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...

Marco and I talked a little longer then I turned the TV on to watch the news. After the news was over, I called it a night because we had a full day tomorrow.

Chapter 35 

I had intended to sleep in a little as I figured nothing could or would be handled much before 10. I had planned on having breakfast with the kids before Steven and Angel headed back to Blacksburg. As are all good intentions, mine were interrupted by the phone ringing at 8:00. It took a few rings before I was coherent. “Hello.”

The voice on the other end was chipper for that hour. “Mr. Sanchez, this is the sales lady from the home site.”

I couldn’t imagine what she would be doing calling at that hour. “Yes, what can I do for you?”

This woman could talk the ear off a brass monkey. “Well Mr. Sanchez, I remember what you said yesterday so I was talking with the builder. I was also talking with the buyers of the other unit. The buyers said they would need a little extra time before they could close so the builder will be giving your unit top priority. He expects to have the unit completely under roof in about 2 weeks and figures the unit to be totally completed and everything installed in about 6. He also said anything over $80,000 he would absorb.”

Except for getting woken up out of a sound sleep, that was good news. “That’s very good news. I’ll be waiting for closing information from you.”

“You’ll be receiving something from the attorney who will be handling the closing,” she replied. “That should be in about 4 to 6 weeks.”

I hung up the phone then laid my head back down and tried to doze back to sleep. I had almost succeeded when Marco got up and went to the bathroom. As soon as he’s flushed the toilet, I was wide awake again. I looked at the clock and it was almost 9. ‘Might was well get up.’

I went into the bathroom and emptied my bladder and as I came out I smelled frosh coffee going. I threw on my clothes and Marco poured me my morning wake up. “What time will Steven and Angel be down?”

I was about to answer when there was a knock on the door. Marco opened it and in came the 4 kids. “Morning Daddy,” my girl said in a chipper voice seeing that I was only half awake.

I gulped the last of the coffee down and poured another cup. “Sweetie, how do you manage to be so chipper in the morning?”

She’d been like that ever since I found her at the mall. Maybe it’s a female thing but needed some time to wake up. “When I see Steven and everyone it just makes me happy I’m a part of this family Daddy.”

She had become an important part of this family and even though she was an adult, I still thought of her as Daddy’s little girl. Jay and Ronnie were having a cup of coffee then we all went out for breakfast. Steven and Angel had already packed so they brought their bags down and put them into their car. After breakfast, I hugged them both goodbye as Steven still had a week left before spring break. “You two be careful heading back and call me tonight.”

I watched as Steven and Angel drove off. Jay, Ronnie, Marco and I got back into the Blazer and went back to the hotel. We went up to our rooms and packed for the trip home. I could see the looks Jay and Ronnie were giving each other. “Relax boys, you’ll be together again soon enough. It’s going to be hard not having you all at home.”

That seemed to hit Jay hard. “That’s right Dad. You’ll have to come here and stay with us this summer.”

I knew I needed to go back to Receife to see how the hotel was coming. With the boys working on the restaurant, our time together would be limited and Ronnie would be putting in the longest hours. “Oh I will son. I‘ll have to make a trip to Receife at some point to see how the hotel is going.”

All three boys came over and hugged me. Marco kissed me on the cheek and hugged me again. “Pop, I’m going to have to head out early. I’ll have to find a place to stay. Two guys from UVA are going to meet me and hopefully we will find a place.”

I held him by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “Marco, when we get back, I’ll have the agent that found me Steven’s place get to work on finding you a place. I don’t want you heading out there without a place to go.”

That idea still wasn’t sitting well so I called him from the hotel room. I told him I wanted a three bedroom apartment close to the UCLA campus. He informed me that he knew an agent that deals with apartments for students and he would get right on it. I felt better but didn’t like Marco being left out. “Pop, thanks. When we get home I’ll call my friends, I have their number. They’re spending the summer out there with friends.”

Between the real estate agent and Marco’s friends, finding a decent place shouldn’t be that hard, I hope. “Please do Marco. The sooner you all find a place, the better I’ll feel.”

Just then the phone rang. It was the hotel owner letting me know he was downstairs. Marco and I checked our room while Jay and Ronnie did a quick on theirs. We went downstairs and checked out and then met with the owner. “Hi Mr. Sanchez, I heard about last night and what a success it was.”

I smiled and Jay just giggled. The owner looked at us like we were crazy. “Thank you sir,” Jay replied as he got his giggles under control. “I kinda had a little to do with it. I called a lot of my friends at the dorm and they told their friends.”

The man shook his head. “Your friends made that kind of impact?”

