Shadow of my Father - 14. Chapter 14

(BERNICE’S POINT OF VIEW)

None of us found Josh at lunch. That made me worry even more since I now know why he is staying away from us. Just as the bell rang I ran into Eric in the hallway. He looked just as concerned as I am.

“Bernice where do you think Josh has gone off to?”

“Right now I would figure Glee class. That is the only class you two don’t have together right?”

“Before it was just fifth period, now it is fourth and fifth since Mrs. Nunez transferred Josh out to Glee class due to his voice.”

I just looked at Eric getting very concerned for Josh. I talked Josh into ditching fourth period and heading over to Mr. Edger’s class. He is taking more of a chance ditching than I am. Simply put, his class is right across the hall of Mr. Edger’s class.

We waited about ten minutes after the final bell rang before heading over to Mr. Edger’s classroom. As we walked up to the door, I glanced in and there I saw Josh sitting listening to Mr. Edger. They seem to be cheering for something. I couldn’t make out what they are happy about. Josh is the only one in the group with an unhappy face.

All of a sudden we heard Mrs. Nunez’s voice behind us. I turned around to see Mrs. Nunez starring down Eric. Boy is Eric in trouble now.

“Well Eric why haven’t you answered my question? Why are you out here instead in my classroom where you belong?”

“Mrs. Nunez, um, well I, um……”

“You seem not to be able to speak Eric, so let me ask your friend here. First of all where are you suppose to be and why are you two out here in the hallway instead of your classes where you both belong?”

I just stood there just as bad as Eric. Not able to say a word to Mrs. Nunez. It is hard to tell if she is angry or not. Her voice doesn’t go up as if she is yelling, but her wording and body language tells a totally different and scary story.

“Well Mrs. Nunez we needed to check up on Josh. We haven’t seen him all day, and when we do, he doesn’t want to talk with us. There is something going on at home and we got it confirmed at lunch today when his brothers came over to rub his face in it.”

“I know Josh is having a hard time lately. I never thought his family would act mean or weird around him. I met the General and he seems to be a very nice guy. He seems to understand a lot and cares a lot for his children.

He came to me see several days ago very concerned for Josh. He thought I would have the answer he was seeking. I don’t know what gave him that idea. I care deeply for him and I want Josh to succeed in life. The life he is going to face is going to be a very hard life to live.”

Eric and I just looked at Mrs. Nunez. Does she know as well about Josh? Why is it that everyone else seems to catch on except for those who are looking?

“You know about Josh Mrs. Nunez?”

“I have had my suspicions. Don’t get me wrong you cannot tell by looking at him. For all intents and purposes, he acts just as he should. It’s just when someone comes to care for their student, like I have for Josh, we see a lot clearer than those who want to do harm or really don’t care about him or her.”

“Well Mrs. Nunez he told his father the other night about what he is hiding. His father took it very well and promised to back him no matter what. What I am worried about is what his mother thinks about it. She is the one that is going to do harm to Josh, not his father. I need to find out if anything went wrong at his house.”

“Josh is a good kid. He will work through whatever is going on. When he is ready he will talk with you guys. Just be there for him and let him know you care. I will as well keep an eye out for him.

Right now he has a lot of work ahead of him this afternoon. His father asked for the Glee Club to perform tonight. Mr. Edger has chosen four new songs and they have to learn them before tonight. In the meantime, why don’t you guys get to class? Eric I will let this one go and Bernice I will write you an excuse for class.”

Mrs. Nunez wrote me a note for my teacher, lying about why I am late. As I walked to class I still couldn’t shake a deep feeling something bad has happened to Josh. I know we are really not boyfriend and girlfriend, but I have grown to love him. I never want to see the hurt I am seeing on his face right now.

After school I headed down to Josh’s house. I knew I wasn’t going to find Josh there, but I wanted to get to the bottom of this. The only way I knew how to do it is by speaking with Brandon. As soon as I knocked on the door, Josh’s mom answered the door. She gave me a really dirty look.

“Bernice if you know what is best for you, you will leave. You are very lucky I don’t call your father and tell him what you and my son are up to. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that you are gay as well.”

I just looked at her not understanding the hate she has for gays. Now she has that hate for me as well. Before I could say anything, she slammed the door in my face. I couldn’t even ask to speak with Brandon.

I started walking off when I heard Brandon calling out. I turned and met him half way. He pulled me to the end of the block, out of eye view of his house.

“Bernice, have you spoken with my brother today?”

“No, none of us have, and we are very worried about him. Can you tell me what is going on here?”

“I don’t even know where to start. I figure from the beginning I should……”

I can’t believe what Brandon is telling me. I knew their mother is a bad person, but not this bad of a person. How can anyone do what she is doing to her own flesh and blood? Then Brandon got to a part that made me break down crying. I thought it was bad already, but then I get hit with a double whammy.

Now I know the reason Josh is acting the way he is. Anyone in his shoes would be acting that way. He is so embarrassed being alive; nothing that anyone can say or do will get him to feel better.

“Well Brandon I don’t know what to say or do. Josh needs us right now more than ever. I am going to make sure whenever your father isn’t around, he is at my house. He is going to stay with us and he stays until he has no other choice than to go home.”

“That is a good idea. I plan to tell my father tonight. I really don’t want to spoil his night, but I cannot let my brother keep getting hurt the way he is hurting right now. The only way to stop it is my father.”

I agreed with Brandon and we went our separate ways. I didn’t want Brandon to get in trouble talking with me. His brothers are due any time now from football practice. Plus his mother has to be wondering where he is right now.

I met Eric and the guys at the entrance of the football stadium. We bought our tickets and headed in. For students the cost is only fifty cents and all others a buck fifty. They explained why they are charging entrance to pay for the electric. I thought that was weird.

