Juan and his Patron
By: Jon Stewart
(© 2019 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...
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jstewart@tickiestories.us

Chapter 5


“What kind of fish, Tomas?” 

“I am not sure Patron. I think maybe cod; is there a cod fish?”

 

“Yes Tomas there is cod and it very good we shall try that. I season it with oregano and grill it. I think it will be very delicious.”

 

Juan said, “Ohh Patron my stomach is growling for food already.”

 

“Go look for something in the refrigerator and bring me a beer please.”

 

“Yes Patron, it will be my pleasure to serve you. Besides the beer is there something you would like to munch on.”

 

“Maybe some chips and salsa would be good; would you like that.”

 

“Si Patron” Tomas replied.

 

Juan added, “I shall bring the hot salsa yes Patron.”

 

“Yes Juan that is good.”

 

Juan was off at the trot and back in a flash. They munched; the boys drank of Patron’s cold water and they continued to work on the shopping list.

 

“How about sweets, cookies or cake?”

 

“Patron, we rarely have money for such extravagance.” Juan answered.

 

“Well I shall try a carrot cake, it is not all that sweet and I like it….also some cookies all children like sugar cookies….“What about drinks? Will your parents drink champagne?   What will your bothers drink, Tomas?”

 

“Oh just your nice cold water, it is the best water I have ever drank.” Tomas said.

 

“My mama and papa went to a wedding last year. They drank the champagne and the next day they said their heads were pounding. They said something about the bubbles, Patron. To be polite they would drink it but not really like it. Just regular red wine is what they have at diner. They now let me have a half glass because I work for you and make money for the family.” Juan added with much pride.

 

Patron thought a bit, “Maybe sangria or some of Portugal’s fine port. I shall have both it is good to have a little variety….. Ok boys, you have helped me out immensely. Do you want to swim now?”

 

“Si Patron that will be very nice, it will let me wash off some of the sweat from doing the grass. Coming Tomas?” Juan answered.

 

“Maybe, if the Patron joins us. It will be good to get a little exercise Patron. You said I was to be your trainer.”

 

Patron smiled, “Yes I did say that didn’t I?”

 

“It will help with the belly Patron and the water will make the exercise easier.”

 

“Ok Tomas, I cannot argue with your logic.”

 

“Tomorrow, after the massage I think we should go for a walk as well. Good for your heart and your belly. I do not want anything bad to happen to my Patron.”

 

“Shall we be skinny dipping Patron?”

 

“Is there any other way with you Juan?”

 

“Well maybe Sunday with my mama and Tomas’s mama and my sister, I shall think of another way. But today is only Wednesday, Patron so I say skinny dipping. I like the sound of that.”

 

They stripped down and the boys helped Patron into the water. But it was easier for him; he was not as stiff. He thought to himself “the massages by Tomas really are helping.” After a bit of getting used to water Tomas asked the Patron to swim laps with him. Juan joined in. So with one boy on one side and one on the other the Patron did 5 laps before he tired. As he rested against the side of the pool the boys frolicked around in the pool. They did the thing were one boy cupped his hands in front of himself and the other stepped into the sling formed by the hands and then was thrown into the air to splash down and then he made the sling. Juan’s teasing nature and love of Tomas’s big member came into play as he held his tongue out to lick between Tomas’s legs. Often Juan’s tongue found their mark and excited Tomas. Tomas not to outdone by Juan played the same game on Juan’s member. Soon the excitement of both boys was most evident. Tomas stopped for a moment and swam / ran over to the Patron who was enjoying their game and watching from the pool side.

 

“Patron, may we have 5 of the o clock excitement.”

 

“Yes Tomas I was waiting to see who would ask first.”

 

Tomas went back to the game and did one more flip over Juan. Then came back to him and picked him up and slung him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

 

“Excitement time you little tease.”

 

“Yea, Yea, See you later Patron.” A smiling happy Juan waved to the Patron as Tomas carried him off.

 

Patron laughed at the site. Oh to be young again he thought.

 

With one hand around Juan’s legs and Juan’s stomach squarely on his shoulder Tomas easily carried the lighter Juan. Going past the table with the towels he told Juan to grab a batch. Juan started drying himself and Tomas’s back as he was carried down to what had become their excitement bedroom.

 

A half hour latter two smiling boys emerged their members no longer excited.

 

“Thank you for the excitement time Patron” Tomas said.

