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...

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?”

Chapter 48

I thought for a minute. “Sweetie, let me ask you something. If there were a family that wanted to adopt you, would you like that?”

She thought for a moment. “Well yeah as long as they accepted the fact I was pregnant and was willing to help me raise it.”

I smiled as I came over to her. “Alright now, I don’t know what’s up with these people but Paulo and I are going to have them checked out. If they are really on the up and up, would you like to get to know them?”

“Alright Papa,” she said softly. “I don’t have to go anywhere with them do I?”

I shook my head. “Oh no sweetie.”

She slipped her hand in mine then we walked over to the common room. Andrea looked in and saw the two people sitting there. “Papa, if they say they’ve met me, they’re lying. I’ve never seen them before in my life.”

I leaned down to her ear. “I kinda thought so myself.”

I let Angel and Casey take Andrea’s hand as I walked in. I wanted to see for myself what these people were going to do when they met her face to face for what I knew to be the very first time. As we entered, Mrs. Cruz stood. “Well there she is. It’s been a long time darling.”

Andrea stopped in her tracks and looked the people over very carefully. “Ma’am, I don’t mean to be rude but I don’t know who you are.”

Mr. Cruz had started to approach her. Angel and Casey stepped in front as Danny came in. “Sir, I wouldn’t advise coming any closer.”

Mr. Cruz stopped then looked the teenager over. Mrs. Cruz walked over then knelt before her. “I guess you wouldn’t sugar, it’s been a number of years since we last saw you. Let’s see, you were about 4 and I knew your mother.”

Andrea relaxed a little but Danny and Victor stayed close. Andrea let it all in but didn’t show it on her face. “I don’t mean to cut this reunion short but it’s time for the children to have their dinner. I suggest the next time you wish to see Andrea, you call ahead first.”

They both nodded their heads in agreement then I had Danny start to escort them out. Before they left Paulo got their attention. “Tomorrow you’ll need to appear before Judge Romero.”

Mr. Cruz stopped and glared at Paulo. “We’ll be there my good man.”

There was just something about this guy I didn’t like. Once they’d left, I looked at Paulo. “Why did you have me make copies of their passports?”

Paulo started putting his stuff back into his briefcase. “I’m no expert Miguel, but I think they’re fake. I’m going to call the Passport Ministry in Brasilia and see what I can find out.”

“Good idea,” I said as we headed for the front door. “Did you happen to get their local address?”

Paulo nodded as he opened his car door and tossed his briefcase inside. “I got that off the papers Victoria showed me. I checked the address out and it’s rental property in a pretty nice neighborhood. I’m just wondering how they can afford it.”

“Let’s see what the Ministry can tell us. I’m sure Judge Romero will have questions of his own, too.”

I watched as Paulo drove off then headed back inside to have dinner.

The next day, Paulo called me and said I had to be in Judge Romero’s courtroom after lunch. I grabbed an early lunch at the home then drove over to Javier’s court. When I arrived, the Cruzs’ were there and Victoria was mouthing off full of herself. “See, I told you they’d seen the girl.”

I walked towards the bench watching the theatrics. “And I suppose you’d remember people you’d met when you were 4 years old too.”

Victoria stopped talking and looked at me. “I have trouble at times remembering people I’ve met last month, let alone when I was 4.”

I looked at the Cruzs’ expressions and they hadn’t changed. I was about to speak when I heard the door to Judge Romero’s chambers open. I moved next to Paulo then waited for him to take his seat. He took his seat then looked around the courtroom. “I see two faces I don’t recognize.”

Victoria stood and looked at the Judge. “Yes Your Honor, William and Pauline Cruz are the couple looking to adopt Andrea Dominguez.”

Judge Romero made a notation on his file then looked at the couple. “Can you tell me how you know this child?”

Pauline stood then cleared her throat. “Yes, we knew her when she was a little child. I knew her mother very well.”

“I see,” Javier responded. “How old was she at that time?”

The woman thought for a moment. “She was about 4.”

“And did you know her father?”

William stood then. “Yes sir, I knew him quite well.”

“And have you been with them since?”

Mr. Cruz shook his head. “Unfortunately we haven’t. It was through a mutual friend that informed us of Andrea’s situation. We felt we had to do something to help this poor child.”

