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...

Bill wrote the discharge orders then we had to come up with some clothes for Shane to wear. I called Guillermo to go into the clothes closet and get some clothes for Shane. Steven and Angel brought them over to the hospital. Shane was sitting on the side of the bed and had his gown off when they came in. Shane put his hands over his crotch turning bright red. Mikey got his clothes then pulled the curtain closed. Five minutes later, Shane was ready to come to his new home. 

Chapter 47

Bill and I got Shane into a wheelchair then brought him down to the front door. I tossed Steven the keys and had him bring the Blazer around. Shane was a little too short to step into the truck so I lifted him up and set him in. I put his seat belt on and we were off back to the home.

The boys were all cheering when they saw Steven and I help Shane into the home. “Easy gang, he needs to rest. He’ll be fine in a few days but he’s got orders to stay in bed.”

“Aww Papa Miguel,” a chorus of whines erupted.

“I didn’t say you couldn’t visit him,” I broke in saving my hand.

We got him into his new room and I had Joey get some extra pillows so he could sit up and be comfortable. “Miguel, can I get comfortable?”

I shoed everyone out of the room while Shane got undressed. Mikey helped Shane get his shoes off so he didn’t have to lean over. Once Shane was back in bed, Mikey gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re here now Shane.”

I gave each boy a hug then opened the door so the kids could talk with our newest resident. “Ok guys, listen up. After lunch, Shane is going to rest. You have your studies to do then you can use the pool. Shane, you will have to wait a few days then you can go in. The warm water will feel good on your ribs.”

Over the next few days, Shane’s ribs started to improve and I spoke with Bill about letting him in the pool. Bill didn’t see a problem so Shane was able to soak in the warm water. One afternoon, I was getting some sun when Victor paged me. “Miguel, you have a phone call in your office.”

I took the call and it was Larry Moreno. “Miguel, I just heard Victoria was up to her old ways again and this time she was terminated. The bad news of this is she’s now working for Social Services.”

“This is crazy Larry,” I said rather loudly causing Guillermo to walk in. “You know she’s going to be shoving her nose into everything here.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “I’ve talked with the Director there and she assured me that won’t happen.”

I shook my head at that. “I hope you’re right Larry. I have enough to worry about here without Victoria Ruiz’s crap.”

I hung the phone up and sat there trying to figure out what else could happen. Guillermo was still standing in the door. “What’s this about the ADA?”

I shook my head. “She’s not the ADA any more. Larry finally had it with her crap and gave her the boot. Now she’ll be an even bigger problem because Social Services hired her.”

I picked the phone up and called Javier. His clerk said he was just coming into his chambers and put me on hold. “Hello Miguel, what can I do for you?”

“You’re not going to believe what I’m about to tell you my friend,” I started. “ADA Ruiz finally got fired but it gets worse. For some goofy reason, Social Services hired her.”

I heard Javier set the phone down to take his robe off. “Relax Miguel, I’ll have a talk with the Director. I know the work you do and it won’t be stopped.”

“I just don’t need the hassles Your Honor. I have a boy that was brutally raped and a pregnant 13 year old. These kids don’t need her trying to turn their lives upside down again.”

Things settled down and Shane was up and around being an active 12 year old boy. One morning while the children were in class, I had my first visit from Ms. Ruiz. She walked into Guillermo’s office and tried taking over. I was giving the kids a science lesson when I was paged. I turned the class back over to Casey and went to see what was going on. I hadn’t gotten to Guillermo’s office when I heard the wicked witch of the west. “I want Andrea Dominguez brought up here now with her things.”

“Just what in the hell are you doing making demands in my home?” I shouted. “Andrea is not going anywhere without a signed order by Judge Romero.”

She stood there smug. “He has no say in this matter. There is a family that wants to adopt Andrea.”

This was news to me. “Excuse me?”

She opened her briefcase and handed me some papers. I looked them over and the people’s last name was Cruz and had a Receife address. “These people wish to adopt Andrea. They know she’s pregnant and that isn’t a problem. They’ll raise her and help her raise her child.”

