Regrets And Heartaches - 3. Chapter 3

Joey had another restless night, as he has had ever since they moved to Alamogordo. He kept being bothered about the fact that his mother had moved out of the house without telling him or his sister. Put aside that she left Joey hanging, she pretty much forced him to move away from Jacob.

Joey worked all weekend, alongside Caleb at the video store in Albertsons. Although Caleb knows about Joey, he hasn't yet told Joey about himself. Both of the boys are starting to like each other, but Joey is afraid to make a move because of the fear of losing Caleb as a friend. He also fears that Caleb might actually spread rumors around school, on why they are no longer friends.

After work on Sunday Joey took Caleb home like he did Saturday. They talked all the way to Caleb's house, but nothing really important. Caleb could feel that there is something wrong with Joey and Joey hasn't mentioned it yet.

As soon as Joey stopped the truck at Caleb's house, they said their goodbyes and Joey drove off. Caleb kept thinking to himself as he walked into his house about the bad vive he was getting from Joey on the way home. Caleb just hopes that it isn’t him that Joey is mad at.

The minute, Joey walked into the house, Fran met him at the door. It seems that Fran had talked with their mother, while Joey was at work. They walked to the kitchen so Joey can begin cooking dinner, while Fran tells Joey what she and their mother discussed.

“Mom is fine, and plans to come down sometime this week. She got an apartment for her and uncle Dominic to live in. She gave up asking you to let him move in again. They seem to be in love, Joey, and there is nothing we can do about it.”

“You know Fran, I'm glad that mom finally found someone to love. I just wish that it wasn't Uncle Dominic. He is worse than our dad was and that is saying a lot.

Uncle Dominic doesn't love her for her. The minute he gets out of jail. He is going to try to talk her back into talking with me on living here. When he sees I will not budge on that, he will disappear as fast as he appeared.

On top of everything else, they had us move to this stupid little town. Why couldn't they be together in El Paso? Instead of destroying my life like they did. By making us pick up and move over here. I really believe the answer to that is money.”

Fran couldn't believe the words that were spilling out of her brother’s mouth. She doesn't think of her mother that way. She believes that her mother did what she thought was right on behalf of her kids. Although she believes that her mother went by it the wrong way by breaking her brother and his boyfriend up.

“Joey, you are going to have to forgive mom eventually. The move is done, and there is nothing we can do about it now. But accept it and move on making our lives better than they were in El Paso.

I have no problem with you not allowing Uncle Dominic to move back home. We just cannot walk away from our mom. She has had our backs since I can remember, and now it's our turn to give her the benefit of the doubt.”

“Fine, I agree she has had our backs in the past, but not now. Not since she got together with Uncle Dominic. He has a spell on her that makes her forget common sense, and the love she should be showing her kids.

Also, she is the one that moved out of this house and didn't tell any of us. She is getting really good sneaking out in the middle of the night. She started with our dad and finished up with us this week. I cannot give her the benefit of doubt after seeing this.”

Joey finished cooking dinner, but didn't eat with his sister. He didn't want to get into another conversation about their mother. If he does, he knows that he might say something that would lose his sister's respect. Something was said, between his sister and his mother that got his sister to change her mind. She is no longer backing Joey up.

The next morning after dropping his sister off at school. Joey went straight to the bank in order to be the first one in. After making it clear to the bank that he is the only one that can touch the money in his accounts, he felt at ease.

The bank actually changed everything on his accounts, giving him new accounts altogether. That is the only way they felt secure enough that Joey's money wouldn't be touched by his mother.

After dealing with the bank, Joey rushed back to school. He made it in time for third period. Joey has already missed three days of school in his first week. He doesn’t want to become a attendance issue.

He met up with Caleb and the others at lunch. After they finished eating and headed to the quad to hang out, Joey took Caleb to the side to speak with him. He felt bad on the way he treated Caleb the day before.

“Caleb, I am sorry if you feel that I was rude with you yesterday. It had nothing to do with you at all. You have been so great with me, since we have met and I do not want you to ever feel mistreated by me.

I just had a problem with my mother again. I dealt with the problem this morning when I went to the bank. I don't want to drown you in to my problems, but I just wanted to let you know that it wasn't you at all.”

“Thank you Joey for pulling me aside and letting me know. I'ld be lying to you if I would tell you I wasn't worried about yesterday. I'm just glad that you've fixed it this morning. I really hope what ever happened between you and your mom can be fixed also.”

The other guys started whistling for Joey and Caleb to head on over to them. They left the conversation at that and joined the others. Just like the days before, they sat there ranking in the girls by their looks and breast size.

Before Joey knew it, he and Caleb are heading to work already. This time, the conversation in the truck was livelier than the night before. Joey actually opened up more about his relationship with Jacob. Every so often, Caleb would ask a question.

No matter how hard Joey fights it, he is actually falling for Caleb. He keeps trying to tell himself that there is a chance on getting back with Jacob. He also knows, the more time they stay apart, the less of a chance he will have to get Jacob back.

Between school and work the week went by fast. When he got home on Thursday evening, Joey found out that his mother had been by. He doesn't like the idea that his mother is coming and going as she pleases.

He feels that if he puts his foot down, he might lose his sister. All the proof he needed is the way Fran kept talking about their mother during dinner. Nothing negative came out of Fran’s mouth. In fact, Fran all so lightly is hinting around to Joey on letting their mother and Uncle Dominic movie in.

Every time that part of the conversation came up, Joey changed the subject. That is the only way he felt he could save them from getting into a fight. Eventually, Joey knows that he is going to have to deal with this issue head on.

As they were clearing up the dishes. The front door opened and Beth walked in. Right behind her walked in Uncle Dominic. That threw Joey into a frenzy and immediately he walked towards the front door.

“I don't know how you got out so quickly, but you are not allowed in this house. If you do not leave on your own free will, I will have you forcefully removed from my house.”

Uncle Dominic and Beth just looked at Joey. They cannot understand why he is so angry with them. Still, Joey stood right in the middle of the door and wouldn't allow them to come in to the house.

“Joey if you know what is best for you, you will let me by. You cannot keep your mother and me out of this house.”

