Jacob Finding His Way - 50. Chapter 50

Dewayne sat next to Jacob on the bench and grabbed his hand. They sat there in silence looking off in the distance. People walked be and looked at Jacob and Dewayne for a few seconds and walked away. A few smiled with happiness in their eyes and other had disgust on their face. It didn’t matter to Jacob or Dewayne at all. They love just sitting there together holding onto each other.

“You know something Dewayne, I have been thinking. I have come to several conclusions. One of which is if you love riding those rides that go into the air, I need to like them as well. You are my boyfriend, I love you and I need to love or at least like what you like. So let’s get off of this bench and ride those rides.”

Jacob got up pulling Dewayne up with him. They walked over to a ride called The Zipper and got into the short line. Jacob got in first and then Dewayne. They got buckled in and the ride started out slow and got faster.

No matter what Jacob did, closed his eyes, kept them open. He started to freak out. Trying to hide his freaking out, Jacob didn’t look at Dewayne at all. Once the ride ended, Dewayne got out and then Jacob. Without even looking at Jacob, Dewayne ran to the roller coaster ride that goes around Western Play Land.

As they stood in the line, Jacob looked at the ride. At some points the ride would actually flip the cars over. Those in the car would be up side down, being held in with just a bar. Jacob stopped looking at the ride so he wouldn’t chicken out. He doesn’t want to disappoint Dewayne. Just minutes ago he told Dewayne that he is going to at least like the rides that Dewayne loves to ride.

Jacob got in with Dewayne; the bar came down on their laps. After the being told to keep their hands in at all times, the ride started. Just like the ride before, it started out slow, but started to gain speed. Almost a quarter way into the ride, it is at full speed.

Jacob started to hold onto the bar for dear life. As the car flipped upside down, Jacob started to shake really bad. Others are putting their hands up in the air, Jacob is holding onto the bar for dear life. By the time they got to the halfway point, the car had flipped over at high speed the third time. That was it, from fear, Jacob started to pee his pants.

As the ride started to slow down, Dewayne looked over to Jacob. He realized that Jacob is frozen in his seat. He is so scared, he isn’t budging at all. When the ride came to a complete stop, Dewayne got Jacob to get off of the ride.

Not saying a word, Jacob went to the nearest bathroom. He went into the stall and looked at the mess he made of himself. With trembling hands, Jacob unlocked the stall and looked to see if anyone else had walked in. He walked over to the door and locked it. Quickly he pulled off his pants and put it under the air blower to try and get them dry.

Jacob walked over to the sink to splash cold water on his face, Jacob tried to calm down. He wants the shaking to stop so Dewayne doesn’t see. After pushing the air dryer several more times, Jacob put on his pants. He then looked in the mirror; straighten himself up before heading out.

Still trembling, Jacob unlocked the bathroom and walked out. Putting his hands in his pocket to hide the fact he is shaking, Jacob walked up to Dewayne. The minute Dewayne saw Jacob walking to him he jumped up and met Jacob halfway.

No matter how hard Jacob tried to hide the fact he is freaked out Dewayne can see it in Jacob’s eyes and body language. When he noticed that Jacob started walking towards a ride that leaves the ground he pulled Jacob to the side.

“Jacob, you don’t like these rides and I can see it. I don’t want you to do things that freak you out. I love that you are willing to put your fear aside and do what I love but I want you to love what we do together, not be scared of it. So let’s just go and find the others and see what they are up to?”

Jacob didn’t say a word, he and Dewayne started walking the park looking for the others. The first ones they found were David and Tom coming off a slow ride. Shortly after finding them, the others seemed to pop up.

Once everyone got together, they headed out to get something to eat on the grounds. Taking turns, each of them talked about what they did as they ate. Even Lorenzo and Ismail got a chance to ride a few of the adult rides. It seems the attendant that ran the ride didn’t look at them too closely and let them on.

On the ride home, Jacob couldn’t stop thinking on what fool he is. Two little kids can ride the rides that he is scared of. Jacob started mentally hitting himself for being a pussy; being a little girl when it comes to riding the faster and scarier rides!

Just as Jacob drove into the driveway, he decided to deal with his fear of heights. How to do that is the only question he needs to answer. Still, he needs to deal with this fear or he will never be able to do the things that Dewayne likes to do. That is something that Jacob is not going to let come between him and Dewayne.

After breakfast the next morning, reality hit Jacob in the face again. After helping Franseca clean up, the phone started to ring. Jacob answered the phone in the kitchen. He couldn’t believe what he is being told.

On the other end of the line is the new director of the detention facility. He wants Jacob to come down and take back the machines that he donated to them. That is something that Jacob can’t understand. The key word that the new director said is donated. You don’t give back something that is donated after accepting the donation.

Jacob finally folded and told the new director that he will pick up the machines as soon as he lines up a moving company. Getting off the phone, Jacob realized after picking up the machines, where is he going to put them. These are huge machines that can pretty much print on anything that the owner of them wants to print on.

He walked over to see where his grandfather is. Jacob found him sitting in the den reading the newspaper. Jacob walked in and sat down on the couch near the chair that Al is sitting in. Al folded the news paper and looked at Jacob.

“You look worried about something Jacob. What are you worried about today?” Al grabbed his coffee.

Jacob explained everything to his grandfather from buying the machines from the school district and then donating them to the facility. This is something that Jacob has not told his grandfather until now. Jacob then continued and told his grandfather about the call he just got and what they wanted him to do.

“Jacob what you did is very generous to say the least. I have always told you that you have a big heart and you let it lead you sometimes. Don’t get me wrong when I say that. I really wish there were more like you in the business world.

If that new director doesn’t want the donation, fine take it back. We will get the same moving company you used to get the machines there in the first place. But he is going to have to keep them at his facility until we can find a place to put them. What I know about printing machines, you can’t just put them in the corner of the garage when you don’t have any need for them anymore.”

Jacob nodded his head up and down in agreement. “I have an idea Jacob! Instead trying to sell the machines or find another place to donate them to, why don’t we start a printing company? Nothing big, just whatever the Tech School was doing, we take over. Plus anything our business needs printed such like the paper mats that we put on the trays, our uniform shirts and applications.”

“That all sounds good, but we will need to do it all; find an office that can hold these machines, hire a crew and keep it running. Besides running our McDonalds, we really don’t have the time to do this.”

“You’re right Jacob, but I know you will find the right balance. Look, on Monday when I go to the real estate auction, I will look for an office that not only fits the print shop, but our main offices as well. We are paying rent for the office we are in. That is throwing money away. I don’t like throwing money away!

I also have plans to expand beyond just owning the McDonalds. I can’t tell you much right now but after Monday, if everything goes right, I can tell you everything Jacob. It will make us a lot of money.”