As soon as we got our seats, I pulled Eric and Chris aside. We told the rest we are heading to get something to drink. We volunteered to get their drinks as well. Once we were alone I started telling them what I found out from Brandon.

Their eyes almost popped out of their heads. Almost at the same time, both of them called Josh’s mom a bitch. We made a pact right then and there to do whatever it takes to protect Josh from his brothers and mom, whatever it takes.

Just as rejoined the others, the last speaker finished speaking and the Glee Club got introduced. Almost immediately the audience got into what the Glee Club is singing. Man we have a great club this year. They are going places without a doubt.

Then came Josh’s solo. All the stadium lights went off. One spot light shined, and it is shining on Josh. I love the way he plays. As he started playing and then singing, I couldn’t hold in the tears anymore. He has just a good voice. I looked over at Chris and he as well started to tear up. Josh’s voice is so good; it touches the emotion strings in me.

As he finished the audience gave him a standing ovation with thunderous applause. Josh deserved every ones clapping for him. He moved to the middle on the stage and started speaking. You can see and hear the love he has for his father in his voice as he spoke. Those two really do care for one another. I really hope Josh’s dad fixes what is going on in his house.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

I sat there stunned that Brandon actually spoke up. He spoke up knowing full well he is burying himself with my mom. Now when our dad leaves, both he and I are in the dog house. I am going to try and take all the hit. Brandon doesn’t deserve being treated the way I know I will be when my father leaves again.

As my father turned to me and asked me to if what Brandon is saying is the truth. I knew right there and then I needed to speak up. Or what my little brother did would have been done in vain.

“Josh I want the truth here, did your mom and brother’s do what Brandon say they did?”

“Well dad I don’t know about the meeting before I got home, but everything else is the truth. Everything that Brandon said did happen just as he said it did.”

My dad looked at my mother and then my two older brothers. I thought he couldn’t get any madder then what he is, but I was wrong. I started to think that our dad is so angry he might actually blow over right there and then with anger.

“I don’t even know where to even start here. I will start with you boys. Most of this is my fault for not being around as you grew up. I was here but not here. I don’t know if that makes sense or not to you.

I let your mom run the house and deal with you guys on the day to day issues. I only stepped in when you guys needed to be disciplined. I should have been more involved in your up bringing Daniel and Carlos.

I am now more involved with you guys. I would have never taught you the hate you have for you brother. I would have never shown you it is alright to treat another lesser then a person. All of us are equal not matter skin color, race, gender, or who we love. We are no different at all. You guys should know that with teachings of others around you.

You two have common sense Daniel and Carlos. You should have used common sense last night and known what was happening to your brother was wrong. You guys should have defended him from that wrong. Instead you supported it and then continued it at school today with Josh’s friends and others that would listen.

Now for that you guys are at fault. I cannot change the way you are. I can hope you will change and learn to love your brother Josh. In the mean time if you don’t, I will be on your case. For what you guys did today and didn’t do yesterday to help your brother you guys are at fault and will be punished for it. I am so incredibly angry right now that whatever I do will not be right. Let me cool down and then we will discuss your punishment.”

We just looked at our father. The look on his face is a look of complete disappoint. I look none of us have ever seen on him before. He got up and walked around the couch and chairs a couple of times before he spoke again.

“Boys leave me and your mother alone will you please? Carlos and Daniel wait for me in the study. I will be there in a few minutes where we can discuss your punishment. Josh and Brandon go up to your rooms. I don’t want to see any of you down here as I speak with your mom.”

I got up quickly and walked out to my room. Brandon followed me up the stairs. Daniel and Carlos headed to the study as dad asked them to do. They look very worried about what is to come. Before going into my room I stopped Brandon in the hallway.

“Thank you little bro, you don’t know how much this means to me. I love you so much!”

I hugged Brandon before I went into my room. He just stood there with a smile on his face, but at the same time with a look like he is lost. I walked back over to him and pulled him into my room.

(DANIEL SR’s POINT OF VIEW)

As the boys left the den I just looked out the window into the street. I couldn’t help but think to myself how in the world I am going to be able to run a State, if the people of this State give me a chance, when I cannot even properly run my own house? This one thought kept repeating over and over again in my mind.

I finally looked over to Martha. She didn’t even look worried. It is as if she thinks what she has done wasn’t wrong at all. I knew when I married her about the thoughts and feelings she has on gays and other things. I thought over time she would have grown out of those thoughts. Even more so being away from her mother and father! They were the ones that taught her to think that way!

“Martha I really don’t know what to say or do here. This isn’t the way I wanted to spend this evening at all. I just announced I am going to run for Governor and here in my own house I have my wife breaking all sorts of laws. What in the world are you thinking?”

“Daniel don’t act all surprised about the way I acted. You have known how I feel about that sin that is sitting upstairs in my house. If it was up to me I would have kicked him to the street with the rest of the trash. That is where he belongs after all.”

I just looked at Martha as the words floated off her tongue. It is as easy for her to speak this way about her own son, as I speak about making a sandwich. I truly don’t know what else to say or do with Martha. She thinks she has me by the balls.

“I warned you before I left if you do anything….”

“What, you are going to divorce me? You know full well if you do, your political career is over before it starts. This means you are going to have to make a decision, your career or your son. I know you Daniel; it will be your career.”

“That is where you are wrong Martha. One thing you should know about me is I am true to my word once I give it. I told you not to mistreat Josh in anyway. But you went ahead and did it anyway. To top it off, you did so without a care in yourself about what you are doing to Josh. No you just have nothing but hate in you and I cannot have that.

