{Jacob Finding His Way is based on mostly true events in my life. To keep the story interesting for the readers, some events now in the story are fictionalized. As I am writing this story, I am above the age of 21. If you want a story with lots of sex, look elsewhere. This is a love story.
Any similarity to any other events, names, or life events is purely accidental. If you are underage, (according to your state laws as a minor), if this literature is offensive to you or to anyone around your viewing area, or it is illegal for you to view such content where you are reading it, stop reading the story. This story can’t be distributed in any way, shape or form without my expressed consent.}
Written by J.P.G.
(GLORIA’S POINT OF VIEW)
“Mom, mom, the phone is for you. Someone from the emergency room at Providence Hospital is calling. MOM, wake up, the phone!”
“Please tell who ever are on the phone to call back in the morning. Unless the house is burning down, I don’t want to be bothered.”
“Mom it is the emergency room calling for you. What if it is for Jacob mom? Get out of bed and get the phone.”
The minute Marie said Jacob and emergency room. I flew out of my bed straight to my bedroom door. Marie handed me the phone and didn’t leave. I know she is worried as much as I am that this is the call I dread getting. I fear a call to tell me Jacob got killed or his cancer is back or he only has days to live.
“Hello this is Gloria Hernandez, how may I help you?”
“Mrs. Hernandez we have a patient here that has listed you as his contact in case of an emergency. Can you please come down and pick up Greg Camacho. He can’t drive or get home on his own right now.”
“Why in the world am I listed as his contact person? I don’t know the kid. Well I know him from the neighborhood, but I really don’t know him. Just call his parents to deal with this. They are the ones that should be pulled out of bed in the middle of the night.”
“Ma’am we can do that, but Greg asked us to call you. We will need to go back to Greg and ask him to give us permission to call another. We will let him know you asked us to because you don’t want anything to do with him.”
“I never said that and if you repeat that I will report you. Is Greg ready to go?”
“Yes ma’am he is. All he needs is an adult to pick him up. The adult will be you or will we have to call another ma’am?”
“Damn it; I just said I will come get him. Stop putting words in my mouth. I will be there within the hour.”
I hung up the phone. I can’t deal with that person. If I stay on the line any longer, I will say something to him that I’ll regret.
I went to my closet and grab a pair of pants, blouse, and my shoes. Within minutes I make my way out the door. I passed Marie in the hallway. She hasn’t budged since she gave me the phone. I know she has questions about the phone call. I am not in the mood to explain things to my daughter.
All the way to the hospital I rehearsed what I am going to tell this kid. I only want to deal with him when he has done what I’ve asked him to do. I am not his mother. I am not a caregiver for him. I am just a woman that he is doing a job for and getting paid. Other than that he needs to stay away from me.
I went straight to the emergency entrance, parked my car, and headed in. Just as I walked in I couldn’t help but to think about the last time I was here. I don’t like this hospital for that reason alone. I don’t want to be here. So I went over to the nurse’s desk to get Greg and get out of here.
“My name is Gloria Hernandez and I am here to pick up Greg Camacho. I got a phone call that he is here and is ready to go home.”
The nurse looked up Greg’s name in the computer. She looked up at me and just looked at me. “Ma’am he will be right out. Please take a seat and I will call you once the paperwork is ready for you to sign.”
I walked over to the same seats I sat in when Jacob was in this hospital. I just couldn’t sit down. I walked around the waiting room just thinking how many ways I can wring little Greg’s neck. He is a dead little boy for bringing me to this hospital, at this time of the night.
The nurse called me over as Greg walked through the double doors. It looks like a train ran him over, or at least a bus. I couldn’t help but begin to feel sorry for Greg. Whoever he got into a fight with must have won.
I started to sign all the paperwork she handed to me. On one sheet shows the amount due. I looked over at the nurse the over to Greg. There is not way I am going to sign this paper and I will make that clear. If they need it signed, they will have to call his parents.
“You really can’t be thinking that I am going to sign this paper. This is the bill for his stay here today. I am not his parent and I won’t pay for this bill. I will sign him out because for some reason I am the one he listed as the emergency contact. Other than that you can stick the rest of this paperwork where the sun doesn’t shine!”
The nurse didn’t like it, but took the paper back. I finished signing Greg’s release as the doctor came out and handed Greg his prescriptions. I hope Greg has money to buy his medicine, because I am not going to buy them for him.
Once Greg grabbed the prescriptions we walked to the door. All the way to my car Greg didn’t say a word. He knows right now he better not say anything to me. I am not a happy camper.
Just as we pulled out of the parking lot, Greg started to speak.
“Ma’am I am done with this thing we are doing; done! I tried to step it up early this evening as you asked to me to, and this is what I get. I get my ass kicked and your son might be going to jail; all this for you to break him up with Joey.”
“I am tired of all your whining Greg. I never told you, or even asked you, to go and get into a fight with my son. You did all that on your own. You need to continue with the deal we made, or you won’t get one red cent.”
I can’t believe what this kid is telling me. He got himself in this mess by himself. I didn’t ask him to start a fight with my son. I asked him to break up my son and Joey. He can’t even get that done, and that is very easy to do.
“I want more of what we agreed upon, or else!” Greg demanded.
“Or else what, you stupid idiot kid? You can’t do a thing to me. If you go to my son and tell what I am trying to do he won’t believe a word that comes out of your mouth and more so after what occurred with you and him earlier.”
Greg got quiet and didn’t say another word to me as I drove. I need to get this little shit out of my car quickly before I push him out. I turned at his corner and went down to his house. Just as we approached the house, I turned to him as I stopped a house shy of his. I don’t want to be seen with this kid.
“Get out of my car and never call me again like you did tonight. I am not your parent, I am not your friend or family member. I don’t even know you from Adam. The only reason we are even talking is I need you to do a job for me.
By the looks of it you can’t even do that. I thought you were this cute boy that can get any girl or boy to fall in love with you. Boy, are you full of yourself. You can’t even get Joey to cheat on my son with you. That is all I am asking. The rest will take care of itself. You are not cute and you can’t even get the ugliest girls or guys to look at you. Either get the job done, or get the hell out of the way. For now, just get the hell out of my car,” I said.”
With that Greg opened the door to my car and climbed out. He slammed my door shut so hard I thought he might break the window. I glared at him as he walked in front of my car heading to his house.
