Jacob Finding His Way - 43. Chapter 43

(GRANDPA’S AL POINT OF VIEW)

The rest of the weekend went off without a problem. I worried every minute that the boy's father will be knocking on our door and wanting something. This guy hasn't been around for his kids basically from the day they were born. Now here he is following one of his kids around town. What the hell is going on in his head right now?

One thing is for sure I will not allow him to come in and take apart a family that is already holding on by a thread. From the breakup that Jacob just came through, as well as Andy, his sons can be tricked easily at this time because of their losses.

To add insult to injury I don't know if we can even trust Gloria at this point. She seems to be the loving mother to the boys at the moment. I question if it is because she finally realized that she was wrong with the way she handled the issue of Jacob and Joey or will she revert back to her old ways once Jacob finds somebody new.

Damn, do my grandkids have a pair of troublesome parents. Parents should be there for their kids whenever they are down as well as whenever everything is going right. Never should a child worry about the parents being there for them when they are growing up.

“Mr. Anderson will see you now Mr. Serna.” I looked up at the District Attorney’s secretary. Mr. Anderson gave me a call and asked to meet with me first thing Monday morning; about what I don't know.

I walked up and thanked the secretary as I went into Mr. Anderson's office. He got up from his desk to shake my hand and asked me to take a seat. I lay down my coat and scarf on the chair next to me.

“Al, thank you for coming down on such a short notice. I know you are a very busy man and your time is valuable but I need to talk with you about a file that has come across my desk last Friday morning. It is very important, and it involves your grandson Jacob and his boyfriend Joey.

Although, the kid in question entered into Jacob's home without permission and refused to leave after being asked several times to do so, he, believe it or not, really did not break the law. He trespassed on Jacob's property and that's the most I can probably get him on.

Al, the police want to file assault charges against Jacob. From what I read in the report from the police officers and the hospital, Jacob really hurt this kid to the point he got rushed to the hospital that evening.”

“Mr. Anderson, that kid was not only in the wrong, but refused to leave the house. He was asked to leave the house several times and warned if he didn't do so what was going to happen. He laughed in Jacob's face and continued to provoke Jacob.”

“I completely understand what you are saying Al. Jacob should not have gone as far as he did. This kid actually has basis for a lawsuit against Jacob’s estate and yours. This kid could possibly take everything you guys own.”

I just looked at Mr. Anderson angry at myself for not stopping the fight but even more angry at Gloria for bringing this kid into our lives.

“If he brings up a lawsuit against me or Jacob, I will countersue him for harassment. He was hired by my daughter to break up Jacob and Joey. Money switched hands, and that has to be against the law.”

“Al, I didn't know anything about this plot between Greg the minor and your daughter. If you have proof to back up your statements, I have something I can go back at them with to get them not to only drop the charges but also to sign away their rights to sue you and Jacob.”

I sat there explaining to Mr. Anderson, everything about what occurred prior and then afterwards. I went further to tell Mr. Anderson that I can get bank statements of my daughter pulling the money she used to pay off Greg to do what it takes to break up Jacob and Joey.

“Let's try something first Al. I requested that Greg and his parents to be here this morning. That way I can talk to all parties concerned and find a way out of this. I don’t want to prosecute Jacob for defending his house.”

Mr. Anderson picked up his phone and asked the secretary to bring in Greg and his parents. A minute or so later the door opened, and Greg walked in and followed by his parents. Mr. Anderson pointed to the seats opposite of mine.

“Mr. and Mrs. Camacho, I would like you to meet Mr. Serna. Mr. Serna, this is Mr. and Mrs. Camacho, Greg’s parents.” We shook each others hands and sat back down.

“Okay, I have all the parties gathered and I have spoken with both parties separately. Now I would like to now speak with everyone together. Last Friday afternoon, I got the statements from the Camachos, and this morning I got Mr. Serna's.

Greg, son, we have a problem with your story. I have spoken with Jacob's mother and she finally admitted to hiring you to break up her son from his boyfriend. She is already in hot water and I will deal with her about that. But son, you don’t want to continue lying to me. Is what she has told me true?”

Greg moved around to seat and looked very uncomfortable. “Um, yes Sir, she is telling the truth about paying me to break up her son and his boyfriend.”

Immediately, Mr. Camacho jumped up. “Mr. Anderson, even if that is true, that did not give the right to his grandson to almost kill my son! You have got to prosecute this guy for assaulting my son!”

“First of all, you sit right back down in your seat Mr. Camacho and don’t speak unless I ask you something! I know what my job is and I will execute my office. You want me to continue to prosecuting Jacob Hernandez. I will, but also, I will now have charges of trespassing filed and prosecute your son.

I will slap Jacob on the hand and go after your son with every bit of vengeance the law gives me. If I was in Jacob's shoes, I probably would've done the same thing. Your son entered into his house without permission. Then he was asked, not once, not twice, but several times to leave Jacob's house and he didn't.

Your son is not disputing that fact nor are you. He got paid to go into the house and cause mischief on that night. I can charge your son with several counts of breaking the law. I don’t want to see either these two young men's lives ruined because of something stupid each of them did.

I should prosecute both of these kids and throw the book at them. Due to it being the holidays and all, I will drop all charges against both youths if both sides agree it was a stupid mistake done on both sides do not request prosecution later on.”

We both said yes almost at the same time. Mr. Anderson pulled out several documents for us to sign. Once we signed the documents and handed them back to Mr. Anderson he double checked them to ensure we signed every paper in the right places.

“One more thing, I have no say in this matter at all. Mr. and Mrs. Camacho, you made it clear to me last Friday that you want to also sue Jacob and his family. I spoke with Mr. Serna about that and he claims he has a countersuit he can file against you.

