Shadow of my Father - 21. Chapter 21

(DANIEL SR’s POINT OF VIEW)

After Martha’s visit on Saturday morning that is all that anyone talked about in my house during the weekend. When I walked into the office on Monday, I couldn't be happier. I would rather take on a brigade of enemy troops firing at me than spend another minute of my life talking to Martha.

I buried myself in work, and the first two days flew by quickly. Now it's Wednesday and Rich returns from Wyoming. He needed a few days off to put his affairs in order back home in Wyoming. I really don't know much about Rich except he has a brilliant mind when it comes to running a political campaign.

It seems that every single person he runs for office, no matter local, state or federal, he gets them elected. There are very few political campaign managers that have that kind of track record. When he came aboard my campaign, and when I found out about his record I was glad to have him. I am still delighted he is on my staff.

My entire day is devoted to meeting after meeting with Rich. We finally got the majority of my staff in place. We now need to knock out what I plan to do with in my first couple months in office. Those are the most important months a new governor, president, or senator has to set the tone of their agenda.

I got into the office earlier than normal because of the amount of work that is piling up for me. When Rich knocked on my door I hadn't even put a dent to the pile. I figure I will get to it during the Thanksgiving holiday. The offices are closed and there is no way I can get anymore incoming work at that time.

“Hey Rich! It is good to have you back! I hope you got everything done back home in Wyoming. We have a ton of work to get done here and I can’t afford to have you away to from now until the end of my term as Governor!”

Rich laughed. Of course he will be getting vacation time. I just want him to feel how important he is to me.

“Daniel while I was gone I kept up with my phone calls. That son of a bitch Governor we have is making it so difficult. That we won't be able to do a thing in office our first couple months except play catch up.

All we are asking from them is assistance for a smooth transition. We are not getting that. I spoke with his Chief of Staff on Monday. He let me know; let me get this worded right; ‘out of courtesy, he is calling me to let me know they plan to push the rest of their agenda through the State House’.”

With total frustration in my demeanor I said; “What do they think they're doing, Rich? No governor in the past has ever called a lame duck session of the Legislature to pass the rest of their legislative agenda. For one thing, the state legislators want to be reelected. This governor is the one going out not them.

I don’t want to take to the airwaves like little child complaining about their mommy and daddy. It's not doing us any good because it's not changing the thought process of the Governor. That would just make us look bad.

So, here is what we are going to do. We organize all of our volunteers out there and give them each a portion of the list with phone numbers of the legislators. They are going to call their offices and let them know if they pass one piece of legislation, that the Governor Elect will make it his personal mission to go and speak in their districts and ensure they don't get reelected.

If they question our ability to do so or say I don't have enough influence with the voters of Texas, remind them to look back at the final election numbers. We knocked out a popular Governor in a huge landslide victory. There hasn't been a Governor elected to office in this State with sixty-nine percent of the votes.”

“That, Daniel, is a fantastic strategy! As soon as the staff gets in I will put them to work doing just that. In the mean time, we need to discuss what will be your agenda for the first months in office. Your campaign of lower taxes, smaller government, more jobs, and less dependence on the federal government is a huge agenda for us to accomplish! We are going to have to hit the ground running to take the best advantage of the ‘honeymoon’ period and really make a mark in the first hundred days.

You are a brilliant man and can get this done quickly. What I want to know after we get all this done, what third-rail political issue will you take on? Some of them we really can’t do much about, because federal law will trump state law.”

Pondering and rubbing my chin I responded; “I really haven't given much thought to be honest with you. I want to get our major campaign promises on the front burner first. You, just like me, can read the tea leafs when it comes down to the economic status of our country. Right now, what I see going on in the stock market and up in Washington is giving me a bad feeling.

Let me explain what I'm saying here. Our federal government has overreached, and in return it is affecting not only the stock market but state government, and local governments as well. I see a recession coming our way. We need to be prepared for it.”

The rest of the morning, Rich and I worked out a plan of attack. The first major legislative package I will be sending to the Legislature is an economic packet. It is rare that a state government passes an economic package.

The only time Rich left my office was when he went out and directed our staff on what to do. They all seemed very excited about getting a chance to talk to our state legislators on my behalf. I’d rather them do that than me. I already have way too much work to do and not enough time to get it done.

One more thing on my platter is officially handing over my duties as the Commanding General of US ground troops in the Gulf. President Bush wants to have a huge ceremony for me passing the torch to a new commander. I don't even know who the new commander is yet. I am pretty sure President Bush already selected my replacement.

(RICH’S POINT OF VIEW)

After spending the majority of my morning with the General I headed over to my office. I wanted to get the General on board taking up gay rights issues. I think for the first time in the history of not only our State but any state in our nation we have a real chance to pass legislation on gay rights.

Let me explain my way of thinking. One of the most religious states in the union just elected a governor into office with an openly gay son. In fact, they accepted his son with open arms. I'd never thought I would see the day in this State that happened. I figured states like California or maybe Florida would take the first steps in gay rights but there’s a nice yet strange wind blowing here in Texas right now.

The reason I am so intent on this is because I am gay myself. I have moved around so much in my career I never could give any relationship a chance. I always used the excuse that it will harm the person I'm trying to help get elected. But that was nothing but a copout. I see how happy Josh is with his boyfriend and how Daniel having an openly gay son didn’t hurt and might have even helped a bit. I wish that there was some way I could get a poll of what the ‘gay vote’ support was before and after Josh was outted.

When I went back home to put my affairs in order it only took me a day or so. I lived in an apartment and all the furniture I moved into storage. My dog I brought back up with me. Of course, I said my goodbyes to my family, but there was no relationship of any kind so no complications.

I can actually see this man reaching the highest office of the land. Although right now he shows no interest in it, I will get him there. Once our work is done in the state of Texas, We will begin working for the entire nation.