Not even wanting to pass his house I decided to do a yoyo. I turned around in the nearest driveway and made my way home. I am tired and want to get some sleep. I really hope Marie went to bed and doesn’t ask me any questions that I won’t answer.
(JACOB’S POINT OF VIEW)
I just can’t believe it, I just can’t. No matter what I say or do the officers don’t believe a word I say. I never wanted to beat up that kid. I never wanted that kid in my house. He is the one causing me trouble, but yet I am the one arrested.
First the officers don’t believe this is my house. They believe it is my grandfather’s house. That is fine I really don’t care whose house they believe it is. They just need to believe I am the legal resident of the house and legally entitled to protect it from entry by anyone not invited.
If they believe it is my grandfather’s house, they should come to the conclusion that that kid was in the wrong when he entered the house without permission. Anyone that lives in the house has the right to protect it.
The officers walked back into the study a few minutes after they left. The amount of time they were gone wasn’t enough time to talk with anyone else. If they try to say that one of the others said I did something different than what I said I did, well let me just say I know they are lying at that point.
I decided to let the officers speak. It seems they like the sound of their own voices because they keep repeating what we already discussed. They are probably trying to see if I give another account of what happened than I already had. Whatever the reason is, I am not going to play their game anymore.
“Look officers, either arrest me for defending my house, or get the hell out. If you arrest me I would love it because I’ll have another reason to sue the City again and once again I will win.
Plain and simple, I defended my house from a person that entered in my house without permission. I am no lawyer or anything, but I know I am totally within my rights to do so. So once again, either arrest me or get out of my house.”
The officers just looked at me after I finished talking. With that I have my answer. So I got up and directed the officers to the front door of the house. Not even bidding them good bye, I shut the door in their faces.
Enough is enough with this shit. I am not going to be kicked around in my own house. I won’t get looked down on because of being gay. If they don’t like it, tough for them and anyone else that might not like it! The haters can all go to hell as far as I care.
Just as I turn around Tom and David pass me, heading upstairs. I wonder what in the world are they going to do. Wait I know what they are going to do. I have seen the way David has been looking at Tom once again. I really think David is ready to go.
I went toward the den to and run into my grandfather.
“Jacob we need to talk. I need you and Joey in the study as soon as possible.”
I looked at my grandfather, for the first time he looks very worried. What I mean I have never seen him this worried before. I went and found Joey in the game room and we went into the study. My grandfather already had the seat behind the desk!
“Boys take a seat and please don’t interrupt me as I speak. You can ask any questions you have afterwards.” I nodded my head as well as Joey. “Ok we are in crises mode right now and I have already started the steps to ensure no financial loss for any of us.
Let me explain what I mean. Indicators in the overseas markets are telling me that our markets are going to take a huge noise dive. Within the next couple of weeks there is going to be a huge sell off in the stock markets.
I didn’t get any insider information boys. The firm I have managing our investments and advising me has seen this before. Back in ‘29 we went into the depression. Several other countries markets fell apart, and then it just spread across the world. Greece and those countries are so far in debt, they can’t find a way out.
What this means to us is if their economy goes bankrupt, we will could follow. At the very least, what we have invested would shrink incredibly in value. So, what I have done is pull out all of our money from the stock market. There isn’t one red cent in the stock market anymore.
Plus I pulled out all the money from the banks. If the economy takes a fall, banks will close and take our money with them. I can’t risk losing everything I worked so damn hard for. I can’t risk you boys losing what you have already built.”
Joey and I just looked at each other. If grandfather pulled out all that money, where in the world is he keeping it? Second if people find out about it, we are in trouble. People will come out of the woodwork trying to steal what is ours.
“Grandpa, are you sure your guys are not overreacting to what’s happening around the world right now? It can happen that a nation falls so deep in debt, but other nations, including ours, will try and help them out of this.”
“Yes they will try to help them out, but if they have no means to do it, how will they be able to do it? Look, I have others I can call, but I won’t. I don’t want them to give me information, and then get in trouble for doing so.
What I did do is call other stock broker firms to see if they are seeing the same thing. The ones that you can trust said ‘yes’. The others that don’t care anything except their bottom line said ‘no’ that everyone is overreacting.”
“Ok grandpa I know I speak on behalf of Joey here, we trust you. Don’t tell us what you did with the money after you pulled it from the bank. You should be the only one that knows that. That way the less people knowing, less the chances for others to find out!
Just keep a ledger on each amount, let me and Joey know what we have. That way we keep a ledger as well as we spend the money. For now we need to slow down on the way we spend to protect what we have. If the money isn’t invested and making a return, each dollar we spend reduces our principle amount.”
We all agreed with the rules and that is that. My grandfather left me and Joey in the study. I just leaned back into my chair looking at the amount I have as far as money. I already broke the double digits in the millions. I feel good about that.
Also everything we have we own. Not one thing is financed so we don’t have to worry about spending huge amounts of money every month. As far as David, Tom and Chase are concerned, we will have to sit and talk with them again. But that will only if what my grandfather fears come true. If it doesn’t, we will re-invest and put the money back where it belongs.
(CHASE’S POINT OF VIEW)
Now that the stuff is settled between me and my ex-girlfriend I can move on. I only have to be there for her during the nine months of her pregnancy. After that we won’t see each other again.
That doesn’t mean I can’t date another girl right now. There is this girl in my English class I really like. The only reason I don’t ask her out is because I wonder if she likes me the way that I like her. I know I will never find out if I don’t ask.
As soon as school ended instead of going home, I went to my parent’s house. They left a message at the attendance office for me to meet them at the house. This is the first time I will see them since I left the house.
Here and there I have told different stories about what happened at my house with my parents. I never really told the truth. When anyone asked I lied to them. I lied so much I lost track and could never remember what I said and to whom. I never thought I would see my parents again. But I figure there’s no time like the present to tell the truth about what happened.
My mom and dad got divorced and they just fought over everything. They fought about everything from the house to the money to the furniture to the cars, but they really never fought over me. In fact neither of them really wanted me around. I know you have heard this story a million times, but here it is again, a million and one now.
I was totally ignored while at home. It got so bad after my parents separated the only time I got attention from either of them was when they were yelling at me. If they weren’t yelling at me, they were hitting me.
I bounced from my mother’s apartment to my father’s apartment. Neither of them got the house. They ended up selling it. Once it was sold and the bank got paid, they only got a couple grand each. That pretty much happened with everything they bought when they were married. I my opinion they lost much more than they gained.