Joey did move away from the door, but he did something they didn't suspect him to do. He walked straight to the phone and called the police. The minute they heard Joey request the police to come down to the house they quickly walked out as fast as they could. Joey hung up the phone, and locked the front door.

As he turned around, Fran is standing between the kitchen in the living room looking very angry and hurt. There is nothing Joey can do about her feelings now. So he walked back over to the kitchen to finish the dishes.

Fran walked in and started yelling at Joey. “What will you do if I move out and leave you all alone? It seems that you want to be all alone by the way you are treating mom and Uncle Dominic.”

Joey gathered his thoughts before he spoke. “The day you get beat down like I did, is the day you can see where I am coming from. Even if I spoke out of place, he didn’t have the right to hit me.

I took that abuse from our father, and when I escaped that I made a promise to myself and to our aunt and uncle that I will never again allow anyone to mistreat me in any way. This is true no matter who they are and that includes Jacob and Uncle Dominic.

So if you want to leave me, so be it. I don’t want you to though. I love you way to much to see you going to live with mom. I also know I cannot stop you if you choose to leave. I am begging you not to. You have to understand where I am coming from and stop asking me to forgive mom and Uncle Dominic.”

Fran walked up to the sink to help Joey finish the dishes. She knows that Joey is right that he cannot forgive his mother for not protecting him or their uncle for beating on him. She knows if it happened to her, she would be doing the same thing.

Joey dealt with the police when they arrived. They promised Joey that they will do a couple extra patrols in the neighborhood for the next couple days. If they see him or if he comes back, he will be arrested on the spot.

After the police left, Joey felt bad for his uncle, but that is the only way he can protect him and his sister from their uncle. Joey is stunned on the way his uncle demanded to be allowed in. Joey figures that his uncle thinks that he will crumble out of fear, but he is going to keep his promise that he made to himself and his aunt and uncle. No one will ever hurt him on the way his dad did.

The next morning, Joey decided to surprise Caleb and pick him up for school. He quickly got ready and rushed his sister to get ready as well. At first Fran didn't know why her brother is in such a hurry to get to school.

As they jumped into the truck and headed off, Fran noticed that they are not heading straight to school. She didn't say a word and just sat there to see where her brother is heading. As they drove down to Caleb's house, neither of them spoke about last night. And what had happened between Joey, his mother and his uncle.

They stopped in front of Caleb's house, and as Joey got out of the truck he turned to his sister. “Stay here from a minute Fran, I will be right back with someone that I go to school and work with.”

Joey walked up to Caleb's front door and started knocking. He felt nervous as he stood there waiting for someone to answer the door. Although it was only seconds between knocks, to Joey. It seemed like minutes not seconds. Just as Joey raised his hand to knock the third time, the door opened and an older version of Caleb answered the door.

“May I help you young man?’ The older gentleman looked at Joey standing there, gathering his thoughts.

“Yes, um, I was wondering if Caleb is still here and hasn't left for school yet.”

“Yes he is, please come on in as I go and get my son for you.”

Joey walked in and looked around as he stood in the hallway by the front door. This is the first time that Joey has been in Caleb's house. He can see that his parents really love their son, by the pictures that are on the wall. There are so many pictures of a happy family hanging on the wall.

Caleb walked over to see Joey standing there at his front door. He is surprised on seeing him there. As far as Caleb can recall, Joey never mentioned to him that he is going to come by in the morning.

“What a surprise Joey, I didn't know you plan on stopping by. I'm about to head out to school. You should have told me that you were coming by this morning.”

“I know, I just thought at the last minute to come by and pick you up for school. That is if you do not mind driving with me and my sister to school.”

“Of course not, in fact, I would love to. It will save me from walking to school. Just give me a few minutes to grab my books and put on my shoes.”

Caleb went running to his room and Joey stood there watching him. Joey still cannot understand how in the world Caleb could be so big, but yet so nice and generous. Every person that Joey has met that has looked like Caleb has been the biggest jerks. He has ever known. At least until he met Caleb that is changing his way of thinking on that.

Just minutes later, Caleb walked up to Joey at the door. As they walked out, Caleb said goodbye to his father. They walked to the truck and Fran opened the passenger side door as the boys reached the truck.

“Fran this is my friend Caleb and Caleb this is my sister Fran.”

Joey introduced the two as they settled into the truck. Fran couldn’t help but look Caleb over as they drove to school. She is getting this weird feeling in the pit of her stomach that Caleb is more then a friend to Joey. She knows if Joey finds someone else before she has a chance to get him back together with Jacob, she will not stand a chance.

No one said a word, the entire way to school. All three of them are thinking pretty much the same thing, but none of them spoke their thoughts out loud. As they arrived to school, Fran got out and didn’t say a word to Caleb or her brother.

“I don't think your sister really likes me Joey. She wouldn't even look at me or say a word to me the entire way over here.”

“Don't worry, it isn't you, it is me. We had a huge argument last night when my mother and uncle came down. She is talking with my mother, and whatever my mother is telling her she believes it. That is leaving me the bad guy through all this.

I also know that she is speaking with someone still in El Paso several times a week. She thinks that somehow Jacob and I are going to get back together again. And she will do anything to make that happen.”

Caleb just looked at Joey as they stood there by the truck talking. He is debating within himself on where the line is about the subject of Jacob. He doesn't want to cross an invisible line that he cannot come back from.

“You look like you're worried Caleb that I might move back to El Paso. I don't plan to move back at all, but I do want to make a trip very soon back down there. I just want to make sure everything is okay with Jacob.”

“Please tell me if I ever cross a line with you about the subject. I am wondering if you are thinking that you might be able to get back with Jacob. Everything you have told me so far is telling me, you are not over Jacob by a long shot.”

“Caleb to tell you the truth I am lost right now and don't know how to find my way through this mess. I know I broke his heart so bad. There is no chance; he will ever give me another chance to love him. We had several years together, but the way I walked out on him that day isn’t good.

I need to move on, but I'm afraid to. I am actually falling in love with somebody already, and I don't think I have a chance. I don't even know if this person likes me, because I am not good on reading people. I just got lucky with Jacob.