If this means the end of my political career, then so be it. My kids come first no matter what. I want you to go up and pack whatever you need. I want you out of this house where I and the kids stay. I want a divorce Martha!”

Martha just looked at me stunned. She really thought I wasn’t going to go through to what I had said before leaving. I cannot have her hurting Josh the way she did. No one will ever hurt my kids that way, including their mother.

“Wait a minute Daniel! You do realize what you are doing right now? This is ending your political career. You do understand that don’t you?”

“If it means I am done in politics before I even start, so be it. Right now Josh and the boys need a stable, down to earth parent. Not a parent that teaches hate and bigotry.”

“I will do everything in power Daniel to make sure you don’t get elected. I will go to every talk show that will have me and tell them lies if I have to. If it is the last thing I do, I will make sure you are not elected!”

“Martha if you even have a heart, the first thing that you should threaten is taking the kids from me. A good mother, parent, would think first of their children, not the down fall of the other parent providing for them.

Go right ahead and do what you think you need to do. Once they hear what you did to Josh because of him being gay, no one will let you on their stage. Put aside the gay factor, you treated your own son like crap. No ma’am you will not be able to deliver on that threat.”

“First it is your word against mine. You were out of town when this happened. If even our kids come out and say something, it won’t matter. I can play it off as you brain washing them. Who will they listen to?”

“First it won’t be word against word. One thing I have been told to start doing from Mr. James is to start carrying a little tape recorder. When I was gone, he even gave me the tape recorder. I know you so well, I decided to record us. I put it right here and recorded this entire conversation we just had. Now who is going to believe who?”

I stood behind the couch where I laid the mini tape recorder down. As I picked it up, Martha walked out of the den. I followed her as far as the stair case. She went upstairs, throwing some stuff around. Then she came back down with a couple of suitcases.

When Martha reached the door, the guards opened it for her. I completely forgot the RNC assigned private security for me as I run for governor. They looked at me as they saw Martha standing there with suit cases in her hands.

“Let her go guys, she is going to her parent’s house. No need to go with her. She will not have anything to do with my campaign.”

They moved, allowing Martha to pass. I didn’t care if she took the car. I didn’t want to take her to wherever she decided to go. I walk over to the guards and told them they she will not be returning to home. If she comes here when I am not around, not to let her in! They just looked at me as I told them my request.

I called down Josh and Brandon back to the den. I went into the study and got Daniel and Carlos to join me in the den with their brothers. I really don’t know what I am going to tell them, but it needs to be the truth.

I walked in looking at my boys. I know this is going to be bad, but I need to do everything in my power to protect each of my boys from everything I can. If that includes their mother and me, then so be it!

“Ok now that I have settled down I need to talk with all you boys. Right now this household is in turmoil. I am the one to blame for this. I should have been a better father than what I was. That is going to change and change now.

Before I left I asked your mother to not do anything stupid. I know your mother and I know how she reacts to certain things. With Josh here, I knew she’d have only one reaction to it; she’d flip out. So I warned her not to change the way she treated him or any of you. All you boys are equal no matter what you choose to do in life or who you love.

Now with that said, I told you mother if she over reacted it could be the end of our marriage. There are things that can be forgiven and looked past. What she did just cannot be overlooked or forgiven. No one should be treated like the way Josh here got treated. But, he was and I cannot take that back!

What I can do is ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Since your mom is gung ho on treating Josh different I cannot have it. We decided since she doesn’t want to change and treat Josh equally and decently, and I cannot have her doing what she did, we are going to get a divorce.”

The boys just looked at me. The looks on their face are looks of fear and the unknown.

“Look, your mother and I have been having problems way before this. We just didn’t show you guys. That is the way it should be. The children of a house should never know when the parents are fighting. They need to have fun and see the world with untainted eyes.

Your mother gave me a choice. The choice was, without question, a no brainer as to where I was going to land. No one tells me either it’s me or your kids. It will always be my kids before anything else. You guys are my life. When I am dead and gone from this earth, the legacy I leave behind isn’t the wars I fought in, or any political achievement I might get, it’s my children. You guys are my legacy I cherish and want to be looked and graded on, nothing more.”

We talked for a while in the den before calling it a night. Daniel and Carlos see they did wrong, but I know I still have a long ways to go with those two. Brandon and Josh are very close, I see that now. In each of their own way, the boys are so different but at the same time so alike!

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

The next morning I found dad in the kitchen with my grandmother. She just finished with breakfast when I walked in. One thing with our grandmother on our father’s side, she can cook. We cannot leave the house without eating a full meal.

Just as I sat down to eat Brandon came in, followed by Daniel and Carlos. We all sat down at the table and ate. We talked about my father going out on the campaign trail. My dad told us that Grandma Rose will be staying in the house for now on taking care of things. We are to listen to her as if our dad is giving the order.

Dad isn’t leaving yet for a couple of days, but he wants to get things in order. One thing he did make clear to us is to keep our breaks and the summer open. We are to join him on the campaign trail. I have no problem with that.

As soon as I walked into the cafeteria everyone started to clap. It really made me feel really good. I actually grabbed me more breakfast and made my way to the table. I found everyone there already. They were already into a deep discussion on who is the better candidate for Governor.

I joined in making my father’s case. I don’t know if they agreed with me because it is my farther or they truly believe he is the better person for the job.

“Hey let’s lighten the mood a little, let me tell you a riddle?”

Almost everyone moaned at the same time. Who doesn’t like riddles, I surely do.

“Come on Josh your riddles are hard and you never give us the answers to them. Wait I am wrong there, you do, but weeks later. After we completely forget about the riddle you originally told us.”