I was brought out of thought by the ringing of my phone. I answered it to find that my secretary has the Governor’s Chief of Staff of the line for me. I told my secretary to go ahead and patch him through.

I waited maybe a minute or two before I got the line. “Hello, this is Rich how may I help you?”

“What on God's green earth do you and your boss over there think you're doing? You guys don’t have the balls to follow through on your threats!”

“First of all, I guarantee you not only we have the balls to carry through on our threats, we will visit every single district and precinct to do what it takes to throw out any legislator that votes in a lame duck session.

You guys had four years to get your agenda through. The reason your agenda didn’t get through is because the people of this State don't want it. Now you want to ram it down their throats as you being booted out of office.

Take it from me, if you do this and actually succeed it will be the last thing your boss does in his political career. He won’t be able to ever run again for any political office. So take that back to your boss.”

“You think you got us by the short hairs. You are wrong and I will prove it to you. You are amateurs when it comes to running a government. The only thing you know how to do is run a campaign and the only thing your boss knows what to do is run the military. Those are completely different things. You two are amateurs, and I will stomp on you.”

“Go for it! I am hungry and my boss is hungry for first political battle. We will take you on and win. We have the people of this State behind us. The same people that tossed your boss out of office on his pompous ass!

So go and try to pass your legislation. In the mean time my boss and I will be going to the people via talk shows, stump speeches and town hall meetings. We’ll let them know what the outgoing Governor is trying to hijack. You got me right. Hijacking is the word we will use as we talk to voters. Let's see how many legislators stand behind your boss after we get our message across.”

All I heard was slamming of his receiver. I got under his skin, and that is where I want to be. Although I am not at the State Office, I will be haunting every move my counterpart makes.

(MARTHA’S POINT OF VIEW)

It seems no attorney will take on my divorce. They seem to be all afraid of Daniel. I don't know if it's because of him being a General or being now the elected Governor. Whatever the reason, every office I visited so far this week pretty much slammed the door on my face.

The silver lining to my week is today. The reason for that is my meeting with the church. The very moment I walked in I knew this is the place that will turn my son around. Either he will do it on his own or it will happen by force. Either way, when he walks out of there, he will be a normal person.

I walked up to the secretary to let her know who I am. She looked down to her appointment book and then back up to me. She handed me a folder and a clipboard, and then pointed me the seats in the waiting room.

I sat down and opened up the folder to see all the paperwork I need to fill out. As I started filling out the paperwork, I had to leave several areas blank because they have to do with information of the father, in other words my husband.

Once I finished filling out the paperwork. I went back and headed to the secretary. She took it from my hand and looked over it. At no time did she hand me back any of the paperwork to fill in the blanks.

Just as I turned around to take my seat again, the priests called me. I followed him down the hallway into a very small office. I took one of the seats in front of the desk. I waited for the priests to say something and when he finally looked up from his desk. He spoke in a very little voice.

“Mrs. Lopez. I need to ask why your husband isn't here. I know, our brochure advertised that we only need one parent to sign in their child but I have gotten into the habit of asking why the spouse isn't here.”

“My husband doesn't see eye to eye with me on the way to handle our son. In fact, he feels that being gay isn't wrong. He also thinks the individual with this illness can’t be cured. I on the other hand do believe the illness can be cured.”

“As I read your paperwork I see that we are going to have to restrain and take your son by force. Do I have that correct? And if so, is there any obstacles that will be in our way when we pick up your son?”

“As far as obstacles are concerned is the answer is no. The only thing I need you guys to do is pick up my son at school. That way, we have no run ins with my other sons or my husband. I am trying to make it easier on all of us.”

The priest shook his head and then looked back down at the paperwork again. He keeps humming a tune that is getting on my nerves. It's like elevator music or church music or something like that. I just can't put my finger on it. But it’s bothering me.

“Mrs. Lopez, it looks like all your paperwork is in order. We will attempt to get your son very soon. If all goes well, we should have him before Thanksgiving. Until we get him, I will not have a need to contact you. Once we have your son. I will call you and let you know he is in the program.”

With that, I got up, shook the priest’s hand and walked out. I feel more relieved now that my son Josh is going to get the help he needs. I can once again start to hold my head up high, whenever I am among friends unlike now where I dodge my friends.

(PATRICK’S POINT OF VIEW)

Frank got sick over the weekend and couldn't come to school on Monday or Tuesday. Finally on Wednesday Frank met me at the entrance of the cafeteria. As he walked towards me, I see a skip in his step that I haven't seen a long time.

“What is up with that Frank? You seem pretty happy this morning!”

“You can tell that I'm happy? I can finally be with you in your friends, because you had the talk with Josh. You don't know how much what you did means to me. I am no longer someone you have to hide away or be ashamed about.”

I just smiled up Frank, and nodded my head to go into the cafeteria. After grabbing our breakfasts we made our way to the table where Josh and the others are at. They didn't pay much attention me as I sat down, but with Frank walking up from behind me to sit down, everyone looked up.

“You all know Frank, and Frank, you know everyone here at the table.”

No one said a word; they just looked at me and Frank like we were from outer space. I pretty much ignored the looks. Instead, I looked over to Josh for help to get a conversation going.

“All right, everybody, it’s not like Frank is a stranger or anything. We all know Frank, and let's act as if he was on vacation or something.”

That is all it took to get everyone to stop looking at me and Frank and start talking about what they were talking about when we arrived. Under the table, the entire time Frank was grabbing hold of my hand and squeezing it. After Josh spoke Frank finally let go of my hand. I kind of feel weird with Frank squeezing my hand because he is the stronger one between him and me.

Right away I got into what the guys are talking about. Josh revealed to us that he and his brothers are going to be spending at least a week with his father after his inauguration. We have been invited down to witness the inauguration and spend the day before and the day after at the Governor’s Mansion. I thought Josh was going to come back with us on the plane after the inauguration. I guess I am wrong about that.