Looking at the facts, you both have cases that can be won. Mr. and Mrs. Camacho, even if you can get Jacob into court, probably by then with attorney costs in court costs, you would be in the streets with nothing to your name. Suing somebody that doesn't have money, takes a long time! Suing somebody like Jacob will take years. More than likely you will not get a penny after paying off all the costs of the lawsuit.

By any chance you do walk away with some change in your pocket, Mr. Serna here will not only get that change back, but you will go into debt to pay off the judgment against you because I believe that both cases can be won.

And who would lose the most out of this is you, Mr. and Mrs. Camacho. If you are listening to the attorneys telling you they can rain down millions of dollars for you, let me set the record straight.

We have a cap here in Texas on personal lawsuits. The most you can get in a lawsuit if you win is seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars and the least you can get his two hundred thousand dollars. If you win that money you have to pay court costs and or attorney costs, because it is rare for a jury to also award you both or more often neither.

Let's say they award you the seven hundred fifty thousand dollars that is the cap. The lawsuit is dragged out over five to eight years like normal. Your attorneys get paid for every single thing they do. You will be lucky to walk off with a couple hundred thousand dollars.

Then you have his lawsuit there to worry about. Let's just say he wins the two hundred thousand dollars; the bare minimum. You walk out with nothing and you have already hocked yourself to your limits.

Again, you have all to lose and nothing to win. So I'm asking both of you to sign a document again here today that states that you surrender your rights and will not sue the other. Just put this unfortunate event behind you and move on.”

“With all due respect Mr. Anderson, my son was almost killed. He needs to get something out all that.”

“Your son has already been paid a couple thousand dollars by Jacob's mother. For that money, he kissed Joey on the lips, and I believe played with his private parts. I think he got paid pretty well for getting a kiss and getting his jollies off of fondling Joey’s privates.”

I looked over at Mr. Camacho, and you can see the steam coming out of his ears. He got up from his chair and walked over to the desk. “Give me the damn paper that I need to sign so I can get my son and my wife out of here!”

“I want to make sure that you understand you're not being forced to sign any of your rights away. You're doing this on your own free will and no one is threatening you or forcing you to do so.”

“I understand my rights, and no one is forcing me or threatening me to sign this paper. I'm doing it on my own free will. So please, just give me the paper to sign stating that I will not sue this family.”

Mr. Anderson handed him his paper and then handed me mine. We both signed our papers and just like before Mr. Anderson checked to make sure everything was signed correctly before giving each of us our copies.

As Mr. and Mrs. Camacho and Greg were leaving the office, Mr. Camacho turned around. “Make sure you keep your grandson and his filthy boyfriend away from my son. Greg isn't like your grandson. He is a good and decent young man.”

The minute Mr. Camacho left; I spoke a little bit longer with Mr. Anderson and left myself. All the way home, I kept thinking how close we came to possibly losing everything. All this because of the stunts that my daughter pulled! I need to make sure to make clear to her; this will not be tolerated ever again!

(JACOB’S POINT OF VIEW)

Here I am again walking into the school cafeteria, doing the same routine I have been doing since I have been in high school. I am sixteen years old, but acting like a sixty-year-old man. Doing everything by routine without wanting a hiccup in my routines!

I found the gang and sat down with them. They were talking, but I was not listening. The only thing I can think of is that kid from McDonald's. I know I shouldn't be thinking about someone in one of the restaurants that my grandfather and I own but I just cannot help it. This guy is very, I mean very, hot.

“Hey guys, instead of having lunch here like we always do, why don't we go out to eat at the McDonald's down the street?”

Everyone just looked at me and almost all at once everyone spoke up. They wanted to know either if I was going to pay for the meal or get it for free.

“Look, we would never eat for free at the McDonald's that my family owns. If I do that we would never make a profit. I know that some of you guys get your meals for free here, but I'm tired of the same routine and the same food.

So, if you want to join me at lunch. You will find me at my car for about five minutes after the bell rings. After that, I am gone.”

Everyone looked at each other again, and nobody said a word. I know I sprung it on them, but I am not going to give them anything for free or pay for them. I might do it once maybe twice, but things like this always become a habit. Then that habit comes between friends way too often. I don’t want to lose any of my friends over money.

We finished breakfast, and I headed over to the ROTC building to get ahead on the newsletter. I'm actually behind because of everything that's been going on personally and at school. So far Major Moore hasn't said anything to me.

The minute I walked in the door. That changed, because not only is Major Moore waiting for me, but Colonel May is as well. Major Moore called me over immediately, once he saw me enter in the large classroom. I walked over to his office and stood until he told me to take a seat.

“Jacob, I'm glad you came in this morning because we have an issue. And you are the only one that can fix it. Several of our schools’ sponsors didn't pay or put money in the programs accounts. That is a big problem because now we have outstanding debts.

We of course called the sponsors and found out either they are closed or about to be closed. They are no longer in business because they have lost their franchise license. I asked them who the new franchise owners are now. When they gave me the first name, I didn't recognize it at first, but when they gave me the second name, I recognized it.”

I completely forgot that two of the McDonald's franchises are sponsors for two of our schools. They should continue paying the sponsorship to the day we took over. I wonder how many other outstanding bills they're leaving out there unpaid, thinking that we are going to pay them.

“I knew Jacob, you won some money a couple years ago, and then your grandfather invested it pretty well for you. I didn't know that you guys purchased all the McDonald's is here in El Paso. My question to you is first, will your grandfather honor the agreement on sponsoring to our schools?”

“Colonel May, I was just thinking that two of the franchises were sponsors of two of our schools. The way the buyout occurred is that those franchises are responsible for everything up to till we took over a week ago. We only took over these restaurants at the beginning of the month.

