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...

After we got the meat out, dinner was fabulous. After dinner, we watched the ball fall and had a quiet champagne toast. We watched a little more of the celebration on television, then we called it a day.

Chapter 22 

The New Year started off with Guillermo calling letting me know the home was growing.  They had brought in three more boys and now had their first girls when sisters ages 10 and 14 came there on the first. “Miguel, are you still planning on visiting us?”

I wanted to see the work done on the house and that was supposed to be completed by now plus I wanted to see if they’d broken ground on the hotel yet. “Yes I am Guillermo. When the boys head back for school, I’ll let you know when I’ll be down.”

After the kids left for school, I made plans to go to Receife. I told Angel before she left that I would let her know what had been done on the hotel. I called the pilot and made arrangements to leave in the morning.

The next morning, I saw Ronnie off to school then talked with Marco. “Be careful Pop. I don’t know if all the shop workers will be pleased with you and the home. I’ve heard some still have scores to settle with many of the street kids.”

“I’m not too worried Marco. Danny has his officers keeping a sharp eye out for those men and determined to keep the kids safe.”

I gave him a hug and was on my way to the airport. Ninety minutes later I was in the air winging my way to Brazil. It took just over 6 hours to make the trip and this time I didn’t have one of Ronnie’s signature lunches to eat on the way down.

After clearing Immigration and Customs I made my way to Dad’s house hoping I could find something for lunch. As I came up onto the house, I noticed the gate opened. I first thought the care taker was there checking the place because I hadn’t called him to let him know I was coming. I pulled onto the drive and noticed all kinds of vehicles surrounding the house. Then it dawned on me that the contractor was still working on the remodeling. I got out of the Blazer and went inside. I saw the contractor coming down the stairs. “What’s going on? I thought you said you would be finished by now.”

The contractor stopped briefly to talk with another worker. “I’m sorry Mr. Sanchez, but we’re running a little behind schedule. We should have everything finished in about a week.”

“A WEEK,” I screamed. “What am I supposed to do in the mean time?”

“I’m sorry Mr. Sanchez. If you had called I could have told you about the delays.”

This was just great. I was supposed to be here for two weeks and was hoping for a little relaxation away from everything. I walked around the place to see what had been done and I was very pleased with what I saw. I stood out on the balcony in Luiz’s room and watched as workers removed the old pool. I knew it would take more than a week for the house to be ready so I was still in a quandary as to what to do.

I headed out to the Blazer then sat there thinking when it dawned on me I had the perfect place to stay. I started the truck then headed back towards town. It took me about 20 minutes to get to the home. I pulled into the lot and saw several cars I didn’t recognize.

I found a place to park then a man I didn’t know approached the truck. “May I help you sir?”

I was about to answer him when I saw Danny’s foster son Victor come out. “Hi Papa Miguel.”

“You know him Victor?” The young man asked.

I was about to speak when Victor hugged me tightly. “It’s good to see you again. Papa said you had this home for kids and I had to try to come to work here.”

“I’m glad you did Victor. You know what the kids have gone through out there and they need people who they can trust. Now who is this young man?”

The young man had a confused look on his face as Victor and I hugged each other. “Uh, hi I’m Samuel Fuentes but people call me Sammy. I was just hired here as a security officer.”

I extended my hand to him saying, “Nice to meet you Sammy. I’m Miguel Sanchez. I helped Victor and his brothers many years ago get off the streets.”

Sammy got very quiet when I said that. Victor noticed this then asked, “What’s wrong dude? It looks like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Um er nothing Victor. It’s just my Papa didn’t like street kids. I tried telling him they were just like any other children but he never listened to me. He died a few years ago and I never wanted to be anything like him. I don’t know if he ever hurt you or your brothers but I’m sorry if he did.”

Victor smiled at his friend then hugged him. “It’s alright Sammy, you never hurt anyone. I don’t know who your Papa was and besides, we hadn’t been out on the streets that long when Miguel found us.”