I also know once I see him and he is okay. I can move on without a problem. I just feel really bad on the way that I walked out on him. There is no coming back on that whatsoever, and I must learn to live with it.”

“Maybe what you should do is take your chances with the person you like; you might be surprised on the response. As far as Jacob is concerned, you need to get closure on that. That is the only way. You will be able to move on. If you never get closure, you will never be able to have another successful relationship with anyone.”

The boys started walking towards the building to get some breakfast. Caleb couldn't stop thinking about what Joey just said. Once again, Joey did not use him or her as he talked about the person he is starting to like. That is what Caleb is all confused about. He wants to tell Joey about himself, but is afraid to.

The school day went by pretty fast, and the only class Joey looks forward to is his ROTC class. Joey decided to drown himself into this class in order to forget everything that is going on in his life right now.

Since he doesn't have to be work until four and school lets out a three. He has forty-five minutes to practice shooting in the range. That leaves him fifteen minutes to get from his school to his job. Joey knows that he is really cutting in tight as far as time.

His new instructor thanks the day that Joey walked through his doors. Joey is his highest scoring shooter on his team now. That means they actually have a chance to pull their season back together and maybe, just maybe, they actually have a chance to win their district this year.

Unlike Newman high school, Alamogordo high has gone through a huge dry spell on winning anything in the ROTC program. The senior Army instructor actually took Joey to the side and asked for pointers dealing with the drill teams. Even all the way up into Alamogordo they have heard about the success Major Moore has had with his program.

Joey did help him with some pointers, but wouldn't give them the drills. They are not in the same district. So they will not compete against each other for district champs, but they do compete once a year against each other at N.I.M.M.I.

After practice, Joey rushed to work just making it in time for his shift. Being a Friday night, the video store is packed with customers. So immediately Joey got his register and helped out Caleb. Poor guy is drowning, with all the customers either checking out movies or asking for movies.

Once they got through the rush. They were able to straighten out the store and put on the shelves the movies that were returned during the rush. Both the boys ended up working on the shelves of the new releases. That is when Caleb decided to tell Joey the truth.

Caleb looked around the store to make sure they’re no customers waiting to be helped. Caleb noticed Joey walking up to the counter and followed him. As the boys reached the counter, Caleb patted Joey on the shoulder to get his attention.

“Since we are not busy right now and we have a little bit of time before you go to break. I would like to talk with you about something. You have been completely honest with me. Pretty much from the get go, and I appreciate that.

Unlike you right now, I have told you that I am pretty close with my mother. I tell her everything that goes on in my life. She and my father are the only ones that know everything about me. Now I am taking a chance on you.

What I'm about to tell you is the hardest thing for me to say to anyone. Not even my friends at school know this. I have known them since we have been pretty much babies. I just think, because where we live, they will not understand about me.”

Caleb stopped talking in order to try to read Joey's expressions. It is hard for him to read anything on Joey, because they have not known each other long enough. Still, Caleb decided to continue telling Joey about him being gay.

“Just like you Joey, I do not like the opposite sex. I am gay, and have known that for a very long time. The only difference between you and me is the fact that you've been in a long relationship and I have never been in one.”

Caleb stopped talking again and just stood there waiting for Joey's response. Joey looked down to the floor, and then back up to Caleb before clearing his throat to talk. Caleb is afraid on what Joey might say to him. This is the first person outside his mother and father that he has told about him being gay.

“I am glad that you told me about yourself Caleb. You were the person I was talking about this morning before school. I just didn't know if you are the same way as I am. That is why I was unwilling to take a chance because I wanted to keep our friendship more than anything else.

You know a lot about me and all of what I told you is the truth. You are right about me being in a long-term relationship, but it taught me several lessons. One of those lessons is when you find somebody that you truly love, you need to hold onto that person with everything you have.

I know before we go any further, you have several questions for me. I will answer anything you ask me, and please do not hold back. That is the only way you will feel comfortable with me as a friend or anything else.”

Just then a customer walked in, to look at the videos. That gave a chance for Caleb to think of all the questions that he has for Joey. There's a few that weigh heavy on his mind, and then there's a few he can live without being answered. After the customer left, Joey walked back up to the counter to see if Caleb has any questions.

“Joey, I have several questions for you and I hope you do not take offense to them.” Joey shook his head back and forth in order to answer Caleb.

“Okay then, here we go! First, I am wondering about your mother, and what she wants you to do as far as the baby is concerned. You ended a very long relationship in order to satisfy your mother's requests.”

“You're right and I was wrong on doing that. I know if I would've gone to Jacob and told him what my mother was requesting me to do, he would have stood by me while I dealt with this situation. No matter if it meant me getting a woman pregnant.

I'm still going to have to find someone to have a couple of kids with. But I do not plan to have sex with that woman. The technology of today, gives me another avenue to use. I plan to use that avenue, because I'm gay and there is nothing anyone can do about that.

I will never again allow anyone to step in and destroy my life. I lost Jacob and there is no way I will ever get him back. But from now on, I plan to be completely honest and up front with whoever I get together with.”

Caleb just looked at Joey and swallowed before he started to talk. “You kind of answered my next question but I want to ask it anyways. You spent two and a half years with Jacob, and that is a very long time. I am wondering, what are the chances of you going back to him if he gives you that opportunity.”

“I know without a doubt, Jacob would never give me that opportunity again. I have hurt him way too many times and way too many times he forgave me. No matter what was in front of him, he forgave me. Trust me; I hurt him a lot as I found myself.

I will be lucky if he will give me a friendship after what I have done. Anyone that would want to date me would worry about this. I could sit here all day and tell the person that will never happen, but it is up to the person to believe me. I know Jacob will never open his heart the same way to me again. We will never be boyfriends again and that I need to get used to and get on with my life!”

Caleb just stood there reading Joey’s face as he gave his answer to his question. Caleb can tell that Joey is telling the truth about the chances he has with Jacob. There is no chance at all of those two to ever become boyfriends once again.

“Those were my main two concerns. I like you a lot Joey and I have liked you since the day I walked over to your table. I had a secret motive on why I did walk over and that motive was to get to know you.

