Shadow of my Father - 24. Chapter 24

(ELIZABETH’S POINT OF VIEW)

I couldn't believe that my father actually won my case in front of the school board. They rescinded my suspension and reinstated me back to El Paso High School. Of course, they made it very clear; I can’t get into any more trouble. If I do, I will be out of there and there is not a thing anyone can do about it.

My father also got the school board to override my principal on me being in alternative class. When I return back to school I will have my regular schedule of classes. That is going to anger, Principal Michaels to no end. I won’t have an ally in my school principal. I lost that a long time ago so it doesn't matter.

For the first time since I can remember, I had not been invited to any party during the Thanksgiving holiday. I actually spent the entire four days out home with my family. I felt really out of place on spending so much time at home with my family.

So when the alarm clock went off this morning, I jumped out of bed in a great mood. It’s Monday and my return back to El Paso High is today. I will meet with the principal in the morning. But before I do, I want to find the cheerleaders and make amends.

After getting ready and eating breakfast at home I headed to school. I walked directly to the cafeteria to find my friends. As I walked through the doors of the cafeteria I noticed nothing has changed since I left.

The same old groups are sitting together at the same tables. I looked around to see if I see Josh and his gang at the table. But they aren’t there, so I went over to my friends. Just like everything else, they’re sitting at the same table.

Several my friends looked over at me as I walked towards the table. They waved as I reached them, but they all stopped talking. They just looked at me with blank expression on their faces.

“Good morning, everyone. Please give me a chance to speak with all of you this morning. I promise you, I am not here to make any trouble for any of you.”

Before continuing I looked around the table in order to gauge their response. None of them said a word, but they actually nodded their heads up and down. I took that as permission to continue talking with them. I stood at the edge of the table and started talking again.

“First let me say that I am sorry for everything. I have done a lot of horrible shit this year. Many of you constantly kept warning me to cool it, and I didn't. I won’t make any excuses for my behavior. I lost the guy that I love and I reacted in the worst way possible for young lady.

I won my appeal with the school board last week. They agreed with my parents on everything and reinstated me back in school with regular classes. I'll be meeting with Principal Michaels before going back to class this morning.

I decided to take this time to speak with all of you and hope you forgive me. I want to be able to come back not only to regular classes, but also to my friends and extra activities after school that I was doing.”

I stopped talking and once again looked around the table to gauge the response of the girls. As I looked at them they kept looking at each other. It looks like I won half of them over but not the other half.

“Heather made it clear to all of us what to do with you. If you ever come back, we aren’t to speak with you at all. She believes every word that comes out of your mouth is nothing but lies. You can’t be trusted and that’s proven by your past actions.

Heather runs the senior squad, but not the junior or freshman squads. We have talked about this several times with each other. After that, we spoke with Heather and decided what to do in case you came back. We all agreed on the outcome.

You didn't lie about saying what you said earlier. You have made a huge mess out of something so small. We understand you got hurt. When you found out about Josh being gay it threw you for a loop. Then you went and handled it all wrong, and made all of us look really bad.

Still, you are our friend, and we can’t leave you on the outside. We have no problem with you coming back to the squad, but we have a couple rules. First, you've got to let this thing go between you and Josh. If you continue to make problems, you are gone. Second, you are to start as a regular cheerleader. You will need to re-earn your leadership position. And finally, you must make amends with Heather.

We are going against what she wants but she won’t be around when we reach the senior squad. In the mean time, we all have to deal with her. It will make it a lot easier if you two can at least speak with each other.”

I looked at Alicia as she went down the list of the few rules I have to follow in order to come back. I have no problem with any of those rules. Well, I might have a problem with just one of them but I can hide that.

“Alicia, and everyone, I have no problem with anything that was said here today. I will follow those rules to the T.”

Everyone got up from the table and started clapping and cheering as they surrounded me. I am back and boy, am I glad. One thing is over, and now I must go visit with the principal. I think this talk with my friends wasn't half bad. I feared this more than my meeting with Principal Michaels. With him, all I have to do is stay quiet and agree with everything he says.

The bell rang to signal the start of the school day. I made plans with everyone to join them at lunch before leaving them. I walked directly to the Principal's office from the cafeteria. When I got to the office, the Principal is actually waiting for me.

We went directory back to his office, and I sat in the chair where I normally sit. He pulled my file out, before he took his seat behind the desk. He opened it, but he didn't even look at it.

“You must have nine lives or something Elizabeth. You keep getting out of every jam that you get yourself into. Don’t think this is over because it isn't by a long shot. I will be placing a call to the Governor Elect to inform him about school board ruling.

Your father might know a lot of people at the city level, but he is making a huge enemy with the soon-to-be governor of this State. He is very popular and he can reach down to city levels and make changes.

He can’t change the ruling of the school board, but he can change the school board. Our school board is not elected. Our mayor is elected and he will need the support of the Governor when he comes up for reelection. That is how the governor will reach out and correct this situation.

Plus every friend your father has in high offices around the city will be gone. That will either leave your father out of everything or a person that no one would dare to be associated with. Because anyone that is associated with your father will be an outcast in city politics and state politics.

You know your schedule and you know the rules of the school. By order of the school board I must reinstate you as a regular student. I am doing it under objection and the school board knows that.

When the school board called me and told me about their decision I made it very clear to them as I am with you today that you won’t last. With the hate and anger you have inside you it's just a matter of time. You are going to act on it again and when you do you are gone for good.

Enough with my speeches; now get out of my office and I don’t want to see you here again.” I got up to leave, but the Principal stopped me at the door. “Elizabeth, you will mess up again here at school and when you do, I will get a lot of enjoyment getting rid of you once and for all from my school. Have a pleasant and safe day!”