I'm an equal owner in this company, we will honor the agreements. I will write down the new address of the main office for you to send the bill. Once the office gets the bill, the office will immediately pay it.”

“Here's the problem Jacob, we bought things and wrote out checks knowing that the deposits were coming. Instead, they flipped us the bird as they were walking out. Now were about to have checks bouncing everywhere, and that isn't good.”

“Major Moore, may I use your phone please.” Major Moore shook his head up and down giving me permission to use his phone. I got up and walked around the desk to call the office.

By the third ring, the secretary answered the phone. She patched me through to the elderly lady that we hired to be in charge of our payroll department. I explained to her what was going on as Colonel May handed me the bills.

I just don't understand why these two franchises are paying the bills as they come in instead of giving one huge lump sum to the programs. That way if the program goes over their budget, it is all on them.

I got off the phone and sat back down in my seat. “Okay, now on, you will be dealing with Mrs. Ferguson. She is our accounts manager, located at our main office. She will have checks cut within an hour and ready for pickup.

From here on out for these two schools, we are going to write out a check that will give full amount through the rest of the year. I'm going to base it on what has already been spent here and subtracted from the agreed amount of the sponsorship.”

“I have no problem with that Jacob. In fact I would prefer that instead of it being paid as the bills come in. All the rest of sponsors you got for us do it that way. It is a lot less work for all parties involved.

I had a meeting with these franchises about a month ago and they told me they will only going to sponsor the schools for a year. That really leaves us in a bind for next year. Jacob, I need to know where we stand on that.”

“Colonel May, I can tell you that we are going to continue to sponsor the two schools. But, while I am still a student in the program and up for Brigade Board next year. At least I think I am still up for brigade……” I looked at both major Moore and Colonel May for the answer. Neither of them is showing me anything positive. I figure what they told me the day after Thanksgiving is nothing but bull in order to keep me in the program.

“….. from now on, you will deal with my grandfather on this subject. That will keep the rumors to a minimum. I don't want to look like I'm paying our favoritism or for a position in this program. I want to earn it just like everybody else.”

Neither of them said a word for couple minutes until Colonel May spoke up. “Jacob, we still have half of this year the go and we don’t know what next year looks like. We will cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“You know, I'm tired of the games of this program. I wasn't going to get even a promotion this year, but by luck. I got it. I know Major Moore would've given that promotion to another if he could have.

I have worked my butt off for this program from my freshman year right up until now. I know the game because I have seen it being played. I'm not going to get put up for Brigade Board, am I? Instead, you are going to make a position and place me there. That is…no I had better not say it. What you guys are doing is just plain wrong. If that is all you need me for this morning, may I be excused?”

Major Moore finally spoke up for the first time in this meeting. “You lost me my top shooter on my rifle team. I don't know what happened between you and Joey. But what ever it was. It caused me to lose my top shooter. How can I reward you for that?”

“You’re right Major Moore! You sure as Hell don't know what happened between me and Joey! Before you go around making assumptions about things that you don't anything about, get the FACTS and then come to me!

The very first day I met you, I used the word assume and you threw it back at me. Do you remember what you told me about the word assume? It should not only apply to your students, but to you as well. Live by what you preach or don't preach it.”

Colonel May looked at me with a surprised look in his face. Fuck that, Major Moore thinks I am at fault for what had happened between me and Joey. He assumes it, and he is wrong on that assumption.

“Then why don't you tell us what occurred between you and my best shooter?”

“That is personal, and only between Joey and me. I don’t come in here asking you, what is going on between you and your wife, because it isn't my business. What I report to you and what you can ask of me is only about this program and my position. That is it.”

“Major Moore, Jacob is right about that. We don’t know, what happened between the two, and it will stay that way. I'm pretty sure that Jacob did not request or demand that Joey to leave this school and your program.

We lose students all the time. Good ones and bad ones, we lose them all the time. We never ask why, and we never try to find out why I should never let things cloud my judgment, and I do that sometimes and I am sorry for that.

As long as you continue you on the route you're going right now. I don’t see why you are not next year's Brigade Commander. When that happens, you can hold your head up high knowing that you earned it and not paying for the position through the donations that your company is making.

Major Moore, do you understand what I'm just saying? Let's not blame one person in a relationship for all that had gone wrong in that relationship. It takes two in every relationship to make it work or not.”

“I am sorry Jacob for what I said and what I asked you. I don’t have the right to ask you about your personal life outside of this program. I need to live by what I teach and you gave me a wake-up call today. I don't see any way that you don’t make Brigade Commander next year like Colonel May just said.”

“I also agree that we deal strictly with Mr. Serna in the future about the sponsorships of our schools. I will brief him on what is going on and explain why you are stepping away from making decisions on this issue.”

“He will not pull the sponsorship on the programs and when I graduate, it will be handed back over to me. My grandfather is preparing me to take over everything in the company. It looks like after college I will be going straight into the business.”

We stood there talking about midyear drill meet which is this Friday and I completely forgot about that. I am in charge of the event with Fierro. Fierro asked for me to assist him because he feels I am the only one he can trust for this kind of event.

I need to talk with Loraine because she didn’t take it to well being removed from her position as Company Commander. She in fact threatened to quit if she doesn’t keep all positions. Major Moore is leaving it on my shoulders to fix.

He already blamed me on loosing Joey, his rifle team commander. If Loraine quits, he will loose his unarmed drill team commander as well. He will not look at me at all kindly for the loss of two of his commanders. If it was up to me, I would call her bluff.

Just as I got excused, Loraine is coming in with the unarmed drill team. I walked into the small classroom, and waited for her to excuse the team. She saw me walking up to her, but decided to play a game and ignore me.