Jacob agreed to wait till Monday to hear what his grandfather has planned. Jacob got up, thanked his grandfather and walked out. The rest of the weekend the only thing he could think of is what to do with the print shop. By Sunday evening he finally found his answer. He will run it by the parties that were originally going to be involved once his grandfather talks with him on his plans.

That night, Jacob slept soundly not waking up once through the night. He has gotten used to sleeping with the IV connected to him. The other thing that is making Jacob sleep through the night is having Dewayne in his bed. Just hearing him breathe next to him, puts Jacob more at ease than any sleeping pill could do.

The next morning Jacob crawled out of bed trying to not wake up Dewayne, but didn’t have luck. As Jacob slowly lifted Dewayne’s arm and started moving it to the side, Dewayne woke up. He propped himself up on his arms and watched Jacob get ready for school. Jacob noticed that Dewayne smiled at him every time he looked at him.

“You better get back to sleep handsome! I know you don’t need anymore beauty sleep, because nothing came make you anymore handsome than you are already. Still, I want you to get your rest Dewayne!” Jacob walked over to Dewayne and stole a kiss.

“Hey now, you better not just kiss and run. Look at what you are doing to me.” Dewayne lifted the covers to let Jacob see his hard dick poking at his underwear. “He has been very lonely and wants attention from you. Do you think that maybe tonight we can have private time together?”

Jacob sat on the edge of the bed and lay on Dewayne’s chest. “We never have to plan to have private time with each other. Just pull me into the room and take advantage of me whenever you want. Trust me; I want to give this…” Jacob grabbed a hold of Dewayne’s dick through his underwear. “…as much attention it wants from me. My mouth waters to have it!”

Jacob let go of Dewayne’s dick and leaned in to kiss him. Jacob got up, Dewayne followed. Dewayne quickly put on his pants and a t-shirt to have breakfast with Jacob. They walked down to the kitchen to find everyone already sitting down and eating. Jacob and Dewayne sat down and started to dig into the food that Franseca prepared for them.

After Jacob finished eating, he got up to get his book bag and keys. The others walked past him and headed to the truck. Jacob and Dewayne stood in the hallway holding hands with each other. Jacob looked up into Dewayne’s eyes, “I am going to miss you today! I wish we could spend every minute of the day together. I can’t stand being away from you for the entire day.”

Jacob leaned in and kissed Dewayne. Not wanting to, Dewayne broke the kiss so Jacob wouldn’t be late for school. They both looked at each other for a few more minutes and Jacob walked out to his truck. Dewayne stood at the front door watching his boyfriend get into his truck and drive off. He actually felt empty inside as he watched Jacob drive off to school. He closed the door and went back up to bed.

Being that it is a new semester, Jacob knew there has to be a mess over at the ROTC building. After breakfast, Jacob headed over there. The minute he walked in, Major Moore called him into the office. As Jacob walked to the office, he has gotten use to Major Moore’s tones of voice! The tone that Major Moore used is his voice of being displeased.

Jacob walked into Major Moore’s office and waited for help to give him permission to take a seat. Once Major Moore pointed to the seat, Jacob sat down. He looked straight at Major Moore and waited to see what he wanted from him. Major Moore went through several folders until he got to the one he wanted.

“Jacob I don’t know if you think I am dumb or I am not going to find out.” Major Moore looked up from his desk at Jacob. “You should have told me that Tech High closed their printing shop. Now we are going to have to find another place to print our newsletters for all the battalions. Colonel May is not happy with this either Jacob!”

“Sir, I am not the one that went over there and told them to close their print shop down. I can’t get the blame for this. I found out a couple of days before winter break. I tried to talk with you about it, but you didn’t want to listen. If it had anything to do with the drill teams, fine. Other than that, you kept telling me to wait until after the break.”

“For something like this Jacob, you need to grab my attention no matter what I am doing. I don’t like getting a phone call over the holidays from Colonel May being unhappy. That really made me unhappy for the holidays. I almost went to your house to share in the unhappy holidays Jacob.”

“Trust me sir, there is nothing more you could have done to make my holidays worse than they were. This print shop is the least of what I had to worry about over the holidays. So you should have come down and as you said share in the misery.”

Major Moore put down his folder and looked into Jacob’s eyes. At first he didn’t understand where Jacob is coming from. He is just a high school kid. What do high school kids have to worry about? It is not like they have anything to run or be responsible for. Major Moore saw something in Jacob’s eyes, not defeat, but very close to it.

“Jacob what do you have planned to deal with this? Colonel May and I discussed this over the holidays and figured you knew. That means you have come up with a plan but you don’t seem to be too worried about it.”

“Major Moore I had come up with a plan, but it fell apart last week. My company went in and bought the press machines. We then donated them to the Juvenile Detention Facility because they were starting up a business for the inmates to work at. That all feel apart when a new director of the facility took it over.”

“What do you mean it all fell apart? No matter if directors change, the new director should keep what the old director put in.”

“Not in this case Major Moore. The new director can decide what he wants to keep and what he doesn’t. He explained to me that the inmates can take parts of those machines and turn them into weapons. He can’t allow that to happen. They will start a business, but not one with printing machines.”

Major Moore got up from his desk and walked around. He has a file I his hand that Jacob gave him when they looked at other companies to do the printing. He looked it over and just threw it back on the desk.

“There is no way we can afford the cost of those print shops, no way! Not even the school newspaper can afford it either. I spoke with the teacher and he told me that they might not be able to do their newspaper anymore as well. That damn print shop did the year books, news papers, well everything dealing with printing for the school districts.”

“Major Moore there is still one thing I am working on. I own the machines; I just have got to find a place to put them. I have a plan, and if everything falls into place. I should have an answer for this problem around midweek.”

“I know you are going to come up with a solution to this problem like you always do. I will leave it in your hands. Just let me know what we are going to do.” Major Moore shook Jacob’s hand with a smile on his face.

By the time lunch rolled around, Major Moore had called Jacob back to the ROTC building several more times. It seems even after all the work Jacob did before the break, the schedules are all screwed up. Just like before, to many officers in one class and NCO’S in another class. Jacob spent the better half of his third period I the registrar’s office fixing the problem.

Jacob ran over to the ROTC building as fast as he could during lunch. Loraine came back thinking that she could get what she wants; battalion staff. Jacob sat in Major Moore’s office Loraine explained to them why she should be put back on battalion staff. At first, Jacob thought that Major Moore was about to give it to her.

“Loraine, you know the procedures of this program. That decision is left up to the battalion commander. You need to make you plea to Jacob here. If he feels you are ready to be put back on battalion staff, he does it. I will not step on his shoes anymore dealing with you or anyone else. I should have never done it from the beginning.”