I walked out of the principal's office very puzzled with what he just said. One thing he did make clear to me that if I do decide to do anything with Josh again I can’t do it on the school grounds. So when I decide to make my new plan it will have to occur off school grounds. That way I get what I want with Josh and I can flip my middle finger at the Principal as I do it.

(DANIEL SR’s POINT OF VIEW)

I looked up from my desk after hearing a knock on my door. Rich stepped in before I could invite him in. I am getting very anxious about my inauguration and this Friday's official turnover of power of my position in the military.

“Daniel, we have several back-to-back high priority meetings this morning. We can’t fall behind because of who they are with.”

“Unless it's the President of the United States, I can actually fall behind on any meeting with anyone. No one can walk into my office and claim that they're more important than any single voter in this State. The concepts that these two political parties live by need to go by the wayside. We all represent the voters as long as the voters want us in our positions.”

“I'm sorry about the way I stated that and you are right. We have a meeting with the incoming Lieutenant Governor this morning. He isn't too happy that he hasn't been involved in picking our staff. That is one of many things he wants to talk about today.

Then this afternoon, we are meeting with the new Speaker of the House. I really don't know much about him or what he plans to discuss with us. The one thing I do know he is not part of the Republican Party.”

“Rich to tell you the truth, I'm embarrassed to be part of this party right now. The more I see what is going on at the federal and state levels, I am ashamed, very ashamed, to be a Republican.

I don't care what party a person belongs to. I just care if they're willing to work on behalf of the voters that placed us in our positions. They hired us and they can fire us whenever they feel we aren’t working for them.”

“I understand everything you are saying Daniel. We needed a party to run right in order to get to a position to make positive change for the voters. If you do everything correctly here, there is no stopping you on what you can do. You can change this party from within. You can take it back to the party that our founding fathers envisioned it to be.”

“I have a lot a work cut out for me it seems. When is the lieutenant governor due to arrive?”

“He is already here, and we are late for our meeting with him,” Rich replied.

I got up and followed Rich out the door to the conference room. When we walked in, the Lieutenant Governor Elect stood up from his seat and walked over to me. He extended his hand and I accepted it in a friendly handshake.

“Mr. Governor, please forgive me for just now reaching out to you. We have a lot to discuss and a lot to do before we get sworn in to our positions. So I am going to go ahead and be blunt with you this morning.”

I sat there listening to this guy basically telling me what I can and can’t do. He was obviously sent here to put me in line on behalf of the Republican Party. They actually sent him to inform me, if I choose to be more than a one term governor I will need to be like every other Republican and do what the party asks me to do.

“Mr. Greer, with all due respect, you need to listen to me and listen well. I did not pick you as my running mate, but the people of this State did. I will obey the will of the voters of this State.

With that said, you barely won with less than one percent margin of the vote. You' aren’t the favorite among the people of our state for your position. You can count yourself lucky that you received a couple thousand more votes than your opponent.

I, on the other hand, won my position, hands down. The people of this State, like, and voted on my platform of ideas. They mandated where this State should go from the voters’ perspective. We will work on that platform and deliver on every single promise I made to the people of this State. I will do this with you or without you, but it will get done.

If the Republican Party doesn't like the way I'm going to govern, they can all go to Hell! They aren’t the ones that elected me or financed my campaign. I didn't take one red cent from the party or any special interest group. My entire campaign was financed by the people of this State. That is the only way a person can be unencumbered to govern for the people.

We could either work side by side to get the work done or you can fight me every inch of the way. I would much rather you are with me where I don’t have to worry about you being an enemy. Also, let me tell you that you won’t have any say on anything concerning any positions open in my staff.”

“Governor Elect, you can tell that you are out of your comfort zone. You should have stayed in the military and left the politics to those who know what they are doing. If you think that the people of this State elected you, you’d best think again. No matter how much you want to believe that the back room deals are gone, they aren’t. You will see soon enough that you are wrong on that count.

You are going to need the support of Republican Party if you want anything passed in your first four years as Governor. Our party could hold of every piece of your legislation back until you are thrown out. You are Republican, and there is no way the Democratic Party will back you. They want your office back in their control.”

I looked over to Rich to see his response. I've gotten to know him very well and what I see in his face is pure anger with this Lieutenant Governor Elect. I’m getting attacked by all sides right now. There is no doubt in my mind now that the Republican Party fears change.

“First, let me answer your direct threat of holding up all my legislation in the Legislature. Since the adoption of our State Constitution and as amended February 15, 1876, the power of the State Government is always in the hands of the people of this State.

In article 1, section 2, states that at any time the people of this State have the right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such a manner as they think fit. In layman's terms, if you refuse to pass my legislation, I will take it to the people to get it passed. They can do that at anytime.

If the people start to do the work of their elected officials, they can remove and place others in those positions to do the work they are paying elected representatives to do. So don’t come in here and talk down to me as if I just fell off a turnip truck yesterday.

So, if the Republican Party doesn’t want to support me, they will have to answer to the people. Don’t think it is below me to speak with the Democratic Party and get them on board to pass needed legislation. They're gunning for your job already because you're the more vulnerable of us two,” I concluded, for the moment.

“Um, sir, you, um, just let me say this to you……”

“Don't say a thing, because you're burying yourself. I want to work with you and I'm extending my hand of friendship to you. If you choose to knock it away and fight me every inch of the way, you will lose.

Now, I suggest that you get up and go home. We will meet once again, on Inauguration Day, and I hope then you have a change of heart. I don’t want to have enemies within the party that is supposed to be my ally.”

I got up and walked over to Lieutenant Governor Elect Greer and shook his hand. As we walked out I asked one of the staffers to escort him to the elevator. I had hoped that this meeting would have gone in a different direction than it did. It further proves to me how corrupt our Republican Party has gotten. I need to do what it takes to bring the grand old party back to its original foundation.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

All of us quickly ate our breakfast so we could meet Chris out at the stadium. Bernice had spoken with him on Sunday to see where he stands as far as coming aboard as a friend. According to Bernice, Chris is willing and anxious to do so.