 

“Is there anything else we can do for you today, Patron” Juan asked.

 

“No my young friends; it has been a good day for me how about you.”

 

“Ohh Patron, it has been a most excellent day.” They replied in unison.

 

“I guess you have to dress for the walk home nature boy.”

 

“It’ll be ok if you hold my hand, so the world can see what a big strong handsome boy friend I have.”

 

They quickly dressed; the sun was just going down. Before leaving Tomas nudged Juan and Juan followed him to where Patron had his chair. Then one on one side and one on the other; they kissed and hugged their Patron. Tomas whispered in one ear.

 

“Good night my Patron, sleep well. I love you.”

 

Juan on the other side said “My Patron you are the best thing that has ever happen in my life. I love you. Sleep well my Patron.

 

The old Patron looked at the young faces with tears of joy in his eyes. “Thank you boys, thank you I shall dream of your hugs and kisses tonight and of being 60 years younger so I could play with you and your excitement. Now get on home.”

 

One last squeeze of a hug and the boys started to take their leave.

 

“What time tomorrow Patron?” Juan asked.

 

“Well your boy friend likes early excitement about 11 of the o clock.”

 

“Yahoo, we might be early Patron.”

 

“Get on with you and your teenage hormones.”

 

Juan talked Tomas into going at the trot and holding hands. As they got to spot in the road where Juan would go to his house and Tomas to his, Juan stood on the tip toes to kiss Tomas good night but the best he could do was his chin which he kissed anyway, very disappointed. Tomas picked him up; Juan wrapped arms and legs around his big lug and kissed him deep their tongues dueling. They did not care if others saw them. They were as God made them and it was good.

 

After the boys left, Jon Dougherty, lingered a bit over his beer. “It would be so grand if they did not have to go.” He thought.  “Alas, it is what it is and I am fortunate to have them when I do.” He prepared his evening meal. He preferred to keep the evening meal light unless he was to entertain. But he knew few in Portimao and he was not at an age where he would go out very much. So entertaining was rare indeed.

 

He had a ham sandwich with a bowel of chili and another beer. He left the few dishes for Juan. He found a movie on Netflix and watched it. As his bedtime drew near he got a nice sized glass of red wine. Within 5 minutes of finishing it he knew he would be fighting the sleep. He drank his wine and read a bit from his ipad, stories on nifty. Many were somewhat trashy and all that was told was lewd sex. There were some like Father Contract and Drummer Boy where there was no sex scenes at all. Often he found stories where the sex was minimized for the love of the characters. So he read and sipped his wine and soon sleep was upon him.

 

[Feelings often manifest themselves in your dreams and so it was for old Jon. He was in his bed naked with Juan on his left and Tomas on his right. They kissed him one after the other. It was not a peck on the cheek but deep and lasting on his lips with their tongues probing his mouth. Their hands lovingly massaged his chest, his man nipples, his stomach, his abdominal area. Down, down they went to his thighs, beneath his testacies. Shivers ran up and down Jon’s spine as the boys continued their pleasuring of his body. Then as if synchronized back to his man tits mouths ravaging them, licking them, gently biting, Jon’s excitement was at full mast.

 

They said in unison “Shall we go to your prize.”

 

The Patron could only bob his head up and down; he had been left speechless by his excitement. They alternately licked his shaft, the purple head and the slippery love lube that emanated from it.  Tomas with his large member went between Jon’s legs and raised his legs as he had done in the massage. The Patron was exposed and he loved it. He wanted what Tomas would give. Then he felt Tomas tongue at his entrance, probing, lubricating. Juan now had the Patron’s member in his mouth, lovingly sucking for his cream, twirling his tongue around it’s head. Stopping now and again kissing it and then again into his mouth where that tongue was driving Jon to ecstasy. Tomas now had his member at the hole of the Patron. It too was leaking love lube. He was probing and stopping pushing and stopping wanting entrance but without pain for his Patron. Then he slipped in. Jon moaned with pleasure. It had been so long since he felt the pleasure of another man in him. Juan’s boy hood was close by to Jon and he grabbed it. He had to return some pleasure and took Juan’s love tool to his mouth. The three continued as Tomas thrusts pounded Jon’s pleasure spot. Juan and the Patron were doing the sixty nine loving each other’s members. Jon felt his excitement building. Juan sucked harder as he felt Patron’s member grow even larger in his mouth. Tomas was pounding harder and faster, harder and faster he was ready to explode. The Patron felt Juan’s member in him grow larger and twitch. All three were on the edge then Tomas could not hold back any more and his love juice ran through the Patron’s innards. Feeling the explosion of Tomas, the Patron erupted in Juan’s eager mouth. He lapped at it and swallowed it. Then Juan, emptied himself into Patron; pulse after pulse shooting his excitement down the Patron’s throat. Juan kissed Tomas with the Patron’s love juice on his lips. Then the two kissed the Patron and shared the remnants of Juan and the Patron’s juice. They fell in a heap of tangled arms and legs mouths kissing at each other. They slept that way until the Patron woke with cold love juice running down his chest and stomach. He called out “Juan, Tomas”. There was no answer; it had only been a dream. Such a dream, Jon thought so vivid, so real. I know it happened but I also know it was only a dream. He then checked his backside to see if anything was leaking back there. Alas, nothing. How could he feel it so intense? Whatever, I shall accept and pray for this dream every night. He cleaned himself then seeing it was only 3:30 of the o clock, he went back to bed.]

