom and sister drove up. I looked over at my mom as she put her arms up in the air in gesture of what is going on. I just shook my head back and forth.

Marie got out and ran up to me. She wrapped her arms around me really tight. I couldn’t help but notice for the first time how Marie is getting to be a stunning young lady now. In fact she is turning into a very beautiful young lady!

“Where did Normal just go? I thought your grandfather invited the entire family over for dinner. That does include your soon to be wife Andy?”

“Mom she made the decision not to join us tonight. As far as her becoming my wife, that is on hold as well. Before you go asking why, I finally saw the light. I put my foot down with her tonight that she needs to accept my entire family with open arms or none of us. That includes Jacob!”

“Andy you are going to lose that young lady. She has been here for you when your brother hasn’t been. Just look at the present to prove my…..”

“Mom I don’t want to hear it anymore! If you don’t have anything good to say about Jacob, don’t say anything at all. I am tired of this family being divided through plain hate because of what Jacob can’t help. Now let’s go in and see what grandpa wants to tell us.”

My mom tried to say something else, but I didn’t allow it. We made our way to Jacobs’s house not saying another word about Normal. Before we could even knock, Beth opened the door to let us in.

Everyone greeted us as if nothing had been going on. My mother and I have been trying to cause problems for Jacob and Joey. Still everyone started talking to us as if we had been here every night and all is as it should be.

I didn’t see my grandfather, Jacob or Joey anywhere. It seemed that Chase could read my mind because he told me that they are in the study talking finance issues. Chase looks a little worried about what just left his mouth. He is the only one here that isn’t getting any kind of money from his parents. That doesn’t mean that Jacob is going to throw him out.

(JACOB’S POINT OF VIEW)

Joey, my grandfather and I talked in the study for a few minutes. He needed to tell us first what he is going to tell the family. Once I heard the news I couldn’t believe he did what he did. I am not mad at all. In fact I love the idea of owning the McDonald’s all around town.

Just as we walked out, I saw everyone making their way to the dining room. Tonight my grandfather wanted to eat in the dining room. Normally we only eat in this room for special occasions or the holidays.

I hugged my mom, sister and brother as we started to take our seats. Beth, with the help from my grandmother, is still bringing the food out of the kitchen. Once the last tray of food got placed on the table, Beth and my grandmother took their seats.

Everyone looked over to my grandfather to see what he needed to tell us. Why he called for all the family to be here. Chase, David and Tom were surprised to be included in this group but they have become family to me.

“Ok, ok, I know you all want to know why I needed to speak with everyone tonight. Well to start with it isn’t bad for anyone. I needed to talk with Jacob and Joey because it concerns them mainly. Now that they are onboard, I can tell you all.

I know you all have been worried for several days now that I have liquidated all of Jacob’s investments. All the indicators I have been seeing aren’t good for the stock market right now. In fact it is pointing a huge drop in the stock market in the months to come. We don’t want to get caught in the middle of that since we really are little people compared to the other investors in the stock market.

So today I closed a very important meeting that will secure my grandson, Joey and me. I stumbled across a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy several restaurants. These restaurants are not just hole-in-the-wall types. You are looking at the owners of all the McDonalds locations in El Paso.”

I looked around the table to see the faces of everyone including my mother. They all look stunned by the news. I really like the investment because the money we spent on the McDonald’s today will come back in the first year and then some.

“We take over ownership of the McDonald’s at the first of the month. But that doesn’t mean once we do that you guys can get free Big Macs and fries. Maybe a family discount, but not free!”

We all laughed at what my grandfather just said. Nothing more needed to be said or got said on that subject. We started to eat dinner and talk about school or other things. We all are looking forward to the upcoming holidays that are just weeks away.

Joey and I have gone through a lot this year. In fact we have gone through a lot since we gotten together. I wonder if we will ever get a time in our lives that we can just be us. No worries of being beaten up, or threatened, or sick. I really hope that day is coming.

Andy seems to be enjoying himself. My mother on the other hand is giving Joey dirty looks every time she looks at him. I know Joey and he isn’t going to take much more of the dirty looks she is giving.