I walked out with Cesar at my side. I think he is the most nervous out of all of us. Although he hasn't told me in so many words that he fears this. I know he is afraid of me seeing Chris. Ever since Bernice brought it up and we all agreed he hasn't said very much to me.

I tried to console him about the subject. I even told him that he has nothing to worry about but to tell you the truth, if I were in his shoes, I would probably be afraid as well. Nothing could be said to me to change the way I am feeling about the subject.

As we reached the stadium, Chris already beat us to our seats. We walked up and at first; nothing was said by any of us. Finally I walked up and extended my hand in friendship to Chris. He took it and we shook.

At that very moment it dawned on me that this is the first time I have touched Chris since we broke up. It was a quick handshake, but still, I didn’t feel what I once felt for him. I can’t believe I am actually over him! What a relief!

I stepped back to let everyone else shake hands. After the ice was broken we basically went back to business as usual. We started talking and Chris joined in as if he never missed a day with us.

People started walking up to us and asking if we had heard the rumors. At first we kept asking what rumors they are talking about. By the third person asking the same question we finally got our answer. We just stood there looking at each other after getting the information.

I can’t believe that Elizabeth is actually back. Now I am starting to think that my father was right. I should not have asked my father to be lenient with Elizabeth. I know now that she's back that she will be up to no good.

The bell rang and we headed off to class. All morning long I couldn't concentrate in class. All I could think of is Elizabeth and wonder what she has planned for me in the future. I know that the answer will come. It’s only in a matter of time.

Chris joined our table at lunch time, and that was the first time I saw Elizabeth. Seeing her for the first time since that day actually brought back memories of that day. To make matters worse she is actually sitting with the cheerleaders. That tells me that she has made up with her cheerleader friends. That doesn't bode well for me at all.

As I walked to my fourth period, I decided to throw myself into class. We have little over a month left to be ready for my father's inauguration. As that day approaches, everyone in Glee is getting more and more nervous.

Mr. Edgar decided for now on, we will start singing the songs in order in which we are going to sing them on inauguration day. At first, we all sighed at the idea, but went along with it. Simply we have no choice but to do so.

We timed ourselves from beginning to end. That is when Mr. Edger realized that we have too much time left over. In fact we have enough time to sing another song. That sucks for us, because we already got use to the idea of three songs only.

As Mr. Edger went to his desk to decide on the song, he left us to our thoughts. For some reason my thoughts went back to when I first came to this class. How I sang songs to Chris when he was in the hospital. Even when he got out I would practice my songs whenever we were together.

It is just a memory without the feelings that I had back then. I don't understand why I am even thinking of the past with Chris. All it is proving to me is that I have no more feelings for him.

By the end of class, Mr. Edger hadn’t made up his mind yet about the song. He told us that he will have his choice by the time we come in tomorrow. I headed straight over to ROTC building for my next period.

The rest of the day dragged on for me. I just have too much going through my mind right now. I keep looking over my shoulder and wondering when Elizabeth is going to make her move. I really hate this feeling of worry.

(PATRICK’S POINT OF VIEW)

Ever since we told everyone about us, Frank and I seem to feel freer. We continue to look for places to have sex. We find places that have a bigger chance of getting caught. Something about that kind of thrill brings sex to a higher level.

The other day when we went to the movies, Frank and I separated from the group and had sex in the bathroom of the movie theater. Several times, we had to stop in the middle of having sex because someone had walked in on us. But each time that someone walked in, it just made us want each other more.

Between fourth and fifth period I grabbed hold of Frank and walked him to the auditorium. The auditorium in our schools is huge. It almost takes half of the first floor. It’s left open for the drama class to do their plays and stuff.

Today we decided to cross off another room on our conquest. Frank and I are trying to have sex in every part of our school. We started out in the pool and made our way back to the main building. We started in the science labs and now here in the auditorium.

We walked to the back of the auditorium away from the stage. Before Frank could say a word, I threw him down into the seat and went between his legs. I immediately pulled out his cock and put in my mouth.

Frank put his arms around the back of the chairs, and started to moan. Since the auditorium is empty, Franks moans started to echo through the room. I had to put my hand over his mouth in order to quiet him down.

I let Frank’s cock slip out of my mouth as I heard noise coming from the stage. I looked up to see what the noise is all about. The drama club had walked in and started to practice their play. Lucky for us, the lights are off in the seating area of the auditorium.

I didn't pay anymore mind to those that are on the stage. I went right back to work on Frank’s cock. I started to pull Frank’s pants and underwear down his legs as I continued to go up and down on his cock.

Once I had his pants and underwear down at his ankles, I started to play with his butt. I first stuck in one finger, and then two, and finally I got three fingers in his butt. The whole time Frank is moving around in the seat.

I replaced my hand over his mouth in order to muffle his moans. Once I felt I had opened up Frank enough, I got up and pulled out my hard cock. I spit on my hand a couple times and lubed his hole. With my other hand, I took my pre-cum and started to rub it all around my cock.

I leaned forward and gently pressed my cock against Frank's hole. Little by little, I penetrated his hole and started to sink my cock in. Once I was totally in, I rested so Frank could adjust to me being inside him.

Once Frank is ready, he starts to kiss me. And that lets me know I have a green light to begin. I start out slow, and then eventually I get into the rhythm of fucking Frank. I am in more heat now due to those on the stage.

Here we are in the back of the auditorium having sex while the drama class is going through their lines on the stage. At anytime, they could turn on the house lights a catch me and Frank in the middle of having sex. That just makes it hotter to have sex with Frank.