I looked at Guillermo and we both shook our head. “Sorry lady but no can do. No one is taking one of my children out of here sight unseen. Judge Romero has the final say but I’ll tell you right now, this isn’t going to happen.”

“Are you going against the Department of Social Services,” she asked stuffing the papers back into her briefcase.

I sat down and realized nothing’s changed. “If you want any chance of this adoption moving forward, I want to meet them. Plus, Andrea will not leave the grounds.”

She snatched her bag and stormed out. “We’ll see about this.”

I didn’t like her attitude one bit and I was going to head this off fast. I went over to my office and called Paulo. When he answered the phone, I was right on him. “Paulo, I want you to get over to Judge Romero’s courtroom and file a request for an Emergency Hearing. Victoria Ruiz is now with Social Services and she thinks she can set up adoptions all on her own. Well, she has another think coming.”

I was ranting to Paulo. “Calm down Miguel before you pop a blood vessel. I’ll head over to the Courthouse right now.”

I was hot. How could this lady come in here and make demands like that. I went back into my office and began to think then Shane and Mikey came in. I was lost in my own world but leave it to them to bring me back to Earth. Shane snuggled onto my lap and kissed me on the cheek. “Are you alright Papa Miguel?”

I quickly came back to reality when I heard Shane’s voice. “Hi boys, I’m fine.”

Mikey looked at me not totally believing what I’d said. “What was all the yelling about?”

I was about to answer when Andrea stuck her head in the door. “I heard my name mentioned too. What’s going on?”

I was about to answer them when the phone rang. “Miguel, how soon can you get over here to the Courthouse? Ruiz is asking for an Emergency Adoption order.”

“Over my dead body,” I shouted. “I’m on my way.”

I set Shane on his feet and gave each of the kids a kiss. “I have to go and take care of some business. I’ll explain everything when I get back.”

“Is someone trying to take me away?” Andrea asked.

I kneeled down and hugged her gently. “Supposedly there is a family that wants to adopt you and they claim they’ve seen you.”

She looked at me strangely. “No one’s seen me here.”

I nodded my head and kissed her. “I know that sweetie. This is what I’m going to take care of. If there was a family who really wanted to adopt you, what would you think about that?”

She stood there thinking for a minute. “I don’t know. I love it here but a family who loves me sounds good too.”

That’s the answer I thought I would get from her. “I’m going to get all this sorted out kids. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

I hurried over to the Courthouse and almost ran to Judge Romero’s courtroom. When I got there Paulo and Victoria were going at it. “Mr. Cortez, if you don’t wish to be cited with interference, you’ll not contest this.”

I walked in and let the door slam. “If you don’t want to be charged with contempt you better back off. Like I told you before, every child at the home is there under a court order signed by Judge Romero.”

“Not for long,” Victoria shouted.

“And why is that?” A voice was heard from the front of the courtroom.

We all turned and got quiet as Judge Romero took the bench. “Because Your Honor, this is no longer a matter for the court but a matter for Social Services.”

Javier sat there for a moment amazed at what he just heard. “Again I ask why is that? The Juvenile Court places all the children in foster care.”

“Well that HAS to change,” Victoria said pompously. “The Department of Social Services has the capability”

Javier banged his gavel. “The Department of Social Services did nothing to protect the children of this city. The last director is in prison serving a long sentence for taking bribes and for murder. The former Sheriff committed suicide when confronted by Miguel here after he killed his son’s mother. So don’t stand there and tell me just how capable the department is Ms. Ruiz.”

Victoria turned pale after hearing Javier give her a history lesson. “Your Honor, that was in the past. Today the Department is able to handle the children’s needs. Why, we have found a loving home for one of Miguel’s residents.”

Javier’s eyes widened when he heard this. “Is this true Miguel?”

I stood and looked at Victoria. “Allegedly, Your Honor.”

“Allegedly?” he asked.

I nodded my head. “Yes sir. These parents to be have never set foot in the home to visit Andrea yet Ms. Ruiz claims they’ve seen her.”

“That’s not true,” Victoria interrupted.

Javier glared at the woman. “Are you calling Miguel a liar? Have they been to the home to visit the girl or not?”

