Shadow of my Father - 19. Chapter 19

(CHRIS’S POINT OF VIEW)

After my chat with Patrick I think I have my way in. He acted all tough and holding his ground. It’s obvious he doesn’t want the others to find out that he has been lying to them and not just one lie but several lies! Most important though is the lie about who he is going out with more than anything is going to hurt him.

I watched as Josh, Bernice and the rest sat there eating breakfast and talking. I know they don’t see me because I am not sitting in the same spot that have been since I returned to El Paso High. I want to make sure that Patrick heard my warning to him.

By the looks of it Patrick isn’t really talking at all. I can’t believe he is willing to be told on instead of going out on a limb and talking with Josh about me. I just can’t understand why none of these guys are willing to talk to Josh and convince him to give me one more chance. At first I thought Cesar was going to talk with Josh, but it looks like he lied.

All of a sudden they got and started to head outside. No, I need to take matters into my own hands. That is the only way I am going to be able to get Josh to talk with me. I need to do what I did the other day and approach him. Just this time I will walk up to him, not run. Also I am going to throw Patrick under the bus.

Knowing the routine Josh and the others have, I really didn’t need to follow them. I know exactly where they are right now. I finished up my breakfast and as I got up Elizabeth walked up to me. What does she want now?

“Chris can I speak with you for a moment please, it will only take a minute. I believe you and I have something in common. With that in mind, I think we should join forces and get this one thing we have in common.”

“Elizabeth not to sound mean, but I don’t think I need you for what I need to get done. In fact right now anyone having you as a friend is signing into the loners club! Sorry but I am trying to get out of that club.”

I finished getting up and started my way to the garbage to toss my trash away. Elizabeth won’t take any negative answer. She is my shadow and a voice in my head I want to get out. She just won’t shut the hell up.

“When you fail with what you are about to do, and trust me you will, find me. We will sit down and talk about a way we both can get what we want. The club you spoke about I am the president of it right now and I need members.”

Elizabeth walked past me and turned down the main hall where I walked outside. I looked around for Josh and his group. I am right. There they are standing in the same spot in the stadium talking. It is show time ladies and gentlemen.

I started making my way over their direction thinking to myself not to shake, show any kind of fear or get pushed around by those around Josh. They had their chance to help me, now I am going to throw each and every single one of them under the bus.

As I got closer I yelled out to them: “Hey you guys I need to talk with you.” Those with their back turned against me turned around and the others looked up. I can see fear gripping a hold of Patrick. I hate to say this, but I love the way this feels. I have been on the other side way too many times.

“Josh, Bernice and everyone, I just need a few moments of your time. What I have to say is going to surprise you. Unless there is someone here that wants to talk first, because I am more than willing to give that person a chance to speak first.”

I didn’t bother to look at anyone except Josh. I looked him straight into the eyes trying to show him I mean business. I wish that Josh would just leave the side of Cesar and run into my arms! I am here, I have made the first step, and there is no going back now.

“Come on Chris just step off and get out of here. No one wants you around unless you are here to apologize to Josh for the way you treated him. Other than that, just leave us alone.” Eric grabbed my attention. I looked at him and gave him a dirty look after he finished talking.

“Eric, you and Bernice had your chance. I am not here for you. If the one I am here for isn’t willing to speak up, it leaves me with the other choice then to do so. I found out something that I know none of you know. Patrick here, our pal, is…….”

Josh saw what was coming and interrupted; “Chris why don’t you just walk off right now before you regret what you are about to do. Nothing you have to say about any of us in this group would surprise us. In fact you are the only one that is surprising me right now with the way you are acting. Have you been taking classes from my mother or Elizabeth?”

I can’t believe Josh is actually talking to me this way. No matter what happened to us recently we did love each other. We have were there for each other whenever we needed a shoulder to cry on.

“Wait just a minute Josh. Why are you speaking to me this way? Don’t you still love me? Because I still…..”

“Enough Chris! That’s enough! Walk with me please!” Josh turned to the others and spoke. “I will be right back and I will pick up where I left off.”

We walked back up to the bleachers and stopped. I reached out to grab a hold of Josh, but he brushed my hand away. I tried it again, and once again he brushed my hand off. I looked at him and man he doesn’t look to happy with me right now.

“Chris I have no idea what you are trying to pull except to be a total asshole. I meant what I said over there when I asked if you took lessons from my mother of Elizabeth. You are acting like them right now. Don’t you remember how much hurt Elizabeth caused you when she played these games? Or you don’t care because you want to pull everyone in the gutter with you?

There isn’t a thing you can tell me about any of those guys. You went up and asked Cesar to talk with Eric and Bernice to talk to me. You wanted them to clear the way where you and I can talk.

Don’t give me that look Chris; I know everything that goes on with them. They or you might not think so, but I do. I know you must have talked with Patrick recently because he is about to piss his pants over there.

I know about him and Frank. I know they are still together and I know they are boyfriends. Again there isn’t a thing you can tell me that I don’t already know about these guys. Leave Patrick and Frank alone. They will come out when they are ready. Don’t you remember how it was when we were threatened and about to be exposed? Don’t do to them what you didn’t like being done to you.

And finally as far as you and I are concerned, we are over. I stood there by your side at the worst time in your life. I never expected any kind of payback for it but I sure didn’t expect what I got from you either. Not only did you not stand up for me, you walked away from me. You left me standing in the pool looking like a fool that day.

No Chris, I am not going to even give you a chance to break my heart another time. Maybe, and I mean maybe, one day we might be friends. Just for the record, the time not now. I won’t even give you a date that I might think I can stand being around you. So please, just walk away. Don’t act like a fool and get on with your life. I have done that already and now you must do the same.”

Josh didn’t even give me a chance to respond to what he just said. He turned his back on me and made his way back over to the others. I know I hurt him, but I thought he would be over it by now. Instead he throws it back in my face and I am the one hurting now.

I try to move, but I just can’t budge from this spot. My brain is telling my feet and legs to move, but they won’t. Finally, shaking, with tears rolling down my cheeks, I got my legs to work. I made my way to the bathroom.

I walked into the stall and sat down pulling off sheet after sheet of toilet paper to dry my eyes as the tears rolled down my cheeks. I never thought I would hurt like this again. When I walked away the first time it hurt, but nothing compared to this.