 

Come 8 of the o clock, the sun was streaming into his bed screaming for him to rise. He rarely slept this late. He always had to wake for to empty his bladder. He had none of that during the night. He woke with the energy of a teenager. His body was so alive there was none of the usual back, knee and neck pain. Whatever Tomas was doing it was great for he felt much younger, much, much younger. “What a beautiful morning” he exclaimed to no one save himself.

 

He took his morning shower and lingered a bit. Then made his morning café; he felt more hungry than usual so he toasted some bread and put honey on it. He took it out on the patio in his chair sipped his café and caught up on the events of the day on his little tablet.

 

Juan met up with Tomas at his house again. This was to become their routine all summer.

 

“Good morning Tomas, have you figured out that you love me yet.”

 

“Good morning Juan. I guess I must for I have never put up with such teasing and pestering form another in my life.”

 

“Good then I shall tell you I love you too.”

 

Then Juan jumped into Tomas’s arms so he could give him a good morning kiss.

 

 “You up to running to the Patron’s villa this morning?”

 

“I guess I have to be.”

 

The boys took off at the trot. They bumped and played with each other as they ran. A push here a shove there then a mini hug lest they had pushed too hard. Tomas got pass where they had stopped the day before. Juan of course could have gone on forever. Tomas thought he was making progress as he stopped a half of a kilo meter past yesterdays run. “Juan, I must stop. Please wait for me.”

 

“Ah you have done better this morning soon you will be able to run all the way there. Come now we do not want to be late for morning excitement.”

 

Juan took the hand of Tomas and dragged him to his feet. “Hold my hand Tomas and tell the world we are boyfriends. Shall I carry you to our excitement?”

 

“Juan how can you carry me?”

 

“Get on my back and we shall see.”

 

Tomas took the dare. Juan took the weight of the much larger boy and went off at the trot.

 

“Ok, Ok you are amazing!! Put me down I can run with you now.”

 

It was 10 minutes before the 11 of the o clock. Patron heard the beep of the motion detector & camera at the door and said “Good Morning boys come in, I am on the patio.”

 

Juan came bursting onto the patio. “Patron tell me how you do that. Before we knock you know we are there. HOW DO YOU DO THAT!!!”

 

“Ah my young friend you want me to tell you of all my secretes.”

 

Tomas said, “Good morning Patron. How is my Patron this morning?”

 

“Good morning, Tomas, I am excellent thank you. I am glad to see you have retained your manners unlike this other roughian.”

 

“Sorry Patron, I am just so amazed that you know we are here before we know we are here…. I am glad you are feeling well.”

 

The Patron smiled and said “Apology accepted Juan… Tomas you have a credit of 300 euro at the market as we discussed. You may draw on it today if you want.”

 

“300 euro Patron???”

 

“Yes, is it not enough?”

 

“Oh Patron, we never spend 300 euro in a week for food. Maybe 100 if we have a bit extra. You must take some back. Make it 120 euro and we shall eat like king for a week.”

 

“Nonsense boy, you have 2 bothers, 12 years each and a baby sister 2 years and your mama and yourself. No wonder you are so skinny. Use it; use it all for however it lasts.”

 

Juan was smiling from ear to ear. Tomas would have food for 2, close to 3 weeks and then he would have his wages of 180 euro. He should not ever be hungry again.