“I promise Patrick I will give you guys the answer at lunch if you don’t get the answer by then. Riddles make you think and forget everything else.”

I looked around the table and it seems they just gave up and said yes.

“Ok then, if a dime and a quarter were on the Empire State Building, which would jump off first? “

Everyone looked at each other I figure to see if they have the answer. When they realized they didn’t, they looked back at me. I just leaned back waiting for them to give me the answer. They started shouting out off the wall answers, which none of them are right. The bell rang alerting us it is time to head out.

Through the morning I took Eric, Chris and Bernice to the side and told them what is up. From the beginning to last night! They seemed stunned about the reaction my dad had about it. I think they thought that my dad would have let it slide.

I asked Bernice and Chris to come over to the house after school. For Bernice it is a routine, but I want Chris to start joining in. Both of them said yes they will go. I know it will be weird probably for both of them, but they will get used to it.

All day long other students came up to me patting me on my back. Telling me how awesome they thought I was last night. During Glee Class we patted each other on the backs for pulling it off. I got up and thanked them again on behalf of my dad.

Through the day I actually started to have fun. During swim practice, Coach made it an easy day. For the first time this school year, I have no meets or performances to deal with. That means I can spend time with Chris. I really want to spend as much time with him as possible now.

Chase and I walked out of practice finding Bernice in the spot she always waits for me. All the way home we talked about everything that happened at school today. How I have become a rock star overnight. Nothing got mentioned about what had happened in my house over the past several days.

When we walked in, my grandmother greeted us. I introduced her to Bernice and Chris. She seemed to like them from the get go. She invited Bernice and Chris to the kitchen to have a snack before we head up to study.

She pulled me aside as we headed to the kitchen.

“Josh is that young man the one you like?”

I looked at my grandma surprised to hear her ask that. I thought she would be as equal if not worse then my mom is about this subject.

“Come on Josh you can tell this old lady. He is a very good looking boy. If I was your age, I would gobble him up before anyone else could get him.”

I started laughing! I never heard my grandmother talk this way before. It actually made me feel really good. I now know I can talk to her about anything that is going on in my life, including my love life with Chris.

“Yes grandma he is the one I like. In fact I have already snatched him up. So you will have to stay with grandpa for now.”

She started laughing, rubbing my head. We walked into the kitchen and joined Bernice and Chris. I sat between Bernice and Chris, giving both the same amount of feed back. I love them both, but Chris in a lot different way.

My grandma on the other hand really got along with both of them. It looks like she really likes Chris. I am glad she does. That way I can ask him to come over a lot more than I had planned to. Just as we finished up, my dad walked in.

He already knows Bernice, but he never met Chris. I introduced my father to Chris as we walked out. He stopped us and chatted with us for a few minutes. The last thing he told us was for Chris.

“Chris you are always welcome in this house. Please never be a stranger or feel unwelcome. If my son likes you, I like you.”

That put a smile on Chris’s face as we walked upstairs, as well mine. We didn’t get much studying done. Pretty much the entire time we played around! The good playing, not the playing I wanted to do with Chris. Brandon joined us about an hour later.

Before we knew it, the clock hit six. We heard Bernice’s father honking for her. We all walked her out to the car in the drive way. As always I greeted her dad as she got in. Bernice introduced Chris to her father. Just as Chris and I started walking in, Bernice’s dad called out for me to come back.

“Josh I had planned to go and not listen to what has been told to me. I just cannot do that when it comes down to my daughter. You mother stopped by my church today and spoke with me. She had a lot to say when she stopped by.”

I just looked at him as Brandon went in and got our dad. I really didn’t know what to say. I know sooner or later I will need to talk about my sexual orientation. I just thought I might have more time to get myself together to do so.

Just as I started to answer, my dad interrupted me.

“Father Gomez! How are you tonight father? I understand you have some concerns about what my wife Martha had told you.”

“Yes General Lopez I do have several concerns. Mainly because of the religion I have to find out more about things that my daughter might be involved in. Those in my church hold me up to higher standards.”

“Well Father I can see where you are coming from. Already my family and life is going through the wringer. You are part of the church and I am trying to run for political office. Two different things all together, but at the same time, very much the same! The people we are here to represent need us to be above approach.

But what our kids do and are shouldn’t affect what we are as a person. We do our best to bring them up, but eventually they develop into their own person. What and who my son is, isn’t his fault Father. Trust me when I say this. He didn’t choose to live a life of turmoil.

Now what my wife went to you and said was out of spite against me. We are moving towards divorce because what she did in this house when I was gone. I will not stand here and speak ill of her. My family knows, and those are all who matter to me.”

Father Gomez looked at my father and then over to Bernice. The look on his face is a look of him thinking. At least I hope that is his look of thinking. I really don’t know the Father. I just hope he isn’t one of those religious, by the book people.

“General Lopez, what I see here is your wife talking out of turn. She is going around trying to make friction where there shouldn’t be any. I know my own house, and I cannot judge others if I have the same in my own house.

I also agree with you General Lopez, it isn’t a chosen life. The Bible is written that man shall not lay down with another man as with a woman. But then I look at it also in this way. If that is true, why then did the Almighty place this on this earth within certain people? God gave his only Son for our sins. That means He wouldn’t put a child of His on this earth with conflicting issues. He wouldn’t deem a percentage of His children so sinful, that they will never get to Heaven. Again that is because they don’t choose to be gay.

I have several different issues within myself I have to figure out before passing judgment. I have to reevaluate my teachings about gays don’t get me wrong here. I am not saying I will marry gays, but I am saying they should have just as much right to live on this earth as the rest of us. The reasons I already explained.”