Now I know it is over between me and Josh. I have no chance of ever getting back with him. I don’t know if it is because he has Cesar now, or that I just destroyed any chance I had with him when I walked away. That will never be answered.

He is right on another point too. I am acting like Elizabeth and his mother. He doesn’t need another one more like them causing him trouble. I can’t believe I am acting like them. No I must stop and look in the mirror at myself. I did this to myself and there isn’t anyone else to blame for this.

No matter how much it hurts, I need to let Josh go. Several people have told me if it is meant to be between Josh and me, we will be together no matter what happens. For the mean time I will step away and concentrate on helping myself to become a better person.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

The run in with Chris threw me into a bummer mood. Once I returned to the others, I couldn’t get into the conversation again. Everyone tried to get me to give the riddle I was going to tell them, but I couldn’t remember one.

Don’t get me wrong; I don’t regret what I just did. I finally got closure finally dealing with Chris. It is just the look on his face as I worked my way to the end that got to me. In fact toward the end I could see him breaking. I can see that I just tore out his heart and stomped on it. I didn’t mean to do that, but I needed to get closure to be able to go on without looking back.

Just like I told Chris, there is no way I am going to give him another chance to break my heart. I never did what I did for him to get something in return. I did it because I loved him and I still love him. But the love I have for him now is a different kind of love. It’s hard to explain what I mean by that. It isn’t a boyfriend love or a brotherly love. It is somewhere between.

I just saw a side of Chris I never thought he had. I think we all have a bit of a dark side no matter how much we try to hide it, we have it. When we reach bottom that is the side that comes out. Chris is there now and I hope he can pull himself out and become a better person.

The bell rang and we started to make our way into the building. As we reached the hallways where our lockers are, we split off from each other. By the time Eric and I reached our lockers, it was just us.

The morning went by slow. I think it was because I kept looking at the clock for the time. Eric and I fooled around during class and Eric being Eric his antics got me back to myself. We have known each other for a long time. We know how to cheer each other up.

By lunch everything pretty much is back to normal. I didn’t see Chris or Elizabeth anywhere. I hope Chris doesn’t starve himself to avoid seeing us. One thing we can do is be in the same room without talking or bothering one another.

For the first time in long time I have a smile on my face as I walked into Glee Club. Even Mr. Edger noticed it and smiled back at me. The bell rang and there were a few kids running in to beat the tardy bell.

“Before I say anything else, I like to thank each and every one of you. The hard work you guys put in this year is paying off. Right now we are the number one Glee Club not only in this district, but in the city of El Paso.” We all started to clap and yell!

“This school has never held that honor before, so thank you. There is no doubt in my mind we are going to go far this year. In fact I really believe we are going to go all the way. So thank you each and every one of you for that.”

Mr. Edger applauded in the air towards the entire group. We started to applaud each other on the success we are having right now. It has to look good for Mr. Edger right now because this is his first year at the school teaching Glee Club.

“Now I need to get down to business. We are going to learn six new songs at the same time. Three of them are for our Ysleta Invitational’s and the other three are for the inauguration of our new Governor.”

Everyone looked at me and started to yell in approval. I didn’t even know my father asked Mr. Edger for our class to perform on that day. I thought they had their own bands and groups coming in. I heard my father talking to Rich about George Strait, Reba, and many more. I thought they are those ones that are going to perform for my father.

“This time I am going to do something different on the song selections. I am going to allow you guys to pick what songs we are going to perform in both but I will have the final say on them. Please keep in mind what we are going for in each performance. We can’t afford to embrace ourselves, the school, and more importantly the Governor!”

Without Mr. Edger telling us what to do, we broke off into groups. Of course each group is going to come up with different song selections, but that is why we have Mr. Edger. He will choose which songs to perform.

In my group they keep asking me what my father likes. I know he likes country, but he also likes rock and roll like the Beatles and groups like that. I wonder if we should keep in the area in which they are setting up that day, country. Plus we are in Texas after all and our Governor is being sworn in. If we go out there singing rock or anything except country, we might get thrown off the stage.

Mr. Edger is giving us until Monday to choose what songs we want to sing. That way he can look at our list and decide which ones he approves. Once the bell rang I walked out to my locker to meet up with Eric.

We talked a few minutes and before I excused myself because I need to head across the street for JROTC class. Man do I hate this class and Major Moore knows it. I feel he may yet fulfill the threat he made me a couple weeks ago. I like to see him flunk me though and get away with it.

The rest of the day went by pretty quickly. Before I knew it, the final bell rang I started making my way home. As I walked off the school property Bernice caught up to me. I turned as she grabbed my hand. She has a big smile on her face.

“Bernice what is going on with you lately? You have been acting really weird. Please spill it the beans, I want to know,” I said.

Bernice just looked at me for a couple of blocks before speaking. There is no way I am going to let her get off this time. I have wanted to ask her for awhile now, but something has always come up whenever I thought of asking.

“Josh you need to promise me that you won’t get mad with me over what I am going to tell you.” I started shaking my head in the negative way. “Don’t just shake your head. I want to hear you say you won’t get mad with me. Come on Josh just say it please.”

I gave in, and instead of shaking me head, I spoke. “Bernice I promise I won’t get mad with you so just spill it. No matter what you have to say, you are one of my best friends. So there isn’t anything you can say that will get me mad.”

“Ok Josh, I am in love, I am really in love!” Bernice blurted out.

I laughed a little watching Bernice skip around me like a fourth grader. I couldn’t help but be happy for her. As far as I know she hasn’t had a girlfriend before. This has to be a first for her, I think!

“Josh I am in love and the person I love is part of our group. That is the reason I think you might get mad; the person I have fallen in love with.”

“Bernice I really don’t have any idea who you might be in love with. There isn’t really any other girl in our group. You are the only girl that hangs with us. So I don’t know how you can be in love with someone in the group right now.”

“Josh I can explain, at least I think I can. Anyways I fell in love with Eric. He and I have…”

“WHAT THE HELL, ARE YOU LOST OR SOMETHING! Eric is straight and I thought you said you are gay!”