“Say obrigado Tomas.”

 

“Obrigado, Obrigado, and Obrigado Patron a thousand how you say thank you.”

 

“Oh stop now a bet was a bet. Are you boys here early to clean my pool or for excitement.”

 

“Patron, as you can see this little runt has me all sweaty from running me all the way to your villa and it is up hill on top of it. I had to stop and with his skinny little butt he carried me until I could run again. He is a crazy and amazing boy. For this reason I would like to clean your pool while being in your pool.”

 

“Is that so Juan?”

 

“Si Patron, it is a little run. The big oaf has the legs and lungs of a 6 year little old girl. I do not understand how he is on the basketball team. If it were not for the giant in him he would be useless. But I shall help with the pool to make sure it is done to your expectation.”

 

With that a stripped down Tomas picked Juan up and dangled him over the pool.

 

“Little girl you say, oaf you say. Maybe I shall keep you on the bottom of the pool and clean you up with the rest of the trash.”

 

“Patron perhaps I spoke a bit harshly.”

 

“Perhaps, Juan but telling me is of no value.”

 

“Tomas, my giant remember I still have my clothes and if they are wet I shall be naked until they dry. Perhaps you are a bit stronger than a girl.”

 

“Really, stronger than a girl.??”

 

“Yes really my giant!!”

 

With that Tomas put Juan down on a nearby table and stripped him of his clothes in 2 seconds and threw him half way across the pool.

 

The Patron was laughing so hard his side was hurting.

 

Tomas dived in and as Juan came up he dunked him back down again. Then fearing he had not caught a breath he swooped Juan up and held the coughing boy to him.

 

“Are you alright,? Are you all right? Sometimes I play too rough.”

 

Tomas held Juan out from him so he could see.

 

 Juan still coughing smiled “I guess I shall not compare you to a little girl again.”

 

Tomas kissed him all over his face.

 

“I am sorry Juan. I know you were just teasing”

 

“Ah my giant, I am not that easy to be rid of. You shall see.”

 

They played in the pool and cleaned it as well. When done, Patron observed their beautiful shimmering brown skin with dripping wet black hair leaving the pool. Tomas could be easily seen with excitement preceding him. Juan with his arms around Tomas’s neck and legs wrapped around his midsection was not that evident. Juan waved to the Patron as they went to their bedroom for excitement.

 

It went that way for the rest of the week; the boys working together and growing in their love.  Patron insisted that the villa be in immaculate condition for the coming of their families. Tomas with his massages now had the Patron just about pain free. He started the Patron walking as well as doing laps in the pool. Patron was feeling more energy than he had for 20 years and by week’s end had lost 5 pounds. Tomas was very careful not to push too hard but he did push a little and it was good. Patron responded easily to Tomas because secretly he had a special love for him. He would do for Tomas what other trainers had tried to get him to do for years. Tomas had but to say “come on my Patron” and whatever resistance might have been there melted away.  He knew it was for his own good and for sure he loved the touch of Tomas’s massages.

 

For Patron the Sunday finally arrived. The weather was marvelous as was the case most often in Portugal. The high temperature was to be about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It was perfect for swimming but not too hot to sit in the shade. All the boys brought an extra pair of shorts for changing for the trek home. Maria and Rosa had gathered an old swim suit and although a bit tight it still fit. Rosa found a change for Theresa and Maria’s little 2 year old Christina could get away with just wearing underwear. Papa and Eduardo took turns carrying Theresa on the long walk. Tomas carried Christina in a sling type of carrier. The troop had gathered at Maria’s house for the walk to the Patron’s.

 

Before they could even get to the door they heard the Patron like something out of the wizard in the Wizard of Oz. “Come in, come in, welcome… I am on the patio, Juan.” 

 

“Papa how does he do that? How does he know we are here when we are not yet? It is bothering me and giving much distress. I asked and he said I cannot know all his secrets.”

 

“Well, I’m not sure Juan but probably a camera tied to a motion detector to an app on his phone. I have seen such an arrangement before.”

 

“Thank you papa. Follow me everyone.”

 

The Patron said “thank you all for coming.”

 

Francisco replied “It is our pleasure and honor, Patron”

 

Theresa was on his back so Francisco eased her down.