Loraine just looked at Major Moore and then at Jacob. “Jacob I am asking you to put me back on battalion staff. You already know what I am willing to do if I don’t get that. No matter what Major Moore says, he needs me. We are about to go to state and you guys need a drill team commander that can win state for you.”

“Loraine, I don’t know any other way to tell you that your threats are not going to work. Still I will do something that I am not obligated to do. Before the week is up, I will form the battalion staff. You can go in front of the battalion staff and plead your case however you want to. If the majority says yes, then it will happen, but if the majority says no, you will finish off the school year as is. No more threats!”

Loraine agreed with Jacob and left the office. Jacob walked out behind her and headed out to his fourth period. The rest of the day went by fast for Jacob. Before he knew it, Jacob started to walk to his truck after watching the drill teams practice.

As he walked out the door, Sergeant Haney handed Jacob a promotion slip. He looked down at it to see that Sergeant Haney is asking for Joey’s co-captain to be promoted from second lieutenant to captain. He promised Sergeant Haney that he will push it through the battalion staff and have the promotion done by midday tomorrow.

The first person that greeted Jacob when he walked through the door is Dewayne. Jacob walked over to Dewayne and hugged him. Dewayne pulled Jacob aside and started kissing him. They stood in the middle of the hallway kissing each other until Dewayne broke the kiss.

“It looks like you had a hard day at school today. I should be the one walking through the door with the look on my face as if the world just chewed me up and spit me out, not you. Tell me what is going on and maybe I can help you.”

Jacob and Dewayne walked up stairs. Jacob forgot to take his machine to school, but it isn’t as if he had time to use it. Dewayne helped Jacob connect to the machine and they sat on the bed together.

As Jacob got his blood cleaned, he told Dewayne everything he went through on his first day of school from his meeting with Major Moore to Loraine and everything in between! The entire time, Dewayne just sat there listening to every word Jacob had to say not interrupting him even once as he talked.

“What I think you should do with the girl is tell her suck it up or get the hell out. She can’t or should not push you around. You are the leader of that program. For Major Moor, that guy needs to leave you alone. It seems that every time he gets mad, he is behind the curve. You are already working on the issue. He needs to just step back and let you do what you do. You know what you are supposed to do.”

“I really do think he is getting used to that. What he told Loraine in our meeting really surprised me. I thought he was going to have me put her on battalion staff. But he didn’t and is really leaving a lot of things up to me.”

Jacob and Dewayne sat on the bed, holding each others hands, talking about each others day. Dewayne has never had this before where he could just sit and talk with someone about his day. Jacob loves hearing everything about his day and Dewayne can’t wait to see his boyfriend and talk with him.

They got pulled out of their little world when Tom walked in to let them know that dinner is ready. Dewayne unhooked the machine from Jacob and they walked down together. Everyone sat there at the table talking about their day. The ones that seemed to have had to most exciting day were Alex and Matt. Jacob felt bad that they went through what they did.

After dinner, Al stopped Jacob as he walked out of the kitchen. “Jacob I want to talk with you!” Jacob shook his head as he started to head to the study, but Al stopped him. “Not in the study Jacob. Follow me; I want to show you something.”

Jacob and Al walked out the back door to Franseca’s house. Since the houses haven’t been joined together yet, Al knocked on the back door out of respect. Alex answered it and let them in. They walked through the house and out of the front door. Jacob kept his mouth closed, but wondered where they are going. He got answered when they walked up to the front door of the house next to Franseca’s house.

“You will not believe the deal I got on this house Jacob. You pretty much got it for me. The bank wanted it off their books and only wanted what was left owed on it. The poor people lost the house owing only a little over twelve thousand and that is what you paid for it.” Al unlocked the door and they walked in.

Jacob looked at the house and realized it is actually bigger than Franseca’s. He walked around it and counted the rooms. It is a four bedroom, two and half bathroom house with a two car garage. Jacob made his way to the back door and looked out to see his grandfather’s house only separated by a brick wall.

“We are going to have to have that wall knocked down between your house, my house and the house that Franseca lives in.”

“I have already told the construction workers to do that tomorrow. The pool is going to change. What I mean is it is going to be a lot larger then we planned. It will have a hot tub for old folks like me” Al started to laugh as he walked to Jacob.

All of a sudden Jacob and Al heard someone walk in. They walked back to the front to door to find the tribe standing in the living room. Before Jacob or Al could say anything, they started to run around the house to explore it. Jacob and Al walked back to the back yard to have privacy to talk.

“I also got everything I wanted in the city auction and state auction at a lot lower prices than I was willing to pay. First I bought an old building downtown that has been for sale forever. It is twelve floors and it will work out perfectly for us.

The basement is wide open with offices on the side. You can put the print shop there. You and I will have our offices on the top floor. The floor under us will be for McDonalds offices and so on and so on.

We will have about six floors empty once I fill the other six floors with the different businesses we are getting into. I plan to rent those floors off to others and in less then five years we will get our money back we paid for the building. Basically when it is all said and done, we get our offices building for free.”

What do you mean grandpa about other businesses? Right now the only thing I know we are getting into is the McDonalds and the print shop. Other than that, what do you plan to do with the other four floors of the building?”

Al explained everything he is doing. They are already making their money back on what they paid for the restaurants and Al is investing it back into the business. He sees a future in land that others are not seeing right now. Jacob understood everything and trusted his grandfather with what he is doing. He has already made Jacob millions on his investments.

“Jacob, everything is going to pay for itself and then some. The natural gas on all this land I bought outside of El Paso is going to make you and me billions if done right. Then the other land I foresee huge companies becoming our clients. Trust me Jacob, by the time you graduate college, you will be the president of the largest privately owned company in the US. No other company will be able to come near it.”

Just then Alex and Matt walked out to the back yard. They saw that Jacob and Al are talking and turned around to walk back into the new house. Jacob called out to them and asked them to come over and talk with him and his grandfather.

Alex and Matt walked over to Jacob and Al with a worried look on their faces. Alex couldn’t help but think that Al talked with Jacob about them living there and wants them out. He walked up to Jacob figuring what is coming is bad not good in spite of not seeing anything ominous on either Jacob or Al’s faces.

“Alex you and Matt are doing everything everyone is asking of you and then some. You don’t ask or complain; you just do it. I know at times it seems that the world is against you and wants you to mess up to the point you end up back locked up. I am glad that you are not folding and fighting back the right ways.

When you came to me about your idea for the print shop, I liked it because it is a good idea. I went around and got what you needed because I know you will do what it takes to make a go of it. You don’t strike me as a person that starts something and then just walks away from it should there be problems once it is started.

With that said let me tell you that the new director…” Jacob explained everything to Alex and Matt on what had happened. He even told Alex the truth that he bought the machines and donated them to the center. Jacob ended with what his grandfather just told him about the bottom floor of the building they just bought.