Victoria just stood there in silence. “As I suspected.”

“Now see here Your Honor,” Victoria interrupted. “You mean to say Miguel is against seeing his children adopted?”

“Not at all,” I replied. “I would love it if the home could be closed down because all the street children have loving homes.”

“Let’s not go that far,” Victoria spat. “We all know what those children are.”

“Just what are we bitch,” a voice said from the back of the courtroom. “Please enlighten us as to just what you think street children are.”

I turned around and Steven and Angel were walking towards the front of the courtroom. “Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez, I do not like my proceedings interrupted with language like that.”

Steven stopped and nodded his head. “My apologies Your Honor but I’ll not have someone think that children who are tossed away by their parents or forced by them into child sex rings are nothing more than trash.”

“You had a good home,” Victoria started.

“I had nothing,” Steven shouted. “I did have for 8 years until I was brought here then used as a sex toy. I ran away and lived on the streets.”

“See,” Victoria started again. “You chose to run away.”

“Run away or be abused by men at my mother’s hand. Where were you then Miss ADA hot shot?”

Javier banged his gavel. “Steven, I know all too well what you and your brothers went through here and that’s why this court WILL continue to run the foster care system. Ms. Ruiz, if you have a legitimate couple willing to adopt Andrea, I want to see them in my court.”

I stood and looked at my friend. “Your Honor, how do we know these people are even Brazilian citizens? The Foundation is also looking for qualified homes for the children.”

Judge Romero nodded his head. “I know you are Miguel. I want to see Ms. Ruiz’s family in my court then The Foundation can do an investigation on them.”

Victoria stomped her foot. “I object Your Honor. My office is quite capable of doing that.”

Paulo looked over at her. “Your office CAN do that? You mean you haven’t?”

She started babbling. “Ah I didn’t say that. I said we’re capable of doing it.”

“Fine,” Paulo fired back. “What have you found out on these so called people?”

Victoria stood there silent. Judge Romero looked sternly at her then took control. “Since you can’t answer Mr. Cortez’s simple questions Ms. Ruiz, you WILL present your adoptive parents to this court. Then The Sanchez foundation will do what they deem necessary to ensure they are fit parents. If you fail to comply with this order Ms. Ruiz, you will be held in contempt. Do we understand each other?”

Victoria glared at Judge Romero but knew she was in a no win position. “Yes Your Honor.”

Paulo and I watched as Victoria stormed out of the courtroom. “I’m still wondering who this mystery couple is.”

Paulo, Steven, Angel and I walked out of the courthouse and we stopped at his car. “I don’t know Miguel. I’m sure we’ll be notified when they are to appear before Judge Romero.”

Paulo went back to his office and I returned to the home. When I got back the 3 of us went into my office. I gave my 2 a stern look for their outburst in court. “Daddy, I’m sorry we spouted off like that but that bitch really made me mad.”

“Yeah Dad,” Steven continued. “Who does she think she is? She’s got no idea of what it’s like living on the streets. To her, we’re nothing but garbage.”

Steven was beginning to lose control of his emotions. I went over and sat beside him pulling him into a hug. “I know son. That’s why my work here with the Children’s Home is so very important. I hope these people that want to adopt Andrea are legitimate.”

Steven had calmed down then I got us a drink out of my fridge. We were talking when Andrea came in. “I thought I heard you back Papa Miguel. Now, what’s this about someone seeing me and wanting to adopt me?”

I got her a drink then she sat beside Angel. “They’re a couple named Cruz and they supposedly live here in Receife. They also claim to have seen you but I don’t understand how that can be as you’ve had no visitors other than your Dad.”

Andrea thought for a moment then shook her head. “I haven’t a clue as to who they could be Miguel. Their last name doesn’t ring a bell.”

Two days later, Guillermo and I were getting the kids out of the pool so they could get cleaned up for dinner when Victor paged us. “Miguel, Guillermo, come to the office.”

Casey and Jackie took charge of the group while we headed to see what Victor needed. As we approached the office, I could hear a woman’s voice. “Now look young man, we’re here to see our daughter.”