“Father Gomez, thank you for your understanding on this issue. I really hope you don’t change anything between my son and your daughter. Although they are not boyfriend and girlfriend, I believe they are very good friends.”

“I agree with you General Lopez one hundred percent. Nothing will change. I hope one day soon my own flesh and blood could sit down with me as your son did with you and talk. I am an understanding person. No matter what, I will always love my family because they are my blood.”

I couldn’t believe what I just heard. I don’t think my father could believe it either. Father Gomez and Bernice left as we walked back into the house. My dad invited Chris to stay for dinner, with a promise after dinner my dad will give him a ride home.

The rest of the week went pretty fast. When Friday rolled around, we all had to say good bye to my dad. He has to head out and start campaigning for the office he wants. I know I am going to miss him a lot while he is gone. This time out, he is going to be gone for two weeks. Not very long, but still gone.

Although Carlos and Daniel didn’t talk to me still, but they left me alone1 I am fine with them leaving me alone. No dirty looks or anything either.

True to his word, Bernice’s father didn’t change anything between me and her. I got a little angry when she told me that she didn’t tell her dad about her. We all know that her dad knows, but she is still afraid. Just like me, only time will get her ready.

Chris has joined Bernice and me every evening after swim practice. My grandma made us do our studies downstairs after finding the first day Chris came over we didn’t do our homework. She caught me doing my homework later in the evening. Once we showed her the homework got done. She allowed us to do whatever we wanted, except sex.

I really want to be with Chris so bad! I figured maybe he and I could go to the movies or something tonight. I need to make it look like a guy’s night out since Coach and his wife Nancy doesn’t know about Chris and me. Isn’t it weird? I am the one that was wrong, that always worried about my father and mother not taking me being me. And look, yeah my mother wasn’t cool about it, but my dad surprised me.

After my dad left I went back up to my room to get ready for school. I couldn’t help but wish that my dad could be here. I know that sounds bad, but I feel protected with him around. I really hope my grandma isn’t like my mom, with two different sides.

Each of the guys I hang with separately came up to me letting me know they are cool about Chris and me. In fact almost all of them even went as far as saying and pushing Chris and I closer together each time we are around each other.

Bernice would laugh about it, and then pull me to her. In all sense and purpose here at school we decided to keep it on the down low. The less people know, the better and safer we are. I know it isn’t going to last for very long, with my dad and all.

(PATRICK’S POINT OF VIEEW)

Frank and I decided to take Josh and Chris aside and let them know about us. I know they are going to be cool about it. Maybe even we can double date once each of us knows about the other.

During lunch, Josh kept teasing everyone. No one has figured out the riddle he gave us at the beginning of the week. We all got on him for breaking his promise he gave us. You know the promise that no matter what he would give the answer the same day during lunch. He still hasn’t days later.

“Ok, ok guy’s I will give you the answer to the riddle. Once you hear it, you guy’s will feel dumb. It is the dime, because it has less sense (cents).”

Josh started laughing, which none of us did. Still I liked seeing Josh laugh. It has been awhile since I have seen him laugh. So much has gone on in his life. It is hard for anyone in his shoes to laugh like he is doing now.

I heard Josh asking Chris to go to the movies tonight. I decided to barge in and ask if Frank and I could join them if they go. Josh had no problem of us joining if he can get Chris to go. Josh promised to let me know when he gets the answer from Chris.

I went to find Frank and let him know what might happen. Frank started to act like Chris acted when Josh asked him to go to the movies. What is up with these guys? It is just a double date that is all. It might not even be that!

I just ignored Frank and left. I am not about to let anyone get me into a bad mood. I feel good today. But at the same time; I want to do something with Frank. I also want to let Josh and Chris know they are not alone.

Maybe that is what is getting Frank mad. Maybe he is angry because I want to tell Josh and Chris about us. If he doesn’t want me to tell anyone about us, all he has to do is tell me. There’s no need to get into this weird mood and jump on me for everything I do or want to do.

I got brought out of thought with a scratching, irritating voice. A voice we all come to expect trouble whenever heard. I looked up and saw Elizabeth heading straight for me. Boy this woman can walk like a witch whenever she thinks she has something to use against someone.

“Whatever it is Elizabeth I don’t want to hear it. I know you and the way you are. You have the walk of a determined woman that has something to get off her chest. You either want something confirmed or get a favor done! Whatever it is, I don’t want any part of it.”

“Wow Patrick you have gotten to know me well. You are right, but I am trying to get something confirmed to protect the one we all want to protect.”

“I know it is nothing but lies that are coming out of your mouth. You don’t care for anyone except yourself. Even then I don’t think you do. If you can get ahead by chopping off one of your fingers, you would do that.”

“Patrick just listen to first before making any assumptions about what….”

“You are coming to me for no other reason except everyone else either turned you away or you know they won’t have any dealing with the question you have. You need to count me in that group Elizabeth. I don’t want anything to do with you.”

I walked away leaving Elizabeth just standing there. I am almost sure I know what she is after. She heard rumors already about Josh and now she wants it confirmed. I should have directed her back to Josh if it concerned him. Damn it!

(ELIZABETH’S POINT OF VIEW)

I decided to get early and head over to Josh’s house to speak with his mother after everyone leave. I know she will speak with me when no one is around. But for some reason everyone is leaving late today, which makes it harder for me to talk with Josh’s mom. Simply put, I would now need to be blunt because of time restraints.

Finally Brandon is leaving! He is always the last one to leave the house for school because of not being in any sports. I saw Daniel and Carlos leave together, and then Josh several minutes later.

I walked up to the house and knocked on the door. I waited for a few minute and right as I lifted my hand to knock again, the door opened. I have no idea who this older lady is. I have never met her before. I can assume it is one of Josh’s grandparents.