I looked around to see if there was another officer in the room. I turned back to Loraine told her to hold on and I'll be right back. Fierro walks through the small classroom doors just as I reached them.

I whispered to him what was going on, and that I needed him. He agreed to stay, but to stand back and only get involved if I needed him to. At that point Loraine already sat down in the desk. I walked over and sat down at the desk next to her.

“You know why I am here. Already spoke with Major Moore about your issue of being taken out of company formation. You are still in charge of the unarmed drill team. Your rank wasn't to put away or your status as an officer in this Battalion.”

“Jacob, my status as an officer was taken away. You left me as a drill team commander only and no involvement with the day to day running of this Battalion. Stand in my shoes for once Jacob and see what I'm seeing.

I was the Battalion Commander at the beginning of this year. Then I was demoted to the Executive Officer, and then I got demoted Company Commander. Now you have taken me out of Company Commander position and I am left with the unarmed drill team. Count them Jacob, four demotions that less than half of the year.

I will not stand for it. I took the other demotions quietly but angrily. This time, I will not stand by and take a demotion because you had a bad day. You broke up with your faggot boyfriend, and I have to pay the penalty. You guys should never have been allowed in this program, much less get high in rank.”

I sat there not saying a word, because I needed to get my thoughts together. If I were to say what is coming to my mind right now, I would regret every single word. I will not let her get underneath my skin once again.

“Your demotion was not a demotion as you keep saying here. You did not lose rank, but you did lose one position. You were taken from that position because you would not listen to your higher commanders. You felt that you could run to Major Moore on everything that you don’t like. I put a stop to that. Not observing the chain of command is a breech of protocol that is unacceptable.

When you leave this program, unless you go to college or a military academy, you won't get much of a rank in the military. This program will help you with your college ROTC program or the military academy. No matter what you decide to do, you will not get anywhere with your attitudes and your conduct.

Even if you are the President of the United States, you have a boss that you have to report to. That is your problem Loraine; you're unwillingness to listen to anybody except yourself. In order for me to lead, I cannot have you the way you are.

With all this said and the bell about to ring for first period. I need to know if you are going to stay on board or leave. I need to know that right here, right now. You will not get a Company Commander position or any Battalion position.”

Loraine looked at me as if she wanted to jump over the desk and kill me. I called her on her bluff, and let's see if she is willing to play her cards. I will bet you my last dollar; she will fold and take what she can.

“I can guarantee you that Major Moore sent you over here too fix this. He is already upset with you for the loss of the rifle team commander. You cannot afford to go back to him and tell him that I am gone as well.

So this is what we are going to do Jacob. You will give me back my company position, and then at the beginning of the semester. You will give me a promotion to Battalion staff. For the rest of my year, you will stay out of my way. If I say something you will do it without question.”

I actually started to laugh, honestly laugh at what she just said. “This is what we are going to do instead Loraine. You will formerly resign your position as unarmed drill team commander, effective as of today. Then you will finish off this semester quietly in the corner of the classroom and not return to the program next semester.”

She just looked at me surprised that I didn't fold, but held my ground. There is no way that I am going to give her the opportunity to push me around. She will not have back control over me.

“If you don’t want to do that Loraine, then you can shut your smartass mouth to start with. You will take what I am giving you and finish off your senior year as just the unarmed drill team commander.

This stunt you tried to play here today will stay between you, me and Fierro over there, and these four walls. If you try to play this game one more time, I will bust your ass all the way down to private and that is how you will finish rest of your year at that rank. Think how that will look on your record.”

I got up from the desk and walked in front of her desk. “Loraine, stand at attention!” She snapped up out of her chair at the command. “I want the answer now Loraine! You have two options, take one of them! Time has run out.”

“Um, let’s, um, I will stick with option B. May I go now please?”

I moved out of her way to let her pass by. I walked over to Fierro, and he just looked at me with a smirk. I am actually shaking over this conversation. I just had one of the hardest conversations so far to date dealing with the ROTC program.

“Man-o-man Jacob, she has some set of balls on her. I like the way you handled her and didn't let her get away with anything. She was trying her best to push you around and you didn't let her win. Good job!”

I shook Fierro’s hand as we walked out of the ROTC building heading to the main building. The rest the morning, I couldn't help but think about the guy at McDonald's. I really hope that he is there. I cannot wait to see him again.

The moment the bell rang for lunch. I ran to my car, shoving every buddy out of my way. I was about to drive off when I remember that I told the guys that I would wait at least five minutes for who ever wants to go.

Victor, Tom, David and Toni walked up to my car quickly. I opened up the passenger side door and got out on the driver side door to let others into the back seat. As they climbed in, I joked with them.

“Tom and David, you guys are going to have to sit on each other's lap back there. This car only fits two in the back seat and I am going to try to shove three of you back there.”

They laughed, but somehow, they all fitted in the back seats without sitting on each other's laps. I moved my seat up to try to give more room to the guys back there. Victor did the same thing with his seat.

We drove away from the school down Schuster, and then turned on to Mesa Street. Although this McDonald's little bit further then the rest of the restaurants in the area is. I want to go to see this handsome guy.

I know it hasn't even been a month yet since Joey left me, but it doesn't hurt to look. Life has to go on. I seriously doubt I will ever have the guts to ask anyone out and less likely a person that works in one of the restaurants I own. I just want to see a dream even though I know that will never become reality for me.

We drove up into the parking lot of the McDonald's and got out to eat inside. They are already full and busy with students from Coronado high school. They're just a few blocks down from this McDonald's. I also recognize a few of the people from our school as well.

We got into line and started talking with each other. I tried to pay attention to the conversation. And at the same time look for this guy. We moved a couple times before I got a chance to see him. He looks even more incredible today than he did the first time I laid eyes on him.