After we all finished eating we put our trays away and headed out to the stadium. Now, not only we have the wind, but it's a damn cold wind blowing in the morning. Even with my jacket on I’m shivering like a bag of popcorn being popped over the stove.

Every now and then one of the guys or Bernice looked at me and Frank. To tell you the truth, there stares are getting me very uncomfortable. I can’t speak for Frank, but I am getting tired of the stares already. I finally had enough and I spoke to Josh as he finished up telling a joke; “Sorry Josh just let me interrupt you for a moment. I know each and every one of you is wondering what is going on with me and Frank. I already spoke with Josh on this issue last week. He asked me to speak with you guys and I never did.

So now that all you here in one place, here goes. As you know, when you guys first brought me into this group I introduced Frank as a friend of mine. Later I came back you guys and told you that Frank and I were no longer friends. I lied.

Chris wasn't the only one that was affected by Elizabeth's tantrum. You know the one she threw at the pool with Josh here. I felt like a hypocrite every time the subject of Chris came up at our table. Simply put, I am in the same boat as he is because I hid just like he did. I have no excuses, and I won’t try to make one up.

Everything I told you about Frank as far as the time I have known him all the way to what we have done is all true. The only part I never spoke about is that Frank is more than a friend to me. He and I have been and still are boyfriends.”

The look on each of their faces is a lot different than I expected. I thought they would react the same way in which they react when Chris did what he did. It looks like they are going to accept me and Frank as a couple.

“Look dude, I think we all have known that has been something up between you and Frank. What you are unveiling to us to the day isn't really a surprise. So don't sweat it. I know I'm probably speaking for all of us. There is really nothing to worry about,” Eric said almost anticlimactically.

“Good. I am very thankful for that Eric. It lifts a lot of weight off of my shoulders. I really thought you guys would have taken it the way you took Chris’ reaction to Elizabeth's outbursts that day.”

“The issue with Chris and what he did is totally different than this situation. What I mean by that is very simple. Chris should have stood behind Josh when he needed someone to be there. If any of us were there at the pool that day and did the same thing that Chris did then that person would be in the same boat as Chris. What you did only affected your personal life with Frank. If anyone should be mad with you it’s, Frank not us.”

After Eric spoke everyone shook their head in the positive. Right there and then I knew I have found a group of friends that were always be there for me. Now I am free to be with Frank and not worry about the Chris’s and Elizabeth's out there, holding it over my head. I don't want to lose this group of friends or my boyfriend.

(ELIZABETH'S POINT OF VIEW)

I can’t stand alternative class. I only have one teacher all day long, teaching me every subject. And the other students in my class are pure fuck ups, unlike me. I've only screwed around with one person, or should I say made trouble.

As far as my court case is concerned my attorney has told me that I will more than likely beat the case as long as the Governor Elect doesn't interfere. In my mind I know he is going to interfere and try to make sure I get what he thinks I deserve.

I just can’t get this out of my mind. I figure one of the reasons I can sit here and think about things like this is that all my friends have abandoned me. So now I am an outcast sitting here on the wall in front of the school before class thinking of ways I can regain my placement not only in the cheer squad, but all the way around school.

I spoke with Martha on Monday about her plan to deal with Josh. I completely agree with her and volunteered to help her if needed. She took me up on my offer and told me that more than likely I will need to be there to help the church group get Josh.

Then last night, Martha paid a visit to me. She informed me that her meeting with the church group earlier in the day went well. In fact, they should have Josh at their facility before next Thursday but she needed my help in order for that to happen.

The church group told Martha they will make their first attempt to get Josh today, Thursday. All I need to do is make sure I play interference with Josh's friends. I agreed and asked when they are going to make the attempt. According to Martha, it is going to be before first period.

That is why, at least for today, I'm sitting here in front of the building. They are supposed to drive by in a van, honk their horn as they pass by in order for me to do my part. This is going to be easy, because Josh has the same routine each day so I know exactly where to find them.

Just then a horn started blaring. I turned to see if it is a black van and it is. They drove up to the curve in rolled down the window. I walked up and instructed them to move up little bit further to the gates of the stadium. They shook their heads and moved forward.

At this very moment my heart starts beating almost out of my chest. My hands, and more than likely my armpits are sweating like crazy. I have to keep telling myself I can do this. I need to do this in order to help and fix Josh. For Josh’s sake is the only reason I'm doing this. I might not get him back, but at least he will be a normal person.

As I walk towards the stadium, I feel like I am walking on air. I am on autopilot at this very moment. I know exactly where to go. I know exactly what to do. Just right now, I feel like I am out of my body, but in my body at the same time.

I know the individuals from the church group are behind me. I am walking as if a program has started and I'm following commands. At this very moment, no one is really paying attention to me as I am passing by them.

“Hey Josh. I need to speak with you for a few minutes. Can you spare a few minutes of your time to speak with your ex?”

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

Just like the days before. As soon as we finished breakfast we headed over to the stadium. Now that the semester and six weeks exams are over, we can relax and fool around a bit. Basically today and Monday through Wednesday will be nothing but movies or down time in class! The teachers, just like us, want the Thanksgiving holiday to begin.

As I stand here listening to my friends talk about what they have planned for the weekend I couldn't help but notice most of us in our group have a relationship going. Cesar and I, Frank and Patrick, Bernice and Eric are altogether. Benjamin is the only one right now without a partner. I need to get that fixed and soon.

“Hold on here minute everyone. I just noticed something that we need to get together and fix. Benjamin here is the only one in our group that doesn't have a girlfriend. This isn't fair that all of us have our partners and Benjamin doesn't have one. So let's get our heads together and get a girlfriend for Benjamin.”

Benjamin smiled and got up from the concrete seat. We all started looking at him as if he's a science project. I don't want to make in your comfortable, but it is time for us to help a friend in need.