“Please Josh you promised you wouldn’t get mad over what I have to say to you. Please just let me finish and maybe you will understand what is going on. Then you can help me understand it, because I don’t understand it at all.

I wasn’t looking to fall in loved with Eric. But at the same time I wasn’t looking to fall in love with anyone right now. I really don’t know what happened except I fell for Eric bad. He is in love with me as well. We didn’t know how to tell you without you getting mad.”

“Bernice I have no intention or right to get mad with you two for falling in love with each other. I am just confused about the little, itty bitty detail of you being gay. How can you be gay one day and not be gay the next day? I have always believed it isn’t a decision we can make Bernice.”

“You are right Josh it isn’t a decision we can make. I thought I was gay maybe because I really never dated a boy or a girl. No boy would give me the time of day. So I kept thinking how ugly I am. Then I thought to myself I might be gay because I really don’t feel for guys like my girlfriends do. You know friends that are girls.

It is hard to explain Josh. It is something I kept thinking to myself for years now. I never went out with a girl or a guy. So I never gave guys a chance. Then I saw all the girls around me getting into makeup and dresses and I didn’t. I like dressing in jeans, t-shirt and a cap on my head. I thought because of that I am gay,” Bernice said concluding her analysis.

“Bernice I think you just haven’t grown out your tom girl stage yet. There is nothing wrong with that because all girls go through that. I am so happy for you and Eric. Of all the guys for you to fall in love with, Eric is the one I would choose.”

Bernice hugged me then jumped into my arms. I couldn’t believe I didn’t drop her and fall on my own ass at the same time. She didn’t warn me that she was going to do that. After getting over the shock of her jumping into my arms, I just laughed.

“Bernice, from now on you and Eric are going to need to come down and study at my house. No more this separate stuff for now on. You two are my best friends and I want to have both of you together with me.”

With that we walked into the house. I saw that my dad hasn’t made it home yet, but my grandma is already making dinner. We rushed upstairs and started on our homework. Just as I closed my books, Brandon walked in with a girl.

Damn, what is it today with boyfriends and girlfriends? First, Bernice and Eric, and now Brandon and this girl, at least I think this is the girl he has been talking to me about. I looked down at their hands, and yep it is. They are holding hands with these large smiles from ear to ear on their face.

“Brandon why don’t you introduce the young lady you are holding hands with.”

“Josh, Bernice this is my girlfriend Kimberly McKnight, Kimberly this is my older brother Josh and his friend Bernice.”

I got up and made my way over to Kim and shook her hand. I can’t say much about my brother’s girlfriend except he has good taste. I can see why he was so nervous about asking this young lady out. If I liked girls and was my brother’s age, I would be nervous too!

We sat in my room and just chatted for the remaining time before Bernice’s father arrived. I didn’t want to make Kim feel that she is getting questioned, so I didn’t ask her too many questions. I suspect that over time I will get to know her.

As I walked Bernice to her father’s car and Brandon walked Kim home. She must live close because he knows the rules. Once grandma calls us for dinner, we better be at the table. There are no excuses for missing dinner.

When I walked back in, I looked in to see if dinner is ready yet. My grandma told me no and get out of her kitchen. She doesn’t like anyone in the kitchen while she is making any of the meals. She feels we get in the way.

I decided to go and watch some television before dinner since I have time to kill. Brandon walked in as I walked into the hallway. I looked at him to see his teeth shining. The guy has it bad right now. He still has that smile on his face.

Just as dinner got put on the table dad walked in the door. He walked over to the table and sat down. Before any of us could speak, he spoke.

“Hey guys I have something important to talk with you about. I got a call today from the Governor inviting me and my staff to the State House. At first he wasn’t going to sit down with me, as every Governor does with the incoming Governor but I figure the pressure of the voters made him change his mind.

Anyways he set it for tomorrow and Wednesday. I think he hoped giving us a short notice that I wouldn’t go. I can’t give the guy the upper hand, so I accepted. Rich got us plane tickets for tonight that way we get into Austin early in the morning. That gives us time to get cars and rooms to use while we are there.

I wanted you guys to be able to go, but you have missed way too much school already and you will miss more days when I get inaugurated. I don’t want you guys to come up the night before and then have to leave the next day. I really want you all to spend at least a couple of days before and after with me there in Austin. I won’t see you guys again until spring break.”

“Dad we understand and this trip is more business than anything else anyway. With us around you might be distracted. You’d feel you need to spend time with us keeping you from getting all your ducks in a row,” I said really speaking for all of us.

My brother’s shook their heads in the positive agreeing with what I said. The look of worry that my father had on his face when he sat down was replaced with a smile. I don’t understand why he thinks he needs to clear everything with us. For the next couple months everything is going to be crazy and we know that.

After that, we started to eat and chat about school. Brandon spoke up and surprised everyone at the table when he told the rest about his girlfriend. The smile on my fathers face seemed to me as a smile of relief. I felt he is smiling like that because he no longer has to fear he might have two gay sons.

After dinner I walked over to watch television. I know my thoughts are wrong. My dad has shown me nothing but support, but I can’t help but think that way. He smiled a smile of relief when Brandon spoke up about his girlfriend. No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking those thoughts.

(DANIEL’S POINT OF VIEW)

Before I headed out to catch my plane, I sat down with my mother. We discussed what she needs for the next couple of days. I gave her my credit card to use since I didn’t have time to get to the bank.

I walked into the living room and found the boys sitting there watching television. I pulled each of them in and spoke to them pretty much asking them to behave for me while I am gone! I purposely waited to speak with Josh until the last. I asked him to help me take my bags to the car.

“Josh you know during dinner I didn’t mean anything bad when I smiled at Brandon’s news about his girlfriend. I was just happy for Brandon getting his first girlfriend. These are the things I am going to miss with you guys here and me in Austin.

I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished so far in your life. You have been tested more than most any teenager will ever be tested in their lifetime. You came through the other side with flying colors. Yet, these tests are just beginning for you.

I wish I could take all the hurt and anger this world has for you, but I can’t. All I can do is promise you I will be here whenever you need me to be. I have a standing order to be pulled out of any meeting if any of you kids call.”

Josh started to tear up. I know a lot of things hit him more deeply than Daniel, Carlos or Brandon. That big heart Josh has is going to get him places in his life. I don’t want him to ever lose it. I feared that he lost a little when he and Chris broke up but it looks like he is bouncing back with Cesar in his life.