“Hey grandpa I don’t think we have to worry about anyone walking into the house tonight trying to pick a fight with me or Jacob. What do you think grandpa?”

A shot fired by Joey across the bow of my mother. She just looked at Joey with eyes shooting out daggers. I couldn’t help but laugh at what Joey said. Everyone at the table joined into the laughter except Andy.

I forgot that he doesn’t know about the fight I had with the guy my mom sent in here to separate me and Joey. Now that you think back at it all it is really funny. It’s like a soap on day time television, “In the Life of The Hernandez’s”.

After dinner we all helped out Beth and my grandmother clean up. Once all the dishes got done, the dinning room got cleaned. We all went to watch some television. As I walked with Joey and Chase, my grandfather is pulling my mom into the study. I really don’t want to be in that room, even as a fly.

Joey cuddled up into my chest as we lay on the floor in front of the television. I didn’t notice Andy walk up behind me. I felt someone behind me and I turned my head to see Andy looking at me. He looks like he needs to talk with me really bad. Just the look on his face is making me feel for him.

“Jake I hate to ask you, but I need a place to crash. Normal and I are on the outs right now. I don’t even know if I even have her anymore or even my belongings.” Andy whispered in my ear.

I turned my head where only he could hear me speak. “You never have to explain a thing to me big brother. This house is always open to you. You always have a room in this house when ever you need it. Your room will always be your room.”

Andy smiled and tried to hug me, but due to Joey leaning into my chest, it is a half hug. Andy got up from the floor and headed to hang with Chase. I know those two get along because they have a lot in common with each other. You know, women!

I didn’t notice the clock when I walked in here, but it has to be at least forty five minutes since my grandfather pulled in my mom in. She must be putting up a fight over why she did what she did. Still nothing excuses her for pulling that stunt.

Maybe another ten or so minutes passed when my mother and my grandfather walked out and joined us. I looked over to them trying not to turn my head, just taking side glances out of the corner of my eyes trying to figure out what had happened in there. At the same time I don’t want my mother or grandfather catching me looking at them.

With the glare of the television I finally got a good look at my mother for a few seconds. It looks like she was crying. She has puffy red eyes. Her makeup is smeared under her eyes. My grandfather must have laid into her pretty hard.

The one thing I know about dealing with my grandfather is that you don’t want to piss him off. Like I mentioned before, my grandfather is more like my father to me. Remember he stepped in after my father and mother separated.

I remember a time when Andy and I were maybe eight or nine at the oldest. We were still living back home in Cheyenne, Wyoming in a mobile on the south side of town. The land is cheap back home, so we all had very large yards.

The mobile home behind us never cut their grass. I am not stretching when I say their grass was actually taller than me at the time. Well anyways, me and my brother went out to the back yard and started playing with matches. We all do that when we are young.

So here we are lighting match after match laughing and then blowing them out. As we blew out the matches, we tossed them on a paper bag we laid down between us. One match was still lit when it landed on the paper bag. You don’t need me to tell you what happened to the paper bag.

What we did next would surprise you. Andy and I freaked out and really didn’t know what to do. So we grabbed the burning paper bag and tossed it over the fence. We ran into the house and acted like nothing happened.

Just as we ran in, my grandfather was pulling up. He ran and got the hose at the side of the house and put out the fire. He walked into the house with his lunch box and he was pretty angry. He laid down his lunch box on the coffee table and walked over to us.

We knew we were in trouble just with the look on his face. Nothing was said because he caught us. So we got up and walked to his room. He pulled out his belt while we pulled own our pants. I’ll just leave it to your imagination with this as the ending of this story; we, literally, couldn’t sit for days after the whipping we got for my grandfather that day.

I know my mom didn’t get a whipping from my grandfather today. I just told you our story so you know that you really can’t get away with anything with my grandpa. Just his talking to you in his angry tone is enough to set you straight.

(CHASES’S POINT OF VIEW)

After Andy spoke with Jacob, he and I decided to go outside to talk. I know Andy is confused right now about what to do with Normal. She isn't willing to deal with Andy’s family. And for now, Andy is the only one that can decide what to do with her.