“Yes may I help you young lady?”

“Yes ma’am, I am wondering if Mrs. Lopez is here by any chance. I need to speak with her about an urgent message.”

“Well there young lady, you may not know me, but I know everything about you. If you know what is best you will leave and not come back Elizabeth. Mrs. Lopez was told not to speak with you whenever her son isn’t around. You know that, so the urgent message is nothing good for my grandson.”

I really don’t know how to respond to what she just told me. It seems that I am a topic around here. It seems a general warning has been posted somehow. But I wonder why she is answering the door instead of Mrs. Lopez. It isn’t her house after all.

“Look young lady I am trying to be as nice as I possibly be without slamming the door on you. Unless Josh brings to this house, you cannot come by. I will be here and be making sure this thing you have between Josh’s mom ends. You two ladies will stop being in bed together trying to make trouble for my grandson. He has enough to worry about without you being a thorn in his side as well. If you come around again without my grandson at your side, you will be walking off this property with a couple of bullet holes….”

Before she could finish I turned around and walked away. There is no way I am going to allow her to shoot me. I really don’t think she would, but I am not going to stick around to find out either.

Still I need to find out if what I have heard about Josh is true. Or is it just talk because of talk. You know us students like to gossip about anyone at anytime, all the time. I heard by other students, they heard form others that heard it from others, that Josh’s brothers started spreading around the school that Josh is gay!

I know this for a fact that Eric, Bernice, and Chris will not even give me the time of day. That leaves really two people that might talk with me. Patrick and the other kid Frank. They really don’t have the time in as friends with Josh to feel as loyal to him.

So I decided top set out and find Patrick and see what I am hearing is true. At first I couldn’t find Patrick anywhere, and then it just seemed to appear in front of me. I called out to him. He looked up and stared straight at me.

Before I could get in a word edge wise, Patrick off loaded on me! Forget about the short time period he has been friends with Josh, he will not say anything bad about him. Each time I tried to speak, Patrick closed me off. Just as I was about to try again, he walked off. Damn it, what is going on today with people and me?

Now I have only one person left to see if he would confirm what I have been hearing. I don’t know the guy at all, and that is going to make it harder. But still it is worth a try!

I found Frank at his locker getting his books for next period. Without giving him a warning I walked straight up to him. Before he could look up I started talking. I figured this is the only way I can control the conversation.

“Frank I have a question for you. Please whatever you think about me or heard about me put it aside. I am asking this question to try and help protect Josh. I have been hearing some very ugly rumors about him, and if not true, they need to stop.”

Frank just looked at me, not saying a word. I believe I have him on my hook. All I have to do is reel him in.

“Frank I have been hearing from several people that Josh’s brothers have been going around spreading rumors that Josh is gay. I know Josh, and I know it cannot be true. He and I had sex. There is no way what his brothers are saying are true! You need to tell me the truth that way we can do everything possible to protect Josh from these rumors.”

Frank just looked at me as if I am from another world. He cleared his throat, moved in closer to me and started to speak.

“Elizabeth what is being said about Josh by his brothers is……”

“Damn it Elizabeth why can’t you get the message by now. No one wants to talk with you, and that includes Frank here. You have a way to trick us into telling you stuff that you shouldn’t know. If you need something confirmed, go to the one that is being talked about. Leave the rest of us alone.”

Patrick walked up and stopped Frank right as he was about to tell me. Damn it! What in the world do I have to do in order to get the rumor either confirmed or denied?

“Patrick, Frank here wants to talk to me. Why are you putting your nose where it doesn’t belong? Stop following me and trying to stop me from finding out what I have heard is true. Let Frank here tell me what he wanted to!”

“Frank I bet you Elizabeth here told you a sob story. How she wants to protect Josh and that she isn’t what we have been warned about her. With her own actions she has proven in the past everything we have been told about her is true. So how can we trust her now that she is telling the truth? If she is concerned about whomever, she needs to go to that person to ask the questions she is asking us.”

Frank looked at Patrick then back at me. Just the look on his face told me I have lost. Patrick convinced Frank not to finish what he started to tell me. In fact Frank closed his locker and walked off with Patrick without saying a word. It looks like they are arguing about something. More then likely it is about me almost getting the information.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

Chris and I left the movie theatre with Patrick and Frank. The movie was ok, not my kind of movie, but the others wanted to see it. Just as we walked out of the building, we found Frank’s dad waiting for us. As we got into the car, we told him where to drop us off. Chris and I are going to my house.

After saying good bye to the guys Chris and I went into the house. We said ‘hi’ to my grandmother and headed upstairs. At first we were both shy about what to do next. After sitting on the bed for a few minutes, I decided to move closer to him.

I figure Chris got the hint because he started moving closer to me as well. Once we met in the middle we started to kiss I love the way Chris’s lips feels on mine. They are so soft and moist. Plus they taste really good. I don’t know if he puts on lip gloss or not, but man does his lips taste so good!

I started feeling up Chris’s chest. I managed to get my hand under his shirt. I so wanted this really bad. The feel of Chris’s skin within my hands makes me feel like I am walking on air. Neither of us a body builders, but Chris is defined pretty damn well.

Chris some how got his hand under my shirt as well. I didn’t mind at all. In fact with him feeling me up is making me even harder then I already am. Just as Chris started making his way down to my stomach, I felt it is a green light for me to do the same thing.

I gently guided down Chris’s chest to his stomach. Once I reached Chris’s waist band of his jeans. I stopped there for a few moments. Once I felt that Chris is fine with me on moving on I did. I gently placed my hand on his dick.