I walked towards the front door and chatted more with Victor. “Miguel, Rolando is in the US attending a university there. He wants to become a police officer then come back here and work for Papa. He hopes to become the Sheriff one day. Raul is working for a construction company and just started on a new hotel someone is building.”

I smiled as we went inside. “If there is only one new hotel going up Victor, I know who is having it built.”

Victor laughed when he realized it was my hotel. “Wait until he hears that. You will have to come for dinner one night. Papa and Raul will be happy to see you.”

“Papa Miguel, Papa Miguel,” three voices sang out at the same time.

I was surrounded buy Alex, Chico and Joey as they all tried to gang hug me. I wrapped my arms around them then saw one boy standing alone. I kissed the three then kneeled down. “You must be Mikey.”

He smiled and ran to me as I held my arms out. “Hi Papa Miguel.”

Mikey was almost a dead ringer for Steven except his hair was darker. I gave the little munchkin a kiss on the forehead when I heard, “I was wondering when you would be back.”

I set Mikey down and the four boys scampered down the hall. “Hello Guillermo, how are you my friend? Mikey is as cute as you said he was.”

Guillermo hugged me then we went into his office. “I’m doing great Miguel. This place is more than I could have ever dreamed of. Yesterday we took in our third girl. She was filthy and her clothes were almost rags. Jackie got her cleaned up then told me about what she saw.”

I noticed there was an open office. “I want to take that open office and set it up for examinations for the children. I can contact a friend of mine at the hospital so any child can get immediate care if needed. Let’s take a walk so I can meet the newest arrivals. Oh, I have a small favor to ask Guillermo. The renovations to my house are taking longer than expected. I was wondering if you’d mind having a guest.”

As we turned into the girls wing Guillermo laughed. “This is your home and you’re asking me if you can stay. You’re welcome here anytime Miguel.”

As we entered, there was a little sitting area and I saw the three girls. As soon as the saw me they started getting nervous. Guillermo smiled at them saying, “Girls this is the owner of this home. I’d like you to meet Dr. Miguel Sanchez.”

I went over and shook each of their hands then gave them each a kiss on their head. “It’s nice to meet you girls. Are you keeping the boys in line?”

The girls giggled when I said that. “They let us play together with them,” the youngest girl said. “I’m Laura, Dr. Sanchez. This is my older sister Lisa and this is Christina. Thank you for letting us stay here.”

When Laura introduced Christina, the girl slumped down on the sofa. “Christina, is there something wrong sweetie?”

She shook her head no but I could tell there was something bothering her. “Um not really sir.”

I held my hand out to her then we went for a walk. “How long were you on the streets?”

“About six months. It wasn’t bad at first but when I ran out of money it got hard. I tried finding odd jobs but soon I was being chased away. I had to start . . .”

At this point I could see she was starting to get upset and it was hard for her to speak. “Take your time Christine.”

We found a place to sit down then she put her head against my shoulder and started crying. I don’t know how long we were sitting there when a voice said, “Can I help you sir? Christina, what’s wrong?”

I looked up and was about to speak when a voice said, “Is everything alright Miguel?”

“Christina started telling me about her time on the street. It all got a little much and she broke down.”

“I’m alright Miguel,” Christine said wiping her eyes. “My back is still sore.”

Guillermo came over then said, “Jackie, this is our benefactor Dr. Miguel Sanchez.”

Jackie extended her hand. “Dr. Sanchez I’m sorry if I was rude to you.”

“Nonsense Jackie, we’d never met and you were looking out for Christina. Jackie, I want to examine Christina and since there isn’t a nurse on staff and she’s a girl, I want you present.”

“I don’t want her seeing me like this,” Christina exclaimed starting to break down again.

I thought for a second because I didn’t want to push her into something she wasn’t comfortable with but I also wanted another female present. “Do you have a roommate?”

She shook her head no then a voice said, “Christina, I’ve seen you. Would you mind me being there?”