One day I decided I was tired of being bounced around. I was tired of being ignored except when one of my parents wanted to take their anger out on me. So I just grabbed what I could fit in several bags and left.
I lived off of friends for weeks until I wore out my welcome with each of them. When I had no options left except the streets, I made my way to the west side and knocked on Jacob’s door you can say. He let me in and never asked me why I needed a place to stay and to this day Jacob hasn’t asked and doesn’t know.
Once I was living with Jacob, I cut off all ties with my family. They really didn’t want me around, so why should I want to go around where I am not wanted? The only way my parents knew how to get a hold of me is at school. That explains the letter at the attendance office and brings us to the present.
I arrived at my mother’s apartment. I couldn’t make myself move any further. I don’t want to go into that apartment and be forced to stay. I am under the age of eighteen. Because of that they can do that if they want.
Somehow I got myself to move and knock on the door! It was my father that answered the door and let me in. Not saying a word, he went and sat down on the chair. I looked around to see if my mother is anywhere around. I thought it strange my father would be in her apartment if she wasn’t there. Just as I started to think she wasn’t around, she walks in and sat down on the couch.
“Chase, thank you for coming over. We won’t take up much of your time. Your dad and I have been meeting with attorneys to finalize our divorce once and for all. We both agreed and had our attorneys help us get it done.
Since you don’t want to live at either of our homes anymore, we feel it is best that we get it all legal. What I mean is that, if you get into trouble out there, we don’t want to be held accountable for you. Let that kid you moved in with put his neck on the line.
So we went into front of the judge and asked to have you emancipated meaning you are legally an adult in the eyes of the law. The judge didn’t even look twice at our request, he signed off on it. Here are the legal documents that make you responsible for yourself. Each of us has a copy and each of our attorneys have a copy also.
Don’t come to us for anything for now on. It doesn’t matter what it is, the door of my house and your father’s is closed to you. It doesn’t matter, money, food, a roof over your head, or whatever, it won’t happen. Don’t come asking us for anything.
We don’t have a son anymore. We didn’t want it this way, but you seem to have wanted it. Your father and I granted your wish. Now take the papers and leave. Neither of us wants to see you again, Chase,” my mother concluded in a cold, uncaring fashion. Nothing has changed; they don’t care a lick about me and I’m not the least bit shocked.
I didn’t say a word to my parents. My father didn’t speak once and what my mom said wasn’t really anything new to me. I got the papers my mom threw at me and walked out of the apartment not even looking back once. I won’t let them think they have the upper hand here, because they don’t.
As I walked home I couldn’t help but keep thinking on how my mom acted. She was cold as ice as she talked to me. Whenever I have kids, I will never talk down to them like that. I will never divorce my kids like my parents just did to me.
I know I am giving up my first kid, but not to strangers. I will be around to watch out for my first born child. He or she will never know I am their father, but I will know. I will make sure if my child ever needs anything I will bust my ass to get it.
One lesson I will take away from all this is the lesson on how to be a better parent than what my parents are. A lesson that when things don’t work out, don’t take it out on those that are not at fault for what is going wrong in my life at the time. You can bet your last dollar I will be a completely different person than what my mother and father are! Now that I am legally and adult, I need to clear the air with Jacob and Joey. I have to take responsible actions to take care of myself and my unborn child. They will be able to advise me once they are aware of all the facts. Hell, I’ll bet even Grandpa Al will step up and help me with advice and wise counsel.
(MARIE’S POINT OF VIEW)
There is something up with my mom and that kid. I need to find out because it isn’t anything good that is for sure. Why in the world would that kid list my mother as his emergency contact? He has no reason to do that I can think of.
I waited up as long as I could before falling asleep. It seems like whenever I want to stay awake my body thinks I want to go to sleep. And then whenever I want to go to sleep it seems like my body wants to stay awake. Maybe in the future I can turn the tables on my body. You know what I mean?
The minute I woke up, I went straight into the kitchen hoping to find my mom. Without skipping a beat she had already left for work! I have no choice but to get with her tonight. First I better get with that kid at school. I need to find out his version of what is going on between him and my mother.
I ran to school hoping to have enough time to find this kid. I really don’t know where he might hang out, but I need to try. I looked in the cafeteria, no luck. I looked outside, no luck. I did see the usual groups of kids hanging out there, but not the one I am looking for. There is only one other place he could be; the library.
The minute I walked in I spotted him. There is no way you can miss that mug. He got into a fight with someone. If he won, I would like to see what the other guy or guys look like if they are even alive, that is.
I made my way to the table where he is sitting. I didn’t even ask if I could take a seat, I just did. As I pulled my chair in close, the kid looked up from his book that he is reading. He just looked at me, I think he trying to place me.
“I need to ask you something, and I would like it if you give me an honest answer. Why are you hanging around my house and talking with my mother? Why did you call my mother up last night for her to pick you up from the hospital? Whatever you two are doing can’t be good at all.”
The kid just looked at me. I think his name is Greg. I know for a fact he is the one I saw speaking with my mom once in front of the house. I warned Jacob about him. I think I told Jacob his name is Greg. I hope I didn’t get another kid in trouble by giving Jacob a wrong name.
“Look Greg or whatever your name is, I need to know what you and my mother are cooking up. If it is money, you’d better forget it. If you are trying to do something with Jacob, you’d better forget it.”
That’s it Jacob, that is what my mother and him are working on. When I said my brother’s name, he looked down to the table. He doesn’t want to make eye contact. He kept eye contact when I floated the idea about money, but when I said Jacob I hit the nerve.
“What are you and my mother planning to do with Jacob? Is that who messed up your face, my brother? Did you try and do something to my bother Greg? I need to know the truth one way or another. I know whatever you and my mother are doing concerns Jacob.”
“Look Marie it is best that you stay out of it. If you want answers to your questions, it is best you go and ask your mother. I am not the one that should be put under the light here. I am getting very tired of your family anyways,” Greg said evasively.
“Greg come on, I have seen you around school. We are in the same grade and have a few classes together. I have always thought that you are cute and sweet. Whatever you have going on between you and my mom is making you into someone you are not. The only one that is going to lose here is you.”
“How do you know what kind of person I am? You say I am cute and sweet, but you’ve never said a word to me. I have tried to talk with you, and you ignored me. I wanted to meet you since you transferred in. But no you just ignored me and treated me like trash. So how can you sit there and say I am cute and sweet?”