Now I knew all those people there weren’t all from the university. “I don’t think all of the guests last night were from Duke. I don’t know how full the hotel is but I’m assuming some of them were staying here.”

I sat and talked with the owner for a few more minutes then we got down to business. He pulled the lease out of his briefcase and I looked it over. I read it very carefully making sure everything we’d agreed to had been listed and it was. I signed it then wrote the man a check for the first 3 months. I figured by that time, Ronnie should have the place up and running and he could make the payments. I would have to talk with my accountant and lawyer as to how best to set Ronnie up for this venture. “Thank you Mr. Sanchez. Mr. Hawkins will be out of there in 2 weeks. I’ll make sure I get his keys to the place.”

I shook my head when I head that. “That’s not necessary sir. Darrel will be staying on as the manager.”

The owner got a strange look on his face. “Are you sure about this?”

I knew that whole story where the owner didn’t. “Yes, I’m quite sure. Darrel is our manager.”

I got a receipt for my check and a copy of the lease. The boys and I headed out to the parking lot. We gave Jay hugs and kisses. “We’ll see you soon son.”

I got a long hug back from him. “I know you’re going to be busy this summer but you have a permanent room in our home.”

I like the idea of that but didn’t want to keep his friends from visiting. Marco kissed him next then Ronnie and Jay said their goodbyes. Marco and I watched as the boys hugged and kissed then Jay finally broke the hug. “Take care baby and I’ll see you in a few weeks. I’ll not miss your graduation.”

I watched Jay walk over to his car, get in and drive away heading back to the campus. Ronnie, Marco and I got into the Blazer then left for home. We took a casual drive home and stopped for lunch in Virginia. We pulled into the driveway at 3 and Ronnie made a bee line for the phone. “Dad, it’s Angel.”

I took the phone and Angel was telling me she and Steven were fine. I spoke with Steven for a few minutes then helped the boys get our bags into the house. Ronnie came into my room and picked my clothes up. “I’m going to get the laundry going then start dinner. I’m still hyped from the weekend. I still can’t believe I have my own restaurant.”

I watched as Ronnie took my clothes then go to the laundry room. While he and Marco did that, I called my accountant. He suggested the Foundation run the place that way liability would be on them rather than me or Ronnie. I told him the lease was already signed. He reminded me that as head of the Foundation, I could still list the Foundation as the owner. I told him I would get back to him then called my attorney.

My lawyer said an LLC would be the best way to go. That way just the assets of the corporation would be in jeopardy should they be sued. I liked that idea and knew Ronnie well enough he would not let that happen. I had him draw the papers up and he said he’d call me when they were ready. I had to think about who the corporate officers would be then decided Ronnie would be the President with Jay being the Vice President. Angel, who had the financial and business sense, would be Secretary Treasurer.

The weeks passed quickly and soon Ronnie was taking his finals. Ronnie came home and handed me an envelope. “What’s this son?”

Ronnie shook his head. “I haven’t a clue Dad. The graduation ceremonies are on Saturday at 7 at night.”

Ronnie went into his room and I opened the envelope. In the envelope were seating assignments for the family. There was note included with the assignments. It read:

“To the family of Ronald Sanchez, 

Your son Ronald has been selected as Valedictorian for this years graduating class. He will be informed once finals have been completed as not to add any additional pressure on him. On behalf of the school, we wish to congratulate him and you, his parents.”

I was really moved by this. It was so hard not to go into his room and hug him telling him how proud I was for him. This would be the crowing moment to three years of very hard work by him. “Son, how many more exams do you have?”

“Tomorrow is my last one Dad,” he shouted as he came out in his underwear. “I think Marco has his Citizenship test tomorrow too.”

Marco walked out of the kitchen holding a soda. “Shit, I forgot all about it. Thanks for reminding me bro. I’ll be looking over everything tonight.”

So much for me sharing this with Marco, I didn’t want anything distracting him from his test. He was just as smart as any of the others but I knew what the meant.

Ronnie put on a pair of shorts then started dinner. After we ate, Marco disappeared as did Ronnie. I sat and watched TV then wondered what Ronnie was doing. I looked in his room and he wasn’t there. I tapped on Marco’s door then opened it softly. “What’s up Pop?”

I shook my head. “Have you seen Ronnie?”

He giggled at my question. “He’s in the kitchen. He’s working on a recipe for tomorrow. It’s his final.”

I closed Marco’s door then went out to the kitchen. There was Ronnie with all kinds of stuff out on the counter. I didn’t see his usual cards with his ingredients on it. He was measuring out this and that and pitting it into one bowl or another. I watched him for I don’t know how long then he stepped back and smiled. He turned and looked at the door and saw me standing there. “It’s going to be perfect Dad.”

