Shadow of my Father - 28. Chapter 28

After the court hearing, there was no more excitement for the day or pretty much for the rest of the week. Every day, everyone would meet up at Josh's house and go from there to the mall, movies or just hanging around arcades. The only day that they went without Josh is Thursday, because Glee practice.

By Saturday Josh started hitting his head against the wall because he had no idea what to buy Cesar for Christmas. Christmas is on Tuesday and Josh is no closer to figuring out what the buy him than he was a month ago.

When he bought the ring for Cesar, he knew he was lucky on that purchase. Josh feels the only reason Cesar likes the ring is because Brandon saw Cesar looking at it. Since then, Cesar has been very careful around Josh when they go to the stores. He isn't leaving any kind of hints that Josh can pick up on.

After breakfast Josh decided to go down to Cesar's house and pick him up. He hasn't really seen the inside of Cesar's house or room, and maybe, just maybe, by going to Cesar’s house he can see what Cesar likes. He knows Cesar likes certain brands of clothes, but he doesn't want to give Cesar clothes for Christmas.

As Josh arrived at Cesar's house, the security detail knocked on the door and Cesar let them in. As a security detail secured the house, Cesar stood outside with Josh. As they waited, the boys talked.

They went in as soon as the security detail came out and let Josh know the house is secure. Cesar couldn't believe that Josh came down to pick him up for the day. Normally Cesar is the one that goes over to Josh's house.

Josh looked around the house as Cesar took him to his room. Once Josh was in the room he still couldn't find anything out about Cesar. The walls have nothing on them, and there is nothing on the dresser or the shelves above Cesar's bed. Basically the only thing in this room is a bed and dresser other than that you wouldn't be able to tell that anyone stays in this room.

Cesar walked back in the room to find Josh sitting down on the bed. “I know the room seems to be naked of all personal items, but I am hardly in this room except to sleep. Other than that I am normally either in the living room or at your house.”

“Yeah, it is not a problem at all. To be honest with you I was hoping that I could cheat. What I mean is figure out what the buy you for Christmas by looking at your room. But that is a dead end for me.” Josh started laughing as he got up the bed.

Cesar quickly finished getting dressed, because he felt uncomfortable having Josh in his house. He doesn't have much and what he has is nothing compared to what Josh has. He knows Josh isn't a materialistic kind of person, but at the same time it is embarrassing for him to have anyone in his room that is so empty compared to theirs.

The minute Cesar finished getting ready. He pulled Josh out of the house and they headed down to Eric's. Josh let the security detail know that is the next stop on his route before heading to Wal-Mart. All of them decided to do the last of their Christmas shopping together and they decided to meet at Eric's, because it's closer to Wal-Mart.

As soon as Cesar and Josh arrived at Eric's the security detail had already finished securing the home. Josh walked into our house as he has done in the past without knocking. Both of the boys have known each other for so long they don't knock on each other’s doors; instead they just walk in.

Josh found Eric and his room putting on his tennis shoes. He slowly crept up to Eric to try to scare him, but he was caught when he stepped on a loose floorboard. Eric heard the sound and looked up at Josh.

“Good you are here and you beat Bernice. I need to talk to you about something really important. I need you to be open-minded with what I'm about to say. Can you do that and give me your unbiased opinion on what I might say about Bernice?”

“I will do my hardest to keep my personal feelings out of my opinion. Lay it on me, and if I can give you an unbiased opinion I will tell you so.”

Eric tried to figure out if Josh could give an unbiased opinion. He is good friends with Bernice and those two got closer when Josh figured his way through being gay. The kind of bond they built makes it hard to have an unbiased opinion on that person.

“Well, I know Bernice has already talked with you about us. I know also she wanted your opinion about her having sex with me. You told her to stay away from having sex with me if the situation every presents it’s self. First, may I ask why you would tell Bernice that?”

“Eric it isn’t anything against you at all. If she came to me and asked me the same question but her going out with another girl or another guy I would have told her the same thing. You two have to worry about getting pregnant. Again don’t get me wrong on this. I know you guys will take every precaution necessary.”

“I have bought several boxes of condoms to have handy, just in case Josh. You may not need to use them and still be free to have sex with every guy out there, but don’t do what you did again. If Bernice comes to you again, you need to step back from giving her any opinions on our love life or on our relationship for that matter.”

Josh couldn’t believe that Eric would say what he said about him. He has never said or done anything that would warrant a comment like he made. Josh doesn’t sleep around with every guy that he can get into bed with him. He is bothered that Eric would even say that to prove a point.

“Eric you are out of place on saying what you just said. I don’t sleep around and I don’t like people putting me in that category. If Bernice comes and asks me my opinion, I will give it to her, just like I will give you my opinion if you ask me for one.”

Josh turned and walked out of the room. He isn’t going to hang around with someone that thinks of him that way. As he walked into the living room, he grabbed Cesar and left. Eric went running after Josh to try and apologize to him, but couldn’t catch him.

Eric walked back into his house kicking himself for what he just sad to Josh. He kept hitting himself over going into the subject about what was discussed between Josh and Bernice. That isn’t even the subject Eric wanted Josh’s opinion on.

Just then Bernice walked in. As Eric turned around, Bernice knew something is wrong. The look of hurt on Eric’s face gave it all away. She walked up and kissed Eric on the lips. Then she asked him what is going on.

Eric at first didn’t say anything to her. She asked again, but this time she asked where Josh and Cesar are. Eric finally opened up and told Bernice what he just discussed with Josh. Bernice couldn’t believe that Eric would say that to Josh. More importantly that Eric would tell Josh that she betrayed his confidence when she told Eric about the discussion that they had dealing with sex!

“I can’t believe you would tell Josh what I told you. I told you that in confidence and now Josh isn’t going to trust me anymore. You have just thrown yourself under the bus with the statement you made to Josh about sleeping with every guy. Then you threw me under the bus by telling him what I told you. Why did you do that Eric? Why?”

Bernice started yelling at Eric by the end. She didn’t even notice as she talked her voice got louder and louder. All that Bernice could think about at this point is the off chance that she just lost her friendship with Josh.

