Julio – The Growing Years

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2006-2008 by the author

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

We all toasted the happy couple then danced for the next several hours. This was an unusual wedding as far as Steven or Angel did not have mothers present. When it came time for the dance with parents, Angel had the dance with me while Cynthia did the honors with Steven.

By 11, the guests were starting to slowly leave and the caterers were beginning to clean and pack their things. Steven and Angel went and changed out of their wedding clothes. The limo was there waiting to take them to the airport hotel for the start of their honeymoon.

Chapter 16 

The four of us headed back to the house where sanity was the order of the night. I headed to my room and slowly took my tux off and hung it in the closet. I grabbed a pair of sweat pants and pulled them on then fixed myself a Bailey’s on the rocks. I sat in my favorite recliner thinking about the boys when they were younger. I could still hear the pitter patter of their not so little feet as they would walk on the hard wood floor.

I had my eyes closed when I heard, “Dad, are you alright?”

I looked up and there was Jay standing beside me. I smiled at him and replied, “Yeah son, I’m fine. I was just remembering back when you and your brothers were little. Now you’re all grown up and in college and the house seems a little quiet.”

“Well Dad, you’ll have Ronnie and Angel here. I’m sure they’ll liven things up.”

I took a sip of my drink, “I’m sure they will. Your sister has some plans for Receife and that will keep us busy.”

“So I’ve heard. You think they’ll go for the orphanage?”

“If it will help get the kids off the street, I think so,” I replied. “In fact, I’d like you guys to come with me while I try to sell this to the powers that be in Receife.”

Jay came over and gave me a kiss before heading to his room. On the way he said, “Sure Dad. We always like visiting there, especially now that you have Granddad’s old house.”

I watched him disappear down the hall then had another sip of my drink. Jay was right, Dad’s house; my home as a boy made going to Receife pleasant again even though the problems were still there. I just closed my eyes again when another voice said, “Hi Pop. Sorry I didn’t get much time to talk with you tonight.”

I looked over and Marco was standing there in his boxers. He’d grown into a fine looking man. I quickly thought back to when he was a boy back in Receife. “That’s alright son. It was a real zoo there. Did you have fun?”

“I wouldn’t have missed that for the world,” Marco replied as he sat beside me on the sofa. “Jay says you want us to come to Receife with you? How long are you going to be gone?”

“Maybe three or four days,” I replied. “I was planning on leaving tomorrow. I want to be back when Steven and Angel return from their honeymoon.”

“Sounds good Pop,” Marco said. “I’m into my final year and I want to graduate early. I’m already putting out applications for Medical School. I like UVA but I might also like the west coast. I also want to take the summer off after I graduate. I have something I’d like to talk over with you.”

“Sounds important,” I said as I finished off me Bailey’s and headed for the kitchen to wash out my glass.

“It is but I’m still deciding on what exactly I want to do. I hope by the time I’ve graduated I’ve reached a decision.”

I dried my glass then put it back in the bar. “You know I’m always here for you son.”

I gave Marco a hug then retired to my room for some much needed sleep.

The next morning I was awakened to the smell of fresh coffee and sausage. As soon as I entered the kitchen, Ronnie handed me a cup of coffee. “Morning Dad, sorry I didn’t say good night. I fell asleep as soon as I stretched out on the bed and Jay had to undress me.”

“That’s all right son. I needed to relax and unwind before I could sleep.”

“Did I understand Jay correctly,” Ronnie asked as I sipped my coffee. “You want us to come with you to Receife to talk about the orphanage?”

“Sure I do. You’re not in school, Marco will probably want to see his Dad and it would be like a little vacation. I don’t get much time with you all together any more.”

Jay came into the kitchen and kissed me on the cheek. “I got everything packed Dad. You were sawing some pretty heavy lumber this morning so I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Now come on son,” I quipped as I finished my first cup of coffee. “I don’t snore.”

“Oh yes you do Pop,” Marco said refilling my cup. “I’m glad your door was closed because as soon as Jay opened it I could hear you.”

“Alright guys,” I said defeated. “I snore when I’m really tired. I just hope I didn’t keep anyone awake.”

Ronnie set breakfast on the table as Jay said, “I have the pilots meeting us a noon. Is that too early?”

I looked at my watch and it was just after 10. Since Jay had seen to everything as far as packing went I said, “That should be fine. We’ll run the dishwasher and I’ll set the AC to vacation. Thanks for packing for me.”

After breakfast was finished, Jay and I cleaned the kitchen and I ran the dishwasher. Ronnie and Marco finished packing and we were ready to go. I set the AC up and locked the house on my way to the garage. The drive to the airport took about 40 minutes and when we arrived, the pilot was doing his preflight inspection.

We got our carry on bags and boarded the plane. The pilot came on board and the steward closed the door. We heard the engines start to whine then we were pushed back. We taxied out to the runway and as soon as we turned I felt the pilot push the throttles up and we were heading for take off.