I did my best to stay away from the subject, but it was hard. Over the years since I have known Jacob, Andy has become a brother to me as well. When I see him hurting, I hurt with him.

“So Andy, isn't that neat what you're grandpa did with Jacob’s money? Now they own all the McDonald’s here in El Paso. Who knew that would ever happen? I surely didn't ever think Jacob would ever own any kind of business.”

“You’re right on all that, Chase. I have always known Jacob was and is a very smart guy. With the help of my grandpa, these two are going to get a lot of things done. Now I wonder what else the guys are going to buy. “

Andy and I sat there and talked to each other in the backyard. No matter what Andy says he is bothered by his fiancée not able to accept Jacob. He knows either Jacob or his fiancée are going to have to break down and be the bigger person. In my mind the bigger person will be Jacob like always.

Andy as well feels bad that the only time he talks with Jacob is whenever he is in trouble. Like tonight he spoke to Jacob for the first time in several months and the only reason for that is because he has no place to stay.

In order for me and Andy to get our minds off his fiancée, I told him about my girlfriend, Linda. He couldn't believe that I am actually about to become a father. At the same time he understood why Linda and I decided to give our baby up for adoption. There is no way we can take care of a baby and go to school at the same time.

The greatest news is that Jacob and Joey are going to adopt the baby. I can see my baby every day and not have to deal with Linda. The weird thing is that Linda isn’t fazed one bit about never seeing her child. I know its stupid thing to think about.

“So, tell me Chase, how did Jacob and Joey get involved with you, Linda and the baby issue? I know Jacob has a big heart, but still they are still going to school just like you and Linda are. I think the baby will take a lot time out of Jacobs and Joey's schedule of free time. “

“You know Andy, I thought about that as well, but when I mentioned that Jacob, he told me not to worry. Still, like you, I do worry. Jacob is my best friend and he is already doing a lot or me right now. “

“Yeah, that goes back to what I was saying that Jacob has a big heart. Sometimes I worry that big heart is going to get him into a lot of trouble. Not from you, David, Tom, or those in this house. There are others that know Jacob can’t say no to anyone.

Look at all the work he is doing in R.O.T.C. You can’t tell me that Major Moore isn't taking advantage of Jacob. He is just a junior in high school and he is already running almost everything in the program. Most of that is Jacob's fault. He just needs to learn to say ‘no’. “

“Andy, when you are right you are right. Now that Jacob is going to own McDonald's restaurants, kids he never knew at school will come out of the woodwork. They will ask him for free stuff during lunch. I will need to be around Jacob and help him say no.”

“Chase I really don't think he will give away anything for free to anyone he doesn't know at school. Jacob is a lot smarter than that. The reason I know that is that Jacob wants his McDonald's to succeed. “

I sat there talking to Andy very surprised he wasn't angry about not being part of what is becoming a family business. I think he knows he has a long ways to go on fixing things with Jacob and his grandfather.

Right now Andy’s main concern is getting his fiancée and Jacob in the same room together so he can go and reschedule his wedding. I really hope that Andy doesn't ask Jacob for money right off the bat. I think if he does that he is going to hurt his relationship with Jacob and his grandfather.

How he is going to get his fiancée and Jacob in the same room together beats me. I don't see Jacob being a problem. The one that will refuse will be his fiancée, because bottom line she is one total bitch.

When we heard Andy’s mother call for Marie, we decided to go in to say goodbye to Gloria and his sister. Just out of respect to Jacob I walked in and said my goodbyes. I have no problem with Jacob’s sister, just Jacob's mother. She has not shown to me or anyone that she deserves that kind of respect that we give Beth.

After Jacob's mother and sister left we all sat in front of the TV and watched for couple more hours before any of us went to bed. When I finally called it a night, so did Andy. We walked up together to our rooms talking about the hot women we saw in the movie we just watched. I normally don’t get a chance to speak about the hot girls I see on a TV show or a movie with Jacob and the guys. I know Andy isn't going to stay for very long so I will enjoy this little perk while it lasts.

As I walked to my room I looked over to Andy and saw the look on his face. I think he thought his room is going to be different but Jacob never allowed anyone to go into that room to change a thing. He always believed Andy would come back.