Unbeknownst to me, while the Cruz’s were telling Javier about their knowledge of Andrea, a man came in and sat down in the back of the courtroom.

The Judge looked at the couple then at Victoria. “Ms. Ruiz, I would still like to know based on this flimsy evidence you could allow a child to be taken out of a home, without my consent, and give her to perfect strangers.”

Victoria stood in a huff. “Now see here Your Honor, we at Social Services do what WE feel is in the best interest of the child.”

I had to stand and speak at that point. “Excuse me but how can you feel that YOU know what’s best for Andrea. You’ve never once came and talked with her about what SHE might want.”

“I don’t need to know how she feels,” Victoria spat. “I know what’s best . .”

Just then a voice shouted. “You’re going to let these people adopt me? They claim to have met me but that’s a load of crap.”

Judge Romero looked up and saw Steven, Angel, Guillermo and Andrea walking towards the bench. “I won’t tolerate outbursts like this Steven. Now who is this young lady?”

Steven stood before Javier. “My apologies Your Honor and this is Andrea Dominguez.”

Andrea stood before the Judge and looked to the ground. “I’m sorry I interrupted Judge but I heard what these people have said and it’s not true.”

Victoria interrupted her at that point. “How would you know anything? You were…”

“My mother died right after I was born.”

I looked at the Cruzs’ as the color drained from their faces. “You’re the one lying now young lady and I don’t like it for one minute.”

Javier banged his gavel. “Ms. Ruiz, watch your tone in my courtroom, do I make myself clear?”

“Yes Your Honor,” Victoria said. “But she’s just saying this.”

Andrea reached into her pocket and pulled out several pieces of paper. “My Dad gave me these, Judge.”

Judge Romero read them. “Ms. Ruiz, I suggest you read these.”

Victoria looked at the papers. “Ah, I don’t understand.”

Judge Romero looked over at the couple. “That’s simple, these two people, for what ever reason, are trying to perpetrate a fraud. I’m going to . .”

Just then the man in the back of the courtroom spoke up. “Your Honor, if I might be allowed to speak?”

I could see Javier getting angry. “And just who might you be sir?”

The man stepped forward. “My name is Carlos Rivera, Your Honor. I work at the Ministry of Passports Office in Brasilia.”

The Judge nodded his head. “What information do you have that would have a bearing on this proceeding?”

The man came through the railing and set his briefcase on Paulo’s desk then took some papers out. “At the request of Mr. Cortez here, I did some looking into the information he gave me with regards the passports of one William Cruz and of his spouse Pauline.”

Victoria was now glaring at the two people she was representing. “Continue,” Judge Romero said.

“Objection Your Honor,” Victoria said quickly. “Anything he has is irrelevant to these proceedings.”

Javier glared at her. “I’ll be the judge of that, please proceed Mr. Rivera.”

He nodded his head. “Thank you Your Honor. As I was saying, I looked into the information provided to me by Mr. Cortez. The information showed the passports are forgeries.”

Victoria slumped in her chair and Mr. Cruz jumped to his feet. “Now see here my good man but I can assure you they are not forgeries.”

Judge Romero banged his gavel. “That’s enough. Now Mr. Cruz, what documents did you provide when you and your wife applied for your passports?”

I could see the wheels turning in his head. “I provided my birth certificate and that of my wife.”

“Do you have them with you?” Judge Romero asked already knowing the answer.

He shook his head. “I didn’t think I would need to pass high security.”

Javier glared at the man. “And I don’t need the snide comments sir. You’ll have 1 hour to return home to get it.”

Just then Danny walked into the courtroom. I smiled at him then looked back at Javier. “Your Honor, maybe the Sheriff could lend a hand?”

I thought I saw Javier giggle when I made that remark. “Sheriff, could you please escort these two people to their house and return them here?”

Danny smiled and nodded. “I’d be glad to Your Honor. If you two will kindly follow me please?”

Victoria glared as Danny escorted Mr. and Mrs. Cruz out of the courtroom then snapped her head towards Judge Romero. “I bet you’d never put one of Mr. Sanchez’s friends through something like that?”