I have never been in a relationship before. If I do take that chance with you, you need to be able to work with me. I will not walk around in public holding hands and kissing. I will not say those words I love you in public as well. I will do all this in private, either at my house or yours, but never public!”

Joey started to laugh as Caleb finished talking. Caleb expression went from being somewhat happy and serious to angry at Joey laughing at him. That caused Joey to stop laughing and immediately apologizing to Caleb.

“I am so sorry Caleb; you are taking my laugh the wrong way. I should not have laughed, and I'm sorry, but you and I are on the same page. That is exactly what I am looking for as well in a boyfriend. That is what I had with Jacob, and that is what I want in my next boyfriend.”

Joey reached over and grabbed the back of Caleb's head to brush his hand through his hair. Caleb started to laugh as Joey put his hand on the side of his face.

“I would love if you would give me a chance to be more than a friend with you. We can date and see where it takes us. I know we don't have that much free time to do that. But I'm willing to give you all of my free time that I have.”

Caleb’s face turned all shades of red as Joey asked him on a date. Caleb could only shake his head up and down to answer Joey’s question. They have to be careful on where they go on their dates, but Caleb is willing to take a chance with Joey.

They finished off their shift, teasing one another, but not enough for anyone to catch on to their true feelings. As Joey drove Caleb home, they held hand the entire way. Caleb started to feel things that he has never felt before in his life.

Once they reached Caleb’s house, Joey let go of Caleb’s hand. Both of the boys wanted to kiss each other but neither took the leap. Caleb got out of the truck as Joey told him that he will be here bright and early tomorrow morning to pick him up for work.

All the way home Joey felt like his old self again! He never thought these feelings. He is having for Caleb would ever return. The day he left Jacob was the day he thought he lost the ability to ever love someone else again. Caleb is proving to Joey that he can love another person just as he loved Jacob.

Then it dawned on Joey that it hasn't even been a month yet, and he's willing to start dating somebody else. All of a sudden Joey started to feel really bad for what he is doing and thinking of doing with Caleb.

He started to think that it isn't even fair to Caleb if he's not ready to move on. Caleb made it very clear to Joey that he will be his first boyfriend. If he isn’t ready to give everything to Caleb, then he better be for sure that everything is over with Jacob. That there isn’t any chance on getting back with him, before he goes any further with Caleb!

The next morning when Joey got to work, he immediately went to go look at the scheduled for next week. As he looked at his next week schedule, he noticed that Helen gave him more hours to work. He started jotting down his scheduled and saw that he had his forty hours, but Friday and Saturday off.

After he finished writing down his entire schedule, he headed back over to the video store. Caleb greeted him with a big smile on his face.

“What's up Joey, you went to go look at next week schedule?” Caleb tried to act like a gangster from the movies. In return, Joey couldn't help but start laughing and grabbing at Caleb's neck and rubbing his head.

“What days do you have off next week? I have Friday and Saturday off and I was wondering if you are up to doing something on Saturday. That is if you have it off too.”

replied Joey.

“I do have the same days off as you do, that is awesome! Wait, why do you want to do something on Saturday, but not Friday also?” was Caleb's eager responce.

Joey just looked at Caleb and didn't know what to say. He doesn't want to start a relationship off with a lie, but the truth might hurt him as well. Then Joey remembered that he promised to always tell the truth no matter what.

“I want to be able to be with you one hundred percent. The only way I know how to do that is to make sure everything is okay with Jacob. Since we have half day on Friday, and I don't work. I want to drive down to El Paso and check up on Jacob.”

Almost automatically, Caleb went from being happy to being sober. He isn't mad at Joey, but he doesn't understand why he needs to go down and talk with Jacob. He already broke up with him. There should be nothing left to say on that subject.

“You're mad at me Caleb! I don't want you mad at me. All I want is to make sure that you are happy and what ever we do from this day forward isn't built on a house of cards. I know everything I'm saying doesn't make any sense.”

“Now it makes sense and what I can get out of it. Is that you are not ready yet. I understand and I really hope you come back on Friday. We better get back to work before my mom catches us goofing around.”

Caleb went back to the counter and started checking in movies. Once he completed that task, he headed to put the movies he checked in on the shelves. The rest of the shift, neither of the boys said a word to each other.

Right before it was time to get off, Caleb approached Joey. “I already have a ride home today. So you do not have to worry about giving me a ride, but thank you.”

Joey just stood there looking at Caleb as he walked away. He doesn’t know what to do or say to correct this. He knows that he hurt Caleb, but he doesn’t know how to fix it. Joey thought that he is doing the right thing by telling Caleb the truth.

After Joey turned in his drawer, he walked out so confused. He jumped into his truck and headed home. Joey went in and found no one home. He went straight to his room and fell on his bed crying.

He really wants to be with Caleb, but his heart is torn between Caleb and Jacob. Why doesn’t Caleb understand that he isn’t over Jacob yet? He just wants to make sure he doesn’t stand a chance. Some how through the tears, Joey fell to sleep on his stomach!

He woke up by the sounds of the front door slamming shut. Joey crawled out of bed and headed to the living room. As he walked into the living room, he found Fran turning on the television as she sat down.

“What's up little sister? It sounds like you are having a bad day. Do you want to tell me about what is bothering you right now?”

Fran turned around and gave Joey a dirty look. Joey walked around and sat down in the chair. Joey just looked at his sister, and didn't break eye contact with her. Finally, she turned her face and started talking.

“You know that you are really, I mean really stupid. You haven't even been separated from Jacob. A month yet, and you are ready to date somebody else. You don't want to get back together with Jacob, do you? You're just using what mom did as an excuse.”

“Look, I screwed up so many times with Jacob and he had forgiven me. There is no way, he will not forgive me on breaking his heart the way I did. He is a great guy, but he has his limits as well and I believe I reached them.”

“How do you know? You haven't even picked up the phone and called him since we've been here. All you're doing is hiding behind mom and unwilling to be truthful with yourself and with me.”