 

“Oh stupid me, I should have used my van to pick you up. Juan will you do the introductions for your family. ”

 

“This of course is my Papa, Francisco De Silva.” Patron shook hands with Francisco

Juan continued to his mama, Rose and Eduardo and little Theresa. Patron shook each hand.

 

Tomas then introduced his mama, Maria Cortez, his brothers Jose and Carlos, and this is my sweet heart Christina. Patron shook each hand again except he kissed the hand of little Christina.

 

“Contrary to what Juan and Tomas may tell you my name is actually Jon Dougherty. I am an expat from the United States of America. I find your country to be beautiful and very charming with the most marvelous people. It is a fantastic place to live.”

 

“We kind of like it, no doubt a simpler, slower way of life than that of the States. At least that is what I have heard.”

 

“Very true Francisco, very true.”

 

“Well would like to see the villa or jump into the pool, I shall bring out a light lunch in a moment.”

 

Jose pulled on Tomas and whispered “I would like to go into the pool.”

 

“Patron, I believe these young ones would like to use your pool. The walk in the sun has got them quite hot. If mama and Senor and Senorita De Silva want to see the house I shall stay and watch.”

 

“Juan, would you do the honors of showing the house while I get the refreshments?”

 

The little quite voice of Theresa asked, “May I help you Patron.”

 

“I would be delighted. Thank you Theresa.”

 

Juan took his parents, Maria and Eduardo through the villa. He got most excited when he got to the laundry room. “See mama this is the washing machine I will buy you. All you do is put the clothes in throw in some soap close the door and push one of these buttons. This one for regular wash, this one for extra dirty wash like papa and Eduardo give you and this one for…. Ah ah delicate girly under things. This big box thing dries the clothes good for rainy weather I guess. What do you think mama?”

 

Maria said “You are fortunate to have such a caring son Rose.”

 

“Yes Maria I think we are both blessed in that way.”

 

Patron was taking trays out of his refrigerator. There was one for the meats and another for the cheeses and another for the fruits. “Theresa would you tell me what you think of these grapes. I’m not sure I picked good ones.”

 

Theresa took one and tried it and in her best grown up face. “Patron they are excellent. What is that other green kind of ball, Patron?”

 

“Well that is honey dew melon, have you never had it, Try it, and tell me if I made a good selection with that one.”

 

Theresa took one and pursed her lips savoring the taste. She was fast becoming a sweet heart to the Patron. She gave the thumbs up sign and said.

 

“You make very good selections, Patron may I have another.”

 

Patron smiled and said, “Yes sweet heart.”

 

“Thank you Patron. Do you still like me even with my bad leg? The girls at school sometimes call me gimpy.”

 

“Oh, very much I like you, you are a delightful little girl because I can see you are beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside in spite of your bad leg…. Can you take that tray out and put it on a table that is in the shade. Not too heavy is it?”

 

“Thank you Patron. I think I like you, you are kinda like my papa. I can carry it. I am strong.”

 

“You may sample as many as you like, Theresa.”

 

She saw the boys swimming and splashing in the pool and little Christina in the pool with Tomas holding her so carefully. She ran kind of, as her leg would allow to her mama.

 

“Mama, can I change to swimming clothes so I can go in the pool.”

 

“Of course dear… Juan, where can we change?”

 

Maria said she would like to change as well.

 

Juan showed the women one of the bedrooms and taped a sign on the door, ladies changing.

 

Eduardo said he would take Theresa in the pool when she was changed. Juan said he was going in too, “come on papa come with us please.”

 

Patron was carrying out the meat tray. Juan took it from him. “Patron let us all go in the pool to cool off it was a hot walk. Please join us.”

 

“I guess I should being the host and all.”


“Yes, Patron it is your duty”

 

The guys went in with the shorts they were wearing. Maria, Rosa and Theresa came out and joined them. Tomas let Maria hold Christina and joined his brothers. Francisco was quickly put into service to act as the flipper with the sling game. Jose and Carlos loved the way he threw them so high. Theresa asked Eduardo to do the same to her and she was flying through the air as well. Juan was flipped by Tomas. Then Tomas flopped Eduardo. The only one not flipped was Francisco. Tomas and Eduardo teamed up to flip him. The Patron stayed with Maria and Rosa and helped entertain Christina but they too got completely wet to cool off. After about 20 minutes the ladies and Patron got out of the pool feeling most refreshed. Patron went to get the rest of the food and utensil from the kitchen. Juan seeing this jumped out to help. Rosa and Maria also lent a hand. With the table set the boys were called. Jose and Carlos were having the time of their lives. Eduardo was enjoying it as well. Francisco even with throwing the boys around was refreshed as well.