All the way home, Josh didn't say a word. He couldn't understand why Bernice would talk with Eric about what they talked about. Bernice is the one that came to him and asked him for his opinion. Then, she goes running to Eric and tells him everything!

Josh walked into his house with Cesar right behind him. Still, not saying a word Josh just went straight up to his room. He completely forgot that Cesar is behind him because he closed the door before Cesar was able to walk in. Cesar opened the door, walked in and closed it behind him.

“I know this isn't my place, but you shouldn't get angry like this. Fine, so Bernice betrayed your confidence by going to Eric and telling him what you and she discussed. Also I agree that Eric should not have said what he said to you. But you can’t allow this to end a friendship as long standing as the one between you and Eric.”

“Cesar, the point is, she came to me and asked me what she should do. I told her in complete confidence thinking that she would never repeat the conversation to Eric and she did. Then I have Eric calling me a slut. How am I supposed to react to that?”

“I just think he said that out of the heat of the moment. It doesn't look like he wanted to even talk about that subject but yeah he did. Don't let it get to you like this. Let's go out to the store like we planned to.”

“Your right and I know you're right. Thank you for settling me down. Let's go ahead and do what we had planned to do for today. I still need to get you a gift and you need to stop playing around and just tell me what you’d like.”

Cesar refused to tell Josh anything about what he likes. All he keeps saying over and over again is that the ring is enough for him. He doesn't need anything else from Josh except to spend a little time with him on Christmas Day.

As they walked out the door, Josh's brothers joined them. They still have some last-minute Christmas shopping to do as well and figure since Josh is going to the store they can tag along.

Eric and Bernice saw them drive off just as they turned the corner. Bernice still hasn't let Eric off the hook for blurting out what she told him. They realized looking at the brake lights of Josh's car that they are not going shopping with them. So they headed back to Eric's house to spend the day.

Josh, Cesar and his brothers walked into the door of the house about four. They quickly took their bags of gifts up to their rooms in order to wrap them. Josh finally found a couple of items for Cesar and he bought them without him noticing.

After the boys put their stuff away and just settled in to watch a movie their grandmother called them for dinner. They headed to the table and sat down as their grandmother brought the food to the table. Their father called ahead of time and let them know that he isn't going to be able to join them for dinner and to eat without him, because he will be working late into the night.

After dinner Josh and Cesar decided to go up to and Josh's room instead of watching TV. They figure they have watched pretty much every movie they wanted to see already but haven't had any actual alone time together.

As soon as the door shut, Josh, and Cesar couldn't keep their hands off of each other. Some how they actually reached Josh's bed with out falling over each other on the way! Josh hit the bed first and moved to the head of the bed without breaking the kiss.

Cesar struggled to get Josh's shirt off and once he did, he started to attack Josh's chest. Leaving teeth marks from his shoulder blades to his nipples. Josh didn't mind because he was in the moment being with Cesar.

Cesar continued his assault down to Josh's belly button. Before making his way to Josh's waist and quickly undid Josh belt. Before unbuttoning his pants he pulled Josh’s shoes off, but left his socks on.

He moved back between Josh his legs and unbuttoned his pants. As he pulled the pants off. He saw Josh's dick hard as a rock and already leaking pre-cum. Cesar tossed Josh's hands and underwear to the corner and made his way back between Josh and his legs.

Before he could actually get Josh's dick in his mouth Josh pulled him up and started to take off his shirt and pants. He helped Josh by taking off his shoes which allowed him to actually kick his pants off as well.

They started to kiss each other as they rolled around on the bed. Once they settled back down, Josh was no longer on the bottom. He skipped Cesar’s chest and went straight to the prize that he wants which is Cesar's dick.

Josh teased Cesar by licking the head of his dick. He slowly put Cesar's dick into his mouth until the dick hit the back of his mouth. Josh can taste the sweet, salty pre-cum leaking out of Cesar's dick.

As Josh started to go up and down on Cesar's dick, Cesar couldn't wait any longer to have Josh’s in his mouth. Without taking his dick away from Josh, he maneuvered both of their bodies to the point that they could both be blowing each other.

Both of them took each other to their climax, but didn't allow each other to cum. They let each others dick fall out on their mouth, and once they calm down. They went right back to work. This went on for almost an hour before Josh took Cesar all the way.

As Cesar started to shoot his cum into Josh’s waiting mouth, Cesar brought Josh to his climax and allowed him to shoot also. Both of the boys swallowed each others cum and not allowing anything to escape their mouths.

Once they drained each other completely dry. They let each other’s dicks slip out of their mouths. They just sat there on the bed with their eyes closed trying to catch their breath. Josh moved to his side and just looked at Cesar laying there with his eyes closed.

He gently placed his hand on Cesar's chest and moved it softly down to his belly button, and then to his dick. Just as Josh reached Cesar’s pubic hairs, both of their dicks got hard instantly.

Without asking Cesar, Josh moved Cesar to the edge of the bed as he got off the bed. He put Cesar's legs over his shoulders and gently pressed his dick into Cesar's hole. Once it popped in, Cesar started to moan in pleasure.

Josh pushed completely in until he hit Cesar's prostate. As he leaned down to kiss Cesar, he wrapped his arms around Cesar's back and pulled him up from the bed. Cesar's moved his legs around Josh's waist and his arms around his back as Josh started to walk.

Slowly Josh went to his knees and gently put Cesar down on the floor. He moved Cesar’s legs back over his shoulders and started to move his dick in and out of Cesar's butt. Without realizing it, Josh had gotten into a rhythm, and once again. It didn't take long for Josh to reach climax and start shooting.

The moment that Josh finished shooting, Cesar gently flipped Josh on his back. Josh's dick slipped out as Cesar moved him. But he didn't mind because soon Cesar will be making a deposit of his own.

Cesar gently pressed against Josh his hole and eventually it gave way. He started out slow, but eventually got into a rhythm. And just like Josh. It didn't take long at all for Cesar to reach his second climax of the night. Cesar fell onto Josh his chest as he continued to shoot his sperm.