“Fran, I am willing to deal with what is in front of me. I am not hiding behind mom on anything. I should have never allowed her or Uncle Dominic to talk me into leaving Jacob. They are not to blame for this, I am. Now I need to figure out what to do from this point on with my life. No one else will ever move me one direction or another.”

Fran just looked at Joey, unable to figure out her brother. Almost overnight, her brother finally grew a set of balls. This is a person that Fran can respect and look up to. She is starting to think that maybe the breakup may have made a man out of Joey.

The next day at work, Caleb gave Joey the cold shoulder. Every time Joey attempted to talk with him, he would find some more work. It seems that nothing Joey says, or tries to do is getting Caleb's attention.

By mid-shift Joey finally gave up on hinting around with Caleb. He walked straight up to Caleb and turned him around. So they can face each other as they talk.

“I don't know any other way to say this for you to understand. I don't plan on staying in El Paso on Friday. I only want to go up and see, not talk, but see Jacob. To prove it to you, I want you to come with me.”

Caleb couldn't believe what Joey just said. He really miss took the conversation they had yesterday. Now he has to figure a way out of the hole that he buried himself in.

“I really want to be with you on Friday, and to prove it to you. I told my sister yesterday that she needs to get use to the fact that Jacob and I are over. She didn't like it, but it looks like she's going to live with it.

I only want to make sure that Jacob is okay. The day I left him, he was crying in the front of the house on his hands and knees as I got the truck. I cannot live with that being my last memory of him.”

“I will be honored to ride up with you. You should probably invite your sister go along as well. I'm pretty sure she would want to see her old friends for couple hours. And if you want to speak with Jacob, just drop me off somewhere. That way you guys have your privacy without an audience.”

It seemed all it took is for Joey to be upfront with Caleb in order for him to understand why Joey wants to go up and see Jacob. After they had their talk, everything went back to normal. The boys started playing around when the store was empty.

The rest of the day went by pretty quick. By Monday morning, all the dust had already settled from the weekend events. So when Joey pulled up to pickup Caleb. it seemed like nothing really ever happened between the two.

All the way to school, Fran kept asking question after question to Caleb. He didn't mind answering them, because he felt that this is her way on trying to accept him. So she continued asking the questions, and he continued to answer them. As soon as they drove up the school, Fran seemed satisfied with her inquiry.

She got out and said goodbye to both the guys. Caleb shrugged his shoulders at Joey as they walked to the cafeteria. They both started talking about how easy this week's going to be because of it being the final week before the Christmas holidays. In addition the week is full with semester exams.

Since Joey transferred in almost at the end of the semester. The teachers told him that they will keep the grades he transferred in as his final grade. So, that means, Joey will not be taking any semester exams, but has to show up class.

Although he didn't do anything in class the week went by pretty fast. By Wednesday, Caleb informed Joey that he got permission to go with him on Friday. The only request his mom has is that they should stay the night instead of driving back on the same day. Joey has no problem with that request.

Fran is really excited on seeing her friends again. Many of them, she didn't get a chance to say goodbye to before she left. Her mother instructed her not to say a word to anyone because of the off chance of it getting to Jacob and his family. Now she can see them and explain everything on what had happened.

As Friday morning rolled around, Caleb, Fran and Joey could not wait for school to be over. Although it's only three hours long, those hours seem like eternity to these guys. To make matters worse, all they are going to be doing is watching movies during class.

By second period, Joey asked Caleb if it is okay if they skip out on third period. That way they won’t have to be in a rush. It will give them an extra hour of lee-way. Caleb agreed and Joey went out to tell his sister.

When the bell rang to change classes, Joey and Caleb met Fran at the front door of the school. They quickly headed to the truck in order not to be caught. They had packed the truck in the morning, that way they could leave right after school.

It didn't take long for them to get on the freeway. At first, they talked a lot about different things, and eventually Fran fell asleep. That gave Joey and Caleb a chance to speak about things they don't want Fran to comment on.

“When we get to El Paso, we will first drop my sister off at her friend’s house. From there we will head over to Jacob’s. I will not get down and ring the bell. I just want to see him and make sure he is okay. Once I see that, I can show you parts of El Paso.”

“That sounds like a plan to me. Somewhere in there, I hope you put some time aside for us to eat. I am already getting pretty hungry, and I know. We are not even half way there yet.”

Joey laughed at Caleb and this time Caleb started to laugh also. Joey reached around to see and pulled out several grocery bags full of snack foods. He handed them to Caleb in order for him to put something in his stomach.

Fran slept the entire way until they reached the outskirts of El Paso. Caleb had never been to El Paso until now. He is like a little kid glued to the window looking at every thing they pass as they head to Fran’s friend’s house.

“What time are you going to come down and pick me up tonight?” Fran asked Joey as she got out of the truck in front of her best friends house.

“I'm thinking around eleven maybe eleven thirty!” Fran shook her head in agreement with her brother. “Here, take this and don't spend it on your friends but yourself. You guys might want to go to the mall or to the movies and you are going to need money.”

Joey pulled out a fifty dollar bill and handed it to his sister. She smiled back and thanked him. He watched his sister, and made sure that she was safe inside before he left. As he drove up to a stoplight he looked over at Caleb and grabbed his hand.

“I am glad you came with me on this trip. I'm very nervous and you being here is making it a lot easier for me.” He smiled at Caleb, and then they heard a horn honking behind them, because the light had changed to green.

“Not a problem, I am glad that you invited me. I would be sitting at home, worried whether or not you arrived safely and if everything is going well.”

They turned onto the street of Jacob's house and drove halfway down. Joey pulled over to the side of the street in plain view of his old house. You can see Jacob's car in the driveway and the lights on in his old room.

As Caleb looked over to Joey, he saw that Joey looked sad looking at his old house. He wants to be able to put his mind at ease, but how. Then it dawned on Caleb to have him talk about anything about his past. Just as long as he isn’t thinking about Jacob!

“So how long have you guys lived in that house. It looks really old, and now there's construction being done to the outside of it.”

Joey turned to Caleb with tears rolling down his cheeks. He cleared his throat and started explaining how they got the house. He told Caleb about his aunts and uncles house, and how they moved into this house. Then he explained why there's construction between the two houses and behind them.