(JACOB’S POINT OF VIEW)

I never asked, nor did I ever want to know, what happened in the study with my grandpa my mother. One thing I have learned is that nothing will ever change the way my mom thinks about me and my lifestyle. So I need to always be on alert for wolves in sheep clothing. I know that is a bad way to live.

With in a blink of an eye the weekend was over and school has started again. And most classes we started to study for our six weeks exams and our semester exams at the same time. I always found it odd that they give us two major exams days apart because nothing is really different from our six weeks exam to our semester exams.

The only class I was looking forward to is R.O.T.C. Basically, we are juniors now, there isn't much more to learn. So we don't really have to study with the sophomores and freshmen. I couldn't help but think back to when I told Major Moore how unfair it was when he had his drill team and rifle team in a small classroom. I am now spending my class time in the small office. I can’t stop thinking what the freshmen and sophomore cadets are thinking about me.

Major Moore called me into his office the minute after roll call was the done. There is no question why he needs to talk to me. I have not told him that I already dealt with the banner for the Thanksgiving parade.

“Mr. Hernandez what in the world is going on with the banner? You have not come to me after the last time we talked about this issue. This is not the kind of leader I thought you are. It seems that you are getting lazier by the day. “

I couldn't believe what Major Moore just said. Everything I have been doing since I have entered this program has not changed one bit. In fact I think I am getting a lot better at everything from the newsletter to my position as Battalion Commander.

“Major Moore every time I have tried to talk with you, you are running out the door to a meeting. Maybe I should start doing is leaving you notes on your door. That way you’d not be wondering if I'm doing what you asked me to do.

As far as the banner is concerned I have already ordered it and it should be here no later than Thursday of this week. That is almost two weeks ahead of schedule. I cleared the banner with our sponsor. So there will be no questions about whether of not our sponsor will like the banner after it is done. “

“Good job Jacob and you are right about me always running out to a meeting. What we should do for now on is to put an in box at the entrance of my office. I have not been getting any updates from my Battalion Staff. That isn't you guys’ fault; it's mine.”

“No problem Major Moore I certainly understand how it feels running around like a chicken with your head cut off. Now I'm they will make sure to inform you about any thing you might have missed during any meeting I am part of. Basically that should is my job as Battalion Commander. “

I sat down and started to discuss who was going to march in the Thanksgiving parade with Major Moore. In the past it has always been the drill team and rifle team. I have no objection to what was done in the past, but we need to start awarding other accomplishments in this Battalion. Major Moore agreed with me and asked me to make a list of the others I feel it deserve to march in the parade representing our Battalion.

The next thing on the agenda is the formation of next semester's Battalion. I remember what a bitch it was at the beginning of the year. We had too many officers in one class and too many non-commissioned officers in the other classes. This time we want to make sure this doesn't happen. The enrollment increased for next semester. We might even have enough to form an entire new company.

I asked Major Moore for next semester's roster. That way I am ahead of the game. I can take a look at who we have in what class. If we are in the same spot as we were at the beginning of the year I can go to the registrar’s office and correct it before the students’ schedules are printed and given to them.

Normally there are no promotions in the middle year and this year isn't going to be any exception the rule. The Battalion Staff well staffed and as well as the Company staffs. So we have one less worry too worry about.

Major Moore and I left the office at the same time. I went into the large classroom and Major Moore left the building. Joey split the class into groups to study. We have found in the past it makes it easier for each person to learn in a small group.

The rest of the week ran about the same way as Monday. Nothing but studying in each class is getting old. Don't get me wrong I like school, but come on, studying in each class for six hours a day can even put the dead to sleep.

While I was at school, my grandfather is putting everything together to take over the McDonalds’s. He has already had several meetings with the outgoing owners. By what my grandfather has told me, the meetings haven't gone so well. He has been dealing with angry people not wanting realize they have lost everything they have worked for all their lives.

To tell you the truth I can understand where they're coming from. A group of people walking into town and pulling my livelihood away! It would be angry too, no doubt about it.