“Alex I believe in you and that you are going to prove every nay sayer out there wrong. Because I believe in you this much, I have a deal for you. You can say no at anytime, but please hear me out first before you say anything.”

Alex nodded his head up and down. “The print company is your idea; your baby. I am stuck with the machines and instead of eating it; I want to start a printing company. The machines will be picked up from the center and by Wednesday they will be set up in the building downtown.

This is what I want to do. I stay a silent owner. You walk in owning forty nine percent of the business. I keep the controlling interest of the company and you can’t buy me out until you pay for the machines. Once you do that, I will sell you my fifty one percent of the printing company at a fair, predetermined and agreed upon price.”

“No Jacob you don’t have to do that for me. You have already done so much for me already. The only thing I ask is you give me and Matt a job at the print company. That way we make our own money and not take money from my mother.”

“Alex, this print shop is your baby. The way I see it; the only way I see it working is you owning a part of it and eventually all of it. I have my own dreams of what I want to own. This is yours and you should have it. That way it will succeed without a doubt.”

Alex looked at Matt with tears rolling down his face. He can’t believe Jacob believes so much in him that he is willing to give him part ownership of a business that he can never open on his own. Alex walked up to Jacob and hugged him, saying thank you over and over again. He let go of Jacob and hugged Al saying the same thing.

“Thank you both on believing in me so much. I would like only one thing changed in your offer if I may.” Alex walked back to Matt and grabbed his hand.

“Tell us and if we can, we will.” Jacob leaned against the wall of the house.

“I know you will say wait and see, but I already know in my heart that Matt and I are going to be together for the rest of our lives. Whatever he has or I have we split evenly. Right now we don’t own anything of value.

Can you give half of the forty nine percent of the print company to Matt? That way he owns half of what I own and when I buy you fifty one percent, I give half of that to Matt as well. Please can you write that in the contract Jacob?”

Matt, totally aghast, grabbed a hold of Alex and pulled him close. “Alex, don’t do this! Please don’t do this! Take the whole thing that they are giving you. I don’t need my name on any paper work for me to know that I have half of what you have. I only want you Alex and I know you will help me whenever I need help.”

Alex leaned down and kissed Matt on his lips and started whispering. “We are partners for life Matt. What I own you own and nothing will stop me from doing this. You helped me see the light while we were locked up. No amount of money or property will ever be able to repay that debt. Please let me do this Matt. I love you so much!”

Matt nodded his head in agreement. “Good it looks like we are all in agreement. I have no problem doing that for you Alex. You will have twenty five percent and Matt will have the other twenty four percent. Once you buy me out, I don’t care how you separate the percentage of the ownership. I will have the contract ready by Wednesday for all of us to sign. If you want me to get you a lawyer to explain things to you, I will.”

“No need for that Jacob. I trust what you have written up is what we discussed with nothing in small print. I can’t believe you are doing this for me! Thank you so much Jacob, I can’t even think straight right now! Thank you!”

Alex and Matt shook Jacob’s and Al’s hands as they walked to the wall. Al turned and watched the two young guys jump over the wall to their yard and go in side. Al turned back around to look Jacob in the eyes.

“You are going to be a very successful business man when you take over this business. That was really nice what you did for them. Already what you have done for them, they will never forget, now this. They will always be in your debt even after they pay you back for everything you are doing for them. The kind of loyalty you have engendered in Matt and Alex can’t be bought. In the world of business, loyalty is a commodity that is cherished and those that are truly successful have earned in abundance. You are well on the way, Jacob, WELL on the way.”

Jacob ad Al sat there in the backyard discussing everything that is to come. One thing Jacob realizes right there with his grandfather is that his grandfather is setting it up for him to take it over after college. Jacob’s grandfather is building a huge company not for himself, but for Jacob. Jacob started to feel what Alex and Matt felt when they got the news.

Al walked back into the house first, leaving Jacob in the backyard. Dewayne walked out shortly after Al left Jacob. He walked up to Jacob and grabbed his hand. They stood out there in the yard just looking at the four houses that will soon become one.

Jacob turned to face Dewayne and pulled Dewayne into him. “I want you to be at my side for the rest of our lives. You should have seen Matt and Alex earlier back here. They really love each other. I know we have the same kind of love and we are going to be together for the rest of our lives just like them.”

Dewayne wrapped his arm around Jacob as they walked back into the new house. Before Jacob could say a word, everyone started asking questions. Why did he buy the house? Who is the house for? Is going to part of the other three houses? On and on came the questions being thrown at Jacob.

“Look you guys, it is simple. As you all know that has my mom lives in belonged to Joey’s aunt and uncle. I feel really bad that his aunt and uncle left him that house and I ended up with it. I know what you all are thinking, but it just right to give back that house to the one it belongs to.

With that said, with your help. I want to move my mother out of that house and into this one. Until I get a hold of Joey or he gets a hold of me again, that house my grandfather and I are going to rent out. I should try to make some kind of money off of it while I own it. Until Joey pops up again, that is what going to happen.”

“Wait a minute Jake, are you telling us that we have to see the wicked witch of the west every day? Right now she lives far enough that she doesn’t bother any of us that often. When she does come over, it is only for a short while. Now you are telling us she is going to move in next door. Before you know it, you are going to say that house is going to join the others.”

“David you are reading my mind.” Jacob started to laugh. “My grandfather and I are going connect that house into ours. All four of these houses will soon become one house! The good news is that we have more back yard that means the pool is going to be a lot bigger than originally planned.”

Everyone started laughing on Jacob’s come back. They looked around the house one more time because once Gloria moves, no one will come to this part of the house. She is going to be at all the meals, but after that. She will be back in her corner of the house.

Jacob locked the house and headed back to his. As they walked through Franseca’s house, Lorenzo and Ismail ran up to Jacob and grabbed a hold of him. They kept saying thank you to Jacob. When they let go of Jacob, Franseca walked into the back door.

“Franseca, we are sorry for tracking through your house. We used your house to get to the other house quickly.”

“Don’t you worry about that Jacob. This is your house, we only live in it. Thank you for doing what you are doing for my son again. You have been a Heaven sent and I and my family will never forget it.”

Before Jacob could say anything, Franseca hugged him. She held on tight to Jacob in a motherly way that Jacob hasn’t gotten from his mother in a very long time. Jacob wrapped his arms around Franseca to return the hug. It felt really good to Jacob to get hugged like this from a parent even if the parent is not his.

After breaking the hug, Jacob walked back to his house. Since it is the first week back to school, there is no uniform day tomorrow. Jacob went up stairs for some quite to do his homework. He can’t believe the amount of homework his teachers assigned.