“Josh I love you so much. If Brandon would have told us that he has a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend. I would have shown the same happiness I showed when he told us about his girlfriend. Nothing you kids can do will ever get me to not love you.

Please Josh, never ever think I would trade you in for another son. Never think I am happy or count myself lucky that I only have one gay son out of four. I would be happy no matter if all of you were gay or straight. I love you Josh and promise me not let your mind go wild on you.”

“I promise dad I won’t do that again. I love you so much. Please be safe while you are gone and come back to us in one piece. Oh also bring me something from the Governor’s Office. If you have to steal it, it will be fine.”

I laughed at Josh as I was getting in the car. “Josh I will bring you guys back something. I won’t steal it, but I will get something for each of you. In the meantime, behave for your grandma and help her out around the house.”

“I won’t let you down dad, I love you. Please don’t bring back the Governor’s rug that he wears on his head. That is just gross.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at what Josh said as I shut the door. Every time I debated the Governor I wanted to go over to him and pull off his rug. Whoever made the rug for this guy didn’t fit it right. It looks like a mop on his head or a dead cat.

The guard detail drove me right onto the runway. When I got out Rich was right there to meet me. He explained that while I am Governor I don’t use the normal entrance to the airport. In fact once I get sworn in I will have my own plane. Until then we board the plane first, before the rest of the passengers do.

Rich and I have seats in first class, and when the rest of the passengers got on board, only four other passengers have tickets to sit in first class. The Captain announced as we took off that I am aboard the plane. With that announcement I felt I need to go back and talk to those in coach.

Once the seatbelt light went off, I got up and walked to coach. Everyone started to clap as I walked through the curtains. I thanked them and asked them to talk with me. I didn’t give a speech, I wanted to hear their thoughts about what they feel needs to be done first.

As a voter one thing I feel I’m owed as a voter is that the politician that is asking me for my vote talk TO me, not AT me. They need to take the time and ask what I think needs to be done. Now that I am the politician, I want to know what the voters think.

The whole flight I sat listening to everyone’s concerns. Just like me, they pretty much had the same concerns. I answered any questions when I was asked, but I just listened for the most part. I really believe with me listening to the concerns, and not interrupting them as they voice their concerns, made them happier than any speech I would have made.

I didn’t waste anytime once we arrived in Austin. We went directly to the hotel, got ready, and then made our way to meet with the Governor. As I have my sit down with the Governor, each of my staff members will have a sit down with their counter parts that are leaving their post when Governor Puckett leaves office in January.

Being honest with myself, I really am not looking forward to this meeting. Even after the election, Governor Puckett never extended a helping hand in any way for the transition of power to have a smoother ride. So far we have had to fight tooth and nail for every piece of information we get. This is one thing I will make clear wit Governor Puckett. The people of Texas have spoken. Now it is time to get on with the business at hand no matter if we like it or not.

We were driven to the back of the Governor’s Mansion once we arrived. In fact the Governor made sure that there isn’t any press around to see me enter the Governor’s Mansion. There is no way I am going to let this Governor control the media like this.

“Driver, I am not the staff to be brought in by the back entrance. I know you were probably told to do this, but I am telling you to take me and my staff to the front entrance where all incoming Governors have entered in the past.”

The driver tried to argue that was Governor Puckett’s order. I finally won the fight by ordering the driver to go to the front entrance. He doesn’t like it, but he has to do it. I leaned over to Rich and whispered in his ear.

“When I am sworn in remind me not to keep this guy on staff. I don’t like anyone arguing with me when he could have just said yes. When Governor Puckett asked why he did what he did, he can push it off on me.”

“Yes sir I believe he is going to leave with the Governor. He is going to stay on with him as his personal driver.”

“Fine, in that case they should have sent another driver to pick us up. In fact I don’t need a driver. That is why we rented cars. All we had to do is jump in the cars and drive here by ourselves.”

Right then we pulled up to the front. The press started to hover around the car, while the guard detail tries to push them back. I got out and waved at the cameras, not saying a word. I just want them seeing me enter in the Mansion in the front not in the back like some dirty little secret.

Right away we got greeted by Governor Puckett coming out of the doors. In fact he looks like he actually had to run to catch up with us. Still angry with the thought that the Governor wanted me to go in the back, I wanted him to look like the fool, not me. This guy is only doing this meeting because the citizens of Texas demanded he do it. Now that he decided to do this meet and greet, he needs to do it all the way.

Without taking any questions, we started our way in. As we walk by each office of the Governor’s staff, my staff separated to meet with their counter part. The last to leave my side is Rich. Rich met the out going chief-of-staff at the entrance of the Governor’s office. Rich controlled the conversation from its onset.

The Governor and I walked into his office and took seats. Of course he sat behind his desk looking like the man in charge. Right now he is and I will respect that. But there is no way I am going to let him give me the short end of the stick either.

“Thank you, Governor Puckett for inviting me and my staff to meet with you and your staff for the next two days. There is a lot to cover in these days to come. So I would like to get down to business if you don’t mind.”

The only response Governor Puckett gave is shaking his head in the positive. This is going to be two long days ahead of me. Still I got down to business with the Governor. Out of nowhere the Governor asked the strangest question.

“General why did you have my driver drops you off in the front instead of the rear entrance where I asked him to drop you off? My staff and I were waiting for you there. We had to run to the front of the building to greet you making me look like a fool.”

“Governor let me answer you with a question. How many press conferences do you have scheduled with both of us in front of the press in the next two days?”

The Governor got up to walk and get something to drink from his bar. He returned to his seat behind the desk not offering me a drink. That is fine because I really don’t drink at all. The only time I do is in special events. Even then I normally have apple juice in my glass while the others have wine.

“I have none scheduled with you, me, or both us together. I didn’t want this meeting, but scheduled it because my staff told me I had to. I am doing it because of that and no other reason. So take what you can get.”

“Let me ask you this question are we going to get anything done or are you going to sit there and give me the run around? I have a lot more better things to do than sit here with an embittered old man.

If I would have lost the election I would have treated you a lot differently than you are treating me. One thing I knew when I entered this race is I need to be ready to lose as much as win. That is the life I am choosing to get into. That is the life you have lead since you entered politics those many years ago.”