By Friday my grandfather and I took several tours in several of the McDonald's we are going to own. It seems that the regular employees look more worried then the actual management staff does. It should be the management staff that is worried. At this point we don’t know if we are going to keep any of the management on.

Basically it was them that had nearly destroyed their restaurants. Every single restaurant of McDonald's is here in El Paso are built to be million dollar net income stores. That is money that is taken home, every year, per store, after all the bills and taxes have been paid. But in the last two years the stores have suffered from embezzlement committed by management staff.

That alone is the main reason my grandfather is really thinking of getting rid of all management, because they don’t know which manager is the one that is stealing from stores. There is no way we are going to take any chances.

After touring the stores my grandfather and I headed home. I know Joey wanted to go, but he has a football game tonight. I wish I was there to support him while he played. Still Joey understood that the tour needed to be done.

Just like the weekend before, it flew right by. The only thing that actually happened during the weekend was a fight between Andy and his fiancée. She demanded for him to go with her or it was over between them. What surprised me the most is that Andy put his foot down with Normal. It actually made me feel great because finally he is standing up for me to his fiancée. Actually, I’m really glad to see him standing up for what’s right and not letting her run rough shod over him. No relationship can grow without respect flowing equally in two directions.

Still, Normal kept coming around on Saturday and Sunday making trouble. She demanded that Andy come home by standing outside yelling at the top of her lungs. It got to the point on Sunday afternoon one of the neighbors actually called the police. None of us actually went outside to tell the police that she is my brother's fiancée.

The thing I don’t understand about Normal why she can’t understand that none of us chooses this kind of life. I have said it over and over again; I'm not going say it again. People like her (and my mother) will never understand.

(NORMAL’S POIINT OF VIEW)

I don't understand why Andy wants to stay in the house with his gay brother. Every time we talked about it seemed that he disliked it as much as I do. Now he is over there acting like nothing ever happened between him and his brother. I need to prove to Andy that he is being pulled the wrong direction.

After the police asked me to leave Jacob's house I decided to go to Gloria’s house. I need to talk to her to help me get things right with Andy. If anyone can help me, she can. I know she hates Jacob as much as I do even though Jacob is her son.

The minute I drove up to Gloria's house, I got out and walked to the front door. Gloria told me that I never needed to knock whenever I showed up at her house. So I just walked in and headed over to the living room. That is where I know I can find my soon-to-be mother-in-law.

Just as I walked into the living room, Gloria looked up at me. At this point I started to cry. Andy is really hurting me and I don't know how to fix this problem between him and me. I hope Gloria can find a way through this mess that Jacob has created.

“Normal, what are you doing here? Where is Andy and why in the world are you crying?”

“Gloria I don't know what to do. Jacob is really causing me a lot of problems with Andy right now. He is brainwashing Andy and there is nothing I can do about that. Please Gloria, can you help me?”

Gloria got up from the couch and walked over to me. She gently grabbed a hold of my hand and guided me towards couch. I am crying the whole way over not able to control myself anymore! I am so embarrassed right now I can’t believe I'm letting Jacob do this to me. Never have I let a guy make me cry, much less a gay one.

“Look sweetheart there is really nothing I can do for you right now. My father will take Jacob’s side on everything no matter if it is right or wrong. Until my father sees what Jacob is, there is really nothing I can do when it comes to Jacob.”

“Okay I understand that Gloria, but what about Andy? He listens to you no matter what happened between you two, he listens to you. I need your help; there is no one else I can turn to.”

Gloria sat there explaining to me why she couldn't help me. I couldn't believe that her own father would actually believe the grandson over the daughter’s word. For sure Jacob has everyone at that house brainwashed.

As Gloria spoke to me I decided the only way to get Andy back from Jacob is to actually either hurt or go as far as killing him. No matter which direction I go, I'm going to need my brother and his friends to help.

After we talked I stayed for dinner with Gloria and Marie. Marie doesn't look like you she really like me because of the looks she has given me across the table as we eat. I think that she is taking Jacob side.

After supper I said my goodbyes to Gloria and Marie and headed home. All I could think about as I drove home is how I will get Andy back. I really wish it wouldn’t come down to me either hurting or killing Jacob.