My butt in the air and Frank's legs over my shoulders, we are in the midst of sex. I am pounding Frank's butt hard. At the same time, I start to play with his cock. I lean in and our lips touch. That just throws me into overdrive as we kiss.

“Frank I am going to cum up your awesome tight butt. Man you make me feel so damn good. I can’t ever get enough of having sex with you. You just get me all heated up.”

“You don’t have to tell me how you are feeling while we have sex. I can feel it the way you make love to me Patrick. I love you so much. I will go to the ends of the earth for you if you ever ask me.”

Just then, Frank tightens his butt around my cock. I can barely move my cock inside of him and in return I started to shoot cum shot after cum shot into his ass. My climax hit me so bad this time; I actually fell on top of Frank as I shot into his ass.

I fell against his stomach as Frank started to shoot. He shot his cum between our stomachs and chests. I can actually feel as his cock pulls back and shoots each time. The jerking of his cock between our bodies actually got me to shoot again inside him.

As I started to come down from my climax, I rolled off of him and sat in the seat next to him. I looked over to his chest and then back to mine. I reached over and scooped up his cum from his stomach and chest. I then brought his cum over to my mouth and started to eat it. I just love the taste of my Frank.

Once I cleared off all of the cum on Frank's chest, I started working on the cum on my chest and stomach. Once I got all of Frank's cum in my mouth, I started to pull up my pants and underwear up.

Once Frank and I got dressed, we sat there for the rest of the period watching the drama class. Not once did they notice us in the back of the auditorium. We were having hot sex as they were on the stage running their lines. Could it get any hotter than that? We actually had our first group watching us.

Elizabeth was our first audience and ever since then we have wanted to have sex in areas that we might get caught. That means we can thank Elizabeth for the hot sex we are having now. If it wasn't for her, we would stay locked up in my room.

The drama teacher pulled her students off the stage about five minutes before the bell. That is when Frank and I decided it is best for us to get out of the auditorium. We got up and just walked out of the auditorium as if we belonged in there.

Once we stepped into the hallway, the bell rang. The doors to the classrooms swung open and the hallways filled with students. I look toward to Frank and we both smiled at each other. He pointed to the edge of his mouth, indicating that I have something at the edge of my mouth.

With a finger I rubbed off some of Frank's cum that did not make it into my mouth. I stuck my finger into my mouth and licked off Frank’s cum. I looked over to Frank one more time with my finger in my mouth, and I smiled at him. All the way to our last period, I can taste Frank.

(RICH’S POINT OF VIEW)

With so much work still left to do, and so close to Daniel’s inauguration we are working straight through our lunches and late into the evening. After this morning meeting with the Lieutenant Governor Elect, I know now we have our work cut out for us.

I can understand the frustration that Daniel has right now with the party. But in order to fix this party and our government we must work within in order to make significant changes to our state and local governments.

I need to be able to settle down Daniel whenever he gets like he did this morning. He is looking up the laws and learning our State Constitution very quickly. I don’t want him to start making decisions that will put us in a corner that we can’t get out of.

My phone started to ring that brought me out of my thoughts. I looked down to see which line is calling me. I immediately answered noticing that the call is from Daniel.

“Yes Sir, what can I do for you? Did you need me to go to your office for any reason or get you something?”

I sat there listening to Daniel asking me if we still have the press downstairs. When we rented this office, we rented an area downstairs from the press to camp out. That way if we ever need to get to the press, they would be there and we don’t have to wait.

“Sir, we should talk about this before you go to the press on anything. I understand the meeting this morning didn’t go well, but we still have enough time for the Lieutenant Governor to reach out to us. We have to find ways to get him on our side. So….”

Daniel interrupted me to tell me that his mind is made up. He hung up the phone and I got up and met him at the elevator. We got on the elevator together but did not say a word to each other. I can see that he's angry from the meeting from this morning and the cancellation by the incoming Speaker of the House.

We got off the elevator and walked straight into the press room. I stood off to the left as Daniel took the podium. I can't believe that this press room is actually filled with press from around the nation and even some from around the world. This reconfirms to me that the nation is looking at Daniel for leadership.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentleman of the press. I am sorry for not giving you warning before coming down here to speak with you this afternoon. I have several things I need to speak with the citizens of Texas about and I believe these things can’t wait.

First, I have stayed silent too long on the issue of Governor Puckett. I respect the man as our sitting Governor and will all away up to my inauguration. He is our sworn Governor and shall be respected as such. We can’t strip our leaders of their power in the last months of governing but it is still our obligation to raise our objections with any elected leader.

Now with that said, Governor Puckett is wrong. He needs to understand that the people of this State flatly opposed his policies. In return he should not be using the last months of his governorship to ram his policies down our throats! He needs to respect the voters of the State.

Governor Puckett, you need to govern for the people of our State and not for the special interest groups that put you in office. You need to stop playing the games that you're playing and govern the right way. The citizens of our State are going to hold you accountable for everything you do from here up until inauguration day.

As you all know, I met with the incoming Lieutenant Governor this morning. He and I did not see eye to eye on the campaign trail nor do we see eye to eye now. I hold all respect this man and the position he's about to take because the people of this State elected him to hold that office.

I will do what I can to reach across the aisles to bring both parties in Austin together. One thing I did notice with my meeting with the Lieutenant Governor to be is that both parties each have the own agenda to fulfill.

Our State and our Nation are in bad shape today because of both parties. Both of our parties are playing political games with the lives and welfare of the American people. We are here today not because of just one President or one member of Congress, or one Governor. It took several decades of both parties deteriorating to get us to this point.

Once an election is done, the political bickering should stop at that point and the parties should come together and work for the American people in a whole. We don’t live in a perfect world and it does not happen that way. The bickering gets even worse once our Senate and Congress get seated. That includes both state and federal levels.