About an hour into the flight, Ronnie pulled out a port- folio saying, “Angel told me to give these to you Dad. With all the confusion going on, I forgot.”

“That’s OK son,” I said taking the folder from his hand. “I was lucky I could remember my name.”

I sat back and opened the folder. Inside there were some outside sketches Angel had someone draw for her of the hotel she’d envisioned. I liked the concept and knew I was going to have to talk with her at length once she returned home.

The next thing I found was a packet of photographs. There was a note attached that read, “Dad, I found this property online. It looks like it’s somewhere in between the piece of land for the hotel and the downtown area. As you can see there is a building on it that with some renovation, it could become a nice orphanage. There is also a large wall around it and a strong gate. This is not to keep the children from running away, but to keep those wanting to hurt them out.”

I looked at the photos then called one of my people at the Foundation’s office. I faxed him several of the photos and asked him to locate that property. I also told him what time we would be arriving and to have the Blazer there at the airport.

Ronnie got up and went into the galley and brought out a nice lunch of leftover food from the reception. “Ronnie, did they know you were taking it?”

“Why not Dad,” He said. “We paid for it. I wasn’t about to see it go to waste.”

I had to give him credit, he was thinking and even leftover, the food was just as good as it was the night before. After we ate, I stretched out and grabbed a nap. I was still a little tired from the wedding and reception.

No sooner had I fallen asleep when Jay was gently shaking my shoulders saying, “Dad, wake up. We’re getting ready to land in Receife.”

I sat up then quickly stretched trying to get the kinks out of my back. With in twenty minutes we were on the ground and going through Brazilian Immigration and Customs. I located the Blazer and headed to our house. The traffic was light and Jay made a wrong turn and I soon saw the piece of land Angel picked out for the hotel. “Pull over son,” I said as I grabbed the port-folio.

Jay pulled onto the vacant property and I pulled out her sketches. We got out of the Blazer and I began to walk around. I’d look at the drawing then around the property. “What are you doing Pop?” Marco asked.

“Trying to get a picture in my mind of what your sister has here on paper.”

Marco looked over my shoulder then said, “Wow, those are some drawings.”

Marco looked at the others while I continued to walk around. We were there about thirty minutes and something wasn’t sitting right with everything I was seeing. We were about to get back into the Blazer when it finally hit me. The property was too small for everything she had drawn. I looked around and there was another piece of property next to ours that somehow she had included in her drawings.

We got back into the Blazer and quickly hurried home. I got on the phone to The Foundation and had them find out who owned the piece of property next to ours. I also found out the location of the vacant building Angel found. The Foundation was already starting talks with the property owner and it looked like purchasing it would be easy and relatively inexpensive.

Ronnie was in the kitchen preparing dinner when the phone rang again. I was in the bathroom and when I came out Marco was in an animated conversation with Paulo. “Can Dad come out for dinner?” Marco asked.

I walked by and popped him on the butt saying, “You never have to ask if your Dad can come here son. He’s always welcome as are you.”

“Hey,” Marco said playfully rubbing his behind.

Paulo arrived a little while later and during dinner he celebrated Steven and Angel’s marriage a little too much and wasn’t in shape to drive home. We got him into one of the upstairs rooms when I began to really look around up there.

There was really a lot of wasted space up there. Three medium size bedrooms and a bathroom on almost 3000 square feet is not what I would say is good use of floor space. Luiz and Elaina’s old room was about 1000 square feet but there was a huge amount of unused space. That could still be a nice guest suite so I thought about having a full bath added. That still gave room for the other rooms to be enlarged and even add one more room.

I stood on the balcony in Luiz’s room and looked out at the pool. There was room for that to be expanded and still leave a huge amount of room left for entertaining and play should guests have children.

I was standing there lost in thought as I was again remembering the boys when they were little. I missed that sound. I missed the noise of happy children. I hoped one day Steven and Angel would have children and maybe Jay and Ronnie would somehow be able to adopt. I looked out into the dark evening sky still lost in thought when I felt a hand on my shoulder. “What’s wrong Dad?” Ronnie asked.

I turned and looked at him but in my mind, he was once again a little boy. I must have stared a little too long when he asked his question again. This brought me back to reality as I shook my head and I replied smiling, “Nothing son. I was just remembering back to when I was a boy and you and the others were little too.”

“You miss having children around, don’t you?”

“I thought once you all were grown I wouldn’t miss it. I thought I could get back into medicine and enjoy that again while you were in college. I really haven’t given Paul and the other partners the proper help I should have.”

Ronnie was about to speak when Jay said, “Dad, you’re a senior partner there. You do your cases. You’ve covered for the others when they’ve needed help. Compared to some, your practice is small but perfect for what everyone wants. You know I want to become a surgeon like you. I hope one day to see my name on the door with the others.”

“I know son,” I said. “I guess with all that and the Foundation, I still miss raising you boys.”

“Oh Dad,” Ronnie said as he came over and hugged me. “You’ll always be raising us. No matter how old we get, you’re still our Father and the person we come to for advice.”