Dewayne walked in to see Jacob tossing one of his books across the room. “What did the book ever do to you? “ Dewayne asked as he walked over to the bed to pick up the book. “Oh I see it is history. I never was that good at history either.”

“Dates, I just hate memorizing dates to me I don’t see I will ever use. I know the concept about learning history. You know the thing about not committing the same mistake again. But just like science, I don’t see me using that crap. Science was the table of elements. Now with history it is dates I don’t see me needing to know.”

Dewayne handed Jacob back his history book. “Why don’t you take a break from this and do your other homework. Leave it to the end and maybe you will settle down and be able to see it more clearly. I will be right back with a snack for you!” Dewayne leaned in and kissed Jacob as he left the room.

Dewayne went straight to the kitchen to find Franseca talking with Alex. “Excuse me I need to get something for Jacob to snack on. He is getting all up in arms about his history homework. He actually threw the book across the room when I walked in!”

“You know Dewayne I often forget that Jacob is still just a teenager. He does so much around this place; it is easy to for get that. To hear you talk about Jacob doing his homework brings me back to reality.” Franseca handed Dewayne a plate with a peanut butter sandwich with chips.

“Thank you Franseca, you don’t know how much this is going to help. I think if I feed him, he will be able to think straight.”

Dewayne grabbed the plate, walked to the refrigerator to get Jacob a cup of Kool Aide and headed back up stairs. He walked in to see Jacob putting his hand through his hair. Dewayne handed Jacob his sandwich and drink before sitting down.

Grabbing Jacob’s legs, Dewayne put Jacob’s feet on his lap. He took off Jacob’s shoes and started to rub his feet as Jacob ate. Before Jacob finished eating, they heard a knock on the door and it opened. Jacob turned around to see who is at the door and found Alex walking into the room.

“Hey Jacob, sorry for bothering you, but I heard you are doing history homework. I like history and maybe I can help you with your homework. I learned a way to learn every date with a little trick. Maybe the trick I use might be able to help you. It doesn’t hurt to give it a shot.” Alex closed the door and stood there.

Jacob invited him in and they started talking about their teachers. They found out that they got the same teachers except in different periods. That means the homework they have will be the same. Alex sat down next to Jacob and started to show him the trick he knows to learn dates. Once Jacob finished his homework, he caught on to Alex’s trick and really liked it. Jacob closed his book and looked over to Alex with a smile.

“Thank you man, you don’t know how much you teaching me your trick helps. I actually thought that I might barely pass this class just like science. Now with the trick you taught me I actually have a chance. This is great man, I mean it!”

Alex and Jacob talked a little longer before he Alex left. He left leaving Jacob more comfortable with history class. After Alex left, Jacob jumped in the shower. A few minutes into his shower, Dewayne joined him. They washed each others backs and then some. Once they felt that they cleaned the other, they got out and dried off.

As they crawled into bed, Jacob turned over to his side in order to face Dewayne. “I know we have been through this several times, but I am going to ask you again. You stay with me every night. I haven’t slept this good in a long time as I do with you at my side. Please Dewayne will you just stop being hard headed and just move into the room with me?”

“Talking about hard headedness, you are the most heard headed person I have ever known. I love sleeping with you Jacob. I don’t think I could ever get used to sleeping alone again. We have been over this issue several times. I also know that you won’t drop it until you get your way. I will move up here but under one condition, Jacob.”

“Name it Dewayne, anything, just name it!” Jacob leaned forward looking at Dewayne. He believes that he finally talked Dewayne into moving into his room.

“I am not a free loader. I don’t want others to ever think I am with you because of the money.” Jacob tried to interrupt but Dewayne placed his finger over Jacob’s lips. “I am with you because I love you and you know that.

With that said, I know what I make isn’t anything compared to the money you have. I want to help pay for things in this house. Give me the electric bill, water bill and gas bill to pay or something. Just let me pay for some of the bills in the house that way I know I am doing what I can to help you with the bills.”

Jacob grabbed Dewayne and started kissing him. “You got it Dewayne, I will give you the water, gas and cable bill. Those bills are not that high and they don’t really go up and down every month. The electric bill is in the hundreds and never comes down below a hundred and fifty. That isn’t fair to you to pay that high bill.”

Dewayne accepted Jacob’s comprise. They lay back down on the bed and cuddled with each other. Jacob fell asleep first and Dewayne followed just a couple of minutes later. Jacob woke up only once in the night when his IV got tangled up. Once he untangled it, he went right back to sleep.

The next morning as Jacob sat talking with Chase, Alex and the others before class as usual. A cadet from the drill team came up to him and handed him a note. Jacob opened it to see it is from Major Moore. He is asking for him to go to the ROTC building immediately. Jacob excused himself, threw his trash and headed over to the ROTC building.

Instead of walking in the door that entered into the large classroom, Jacob entered in the door that went directly to the outer office. He walked to Major Moore’s door and knocked on it. Sergeant Haney opened the door and invited Jacob in. Jacob stopped right at the entrance of the office once he saw who is in the office with Sergeant Haney.

“Good Jacob you were where I thought you would be. Please come in, we have a lot to discuss.” Major Moore waved at Jacob to finish walking in.

Jacob made his way between Sergeant Haney and Fierro to sit down. As he sat down, he looked at Colonel May. He doesn’t look happy. In fact he has the look on his face that Major Moore had on his yesterday. With him and Fierro there, it has to be about the print shop and what his plan is to fix it.

“Jacob, I know Major Moore has other issues to talk with you about, but I need to pick you brain. You and Major Moore discussed yesterday about a problem that we have with Tech High closing down their print class. I looked around and there is no way the battalions can afford what other shops will charge. What, if anything, have you figured out?”

“Colonel May, I had planned to talk with Major on this issue this morning after eating breakfast. Like I told Major Moore, give me to the middle of the week to find a solution to this problem. As it happens, I don’t need to the middle of the week because I have a solution.”

“So what is the solution? I hope it isn’t going to cost us much more than what we were paying Tech High for our printing needs.”

“I am pretty sure Major Moore spoke with you about our conversation yesterday. There is no need for me to repeat myself on that. As of tomorrow the printing machines are going to be picked up and delivered to a building downtown. With help from others to run the print shop, they should be up and running by the beginning of next week; way sooner than we expected! They are also going to give us the same price that we had.”

Colonel May couldn’t believe that Jacob found a solution to the problem this quickly. He leaned against Major Moore’s desk thinking. He knows there was no way he could have gotten a solution to this problem like Jacob did.

“I have no problem whatsoever with how you handled this. If they give us the customary prices we’ve been getting, they will have our business.”