I couldn’t help but look into Greg’s eyes right at that moment. The guy actually has a crush on me. I have never noticed that before. I never meant to make him feel the way he feels. I hate the girls that walk on clouds and looks down at people. That’s not who I am.
“Look I am sorry for doing that to you. I never meant to do that. To be completely honest I never knew you felt the way you feel about me. I like that, and maybe we can do something together in the future. I am not just saying that because I want to know what you are doing with my mother.”
We sat there in the library not saying anything more at first. Then Greg broke the silence and laid everything on the table. He told me how my mother asked him to get Joey to cheat on Jacob in order to break them apart.
He went on and on about everything he and my mother discussed. I know my mother still isn’t happy about having a gay son. She doesn’t hide it well, but to do this, come on now. There isn’t a thing I say or do with my mother. I just can hope Greg will now see he isn’t going to get the job done.
“Marie, I don’t know what to do anymore. I told your mother last night I want out, but she wouldn’t hear of it. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep hurting your brother and myself anymore. Come on look at me Marie! I deserved all this and more!”
“Look, leave it to me to get you out of this. I won’t be able to speak with my mother, but I can speak with Jacob. He in return will speak with my mother and let her know he knows. He will do it in a way that won’t let on you told us.”
Greg agreed with me to let me handle everything from now on. He promised to stop causing trouble for my brother, Joey and his friends. In return I promised him that I will talk to Jake about not hurting him anymore.
I think the beating he got from Jake last night did the trick. Nothing is worth a beating let alone your life! No amount of money or fame should move you to endanger your life. The only way any of us can realize that is to witness one that is going down that road or being the one going down that road.
I need to find Jacob and let him in on what is going on. I know he isn’t going to be happy. If my brother tells my grandpa, it’s REALLY over for my mom! My grandpa won’t tolerate anything like this. Mom has really stepped in the gooey brown stuff this time!
As I got up I promised Greg that he and I will talk about the other things very soon; you know, the thing about seeing each other outside of school being more than friends! But first thing’s first; I need to find Jacob and let him know everything I found out.
(JACOB’S POINT OF VIEW)
Once I got home from school, I checked the mail as I headed in. Most of the mail is junk, but one letter. I looked at the return address on the letter as I walked in. I never thought the kid would ever write me back. Now I have a letter from him right in my hand.
I quickly opened the letter as I sat down on the chair. Unfolded the paper and just looked at the letter. Kind of afraid to see what Alejandro had written me in response of my letter. I really hope it isn’t anything bad or a threat.
Jacob
When I went to my mail box today and found a letter from you, I was surprised. You already helped me out when you didn’t have to. Now you are writing me in here after all I did to you. I really don’t know where to begin.
I’d better start by saying thank you for everything. You don’t know how much all this means to me. As I promised my mother, I will promise you; I won’t flush this chance down the toilet. I am doing everything in my power to make sure of that.
I won’t make excuses for what I did to you. Simply put, there isn’t an excuse that can cover the stuff I did. The original shooting wasn’t meant for you. I should have never done it, but it wasn’t meant for you. But everything after was and now as I think back to it I can’t believe what I put you through.
I want to go and wring my own neck for that stuff. I want to slap some sense into myself as I tried to kill you. I want to tell myself that I am getting myself deeper in trouble. Nothing I do is going to fix the first wrong I did. You know that old saying about two wrongs don’t make a right. Well three, four or five wrongs don’t make a right. I am walking proof of that.
I know what I am saying here is just words on a paper. I really do mean it and hope you understand if I could I would change what I did to you. No one deserves to live the way you had to live in the last several years. You were having to look over your shoulder and had to run away and live in the streets, just because of me!
I grew up in an ugly house with one ugly parent. My mother tried to save me every time I turned and did wrong. I didn’t listen to her, I only wish now that I did. Instead I wanted to be like my father. Well I am almost like him. But I won’t finish that journey.
I have a fork in the road right now in my life. I need to decide which fork in the road to go down; the fork that will lead me into the same life as my father, or the road that will lead me down a life of following the laws and being a productive citizen! Without a doubt I am choosing to take the fork that leads me down the road you are on.
I really do thank you for the letter you sent me. I hope we can become pen pals at least. I know I am asking for way too much to become friends with you. You already saw it in your heart to forgive me and give me this second chance. I can’t ask you now to forget everything I had done to you in past and be friends. I can only wish that, but that is it, just a wish.
Jacob, do take care of yourself. Maybe one day when we are older we can sit around a table and talk as friends with nothing between us except a beer and chips as we talk. I hope that day comes, but until then I would like to keep writing you. I hope I can work through my demons with you on my side. Take care and I hope to get a letter back.
Alejandro Garcia
I read the letter one more time before putting it up. I picked up the phone and called the detention facility where Alejandro is at to see when he can have visitors. It is Thursday right now; I hope I didn’t miss visitor’s day.
The staff member that answered the phone let me know that I can visit anyone in there starting on Friday through Sunday. So while Joey is getting ready for football, I will stop in and do a quick visit tomorrow. After the visit I can still be on time to meet Joey at his game.
After everyone got home from school, I spoke with my grandfather about my plans. Joey joined us as I explained to them what I want to do tomorrow. Neither of the two liked the idea of me going down and visiting with the guy that tried to kill me.
“Look Jake, you have always had a trusting heart and spirit. You never see the ill will a person has for another. This kid can’t change who he is. He doesn’t know anything else other than to be a thug. That is what his father is, and that is what his grandfather was. Nobody can just change overnight no matter how hard they might want to change,” Grandpa said with caring for my welfare in his eyes and voice.
“Grandpa I don’t agree with you on that. If a person is never given a chance to really find themselves, they won’t. I really believe he did what he did because that is what he saw his father do. His mother tried to lead him down the right path, but she works many jobs the way I understand it. She couldn’t be there as much as his scumbag father.
I can see the ill will people have for others. I just choose to believe if you give a person a chance, they can become something different. Don’t get me wrong. If Alejandro moves down the same road that he has been going in his life, I will stop talking with him,” I said letting both Joey and Grandpa know I’m not blind.
“That is all we are asking for Jake. I know better then to try and stop you. Just don’t get your hopes up for Alejandro to change because if he doesn’t, I know it will bother you. I can’t stand to see my boyfriend hurting especially not over this guy flushing away every chance he gets,” Joey said adding his perspective to the conversation.