Even after Cesar finished shooting, he didn't move from Josh’s chest. He laid there with his eyes closed on top of Josh trying to catch his breath. Eventually his dick got soft and slipped out of Josh's butt.

There they are both of the boys lying on the floor in the middle of Josh's room. As naked as the day they were born only with their socks on. If anyone would walk into the room they would see cum leaking out of their butts.

They got snapped back to reality when they heard, Brandon calling for Josh. They both jumped up from the floor and rushed around the room collecting their clothing. At the same time Josh grabbed a couple of towels and tossed one of them to Cesar. They quickly clean themselves up and got dressed.

Just as they were putting on their tennis shoes the door opened and Eric and Bernice walked in. They knew that the minute they walked in, they interrupted the guys having sex with each other. They can see it by just looking at them frantically trying to get dressed and the way the bed is unmade.

Josh looked up and show disgust in his face. “If you guys are here to tell me or ask me for my opinion, you should just turn around and walk out the door. When you do, don’t let the door hit you in the ass!”

“Come on Josh, you really don't mean that. I am sorry…..”

“What, what are you sorry about? First, you Eric calling me whore by saying I'm sleeping around with every guy I can get. Second, you Bernice betraying our friendship by going to Eric and telling him everything that we discussed. Yes, I do mean what I just said. If I can’t trust you, and if you go assuming things about me, I don't want you around.”

Josh walked over to his bedroom door and shut it. He turned and looked at Bernice and Eric as they stood speechless in the middle of the room. Cesar got up and walked over to Josh since he refuses to budge from the door. He whispered something into Josh's ear that got him to settle down.

“What I suggest for all three of you, it's just to let what happened earlier today go. Things were said that can’t be taken back or explained away. The best thing for all three of you is just forget about this morning.”

Cesar pulled Josh away for the door and back to the bed. Still, Bernice and Eric just stood there not knowing what to say after Cesar told all of them to forget about what happened earlier in the day.

Bernice actually started to cry as she walked over to Josh. “I never meant to hurt you or destroy the trust we built between each other. I will never again talk to another soul about what we talk about, I promise.”

“The problem I have right now Bernice is that we have talked about a lot of things in private. I'm afraid that you have repeated what I asked you to keep between us. I can no longer trust you after knowing that you can go and tell Eric what we discuss.

This isn't the end of our friendship, but as far as my trust. At this moment, I feel I can never trust you with anything again. I really hope that the only thing that you have discussed with Eric is what I know. If I ever find out that you repeated what I told you in confidence, our friendship is over. I can’t be friends with someone who could betray my trust so easily and spill out everything I have told you to someone.”

Eric went to go pick up Bernice as she continued to cry. “I was wrong ever confronting you about what Bernice told me. I can see where you're coming from as far as trust, but you need you know I never meant to betray Bernice or make you feel that I think that you sleep around. I completely miss worded what I meant to say this morning.”

“You better stay up here with Bernice until she settles down. Meet us downstairs in the den once Bernice collects herself. I have said my piece and I am going to let it go. You guys know where I stand as of this moment. Eventually, things might change back to the way it was before this morning's events happened.”

Josh and Cesar walked out, leaving Bernice and Eric in the room. Josh felt bad about making Bernice cry, but at the same time Bernice is the one that betrayed his trust. Still Josh felt really bad seeing Bernice that way.

By midnight, Bernice and Eric left to go home. They made plans to come back in the morning and try to go to the store as they originally planned to do today. That didn't speak any more on the subject they have been fighting about all day.

Cesar did not need to go home because he got permission from his father to stay the night. They stayed up another couple more hours before calling it a night. Out of respect to Josh's father, the boys pulled out a sleeping bag for both of them and slept downstairs.

Josh's dad walked down the next morning to find his son, and his boyfriend asleep in the den in separate sleeping bags. He couldn't help but pat himself on the back because his son would not disrespect him about the sleeping arrangements.

Daniel walked into the kitchen to find his mother starting the coffee. He sat down at the kitchen table and opened his newspaper. His mother sat down at the table with two cups of coffee.

“Daniel, I don't mean to be bothering you so early in the morning, but I am wondering if you took care of getting me some help. Once you leave, I am going to need someone around here to help me with your sons and the house.”

“Mom, I have several interviews set up after Christmas for this. I will have someone in place at least a week before my inauguration. I know you can only do so much and I am not about to ask you to raise my children when you have already raised your own. That is my job, and I will have someone to help you.”

That was enough for Daniel's mom to let the subject drop. She sat there and picked up a part of the newspaper that she reads and drank her coffee. Neither of them moved until they drank their first cup of coffee and finished reading the newspaper.

Once again Daniel's mother got up and poured both of them a cup of coffee. This time though she didn’t sit down with her son at the table. Instead she started to prepare breakfast for everyone. She wants the food to be done by the time the kids woke up.

Daniel got up and started his way to study to get ready for a meeting. He has been working seven days a week since he got elected governor. The only days he's actually gotten off since then was Thanksgiving and now Christmas.

He knows that this is just the beginning of his seven day weeks. Once he is sworn in as governor, the days are going to be even longer. They say that all newly elected officials have a honeymoon period, but not Daniel. There is so much that needs to get done. He can’t afford to waste one minute of his first days in office.

Just as he sat down at his desk the door opened and Rich walked in. He walked over and sat down in front of Daniel and started pulling out files out of his briefcase. As he placed the files on this seat next to him, he started to speak.

“First thing Daniel, I think we need to discuss this morning is what the press is saying about you. Every governor who has held office around the country in recent history has gone to church. They have pleased those in their states that are very religious by going to church and kept their vote.”

“Let me stop you right there Rich. I will not change who I am in order to please the religious right of my ticket. When I ran for this office, I put forward exactly who I am. That is who they elected and that is who they're going to get.

I really believe the citizens of this state really don't care whether or not I go to church. They want their elected officials to do the job they promised to do. That is what I plan to do the day I get sworn in as governor.”