He is actually working the counter, and I can actually see every part of this guy. He is for sure a Hispanic just like me. Beautiful brown eyes that go with his sun tanned skin and nicely kept eyebrows. His eyelashes are to die for. I really do think he does something with them before coming to work. They are perfectly curled up and separated.

When he smiles those beautiful white teeth shine with his sparkling eyes. Oh man there he is laughing and I just popped a boner! Not only do his white teeth show when he laughs, but his pink gums and his eyes wrinkle just a little.

I mean every part of his face is perfect. All the way from his jet black hair, with a little bit of a curl in it, to his Adam's apple; just awesome! I love everything about this guy’s face and body.

As he finishes up with a customer, he walks over to the fountain of drinks and prepares the drink order. This gives me a chance to see his complete body from his head to his toes. I can tell that he does some weight lifting. No a whole lot just enough to build some muscle and get cut.

His uniform pants fit him niece and snug not leaving much to the imagination. His pants wrap around his nice buttocks. You can kind of see the outline of his cock in the front. Like I say, the uniform and the way he wears it does not leave much to the imagination.

We finally got up to the register and placed our order. I looked over to see if I could read his name tag in order to get his name. As we finished giving our order, he walked by. He turned to look at the screen of his register and that is when I got to see his name tag.

We moved out of the way in order for the others to order. Waiting on our food to get ready, I only had a few more minutes of looking at this gorgeous guy in front of me before we were called up to get our food.

Toni went and got us a table as we waited for the food. We found it immediately and sat down to eat. Maybe half way through the meal, the manager walked up.

“I am sorry for not getting over to you as soon as she walked in, but we were busy with our lunch rush. I know that it took some time for you to get up to the front of the line. For that, I am sorry.”

“Ma'am, don’t worry about that. I go to school down the street and I will be coming into this restaurant a lot more than I have done in the past. I don't want you to roll out the red carpet or change the way things were done here. As far as I can tell, you run a tight ship. There isn't a thing I would change right now.”

“Thank you. And if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. I'll be more than happy to get you what you need.”

The manager walked off and the guys started to laugh about the whole thing. These poor people are going to jump up every time they see me walking through the door. I want them to start to think of me as a regular customer, not their boss. That I do know is wishful thinking, because it isn't going to happen.

We got back to school with ten minutes to spare. As we walked out of the McDonald's I saw Dewayne cleaning the tables. As he leaned down to wipe the tables I couldn't help but fantasize about walking up behind him and pressing myself into that great body.

I would take Dewayne right there in the middle of the dining area throwing him on the table that he is cleaning. I would use his body to clean off the mess on the tables. His back is big enough to cover the entire table.

I need to stop thinking about that or I will regret it. I'm about to make a huge mess in my pants, without even touching myself! That ladies and gentleman wouldn't be cool at all for a teenage kid at school.

(RICH’S POINT OF VIEW)

Walking out of my office, I asked my secretary to once again to try to get a hold of Alfred Serna in El Paso. I have been trying to get a hold of him since this morning and couldn't reach him.

My intercom went off with my secretary on the other in telling me she has him on the line. I quickly picked up the phone as I thanked my secretary.

“Hello Al, this is Rich Stewart. How are you doing, my friend? I have been trying to get a hold of you since last Friday and had no luck. You seem to be a very busy man like always.”

“Rich! It is great to hear from you! Yes, it has been nonstop since we took over the McDonald's here in El Paso. I am sorry for missing your calls, but I'm here now. What can I do for you Rich? I know you are busy man up there in Austin with the newly elected Governor! Congratulations on that victory, by the way being as this is the first time we’ve talked since the election and inauguration.”

“That is why I'm calling you today Al. I need your help, and I hope you can help me. Our state Attorney General handed the Governor his letter of resignation last week. He doesn’t on anything with the Governor. They seem to be butting heads on everything on Governor Lopez’s agenda.”

“I didn't see that on the news Rich. I can’t believe that not even a year into the new administration, you guys already have staffers quitting on you. At least this guy is not going to the press denouncing the Governor.”

“No he won't do that and let me tell you why. Everything the Governor's doing is legal by the laws of Texas and the United States. He is not able to put his political beliefs to the side as he does his job. For that reason alone, he couldn't get along with the Governor.

The Governor reached out across the aisle and brought both Republicans and Democrats into his staff with the clear understanding that their political beliefs must be left at the door while they are doing their job here in the State House. We can fight about ideas, but once the decision is made and the course determined, the arguments are over, and we must support decision wholeheartedly.”

“You don't have to explain anything to me. I like the way this Governor is governing. He is the needed fresh air that our Statehouse needed.”

“I agree and that is why I didn't care when he resigned. Still, it brings me back to the reason I am calling you. We went back to our shortlist for this position, and we want to offer the position to the person that was our second choice.

This is where you come in, because you know him. Or at least your grandson knows him. He is the District Attorney for the County of El Paso. We would like to offer him this position as soon as possible. What I don’t know is if he will he turn us down.”

“Believe it or not, Rich, I was just in his office this morning dealing with something. When you were thinking about him before for this position, I hinted around the idea to him. It looked like he would have taken it at the time. I really don't see a much of a change from then and now that would make him change his mind.

“Could you speak with him today as a go-between and see if he would take the position if it were to be offered? If he denies it to you, we can move on without being questioned about the offer and his denial. It wouldn't look good to offer this position to another, and then get turned down so soon after losing our Attorney General in less than a year in.”

“I will see what I can do for you Rich. As soon as we get off the phone, I will place a call to his office. As soon as I get an answer from him, I will give you a call back immediately.”