“General Lopez as far as I am concerned you won through pity votes, nothing more than that. I am not going to help you have a smooth entrance into this office.”

“Well then Governor Puckett thank you for the time you have given me. I will be going since you won’t speak with me. Like I have already said, you and I have better things to do than sit across from each other and stare.”

I got up from the seat and extended my hand for him to shake. He shook it and walked me to the door not even trying to correct the wrong he is doing. I can’t believe he is this angry about losing.

I walked by the office where Rich is. I saw that they are just sitting there as well. Rich looked up and saw me. He said good bye to his counterpart and joined me in the hall. As we walked out of the Mansion, in each office each of my staff is being treated the same way I got treated in the Governor’s Office.

As we walked out to the front of the Mansion, the press ran over to ask questions. Rich leaned into my ear and spoke for the first time since we entered in the Mansion.

“General, take this opportunity and speak to the press. Use the steps of the Governor’s Mansion to speak with the people of Texas. Trust me Governor Puckett is going to use his office and spin this in his favor. We need to speak out first.”

I nodded my head to Rich as we stopped at the top of the stairs. Rich right away took control of the press. “General Lopez, the Governor Elect, will make a short statement and answer a few questions afterward.”

“Good morning ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all for being patient and waiting for me as I met with Governor Puckett. I am a man that doesn’t beat around the bush. I believe in straight talk because I want everyone to know where I stand. After I make a statement there should never a question what I really meant. Well today won’t be any exception to that.

As you all know this meeting wasn’t on either of our schedules. Through the pressure that the citizens of Texas placed on the Governor’s Office, he asked for the meeting. I accepted even though it was offered to me just yesterday afternoon.

Our founding fathers wanted our government officials to be above reproach; to be able to listen to and respond to the will of the voters! No matter if they agree with the decision of the voters, elected officials need to follow through with the voters’ requests.

That is a fundamental element that makes our country so great, so different from other forms of government. We don’t go to war to change the leaders in our local, state, or federal leaderships. Every two, four, and six years the voters decided with a pencil at the voting booth. The pen is mightier then the sword when it comes to us choosing who leads us.

I came hoping to have a productive and meaningful meeting with Governor Puckett and his staff. That didn’t come true. Instead from the Governor and his staff ran all the way down meet with us. They, without exception, took us in their offices, and then just sat there in silence.

When asked if we are going to get to work, the answer was pretty much no. I have a little over two months to get a staff ready to take the office of the Governorship of Texas. Two days out of that time is a lot to lose if nothing is going to be done.

This reminds of a time back when President Eisenhower won the election, but refused to step foot into the White House until he got sworn in. President Truman and the First Lady followed tradition no matter their feelings about the incoming president. In their minds the people of this nation spoke and they will respect their mandate.

Let me make it perfectly clear; the victor here isn’t refusing to work with the outgoing administration, it is the outgoing administration refusing to work with the incoming administration. There is a lot of work to be done with no time for games to be played. There is too much at stake.

I won’t repeat the words that were said between the Governor and me. Those will stay in the privacy of Governor Puckett’s Office. The only thing I will say about this meeting is when he and his staff are serious and ready to work my staff and I will be ready for that call.

Just as he called to set up this meeting, he can call again. I am more than willing to meet with this administration. They are the current administration that the people of this state voted for four years ago. I ask him not call me to Austin unless he and his staff are willing to get down to the business of Texas. I will take your questions now.”

I sat there taking several questions from each reporter. I didn’t leave the steps of the Governor’s Mansion until the reporters had no more questions to ask. By then our cars arrived to take us back to the hotel.

Later in the afternoon I am to meet with lawmakers from the State Congress. When I started to get calls from the Republican Party legislators, I asked Barbara to set up meetings with both parties. By the end I will be meeting with most of the legislators and then have a final Q and A with each party together.

One thing I want to do right away with the legislators is bring us together. There has to be some middle ground on all the issues facing us. The items where we can’t find middle ground, we need to work through them. When it is all said and done, the bills I sign into law will be what are best for the citizens of Texas.

(PATRICK’S POINT OF VIEW)

After school I went straight home. My parents are not going to be home until the end of the week, so I have the house to myself till then. I invited Frank over way before the stunt that Chris pulled earlier this morning. Now I need to speak with Frank about that instead of the sex session I wanted to have.

It didn’t even seem that ten minutes had passed since I walked in when I heard a knock on the door. I went to open it thinking it is Frank at the door. To my surprise standing at my door step is Elizabeth.

“Come on Patrick, aren’t you going to invite me in?”

I just looked at her wondering why she is standing at my front door. I have never met the woman, let alone talk with her. There is no reason for her to be standing at my front door. Then her asking me to invite her in, no way!

“Elizabeth what do you want? I am not going to invite you in since I didn’t ask you over. I don’t even know you. What I do know about you, you are not making a social call. So just say what is on your mind where you stand.”

“Are you sure that you want me to say what is on my mind standing out here at your front door? There are some people around that might hear what I am saying. Then they go and tell your parents what they heard you talking about with a strange woman.”

“Damn it Elizabeth stop playing your games. I know for a fact you are not to come around us. You are nothing but trouble and I don’t want any of it.”

At the moment Frank walked up behind Elizabeth. He gave me a face before looking back at Elizabeth. She still hasn’t noticed that Frank is standing behind her. I really don’t think it will stop her on her mission.

“Do you think what Chris did today is the end of it? Trust me, little boy, it isn’t. Chris doesn’t have the balls to follow through with his threats. But I do and I will follow through with the information he has.”

From behind Elizabeth, Frank spoke up; “You fucking bitch why you don’t just step off. Who I the hell appointed you bitch of El Paso High? I say it is time to throw you out of office on your ass. It is time once and for to be done with you.”

Elizabeth jumped the minute Frank spoke up. She turned around and pushed through Frank. This leaves Frank at the front door with me and her almost on the sidewalk that leads to my house.

I just want her to leave that. There is really nothing she can do because no one will listen to her anymore. Still I don’t think Josh is going to take another walking up to him wanting to tell him something about me. He might just listen this time.