Rich drop the subject and pulled up a file from the seat. “As you know Daniel we have a lot of issues facing us. The moment we walk into office the very first thing we are going to have to do is balance the state budget. That hasn't been balance now going three years. If it means we go to the federal government for help at first, I think we should do it.”

“We will not at any time go to the federal government for a handout. We will balance the budget without the assistance of the federal government. If we take any money from the federal government they can come in and tell us what to do. We can’t govern with the federal government looking over our shoulders every step of the way.”

“Okay, let's talk about one of the things that hurt our economy, which is the citizens of Mexico coming across the border. Once they enter into the US, employers hire them under the table because the wages they pay them are a lot lower. I think we need to go a step further than what the federal government is willing do with this issue.”

“This is an issue that needs to be taken care of but not right off the bat. As for the security issue yes, and it needs to be fixed. We need to fix it, along side with the federal government because if we don't, we might find ourselves in uncharted waters without a paddle. Let's put this on the back burner for now and re-look at it a year after I’m sworn into office.”

“Before I go any further, what are you honestly looking at that you want to do the first months as governor? We have talked about this a lot and every time I leave without an actual plan of attack for our first months.”

Daniel got up from his seat and walked around his desk. He didn't stop at the seat next to Rich instead. He kept walking towards the books on the right side of the wall. He pulled out a book and walked back to hand it to Rich. He leaned against his desk as Rich opened the book and started reading the introduction.

“We have had many great presidents and governors throughout our history. They walked into the job knowing what is best for the country or the state that they were elected to serve. They never forgot where they came from, and that is why they were so successful.

When I started to run for this office I had so many dreams for this state. But more and more as I spoke with the voters, I saw that they only wanted the simple things in life. Nothing fancy and nothing handed to them that they did not earn.

As you know, I grew up in a poor Hispanic home. My parents had the opportunity to come across and make a better life for themselves and their family. I am born and raised as an American with a Hispanic heritage. My parents gave me everything I needed to succeed.

I took what they gave me and went further than they ever dreamed. I went into the military and took advantage of everything that system had to offer. I got my several masters degrees and a bachelor degree while in the military. I knew that I was not going to be able to spend my entire life in the military.

The reason I am telling you this is because I took the tools that were handed to me and I use them. I worked for everything I have. I want to give that same opportunity to every individual in this state and country that I had. Not handouts, but a chance to succeed achieving the American dream.

So you ask me what I want to do. I want to balance the budget of this state. Take big government out of the lives of every citizen in this state. Hand over the private sector to the private sector, where it belongs. I want to lower taxes and put the money that the people earn in their hands; not in the hands of the government.

I want to be able to take the greatness of the thirties and forties and mix it into the technology and the success of this decade.

I want the punishment to fit the crime. Stop passing these laws that put everything in one general pot! If someone steals a game they should get a punishment to fit that crime, not the general punishment because that person stole something and they spend the rest their life in prison. No, make the punishment fit the crime. Our prisons are overcrowded and costing way too much in taxpayer dollars.

I want everyone to get more than just a high school diploma. If the federal government doesn't want to help the low income families to get their sons and daughters through college, then we must pick up that cause and give them the opportunity to go to college, just like this poor Hispanic had a chance to.

Rich, all this is just the beginning of what I want to do. What we need to do is create the legislation and get our state senators and congress members to join us to get the legislation passed and on my desk for signature.”

Rich just sat there, and for the first time got a glimpse fully into Daniel’s vision for the state. A couple of times Rich felt that Daniel is looking further than the state house of Texas. If he is able to get at least half of this done, there will be no one able to touch him if he decides to run for higher office.

“I will start working on an outline version of each of these policies. Once I have them written down, I will bring them to you to look over. I like where you're going and we will get there before the end of your first term as Governor.”

Rich gathered his files and put them back in his briefcase. He got up and shook the hand of the man that he is proud to call Governor. He left with a vision and a way to make his vision become reality. In two weeks, Daniel will be sworn in and start leading this State.

Josh woke up when Rich shut the front door of the house. He allowed his eyes to adjust to the sunlight and remembered that he went to sleep in the den. He looked over to where Cesar is sound asleep in his sleeping bag and smiled.

Josh unzipped his sleeping bag and crawled over to his boyfriend. He straddled him and leaned in to start kissing him. Cesar woke up with Josh's lips on his. He started to return the kiss.

“Good morning, I hope you slept well!” Josh broke the kiss and started moving his hands through Cesar's hair.

Cesar reached up and started to caress Josh's cheek. “I slept well, because I slept in the same room with such a handsome devil like you.”

Both of the boys started laughing. Josh got up and pulled Cesar out of his sleeping bag. They quickly rolled up the sleeping bags before going upstairs. They both went into the bathroom and started by sharing the toilet, crossing their streams. They washed up and got dressed for breakfast before Josh's grandmother called up for them.

After breakfast, Eric, Bernice and Chris arrived to go shopping. Josh and Cesar are just going to tag along because they finished their shopping yesterday. They spent the rest of the morning and part of the early afternoon at Wal-Mart and K-mart.

Everyone talk to each other as if nothing happened yesterday. That made Cesar feel better because he thought he might have to break up a fight between Josh and Eric. Instead they acted the same with each other as always. Even Chris was more talkative than he has been in a long time.

They decided to grab something to eat before heading back home. They walked into Kentucky Fried Chicken and ordered the eighteen piece meal deal. As they waited for the food they found the table, large enough for all of them to fit into.

Chris got up to get the food when their number got called. On his way back, he noticed Joey with a very thin kid about his age. They look like they are together as a couple not as friends. He wants to thank Chris for all he has done for him, but he decided to continue walking and not disturb them.

Chris rejoined the guys and Bernice with the food. Immediately they dug in and started eating everything in sight. As they finished, Joey and the very thin kid that Chris saw him with the earlier walked up to the table.

“Hey, it looks like you guys are out doing some last-minute shopping. If you don't mind, can we join you guys?” Joey asked just standing there at the edge of the table.

Josh stood up and extended his hand to Joey. “Of course you guys can join us. And thank you for everything you did for me and Chris. Without your help, I don't know what Chris or I would have done. Thank you and please thank Mr. Serna the next time you speak with him.”