The minority party tries everything to make the majority party look like they can’t govern. Because of these political games nothing gets done in Austin, or in Washington. This results in the American peoples’ interests getting put on the back burner and forgotten until the next election season comes around.

In short, ladies and gentlemen, I was elected by the people of this State and they are the ones that paid for my campaign. Therefore, I work for them and them only. Even if you did not vote for me, I work for you as well. I did not take one penny from the special interests or my party to get elected. I am unencumbered and I will take the oath of office without owing favors to anyone.

I will start by asking our Legislature to begin working on a bipartisan State Budget that will benefit all Texans. I won’t sign a budget that includes tax increases and incentives for the rich and special interests. The days of favors to special interest groups and the rich of Texas are over. The rich and the special interests must live by the same rules and the same tax codes as the mainstream does.

I am a Republican and have been since the day I first began to understand politics. I am going to do everything I can to correct and fix the party that I love. If that means I am a one term Governor, so be it.

I love the State of Texas and the people who elected me to represent them. I will never get my hands dirty and I will never be a politician like those of today. I will leave the Governorship of Texas, as I entered it; a middle class, Hispanic from the city of El Paso! I did not ask for this job in order to get rich. I asked for this job in order to make things better for all Texans.

Thank you for giving me your time this afternoon and I really hope I got through to both parties. The election is over and is now time to govern. Let's put our political differences aside and let's not bicker. Let's come together and work for the citizens of our State. If we do that, there'll be no question about holding on to your seats.

God bless you and God bless the great state of Texas. Have a great and safe afternoon!”

I looked at Daniel as he walked off the stage. This man continues to surprise me every day that I work for him. He gets himself all up into frenzy but then he allows logic to take over. I really thought that he was going to come down here and bash the Republican Party. But instead he bashed both parties equally because they're both at fault equally.

We got on the elevator, and as the door shut he looked over at me. “Rich, you continue to put me in my place and I need that. I believe every word of what I said just now to the press. Our Nation didn't get like this or our State because of one party or the other. It took both parties, over decades, to pull us down to the point where we are now.

Now, what we need to do is get our staffers to call every Legislator in Austin. I don't care what party they are. We must bring them together and start working as one. Once we accomplish that we aren’t going to be bound to one party or another. If we can unite both parties to work for the people we can get a lot done.

At the same time, we can’t bend and give away the store. The pieces of legislation we have need to pass as is. If we maintain the level our approval level in the polls, we can actually push all this legislation through. I will campaign on behalf of any State Senator or Congressman that supports my legislation and supports my values. I don't care about their party affiliation as long as they support the people of our State!

As we stepped out of the elevator into the main office we see and hear the phones are ringing off the hooks. We walked by many of the staffers and see all of the lines are blinking. Some are elected officials calling in and the others are regular citizens.

I sat down back in my seat behind my desk thinking to myself what a guy that Daniel is. He played this out, perfectly. Now the Lieutenant Governor has been put on the sidelines and the outgoing Governor also. He did this all in one speech. He accomplished everything we needed and then some.

(JOSHUA’S POINT OF VIEW)

Finally last period is over and it is time to go home. I headed straight over to my locker to get my books I need to do my homework. I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. When I felt some one tapping me on shoulder I jumped out of my shoes and almost hit my head in my locker door!

I turned to find Chris standing behind me. He looks more scared than I actually am right now. Just looking at him reminds of the Chris that I had fallen in love with those many months ago. Still, I can’t ever forgive him for what he did to me.

“Hasn’t anyone told you that it isn’t a good idea to sneak up on people like this? You almost gave me heart attack not letting me know you are there! What is up my friend? Speak and I will try to deliver!”

“I am sorry; I didn’t mean to scare you! I just wanted to see if I could join you and Cesar studying tonight. Ever since we stopped studying together, my grades have gone down. Coach isn’t happy about my lower grades and I have one more chance to get back on track and do well on the semester exams.”

Cesar walked up and joined me as Chris asked to join us. I looked over to Cesar I can tell he doesn’t like the idea. He is tolerating everything so far, but he is about to reach his limits on the whole thing.

After the stunt Chris pulled about Patrick and Frank, everyone lost more of their respect for Chris, including Cesar. Cesar at first pushed for the friendship. Then when he saw the way Chris acted that changed his mind and made him start thinking of Chris as a person he can’t trust at all.

“Josh and I have no problem with you joining us for a study group. You are more than welcome. Just grab your books and we will wait for you outside at the side of the school.”

Chris turned around to show us his back pack. He already has his books and is ready to go. I finished grabbing my books from my locker before shutting it. We started our way to my house.

As we reached the street, I grabbed a hold of Cesar’s hand to hold it. He seemed to be a little sweaty then normal. I looked over at him to make sure everything is ok. We smiled at each other as Chris started to talk.

“Is it still the same at your house Josh that we do our studying in your room?”

“Yes and no! What I mean is that my grandmother lives with us now. So when we get home, she has a snack for us to eat before we head up to study. She feels we can study better with something in our stomachs.”

“Wow, things change quickly in your house. How about your brothers? Do we have anything to worry from them? What I mean is, is there anything I need to do or watch out for when dealing with them?”

“Not really Chris! They are coming around and realizing that my mom is wrong. It isn’t a choice to be gay. So now they hang out with us and even go to the mall or wherever. We have even played a little touch football with them.”

Chris looks surprised about I just said. I forgot that when we were together, we had to sneak around. I don’t believe he has really come out to the Coach yet. I may be wrong because I haven’t asked him. I don’t know how to ask him to tell you the truth. If I say one wrong word, he might take it the wrong way.