Just then my sister walked into the den and joined us. I walked over and hugged her. I couldn’t help but help to think this can’t be good. The only reason Marie comes down in the evening on a school night is to talk about something that is going wrong.
“Sis what is going on? Mom isn’t with you is she?”
“No I walked over to speak with you and grandpa. Joey can stay if he wants because this concerns him as well,” Marie said getting our undivided attention.
I looked over at my grandpa and Joey. Both of them look as confused as I feel with the mysterious way Marie is talking. This can’t be good for sure. I turned back to my sister and invited her to continue.
“Last night mom got a phone call in the middle of the night from the hospital. I answered and handed the call over to mom thinking it was something about you, Jacob. Mom closed the door as she spoke to the nurse or the doctor that was on the line.
I kept hearing her telling whoever was on the line that she isn’t the parent of Greg. She asked why they would call her; to stop putting words in her mouth, and finally she agreed to go down to the hospital.
I waited up to ask mom why she is getting calls from this guy to pick him up from the emergency room. While I waited I put two and two together. He is the same kid that I saw speaking to her weeks before. The one I told you about the next day,” Marie said explaining her logic flawlessly.
“I remember that Marie. You told me he was waiting outside of the house or something like that. Once mom drove up he went over to speak with her, but you couldn’t hear much because they were outside and you were inside.”
“Yes, now the same kid once again pops up in our lives. I fell asleep before mom got home. When I woke up this morning she was already gone for work. I decided to track the kid down at school and try to get the truth from him.”
“Did you get the truth?” I asked, my curiosity having peaked.
“Yes grandpa I found him in the library. I couldn’t believe this was the same kid that was in front of the house a couple of weeks ago. Jake you really did a number on him, I kind of felt for the kid seeing him that way.
You know he made the decision on doing what he did, but he didn’t think it would come to blows like it did last night. The worst he expected was that you would have thrown him out of the house. Mom is the one that told him that you guys don’t lock the doors to the house until you go to bed. Anyways, let me……”
Marie went on and told us everything. I am completely shocked with what she is saying. I know my mom still isn’t comfortable of having a gay son, but to do this? Now I even feel badly for the kid from last night. He was only doing what he had promised to do. I know that isn’t an excuse, but that is the only reason he was here.
Grandpa had more presence of mind at the moment and chimed in; “Look Marie listen to me and listen to me good. Don’t get yourself in the middle of this. You might get her mad enough to get kicked out. Let me handle your mother. I won’t tell her how I found out in order to keep you out of this.”
“Grandpa I have no problem with her knowing I that found out this stuff. She is going to speak to Greg sooner or later. He is going to tell her that he told me. Wouldn’t that make things worse for all of us?” Marie asked again with a lot of logic to her thinking.
“Marie you need to go back to Greg and explain to him if your mom goes and asks him who he talked to, it was me. I don’t care if you tell him the truth. We have nothing to hide from anyone,” Grandpa suggested with more than just a hint of determination.
We made up a plan on how to deal with this situation with my mom. We all agreed it is best that my grandfather is the one that confronts her. I will go along, but I won’t do any of the talking unless I find myself needing to clear up a point or two.
Marie stayed for dinner before Tom took her home. We don’t want to talk with my mom tonight because it is way too fresh in our minds. We might say things in anger and can’t be taken it back. It is best to settle down and let cooler minds prevail.
Once Marie left my grandpa talked to me and Joey again about the money. We misunderstood about what he told us earlier. He spoke wrong and needed to clear the air. Our money is pulled from the stock money, but not from the bank….yet.
He has some of the money still invested I some stuff that isn’t involved with the S&P, NASDQ and the DOW. Those are the ones right now it looks like are going to take a tumble. He also told us that he might look into buying a chain of stores. Which store I don’t know, but he explained it is a good investment. Owning physical items is a better investment strategy right now.
We agreed with my grandfather telling him to do what he thinks is best. I don’t want to start digging in the money saved. I have already gotten used to living on the income and interest money I get every three months from the stock investments.
Joey and I watched a little television. When I say little is because we couldn’t keep our hands off of each other. It is too early to go to bed, and the others will know what we are up to if we go to the room this early. So I decided to go outside and see if I can do something in the yard. It is still light outside; the sun hasn’t quite gone down yet.
As I got up and started making my way outside, Joey followed me. There is no way I will get any kind of work done out here with Joey. I might even end up jumping his bones in the corner of the yard or something!
The construction already started to connect our house with Beth’s. Really it will be one house once the construction is done. Just two addresses on two different streets. Any how the yard is full with equipment and material. There isn’t really anywhere to walk in the yard. But it isn’t stopping Joey and me.
As I started walking around the piles of wood, Joey came right up behind me. So I went into a fast walk, trying to escape his grasp. As I started to laugh, Joey keeps trying to slap me on my ass as we run around the piles of materials in the back yard.
Faster and faster I start to run but Joey keeps up. It is making it a little harder for me because of my injury, but what the hell. I haven’t run like this since before the fight with Normall’s brother and friends.
“You can’t catch me no matter how hard you try or how screwed up my leg is! You are slow and don’t have a football in your hand to run fast, you dumb jock!” I couldn’t help but laugh as I hear Joey behind me breathing hard.
“Don’t count me out yet you cripple. There is no way you can outrun me even when you are at your best. Dumb jock or not I will get you!”
I dodged him Joey in the bushes as I took a sharp turn into the two by fours. I glance over where Joey is laying on the ground. Trying to get up as fast as he could, but slipping on the wet grass and falling face first in the dirt.
“I told you Joey, there is no way you can catch me you fool. Maybe I should surrender so we can get out of this cold.”
“Screw that Jake; I won’t give you the satisfaction of surrender. I will be right on top of you before you know it!”
I ran between the wood and the rock wall not realizing there isn’t another way out. Joey corned me on the other side with a big grin on his face. He knows he has me now. There is only one way out of this, over the wood.
I got on the wood and started to run across. It seems as if Joey is reading my mind because he got on top of the wood with me. Before I could get to the other side, Joey grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me towards him.
Laughing I surrendered into Joey’s hands. “You got me babe, now do whatever you want with me. Just remember you have an injured man in your hands.”
“I haven’t forgotten that. I will take your surrender, but make it worth it.”