We all looked around and there was Lisa standing there. “Uh I guess so Lisa. I just look so ugly; I don’t want anyone really seeing me.”

Jackie came over and sat beside her. “Sweetie, you’re not ugly. I know you have some bruises on you. I saw a few of then when you came in and I helped you get undressed, remember?”

Christine thought for a moment then nodded her head. “I remember. I wasn’t really with it but you did help me. I guess it will be alright if you’re there. Do you mind Lisa?”

Lisa shook her head no then went back to watch television. Christina led us to her room and Jackie closed the door so we could have some privacy. Christina took her shirt off and when I saw her back I quietly gasped at what I saw. She next removed her jeans and again I was shocked at the bruising on her. I sat in a chair then had her  come over to me. “Sweetie, I’m gently going to touch you. I want you to tell me if I hurt you.”

I started up by her shoulders then worked my way down her back. There was a nasty bruise at the belt line then went out across to her hips. “Ouch, that’s sore.”

I slid her panties down a little and saw the rest of the bruising. I checked her legs then said, “Jackie, I want you to take her over to the Children’s Clinic at the hospital. I’m going to call one of the doctors there. I want some x-rays taken just to be sure there isn’t anything broken. I’m also going to contact Sheriff Vasquez so he can take some photographs and make a report. I want the person who did this to pay.”

Christina started to weep softly. Jackie came over and put her arm around her to calm her fears. “I’ll be there with you the whole time. No one is going to hurt you. Do you trust Dr. Sanchez?”

Christina looked at me and smiled then gave me a huge hug. “You and Guillermo are the first men to ever care about me.”

I had to ask her a question and I knew it was going to be embarrassing for her. “Um sweetheart, when you were on the street, did you ever have relations with a man?”

As soon as I finished the question her head dropped and he nodded yes. Jackie was quick to comfort her saying, “It’s OK Christina, no one is judging you. The doctor is just asking you so you can be tested so you won’t get sick.”

I stood up and kissed Christina on the head and smiled at her. “I know it’s rough on the streets and sometimes you do things you normally wouldn’t do in order to survive. My 3 boys did. I’m going to call the clinic and see if there is a female doctor who can look at you. I’m also going to want her to look at your vagina and bottom to make sure everything is alright. Jackie will stay with you the whole time. Is that alright with you?”

Christina nodded her head then I went to my office to make some calls. When Jackie and Christina returned I said, “There are two female doctors on staff at the clinic. They are waiting for you and will take excellent care of you. I’ll see you when you get back.”

Christina smiled at me as Jackie led her to the door. “Thanks Miguel for everything. I’ll see you when I get back.”

Guillermo came onto my office and sat down. “How long will you be in town Miguel?”

“I planned on being here a couple of weeks. I hope I won’t disrupt things around here.”

“Nonsense,” Guillermo replied. “The boys will love you being here. Speaking of boys, did you meet the three newest boys yet?”

Just then Mikey and Chico came in. Mikey made a beeline for me and took his place on my lap. “Will you come out and play with us?”

“Now Mikey Dr. Sanchez . . .” Guillermo started to say.

Mikey was staring into my eyes with a grin from ear to ear. “Well I need to get my bags out of my truck before I can do anything.”

“Are you staying here Miguel?” Chico asked as he started jumping up and down.

“Yes little one, the repairs to my house are not done yet so I need somewhere to stay. Is it alright if I say here?”

Mikey hopped off my lap and started pulling on my arm. “Come on Miguel, you can sleep with me.”

I laughed at that statement because I knew Chico was his roommate. I stood up and Chico quickly took my other hand as we headed for the door. “Mikey, isn’t Chico here your roommate?”

“Oh yeah,” the excited boy said. “But there is a room across the hall that’s empty.”

We got to the Blazer and I opened the back and got my suitcase. “I guess I’ll take that room then.”

The boys started jumping up and down and cheering. I closed the back door when 3 more boys came running towards us. “Who are you?” A cute brown haired boy asked.