“That was not a problem at all. In fact, Jacob's grandfather is driving into town. I will see if he can stop by so you guys can thank him in person. By the way I would like you all to meet Mr. Serna’s Grandson, Jacob.”

Joey introduced the skinny kid at his side as Jacob to everybody. After everybody shook hands, Josh and his group made room for Jacob and Joey to join them. At first, Jacob didn't say a word to anyone at the table. Finally Josh turned the conversation towards Jacob and asked him a question.

“So Jacob, I heard that your grandfather successfully sued the school district and the City for millions of dollars. That must feel pretty damn awesome! Can you spend all that money or is it put away in some kind of trust fund?”

Jacob cleared his throat and looked straight into Josh’s eyes; “I really don't know how my grandfather set up the money. As far as I know I can actually spend all the money if I wish to.”

Eric chimed in real fast; “Wow that is quite a bit of money to have at your fingertips. I know if I would have that money the first thing I would do is buy me a brand-new car and maybe a house. That way I could move in and take Bernice with me.”

Everyone started laughing at Eric. As soon as the laughter settled down, everyone took turns to say what they would do with the money that Jacob won. As the conversation went around the table, the only thing that was the same with everybody is buying a house for their loved ones.

They just sat there talking with Joey and Jacob as if they were friends for a very long time. Several times throughout the conversation Jacob and Josh seemed to go off into their own conversation. They seem to have more in common than any of the others at the table. As far as their way of thinking about life that is!

No one asked Jacob why he is so thin. The little bit they heard about Jacob through the rumors is that over a year ago he was diagnosed with cancer and he beat the odds. They all assumed that Jacob is thin because of the cancer. No one had any idea that he was recently found living on the streets.

As the boys got up to leave, Jacob pulled Josh to the side. “It was great meeting you and your friends. I hope when we return to school we hang out once in a while. I know that I am a year ahead of you, but we can hang out once a while.

You have done something that I am so afraid of doing myself. I'm hoping that I can sit down and talk with you sometime. I want to learn how you are able to live comfortably being gay. I’m gay and you are the first one I have told except for Joey of course.”

Josh smiled and replied; “I didn't know that there were others like me at school. Except for Cesar and Chris, I thought that was it. Now that I know you are like me and Joey too I feel a lot better, because I have someone else to talk to.

I would enjoy sitting down and talking with you anytime that you want. We can learn from each other and hopefully become stronger. I will make sure my security detail puts you and Joey on the list of my friends. That way, you don't have any hassle.”

“That would be cool, Josh. If you can add my grandfather to your list at the same time that way you guys can talk in person.”

Josh agreed and shook Jacob's hand as they rejoined the others in the parking lot. As Josh and his friends loaded up in the SUV, he noticed Jacob and Joey walking. He rolled down his window all the way, as they came to a stop.

“Why don't you guys jump in where we can give you a ride home? That way you guys don't have to walk. At the same time I can see where you guys live. That way, I don't get lost when I come over to speak with Mr. Serna.”

Jacob and Joey agreed and got into the SUV. Joey gave the driver directions to his aunt and uncle’s house as the rest talked. By the time they drove up to the driveway of Joey's aunt and uncle's house, they had made plans to hang out after Christmas.

After dropping off Jacob and Joey, they headed back up to Josh's house. Through the evening, little by little, everyone left. Cesar is the last one to leave to go home. Josh didn't want him to leave, but at the same time he knew that Cesar needed to go home so as not to get in trouble. He will see Cesar again tomorrow morning.

After Cesar left, Josh wrapped the presents he bought for him. Before going to bed himself he put the presents underneath the tree alongside the presents that he bought for his family.

After breakfast the next morning Josh asked speak with his father in the study. As they walked in, Josh gathered his thoughts. He needs to word his request right or his father will more than likely say no.

“Dad, I have a big favor to ask. I need a couple names added to my list so the security detail let’s them through.”

“Josh you know how hard it is to add anyone to your list. The security detail needs to run complete background checks on everyone that comes close to you. Not only to protect me and the family, but you as well. You kids are the most important people in my life, and I'm going to do everything in my power to protect you.”

“Dad, they go to school with me. There is no way they're going to hurt me or kidnap me for some kind of ransom. Jacob has his own money and quite a bit of it.”

“Are these two young men that the security detail told me about yesterday? They joined you guys for lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken.”

“Yes dad, those are the ones I am talking about. They are the ones that helped Chris get a law firm to represent him last week. We go to school together, but they are a year ahead of me and my friends.”

“If I'm not mistaken, I know one of the kids’ grandfather. I met him through my soon to be chief of staff. We have become very good friends since and he is on my list. By any chance is the grandfather’s name Alfred Serna?”

“Yes that is Jacob's grandfather. He really helped Chris last week by getting him a law firm at no charge. It wasn't for the lawyers more than likely Chris would have gone back to his father.”

“Son, there’s no problem adding these guys to your list. Just give me their complete names, and I will get it done today. I am glad that you met Al’s grandson and that is telling me he is safe and sound at home now.”

“I guess that he's at home now. He looks very thin and sick. I just thought that maybe the rumors at school might be right and his cancer came back,” Josh mused.

“Oh, well it's not my place to talk about another’s family. I'm just glad to hear that you met Jacob and he’s okay. When I first met Jacob's grandfather, he couldn't stop thinking about his grandson or even talking about him. Alfred is very proud of his grandson for staying strong through everything. He has already faced a lot in his young life from cancer to being shot.”

Josh had no idea that the rumors were actually true at school. He thought that a lot of it was made up as it got passed down from student to student. Just like any story, each teller adds a little bit to the story.

Before they knew it, the morning turned into evening. For the first time since the Christmas break started the house only had one visitor, which was, of course, Cesar. Still Cesar had to leave early because of it being Christmas Eve, and his father wanted him home before dark.

Josh tossed and turned all night long. He couldn't get out of his mind that he might have bought in the wrong gifts for Cesar. Finally, when Josh woke up in the morning and looked in the mirror he found black bags underneath his eyes. He washed up the best as he could before heading down for breakfast.