Joey gently lowered me and him to the wood at the same time. All the way down Joey and my lips were together. I just love when Joey sticks his tongue in my mouth. It makes me feel like I am in heaven.
Joey pulls out my shirt the minute he and I got to the wood. Not resisting anything he wants to do, I let him pull my shirt over my head. Joey tosses my shirt to the side and starts kissing up and down my neck. Once he feels that he left enough love bites on my neck, I think that is the reason anyway, he starts his way down to my nipples. He starts by kissing each one and then progresses to sucking on them. It just feels damn good with his mouth sucking on my nipples, trying to suck out milk. If he wants a milk shake, he knows where to go and it’s somewhere more South of where he’s at!
Joey unbuttons my jeans and pulls them off my waist to my ankles along with my underwear. All in one move he got my pants and underwear to the ground. With not a moment of hesitation, Joey engulfs my hard, leaking dick in his mouth, taking it to full depth.
“Damn Joey you don’t know how much I have been wanting this. Damn Joey it feels so fucking good having your mouth around my cock.” I started to moan loud enough to get the neighbors dogs to howl at the moon.
Without warning Joey, I pull him up to me. I want his hot lips on mine. As we kiss, I start to unbutton his jeans as he is towers over me. I somehow get the jeans unbuttoned and my hands in them. I pull down his jeans just below his nice bubble butt.
Without releasing our kiss, I flip Joey on his back. I don’t even bother sucking his tits once I tear off his shirt. I go right to his pants and pull them completely off. I start sucking on his amazing cut dick realizing I am not going to last much longer. I am going to explode, without any touching of my dick to do it.
I grab our clothes and put them under Joey’s back to make him more comfortable and giving me easy access to his hole. I stuck my tongue in his hole, getting it nice and ready for my dick to enter.
With the pre-cum I am leaking I don’t need to do nothing for lubrication on my dick. I slowly press my dick in Joey’s hole until my dick broke though. Slowly I sink my dick deeper and deeper inside him until I hit his love button. I know I am there because Joey is moaning even more now than what he was a few seconds ago.
“Joey, please stop moaning. You don’t know what that does to me. I will shoot before I even get started man. Please Joey stop moaning.”
Of course Joey can’t help but moan so I try and put it out of my mind. As usual I start out slowly and then gain speed. Since I am so close to my climax already, I am going to fuck Joey as slowly as possible but I’m long-stroking Joey’s hole.
Joey has something else in mind. He wants to be in control. He somehow flips me onto my back and he on top without my dick slipping out of his ass. Now he is riding me and he can choose how fast or slow we go.
Imagine looking out your window and seeing two young boys on top of a pile of wood naked. Not only naked, but having sex and BUTT SEX at that! One of the young boys on top of the other riding him like a horse! That’s what this looks like right now.
Joey actually starts to wrap his hands around my neck, pulling me up from the wood. He is going up and down on my dick and kissing me. Each time I try to take control, he stops me from doing so.
“Joey if you don’t slow down man I am going to cum. Joey please slow down, I am going to cum.” To late for Joey to slow down now!
My toes curled, my body is now all tense, and my balls are up tight against my body. Here it goes; I start to unload a tsunami of cum into Joey’s ass. Shot after shot I pump inside Joey. I can’t stop moaning, I can’t stop my feet from curling up or my body tensing up.
Joey quickly got off of my dick as it shoots sperm all over the wood. He gets down and put my dick in his mouth and gets the last three shots. They are not as strong as my first three or four shots, but they still do the job for him.
Joey won’t let go of my dick, he keeps sucking on it. There is no more for him, but he thinks he can squeeze a few more drops out. Finally Joey realized I have no more to give, he let my dick out of his mouth and curl up beside me.
Not allowing him to get comfortable, I start making my way down to his dick. You can’t miss it, it is standing straight up. Not giving Joey a chance to shield his dick from my mouth I put it in. All Joey can do is enjoy what is about to happen.
Joey places his hands on my head and controls the speed I am going. Still it doesn’t take long to get Joey to cum. I always know when he is about to cum without him saying a word. He grabs a hold of my hair as tight as he can. That is what he is doing now. Joey has low hanging bull balls and when he’s about to come, they nearly disappear up into his body as he gets close to climax.
And I am right. Shot after shot my mouth is getting filled with his cum, sweet cum. I don’t want to loose a drop of his cum, so I start to swallow. I keep sucking Joey’s dick until he has no more to give me. Once I see I have drained him, I let his dick slide out of my mouth as slowly as possible. I know it bothers the daylights out of him when I do this when his dick goes super sensitive just after he cums.
I let go of Joey’s dick, I move and joined him at his side. I pull Joey between my legs, letting him relax his head on my chest. Neither of us spoke, we just looked up at the stars. We just had the hottest sex that we’ve had in a long time.
(TOM’S POINT OF VIEW)
David and I made our way to his room. I have a shit load of homework to do, and I know he does too. Instead of watching television, we start our homework. I take David’s desk at the window, because of the calculator, and he sat on the bed.
I keep hearing voices outside of David’s window. It gets to a point I can’t ignore it anymore. I go to open the window to tell whoever is out there making all the noise to shut the hell up. But once I opened the window, I didn’t say a word. Instead I ducked under the window on the floor.
“What are you doing Tom? What do you see out there that you need to be hiding like that? I know whoever it is can’t see you at the window.”
“David shut up and come over here. Don’t bend out of the window just look.”
David walked over to me and looked out. Within seconds David hit the ground. He and I just looked straight forward not saying a word to each other. These two out there really have a couple sets balls between their legs.
Without saying a word to David we both turn around, staying on our knees. We look out the window. If you were to look up at the window all you would see is two sets of eyeballs looking out. We don’t want Jacob and Joey seeing us watching them.
Those two are really in love. They can’t even make inside to make love. They get on a flat surface and just jump each other. I tell you these two are in love no matter what anyone else tells you.
How in the world did Joey just do that with Jake’s pants and underwear? Man I have always wondered about the size Jake has between his legs. That thing is huge. Now I know why Joey is always happy after a night of hot sex with Jake.
Don’t get me wrong. David’s size is nothing to look down at. Its just Jacob is indeed big. Wow, these two are really in heat right now. By watching them I am getting hard. I reach over and grab David’s dick to see he is hard like me.
My query can be answered just looking down to his cock. David looks over at me as I feet his dick. Without saying a word, we both hurry up and strip down to our birthday suits.