Just then, the lights on the outside of Jacob's house turned on. Joey and Caleb turned to look to see what's going on. At first, Joey worried that they spotted him and they are coming out to tell him off. But then, he saw Jacob walking towards his car. In his uniform, laughing at what ever David and Tom are teasing about.

As Jacob pulled out of the driveway and started his way down the street, Joey followed. He stayed a couple cars back in order not to be caught. He keeps scratching his head on where Jacob is going in his uniform and then he remembered, mid year drill meet.

He looked up at the street they are turning on and realized this isn't the way to the Coliseum. ‘Where is Jacob going, because this is not the way to the Coliseum?’ Joey asked himself as he continued to follow Jacob.

The entire time as they followed Jacob, Caleb just looked straight ahead. Not knowing what to say or what to do. He doesn't want to say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing that might get Joey angry.

As I turned onto another residential street, Joey knew that they were not going to the Coliseum. He noticed Jacob’s brake lights turn on, so he slowed down to a stop. Both Caleb and Joey strained their eyes to see what Jacob is doing.

Joey saw a figure walking towards the car from the sidewalk. At first he couldn't make out if it is a boy or girl. But once the passenger door opened and the dorm light of Jacob's car turned on. He could see it is a guy getting into the car.

Joey strained his eyes as he looked to see if Jacob and that guy would kiss or hug. The door shut and the dorm light turned off before he could see anything. Not even a minute later, Jacob started down the road again.

Joey started his truck, turned on his lights and started following Jacob again. Caleb turned to Joey to see his facial expression. It is way too dark in the dorm of the truck for Caleb to see anything. So he just turned to look straight ahead and not say a word.

They followed them to the Village Inn on Mesa Street. They parked in the back of the restaurant in order for Jacob not to see them. Joey turned off his truck and turned to look at Caleb for the first time since they started following Jacob.

“Well, I guess we can get down and eat. That is if you want?”

Caleb just shrugged his shoulders. Not really answering Joey's question. He is leaving that up to Joey to decide. No matter what he does or says right now. Caleb knows that he is walking through a minefield.

“Do me a favor, Jacob doesn't know you, so go in there and order us something to eat? Tell them it's to go, and while you are waiting. You can see what those guys are doing. If it looks like they're on a date. Please let me know. That way, I know Jacob has been able to move on.”

Joey pulled out his wallet again and handed Caleb two twenty dollar bills. Caleb grabbed the twenties and got out of the truck. As he headed over to the restaurant he turned back to see what Joey is doing. Just as Caleb turned to look at him, he saw him lying down in the front seat of his truck.

Caleb walked in and got greeted by the hostess he asked her for a menu where he can order food to go. After the hostess handed him a menu, he started looking around the restaurant to see where Jacob the guy went. Caleb found them sitting in a booth in the non-smoking area of the restaurant.

While Caleb waits for his order, he didn't take his eyes off of Jacob. He can see why Joey likes him. ‘He looks very handsome in that uniform!’ Caleb thought to himself as he looks at the two guys sitting at a booth.

They are really not doing anything that would make you think they are on a date. ‘It could be, this is their first date, and because of that they are very nervous.’ That being the reason Caleb thought it doesn't look like a date.

Almost at the same time as the food is being delivered to Jacob and his friend. The hostess gave Caleb his food. He grabbed both of the bags and headed back to the truck. Not knowing really what to say to Joey.

As we reached the truck, he noticed that Joey had fallen asleep. As quietly as he could, he got into the truck. He didn't really want to wake up Joey, but he doesn’t want the food to get cold on them.

“Joey, um, Joey wake up please! I got us dinner.” Caleb started to shake Joey gently in order to wake him up.

Slowly Joey opened his eyes and looked over at Caleb. Joey rubbed his eyes as he moved the seat back up.

“How long was I asleep Caleb? Were you able to see those two in the restaurant while you were in there? If so, what were they doing? Did it look like they are out on a date with each other?”

“You were asleep maybe for fifteen minutes at the most I think. While I was waiting for our food, I was able to see Jacob and the other guy. It doesn't look like they are out on a date, but I'm not for sure.”

“Well it's simple to figure out if they're out on a date or not. Are they holding hands or sitting in the same booth at the table? Talking and laughing at each others sentences as they waited for their food.”

“None of the above they were doing. They are sitting on separate booths and not holding hands or playing tag with their feet underneath the table. They barely talked to each other while they were waiting for their food.”

Joey looked down at the bags that Caleb brought. “Whatever you ordered smells very good. What did you order us to eat for dinner?”

Caleb pulled out both treys of food and opened them. He handed one to Joey and kept one for himself. Joey looked down and saw steak, mash potatoes and corn. He turned to look at Caleb.

“Great choice of food you made, man I am a starving!”

Joey quickly started digging into his food. Before they knew it, they engulfed their entire plates of food. Not leaving any crumbs left over in the treys. Once they finished up they put their plates back in the bag and threw them in the backseat.

Joey started the truck and moved it in order for them to see Jacob's car. As they pulled up closer, they saw Jacob and the guy walking to the car. Just like before, they followed Jacob several cars back. This time they are heading in the direction of the Coliseum.

Joey was very careful as he followed Jacob to the Coliseum. He wants to make sure he doesn't get caught by Jacob following him. Both vehicles drove into the parking lot of the Coliseum and parked. There are only a few parking spots separating them.

That is when Joey realized this is more then just a friendship. First, Jacob took this guy out to eat before coming down here. Second, the guys from the house aren’t with them and Joey knows that they have planned on going. And finally, they are spending way too much time in the car right now.

‘One thing is for sure, Jacob has moved on.’ Joey came to that conclusion after sitting in the parking lot for about ten minutes. Another ten minutes passed before Jacob and the guy got out of the car. Once they were in the building, Joey got out of the truck.

Caleb followed Joey as they headed to the Coliseum. “How would you like to watch a drill meet? It can be a boring ass times, but exciting also.”

Caleb just shook his head as they walked towards the ticket booth. All of a sudden, Joey just stopped in his tracks. He turned to Caleb and just looked at him. The boys did not move an inch in any direction.