“Look guys, I am fine the way I am. Don't worry. I know how to get a girl. Right now, I am fine being solo, because my studies are more important. Not to disrespect what you guys have but………”

Benjamin got interrupted by Elizabeth's yelling for me. I looked over my shoulders to make sure it is her. I know I can never confuse Batgirl's voice with any other girl on this planet. Her voice and everything she does is burnt into my mind no matter if I like it to be there or not.

As I first heard Elizabeth calling for me, I planned to ignore her. As she gets closer and her voice gets louder I can’t ignore the whining sounds are coming out of her mouth. I turned around to see what in the hell she wants.

“Elizabeth there isn't a thing you have to say to me that I want or need to know so just turn around and go back wherever you came from. You have already caused enough problems with me and my group of friends.”

Not giving a chance for Elizabeth to respond. I turned back to my friends and tried to pick up where we were interrupted. Still Elizabeth won’t let it go. I have no idea what she's saying, but she is still yelling for my attention.

Now I am getting pretty pissed off that she won’t get the hint that I don’t want to speak with her. I turned around and walked toward her. Step-by-step as I get close to her, I am getting madder and madder every second that passes. She actually has a big smile cross her face as I approach her.

I didn't even notice the four gentlemen walk around her. I can guarantee you that if wasn't so angry I would have noticed these guys are out of place. They are a lot older looking than teenagers and the way they are dressed, they can’t be teachers.

Before I even reached Elizabeth, she stopped walking towards me. Still with a big smile on her face, she kept waving me over. Just then I felt several hands grab a hold of each of my arms and another around my neck.

At first I thought it was my friends, but it dawned on me it wasn’t. Almost immediately I realized I am in trouble. None of my friends would grab a hold of my neck as hard as this person is squeezing it. It feels like whoever is grabbing my arms is trying to pull them out of my shoulders.

I started to shake free of whoever is trying to keep a hold of me. At that point, Elizabeth ran around me and started pushing me forward. I can’t believe this someone is trying to either hurt me or even kidnap me. Whatever their plans are, they have another think coming to them.

As that thought raced through my mind, I thought I heard gunshots in the air. I looked around, and I wasn't wrong. Every student in the area hit the ground. My security detail has their guns drawn and pointed at the ones pulling at me.

“If you value your life, you will hit the ground! This is the only warning we are going to give you. The next warning will be a gunshot somewhere to your body and I guarantee it will hurt like all hell!”

The only one that hit the ground is Elizabeth. The other four guys continued to pull me towards the exit that heads Shuster Street. I guard detail isn't going to let them get much further. If I was them, I would do as they say. Of course, I am not and they are very stupid people.

The head of my security detail follow through to his threats. He didn't say a word, he just shot. I heard four shots, and then the four guys hit the ground yelling in pain. I looked own to see where they got hit, and all four of them are grabbing on their legs. My guard detail actually shot four suspects in the legs! I can’t believe that.

At that point, one of the guards rushed up to me and pulled me out of the way. At that moment my brothers joined me with their guard detail. With two guards staying with us, the others joined my guard detail securing the four guys.

Not caring one bit about them being in pain. They slammed them on their chests and handcuffed them. That includes Elizabeth is well! As they put the handcuffs on Elizabeth, she actually started crying. I felt good that she is crying. She actually hired some group of people or her family did to kidnap me or something like that.

Just as our security detail pulled the four gentlemen from the ground. The security guards of the school including the Principal arrived. The head of my detail walks towards the Principal and said something to him in his ear. Whatever it was made the Principal immediately head back to the main building.

The bell rang, but none of the students wanted to leave. I don't think anything the guards or teachers do will budge the students. They are here and want to watch the entire show.

Before the Principal came back the police arrived. Once again, the head of my detail spoke to the police officers. At that point the four gentlemen started yelling. They have the right to take me. I couldn't understand why they feel they have that right.

One of them actually pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it over to the police officers. The police officer unfolded the paper and started reading it. Several of our guard details look over the shoulder the police officer reading the paper. Every so often, they would look at me, and then back at the paper.

The officer looked over to the head of the guard detail and started talking again. All that was being said by our guard detail is no or they were shaking their heads no. At that moment my father arrived.

Not even bothering with the guard detail or the police officers. He came straight over to me and my brothers.

“Please tell me you guys are okay! What happened here today? This doesn't look like a group of kids playing a prank. It actually looks like the real thing.”

“Dad, I have no idea what is going on. All I know is I was standing with my friends like always talking before the first bell. Elizabeth yelled out for me. I tried to ignore her but she kept yelling for me. So I decided to find out what she wanted.

I walked towards her to see what she wanted from me, and then I was grabbed. I don't know these four guys. They are not teachers here and they are not students either. They claim they have permission to take me from school.”

“I have never given permission for anyone to take any of you guys from school. Even if I gave permission for anyone to pick you guys up I would have told you the night before. Plus anyone I would authorize to do that would never use any kind of force these guys were using on you according to your guard detail. Let me get to the bottom of this right now!”

My father stomped off angry is hell. I want to know what is going on too, so I follow my father. We walked up to the group of police officers that seem to be in charge of the whole thing right now.

“Gentleman, what is going on here and I'm hearing that I gave permission to this group of people that I don't even know to pick up my son in a forceful manner? There is no way on God’s green earth I would ever do that!”

“General, please understand that we are barely getting the facts in right now. According to these four guys, they have a signed contract not from you, but from your wife, to pick up Josh and take him to a church facility. Your wife gave permission to use force if necessary.”

“Okay, everybody let's settle down, and let's get the facts straight. My wife and I are going through a divorce right now. The guard details that are assigned to my kids have been notified that my wife cannot be around them until we go in front of a judge and he passes judgment on our divorce and custody arrangements.