I felt his entire dick through his jeans. I broke the kiss and looked down to Chris’s lap to see if I am actually touching what I thought I wanted to touch. I thought I might have grabbed his leg because how big his dick felt to me. But no mistake, I actually have his dick in my hand through his jeans.

I let go to see if I could actually see the out line of Chris’s dick in his jeans. Shouldn’t be a surprise to me, but there it is, the out line of his dick. I returned to kissing Chris as I started to unzip his jeans. Once I had his jeans unzipped, I made my way in through his fly. Now the only thing in my way to actually feeling the flesh of Chris’s dick is his underwear.

Still I didn’t hesitate to start jerking Chris off through his underwear. As I started jerking him off, Chris started moaning and kisses my neck. More and more Chris kisses turned into bites as I picked up my speed jerking him off.

Just as Chris nearly reached his climax I stopped. I didn’t want to waste the load in his jeans. I wanted the nice cream in my mouth instead. Chris stopped kissing my neck and just looked at me in my eyes with his puppy dog eyes.

I couldn’t help but giggle as he looked at that way. I lifted his arms up in order to pull off his shirt. Once I had Chris’s shirt off, I started sucking on each of his nipples. That made Chris move around my bed like a fish out of water. I found I like it when I have this kind of control over him.

Still I wanted his dick so bad in my mouth. I made my way down as quickly as I could. As I reached Chris’s fly, his dick is actually sticking out of it. I leaned down and started licking the head knowing full well this is driving Chris wild.

As I licked around Chris’s head, I undid the button of his jeans. With Chris’s help, I started to pull his jeans off. At the same time I grabbed the waist band of his underwear. That way I got both off in one full swoop.

Once I got Chris’s pants and underwear to his ankles, I went back to what I was doing. This time I didn’t even bother playing with his head of his Dick. I just took Chris’s dick into my mouth. Without even warning him, I started to give him a blowjob. All Chris could do now is moan and hope I will not make him wait to long to help him get to his climax once again.

I sat there between his legs bobbing up and down Chris’s dick. Enjoying every minute of it! All of a sudden I felt Chris grab onto my hair and guided my head up and down. In fact he started controlling the speed in which I was blowing him.

It didn’t bother me at all. In fact it made me even hornier then I already am. I let Chris control the speed in which he wants me to suck his dick. Somewhere I actually got used to deep-throating him. I don’t know how to explain it, but each time Chris’s dick actually hit the back roof of my throat. It sent electric feeling pulses through my body.

My dick is so hard now, it started hurting. I needed to free it from its confinements in my jeans. I quickly undid my belt and button to my jeans. Some how managed to pull my jeans down to my thighs. I reached for the waist band of my underwear, but Chris started to talk.

“Josh, you make me feel as if I am in space, you are about to make me cum, I am about to cum, let go, I am about to…..”

“Earth to Josh, Josh come in. Mr. Lopez are you there, answer me.”

I looked up and some how Chris’s voice changed. Then his face started changing to, what the hell, it is Sergeant Haney standing in front of me. I wiped my mouth and looked around. I found myself back in fifth period ROTC class.

This couldn’t have been a day dream, no way. It was way to detailed to be just a dream. I looked down to my lap and realized I am sporting a huge hard on. I looked back up to Sergeant Haney to see what he wanted.

“Yes sir I am listening to you!”

“Not from where I was standing Mr. Lopez. You were actually sleeping in my class. No one sleeps in my class! Do you understand what I am telling you?”

I just looked at Sergeant Haney not answering him at all. I know that is pissing him off even more then me sleeping in class. I just hope I didn’t talk in my sleep. Plus I am trying to buy time before he makes me get up. You know, I am sporting a hard on. I need that thing to go down so no one sees.

“Mr. Lopez either you are deaf or dumb, maybe both. But I asked you if you understood what I was telling you. No one sleeps in my class while I am trying to get you ready for your six weeks exam. I don’t do this for my health you know?”

“Yes sir I do know and I am sorry. I didn’t get that much sleep last night. I know that isn’t an excuse, but that is the truth. It will not happen again sir.”

“No it will not happen again. Get up, go outside and run the monument. Maybe a little excise will get your blood flowing. That way when you return to class you will be awake. You have missed already a day of prep already.”

I got up to head out. I bought enough time to let my dick go down. When I got up, my dick actually went down to semi hard. With the help of my jeans and underwear, no one can see my semi hard dick.

As soon as I got outside, I started to run the monument. This damn thing is steep as hell. There is really nothing but weeds and bushes with thorns to grab onto. I slid several times as I made my way to the top. Once I reached the top, I started my way down. I thought it would have been easier on the way down. Boy, I am wrong on that count. Most of the way down, I actually stumbled or slipped most of the way.

Finally I reached the bottom just to find Major Moore standing there. The guy actually gives me the willies. Anytime he is around, it’s to let us know what we are doing wrong or inspect us. Nothing ever comes to any good when Major Moore is in front of you. I just looked at him as he measured me up and down.

“Mr. Lopez you don’t look like your brothers Daniel and Carlos. In fact if I would see you in the street, I wouldn’t even think you are even related to them two. Let me ask you something Mr. Lopez, and I want your honest answer.”

I looked at Major Moore and shook my head up and down.

“You don’t care much about this class do you? In fact you are probably taking this class because your father told you to or for your P.E. credit. “

“Well sir to be pure honest with you I am taking this class only for the two reasons you just mentioned. Once I get my P.E. credit and my dad allows me to drop the class, I am out of here. This isn’t my thing!”

“Oh this isn’t your thing you say? I noticed this isn’t your thing since day one. The very first day you walked through my doors I noticed you didn’t want to be here. Why don’t I talk with your father and see if he will let you drop this class and let you take regular P.E.”