Everyone ate in a hurry, and immediately ran to the living room to unwrap their gifts. As the boys tore open their presents, they got everything they wanted and then some. They cleaned up the mess and thanked each other for their gifts.

Daniel sat there watching how happy his boys are. He started to wish that Martha had been a different person. No matter what his personal feelings he has towards Martha, Daniel knows that his boys need a mother in their lives. Not the kind of mother Martha turned out to be but rather a good, loving and caring woman.

He was brought out of thought as his boys handed him the gifts they bought him. He started to unwrap each gift one by one and thanked each of his boys. After all the gifts got handed out, the only gifts left under the tree are the ones that Josh bought for Cesar.

Josh and his brothers rushed to the den to hook up their brand-new Super Nintendo. They started to take turns playing one-on-one, and then eventually they started playing as teams against the computer.

Daniel couldn't believe they didn't fight over whose turn it is to play. Once they ‘died’, they handed over the control to the next one in line. That was the biggest hesitation. Daniel had about the game system. He thought it was going to start fights between his boys, but he was wrong about that.

They sat there in front of the TV playing different games all morning long. The only time one of the boys got up this to get something to drink or eat. Other than that, they sat there and played for hours on end.

Even when the phone rang none of the boys got up to answer it. Instead Daniel answered the phone thinking it is going to be for one of the boys, but he is wrong. The voice on the other line caused Daniel to have shivers go up and down his spine.

Daniel got up and headed to a study to take the phone call. Along the way he told his mother to hang up the phone in the den for him and to look after the boys. Mainly he doesn't want them to get on the phone and hear who he is talking with.

He closed the door and walked over to his desk. “What is it that you need Martha? I don't want you causing any trouble with the kids today or any day for that matter.”

“I want to speak with Junior, Carlos and Brandon to wish them a Merry Christmas. They are still my children, and I still have the right to call them whenever a holiday or birthday comes up.”

“Not according to the injunction the courts granted me. You have no longer any kind of rights to our children. You speaking with them is at my discretion and to tell you the truth at this point I have no plans to ever let you talk with kids.”

“Why is that Daniel? Does this make you feel more of a man to keep me away from my kids? It doesn't make you a better man. In fact, it makes you look petty and childish in my eyes, and others.”

“Martha, as usual, you have it all wrong and you know it. You have done severe damage to our kids that will last a lifetime. One of the main reasons I am not allowing you to talk with the kids is because you only want to speak with three of the four. You are still not seeing what you are doing wrong.”

“Daniel are you going let me speak with the boys or not?” Martha's voice got louder to almost screaming over the phone.

“I will do this for you and mainly I am doing this to prove a point. All the boys right now are in the den playing with a new game system. I will walk in their pickup the phone that is in the den and ask them if they want to speak with you. If they say no, you will hear it with your own ears.”

Daniel put the phone on hold and headed over to the den. It didn't even take a minute for him to walk from the study to the den. He picked up the receiver and made sure that Martha is still on the line before asking the boys if they want to speak with their mother!

“Daniel, Carlos, Josh and Brandon your mother is on the phone. She wants to speak with you boys and wish you guys a Merry Christmas.”

All the boys turned around to face her father, but only Carlos spoke up. “Does she just want to speak with us three…?” Carlos pointed to himself, Daniel and Brandon as he asked the question. “Or does she want to speak with all of us?”

“I am saddened to say that she only wants to speak with you three.” Daniel pointed to the two older ones and Brandon.

“Then we do not want to speak with her until she comes to terms and accepts our brother as her son again. I hope she can hear me and understands not to call and ask for any of us until she asks for all of us.”

The boys turned around and turned up the TV as they started playing the game again. Daniel couldn't help but smile at his mother with the response he got from his older boys. They all shook their heads in the positive as Carlos spoke up for them.

“Martha, you heard what your son just said, and I did not feed them the words. I came over here and immediately picked up the phone before even speaking with the boys. You now know what is going to take for them to even pick up the phone and talk with you.”

“This isn't right or over yet. I will get my way. I promise you, when I get out of this hospital, you better be ready for a battle over our kids. You will not have full custody and me anything on our kids.” Martha's slammed the phone down and the next thing Daniel heard is the dial tone.

Just as Daniel put down the receiver, the doorbell rang. Daniel walked out of the den to see who is at the door. As he walked towards the door the security detail opened the door and let Cesar in. Daniel smiled at Cesar and wished him a Merry Christmas.

Cesar walked into the den quietly and snuck up behind Josh. He covered Josh’s eyes, pulled his head around and started kissing him. Josh of course returned the kiss. He has gotten to know Cesar's smell, taste and the formation of his lips. In return, he doesn't even have to have his eyes open know it is Cesar.

After they finished kissing Josh got up and pulled Cesar by the arm to the living room. He sat Cesar down on the couch as he went to go get the three gifts from underneath the tree that he had gotten him for Christmas.

“Merry Christmas babe, I really hope that you like what I got you!” Josh sat next to Cesar and handed him the gifts.

Cesar just looked down at the gifts and couldn't look at Josh. He started to shake and tear up. At this very moment that Josh doesn't know is that Cesar feels really bad for not getting him anything. His father doesn't give him any kind of allowance and since he barely moved back home the money is tight.

“What’s wrong Cesar? Did I say something wrong?”

Josh placed his hand underneath Cesar chin, and moved his face towards his. As he looked at Cesar, he couldn't understand why he is crying. With his other hand, he brushed the tears off of Cesar's face. Josh let go of his boyfriend's chin and pulled him into a hug.

“I don't understand what is going on, but I love you Cesar and nothing will ever change that.” Josh whispered into Cesar's ear as he put his hand on the back of Cesar’s head.

Cesar finally pulled himself together, and spoke to Josh for the first time since they walked into the living room. “I never wanted you to buy me anything because I don't have any money to buy you anything. This isn't fair for you to give me something and me not to give you anything.”