“Thanks Al. That is all I can ask for. Please do what you can and get back with me later today. That way if he says no, we can move on to the next person on the list. You can ensure him that he is and was our second pick for the position. I don't know if it would help any, but that's the truth.”

We said our goodbyes to each other, and then I hung up the phone. I really do hope that Al can deliver Mr. Anderson to us as Attorney General. The faster we fill the slot, the faster the press will move on from this story.

(GRANDPA’S AL POINT OF VIEW)

Immediately after I got off the phone, I decided instead of calling Mr. Anderson to go down to his office and speak with him in person. The courthouse isn't that far from my office and this question is best asked in person.

I got off the elevator walked over to Mr. Anderson secretary. “Is Mr. Anderson in where I can speak with him for a few moments please?”

The secretary called up Mr. Anderson and a few minutes later. He walked out of the office. He waved me in, and I followed him to his desk. He looks a little surprised seeing me a second time today.

“Al, what do I owe on the pleasure of your visit this afternoon? I thought we took care of everything this morning concerning Jacob and that incident. As far as the law and this office are concerned, it is over and done with.”

“No Mr. Anderson, I am here on a totally different matter. Maybe we should take a walk. So where we can discuss what I came here to talk with you about.”

Mr. Anderson looked at me confused, but nodded his head up and down. He grabbed his suit jacket and walked out with me, telling his secretary that he will be back in a while. As we exited out of the elevator we walked down the sidewalk of Stanton Avenue.

“Mr. Anderson, thank you for taking a walk with me without questioning why. I respect the office you hold and won’t discuss anything that does not involve the duties of that office.

As you know, I have become friends with Governor Lopez through my friendship with his chief of staff, Richard Stewart. I know Rich from Wyoming, where we are both from. He called me up earlier this afternoon to do with him and the Governor a favor.”

We grabbed a couple hot dogs from the hot dog stand before making our way to the Plaza. We sat down on the bench, ate our hot dogs and continued to talk. Mr. Anderson looked very interested in what I might have to say.

“Rich asked me to run something by you and see what you think. I'm pretty sure you know that the Attorney General stepped down last week leaving that slot open for the Governor to fill. Your name was always the second one on the shortlist. When it came time for that position to be filled you already had spoken with the Governor. They asked me to speak with you as a go-between and see where you stand now on taking the position.”

“To tell you the truth Al, after losing it the first time I never thought I would be up for it again. In fact, I actually thought they gave me a courtesy interview, because you asked them to do it. So when I walked out of the office of the incoming Governor I never thought I would get the position.”

“You were always on the shortlist in fact you were the second in line for that position.”

“Can you tell me why the state Attorney General didn't work out?”

“I'm going to be truthful with you all the way. The Governor is doing things right now in Austin that is getting both parties to run for the hills. He is implementing changes that will take the power away from the legislators and place the power back in the hands of the voters of this State.

The State Attorney General didn't agree with a lot of the Governor's plan. He was fighting him on the basis of keeping the power in the hands of the few and not in the hands of every citizen of Texas.

So as you can see his indifference wasn't the law at all or him being ased to break or bend the law. It was just because of ideological beliefs. The Governor still believes in pulling ideas and input from both parties, but once the decision is made, there will be no more arguments about it.”

Mr. Anderson sat there looking at me with wheels turning in his head. I know he is thinking on how this opportunity is falling into his lap when he thought the opportunity was never within his grasp from the beginning.

“Now I see why they had you come down to speak with me just in case I would say no to the offer. That way they can go to the third pick and never have to answer if the position was offered to another by his office. The press will crucify him and he would not be able to get work done for a while.

As you know my position is an elected position that I hold right now. That doesn't mean the mayor cannot appoint a temporary District Attorney until either a special election or the general election is held to replace me.

Do I need to speak with the Chief of Staff about my answer or can I give it to you?”

“You could give it to me if you would like. However, if it's a negative answer you need to give it to me. I hate to be pushing you, but the Governor and his Chief of Staff would like to have an answer this afternoon.”

“Please let the Chief of Staff know that I will be willing and honored to serve as their State Attorney General as long as they would like me to. Also please let them know I will not allow my beliefs cloud my responsibilities. As the State Attorney General, I am not elected and I must follow what the elected Governor wants done just as long as it is done by the law.”

We got up and started making our way back to his office. We talked about the lot of items concerning the position he just accepted. As I left him at the entrance to his office building, he seemed very pleased with what he just done.

Although I felt great on helping out someone that has been helping out my family for years, but I couldn't help but think what we are losing. My family is losing someone we can trust to help us out when the chips are down. He has never once bendt the law or showed us any favoritism.

I looked at the time, as I got into the car and realized I could go and see Gloria. I drove over to her house. I spotted Gloria turning onto her road as I was. We both parked in the driveway and got out of our cars at the same time

“Dad, is everything okay? Are the kids okay?” My daughter actually looks concerned about why I am at her house. The last time I drove up to this house is when Joey's aunt and uncle were alive. I was looking for my missing grandson at the time.

“Everything is fine with the kids. I just need to speak with you about something quickly, and then I'll be on my way.” We kissed each other on the cheeks and walked into the house. I sat down in the living room, and waited for her to return from putting away her purse and coat.

Gloria sat down with a worried look on her face. “What is it that so urgent that you had to come down to speak with me.”

“I had a meeting with the District Attorney this morning and wasn't good. This meeting could have turned out a lot differently than it did. You will not be the only one that I will be talking with this evening, but you are the first.

I don't know what to do with you anymore Gloria. I have sat down and had come to Jesus meetings with you and talked with you very nicely albeit, firmly. But no matter how I speak with you, you continue on your merry way without a care in the world.