 

The lunch was superb and everyone thanked the Patron immensely. Obrigado rang around the tables as the word for the day. Maria and Rosa had the sangria as did Eduardo, Tomas and Juan. Francisco shared beer with the Paton, even Jose and Carlos got a sip of the sangria when the Patron said it was a little on the weak side with too much ice.

 

Theresa said, “Papa when I am in the water my leg does not hurt, should I become a swimmer. Perhaps I should practice.”

 

“Yes, my princess it will be good to practice. But you don’t go in the water alone. See if you can convince Eduardo to go with you…..Francisco whispered use your prettiest smile on him.”

 

Juan asked, “Patron should we clear the plates now? I should leave the sangria, no? Can I get you and my papa another beer?”

 

“Yes to all Juan.”

 

Juan gave Tomas a nudge and he jumped up to help.

 

Carlos and Jose asked, “Mama may we go back to the pool.”

 

“I think so as Maria looked to the Patron.”

 

“Of course Maria, I am so happy to see it get the use of young ones. Go on boys enjoy it.”

 

“Obrigado Patron, Obrigado.” Jose and Carlos scampered off.

 

Christina had crawled up on her mama’s lap and fell asleep.

 

Patron asked, “May, I pour another sangria Mari… Rosa?”

 

“Obrigado” Patron both answered.

 

Juan came out with the beer and poured for his papa and the Patron. Then he and Tomas continued to clear.

 

With their stomach filled and their bodies refreshed the Patron said, “Well my friends, I again want to thank you for coming. I don’t know if the boys told you or not but I am a gay man.”

 

“Rosa said “Yes Juan told us that the same day he got your houseboy job. We are very grateful. It does not mean anything to us that is your private affair just as what we do in our bedroom is ours.”

 

Francisco added, “He also told us he might have feeling similar. But his attitude has changed so. Before he always seemed to have something on his mind; was very quite; acted like he was afraid of something. Now, my God he is a different person with confidence and such strength of character. He amazes me with his intelligence we never knew… he was so quite. So I think it is very good for him to have someone who understands more his feelings and I thank you Patron from the bottom of my heart. When he told us we told him we loved him when he was born from his very first breath and we will love him and all our children till our last breath on this earth. So, Patron your being gay has been a blessing to us.”

 

“Tomas said nothing Patron. But I see the kind of man you are, kind and compassionate. Like Rosa said it is your private business. I thank you for sharing it with us though.

 

“Well I do not try to hide nor do I advertise it. I tell you because there are some who would question your boys working here with a gay man. I need to assure you that I have never touched any child in an inappropriate way and I am way too old to change stripes. I do not want you blindsided if it came up. I do not understand such logic that straight men or women can work around children but not a homosexual. It’s as if we have no morals or conscience. Most upsetting!! Most upsetting!!”

 

Francisco replied, “Well of course you are right and the world is changing. Perhaps way too slowly but it is changing.”

 

Juan and Tomas showed up. “Anything else we can help with Patron, mama, papa?”

 

Patron turned to Francisco, “Have you ever seen such excellent workers?”

 

“No Patron.”

 

“Obrigado, my young friends.. Go enjoy the water and leave us old ones to chat a bit. Oh Juan, Tomas get the water basketball game from the closet maybe you can get a game.”

 

“This is so beautiful here Patron thank you for the day.” Rosa said.

 

“Please my name is JON, I accept the boys calling me Patron. But with you adults I would rather it not be. Are we not all equals here?”

 

“Patron may I explain. The word Patron comes from the latin pater, meaning father , protector and defender. In years past the Patron was one who had a hacienda and he looked over all the peasants that worked for him and took care of them like a father. It is a sign of great respect. It is our culture. We mean only respect; I would not so easily give it up. Remember when in Rome do as the Romans do.”

 

‘Ok my friends I will try to bear it. I guess it’s kind of like calling a doctor.. doctor…. Now tell me if you would what is the issue with Theresa’s leg.” Patron smiled, “She is such a delightful and lovely child. I would steal her away in a moment if I thought I could.”