I spoke with Martha last Saturday, and she informed me about this program. I specifically told her I won’t sign my son into a facility like this. I have a different belief than what she does concerning our son Josh. Because of that belief she has tried to rip this family apart. I won’t allow it to happen.

Doesn’t any organization that plans to take a child out of a home need signatures of both parents involved before following through? Especially the program like this that takes a child and tries to brainwashes that child?”

“According to the contract General, they only need one parent signature. They got that from your wife so they don't need yours. But they made a mistake here today because they attempted to take a child that has a guard detail to protect him.”

At that point, the EMT’S arrived. They pushed the officers and my father out of the way in order to get to the four guys that have gunshot wounds. I don't think they realize who they just pushed out of the way. They are very lucky they are wearing EMT uniforms.

We walked away in order to let the EMT”S do their job. Still, my father demanded to get to the bottom of what is going on. The police continued to tell my father that the church group is within their rights doing what they did. The only one that is going to be arrested here is Elizabeth. She isn't covered under the contract that my mother signed.

My father turned around and walked over to the four gentlemen being helped by the EMT’S. My father actually kicked the one that had the contract in his pocket. He looked up to my father and new, who is standing before him.

“Sir, do you know who I am?” The guy just shook his head up and down. “Since you know who I am, you know what I'm about to say and that I mean it. I don’t give a flying fuck who you guys are or who you guys represent. You little fucks, fucked with the wrong kid this time.

As of now, you will go back to your church group and you will let your boss and everyone else involved in this program know that my kids are off limits. If you come around ever again, the guard detail will have standing orders to shoot to kill the next time. You won’t get away with just a hole in the leg the next time. You will be leaving in a fucking body bag!

I want you to tell your bosses that this program and your churches days are numbered. I will take the oath of office and with every power this office gives me I will shut you down. I will shut you down legally where your group or any other group like you will never be able to harm another child again.

Do we understand each other? I don’t want any misunderstanding once you leave here. Stay away from my family and if my soon to be ex-wife returns to your facility, it will be in your best interests to turn her away. If you don't, you will regret the decision siding with my wife. She has no power, and I have the power to destroy you and this group.”

My father started to walk away, but turned and walked back. “Screw that, tell your church group of if I find out that you take another child. I will be there personally and bring hell with me. Don’t test me on what I have just said.”

This time when my father walked away he didn't turn back. I walked back to my brothers and waited with them. We just looked at all the commotion that my mother created at our school this morning.

I know she is one crazy woman and she doesn't like me, but to go this far? I don’t care what she thinks or what she has been told. I cannot be changed with the way I think or who I love. None of us that are gay can be changed. Those walk around and say they got changed are lying. They are just fooling themselves and everyone around them.

The four guys that tried to kidnap me got put on a gurney and wheeled out. They were followed by several officers on their way out. My father stayed talking with the officer in charge, along with our guard detail. Maybe thirty minutes or so passed then my father walked back over to us.

He gave us option of either staying in school or going home me and my brothers decided to stay in school for the rest of the day. My father didn't like the idea but agreed. My brothers walked off to join their friends again. I walked towards my father to speak with him about Elizabeth.

“Dad, what Elizabeth did was flat wrong and there is no excuse for her behavior. Still, I don't want to ruin her life for one stupid decision she made. I know you are getting tired of her being mixed up in the middle of everything but, in all fairness, this time she was brought in by my mother. It wasn't for my mom Elizabeth wouldn’t have done what she did today. This is on mom. She’s the adult that devised all this.”

“Josh, you have a big heart and one day it will get you into trouble you can’t get out of. There are some people in this world that can not be saved. Elizabeth and your mother are part of that group. If we don't stop them now, they will come back harder the next time. Trust me son. This needs to be done.”

“I understand where you're coming from, I do. Elizabeth is already going to court and her life is going to change for the worse. I would like to give her a chance at a real life. If she gets arrested for this today, there is no doubt her life is over.

I am partly to blame for all the anger she has. I should never have strung her along knowing I really never loved her. I knew from the moment I started dating her that I like guys not girls. Please dad, do this for me.”

“I will do it for you Josh, but this time only. If she even looks at you wrong, she is gone. In fact, I will be requesting the Principal to expel her from the school. That will be the only way I won’t have her arrested here today. I can’t have her around you, knowing she has so much hate in her heart for you.”

My father walked over to the Principal and spoke with him. More than likely the conversation is about Elizabeth. The Principal kept shaking his head up and down, agreeing with whatever my father is saying. They finished up the conversation and my father walked over to his campaign manager.

At that point I walked towards my friends. Looking back only once I saw the officers un-cuffing Elizabeth. Once the handcuffs were taken off, the school guards escorted her into the building. More than likely she is heading to the Principal's office.

Followed by my guard detail, I joined my friends and we headed back into the building. This whole ordeal took over two hours to clear up. I guess there are no movies for us to watch this morning as a drama unfolded before our eyes! We actually had an all-live TV style drama played out for us this morning. That is pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

(PATRICK’S POINT OF VIEW)

After all the excitement unfolded, Frank and I headed over to the pool. We figure since we are ready missed the first two classes it won’t hurt if we miss the third class of the morning. We are really not doing anything in class anyways, so why not ditch this class as well?

The reason we picked the pool is because we know that no one will be there. The swim team forfeited their entire season so there is no practice going on. Frank followed me into the pool. We both stripped down to our boxers and then jumped in.

We swam around and joked around with each other. We didn’t even mention what just happened. I feel sorry for Josh having an enemy like Elizabeth always wanting to do him harm every minute of the day.

Frank stayed in the middle the pool as I swam to the wall. I turned around to see Frank doing handstands in the middle the pool. Without warning Frank, I started swimming towards him under the water.

As I reached him, he already went above water. I could hear him calling out for me. As I reached him, I pulled down his boxers. Not even going up for air I put his dick in my mouth and started sucking on him. Immediately Frank got hard.