Judge Romero was not pleased with Victoria’s latest outburst. “That little comment will cost you 1,000 Reals Ms. Ruiz. If there are any more, the fines will start doubling and jail time will be added, DO I MAKE MYSELF PERFECTLY CLEAR?”

She slammed the lid on her briefcase then sat down. BANG!!! “That will cost you the night in jail. Shall we try for 2 nights?”

Victoria’s head snapped up. “No Your Honor.”

Judge Romero went into his chambers while he waited on Danny to return with the Cruz’s. Andrea stayed close to Angel and Steven while I talked with Paulo and Carlos. “Carlos, was there anything you could find out about the Cruz’s?”

Carlos sat down and shook his head. “No and that’s just it, I haven’t been able to find out a thing. I can’t even find the paperwork that matches those passport numbers. I’ve thought about contacting Interpol and the FBI but I have nothing to give them. They could do something if they had fingerprints.”

Paulo looked up. “If you mention that to Judge Romero, I’m sure he’d see to it you got them.”

Carlos smiled at that. “Thanks that would really help. Now Miguel, what’s the story with the little girl?”

I pulled up a chair and relaxed. “I have a Children’s Home and Andrea is one of my residents. Her father started giving her grief when he learned she was pregnant.”

“Oh Lord, was he behind that?”

I shook my head and patted his hand. “No nothing like that. Andrea made a mistake most girls do at that age and believed the boy she as with loved her only to find out later, that was not the case.”

Carlos was shaking his head as I was telling him this. “That poor child. Why she’s nothing more than a baby herself. You don’t think this couple is on the up and up?”

I shook my head. “Not as far as I can throw them.”

Carlos was looking intently at Andrea. “I would like to meet her if that’s acceptable Miguel. My wife and I have been trying to have a child for a long time but we’ve not been blessed. Two years ago, we adopted a 3 year old boy and we’d like to adopt a girl. The fact she’s pregnant is just more of a blessing. My wife stays home with Felix so it’s not like we’re work-a-holics.”

“How long are you in town for, Carlos?”

“As long as it takes to help clear this mess up,” he replied still looking at Andrea. Today’s Friday so the earliest I could send anything out would be Monday. Since I was unsure how long I’d be here, my wife and son are on their way out as we speak. I arrived in town last night with the information Paulo requested.”

I thought for a moment. “That would be a great idea.  You and your family can stay at my house.”

Carlos shook his head. “We couldn’t impose like that.”

I shook my head. “Nonsense Carlos, it’s no imposition. I’m staying at the Children’s Home because it’s a little big for me alone.”

Carlos shook my hand. “Thank you Miguel, that’s very gracious of you. Speaking of Children’s Homes, I’m on the Board of Director’s of the one in Brasilia.”

“So, you’re not just ‘someone who works for the Passport Ministry’ are you?” I asked with a grin on my face.

“Very astute, my friend”, Carlos replied. “Actually, I’m the Deputy Minister for Immigration. Paulo’s family and mine go way back.  When I got his call I came right down.”

I was looking towards the back of the courtroom when I saw Danny and the Cruz’s come in. The Cruz’s took their place and Danny nodded to the Bailiff. Judge Romero came back inside and took his seat on the bench. “Well, did you find your birth certificate?”

Mr. Cruz approached the bench. “Here they are Your Honor.”

He looked them over, shook his head then reached out towards Paulo. “Mr. Cortez, would you like to see these?”

The Bailiff brought the papers over and Paulo looked. “Mr. Cruz, is this information correct?”

“Yes it is sir,” Mr. Cruz replied from his seat. “Is there something wrong?”

Paulo handed the paper towards me. “Take a look at this Miguel.”

I took the paper and studied it. “Sir, this birth certificate says you were born at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Where is the form from the Brazilian Consulate showing your birth was registered?”

Judge Romero looked at Mr. Cruz. “Unless you can prove to this court beyond a shadow of a doubt you and your wife are citizens…”

Victoria jumped up. “You’re going to cower to this individual? I’ll see to it he’s shut down.”

BANG!!! “That will be 2,000 Reals and 2 days in jail Ms. Ruiz. No one waltzes into this city and thinks they can take one of our children. I would love to know why”

Just then the Bailiff handed Javier a note. “I’ve just been informed that there has been a plane crash of a chartered flight that our Director of Social Services was on. She was returning from a symposium.”