You were going to lose your children altogether if you don’t stop what you're doing. They'd love you to death, but they will not continue to put up with what you are doing to them. You will find yourself one day, with no one.

With the stunt you pulled with Greg could have cost Jacob's freedom. Charges were being filed against Jacob for defending his own home. He would've went to jail for your anger and dislike of him.

Yes, Jacob is at fault for losing his temper but that boy would not have been in our house had you not gotten the balls rolling. You don’t think before you act anymore. Instead you just do what you think is best in order to separate and fix Jacob.

Do you think it would have been better for Jacob to go to jail? Then, oh yeah there is something else, then lose everything he owns. Greg's family could have sued Jacob and his estate and won. He went into Jacob's house; he refused to leave Jacob's house after several warnings to do so. That kid would have walked away with everything Jacob has to his name. Do you realize that would have left YOU on the street? This house is part of Jacob’s holdings!

You're no longer little girl anymore Gloria. I cannot spank you, and then ground you to your room without TV for a week. I brought you up a lot better than this. I know I wasn't around twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, but I was there.

When your mother left us, and I knew I couldn't be there for you kids. I re-married to a woman I didn't love, but I need you all to have a mother around. I sacrificed so you could have everything I could possibly give you.

We lost your two brothers to the Vietnam War. I don’t want to lose my daughter because she is blinded with either hate or stupidity. You didn't get this hate, anger and bigotry from me. You picked that up, all on your own.

It is time for you to decide what you are going to do. I cannot allow you to bring this family so close to destruction as you just did with the case involving Greg. If you cannot work through this problem you have about your son being gay, then don’t come around anymore.”

Gloria actually looks like she is about to cry. I just don't know any other way to speak with her anymore. She's not listening to me and continues on her road of self destruction. If she wants to destroy herself, I cannot stop that. I can stop when it starts to interfere with others lives that I have been entrusted to protect.

“I promise dad that I will not ever do what I did with Greg again. As far as my feelings and emotions concerning Jacob and his choice of living, I am working on that as well. It is going to take me time, but I will get there.

I don’t want to get old and have no one there at my side. I lost Andy early on. I cannot lose Jacob and Marie as well. I will change, and I will change for the better not only for myself, but for my kids’ sake as well!”

I figured to leave it like that for now. It isn't good to beat a horse over and over again because it will backfire. I said my peace and it is up to Gloria to decide where to go from here. I will now make sure that we never come this close again to losing everything we own.

(JACOB’S POINT OF VIEW)

Every chance I get, I try to sneak a peak on my favorite guy at McDonald's. I now know he's not in the opener, but he is always working during the lunch crowd. The last two days he has been working in the kitchen, not the frontline like he was on Monday.

Today, I can see that he isn't happy at all back there. I couldn't put my finger on it at first but when I finally did I slapped myself in the face for not realizing it. There is another manager on duty. This same manager has been on duty on Tuesday and today. Just something about him doesn't sit right with me.

Heather actually joined us today for lunch, and because of that, we took off in two cars instead of one. Just like the days before we waited to order our meals, before heading over to sit down to eat.

We sat there talking as normal. Every so often I would look around to see if my cute guy would pass by. I got lucky today, because as we were eating Dewayne walked by. I looked up to see where he is going and get another look at that perfect body.

He grabbed some cleaning supplies out of the closet, before heading in to the men’s restroom. Someone must've made a mess and poor Dewayne got sent to clean up the mess. I turned my head to get back to the conversation when I saw the manager walked by, heading to the restroom.

I didn't pay much attention to that fact and I started talking with the guys and Heather. All of a sudden we heard a crashing sounds coming out of the restroom. The door flew open, and Dewayne walked out looking very angry. Soon he was followed by the manager yelling at him.

One thing you don’t do his discipline any employee in front of customers or other staffers. If you have a problem with the employee you take them into the office and deal with them in private. Then to top it all off, the manager is yelling out slur words, which include ‘lazy fag’ in Spanish.

Everyone looked at me to see if I would do anything. I really don't know if I should step in because of my feelings that I have for Dewayne but what this manager is doing is completely wrong, and I know that.

As I walked over to the counter, Dewayne came charging out and headed out the door. I turned back around to see the manager just standing there. He looked at me, and then to everybody else that is standing up to see what is going on.

“Everything is fine. You all can go back to eating, because the show’s over.” The manager looked at me and smirked. “You young man can go and take a seat!”

Some of the other employees already know who I am because of my visit on Monday. He must've not gotten the memo of one of the owners coming to eat at this McDonald's every day at lunch. I walked up and patted him on the shoulder as he was walking away.

“Are you the only manager on duty right now?” The manager turned around in order to answer me.

“We always have more than one manager on duty, but I am the senior manager.”

“Okay, please call your other junior manager up front please.” I didn't even have to ask twice, because the other manager had ready made his way up front.

“My name is Jacob Hernandez, and I'm one of the owners of the McDonald's here in El Paso. You broke several of the rules that are in place to protect the employees and the Company. Let’s move the rest of this conversation to the office, NOW.”

Both managers nodded their heads up and down, and I followed them to the back of the restaurant. The senior manager, looked like he just got a kick in the groin when I told them who I was.

As soon as we got into the office, I didn't waste any more time. I terminated the senior manager for disciplining his employee in front of everybody else and his ethnic and sexually based slurs.

I ordered him to hand over his keys to the store and gather his personal belongings. Once he gathered all his personal belongings, I escorted him out of the building through the back exit. He did not give the same respect and dignity to his employees that I am showing him. I want to show him that this is the way he should handle situations like this. Give respect and dignity to every person that works here.

I told the other manager to contact the store manager to come in and to lock up the keys I took from him in the store safe. I will have the termination papers filled out and signed when he picks up his last check at the main office.