“Cesar, I don't need anything material from you. All that I need to know is that you will be at my side and that I do know to be true. Over these last couple months we have grown so close together. I can’t see us ever being apart in the future.”

The boys kissed before Cesar started to open his gifts. The first gift that Josh bought him is a pair of brand-new Nike high-tops that he saw Cesar eyeing. The second gift is an official Dallas Cowboy windbreaker with his favorite player’s number. And finally the third gift is a Dallas Cowboys dress watch.

Cesar put the gifts down and pulled Josh into a hug. This time when he started to cry wasn't because of being sad, but because he is happy. These are the only gifts that he got this Christmas. His father promised him that once he's back on his feet financially that he will buy him late Christmas gifts.

After Cesar collected himself once again, they gathered his stuff and headed into the den again to join Josh's brothers. Josh couldn't believe that his brothers have not moved since they had left to go to the living room. The only change is the game that they're playing.

Everyone took turns playing all the way up to dinner. Cesar stayed and ate dinner with Josh and his family because his father actually had to work. Daniel and his mother didn't mind because they have gotten used to having Cesar around.

Just like the day before, the day went by really quickly. Cesar asked to stay the night, and of course Daniel agreed. This time, everyone decided to sleep in the den in their sleeping bags. This gave them a chance to play even later into the night.

The next morning Daniel didn't go into the office. Instead he is running everything out of his study. The only thing that's on Daniel schedule today is to interview maids. It needs to be a live-in maid in order to help his mother take care of his boys when he goes to Austin. She is no longer a spring chicken that can take care of four growing boys and the house.

Interview after interview, Daniel didn't like any of the candidates. He is about to give up on finding a suitable caretaker for his kids. You might have to uproot his kids and take them to Austin with him. He wants his kids to have as much of a normal life as possible, but not at the expense of their well-being.

As he went to the kitchen, he saw one of the security personnel talking with a woman that seems to be related to him in some way or another in the backyard. He walked out to see what is going on between him and the young lady. The argument doesn't look heated, but he doesn't want it to get to that point.

The minute that Daniel walked out, the security agent stopped talking with the lady that looked a little older than him. Several other security agents walked up and Daniel asked them to leave him alone with the security agent. Before they stepped away, they took the security agent’s weapons.

“May I ask what is going on? I know it is probably not any of my business to a point, but it looks like you two are arguing here in my back yard. Maybe I can be of some assistance to settle the argument.”

The two just looked at Daniel and didn't know what to really say to him. They were some what arguing, but not the way Daniel thinks. Now, the guy that's part of Daniel security detail is afraid that he has just lost his job. His weapon has been taken from him and his boss just walked up.

“Mr. Lopez, I have been briefed on what was going on here and I could take from here if you would like. Everyone that is part of the security detail is aware that they are not supposed to bring their problems from home to work.”

“No, I can handle it. There is no need to make a big thing out of something that is probably small in comparison to what we are making it out to be. This gentleman was talking to this young lady, and it looked like he is consoling her.”

“Sir, I am very sorry for the scene that we made. This is my sister and she had an interview scheduled with you earlier, but missed the bus. She came to find me to see if I could get her into another interview.

I was trying to explain to her how busy you are. The chances to get another interview with you are very slim. So again, I am very sorry for disrupting your day. I didn't mean to have you come out here to settle this.”

Daniel just looked at the younger man, and then over younger man's sister. “I know you are not part of my security detail. That means you are part of one of my sons’ security detail. Which one of my sons are you guarding?”

“Um, I am guarding your son Josh. In fact, I am in charge of the security detail.”

“I figured that much because you have to blend in as a student. Guarding my son Josh is a lot of work. Not because of him being the son of the Governor elect, but because of who he is. Your work is a lot harder, and you have been keeping my son safe. In appreciation of that and that alone, I will go ahead in and meet with your sister.”

Daniel turned around and started walking towards the house, but stopped. He walked back towards the head of his security. He instructed the head of the security detail to give back to the weapon to the young man and not to discipline him in anyway. Daniel felt that he doesn't deserve to be disciplined for helping his sister.

As Daniel approached the back door, he noticed that the young guard and his sister didn't follow him. So he turned around and waved them over to him. Once they caught up to Daniel. They walked in and followed him to the study.

“Please, you two, take a seat. You look like he could be a senior at the oldest in high school. How old are you really?”

“Sir, I am twenty-five years old.” The young man answered Daniel as he sat down beside his sister.

“Man I wish I could look as young as you do. Thank you again for taking on such a hard detail guarding my son Josh. I know at times he can become a handful, but I know he means well. I love all my sons the same but with Josh. I see something in him. That is going to make what ever I do in my life small compared to what he is going to do.”

The young man shook his head in agreement to what Daniel said. Daniel had only had one no-show this morning, and he's pulling up her file. As he opened the file to read it, the brother and sister just sat their quietly.

“Isabella Carter, I see here that you have several years of experience as a live-in caretaker with another family here in El Paso. Why is it that you want to leave this family after almost eight years of service?”

“The kids that I was taking care of have all grown up and gone off to college. They are not asking me to leave. In fact they want me to stay, but in an empty house most of time. I want to be part of a family unit with younger kids where I can do some good.”

“My youngest boy is an eighth-grader in middle school, and it goes from there to Junior in high school. The longest that I would have any kids at home will be five years. After that, they more than likely will be off to college as well.

At the same time, the kids will becoming up to Austin with me during the summer and any other breaks longer than a couple days. That means whoever I hire as a caretaker here will have to travel when the boys travel to Austin or wherever. If I were to offer you this job would you be able to do that?”

“Yes Sir, I will be able to travel wherever your children go. I am also aware that your children will more than likely be going to college within five years.”

Daniel continued to read the file. Isabella has a lot of letters of recommendation, alongside of a great resume. She is actually four years older than her younger brother. Daniel thinks that is a perfect age for a caretaker for his children. He doesn't want one too young, or one too old.

“Also, whoever I hire will have to take on the majority of the cooking, cleaning of the main house and helping my mother. I really just want my mother to be here to look after my boys. She has done her years of cleaning and cooking. Now it's time for her to enjoy the rest of her life.