(JOEY’E POINT OF VIEW)

After dinner I help my mother clean up the kitchen and put away the dishes where she could go home. I heard her talking all day long about a movie she wants to see on the TV tonight. So I wanted to make sure she gets home early enough to change and relax before the movie starts.

Since the walkways have not been built between the two houses we each take turns walking my mom and sister home. My sister already left earlier saying something about her boyfriend coming down to pick her up. That was all I could gather from her as she walked out the door.

I told the guys I will walk my mom home tonight. I know there was something on her mind because she really didn’t talk much as we walked between the yards and I know it has something to do with me.

“Mom what is bothering you right now? You are being way too quiet.”

“Look Joey I know you love Jacob with all your heart and I don't want to get in the middle of anything between you two. This thing of him at his grandfather buying the restaurants without you as a named partner is really bothering me.”

“Mom, Jacob’s grandfather explained all that to us before he came out and told all of you everyone about the restaurants. I understood where he was coming from not including me as part owner. He has no say regarding my money like he has with Jacob’s money. That is the main reason my name isn't part of the contracts.”

“Come on Joey. You know that is nothing but bullshit. Al knows that he can take money from Jacob’s and you will pay Jacob back. That is nothing but a copout that Al used you know it, as well as I know it.”

I couldn't understand why my mom is talking this way. She knows whatever Jacob owns I own and the same goes with whatever I own, he owns. I have never had to worry that Jacob is trying to screw me over.

“Mom I love Jacob but I really trust him. Please mom, believe in me as much as I believe in Jacob. He will never hurt me no matter what. I have learned that about him. You don’t know all what I have done to him and he has forgiven me.”

“Joey quit thinking that you are lower than scum, because you aren’t. I am to blame for you thinking that way because I should have left your father a long time ago! I should have left way before he started hitting you, your sister, and me. The way you grew up in that house is making you think the way you think now.

When Jacob came into your life, you both were lost. Although Jacob has gone through a lot more than you doesn't mean he is better than you. Joey, I love him like a son, but I don't want you to be taken advantage of.”

“Mom, trust me! I am not being taken advantage of. Jacob has given me everything I ever wanted and then some. So again, please trust me when I tell you that there is nothing going on behind my back.”

Just then we arrived at the back door my mom's house. She turned and hugged me before she went in. I know she means well, but there are things Jacob and I can never do. One of those things is being owners of property together.

So what my mom told me really didn't bother me, because I know how it is. On my way back to the house I kept looking back to make sure my mom was safe in her house. Now I have to worry about her more now than I ever have; not because of what she thinks about Jacob and his grandfather. I have to worry that she is getting old and that she will not have that many more years doing what she is doing right now.

That is why with Jacob told me he hired Alex’s mother to help out around the house, I was glad. Now my mom has less work to do and more time for herself. I really hope that she understands she is family, not hired help.

I walked in and headed up to the room to find Jacob already lying in bed. As I shut the door, Jacob looked up at me with a big smile on his face. I really don’t want to destroy his happy mood.

“So babe what took you so long walking among to her house? It isn't like she lives several blocks away. I have been waiting for you to cuddle before we go to bed.”

“Sorry Jacob, my mom has me worried. She said some weird things to me on our way to her house and it kind of got under my skin. I know she is just looking after me like a mother should do.”

“You know Joey I am here if you want to talk. I will never ask you to talk, if you are not ready. I just hope that our relationship could take anything that is thrown at it.”

“You know Jacob you’re right about the relationship, because it can take anything that anyone throws at it. Just looked at all your mother has done. We are still standing aren’t we, even after all her efforts?”

Jacob started laughing at what I just said. He knows that I am right about his mom. I didn't say it in order to get him off my back. I said it to make my point that our relationship is stronger than ever.

“Look Jacob what my mom is worried about is the idea of your name being the only other name on the contract with your grandpa. I explained to her what we agreed upon in the study before we went out there for dinner. Still she didn't seem to be satisfied with my answer. But I know she will live with it because I am.”