“This is Papa Miguel,” Chico replied as he took my hand.

I stopped walking and knelt down. “And who might you three boys be?”

The littlest one stood behind a tall boy. The middle boy came up and said, “Hi sir, I’m Billy.”

The tall one came over and shook my hand. “Hi, I’m Robbie and this squirt is José.”

“I’m not a squirt,” José shouted with a pout.

I held my hand out to him and Chico quickly took it. José shuffled over and I smiled at him. “No, you’re not a squirt.”

The little guy looked up at Robbie and stuck his tongue out at him. “I told you so.”

I started laughing at their antics as we headed back inside. We walked down the boy’s hall and Mikey pulled me into a room. “Our room is right over there Papa Miguel.”

José looked up at me and asked, “Are you really their Papa?”

I had to think fast when José asked me this question. “I own this home here.”

“You own this?” Robbie asked. “You mean this is an orphanage. Come on man, say it.”

I was stunned and for a moment and couldn’t speak. “Yeah, you could call this an orphanage if you want but it’s not like any one you’ll ever see.”

I looked up and saw Victor standing there. “Miguel wants this to be a home. A place where kids can come and be safe, feel loved and grow up to be what ever they want.”

“Who the hell are you?” Robbie fired back. “You here to make sure we don’t escape now?”

Just then another voice said, “Robbie why don’t you just shut your fucking mouth and listen. You’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.”

Joey came in and stood toe to toe with the taller boy. “I’ve been here since the day it opened. This is a home. This man here put his money to buy this place. I haven’t been this happy in a long time. You seemed happy. Now what is it?”

I stepped in between the boys. “Look Robbie, technically this is an orphanage. You all are orphans and have no place to live but I want this place to be a home. Yes, there is a fence around the place and an iron gate but that’s not to keep you in. There are still people out there that would hurt you kids and not think twice about it.”

Robbie stood there stunned in silence. Victor put his hand on Robbie’s shoulder and turned him so he could see. “I was on the streets once when I was your age. I had two other brothers and Miguel got us a Papa who loved us and took good care of us. My Papa is the sheriff and he works hard to see the street kids are safe. Miguel got this to give you all a better chance at life. If you want to leave, you can and we won’t stop you but I really hope you think long and hard before you do. The door will always be open.”

“I didn’t think anyone cared about us and this was just another place for someone to stick us,” Robbie said softly.

“Who brought you boys here?” I asked because Guillermo never told me.

“A Deputy brought us here,” Robbie started telling me. “He brought us inside and talked with Guillermo. I do like this place.”

Robbie was starting to shake as he spoke and I know he was on the verge of losing it. Victor wrapped his arms around the boy and comforted him as he started crying. “It’s alright Robbie, let it out.”

Victor held Robbie as he cried it out. After a few minutes he regained his composure. The boys had all sat on the beds then Robbie started telling us his story. “I’d been on the streets for about a year and I don’t know how many times I’d managed to keep from getting caught by the store keeper’s men. About a month ago I met up with Billy and José. I had managed to save some money from doing different things so keeping them fed wasn’t hard but soon it was just about impossible. One day I saw a ladies purse on a table and it was open. I tried to steal some money but she caught me and that is how the Deputy was involved. When he arrived, José and Billy were crying and I told the lady I was sorry for trying to steal her money. He put us in his car and talked with her.  He asked her if she wanted to press charges and she decided not to. That’s how we ended up here.”

“You are lucky she didn’t press charges Robbie,” I said as I sat beside him. “That is one thing no one here will ever have to do. If you need something or want something, all you have to do is ask Guillermo. If he thinks it is alright, you’ll get it. There will be plenty of food here so no one has to eat like a pig or take food back to their room. In fact, that is not allowed. There is fruit out all the time if you’re hungry and want a snack. Are there any questions?”

Robbie reached over and hugged me tightly. “I see why they call you Papa Miguel now. Thank you for letting us stay here.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/27/08