I didn’t know what he had planned but it appeared like a desert. “What are you planning son?”

He looked up then smiled. “It’s a recipe of Uncle Luiz’s. Do you remember the German Chocolate cake he used to make?”

How could I forget my all time favorite desert? After he passed away, I missed that so much but could never ask Ronnie to make it. I smiled then wiped the tears from my face. “That was my all time favorite son.”

Ronnie came over and hugged me. “I’ve taken his recipe and made a few little modifications. He would use some powered cocoa and I’ve substituted whole chocolate.”

I had to ask him but I was wondering what his answer would be. “Ronnie, do you think you could make it for me some time?

I heard Ronnie sniffle a little as he walked over to me. He wrapped his arms around and I pulled him into my chest. “Sure Dad, I’ll be glad to make it for you. Do you think Uncle Luiz would be mad that I made some changes to his recipe?”

I know better than that. “Not on your life son. He’d be proud that you’re using something he taught you how to make. He would be even prouder that you’ve improved it.”

Ronnie was crying hard and I wasn’t much better. We held onto each other until we got our emotions under control. “I guess you’re right Dad. I wish he was here to see this.”

I kissed him on the cheek. “He is son. I know he’s watching you.”

I held Ronnie for a few more minutes then I heard Marco standing in the door. I don’t know how long he was standing there but he came over and wrapped us both in a hug. “How about I help you guys clean up the kitchen?”

The three of us cleaned up the kitchen then went into the living room and relaxed. I sat on the sofa and Ronnie was cuddled beside me. This had been an exhausting evening. I got lost in my thoughts and the next thing I knew, Marco was gently shaking Ronnie. “Come on bro, it’s almost 11 and we have a full day tomorrow.”

I quickly got my wits about me and sat Ronnie up. His eyes were open but he was still half asleep. I let him sit there a few minutes then I helped him to his feet. Marco held him while I stood then wrapped my arm around Ronnie’s waist. This brought back memories of when he was just a little boy. I used to pick him up and carry him to bed but he was too big for that now. I walked him down the hall towards his room and Marco came with us. By the time we got to his room, Ronnie was awake enough to walk on his own. Marco gave him a quick kiss then I followed Ronnie inside. I gave him a hug and kiss then left him to go to bed.

I went down to Marco’s room and gave him a hug and kiss too. “Sleep well son. I know you’ll do fine tomorrow.”

Marco slipped his pants off then slid under the covers. I turned the light off and closed the door. “Good night Pop.”

I stuck my head back inside the room. “Good night son.”

I was mentally exhausted. I had good news that Ronnie was going to be Valedictorian and he was using a recipe taught to him by Luiz on his final. I went and checked the house to me sure the doors were locked then went to my room. I set the alarm so I would be up before the boys had to leave then crawled into bed.

It seemed I just got comfortable when the alarm was sounding off waking me up. I did my bathroom duty then got dressed and went to make the coffee. When I got near the kitchen, I started smelling coffee. I looked in the kitchen and Ronnie was at the stove. “Can’t you relax just one day son?”

Ronnie lifted his head from what he was doing to look at me. “It’s just you, Marco and me Dad. It’s not that much to do.”

I shook my head trying to understand him. I guess it was something that had been engrained in him. After Luiz died, Ronnie has made sure we were fed. No matter what time I had my alarm set for, he was up before me. “I understand that son, but you have your last exam today. I’d planned on feeding you guys.”

Ronnie gave me that patented ‘I have it covered’ look so I just fixed myself a cup of coffee and sat at the table. Marco came in a few minutes later just as Ronnie was about to put the food on the table. The three of us talked while we ate then he was going to start to clean up but I managed to stop him. “Not so fast son. You cooked and you have to leave shortly. I’ll take care of this.”

Ronnie and Marco got ready to leave. Marco’s test was slated to begin at 10 but he had to drive a good ways and fight traffic the majority of the way. Ronnie had just 1 final but it would take most of the morning. I gave each boy a hug then prayed each would do well.

I had another cup of coffee and read the morning paper. I was lost in an article when the phone rang. “Hello.”

I took a sip of coffee and listened to the voice on the other end. “Um is Marco there? This is his friend Dean from college.”

I quickly gathered my thoughts. “Yes Dean, this is Miguel Sanchez. Marco’s not here at the moment.”

The voice sounded a little disappointed. “I see. Well, he called me and said you were going to help us find a place out here.”

“That’s right son,” I replied upbeat. “I’ve contacted an agent here. He’ll be getting in touch with someone out there.”