 

Rosa explained, “It is a birth defect. You see one leg is shorter than the other. It could be correct surgically by cutting the longer leg but not until she has stopped growing. She needs special shoes with a lift but we have not the money for them. Without the correction as she grows and is on her feet she will throw her back and hips out of alignment. Her longer left leg has become dominant and by doing so the right leg is weaker. She should do exercises to strength the right leg which should be done in water which will provide buoyancy to support her body more straight. If I may ask Patron since you have interest if we can find a way to get her here could she dear Patron use your pool?”

 

“Of course Rosa, if you get me information of the exercises we can have Tomas work with her. I understand he has learned massage techniques from his father. Is that not right Maria?”

 

“Oh yes Patron, his father, God bless him, was very interested in what they call physical therapy. He dreamed of the day that Tomas might go to University to learn to do this work. Fishing is honorable work but very hard on your body and away from home so much. I was not the best wife for I cried when he was about to go and made it so hard on him to do the only thing he knew to support his family. He did not want any of our boys to be fishermen like himself and his father before him. He taught Tomas everything he could find on the subject. Tomas is very good with the massage; he helps all of family with our aches and pains. In his quite way, he takes great pride in freeing someone of their pain”

 

“He has helped me quite a bit, Maria. He is here to give me massage every day so if you would approve he could do the exercise with Theresa.”

 

‘That would be great Patron, now all we have to do is find a way to get her here.” Rosa replied.

      

“Let me think on that for you. Would you give me your doctor’s name so I can contact him for the exercises?”

 

“Si Patron we can have Juan bring it tomorrow. I would have Juan carry her and although very strong for his size and age; I am afraid he might damage himself trying. I know there is no quit in him and then we could have two damaged children.” Francisco added.

 

Maria asked, “what if Tomas helped. They leave to come together everyday anyway then they could take turns so neither would become tired.”   

 

“Well, we need the detail for the exercises first. That is an excellent suggestion Maria. We should ask the boys if they are willing once we have the exercise routine. But I think we have the beginning of an excellent plan.”

 

“Oh thank you Patron, this is so wonderful it has been breaking my heart and Francisco as well to see our little Theresa is such a predicament without the means and resources to help her.”

 

“Patron, this is why I shall always call you Patron. Thank you so much.”

 

“Good we have almost solved one problem and I have a question of you Francisco. You are in the building business are you not?”

 

“Si Patron”

 

“I really like basketball and I have two boys in my employ where I may find time for them to practice the game. But to travel to the school courts would take time and then there is the possibility that they could be in use. So I am in need of a basketball court. Is this something that you could help with?”

 

“Si Patron, you have the land space. I think it would need to be 15 CM of thickness. So you have to dig out, put up forms to make it level and pour your concrete. You would want a slurry mix on the top. Digging out could be little time consuming and the pouring would have to be wheel barrowed in.”

 

“Wow, you do know your stuff Francisco. When could you do it?”

 

“If you can get it mostly dug out, I could do it this coming Saturday. We will need to order the concrete to deliver right away. I could do it tomorrow.”

 

“Francisco, you make it seem so easy.”

 

“Well to me it is an easy project. We De Silva’s are in construction for 3 generations.”   

 

“Ok let’s do it. I will have Juan and Tomas work on it starting tomorrow.”

 

“Do you have some wood and string we need to stake it out?”

 

“Juan, Juan come out of the pool and you too Tomas.”

 

The dripping boys stood in front of their Patron.

 

“Patron, how can we be of assistance?” Tomas asked.

 

“Boys, I have decided we need a basketball court and Juan your, papa said he will build it for me. Right now he needs something for stakes and some string.”

 

“Wow a basketball court Patron that is fantastic. Alas the only thing for stakes is if we break boom handles. If you want we can break them.” Juan volunteered.

 

“Those brooms are old anyway. Go ahead and break them. I think, I have string in the closet in the garage.”

 

In no time Francisco, was measuring out for the court. The Patron checked on the internet for the exact dimensions. Jose and Carlos came running over to see what was going on and they wanted to help as well. Patron said, “the more to help with the digging the better.”  

 

“Patron I know Juan comes to you about noon. If you can start much earlier you’ll be more productive with the cooler morning and not the heat of the day.”

 

“Thank you Francisco. I think I need shovels and picks as well. If you boys are up to it I can pick you up in my van at 7:30 of the o clock, to get an early start. We will go to the hardware and then start the digging.”

 

To be continued...

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Posted: 05/07/2021