Running out of breath, I headed to the top. I didn't want to, but I have to. I wish at this moment I could breathe underwater like a fish. But of course, I can’t do that, so I have to go up and get some air.

Frank met me with his lips touched mine. I barely took in a breath, and Franks lips closed on top of mine. I really didn't care at that point because I am breathing in Frank. I can live off of Frank giving me mouth-to-mouth.

As we kissed, Frank started moving his hands down to my waist band of my boxers! It didn’t take much for Frank to be able to pull my boxers all the way down past my knees. He immediately placed his hand on my dick.

Just like him, the moment his hand touched my dick, I got totally hard. Actually with us kissing I was half hard already. Frank broke the kiss and started kissing my neck and made his way down to my belly button. I looked down as he took a huge breath in and went underwater.

I have never had my dick sucked underwater. Let me say this, if you haven't had this happen to you yet, drag your significant other to a pool and DO IT! It is an out of this world feeling!

Slowly I started walking towards the stairs of the pool. The entire time, as I walked to the concrete stairs, Frank not once let go of my dick from his mouth. I don’t know how he's doing this, but I hope he doesn't stop.

Just as I sat on the first step, Frank came up for air. I pulled him into me and we started kissing. This time I am the one that broke the kiss and started kissing down his body reaching his dick. I took his dick into my mouth and with his help. I started sucking him. He is actually doing all the work, not me.

Here I am sitting on the top step of the school pool with my boyfriend’s dick in my mouth; his hands over my shoulders against the edge of the wall doing push-ups! Every time the goes down, his dick hits the back of my mouth. Every time he goes up, well you got that picture on what's going on.

Neither Frank nor I are paying much attention to the door anyone to the action walk can catch us have sex in the pool. At this very moment I don’t care if I get caught. It will be worth what ever they do to us.

“Oh man Patrick I love your mouth around my dick. The warmth of your mouth just drives me crazy man. I am about to cum in your mouth Patrick. Hold on, here it comes, it is coming man. Are you ready?”

Frank started to shoot in my mouth. Just as he started shooting, he actually collapsed on my face and body. I can feel him shivering as he continues to cum in my mouth. As he shot in my mouth, I swallowed every drop of his cum. I don’t want one drop of his cum to drip out of my mouth.

Not even resting a minute he went down on me. I wanted to get out of the pool to make it easier for him to breath, but Frank didn’t give me a chance to do so. So I just sat there, putting my hands behind the back of my head, letting Frank bring me to my climax.

It didn’t take long for me to reach my climax due to me being horny as hell even before we started having sex. Frank took my balls in his mouth, and that is all it took. I started to shoot under the water. I guess Frank wanted his milk shake be as well. He grabbed onto my dick, and started sucking me dry.

Once I stopped shooting, Frank came out of the water and sat down with me on the top step of the pool. We both just leaned against the wall. We didn't say a word to each other. All we did is look up to the roof of the pool building. I felt the heat. Not only from the water of the pool, but from Frank as well.

I reached over and grabbed hold of Frank's hand and clutched it in mine. I love Frank so much that every time I see him my heart starts to beat so fast. I think each time my heart is going to jump out of my chest. I have seen guys around that are good-looking, but nothing will ever make me stray away from Frank.

I got pulled out of thought when I heard the doors being jiggled. I immediately jumped up from the steps of the pool and pulled Frank up. Slipping in sliding, Frank and I ran over to where our clothes are in a pile and gather them up quickly. Butt naked, Frank and I dashed across the pool side to get to the exit door. Just as we exited the door across from us opened. I have no idea who it is. I just wanted out of there before getting caught by whoever it is!

Trying to hide from people seeing us naked, we ran behind the building. With the cold breeze hitting our bodies, we hurried as fast we could get dressed. Once I put on my tennis shoes. I noticed that Frank put on his T-shirt backwards.

“Frank, take a look at your T-shirt man. It is on backwards you buttface! That is a dead giveaway that we did something together this morning.” I couldn't help it but laugh as I spoke to Frank.

Frank looked down at his T-shirt and started laughing as well. He took it off turned around and put it back on. Once he got that done we walked around the building and headed back to the main building. About halfway we stopped holding hands.

Josh and our friends are cool with us, but we don’t know about the rest of the student body. I have heard stories about kids that are here that have been beaten up for being gay. I don’t want to become part of those statistics.

(DANIEL SR’s POINT OF VIEW)

The minute I left the school, I headed straight over to Martha's apartment. Rich kept trying to tell me to settle down, but I am still angry. I don't think there is a thing that anyone can tell me that would settle me down right now.

I made it as clear as crystal last Saturday that I don’t want Josh in that program. Not only did she go against my wishes, she tried to kidnap our son! There is no excuse she can give me to justify what she did.

As we drove up to her apartment, I noted her car in the parking lot. I gathered myself before getting out of my car. With my security detail behind me and Rich at my side, we walked over to her apartment and knocked on the door.

After a second knock, Martha answered the door. She actually looked surprised I am standing there in front of her apartment.

“To what do I owe this visit for Daniel? I know you are not here to talk to me about getting back together so it can’t be anything good.”

“When we talked on Saturday, what part of the conversation did you not understand dealing with Josh? I know I was very clear about your idea of putting him in a program that thinks they can turn a gay person straight. Still, you went against my opinion and wishes, and attempted to abduct our son from school.”

“Come on Daniel, stop your crying and realize the facts. Our son is a sin on this Earth and needs to be dealt with. The only way to deal with people like Josh is to either kill them or attempt to reprogram them.

I decided to try to attempt to reprogram him. I understand a human brain is like a computer. You can reboot it and re-load the program, if it's infected. Dealing with Josh, his brain is infected with a virus that we can get rid of. At least I hope we can.

The worst outcome of this is Josh dying. To me if that happened to Josh it is a signal from the man above that he is correcting his wrong. And we should leave it up to the man above to fix this abomination we call our son.”