“I am very, very sorry Caleb. I got my answer and now we can go. There is no need to go in there and watch a drill meet. I rather spend the time with you Caleb some where else except here.”

For the first time this evening Caleb smiled back at Joey. “I would rather be with you anywhere else in this city except here. I am very sorry that you had to see what you saw here tonight. But at least, you got your answer you have been wondering about.”

They walked out and straight to the truck. They got out there as fast as they could. As they got onto the freeway, Joey grabbed Caleb’s hand and moved it to his mouth to kiss it. Caleb just stood there looking at Joey as he did that.

“I should have never put you through what I did to you tonight. I know it had to hard on you. You had to bite your tongue on so much on what you saw. I will not do that again to you ever again, I promise!”

Caleb tried to gather his thoughts. It seems as if Joey knows how to read minds or something. He knows exactly how Caleb is feeling and was thinking all night long. It is going too hard for Caleb to hide anything from him in the future.

Joey headed to the east side of El Paso. There is a dance club that let’s in teens that just opened. It has five clubs in one that plays all kinds of music from country all the way to rock and every thing between those two.

“I hope you like where I am taking you. I have never been here before, but know it is here. Jacob never liked going to dance clubs. I don’t dance; I just want to go for the music. You know get away from things for a couple of hours.”

“I have no problem with dance clubs. I never have been in one before. I just hope they let us in because of our age.”

“They will I heard they let teens in with a stamp on their hands that show under age. We can get a couple of sodas and jump from dance club to dance club. Let’s just have fun and not think about anything.”

That is just what the boys did once they got to the dance club. They started to have so much, they lost track of time. When Joey looked at his watch, it jumped out of his seat. Grabbing a hold of Caleb, they headed out the door.

“It is already fifteen minutes after twelve. I need to go and pick up my sister, and we are going to be late. Plus we don’t even have rooms yet.”

Joey tried to get to his sister as fast as possible without getting a speeding ticket. He arrived almost at midnight to pick up his sister. Fran isn’t too happy with the tardiness when her brother arrived to pick her up.

They got three rooms at the Motel 6 off of the freeway. Although the boys want to share a room, they knew it is best to have separate ones. Joey wants to do this right with Caleb. He wants to date him before sharing a bed with him.

The next morning they got up almost at the time of check out. They ate lunch before starting their journey back home. Not even thinking, Caleb grabbed a hold of Joey’s hand to hold it. He forgot that Fran is sitting in the back seat of the truck and can see what he is doing.

Except that Fran didn’t mind seeing Caleb holding her brothers hand. She figured that her brother can decide who to date and who not to. Also she spoke with Marie last night and found out that Jacob is starting to move on with another guy.

Marie and Fran decided last night to do what they can to get their brothers to be friends, but as far as boyfriends they now know that isn’t going to happen. Just like her brother told her, Jacob will not give him another chance again. Joey has hurt Jacob one too many times for Jacob to forgive him again.

Joey and Caleb talked about work and what they might do during the winter break. Both of them need know they are going to work full time, but they also know they are going to get days off during the week as well. On those days they want to spend them with each other.

Not once did Caleb let go of Joey’s hand. Joey didn’t mind that at all. He is seeing things a lot clearer now after seeing Jacob with the other guy. He is now able to move on with Caleb without feeling guilty on doing so.

They drove into town more tired of the drive than what they did last night. Joey looked over to Caleb with a grin on his face.

“What is your weird mind coming up with? I know you are thinking something to get us into some kind of trouble.” Caleb let go of Joey’s hand and tapped his forehead a couple of times as he spoke.

“Do you think your mother will let you stay the night at my house? Of course you will have you own room to sleep in. I just want you stay over to watch movies and we can order pizza at the same time.”

“Hell yeah, I would love to do that. I don’t think my mother will say no, I just have to ask her that is all. Come in with me when we get to my house where she can see you and Fran, if you guys don’t mind.”

Almost at the same time Joey and Fran said yes. Right away they headed to Caleb’s house as soon as they got into town. Every one got down and walked into the house to see if Caleb could stay over for the night.

Helen said, "Yes!" without any hesitation when the boys asked. She just made them promise to eat right. Don’t fill your stomachs up with junk food. Just as fast as they walked in, they walked out. Within minutes they drove up to Joey’s house.

“Just leave the bags until later. Let’s get in and rest a little before unloading the truck with our crap.” Joey asked as he and the others got out of the truck.

No objective to leaving the unloading until later. Joey unlocked the door and walked into the house. He stopped right as he walked in. In return Caleb slammed into him and Fran slammed into Caleb.

“What did you stop like that Joey?” Both Caleb and Fran yelled at the same time.

Joey didn’t answer them; he just stood there at the front door. Fran pushed Caleb aside and squeezed through Joey to get into the house since her brother isn’t moving out of the way. Just as she stepped in, she just stopped as well.

Both of them scanned the room to see it completely empty. Every piece of furniture is gone. Fran started to walk around the house to find every room as empty as the living is. As she walked back up front, Caleb had already walked. He is standing with Joey at the front door of the house.

“Who do you think did this to us Joey?”

“Do you even have to ask that question Fran? Did you tell mom that we were going to be gone over night? DID YOU TELL MOM FRAN?”

Fran just looked at her brother with tears rolling down her eyes. She looked down to the ground and started to mumble her answer to Joey. That is just getting Joey even angrier than he is already.

“I cannot understand what you are saying Fran. Did you tell mom that we were going to be out of town for the last couple of days?”

Fran looked up with tears coming down her face in a stream now. “Yes I told her that we planned to go back to El Paso. I only told her so she would not worry about us. I never thought she would do this Joey, I swear!”

Joey walked in and did a tour of the house. His mother actually cleared out the entire house. Not leaving nothing behind, including clothes and everything in their rooms. Joey walked to the kitchen to find the cabinets open and emptied. He opened the refrigerator to find it empty as well. He slammed the door shut and walked back into the living room to join Caleb and his sister.

“Joey I am very sorry for this! If I knew mom was going to do this, I would have never told her that we were going to be gone. Are you sure we are not jumping to conclusions on this? It could be a robbery?”