“Good job Jacob and thank you for getting it done so quickly. Before we let you go I have a problem for you to deal with.” Major Moore handed Jacob several cadet files. “Just like every semester, we get new cadets. These cadets I want you to have removed from the battalion. We can’t have them here and you know why. One of them is the kid that shot you several years ago.”

“I am sorry sir, but I will not do that. This is still your program and you can do what you want. These students are paying for what they did in one way or another. We shouldn’t punish them again after they already got punished. They are trying to clean themselves up and be better people all the way around.”

“I don’t know if you heard me or not, but one of these students is the one that shot you. There is no way you will want him near you. I am really doing you a favor Jacob. Please go down to the registrar’s office and talk with whomever you talk with down there. Get these students out of MY battalion!”

“I know that the student that shot me is now attending this high school and is in this program. In fact I hired his mother to help my grandmother around the house. They live in my house, with my family. I have forgiven him and gotten to know him. I will not make excuses for him, but I know he isn’t the kid that shot me any longer.”

No one said a word. The office got so quiet you could hear the students talking in the large classroom. Jacob looked around at everyone in the office. They are looking at him with their mouths wide open.

“Major Moore, if Jacob did not only forgive the young man, but let him live in his house, I don’t see why you can’t let them be in your unit. Give them a chance and more than likely they will surprise you.

Sergeant Haney you lost a shooter last semester. Maybe this Alejandro student can try out for your rifle team. It seems that he is good with a gun. He could be so good, that he blows the others of your team out of the water.”

Everyone started to laugh. Colonel May patted Sergeant Haney on the shoulder telling him that he is just teasing. With that, everyone in the room settled back into their seats. That is what was needed; some humor to put the air back into the room.

“Fine, Jacob they are your responsibility. You are the battalion commander and you are going to bat for them. One thing I have learned over the years since you walked through the doors of this building is to not second guess you. I won’t do that with this issue either. Let’s move on to other issues. Loraine has…”

They stood in the meeting until the bell rang. Jacob got up and walked out of the office with Fierro at his side. They talked with each other as they walked back to the main building. Both of them agree that Loraine can’t get back on battalion staff. Fierro promised Jacob that he will back up whatever Jacob does before they separated.

All through Jacob’s morning classes, he couldn’t stop thinking about Dewayne. He kept looking over in hopes to see Dewayne like he used to see Joey. He got pulled out of thoughts by his teachers asking him to answer the question they threw out there. Every time the teacher did that, Jacob needed the teacher to repeat the question.

When the bell rang for lunch, Jacob ran to the cafeteria. He caught everyone before they got their food. He invited them to have lunch with him at Taco bell. Of course they knew why, but agreed. They quickly jumped into the truck and headed over to the Taco Bell that Dewayne works at. It is little further than they normally go, but they went anyways.

As they walked into the doors, Dewayne turned around from the steam counter. He smiled at Jacob and waved at him. Jacob and the others ordered their food and took a seat. Jacob just stood at the counter watching his boyfriend hard at work. Every chance Dewayne got, he turned waved at Jacob.

Jacob had to leave the counter when their number got called. Jacob got two of the trays and walked over to the table. He sat down not paying attention to what is going on at the table. He just kept looking at Dewayne in his Taco Bell uniform. He loves the way it hugs his butt and thighs just like his McDonalds uniform did.

Once they finished, they threw their trash away and headed out to the truck. Dewayne grabbed Jacob and pulled him into the bathroom not giving a thought about the others, they started kissing each other. Both of them unable to keep their hands off of the others body as they kissed. Soon they realized that they are both hard and broke the kiss.

“I will take care of that after school, I promise so don’t plan to watch television or do anything with the guys.” Dewayne grabbed a hold of Jacob’s dick through his pants.

“I can’t tell you on how badly I want to rip off your clothes right now. You are one hot looking guy; I am surprised that your female co-workers don’t grab this nice piece of ass every time they walk by it.” Jacob grabbed Dewayne’s butt as he held Jacobs dick.

They kissed one more time and Jacob left first. He ran out to the truck with a big grin on his face. Everyone knows who put that grin on Jacob’s face, so they didn’t even ask. They all jumped into the truck and headed back to school. They got out of the truck to hear the first bell that ends lunch.

The rest of the afternoon, Jacob day dreamed on having Dewayne’s dick in his mouth. He can’t wait to get home for that to happen. At least his afternoon teachers didn’t pull him out of his day dreams. In ROTC, Jacob kept running to the main building to speak with the teacher in charge of the school newspaper.

Jacob walked into the teacher’s office, which winds up being a classroom. Jacob accidently interrupted the teacher as he talked with his class. Jacob excused himself and walked back out of the classroom feeling really embarrassed. As he walked down the hallway, the teacher ran up to Jacob and stopped him.

“Aren’t you the guy that started the ROTC newsletter?” The instructor asked as he caught up to Jacob at the stairs.

“Yes sir I am the one that started up the ROTC newsletter.”

“Major Moore told me that you are looking for another print shop for us. I hope you have good news, because I don’t. No matter how much business I promise these other print shops; they will not come down in price. I might be the journalism teacher that will shut down journalism class and the school newspaper.”

“Sir that is why I came down here to talk with you this afternoon. I didn’t know that you teach. I thought I was walking into your office. I should have known that they have you teaching as well as run the school newspaper.”

“No problem, in fact the class you disturbed is my journalism class. They are very nervous about the possibility on not being able to put out the school newspaper, yearbook and everything else we do in this class. Please come back in with me where we all can put our heads together and see if we can come up with a way out of this.”

Before Jacob could tell the journalism teacher that he has a way out, he walked back to his class. Jacob followed him into his classroom. When he walked in, the teacher introduced Jacob to everyone in the classroom.

“Jacob runs the ROTC newsletter and he is in the same bind as we are. I asked him in here in hopes that maybe we can all find a solution. We don’t want to be double calling places. We have to find a solution to this problem.”

“I am sorry sir, but you didn’t let me finish talking with you in the hallway. I found a solution to our problem. That is why I came up here to talk with you. I want to let you know what I am doing and see if you want to come on board.”

Jacob stood there in front of the class explaining everything to them. From the original plan on having the Juvenile Detention Facility do the printing, how it fell apart to what he came up with as of yesterday. The teacher and students sat there listening to everything that Jacob is telling them.

“In short what I am asking you guys is if you will send your business, I mean all of your business, to this print shop. The new print shop promises to keep the promises the way they were with Tech High. The only time that will go up is if the supplies go up.”

“Jacob you don’t have to ask us twice. You can tell the new owner of that print shop that he has all of our business. Also you can tell him that he will get all the business of the other schools as well. They have been calling me about this problem. Now I can call them back and let them know where to go as far as our printing needs.”