I just stood there at my wife's front door stunned at the words that were coming out of her mouth. How could someone have this much hate for one of their own children? I just can’t understand how I ever fell in love with this woman.

“You know Martha, there is nothing I can say that will change your way of thinking. You have so much hate in your heart. There is nothing anyone can do. Still what you did here today sealed your fate.

You keep yelling up and down there is no judge in this State that will side with the father over the mother. I can say right now, without a doubt, there will be no judge in this state that will side with you.

I have already warned the church group to stay away from my family. After I finish with you here I will be going straight over there and speak directly to the person in charge to pass the message to.

You will stay away from our kids. I will direct the security detail that you are a threat to this family and that you are not to be allowed around the house, the kids, or me. If you test me on this, you will find out that I mean business. I won’t give the order to shoot to kill, but I will give the order to arrest you on the spot.”

Martha just looked at me like I smacked her across the face. I didn't want to give her the opportunity to respond, so I turned around and walked away. For the first time since we separated I left Martha, speechless as I walked back to my car.

I ordered the driver to drive down to the church that put together this morning's events. I really can’t blame them because they were hired by my wife. I just didn’t like what they do and what they believe in. You just can not change a person like computer.

Before I was able to get out of the car, the security detail, secured the church. As I walked into the church, everyone just looked at me. I shook a few hands and signed a few autographs. As I made my way to the priest’s office and once I got there I knocked on the door not even bothering with his secretary.

The priest opened his door and had a stunned look on his face. “General please come in and let me do what I can do for you.”

I walked in, followed by Rich. “By the look on your face, you know who I am. So let me keep this short and get to the point. You met with my wife sometime this week. Her name is Martha Lopez, and we have a son by the name of Josh Lopez.

This morning, you and your organization attempted to abduct my son without my permission. It was explained to me that you were within your rights because you had to my wife's signature. Your four employees were shot this morning for attempting to abduct my son. I figure at this moment, they are in a hospital.”

The priest got an even more stunned look on his face, if that is possible. “Don’t give me that look, with all due respect. You know what you and your organization are doing here is right at the borderline of breaking the law. You were not on my radar until this morning. Once I reach Austin I plan to change the law to make what you are doing illegal.

You messed with the wrong family this time around. Now your group and groups like you are going to pay the penalty of this screw up. I am warning you to leave my family alone. If you make any more attempts to abduct my son, you will regret that decision.”

“General, I give you this sworn promise we won’t attempt to get your son again. I will order my secretary to rip the contract up that we have with your wife. At the same time, I will inform all of my colleagues in the area to turn your wife away.”

“Thank you and I hope you're employees are not hurt badly. You have a nice day and I hope I don’t have to return to your office.”

I got up from the chair and walked out of the priest’s office. All the way to the car and back to the office I couldn't help but think this isn’t over. Martha will find a group or a way to carry out what she wants. I need to get her into court and finalize the divorce. I will give up everything in order to help keep my sons safe.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

Although the day started out with excitement, the rest the day turned out boring. I keep looking up to the clock on the wall, counting down the seconds for the final bell to ring. The second the bell rang I jumped out of my seat and ran to my locker.

I am so anxious to meet up with Cesar because his father gave permission for him to stay over at my house tonight. I know my father is not going to let him stay in my room but we are going to have the entire night and most of tomorrow together.

I threw the books that I didn’t need into my locker. Then I grabbed the books I needed to take home over the weekend to do my homework. I slammed my locker, gave the dial to my combination lock a spin and ran outside to meet up with Cesar. I found him in front of the building like we agreed.

I rushed over and tapped him on the shoulder to let him know I arrived. He turned to face me and smiled. I couldn't help but smile back at him. He always makes me happy no matter how I am feeling. We started walking towards my house not wasting any of the time we have to be together.

Once we were several blocks away from school. I took hold of Cesar hand. I wish I could hold his hand all the time but I know I can’t. At least for now, that can't be done. I will take what I can get whenever I can get it.

The minute we got to my house. We ran up to my room, threw the books on the floor, and sat on the bed cuddling with each other. In perfect sync we both knocked off our shoes and crossed our feet together. It is just like we are one, but are not.

I leaned my head onto Cesar's chest wanting to hear his heartbeat. As my head rested on Cesar chest I looked up to his face to see what he is doing! He actually has his eyes closed, with his tongue, licking his lips.

I moved my hand up to his lips and with my middle finger and started rubbing them. I love the smoothness of his lips. They are just perfect lips that I can’t get enough of. I made my way with my finger down his chin to his Adam's apple. I rested my finger playing with his Adam's apple.

I noticed that Cesar started getting hard as I played with his Adam's apple. I rolled over on top of Cesar and lay on top of him. Now with my hard dick pressing against his I couldn't help but move our dicks together. We are still fully clothed, I can feel Cesar dick through his jeans.

Knowing we don't have enough time to get into a full on sex session before dinner I decided to roll off of Cesar and just enjoy the cuddling. As I rolled off of him I rested my head on his arm. At that point Cesar turned and looked at me. He leaned in and our lips connected which sent sparks flying in my mind.

We continue kissing each others necks, foreheads, ears, pretty much any flesh our lips can touch, we kissed. The entire time my hard on didn't go down and I noticed Cesar’s hard on didn't go down either. I know now somehow during the night we are going to have to sneak away and have some private time.

We broke our kiss when we heard a knock on the door. Before I was able to untangle with Cesar the door flew open. My dad walked in, and then turned around excusing himself for barging in.

“I just came up to tell you that dinner is ready. There is no need for you two to be embarrassed being in love with each other. I don't care if you guys kiss, hold hands, lean on each other, or even have sex. I just want you two to be careful and be safe. Don’t rush into anything until you are truly ready.

Enough of my preaching is time for dinner. Get yourselves washed up and head down for dinner. By the way Cesar it is good to have you over for the night. You being here makes my son very happy. With my son happy, I am happy.”