As we walked into my house, we put down our bags at the bottom of the stairs. Cesar and I went to the kitchen holding hands, with Chris behind us. My grandmother already put our snack on the table for us top eat.

She looked up from the stove at us as we sat down. “Josh! I am sorry! I had no idea you are going to have another friend over today. Let me get another glass and make another sandwich for your friend.”

“Thank you, grandma! I am sorry for not giving you a heads up. I will like you to meet my friend Chris from school, Chris this is my grandmother.”

My grandmother walked over with a puzzled look on her face. I think she recognized the name through our conversations. She shook Chris’s hand as she placed the glass of Kool-Aid and sandwich in front of him and walked back to the stove. She didn’t say another word as she continued preparing dinner for the family.

The minute we finished eating our snack, we headed upstairs to do our homework. I gave the desk to Chris and Cesar and I sat on the bed together to do our homework. Every so often I would see Chris glance over in my direction. I really hope we can stay friends after dating.

I started to close my book when my bedroom door swung open. Brandon came walking in, and once he saw Chris sitting at the desk, he stopped dead in his tracks. He didn’t take his eyes off of Chris as he opened his mouth to speak; “Um, Josh, um, I was wondering if you guys were done doing your homework so we can hang before dinner. I didn't know that you had company other than Cesar here in your room. I'm sorry for just walking on in on you guys.”

“Hey Brandon, it has been awhile since we have seen each other. I think we are all done with homework. That gives us time to hang out.”

Brandon finally looked over to me, and then over to Cesar before turning back around to leave. “That’s cool Chris, you guys go ahead and do what you were doing before I came in.” Brandon closed the door as he left the room.

Chris looked directly to me for some kind of answer. He needs to understand that things aren’t going to go back to normal the minute that we make up and become friends again. Too many people were involved and still are involved.

“Chris, give it time; just give it time! People will come to like you as a friend of mine. Brandon was there when I needed someone. He will be the hardest to win back over. Please just don't expect everything to be OK immediately.”

“I knew this was going to be hard but I didn't think it was going to be embarrassing as well. Brandon and I got along with each other very well and really he was the only brother of yours that liked me. Now that he doesn't like me, it is going to be hell for me whenever I come to your house.”

Cesar stopped me from answering Chris. He answered his concerns instead. “Chris, you did the hardest work by laying down the groundwork. What I mean by that is because of you it was easier for me to come in and get along with Josh's brothers.

I know you don’t want to hear this. Especially coming from me, because I am able to be where I am, probably where you want to be! But it wasn't for you; I would still be outside knocking to get in.

Josh keeps telling me to trust you and him. I love Josh probably as much as you do, and because of that love I will trust you and welcome you as a friend. You will have me at your side, and I will always support you no matter what. You are my friend. Eventually everyone else will come around.”

The entire time as Cesar spoke, I looked straight into Chris's eyes. Around half point of Cesar's speech, Chris started to tear up. He needs to understand that Cesar is taking a big leap of faith with him. I don’t know anyone that would be willing to be dating someone and cool enough to take their boyfriend’s ex under their wing.

“Why don't we gather our books and head downstairs? That way we can catch my brothers and see if they have heard anything about Elizabeth. With her return I am very spooked and worry about what she has planned.”

We all got up from where we are sitting at to start gathering our books. Cesar and Chris carried their backpacks down to the den with them. Daniel and Carlos are already sitting in front of the TV. These guys must not get a lot of homework or they just don't care about their grades.

“Hey you guys, did you hear about the rumor of Elizabeth returning back to school? I wonder how she was able to pull it off this time. Her father must have good connections, and he must've used every single one of them,” I said hoping to get some solid information.

The three of us walked in and sat down in the open seats. Carlos and Daniel just looked at Chris as he sat in the chair. They look just as confused as Brandon did when he walked into my room earlier.

No one answered and my father walked into the den. Carlos got out of the chair my father normally sits so my father could sit down and relax. He looked around the room before saying anything.

“I got a call from the Principal early this morning. He was let me know about the School Board's decision concerning Elizabeth. I know this concerns you a lot Josh and I wish you didn’t have to go through these worries.

Let me say this to you guys, and please do this for me. Don’t approach her, don’t talk with her, or don’t instigate anything with her. She is trouble. We know it, the school knows it, and there is no doubt that the School Board knows it.

Just like the Principal said, she will mess up. I don’t believe her being stupid enough to do any thing at your school. I do believe, however, that she is stupid enough to do something again. She is going to do it when you least expect it and it will be outside school.

Your guard detail has been put on alert about her. She isn't allowed within fifty feet of you. Even if she does cross that line and your guard detail suspects she is up to no good, they will approach her and take her into custody.

With that said, I need to again to clarify this to all of you. Don’t approach her for any reason at all. The guard detail will keep that from happening for your friends’ sake. If anyone chooses to do that, they are no longer welcome in my house or around you guys. They will be added to the list along with Elizabeth.”

My father looked at all of us as he said the last couple of words. After he made his rounds, he swung right back over to Chris. He looked at him for a few more seconds and then spoke; “I believe in my son, Chris, and his judgment of character. He believes that you and he can become friends. In return, I need to support my son in his decision-making. All of you guys are going to go through heartaches in your lives of different sorts.

What measures a person is how they come out of it at the other end. If you two can come out as friends, you guys have learned a hard life lesson early on. It is easier to hate, than to forgive.

I hear he asked my sons to accept you as they do all of Josh's friends. I accept you as Josh's friend and you're more than welcome at my house. I want you to feel comfortable whenever you are in my house. You two have a bond to each other that can become a very strong friendship.” My father pointed to me and Chris as he said that.

“Let me stop giving speeches and just say this: Chris you are welcome to eat with us, spend time at his house whenever you want or whatever you boys decide to do. You won’t get any objections from me.