Victoria suddenly changed her tune. “I’m sorry for her passing. I’ll have to reorganize things.”

Judge Romero glared at her. “Not so fast Ms. Ruiz. Our former director was a qualified Social Worker unlike you. As of this moment, Social Services will be handled through The Miguel Sanchez Children’s Home and Guillermo Fernandez, its director, until such time as the city can hire a new director. You still are facing a 2,000 Real fine and 48 hours in jail for contempt which you will serve. Mr. and Mrs. Cruz, your application request to adopt Andrea Dominguez is here by denied.

“Mr. and Mrs. Cruz, I am ordering you held pending an investigation by the Immigration Ministry into what appears to be fraudulent immigration.  I am also issuing a search warrant for your residence and any other properties, including safe deposit boxes.  Bailiff, please escort Ms. Ruiz and the Cruzes to their new accommodations.

“Mr. Rivera, would you please contact your people at immigration and inform them of what we have found and ask them to start a full investigation as soon as possible? This Court is adjourned.”

“Yes, Your Honor.” Carlos went up to the Bailiff and asked to use his phone. He first called Passport Control Ministry and informed them of the proceedings and Judge Romero’s orders.  I called the Foundation and sent them to pick Carlos’ wife and their son up. Andrea came over followed by Steven and Angel. “Is this finally over Papa Miguel?”

Just then Carlos came over and stood beside us. “Andrea, there is someone I would like you to meet. This is Carlos Rivera, he helped us find out the Cruz’s were not who they appeared to be.”

Andrea blushed when she learned that. “Thank you sir.”

“I’m glad to have been able to help sweetie. I know you’ve been through a lot these past few months and there is something I would like to ask you.”

She looked up at me then to Angel, over to Carlos then finally back to me. I smiled reassuring her it would be alright. “What’s that sir?”

Carlos took her hand in his and gently rubbed it. “Well, I would like to get to know you and for you to meet and get to know my family.”

I could see Carlos was having trouble coming out with that he was trying to say and it was looking like Andrea was getting a little scared. “Darling, what Carlos is trying to say is he would love you to get to know them and his little boy because he and his wife would like to adopt you provided that’s what you would want.”

Andrea stood there in stunned silence. Carlos kneeled down and held her hands. Andrea pulled her hands back and glared at him. “Yeah, feel sorry for the little pregnant girl until I’ve had my baby then toss me out again.”

I saw Andrea jump forward then she reached behind her and rubbed her butt. Angel spun her around and was kneeling so she was at eye level with the girl. “Do you really think my father would allow that to happen? If that was the case, do you think this man would fly here from Brasilia?”

Andrea was stunned. Never before had she been disciplined and she was surprised that Angel would pop her on her fanny. Andrea turned around to look at Carlos. “I I’m sorry Mr. Rivera.”

The tears were now falling down the little girl’s face. Carlos drew the crying child into his arms. “There’s nothing to apologise for little one. The people in your life who were supposed to protect and care for you have left you abandoned then you learn a couple wants to adopt you not for you but what you’re carrying. I can understand your apprehension.”

She looked up at the smiling man. “Do you really want me?”

Carlos gently kissed her on the forehead. “I think I can speak for my wife here but yes, we really do my child, provided you’ll have us. But I don’t want you to worry about that right now. I think we all need to get to know each other first. I’ll tell you now that Felix can be a bit of a hand full as he likes his attention.”

Andrea giggled at Carlos’ description of his son. “We have someone at the Home like that too.”

“Carlos, would you like to see where you and your family will be staying?” I asked as we headed for the back of the courtroom.

We were walking as a group then I looked down and saw Andrea’s hand in Carlos’. “I’d like that Miguel but you don’t have to go to all that trouble. We can stay in a hotel.”

When we reached our cars, Angel called Andrea. “Come on sweetie, we need to get back. Papa Miguel will be along shortly.”

She looked up at me with sad puppy dog eyes. “Papa Miguel, may I come with you please?”

“Go on Angel,” I said as I unlocked the Blazer. “I’ll take care of Andrea.”

The three of us left the courthouse then drove out to my house. When we pulled up, Andrea gasped. “Papa Miguel, it’s beautiful.”

To be continued...

Posted: 07/11/08