I felt Jay come over and wrap his arms around me and I once again felt complete. We all went back down stairs and relaxed in front of the television. By ten, I was ready for bed so I decided to call it a day.

The next morning I saw Paulo in the kitchen having a cup of coffee with Marco and the others. He saw me come in and quickly said, “Miguel, I’m terribly sorry for the way I acted last night. Please forgive my actions.”

I fixed myself a cup then replied, “You have nothing to apologize for my friend. You were celebrating. I am glad you were here and could sleep it off, so don’t worry about it.”

After breakfast Marco and Paulo left to spend some time together. Ronnie, Jay and I were about to leave to see the property then the phone rang. It was my manager at The Foundation asking me if I could meet with the property owner and his agent at the building. I told him I could meet him there within the hour.

When we arrived, the two men were already there and the front gate was unlocked. I pulled into the compound parked then proceeded to look around. The old brick building had a worn exterior but it looked solid. In the back was a huge garden area that had been over grown with weeds over time.

As we continue to look around, I saw an area that would be perfect for some playground equipment. We were headed back to the front of the building when I saw two men standing by the front door. I was almost up to them when I saw my manager trotting towards me. I headed over to him and Ronnie and Jay went to the other two men. When I got to my manager I looked at him and asked, “What’s up?”

He handed me some papers then said, “I ran the property and found out he never paid any taxes on it.  The city took him to court and seized the property in lieu of the taxes. He doesn’t own the property.”

“How much did he owe in back taxes?” I asked looking over the papers.

“Just over 150,000 Reals,” My manager replied.

I thanked him then put the papers inside my pocket then went and joined my sons. The agent stuck his hand out and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Sanchez. My name is Juan Chavez. And this is Mr. Rivera.”

“Pleased to meet you,” I said shaking their hands.

We went inside and looked around. The building was perfect. It was indeed an old hotel with 100 rooms. All the rooms were accessible from inside. There the laundry room and machinery was adequate but the machines needed replacing. My main concern was the kitchen but that seemed really modern. I looked around a little more than asked, “How much do you want for it?”

The two men looked at each other then Mr. Chavez said, “We’re asking 350,000 Reals.”

“Who has title to the property?” I asked knowing that the answer already was.

“Mr. Rivera has title to it. He needs to clear up a few things but it’s all a little misunderstanding.”

“A little misunderstanding,” I said. “Non payment of taxes is more than a little misunderstanding sir. I know full well who has title to this property. And it’s not you sir.”

I looked around for Jay and Ronnie and they were standing by the gate. I turned to leave when Mr. Rivera said, “250,000 Reals. I can have the title in 48 hours.”

“You’ll never get title to this land because the town of Receife has it. Had you been honest with me, I might have tried to work out something with you but now I’ll be able to buy this property for the back taxes plus interest.”

I got into the Blazer and was about to leave when the phone rang. It was my manager telling me that Judge Romero was having a meeting with several of the town’s officials and wanted to know if I could attend. I told him I would call the Judge and get all the particulars. I called Judge Romero and he told me the meeting was in about 45 minutes. He asked if I could make it and I told him I would but Jay and Ronnie were with me. He said that was fine and we were on our way to the court house.

When we arrived, the Judge’s bailiff led us into his chambers. Javier walked over to me saying, “Miguel, it’s good to see you again.”

I shook his hand then we went over to Jay and Ronnie. “How are you Sir?” Jay said as he shook his hand.

“It’s good to see you both again,” Javier said. “You both have grown into handsome young men.”

After the pleasantries were out of the way we sat down and got to the business at hand. The Mayor, the Town Treasurer, and Sheriff Danny Vasquez were all present. I figured if I could sell Javier the rest would follow. I pulled out the photos of the building then started speaking. “I’m sure you’re all familiar with the ever growing number of children living on the streets. Many of them have to resort to begging, stealing or even prostituting themselves to survive. In the past, business owners have resorted to hiring vigilantes to watch their shops. Many of these men have resorted to going out and literally taking the law into their own hands. All three of my sons were rescues from men such as these. I have a way to get the children off the streets and into a place where they will be safe. They will be given an education, decent food to eat and proper medical care.”

I was about to continue when Danny asked, “How do we know they will want to go to such a place, provided one existed.”

“Danny, you mean to ask weather or not your boys would have wanted to be off the streets rather than on them? I thought you of all people would know the answer to that question.”

“My point is Miguel,” Danny started saying. “The kids aren’t trusting of hardly anyone. My three were the exception rather than how they really are out there.”

Jay stood up and said, “Danny, I was as untrusting as they came. Even when I was safe in the hospital, I wanted to leave after I was a little better. It’s not going to be easy but once a few kids see how it really is, the word will get around. I would think your boys would want to help get these kids off the street.”

“Now that they know about this, I think they will want to help,” Danny said. “I personally think it’s a good idea but it might still be a hard sell.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08