My father walked out of the room leaving me and Cesar sitting on the bed covering our crotches. I know that my father knows that we both have a hard on. I looked over to Cesar and we broke out laughing. We both can say now we got caught by one of our parents having some sort of sex.

We hurried to wash up and then headed down for dinner. Everyone accepted Cesar at the dinner table as one of us. I couldn't be happier with my family than I am with them tonight. Even my older brothers talked up Cesar.

TO BE CONTINUED…………….

NOTE TO READER’S:

{Show of hands, who out of our readers didn’t think Martha, was going to actually carry out her plan. She had to know that she was going to get caught. Come on now everyone. She is messing with the next governor of Texas. Any politician has security around their immediate family nowadays.

I agree with Daniel that Martha isn’t going to stop at this point. You have to figure that she already in it for broke. There is no way she going to turn back on it now. I just wonder what she is going to try to do next. I really hope Daniel goes in to court and gets a restraining order against Martha.

I kind of see where Josh is coming from dealing with Elizabeth. For the first time she didn't orchestrate this mayhem. Yes, she was involved. Yes, she should know right from wrong but when an adult comes to you and asks you to do something, you normally do it. Martha knew exactly who to exploit. Elizabeth still can’t get it through her thick skull that it is over between her and Josh. Nothing that she does will ever get Josh to go back with her as a boyfriend.

So, I do agree with Josh on asking his father to let Elizabeth go on this one. I also agree with Daniel Sr. requesting if he did do it, Elizabeth has to be expelled from the school. Although she was not the one that orchestrated this one, however she has shown in the past that she is just as evil as Martha.

I like where the relationship is going with Cesar and Josh. I really believe this relationship is going to be there for a very long time. They are not into the mindset (and trap) of sex for the sake of sex. They love each other and just want to be around each other. Sex is the frosting on the cake. It’s a vital part of the relationship, but it’s not the focus.

I can’t stop saying this, but Daniel Sr. surprised me once again in this chapter when he walked in on the boys. He knows they are teenage boys and they are in love. They are going to make love with each other. Just be careful if they do is all he is asking of them. That is pretty damn cool.

Patrick and Frank took a huge chance making love in the school pool. I am glad they didn’t get caught while they were naked in the pool or running out of the building. That would be embarrassing for both of them. But we all like throw some spice in our relationships here and there. When you're younger it is even worse.

Patrick worried for nothing when it came to his friends. Just like Josh told him before. Trust our group of friends, they will never abandon you. Patrick broke down and brought Frank back to the table and on top of that he told the truth. He told everyone that Frank is his boyfriend and has been for a long time. It didn’t change a thing between everyone. Once again Eric showed his strength of character. He and Josh are quite equal in that respect.

There is a lot going on from the political arena to the private lives of each in this story. We'll get closer and closer to the inauguration of the Governor Elect so we are going to hear a lot more about his agenda. Once he is in the office, his story will be popping in with Daniel at the Governor’s Mansion, and then back over to Josh, Cesar and the rest in high school. As things progress if you miss out on a chapter, you will be lost.

Eric and Bernice are still there and still a lot going on with them. In the chapters to come, you will hear a lot more about their lives and relationship.

Write me and let me know if you want me to get into the sexual part of their relationship or stay away from it.

I could stay here all day long, with all the open plots already in this story, but I won’t. I warn you though! Don’t skip a chapter, or you will be lost. There is a so much to answer in the chapters to come. Keep reading the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}
EDITOR’S CORNER:

AH HA! Just as I figured! As I said last time in my “Corner”, I suspected that the “church group” and Martha would fail getting their hands on Josh. Just for the record, I did NOT have this chapter in hand when I made those observations. Just like you, I have to wait for the next chapter each time.

I hit a huge “red flag” as I was editing this chapter and immediately got on the phone with Jacob. To completely understand how I do my work I need to tell you that I edit from the readers’ perspective. I read and make my edits just as though I am a reader so that what happens past the point I’m working at is not influenced by what is upcoming.

With that said, now on to the point; I am hoping that as Daniel deals with the underlying issue of these “church groups” and that he finds that in reality they are all around. You may remember my comments on the conditions, methods and them being a harbor for pedophiles in my last “Editor’s Corner”. I hope that Daniel finds the full scope of this problem and puts his influence to bear on ridding, at least Texas, of these facilities and organizations. Daniel told the priest that he would be watching and if they “…took one more child” that he would react. Now, my question is what about the kids that are already IN these programs? How can they be rescued? There’s a heavy concentration of these facilities in Utah and Idaho. I wonder if Daniel, once he finds the depth of the problem will be in touch with the Governors of those States?

Daniel wants to do a lot to fix what is wrong in our country, but this issue could, on its own, be what brings Daniel to National prominence. (That’s a hint for Jacob)

Josh, as his father says, has a huge heart and I agree that it’s going to do a lot of good overall for Josh and those he cares about, but it does leave him open to being hurt. Josh’s strength of character will weather the hurts. If he ever becomes jaded from hurt, it will be only temporarily. I think that was demonstrated with his handling of the “Chris Crisis”. He got hurt and bounced back. He, however, does not suffer fools well at all yet he tempers his reactions with compassion as noted in his plea to his father to let Elizabeth off. He’s also pragmatic in that he is willing to accept a reasonable compromise where Elizabeth is expelled as a consequence of her misguided participation in Martha’s plot.

Ok, enough. I’m so psyched with this story I could ramble on for pages and pages. I will spare you. OK Jacob, get me another chapter of this truly GREAT story to work on!

Oh, one more thing; let Jacob (and me) hear from you with your thoughts and ideas for where the story goes. I agree with Jacob; please let him know if you want to know more than passing details of Eric and Bernice’s private moments.

Until next time,

“Daddy” Rick