Before leaving, Jacob gave them all the information about the new print shop and the names of the owners. At no time did Jacob tell them that he is a silent owner of the print shop. As far as he cares, Jacob wants everyone to get used to dealing with Alex and Matt since it is their print shop.

On the way home Jacob told Alex and Matt about the business he got them. Neither of them could believe that Jacob is helping them with getting clients. Of course they didn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. They accepted the new clients and promised to meet with them when they can get the time.

Jacob jumped out of the truck and ran into the house. He started to run upstairs when he heard his grandfather calling him. He turned around and walked back down. Chase and the others walked in with smiles on their faces. Tom and Chase walked past Jacob rubbing their hands together teasing Jacob.

Jacob followed his grandfather voice and found him in the kitchen with his mom and dad. He walked up and kissed his mother on the cheek and shook his father hand. Right as Jacob started to turn around, Dewayne walked up behind him. He wrapped his arms around him and kissed him on the head.

“Jacob your mom and dad came down to eat dinner with us. I figure before we sit down and eat, you should tell them what you told me. It is best that you let them know now instead of telling them at the last minute.”

Jacob looked at his grandfather confused, and then it dawned on him what he is talking about. Jacob asked his mother and dad to follow him and Dewayne to the back yard. When they walked out the back door, Jacob saw that his grandfather got the walls knocked down. He only planned on pointing to the house, not to actually show them.

“Mom, dad, I don’t feel right on you guys living in that house you are living in right now. That house belonged to Joey’s aunt and uncle. When they died, they left that house to Joey. I have been able to put Joey behind me except that house.”

Jacob stood there for the second time today explaining something over again to another person. His mom and dad listened and looked where Jacob is pointing at. As soon as Jacob finished explaining everything, his mom started asking questions.

“Is this house going to be mine or you are just going to let me live in it?”

“Mom, I bought this house, so it is mine. It is going to be joined to grandpa’s house. As you know that grandpa’s house is already joined with mine. Soon the house that Franseca lives in will be joined with mine. Basically what I am saying is these four houses will become one house very soon.”

“Jacob you know I didn’t like the idea about you owning the house I live in right now. That has not changed at all. Now you are telling me that you want me to move into a house that you and your boyfriend live in. I don’t think I…..”

“I think what Gloria is trying to say is ‘no problem’. Son, you own the houses and if you feel uncomfortable coming down to this house to visit us because of the ghosts in there, by all means do what you need to do to get rid of those ghosts.”

Gloria pulled Andy Sr. away from Jacob, Dewayne and Al. They walked to Al’s yard where what she is saying to Andy Sr. can be heard by others. Jacob looked at his grandfather as she did that. Al just stood there stunned with what his daughter is doing.

“What do you think you are doing over there? Let me tell you this…..”

“Do not start on this tonight Gloria. We came down here to tell our family that we are going to get married again. You promised me that you are going to love Jacob and Dewayne no matter what. You didn’t sound like that when Jacob told you about why he doesn’t visit you. You complained to me about that very subject. Now we know why and he is giving us a solution.”

“You don’t know how it…”

“Don’t say it Gloria; don’t say it. Your son is giving you a house. So what if it is connected to his house? He wants his family in one place. That’s another thing you have been complaining about. He is showing you that he loves you and he needs you. Don’t be like this Gloria. You showed me that you are not like this. Now show the rest of your family.”

Gloria felt bad about the way she just acted. She can’t understand why she does what she does when she gets around her kids. It is like a light switch and the only ones that can flip it are her kids.

“You’re right Andy, you are right. Dammit, I don’t know what goes on in my mind that makes me act like a bitch. Thank you for pulling me away before I said something really bad. I need to go back and apologize to them before I accept another wonderful gift from my son. He does really love me, doesn’t he Andy?”

Gloria looked at Andy as he nodded his head in agreement. They walked back Jacob, Dewayne and Al. Gloria apologized to everyone and asked if she and Andy could see their new house before dinner.

Al unlocked the back door and they all walked in. Andy Sr. and Gloria starting looking around the house as Al, Jacob and Dewayne stayed in the kitchen. They just stood there in silence until Al broke it.

“Jacob I spoke with my attorney today about Tony. He spoke with child protective services earlier in the day. They are not going to fight my adopting Tony. In fact they will support the adoption when we go to court next week. They feel Tony is better off here in my house than in the system.”

“That is great news grandpa! Tony has to be excited hearing the news. Tell me what did Tony say and do when you told him? I wish I could have been there when you did. Just the look on his face would be worth a ton of money!”

“I haven’t told him Jacob and I don’t want you guys telling him either. We still have to go to court and until I hear a judge say it, I am not going to get Tony’s hopes up. That poor kid has gone through so much already. He doesn’t deserve getting his hopes up and then the judge pulling it away from him.”

“I won’t say a word to Tony. At the same time I don’t see why the judge would turn you down. Anything that Tony will need you have without a problem. You would think that they will jump at a chance to get a kid out of the system. Tony is right at the age that he would have no chance to get adopted. People want babies and young kids, not teenagers.”

“I agree with you Jacob, but these judges can do whatever they feel like doing. If they wake up on the wrong side of the bed, had a fight with their spouse or are just in a bad mood, they will take it out on the first person they see. No I am not going to get his hopes up and until the judge signs off on it.”

Jacob and Dewayne once again told Al that they will not say a word. They will leave it up to Al to tell Tony the news. Just then Gloria and Andy walked back into the kitchen. Gloria actually has a smile on her face.

“This is a very nice house. In fact it is a lot bigger than the house we are living in right now. A few things need to be done before we move in, but it shouldn’t take that long. Andy here is a good with a hammer. He will get in here when he can to get the work done.” Gloria pinched Andy on the cheek.

“None of us have a problem with you wanting to fix things before you move in just as long as the things are fixed and you are moved in by the end of the month! We want to get the house you are in handed over to a company that is going to rent it out or us.”

They finished talking about the amount of time they have to move as they walked back to Jacob’s. Jacob and Dewayne stayed out of the conversation. Jacob let his grandfather deal with his mom and dad. He doesn’t want to say something that will get them both angry and fighting; not right before dinner with the family.

One thing is for sure Jacob thought to him self is that once his mother moves out of that house, he can put Joey in the past completely. Dewayne agreed to finally move into the room with Jacob. The last thing left over from Jacob’s and Joey’s relationship is that house. Now that house is no longer going to be there.

Jacob couldn’t help but feel happier about things. He is moving on and finally putting Joey in the past. He knows now he can move on with Dewayne. Although they have been together for such a short period, Jacob is knows that he is falling for Dewayne completely and totally. He is feeling things that he hasn’t felt since he and Joey first got together.

TO BE CONTINUED…………..