I just don’t want to hear of any backstabbing happening. Josh and I have already had this talk yesterday and he knows where I stand on that point. Cesar, you are a very good person. I am glad that you and my son found each other.”

With that, my father got up and walked out of the room. We all just looked at each other trying to figure what just happened. I understand everything of the Chris situation, but not the Elizabeth situation.

I know my father and he could not have taken this lying down. Either he has done something more than what he said or he's done or is going to do something. Whatever it is, I know it will protect me.

My grandma walked into the den and looked over to Chris. “Young man, would you like to stay for dinner?”

Chris just looked up at my grandmother stunned because he has never been invited to eat with us. “I would like to, but may I please call my foster parents? I would like to let them know that I won’t be home for dinner with them and get their permission.”

My grandmother nodded her head and Chris got up to use the phone. A few minutes later and told us that he could stay for dinner. We all sat in front of the TV and watched a movie until our grandmother called us for dinner.

By the time we completed dinner, Chris was brought into the fold of my family. We all just joked around and talked about everything that went on through our day. At the table, my grandmother sat Chris between Carlos and Daniel. Cesar, Brandon and I sat on the opposite side of the table.

Through dinner, Cesar and I played footsies under the table and at the same time, holding each other's hands. It is kind of hard for me to eat because I am a right-handed person and that hand is being held by my boyfriend.

We got up to the table to put our dishes away in the dishwasher. Then we headed back to the den to watch another movie. We started to put our feet up, when we started hearing honking outside.

(MARTHA’S POINT OF VIEW)

My best friend Nicole and I are sitting in my kitchen, eating dinner. We take turns on eating at each others’ apartment. It makes it a lot easier for both of us since we both are going through a divorce. We lean on each other whenever we need a shoulder to cry on.

After my divorce with Daniel got finalized, Nicole was there for me. She believes I can go in front of another judge and get better custody arrangements. Just like what I believe, a judge rarely decides against the mother. I just need to get in front of a judge that believes in the rights of a mother or more than I rights of the father.

We somehow ended up into the conversation of when I get to see my kids. I told Nicole that my first visitation weekend was this last one, but my sons refused to come. At least that is what Daniel said when he called me on Saturday morning in order to inform me my kids refused to see me.

“Come on Martha, maybe Josh and Brandon will refuse to see you, but not your two older sons. They are getting brainwashed by your ex-husband. I know that for a fact because I have seen with my own two eyes how your two older sons love you.”

“I know you're right but what can I do when Daniel calls me up and tells me that my kids don't want to see me? Then he claims they don't want to speak with me over the phone when I ask speak with them. It is very hard for me to get anywhere where because my ex-husband is holding all the cards!”

“You're wrong on that one Martha and let me tell you why. Your ex-husband does not hold all the cards like you say. If you think that there is wrongdoing going on in that house you can go over there and demand to speak with your kids.

With you knowing the kind of relationship you have with Daniel and Carlos and now them refusing to see you, that’s enough for you to go over there. There is something really wrong in that house and you know it.”

I looked at Nicole knowing that she is right. I got up and quickly grabbed my purse and keys. As I walked out the door I asked Nicole to lock up for me. I need to get down to my ex-husband's house I yelled.

All the way over, I just kept thinking about how right that Nicole is. I don't even think Brandon would refuse to see me. The only one of my sons that would refuse to see me is the evil, sinful son that's going to hell!

This is the first Thanksgiving since I gave birth to my kids that I was not with them. Daniel has missed so many Thanksgivings in the past that there isn't enough years left for him to make that up to our sons. Soon, Daniel and Carlos will be off to college, and shortly after that Josh and then a couple years later, Brandon.

No, I have been there for my kids their entire lives. Not their father who seemed to put his career in front of his kids. There is no way that I'm going to stand by and watch my ex-husband take my kids away!

I drove up to the house and started to honk my horn. Even when the guards came to see what I want, I kept honking. They aren’t the ones that I am here to see. I want to see my kids and hear from their mouths that they don't want to see me.

Finally the front door opened but it isn't my kids walking out. Instead it is my ex-husband and he is making his way over to the car. I started to reach under my seat to find the gun I placed there for protection. Just as Daniel reached my car, I put my gun in my purse.

I stepped out car and immediately started yelling at Daniel; “You son of a bitch! Do you think I am stupid? I won’t allow you to get away with what you are doing. I know you are refusing to let my kids talk with me over the phone. Now, you take away my visitation when it is my turn to see the kids!”

“Martha, you’d better lower your voice and settle down where we can talk like adults. If you don’t, I will have you removed from my property. I have not once influenced our kids in any direction about their feelings about you.

I sat with our sons on Friday and told him to get ready for visitation with you. They all refused to even discuss a topic. I won’t force them to do something they don’t want to do. You can’t do so either, because the law is clear that our minor children can refuse to go with a parent.”

“No! Fuck that Daniel! You better bring out my kids now, where I can hear it from their mouths without you around. I don’t want you looking at them as they try to tell me the truth. I know you have brainwashed my kids against me!”

“I won’t bring our kids out here while you are acting like this. I want our kids to know the sweet mother you were before all this hate took over. At least if they can remember the mother you once were they might eventually decide to visit with you at some point.

I am doing everything I can Martha, to get our kids to love you. With scenes like this you aren’t making it easy for me. Just give it time and our kids will forgive you. Then they will visit with you even when it's not your turn for the kids to come around.”

I looked at Daniel, straight in the eyes. I know my ex-husband and I know he is lying to me. He is trying to tell me what he thinks I want to hear, but is doing the opposite with our kids. I can’t let him get away with it!

“No Daniel, I know you're lying to me right now. I WANT YOU TO GET MY KIDS OUT HERE RIGHT NOW! I AM NOT LEAVING UNTIL I SEE MY KIDS!”