“Yes sir,” Dean interrupted. “That’s why I’m calling. My parents have a nice 3 bedroom house they’re willing to let us use while we’re in school. The last tenants moved out a month ago and I happened to ask them about it.”

This was great news. Paulo and I were helping Marco financially so he would be able to help with expenses. “Dean, that’s great news. I was really worried about you boys not having a decent place to live while in school.”

Dean gave me the address and directions. I didn’t like the idea of Marco driving across the country but I knew he wouldn’t go out there without his car. “I’ll have Marco call you as soon as he gets home son. He’s taking his citizenship test today.”

“Oh wow sir,” Dean said. “I hope he passes. Give him my best and I’ll be awaiting his call. Goodbye.”

This was totally fantastic news. This is a huge load off my mind. Now I don’t have to worry about any of the boys while they’re in school. I reheated my coffee then finished reading the paper. I had just rinsed my cup out when I heard the garage door close. I wondered which of my boys were home. “Pop, where are you?”

I stepped out of the kitchen so Marco could see me. “How’d it go son?”

I could see a smile on his face so I was assuming good news. “It went really well Pop. I did like I do in school. I trust my gut when I put an answer down then don’t try and second guess myself later.”

That was a problem I had but finally learned how. “That’s great son. Did they say when you’d have the results?”

“There weren’t that many people there, maybe 15. The guy said the results should be mailed out in about a month.”

That would be super if he could leave for Med School with that load off his mind. “Sounds good. By the way, your friend Dean called. His parents have a house they’re going to let you guys use while you’re in school.”

Marco broke out in a huge smile when he heard that. “Wow, that’s great. I’ll give him a call.”

Just then the garage door opened and in walked Ronnie. I could tell he knew about being named Valedictorian because he had a smile from ear to ear on his face. “Oh Dad, I’m Valedictorian.”

He came over and I wrapped my arms around him. “Congratulations son. You’ve worked hard for it. How’d your cake come out?”

His smile turned to a frown when I asked him that. “It was great Dad. Everyone liked it so much there wasn’t any left so I could bring you home any.”

I kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t worry son. I’m glad it was a hit. Now, when is graduation?”

“Saturday week Dad,” Ronnie said as he headed for his room. “I have to sit and write a speech. I’m not a speaker Dad. Everything I am, I owe to you all. If it wasn’t for you, Jay and Luiz, I’d be nothing.”

When he came out, I put my hands on his shoulders. “Now don’t you sell yourself short son. Yeah, I adopted you and brought you here and Luiz showed you how to cook. The love of cooking you had. Luiz helped bring that out, but it’s always been there.”

I saw Ronnie deep in thought at what I’d said. “Yeah Dad, but I can’t imagine life without you all. That first day I met you, there was just something that made me feel safe.”

I kissed his cheek and held him close. “Just write from your heart son and you’ll do fine.”

Marco came in and popped Ronnie on the butt. “Relax bro, you’ll be fine. You don’t need a huge speech. Listen to Pop.”

We finally got Ronnie back down to earth and I decided to take him out to dinner. He went into his room and gave Jay the good news. I could only hear his side of the conversation and if Jay was as animated as Ronnie, I know he was happy for him.

When we got home from dinner I asked Ronnie what he would be doing for the next two weeks. “Dad, we have to clean up. The kitchens have to be ready for the next year. We’ll be there half days.”

Ronnie’s first week passed quickly. By mid week, he was bringing his personal things home. Most of the items stay boxed as he was taking those to Durham. Jay got home on Thursday and was waiting for Ronnie. He heard the garage door open and he was hiding on the other side. I met Ronnie and took his load then Jay pulled him into his arms. “How’s my brainy lover?”

I carried the box down to Ronnie’s room and when I returned, the two of them were still locked at the lips. Marco was standing there giggling shaking his head. “Will you two get a room?”

Ronnie turned several shades of red and I couldn’t hold my laughter any longer. “That has to be one of the longest kisses on record.”

Jay giggled a little. “What’s wrong Dad? Can’t I welcome my lover home?”

I walked over and hugged them both. “Of course you can son. But if you’d have welcomed him any longer, you both would need a shower.”

“Dad!” Ronnie shouted.

Marco got in on the ribbing. “Bro, the last time I saw a kiss like that, Angel was locked with Steven.”

“Alright guys,” Jay said hugging Ronnie. “Sorry for getting carried away. I’ve missed my man and I’m so proud of what he’s done.”

Ronnie went down to his room and came out with a piece of paper. “Dad, can you read this?”

To be continued...

Posted: 07/04/08