I looked at Guillermo and he was already turning red. “Damn she’s got some balls Miguel.”

I slapped my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud. “God, let’s hope not.”

Just then we heard a man’s voice speak. “If I have to, I’ll find her myself.”

Guillermo and I stepped into the doorway to block any attempt of them trying to get out. “I wouldn’t advise that.”

The man turned and looked at me. “And just why might that be my good man?”

Guillermo stepped forward. “If you were to head for either of the dormitory wings, Victor here would have you handcuffed before you could do anything. Now, what is it you want?”

I noticed the lady’s expression changed very quickly. “We’d like to see our prospective daughter, if that’s alright?”

I was really getting impatient with these two. “What makes you think this?”

“Quite simple my good man, we know her.”

I pointed to my office across the hall. “Go in there and have a seat. I’ll be in there shortly. If you even think of going roaming, I’ll have you arrested.”

I sent Guillermo down to the girl’s wing then looked over to Victor. “Can you have Casey or Angel bring Andrea up here? Victor, call your Dad and have him get over here right away then put a call in to Paulo for me please asking him to get over here as soon as possible.”

The timing of all this sucked because it was almost 5PM and I knew there would be no way Judge Romero would be able to hear this before tomorrow. I looked out the door and saw Angel and Casey holding Andrea’s hand. I quickly stepped across the hall and closed the door to my office. The group came up to me as Angel asked. “What’s going on Daddy?”

I put my arm around Andrea. “Sweetie, these people who claim to know you have shown up. Now, before anything happens, Sheriff Vasquez is on his way over. I want him here along with Paulo.”

Andrea started shaking her head. “Papa I can’t, for the life of me, figure out who these people are.”

I turned to head for Guillermo’s office when Danny came in. “Victor tells me someone trying to see Andrea is here?”

I nodded my head. “They arrived a while ago and started making demands. Right now they’re in my office but I think I’m going to move them to the common room. Then Angel and Casey can bring Andrea in followed by you Danny. I’d also like Victor to stay with you to buddy.”

Danny thought for a moment. “That sounds good. Why don’t we all wait in Guillermo’s office in the mean time.”

The group went into Guillermo’s office. Just as I closed the door, Paulo came in. “I got Victor’s call Miguel. I can’t believe the nerve of some people.”

I headed over to my office. “What can I say my friend. We’re going to move them over to the common room then bring Andrea and others in. Before I do, I have some interesting questions for them.”

Paulo giggled, “As do I Miguel.”

I opened the door to my office. “Would you follow me please?”

I led them over to the common room and had them sit down. Paulo put his briefcase on a table then sat down. “Before we proceed any further, we have a few questions for you.”

The lady quickly got an attitude. “I don’t feel we have to answer anything from you?”

Paulo slammed a legal pad on the table. “I’ll have you know that Ms. Ruiz is under a court order to present you to Judge Romero. Now, you can answer questions here or in court but they will be answered one way of another.”

She looked at her husband then back to Paulo. “I guess we have no choice in the matter, do we?”

Paulo started writing quickly on his legal pad. “First off, where are you living?”

Mr. Cruz looked over. “We’re living here in Receife,”

“Is this going to be your permanent address?” Paulo fired out.

Mrs. Cruz started to answer yes but her husband then said no. Paulo looked up. “Which is it yes or no?”

Before they answered I asked, “Are you citizens of Brazil?”

Mr. Cruz got a real attitude when I asked that. “My good man, what does that have to do with anything?”

I walked over to where they were sitting and glared at them. “If you want to adopt one of my children, you’ll answer our questions. Now, are you citizens?”

They pulled out passports. “Yes we are. Take a look for yourself.”

Paulo took them and inspected them closely. He made some notations on his pad. “Miguel, will you make me copies of these please?”

I took the passports and headed to my office. I looked closely at them and from what I could tell, they were genuine. I made copies of them then went back to the common room. Paulo looked up at me then I handed them back. “If you’ll wait here, I’ll bring Andrea in.”

I went to Guillermo’s office and opened the door. I could see apprehension on her face. “Do I have to meet them?”

To be continued...

Posted: 07/11/08