I heard the door open as I was yelling at Daniel. All four my son's walked out and started walking over toward me and Daniel. Almost immediately, the guard staff quadrupled when my kids walked out of the house.

I looked over to them as they stopped in front of me and went to my knees. “It is so good to see you guys. I have missed you guys so much that my heart hurts. I can’t live without my kids! Please tell me the truth, is your father telling you not to speak with me or visit with me?”

They didn't even take any time to gather their thoughts. Almost at the same time, they all answered. Basically the same words came out of their mouths and sliced straight into my heart.

They all told me that not only they don’t want to speak with me on the phone, but they won’t visit with me on visitation day. To top it off, they made it clear that it is their decision not anything that Daniel has said to them. In fact Daniel is trying to get my sons to forgive me, and eventually speak with me.

I got up and looked at my ex-husband. At the same time I reached into my purse in order to grab my gun. The thought going through my mind right now is that if I can’t have my family back, none of us will live to see another day.

Before I could even pull the gun out of my purse, a couple guards grab hold of me in order to escort me back to my car. I pulled my hand back of my purse in order to open the door to get into the car.

As I drove away I watched my ex-husband and children walk back into the house; the house once lived in. The guards may have saved my family this time, but I will take them all out. If I can’t have my family, NO ONE WILL HAVE MY FAMILY!

TO BE CONTINUED…………………….

WRITER’S CORNER:

{You know, I am really enjoying writing this story. I love the political plots so much. It lets me talk and write about a subject I really love. Since I can remember I have always been into politics. I will never run for political office because no one will like the person of my stature.

Enough of that, and let's get down to the summation of the story. I'm starting in all my stories to include a lot of plots in one chapter. When I first started with “Jacob Finding His Way”, the story was only told through a couple peoples’ perspectives. But as you can see life, there are a lot of things going on; that we have no idea is going on. That is what I'm trying to do and move all my stories to.

Chris has been welcomed back. Not only to the group of friends of Josh, but as well in his family. I mentioned in this chapter that Josh spoke with his father about his decision dealing with Chris. I never wrote it out. The reason for that is in the future either Chris or Cesar is going to ask Josh about that talk.

Like Josh told Chris, it is going to take a long time to get things right again. He can’t expect everyone's going to welcome him back with open arms right off the bat considering the hurt he caused Josh and how many others were affected. They had to clean up the mess that Chris left.

Cesar; what can we say about this guy? I would love to have a boyfriend like him. He is willing to believe in his boyfriend Josh and that nothing more than that friendship will come out between Josh and Chris. Like Josh said in this chapter, show me a boyfriend or a girlfriend willing to do what Cesar is doing.

Let's talk about Elizabeth and her nine lives. She is back and to make matters worse, she is part of the cheerleader squad again. That is going to go to her head. Just like Principal Michaels said, she will mess up again. The only question about that is how she is going to impact Josh’s life.

And what you think about Martha and her having a gun? Over and over again I see in the news parents murdering their kids for stupid reasons or parents going through a rough divorce. Because of that rough divorce, one of them feels cheated and takes it out on the entire family. I remember several years ago a famous actor got shot in his house by his disgruntled ex-wife.

I don’t think Martha will succeed with her plans. We all know she doesn't because the way the story started, or do we? We only know for certain at the beginning of the story that Josh and his dad are alive, but we have no knowledge of his brothers. I'm not saying that his brothers are going to be killed by Martha. You need to stick around and read to find out if Martha gets anybody in her net.

So many open plots not yet closed and more plots to come just like my other two stories. This story is part of those series. Although none of the other stories’ characters have really appeared in this story yet. The timelines between the three stories are different. We are a year behind in this story timeline to where we are at in my other two stories. So stick around and don’t miss one chapter. Because if you do, you might be kicking yourself afterwards!

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:

Politics….Like Jacob, I love politics although so much of what is going on today is negative and frustrates me to the core. Where oh where is that “dark horse” candidate that rises to office from the obscurity of the true grass roots? We need a whole CROP of ‘Daniels’ to unseat the rotten politicians that are in place now, on BOTH sides of the aisle! How do we get our elected officials to be accountable to the electorate and not to the special interests and their party? We also need an infusion of wisdom and intelligence in the electorate. For that, I hold out only dim hope.

We already know the Lt. Governor is going to be a thorn in Daniel’s side. It’s going to be interesting to see who, besides Rich and the staff, steps up to ally with the Governor Elect in his quest to get the State’s direction on the right course. Daniel will have to hit the ground running full tilt after the inauguration. He’s going to have to make sweeping changes fast before the bloom is off the rose.

I’m hopeful Chris can manage his feelings for Josh and that he doesn’t slip into the same quagmire that Elizabeth did. I think he’s on the right track, but those deep feelings can be a terrible force to reckon with. I’m wishing Chris every success and hope he grows into the great person he has the potential to be.

I join everyone waiting to see what crap Elizabeth comes up with this time. She is incapable of letting it go. Her obsession with Josh will be her complete undoing. I don’t think that the Gov. Elect has to step in. I suspect that she will self destruct. Principal Michaels will be waiting in the shadows to take Elizabeth down, once and for all.

Martha is going down hard, I suspect. She’s obsessed with her hatred of Josh and now Daniel. She sees something drastic as the only resolution. I wonder if she will slip off the deep end and end up as an inpatient at a mental facility.

Obsession leads to hate and hate leads to self destruction. We have two characters that will bear this out in time. I suspect there will be some political figures that will prove this axiom out as well as the story and plots continue to unfold.

I sure hope the boys are keeping up with their chores and helping Grandma out. She’s not a young lady anymore and she is keeping a house going for four teen boys and a single father. That can’t be any small task.

Until next time,
“Daddy” Rick