Before Elizabeth could say another word, Frank pushed me in and shut the door on her face. I just stood there at the front door stunned with what Frank just did. It took Frank grabbing my arm to move me to the living room.

Frank already heard what had happened at school with Chris. He told me he is fine with whatever I decide to do and however I handle things. In fact he misses hanging out with the group. He hates losing time with me, more than time with the group.

Not another word was said about the events earlier in the day. We sat in front of the television and flipped through the channels. There was a little playing with each other here and there, but it seems it won’t move into a full blown out make out session.

Each time Frank got closer to me, I moved away. I know that what is going on isn’t his fault. I need to have dealt with this a while back ago instead of playing games with my feelings, Frank’s feelings, and maybe my friendship with the group!

“I know you Patrick and you are thinking way too much about things that you can’t fix right now. It will be fine, trust in your friends. The little I got to know them, they seem to be a group of good quality people. They will take us the way we are.”

Frank dropped to his knees and crawled between my legs. Without saying another word, he started to undo my belt then my buttons to my jeans. Within seconds he got my pants down to my thighs.

Not wasting anytime, he pulled my dick through the pee hole of my boxers. The moment that Frank’s hand touched my dick, it got hard. He just does something to me that get my blood flowing even if I don’t want it to.

I sat there with Franks lips around my dick giving me a totally awesome blow job. I looked up at the window and realized I didn’t close the curtains. But that isn’t what brought me attention to the window. I could have sworn I saw something or someone at the window.

I looked back down to Frank between my legs. Just going to town with the blow job he is giving me. Through the corner of my eye, I kept a look out at the window. It didn’t take long for who it is at my window to pop their head back in.

There, it is Elizabeth. I am not going crazy. There is someone at my window. She is actually looking at me and Frank on my couch. I am not going to ask Frank to stop what he is doing. I am going to give her a show that she will regret on sticking around for.

As Frank started going faster, I pulled up and off his shirt. Knowing I am about to cum, I pulled Frank up from the ground to my lips. There in plain view for Elizabeth to see is Frank between my legs kissing me.

I started my way down to Frank’s belt, undid it, then his jeans. But I didn’t pull them completely down yet. I moved my hand around his waist above his butt and slowly moved my hands down into his pants.

Slowly I moved my hands inside is pants around his butt. Looking every so often at the window to see if Elizabeth is still standing there. And yeah every time I look over to see, she is still there. I find it so weird for a person that hates gays so much. She seems to like watching us make love to one another. Fuck it, I am going to give this woman a show.

Immediately I pulled my hands out of Frank’s jeans and pulled them down. I lifted Frank from his knees to him standing where I can have his dick right in my face. Frank figured out what I am going for and leaned in until his dick reached my lips.

I opened my mouth to let Frank’s dick in. Frank leaned in more until his dick hit the back of my throat. I learned to swallow some of his dick because he is long. That is the only way I can get his entire dick in my mouth all at once.

He let his dick sit there in my mouth for a few moments before he started to fuck my face. First he started out slowly and then gains speed. I reach my arms around him and start to play with his butt cheeks as he strokes his dick in and out of my mouth.

I pull Frank’s butt cheeks apart and start to search for his hole. I have gotten so used to finding his hole it doesn’t take long for me to find it. I slip in my first finger and start to open him up. One at a time I slip in finger after finger until I get three fingers in. Once I get my third finger in I know he is ready to be fucked.

As I turned him around, his dick actually slapped me in the face. Leaving a stream of pre cum mixed with my split across my face. We both hesitated just long enough to get rid of every stitch of our clothing and underwear. One we were both totally naked I sat back down on the couch. My cock is hard and standing proud leaking a steady flow of slick pre cum. Frank knew the routine. He came up facing me and kneeled on the couch straddling my legs. That put him in position to take my cock inside himself. Little by little Frank lowers himself onto my dick until he sat right on my stomach. There was enough lube from my pre cum to make the entrance of my cock into his love chute smooth and easy.

“Frank, don’t make it oblivious but if you look over at the window you will see we have a viewing audience today.”

Frank slowly turned his head to see what I am talking about. He whispered the minute he got a look at Elizabeth looking at us as we fuck.

“Let’s give that bitch a show. Maybe this is the only way she gets to see some dick.”

That’s all it took to get him into the heat of the moment. He already is, but this just threw him over the top. He started going up and down on me, just riding me like crazy. I have to take control and slow things down or I will bust a nut within minutes.

Frank slowly moved his body around swirling my cock around inside him. I love how it feels when he rotates like that on my dick. Damn it is an awesome feeling. I wrapped my arms around him as he leans in to kiss me.

Franks hard dick moved between our stomachs and lower chest as he went up and down on my dick. I can feel his dick leaking pre cum like crazy. I can feel his pre cum all over my stomach and lower chest. Damn this is hot having my guy kissing me as I fuck him and his hard dick rubbing my stomach!

Frank started to move down to my neck and give my love bites. Once he gave me a couple love bites on one side, he made his way to the other side. I picked up his head and started my way down his neck to return the love.

I didn’t even notice that I was getting close until I felt the pressure building in my balls. My feet are now starting to curl and I know I am just seconds away from exploding.

“Babe I am going to explode, man I am going to cum in your ass! Do you want me to cum in your ass or do you want me to….”

Too late we don’t have a chance in hell for him to get off of me. I started to shoot inside Frank. Frank fell against me and started to shake. Then I felt hit after hit of hot wet cum hit my stomach. He is actually shooting without us touching his dick. Damn I love this!

I fell against the back of the couch as I shot another couple shots into Frank. Frank fell with me as I hit the back of the couch. Neither of us said a word. We just stayed there on the couch giving Elizabeth a good show.

“I love you so much, Frank. I want you with me all the time. I just made up my mind and I am going to tell the guys about us. I will tell Josh first and then the others.”

“I love you as well Patrick. I want you to be happy no matter what. So be sure this is what you want to do. No matter if we stay the way we are, or go public, I will always love you Patrick,” Frank said with pure love in his voice.

We didn’t move an inch. My dick slowly softened and then slipped out of Franks butt. As my dick laid there between my legs, I felt a stream of my cum falling from his butt onto my thigh and dick.