David is as hard as I am right now. Both our dicks are pointing straight out. Not wasting a moment, we get into the sixty nine position. Almost at the same time we both put each others dick in our mouths.
It only took us a few moments to get into rhythm. We are both going up and down at the same speed and the same time. I start reaching around David’s waist, making my way to his butt. Feeling around until I reached his hole.
At first I started out with one finger, then I went to two, and finally to three fingers into David’s butt. I know this is driving him even crazy, so I want to see how it feels. I grab his hand and put it to my butt hole.
David got the hint and starts to finger fuck me. One finger, then two, and finally three fingers are in. How in the world he is hitting my prostate with his fingers I don’t know and I don’t care. It is driving me crazy as hell and I love every moment of it. I wonder if this is how David is feeling right now.
With David’s hot lips around my cock and with him finger fucking me it doesn’t take me long to reach my climax. I start to shoot in his mouth, and once I began shooting, he does as well.
Neither he nor I let up on the speed we are finger fucking each others ass as we shot our cum in each others mouth. I want every drop of David’s cum possible. I don’t care how many times he shoots, as long as I get to swallow all of his cum.
It seems as we are blowing each other as one. At the same time we let each of our dicks slide out of our mouths. At the same time we took our fingers out of each others asses. I can’t move an inch right now. David crawls up next to me and lay down at my side. We just look up to the ceiling hearing Jacob and Joey still going at it outside.
(ANDY’S POINT OF VIEW)
Last night Normall and I came to a decision. Although she doesn’t like it, we have no other choice but to do it. We are going to get married in front of the Justice of the Peace with close family and friends only. As far as the big wedding it is going to be put off until we can afford it. As of now I don’t know when that will be.
I decide to go over and tell my grandpa about the decision while Jake is at school. He is still not invited because Normal wouldn’t hear of it. I love both and I know Jake will forgive me for not inviting him to the wedding. My grandpa and everyone else is more than welcome to come.
I took Normal to work and then made my way to Jacob’s house. As I turned the corner I almost drove by the house. They have done so much work to the house I could barely recognize it.
I park the car on the street and walk up to the door. After knocking a few times I was about to leave when Beth opened the door. She just stood there looking at me. I know she knows who I am.
“I am here to speak with my grandpa. Is he around?” I inquired.
“Yes Andy he is on the other side of the house. Why don’t you come in and take a seat in the den while I go and get him for you,” Beth responded.
I walked in and couldn’t believe my eyes. It almost looks like a brand new house from the last time I was here. I just don’t understand how Jacob can spend this kind of money on his house and not willing to give me what he promised for my wedding. As I looked around I couldn’t help but get mad all over again.
Grandpa walks into the den and says; “Andy it is good to see you! What brings you around on this Friday morning? I know it isn’t to see Jacob or the other boys because they are in school right now.”
I met my grandfather half way and we started to hug. My grandfather is being his normal self as he pats me on the back as we hug. I miss my family so much and as we hugged the anger I started to feel just went away.
“I came over to see you grandpa. I need to speak with you about something and I felt it best to talk with you when Jacob wasn’t around.”
“Well this is Jacob’s house and we need to respect that. Why don’t we go over to my house and speak.”
We walked down a new hallway that wasn’t here before. There are windows on each side to look out to either the street or the back yard. By the looks of it they are doing some kind of construction outside as well.
We walked into my grandfather’s study. It isn’t as big as Jacob’s, but it is set up pretty much the same way with wall to wall books with a desk and seats in the middle. My grandpa sat in a chair on the other side of the desk, not behind it. I took the chair right across from my grandfather.
“Grandpa last night Normal and I decided on how we are going to get married. Since we don’t have enough money to have the big church wedding that Normal wants, we are going to put it off for another time. Instead we are going to have a simple wedding with close family and friends.
We are not going to send out invitations or anything like that. Everyone we want to invite we are going to invite them in person. I already invited mom and Marie. I am here to invite you and grandma and any of the guys here.”
“I didn’t hear you mention Jacob in there, Andy. You want to invite me, your grandmother, and everyone else in this house except Jacob. Am I right Andy?”
“Grandpa you have to understand where I stand right now. Normal is still very angry about what Jacob did to her brother. I love her so much and want her as my wife. I know Jake is going to forgive me, but Normal won’t marry if with he is there.”
“Damn it Andy! You haven’t heard a word I have been telling you. You are right about Jake forgiving you. In time he will. But you don’t know how much this is hurting him right now. You being here and inviting me, and everyone else in this house except him is just going to tear your brother apart.
What, you expect us to leave Jacob here all alone as we go down and be with a family member that refuses to stand up for one of his own brothers? You refuse to stand up for your own flesh and blood with a woman that will never accept your brother. She hates gays and doesn’t want anything to do with them.
No Andy I won’t take part of this at all. You are still my grandson, I will always love you not matter what. I will NOT stand by and watch as you continue to break your brother’s heart.”
“Grandpa you are like my father. Our father wasn’t around when we grew up. You stepped in when he hit the road. When our mom couldn’t make ends meet, you went without to give to us. I really want you at my wedding please grandpa!”
Jake will understand. I know my own little bro. He will understand and not blame you for attending my wedding. In fact I know if he knew I am inviting you guys he would be pushing for you guys to attend.”
“Again you are right. You know your little brother very well. Still, I won’t take part of anything that will hurt him. I know this is probably hurting you, but this situation you can fix. Jake can’t do a thing. He isn’t the one uninviting himself to a wedding.
I can’t be attending a wedding when the only person that isn’t allowed to attend is one of my grandchildren. The only reason he isn’t allowed to attend is because of something that you know full well he has no control over.
Further, you have no right to walk in here and tell me or anyone in this family that Normal is still angry with Jacob. That ——-, let me watch what I say about her. She is the one that caused every problem we are having right now Andy.
She sent her brothers after Jake and left him lying in his own blood. She is the one that tried and have him arrested for defending himself, and then tried to have Joey and the others arrested. She is the one that caused everything that is going on right now.
Against my advice, Jacob being the person he is went and talked, begged the District Attorney to drop the charges. Because of Jacobs pleading with the courts and District Attorney Normal got her brothers back with a slap on the hand. Normal conveniently forgets about those factors, now doesn’t she?”
“I really don’t know what I expected from you when I came over here. You already have your mind made up about Normal. She isn’t the bad evil woman you think she is. I would never marry a woman like that. I just wish you would reconsider and come to my wedding.”