Basically, she will be the one raising and disciplining the boys if needed. The person I hire will help her when needed, but will not discipline my children. If they do something wrong, I am to be told about it and I will deal with. They are well behaved, and normally don't cause any trouble.”

“I completely understand that. I will never discipline in any way your children if hired. I am not the parent and therefore I shouldn't be the one disciplining them.”

“Good, one more question I need to ask here. Jonathan Carter, do I have that right.” The young man shook his head. “I don't want my boys to have just women around them. Don't get me wrong, they would enjoy that. You are already the head of my son’s Josh’s security detail and doing a very good job at that. If I would to hire your sister, would you stay here in El Paso with my sons?”

“Yes Sir, I had planned to do that. I really enjoy guarding your son Josh. He is a very bright young man. I had not planned to leave his side unless I got replaced.”

“Good, very, very good! Isabella, I would like to hire you to look after my children, while I am in Austin.”

“I would be honored to serve you Sir!” Isabella smiled as she agreed to take the job.

“At the same time, I would like you, Jonathan, to move into the main house as well. I know you're only in your twenties, but I need my boys to have a male figure around when I'm gone. You will still be in charge of my son Josh’s security detail but at the same time, you will be the one looking after all of my children once they are in the house.”

“Just like my sister, I would be honored,” Jonathan responded enthusiastically.

Daniel handed over all the paperwork that Isabella is going to have to fill out and return on her first day of work. Due to Daniel being sworn in less than two weeks from now, he scheduled Isabella to start working the very next day.

As Isabella and Jonathan left the study, Daniel felt comfortable with his decision. One of the most nagging feelings Daniel has had about hiring a caretaker for his sons is that they are all women. Nothing wrong with them being women, but he feels that he needs a male figure around at the same time! By hiring Isabella he gets Jonathan as well.

TO BE CONITNUED………………………..

WRITER’S CORNER:

{Before I go into the summation of the chapter, I would like to give you all a heads up about the chapter to come. Right now, the kids are out of school and it is during the Christmas vacation. There is basically nothing going on in their lives at this point. And if I try to keep writing the chapters day by day it would bore you guys.

So in the next chapter I'm going to speed up the timetable. I'm going to go quickly to the new years and spend a little bit of time there and then I will speed it up to the inauguration. Basically the next chapter will cover the inauguration of Daniel. There wil be some stuff before, and some stuff after, but basically, it will be the inauguration.

Now with that said, let's get back to the chapter. At the beginning, I started out kind of weird with the first fight between Josh and Eric. These two are best friends, and they grew up together. The only problem is we really don't see them fighting like all best friends do at times. But I took care of that in this chapter.

I agree with Josh that what he discussed with Bernice should've just stayed between him and Bernice. Now he can’t trust Bernice with a confidence in the future. He will always worry that she will go running to Eric and tell him everything. I think over time she will prove herself again to Josh, but it will take time.

As far as Josh and Eric is concerned. There is not much there that will affect their friendship. They will get over this fight and move on. Eric really needs to thank Cesar for stepping in on his behalf.

Talking about Cesar, we are learning a lot more about him. Like Rick said there is something going on in that house of his. We are getting little glimpses here and there, but really not the whole picture. We know for a fact that Cesar is not being physically abused and his father has somewhat accepted him. Still, there is something strange going on. What kid doesn't get Christmas gifts from their parents? Are they actually that tight financially that they couldn't celebrate Christmas correctly?

Briefly, let's talk about Martha and her calling on Christmas Day. I don't know what it is going to take for her to understand what she needs to do to get back into the good graces of her children. If she doesn't start to see clearly soon, she will lose her kids.

Daniel finally hired someone to help take care of his children while he is in Austin. I agree that he needs to have a male figure around while he is gone. I also will believe that Jonathan is the right choice. Let's see what they bring into the house once they settle in.

So many characters in this story, I didn't even touch in this chapter. Patrick and Frank will be back in the chapters to come as well as Chris and Elizabeth. Chris will become a very strong ally to Josh and Elizabeth will still be causing trouble. Who knows, Elizabeth might eventually end up in Beneath the Mask!

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

It was interesting to have Jacob and Joey make a cameo appearance in this story. Being as the timeline for “Shadow” is earlier than where “Jacob…” is makes it a bit of a gear grinder! Hey, that’s part of the fun! I did feel that the discussion of Jacob’s finances was a bit too probing to be appropriate on a first meeting basis, but, teens many times haven’t developed and honed their discretion skills.
Martha is a lost cause. Her hatred and bigotry are too deeply engrained to ever be mitigated. I’ll rely again on my adage that a zebra can’t change its stripes.

I’m comfortable with Daniel’s choice of a live-in maid. I’m glad he defined the job more as a maid/housekeeper/cook rather than a ‘nanny’. I’m afraid a ‘nanny’ type of arrangement would have met with incredible resistance from Josh and his brothers. I noted that Daniel didn’t address Josh’s sexuality in the interview to ensure that Isabella doesn’t harbor any homophobic notions. I also feel good about Jonathan’s duties being expanded a bit. Although he’s on Josh’s detail, when the family is home, he can be on duty for the entire household.

Daniel’s agenda for the State is admirable. He is going to be able to easily garner the support of the people, but I wonder how much resistance he’s going to encounter with the elected people who are so entrenched in ‘politics as usual’. The electorate will be Daniel’s strongest ally coupled with a press that isn’t fool enough to go against the will of the people.

I am still deeply concerned about Cesar’s home life. There is still something fundamentally wrong going on in that house.

I hope that all is well in each and every one of your worlds. My life has undergone a major change in the past two weeks. My long term relationship of nearly nine years had to come to a parting. It was overdue in that the relationship had become toxic for both of us. I am sure once the immediate sting of the breakup has subsided that we both will be better off and happier. I’m glad that the separation wasn’t loaded with drama; just a lot of emotions that needed to surface. I still care deeply for him and hope that we can, in time, find a basis for a friendship.

Until next time,
“Daddy” Rick