I forgot about our viewer and when I looked over to see if she is still at the window, I found she had left. I don’t know when she left, but I do know she got to see the whole show. I doubt she is going to go around school telling people she saw me and Frank fucking. Even if she does, who cares? I am to the point I just don’t give a fuck. Frank is my happiness, not everyone else. If someone doesn’t like it, that is THEIR problem and one I refuse to take on my shoulders.

Frank and I took a shower quickly before he had to leave for home. We kissed at the door for a few minutes and then he left. I asked him to stay the night, but he knows his parents won’t let him on a school night. I really want to wake up with Frank in my bed for once. Actually, I want Frank and I to share a bed every night from now until forever.

The next morning I set out to tell Josh everything about me and Frank. I want to have Frank at my side like Josh has Cesar at his. I know there isn’t going to be much change except Frank being with me. We still won’t be able to hold hands or kiss in public.

Just as I sat down to tell Josh, Bernice and Eric joined us and had their own news. They were so excited so I let them sill their beans and I will happily wait my turn. Man the news they have is awesome. I always thought these two are made for each other.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

“When Bernice here told me about you two last night, I couldn’t have been happier for the two of you. Two of my best friends are now a couple. This is awesome and I want you two at my house as study partners every day.”

“Sorry there Josh. I hate to tell you, but you are going to lose your study buddy. Bernice and I are going to study every evening at my house from now on. But that doesn’t mean that we won’t hang out.”

“Don’t worry Josh I will study with you!”

I turned to Cesar and smiled. Cesar is a great replacement for Bernice. The only thing that worries me is that I don’t think we are going to get too much studying done. This got is so damn hot it takes everything I have not to jump him every time I see him.

“Hey cadet, get up and let me see you. Get up cadet you are not in a complete uniform!”

I looked over to my right to see this guy taking his rank a little too far. It is uniform day, but we are not in class for inspection. So I won’t be talked to this way. I ignored him and went back to my conversation with Eric and Bernice.

“Didn’t you hear me cadet? I said get up so I can see your uniform! From where I stand you are out of uniform.”

This time I didn’t even give this guy the time of day. I kept on talking with my friends. That must have pissed the guy off because I felt his hand on my shoulder. I reacted quickly and got up from the table.

“If you know what is best for you, you will never lay a hand on me again. I don’t care what rank is on your shoulder, it doesn’t give you the right to put your hands on me. Now you had better step off and mind your own business.”

I sat back down and tried to return to the conversation. The guy didn’t get the hint. This time he actually not only put his hand on my shoulder, he pulled me away from the table. That is all it took for my security detail to react.

Before I could say anything or the other guy could move, he hit the floor hard. My father made a change with my detail, well with all of our detail. They are trained guards, but they look like kids. While they guard us, they take high school all over again.

“Hey, hey, this guy is just an idiot. He isn’t a threat to me or anybody here. He needed to tell me something about my uniform.”

“Josh you already know that if anyone puts their hands on you, we have to react as if it is a real threat. Because if a time ever comes and we sit back thinking it is another high school student with a beef, you could either get hurt or even killed. No Josh everyone that puts their hands on you or demonstrates a threat will be dealt like this.”

Several school security guards ran up to where we were. They tried to pull my guard detail off the guy, but they refused to budge. Instead they showed the school security their badges as they pulled the guy up.

They radioed something on their little radios and in moments the principal arrived. Principal Michaels spoke to his security guards before walking over to us. During all this time the crowd around my table got huge.

“Josh will you please tell your security detail to let go of my student and then come with me please. We will handle this from here on.”

“Josh can’t order us to release someone we have in custody that tried to hurt him. One thing these students need to learn is to stop testing the line. It won’t move when it comes to threats of the Governor’s family.”

“Fine then bring this student to my office and Josh please follow as well.”

Principal Michaels yelled at the crowd of students to either get back to eating or leave the cafeteria. We made our way to the office right behind the principal. I am getting very tried of seeing the principal’s office. It is getting very old, really quickly.

Principal Michaels shut his door and walked around his desk. He made a call and than sat down. It looks like he is waiting for someone. It has to do with the call he just made. But still he didn’t say a word. He just looked straight ahead.

The door opened and Major Moore walked in. He joined Principal Michaels behind his desk. Now it makes sense, we are in uniform so he feels he needs to have Major Moore present for this meeting.

“Ok boys why don’t you explain to me what caused this issue in the cafeteria. So Thomas why don’t you start out first, and then you Josh.”

“Well sir, I walked into the cafeteria and saw this cadet out of uniform. I walked up and asked him several times to get up so I could inspect him. He ignored me and I then walked up and patted him on the shoulder. He got up, said a few curse words at me and then sat back down. I walked back up to him and pulled him gently by the shoulders back a few inches to get his attention. The next thing I knew, I was forced to the ground.”

I just can’t believe the lies this guy is saying. Yes I got up, but I didn’t’ curse at him. I said a few words, and now I can’t even remember what I had said. But cursing at him I didn’t do that.

“Principal Michaels, that isn’t the complete truth. Yes he walked in and asked me to stand up. Yes I refused to stand up because of the manner he was asking me. I wasn’t in JROTC class. He grabbed my shoulder. I reacted and said a few words to him, but no cuss words. I sat back down and he pulled me back again. That is when these guys reacted.”

The principal looked over to Major Moore. Major spoke up instead of the Principal.

“First of all Josh whenever a higher ranking cadet asks you to do something you will do it. No questions asked, just do it. If anyone here is in the wrong it is you for not listening to this officer’s order.”

“Well I have to agree with Major Moore because he knows the rules of his class. So with that I need to suspend you Josh and you Thomas, you will get detention.”

“Wait a minute sir, this isn’t over. Thomas here is in our custody. If you choose to suspend Josh, you will need to talk with his father about that. Trust me, when it comes to uniform rules, a general knows them.”

My security detail pulled asked to use the phone. He pulled out a calling card and dialed, waited a few minutes, and then he asked to speak with my father. He told my father what is going on, and then put the phone on speaker.

“Hello there everyone, I really don’t have the time for this little stuff. Principal Michaels, since Major Moore is in the office with you, please ask him about the threats he made to my son several weeks ago. He threatened to flunk him because he doesn’t have the right attitude in class. There is just one small problem with that. My son has an ‘A’ in his class.!”