I also want the store manager to reach out to the employee that was chased out of here. A termination can only happen with my approval on it. I want all means exhausted on trying to get this employee back to work. If needed, I will step in and speak with him.

That evening, I explained everything to my grandfather all that had happened. He told me I did the right thing and show compassion to a guy that did not give the same to the poor young man that he chased off.

We do need to reach out to him and make amends. This guy actually has a case that he can sue McDonald's over discrimination. This is one of the things that caused the other owners to lose their license. They don’t sue the franchise when they sue. They actually sue the corporation as a whole.

I went to bed that night feeling really bad for the guy. Here I am lusting after him, but not really seeing the hell the managers were putting him through. If I would've not been looking at his body and face I might have seen what was going on behind the scenes a lot faster.

TO BE CONTINUED……………………….

WRITER’S CORNER:

{As I mentioned a couple weeks ago about the open plot that got brought up to my attention by the readers. At the beginning of this chapter, I closed off the plot dealing with Jacob and the beating he gave to Greg.

I have said this many of times in this corner that I will listen to my readers when they write me an e-mail. I got a lot of e-mails telling me that Jacob needs to do jail time because of the beating he gave to Greg. I looked up the law and the readers are right on it. But I think I got a conclusion to that plot that will help all sides move on.

Now, by doing what I did with that plot, the relationship between Greg and Marie is going to be harder to set up. Now we are going to have to ask ourselves several questions. The first of all the questions is, if Marie finds out what Greg’s family was trying to do, will she still go out with him? If she does still go out with him, will the family accept the relationship? Remember what Greg’s family wanted to do to Jacob.

Now that Mr. Anderson is going to become the State Attorney General, Jacob and his family loses their ally in the court system. Just like grandpa Al said, Mr. Anderson never pulled favors by bending the law, ignored the law or show any kind of favoritism to Jacob's family. They just lose the ally that can help them when ever needed.

We have to think of the future and what is coming up next for Jacob. I don’t see any more legal battles or lawsuits in his future. It's just good to have an ally to lead you through an area that you really don't know much about.

Let's talk a little bit about Gloria and her conversation with her dad. She told her dad that she is trying to change. Just give her time to do so. But like my editor likes to say, a zebra does not change their stripes. Can Gloria actually change for the good like she says she is trying to do? She has all the right reasons to do so because of her kids. No one wants to grow old and be alone.

Jacob has to learn quickly how to deal with adult issues. He tried at the beginning of the chapter to be a teenager, but I really don't believe that's ever going to happen. He was forced to grow up way too fast and take on responsibilities that we normally don't get until were in our thirties and forties.

He is handling each situation pretty good, if I do say so myself. I really do hope that Jacob gets together with that guy from McDonald's. We don't know if that guy is straight or gay. Yes, the manager was calling him gay in Spanish, but that doesn't mean that he actually is.

Still, Jacob needs to get with somebody, where he doesn't give up on love. Love is the hardest thing to find in our lives and Jacob had it. Now he needs to find another to be with not only physically but emotionally as well.

Grandpa Al isn’t going to stop with the purchase of the McDonald's. He is going to grow their little company into a huge company. I wonder what else Grandpa Al is going to invest in or buy straight out. He is a very smart man and what ever he decides on, it is going to make money that is for sure.

I know I have been ignoring the characters of Tom and David. They are not gone, and they will be back in the next chapter. I have a lot of plans for those two good and bad, but enough to keep them involved and interesting.

With the other plots from Andy, Jeremy, Toni to Franseca will also be played out in the chapters to come. A lot is going to happen with Toni in the next couple chapters and Andy is going to do something positive with his life in the chapters to come. So don’t miss out on them, or you will be lost.

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 lands 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:

Wow! NEVER a dull moment! Jacob keeps things lively.

I will stand by my “zebra” analogy. The bigotry and hatred within Gloria can’t be simply excised by any means. Could I change my ‘thinking’ about desiring who I find attractive? Could you? I think not. No matter what the source, bigotry and hatred are nearly as deeply engrained as ones sexuality and eye color.

Jacob’s hormones running amok shouldn’t be a source of concern for him. In spite of his hormone flow, he DID see the injustice and he acted without bias. He stood up for what is right. It is to Jake’s credit that he analyses his actions from all aspects. He’s very mature for being able to do so. I believe he would have acted the same had it been any of the employees, not just his “cute boy”.

Now, about that manager; what are we going to find out is behind the scene that was played out in public? What was the manager’s real beef and motivation? What was the cause of the crash in the restroom that was heard by all in the dining area? I sense a most interesting mini-plot afoot.

I am holding out hope for Greg and Marie. From Greg’s behavior in Mr. Anderson’s office, I suspect it was his parents that were out gold digging. I sense that Greg is truly remorseful for his part in the whole scenario. I think that Marie is like Jacob and will dig for the base facts and find that Greg has a jerk for a dad and that Greg is really a solid guy that screwed up, as teens are prone to do from time to time.

I hope that Mr. Anderson will pass the baton on to his successor in the D.A. office regarding Jacob and his family. A smart successor would certainly want to have Al and Jacob in their close circle of friends and confidants. In politics it’s not all about what you know, but has a lot to do with who you know. This is shown in how Rich became involved with the new Governor and now how Mr. Anderson will now be taking a huge step of the ladder of politics. Grandpa Al is a behinds the scenes political operative; a vital gear in the machine.

Ok…I’ll let you all up off the mat. I could write on for days but will be kind and spare every one of you! Stay in touch with Jacob and me. Let’s us BOTH hear from you! Without you, there would be no point in doing the work we both do in bringing you the stories!

Until next time,
“Daddy” Rick