WRITER’S CORNER:

{Welcome back everyone to chapter FIFTY! When I started writing this story, I never thought people would read it. I never thought the story was going to go past thirty or so chapters. But here I am finishing up with chapter fifty with well over one hundred readers on my notification email list! This story caught on and in return two spinoffs got born out of it. Thank you one and all for coming back week after week!

Not too many ups and downs in this chapter. Jacob and his family are moving on surviving all the changes they faced throughout the two and half years of high school. As this story started, Jacob was this closeted, scared little kid. Now he is proud, with a back bone and open about his sex life with other guys.

At the beginning of this chapter we saw Jacob freak out on the rides. He got so scared he actually peed his pants. In real life I am really scared of heights. One summer a couple years ago I went up on the roof to start the air conditioner for the summer. I am not lying to you when I say this. I got frozen up on my roof for over three hours hugging the air conditioner. Thanks to a neighbor coming over, I got down from the roof.

So you can see I do put my reality into my stories. Although I didn’t pee my pants, there were times I was really close on doing so! Unlike Jacob, I don’t think there is a way to fix that fear. Some believe there is and some don’t. I am one of those that don’t believe in that old saying face your fears and you will get over them.

Jacob and Dewayne’s relationship is a lot more than just fucking. They are in love and are happy being with each other. They don’t need to be having sex all the time to show their love. Even when they plan to have sex, often something comes up as we saw at the end of this chapter, leaving poor Jacob and Dewayne walking around with hard dicks in their pants!

Jacob dealt with the printing shop issue really well. I like it when he talked with Alex and Matt about it. When people get in trouble with the law, many of times they don’t get the benefit of the doubt. Once a trouble maker, always a trouble maker! Jacob is giving Alex and Matt a hand up on the others letting them be their own boss.

Al is a very smart business man. The Governor should go to him and ask him to create their budget. This guy knows how to make money and reinvest it to make more money. I didn’t want to bore you all with the facts of what Al bought, but trust me, later in the story those facts will come out to play. Everything that Jacob has today is because of his grandfather. Don’t forget that his grandfather works for the Governor. Read “Shadow of My Father” to see what Al really does for him.

Gloria looks like she is really trying to change with the forceful hand of Andy Sr. I don’t think Gloria would have ever changed if Andy Sr. didn’t come back. He is the one showing her the way. She complains that her kids are never around. Andy Sr. keeps pointing out to her why they stay away when she puts her foot in her mouth.

You, the readers, know something before the family does. Gloria and Andy Sr. decided to get remarried; that Andy Sr., make sure to help Gloria see her wrongs. It didn’t take long for those two to rekindle their love with each other. So now you guys know where chapter fifty one is going to pick up.

We saw the ROTC plot come back in full strength in this chapter. Do you think Jacob is going to help Alex and Matt up the fast track as far as rank? Tom and David really didn’t appear in this chapter, but don’t worry they are still around. We heard a little bit about how things are going with Tony adoption. Either in the next chapter or the chapter after that, we will find out the conclusion to that plot.

As always I can go on and on about the open plots in the story! If I do that, I can actually write several more chapters. There are so many plots that can take a turn at anytime. You might think it is going to go one way, but is ends up going another. Do not miss out on anything, or you will be kicking yourself for it.

I keep saying over and over again don’t forget about Chase. He will be spending time between two of my stories. I am giving that away, but look for him in “Beneath the Mask”. He is going to come back full and what is happening in his life will stun you.

There is a so much to answer in the chapters to come. Stick around and keep reading the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}

EDITOR’S CORNER:

The recent rash of gay suicides is troubling me deeply. There was a 13 year old boy right here in Texas that was either gay or perceived as being gay that took his life. 8^th grader Asher Brown killed himself after being bullied by four fellow students over his perceived gay orientation.

Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University student, jumped off the George Washington Bridge after his college roommate published video on the internet of his sexual encounter with another gay man in his dorm room.
These are but two of many.

There is much talk going about bulling of GLBT kids in school and even into college. Bullying has been a part of school life for ages. I agree that bullying can be a substantial contributing factor to gay teen suicides, but I also feel that gay teens also suffer from a lack of support and acceptance that starts at HOME.

The talk going on is good, but I don’t expect to see any tangible solutions coming from the rhetoric. No, I don’t have answers or solutions. I just ache that these young lives were cut short by bigotry, hate, ignorance and intolerance.

NOW ABOUT THE CHAPTER:

Dear, dear Gloria….what a case she is. Andy Sr. keeps her on a tight lead, but I fear what is just beneath the surface. She has an ingrained hatred of Jacob’s being gay. It’s just under the surface, boiling and churning. There’s going to come a time when Andy Sr. isn’t close enough by or fast enough to keep her from revealing her true feelings and handing out a lot of hurt. What I hold in hope is that Jacob is actually strong enough to stand up to her should that happen. I think he just might have it in him to do just that. Gloria may be an intimidating personality, but she’s not yet run head-on into Jacob when he puts his head down to confront an issue. She would be well advised to realize that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree!

Alex and Matt are about overloaded with life on the outside and all that’s happening to them. If you list all the things they have on their plates, there’s a lot of stress on them. Even the good that comes their way is stressful in that they don’t know rightly how to handle it and fear letting someone down. They will soon be as busy and involved with the complexities of life as Jacob. The new print shop is going to be a great thing for them, but it’s going to take a toll on them as far as time is concerned. Their relationship is on good footing and will serve them well even though they are just really getting to know each other to some depth. They had only a start while incarcerated, but now that they are free and in good surroundings, their love is going to be able to build and deepen without interference.

Jacob and Dewayne have also got it together. Dewayne has clearly shown his moral and ethical center wanting to make at least a token contribution to the household expenses. He’s also wise enough to know that he has to demonstrate, if not to others, to himself, that he’s an honorable man. He’s protecting and preserving his self respect. That will keep him solid to be a truly viable and equal partner to Jacob. It’s not about the number of dollars; it’s about the contributing in equal measure.

Al is one shrewd businessman. He knows how to take seed and make it come in a profitable crop. Jacob is learning a lot more than high school or college will ever teach him about how to be a good and successful businessman. What is going to take Jacob far is what he learns about business from his grandfather coupled with his own caring for others. It is rare that one finds a truly successful person that also uses their successes to benefit others. I find that what I do for others pays back a far greater returns than anything else I do in life. Perhaps that’s why I’m a teacher and love teaching so much.

I would like to say a hearty and heartfelt “congratulations” to our esteemed author on this, his FIFTIETH Chapter! I am truly honored to be a part of his endeavors and that the readers are finding the work of value. I expect that Jacob’s tales mean a lot to all of you as they do me.

It’s quite humbling for me, in all honesty, to be a part of it all.

Jacob, keep the great stories coming!

Until next time,

“Daddy” Rick