Principal Michaels turned to look at Major Moore. Major Moore didn’t say a word to what my father just said.

“I will take the silence as an answer of guilt. Look what I have been told my son was wrong for not getting up when a higher ranking officer ordered him to. But the higher ranking officer was wrong for laying his hands on a lower ranking soldier. No higher ranking officer is allowed to touch any cadet or soldier.

This needs to be handled in JROTC class, not with you Principal Michaels. And when I say handled in your class Major Moore, I mean fairly. I know you know what I mean. If I find out you didn’t deal with this fairly, you don’t want a three star general down on you case.

You are very lucky I haven’t found to time to meet up with you for the stunt you pulled with my son already. Trust me when I get back into town we will have a sit down. My sit downs are not very comfortable because I will rip your unit apart. You will be lucky when I am done with you that you still have a program to run.”

“Look let’s not go over board here general. Let’s just toss it out as kids being kids. No one gets suspended or detention. In fact nothing happens in Major Moore’s Class either. I just ask you to have your detail to take it a back a few notches,” Principal Michaels said trying hard to smooth this situation over.

“No Principal Michaels I won’t do that. I sat down and explained this to you and the school board. You all understood exactly where I am coming from. What needs to happen is you need to inform your students that in no way that my children should be touched. If they are the offender will be dealt with as a threat to my family.

I will ask the detail to let this student go, but this is the last time I am going to do this. If my kids get a real threat, the detail needs to know I back them no matter what. This over riding them is over. The next student that shows any threat to my children will be arrested. Again that is them starting it, not my kids.”

Principal Michaels agreed with my dad to send out a letter to all teachers to read to their classes. Major Moore got put on notice by my dad that he is coming down for an inspection in the next couple of weeks. Major Moore really doesn’t look happy.

My dad spoke with me for a few minutes before he had to go. He isn’t angry with me, but told me to listen to the higher ranking cadets in the unit. Other than that he is going to let this one pass.

Once I hung up with my dad the Principal excused all of us. I turned to Thomas and asked him what he saw wrong with my uniform that caused him to act the way he did. It is my shirt, part of it is un-tucked.

I tucked in my shirt heading out of the office. For just an un-tucked shirt he is willing to get into a fight over. How in the world did this guy ever get officer rank? I had to bite my tongue not turn around and ask that of Major Moore. I looked at my security detail and they laughed at what they heard.

TO BE CONTINUED………………….

NOTE TO READERS:

{Ok this is my first chapter in a while I end without a cliffhanger. I really hope you guys come back for the next chapter. Simply put you miss it, you will miss a lot. I am going to speed up the time line once again to move the story down the road.

We got several surprises in this chapter. Let’s start with Eric and Bernice, what is going on with those two? I kind of hinted around something was going on, but who would have thought it was a relationship building up between those two.

Bernice tried to explain it to Josh as best as she could about her flip, but I really don’t think she explained it clearly enough. I think she was trying to say that she never dated anyone in her life. She thought of herself as ugly, so never gave any guy a chance to get around her. In return she started thinking about girls, but again never had the feelings to be with a girl.

She put it best when she said that she never grew out of the tom boy stage. In return she thought she was gay. Now that she is noticing clothes, the way she looks when she walks out of her house in the morning, and makeup, different world all together.

From being a bitch to being a peeping tom, Elizabeth can really get under your skin. Like many of you guys have written, she needs to be put in her spot. I think the only way that is going to happen is she needs to totally self destruct.

Major Moore stepped into it again with Josh. He should have thanked his lucky stars that Josh’s father never made a visit after the last time he talked to Josh. Now he tried to take on a general’s son. That is a no, no when you are running a program. Let’s see if Major Moore passes the inspection by a general.

Then we had the visit the general made to the Governor mansion. I have heard of sour grapes before, but come on. Governor Puckett needs to just let it go and make it as easy as possible to the incoming staff. Swallow his pride a little, it isn’t really loosing it.

So much going on and still a lot to come in the future chapters! Chris might be gone a while, but there is still an open plot with his father out there. I know Josh and he will still help Chris out at least on this. Patrick and Frank, they never got a chance to tell Josh their secret. Then there is Brandon and his girlfriend, Josh’s mom, Josh’s brothers and the ever present Elizabeth. Oh, we have a lot of plots and some not even touched in this chapter, but all will be.

I could be like the Energizer Bunny and keep going and going and going, with all the open plots already in this story, but I won’t. Be warned; if you miss a chapter, 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:

Well, Josh is sure maturing into being his own man. He stands up for what’s right and is loyal and caring toward his close friends. He does not suffer fools kindly and Chris is, at the moment King of the Fools, and Elizabeth is Queen. Josh, in his wise insight and maturity isn’t going to buy into the drama either of them are trying to orchestrate. Good for Josh! I think Josh’s dressing Chris down with a reality check might have been just the shock Chris needed to get him to back up and re-evaluate how he is going to proceed with his life. I suspect he now truly believes that the direction he was pointed was not in his or anyone else’s best interests.

What an interesting twist of events with Bernice falling for Eric. Hey, sometimes it takes some people more time than others to get to understand their sexuality. Of course, until the new couple gets down to “it”, the question still remains somewhat open. We’ll see if Eric’s manly charms win his lady love over without reservation.

Josh already knew about Patrick and Frank, as I suspected he did. Giving Elizabeth a “show” was truly inspired! It seems Patrick has finally decided that he needs to live life for himself and not care what others think. That will make his life (and Frank’s) a great deal easier no matter what anyone else thinks or says. If the two of them are a solid couple, they can weather whatever their peers throw at them and come out fine in the end.

Daniel sure has his work cut out for him with the obstructionist attitude of the lame duck Governor and his staff. I suspect that Daniel will play it right with the press and that he’s going to have a fine political honeymoon once he’s inaugurated.

Like Jacob, I could go on, but I’ll let you rest your weary eyes. Be sure and keep up with Jacob’s other two stories too. All three stories have threads that crossover to the others. You can read only one, but you’re only getting one third of the FUN!

Until next time, keep those e-mails with your thoughts comin’ this way! Jacob and I truly enjoy hearing from each of you.
“Daddy” Rick