“Well you can talk to my father, but good luck doing so. First of all he will not let me drop this class. Second of all, he isn’t in town and won’t be for several weeks.”

“So he already on the campaign trail I see. Well maybe if I flunk you, your dad will allow you to drop this class.”

“As of today I am running an ‘A’ in this class. Even if I flunk the six weeks test and semester exam, I cannot flunk the class. My dad keeps close tabs on our grades and he already knows I am running an ‘A’ in this class.”

That will not stop me from doing it next semester. I don’t want cadets in my Battalion that don’t want to be here just for their P.E. credit or their father wants them to take the class. No sir I will not have cadets like you in my class.”

“Well you may not like it, but I am here to stay. If you choose to flunk me, give me a harder time then others, or just try to push me out, my dad will be told, in fact he will be told about this talk. He will not be happy to say the least.”

“No need to be threatening me about something that hasn’t happened yet. At the same time Mr. Lopez you listen to me. You will shape up in this class. If you step out of line even once, I will be there. I will make you regret ever being in this class. No cadet manages to last a semester in my Battalion if they don’t want to be here. You will not be any different than the rest.

Either you shape up, or I will ship you out. Is that understood Mr. Lopez?”

“Yes sir it is. I will obey each and every rule as I have been doing. I will study and learn everything this class asks me to learn. You will not have a reason to tell me a thing or be in front of me again.”

With that Major Moore excused me to head back to class. Just as I entered the large classroom, the bell rang. The class got excused as I made my way to get my books. I walked out once I got them.

The last hour of class went by fast. Only thing left is swim practice. I will try once again and ask Chris if he wants to go to the movies with me. Although he cannot swim, he still attends practices every day.

I couldn’t talk with Chris while I changed. He never left Coach’s office once. Even as I made my way to the pool, Chris stayed back in the office. Coach already made his way out, but not Chris. I wonder if he is trying to ditch me or something.

Coach blew his whistle for all us to begin warming up. We took turns in the pool in order to warm up. But we only have fifteen minutes to squeeze in our entire warm ups. Just as I made my first lap, I heard Elizabeth yelling for me.

I looked over to the public entrance to see Elizabeth coming towards me. She doesn’t look happy. But then again, when does she ever look happy? I got out of the pool and headed towards her. Hoping to catch her before she made her way completely to the pool!

Even Coach stepped in front of her. He tried to stop her, but she actually pushed him out of the way. Just then Chris walked into the pool area from the locker room. He looked at what has started to unfold. By then I started to almost run towards Elizabeth in order to stop her from coming into the pool area.

I finally caught Elizabeth right as the bleachers started. I didn’t even have time to react to her raising her hand. Then she hit me, man it hurt like all hell. I figure it hurt as bad because my face is still wet being in the pool. She yelled at me at the same time.

“You fucking asshole, how could you do this to me?”

Coach stepped in and grabbed her hand as she went to hit me again.

“Elizabeth you will come with me to the principal’s office. You just cannot barge in here and start hitting on one of my swimmers. I don’t care the reason why.”

She shrugged off the hold Coach had on her arms. She went again to hit me. I didn’t try to move or defend myself; I just let her hit several more times before Coach got her again.

“Don’t you understand who you are defending here? Not only a liar and a cheat, but a fucking f……….”

TO BE CONTINUED……………..

{It looks like Elizabeth got the answer she has been looking for. She already was making trouble for Josh before knowing that he is gay. Now that she has that information, she isn’t going to let it go. She more than likely feels betrayed by Josh being gay. Now she is really going to make trouble for him.

Do you guys think that General Lopez is actually going to go through with the divorce? He doesn’t need his dirty laundry out there for all to see. Who knows what Martha is going to say through her anger? She already went to Bernice’s father and told him about her own son.

Talking about Bernice’s father, did any of you get what I got from him when he was talking to Josh’s dad? I think Father Gomez knows about Bernice. He is just giving her a chance to tell him. Let me know what you think. Should Bernice come out and tell her father that she is gay too? Or should she stay in the closet?

I don’t think there is anything going on with Chris. What I mean I don’t think he is trying to hide from Josh in anyway. I just think he doesn’t want to go out in public with others just yet. Who knows what is going on with Chris? We just going to have to wait and see about him.

From Josh’s grandmother moving in, to Eric and the guys knowing about Josh, and then with Major Moore threatening to flunk Josh out of ROTC because he feels Josh doesn’t want to be there. There is so much drama going on in Josh’s life right now. So many open plots still out there and many more plots to come.

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

Sure as death and taxes, Elizabeth got the 411 ! Oh, the leopard is going to stalk the prey and pounce at any vulnerable moment. I can’t wait for the Cheer squad to clean the mess up! I think Heather might prove to be a fearsome adversary!

Major Moore wants to tempt fate with a visit from a GENERAL? No, the man’s not THAT stupid, surely. If I were Major Moore, I’d sure think long and hard about messing with a General’s kid. We already know he’s going to protect his son from any sort of injustice. Perhaps the General could arrange for the Major to instruct an ROTC Battalion in far northern Alaska. I’d bet all he’d have to do is drop a dime and suggest it to the right person.

Well, well, Josh’s close friends knew the score and were just being respectful and kind not backing him into a corner. I’d have expected nothing less of them. They have proven to be true blue friends; the kind that always has a buddy’s back covered.

I wonder when Bernice is going to get some romance going for herself. I suspect that she’s going to buck up and tell her dad her facts. She’s strong, but didn’t want to disappoint is my guess.

“Balls Of The Week Award” goes to Brandon!

Until next time !

“Daddy” Rick