“Come on Fran, you are a lot smarter then that. A robber would not take everything, including our food, dishes, and clothes. No! this is mom and you know that. She has done it this time.”

Joey walked out of the house and left Fran and Caleb standing in the empty house. Nothing was said between the two, they just stood there waiting for Joey to return. They have no idea what to do!

Joey walked back in about ten minutes later. He found Fran on the floor crying when he walked in. He walked over to his sister and sat down next to her on the ground. He grabbed a hold of her and pulled her into a hug.

“I am so sorry Joey; I swear I never thought she would do this. I am so sorry; I am, I didn’t know, I swear I didn’t know!” Fran kept saying over and over again as she cried into her brother’s chest.”

“Please Fran; this isn’t your fault at all. I don’t blame you for this! This is all mom and only her. I should have never raised my voice at you the way I did. I am sorry for that Fran, please stop crying, this isn’t your fault at all.”

They sat there in the middle of the empty living room holding each other. Fran settled down by the time the police showed up. They took a report on what had happened. Over and over again Joey kept telling the police he knows it was his mother that did this.

The police finished their report and left. Since there isn’t any furniture in the house, Caleb asked Joey and his sister to stay at his house. They locked up the house, and headed over to Caleb’s once again.

Helen didn’t object on Joey and his sister staying at her house. After they explained everything to her, she left them in the living room watching TV. So she could prepare the spare room for Fran. When she walked back up with food for the three, she sat down wit them with a worried look on her face.

“We only have one spare room, with one bed. I figure that could be your Fran, but for you Joey, I don’t have…..” Joey interrupted her as she tried to explain that he is going to have to sleep on the couch.

“That is ok ma’am; the couch is good enough for me. As long as Fran has a bed to sleep in, I am fine. Just give me a pillow and blanket and I am a happy camper.”

Helen smiled at Joey and got up to get what he needs to be as comfortable as possible on the couch. They stayed up watching movies and eating home made fried chicken until a little after midnight.

Joey found Fran asleep, instead of waking her up. He picked her up and carried her to the spare when and put her to bed. Helen and Caleb followed to make sure Joey didn’t need any help as he put his sister to bed.

“I love you little sister, and I am sorry for yelling at you tonight. You are the only family I have left and I don’t want to loose you. I love you so dam much!” Joey pulled the covers over her and kissed her on the forehead.

Caleb and his mother left before Joey walked out of the room. They all said good night to each other and headed to bed. Joey knows he has a busy day tomorrow. He needs to get the locks changed and new furniture.

He doesn’t want to keep putting Caleb’s family out like this. He knows this isn’t a good beginning for him and Caleb. Now for sure Caleb’s mom isn’t going to let him date her son. Not with all the problems he has right now.

TO BE CONTINUED…………………

WRITER’S CORNER:

What a chapter this one is. Where do I start on this chapter because a lot of things occurred in the life of Joey and everyone around him? It isn't easy to leave everything behind that you are have gotten use to and start over again.

Joey finally realized that he has no chance get back with Jacob again. He came to that realization even before he took the trip back home. He knew that he hurt Jake up way too many times for this one to be forgiven.

Caleb is new to the dating world and has a lot to learn. So Joey is going to have to give Caleb time to learn when to take something really serious or let it just roll down his back. The reason I say this is because Caleb got angry really easily when Joey told him that he had planned to go down to El Paso.

Now Joey is playing the part of Jacob in the new relationship. That is if this relationship gets off the ground. If that happens, Joey will realize how much work Jacob put into their relationship. Now Joey is the one that's going to have to be the strong one and nurture Caleb. Just like Jacob did for so many years with Joey.

The trip did some good for Joey because he now sees that Jacob is moving on. Although, Joey is misreading what was going on with Jacob and that guy. Where you guys can see what action was going on with Jacob and that guy you should read chapter forty four of Jacob Finding His Way. It is completely explained in that chapter.

Still, Joey doesn't have to feel bad about going further with Caleb. Now he can pursue a new relationship with anyone. Without feeling as if he is betraying Jacob in any way. I really do think that Joey needed to see what he saw.

Caleb in this chapter finally came out to Joey and told him the complete truth about himself. That took a lot of guts for Caleb to do that. That is telling me that Caleb is seriously in love or at least really like Joey for him to do that. Remember the only ones that know about him are his parents.

We left this chapter with Joey, Fran and Caleb walking into an empty house. Although Joey feels he knows who did this, we don't know if Beth actually did it. We will more than likely find out the next chapter, But if she did this, that is low and no parent should ever steal from their kids like this.

This story is barely opening up and it's going to get a lot more exciting as relationships develop and bran new plots are open. You do not want to miss what is going to happen in the life of Joey and everyone around him. We still got so much to see and do, these chapters will start running through time quickly.

Also in this story you will see I have a different editor. Daddy Rick has his hands full with the other three stories and he works. I cannot put another story on his shoulders to edit. He will not have any free time to be with his significant other. He is still with us in the other three stories, but I want to welcome aboard my new editor for this story. Everyone please say high to him. He is taking time off from his stories to help me out.

I do not want to say too much more and spoil the future chapters to come, so I won’t. I warn you though! Do not skip a chapter, or you will be lost. 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:

 

Chapter 3 has clearly give some answers to the questions I raised last time about Beth! I would expect the major moving companies to try to outbid each other for her services. She has to be the best "Strip a house in less than 24 hours" 'moving manager' in the business! But I expect Beth to have at least one more major surprise for us all.

 

Because Joey has, himself, actually seen that Jacob seems to be 'on the road to recovery', will he, Joey, now also be able to move on in relationship building for himself also? Jacob was his rescue so many times in the past, will Joey be able to "cover his own backside now that he is really on his own without his mom and other folks like Grandpa Al? Will Joey find a leadership place in his new school? Will the students in New Mexico be accepting or will he have to prove himself all over again just for them?

 

There are many questions that only future chapters can help us answer. Be watching for #4 to be posted soon! Until then, thanks for being a part of all four of these "related" stories. Let our author hear from you! Your words are his only pay!

--Kent D. ( sw Ohio area )