“Joey you know why my grandpa did what he did. He has nothing against you or our relationship. If your mom ever doubts that, all she has to do is look back to that grandpa is one person in my family that has supported us unconditionally from the beginning.

I don't know what your mom wants, but if she has comments, doubts, or questions she needs to sit down and talk with all three of us at the same time. Please Joey don’t get mad at what I just said, you know I love you so much I will never, ever allow anything come between us.”

“I know that Jacob you are right and my mom really didn't mean anything by it. Let's just let it go, because I know she will. Now you were saying something about cuddling, let's get down to cuddling!”

I jumped into the bed with Jacob and laid my head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around me and started rubbing my stomach. At the same time he started kissing my forehead. I like when Jacob does that to me.

Before I drifted off to sleep I couldn't help but think how life has been with Jacob. This guy treats me like a king. I don't know how I ever came to deserve a boyfriend like Jacob. The only thing that comes to mind is the Lord is looking down at me.

TO BE CONTINUED…………………

{Wow! A lot got covered in this chapter. I know when I try to cover several weeks in one chapter it is kind of confusing. But I don’t want to be stranded in one day of my life of Jacob, his friends, and family.

It looks like Andy finally sees the hatred that Normal harbors. He is now living again with Jacob and trying to give Normal the benefit of the doubt. Still Norma isn't making it easy for Andy to do that. But it will be up to Andy to get Normal to speak with Jacob. I think before that happens, hell will freeze over.

I wonder what Jacob's grandfather told Jacob's mother in the study that night. Whatever it was it could not have been good for Gloria. As Jacob explained she looked like she was crying before she came out all of the study. I really hope that Al made it very clear to her that she needs stop everything she is doing as far as causing trouble for Jacob and Joey.

How about what Jacob grandfather did in this chapter? He took the money out of the stock market that he invested for Jacob and then bought restaurants with it. McDonald's restaurants of all restaurants to buy! I don't know about you, every time I pass a McDonald's, it is always busy. So now that I think about it, it is a good investment.

Joey understood why his name didn’t go on the contract, but his mom is questioning it. I understand from where Beth is coming from, but at the same time she needs to understand Jacob would never leave Joey out in the cold. Still if she has problems with the setup of the restaurants, I agree with Jacob, she needs to talk with all three of them at the same time. I really hope that Beth will not become a problem in the future.

In the last couple chapters we haven't heard anything about Jeremy. Don't worry he is still around and will be in the next couple chapters. He is a great character that many of you have been asking about and I am telling you, he was not written off.

There are so many plots going on at the same time. I will never get to all of them in one chapter. David and Tom really were not in this chapter, but again they will be in the future chapters. As well as Greg, Linda, Dist. Atty., and other characters from my other two stories. So please stick around and keep reading.

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

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

EDITOR’S CORNER:

Yes, there was a lot of ground covered in this chapter! I hope that someone gets through to Normal and defuses her. She’s a time bomb waiting to go off when it will do the most damage. I was glad to see Andy get in touch with his balls! It’s been too long in coming, but at least, and hopefully, better late than never!

Joey hasn’t snapped to an idea yet. Joey leads with the end of his nose rather than seeing far ahead. He needs to tell Grandpa Al to just take over management of his assets and do what is right for him. It is not good for spouses to be bound contractually in a business venture. That can bring undue pressures that no relationship needs into play. Joey needs to ask Grandpa Al to find another deal for his assets that will remain separate from Jacob’s. That would also answer Beth’s concerns. Yes, gay couples can jointly own property. It just has to be set up as a BUSINESS partnership. There are plenty of ways gays can have the same rights, protections and benefits afforded straight couples.

Ok, I’m dying to know what the conversation between Al and Gloria was all about. Ok, Jacob, find a way to give us a replay! We know that Al knew about Greg and Gloria’s plot. We know Al was very angry. Perhaps Gloria needs the treatment the boys got for playing with matches!

I wonder what’s going on between Marie and Greg….are things warming up and going in a good direction?

Like Jacob, I could go on for hours, but I won’t bore you. Please let us hear your thoughts on whatever is important to you in the stories. Both Jacob and I relish your e-mails.
Until next time,
“Daddy” Rick