I looked at my grandpa as he got up from the chair and walked behind his desk. He didn’t sit down. He just looked at me with his eyes that we hated getting from him when we were children. The look he has in his eyes right now always told us that we are in trouble.
“I will pass on the invite to everyone in the house, even though it will hurt your brother. But I won’t attend your wedding as long as you refuse to invite your brother. If you can find your balls and stand up to Normal and change her mind to invite Jacob, I will then attend.
You are always welcome at my house Andy, not you’re soon to be wife. I don’t want to hear her name being mentioned if you do come over. I won’t give you any kind of help that will help her at the same time. If you guys have kids, they are welcome, but again not with their mother present. You will never be dead to me Andy, just the woman you chose to marry. I can’t see her in any other light because she hasn’t shown me that she is different. Sorry Andy, but that is the way I feel right now and it’s less than unlikely that it can change without Normal doing the right and decent thing. Although you are not dead to me, Andy, you have lost something precious; you’ve lost my respect for you as a man.”
I got up with tears in my eyes. I know my grandfather means it. No matter what happens from this day forward, he will never give Normal a chance. For that reason alone I will never be able to come visit.
My grandfather and I said goodbye to each other most likely for the last time. We walked to the front door of his house and hugged as I opened the door. After stepping out of the house, my grandfather stood there on the porch watching me as I got in my car.
As I drove off, I looked back to see my grandfather waving at me. That is all it took, I started crying like a little baby. I just lost my family and it is really sinking in. There is no way Jacob and I will ever be as close as we were when we were growing up. He will forgive me, but he will always have the hurt in his heart that I caused.
As I made my way to the freeway, I couldn’t stop crying. I started hitting the steering wheel as the hurt of losing my family boiled over. Through blurry eyes, caused by me crying I saw a truck coming at me in slow motion. I know I have the green light, why isn’t the truck stopping. The truck looks is like is coming full speed right at me.
I tried to step on the gas pedal to get out of the way, but there isn’t any use. That truck is going to hit me no matter what I do. I turned the steering wheel all the way to the right and put my hands up in bracing for the impact. Then it happened, I swung around like a pin ball in a game. The last thing I saw before blacking is hitting the light post and bouncing off of it.
TO BE CONTINUED…………………..
OVER VIEW:
{Well I covered a little more in this chapter then I normally do. I jumped around from a lot of points of views trying to bring closure to or reminding us about plots out there. I have been getting a lot of emails about Andy and what is going to happen with him. Plus emails about Chase and how he ended up living with Jacob.
Let’s start with Chase. I have hinted around in the chapters in the past about how he landed up on Jacob’s door step but I never went into detail what happened. I hope I explained it enough for those who keep wondering how it happened. I should have done that from the beginning, but is better late than never like they say.
Plus I put in one other twist in Chase’s story plot. He has no parents anymore. His mother blames it on him, but no child wants to be told that. No child wants to be ignored or hit on. But to be told you are not loved by those that gave your birth. That is the worst.
Here we have Andy back again and on the same topic. I don’t know why he doesn’t understand where his grandfather is coming from. Yeah Jake is going to forgive him. That is the kind of guy Jake is. But doing what he is doing right now to Jake is hurting him really badly. I just don’t understand why Andy doesn’t see that.
He should have a sit down with Normal and tell her that Jake is his family and she is marrying into his family. So she needs to take it all or none of it. I really hope that happens in the chapters to come. A person can choose their friends and acquaintances, but one can’t choose their family.
Who knows, if that will happen. Perhaps things will change with how this chapter ended with Andy getting hit by a truck. If he survives the crash, maybe he will see the light. Maybe Normal will see what she is doing to him forcing him to decide against his family for her. Who knows?
We also had another appearance from Greg and Jake’s mom. We all knew Greg is going to be in this chapter, but his mother was another question. Now that Greg told on Gloria to Marie, and then Marie telling Jake and their grandfather on what she is doing, I wonder if Gloria is going to stop or find another way on making trouble for Jake and Joey. There is still the talk that Jake’s grandfather is going to, in his own way, deal with Gloria.
Also we have now Greg here telling Marie he has liked her for a long time. I wonder if after the dust settles, is there going to be something there between Marie and Greg. You can hear it in Marie’s voice when she talks about the hurt Jake laid on Greg when she was talking to Jake and their grandfather.
So much hanging out there and so much to come! Many have written me and asked how long will Jacob Finding His Way going to be. I can tell you we haven’t even reached half way yet. Once these guys finish up high school that is the halfway point! We then move into the college years in a new place with new friends and new adventures they have never done before. So trust me when I say there is going to be many more plots, characters, and adventures coming and going in this story, stick around.
As always I can go on and on about the open plots in the story! If I do that, I can actually write several more chapters. There are so many plots that can take a turn at anytime. You might think it is going to go one way, but is lands up going another. Do not miss out on anything, or you will be kicking yourself for it.
There is a so much to answer in the chapters to come. Stick around and keep reading the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}
EDITOR’S CORNER:
Ok, was the ending of this chapter a cliffhanger or was it just a good place to end the chapter? I guess we’ll find out next week, won’t we?
Oh, I’m waiting to see how Grandpa deals with Gloria! Something tells me that being a fly on the wall for that scene will be worth the price of a good Broadway Show ticket!
Grandpa Al is 101% right with his stance toward Normal and Andy’s not including Jake at the wedding. Andy needs to EARN his balls. Andy is showing to be irrational in his view of the facts and is seeing things only through Normal’s warped perspective of things. He is fostering hate and bigotry. Andy needs to see the right and wrong of the situation and hold Normal accountable.
I’m so glad Tom and David have got their lives back on track after David’s rape. I knew David would, in time, be OK. He has a strong will and character. I’m glad that won out over the violence he suffered. Tom is a great guy who stood by his man through something totally terrible. He didn’t waver. Again, there’s a man with a good character and moral and ethical center. He stands up for what’s right.
I was saddened with Chase’s revelation about his family. As a parent myself, I cannot fathom how any parent, let alone two, could do such a thing to their child. I know there are bad parents out there, but Chase’s parents are the top of the trash heap.
From both Jacob and me, thank you to all of you that have taken the time to e-mail. It’s nice to know we are giving you a read that brings pleasure to you. Keep us posted with your thoughts and comments.
Until next time,
“Daddy” Rick
wow