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...

Inside of an hour, we were ready for our 9 new arrivals. Getting them from the airport to the home would require two vehicles. Jackie could drive the van and I would use the Blazer. Christine and Linda wanted to go with Jackie and Joey and Robbie asked if they could ride with me. The kids would touch down about 4 so I wanted to be there on time. Jackie and I loaded up and headed out to the airport to greet our newest arrivals. I had no idea what we were in store for.

Chapter 50

We arrived about 3:45 and I went into the private aviation office and talked with someone I routinely dealt with. “Hi Cathy by chance would you know what time my company jet is due to land?”

She looked up at me and smiled. “Well hello there Miguel. I heard your pilot call in. He’s on final approach and should be landing in a few minutes.”

I turned and headed for the door. “Thanks sweetie. I’ll talk to you later.”

I went back out with the others and saw the jet flash by as it touched down. About 5 minutes later, it was taxiing up to the terminal. As soon as the engines shut down, the door opened and I made my way to the plane. The pilot came down and handed me a manila envelope. “Mr. Rivera told me to give these to you Dr. Sanchez.”

I took the envelope then looked at the contents. As I was looking at the papers, the steward led the kids off the plane. I noticed right away there was one girl who had a sour look on her face. I put the papers back into the envelope then approached the group. “Hi, I’m Miguel Sanchez. I’d like to welcome you to Receife and to your new home.”

Just then Jackie and the others came up as the older girl got right in my face. “Why don’t you just cut the crap Mister? Let’s face it, this is just another place where we get shuffled off to, locked up and forgotten about.”

Now Christine was apprehensive when she first arrived and she knew what the home was really like. She stepped up and got right in the girl’s face. “I think you need to cut the crap sweetie. You’ve no idea what this place is like so before you go spouting off at the mouth, you might want to see for yourself.”

I watched these two then the older girl backed down. “Fine, just tell me who I have to make nice to then.”

I put my arm around her shoulder and drew her into a little hug. “Look darling, you don’t have to make nice to anyone. I heard all about what happened at your last home and I can guarantee that that will not happen here. All the kids are very protective of each other.”

“Yeah right,” she spat. “As soon as you’re not around, it’ll happen.”

Just then Joey stepped up. “Have you got a major hearing problem? Papa Miguel said that wouldn’t happen and Jackie here will see to that also.”

“Well, the first person who tries to touch my girl,” she started saying then cut herself off in mid sentence.

Lisa stepped up and took Christine’s hand. “So you have a girlfriend? Which one is she?”

“Why?” she spat. “You think you can move in on her?”

Robbie came over at that point. “Damn, why the attitude girl? No one is gonna try and do that. Joey’s my boyfriend and these two are girlfriends.”

I thought it was time I got things calmed back down. “Alright now, let’s all settle down. What’s your name?

She clamed up when I asked at question. Just then another girl came up and took her hand. “I’m Juanita Grissom and this is my girlfriend Nicky Franklin.”

“Hi girls,” I replied as I brought Jackie over. “This is Jackie Taylor, she is a social worker at the home and she also lives on the premises. There is another woman who lives there too and her name is Casey. She’s the teacher. With the number of kids we have there, everyone goes to school right there at the home. Now, who else do we have?”

The other 3 girls stepped forward and introduced themselves. The older one of the group spoke. “These two are Jenny and Jean, they’re 10 and I’m Patty Green. They have a brother Paul. Hey, where’s Jeff?”

I did a quick head count and there were only 8 bodies. I went onto the plane and looked around but didn’t see anyone. Just then, the door to the lavatory opened and a boy the size of Mikey came out. “Are you Jeff?”

He looked like he’d been through the ringer. “Ah yes sir. I’m sorry but I don’t feel so good.”

I went back and helped him to a seat. “Do you get air sick?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I guess so. This was the first time I’ve been in an airplane.”

I let him sit there for a few minutes. “How are you riding in a car?”

“I’m fine with that.”

I helped him up then led him off the plane. Patty saw me with Jeff and started to get on him. “Jeffery, where have you been?”

I helped him over to Robbie. “Easy sweetie, Jeff doesn’t do flying very well.”

I then went over to the 3 boys who were quietly staying to themselves. “And who have we here?”

The twins tried to hide around the taller boy so I had to guess that one of them had been hurt. The teen took their hand and brought them out so I could see them. “These two are Paul and Phil. They’re 8 and some bastard tried to rape Phil.”

As soon as he said that, Phil dropped to the ground and curled up into a ball. I reached out to try and pick him up when Paul kicked me in the shin. “Don’t you touch him!”

Joey ran over and grabbed Phil. “Don’t you kick Papa Miguel.”

“Easy Joey,” I said rubbing my shin as I picked Phil up into my arms. “Shh now little one, it’s OK no one will ever do that to you again. You have my word on it.”

I gently rubbed his back and then he looked at me. I wiped the tears off his face and gave him a reassuring smile. “Did he call you Papa?”

I nodded my head. “Yes he did. A lot of the kids call me that because you are all like my children. You see, I started this home for children so that they would have a safe place to grow up and not have to live on the streets. You have a bunch of new brothers and sisters just waiting to meet you.”

Paul came up and wrapped his arms around my leg. “I I’m s sorry I kicked you.”

I set Phil down then I was shocked at what Paul did then. He dropped his pants and got down on all fours. “You can spank me now,” he said.

Joey quickly stood him up then pulled his pants back up. “No Paul, Papa will never spank you. Did they do that at that place?”

I was in shock at what I just learned. I picked Paul up as the tears started streaming down my face. “Why are you crying?”

I finally managed to get my emotions under control. “Spanking is something I don’t believe in son. I’ve raised 4 children and I never laid a hand on them as punishment.”

One of the twin girls came over and tugged on my shorts. “There wasn’t a day what went by that one of us wasn’t getting it for something.”

Jackie stepped up and rubbed the girl’s hair. “I can promise you this too sweetie that those days are over. Now, let’s get your things so we can get you settled in at home.”

Paul looked at me with sad eyes. “We don’t have anything except what we’re wearing. Can I call you Papa too?”

I kissed him on the forehead then gave him a quick hug. “If that’s what you want son, I’d be honored. Don’t worry about that kids, when we get you settled in you’ll all get clothes.”

Nicky was still not believing what we were telling them. “Yeah right, probably some hand me downs tossed away no one wants.”

Lisa walked over to her. “Fine, if that’s what you want to believe then you can make do with those. You see what I’m wearing; I got these when I arrived. I was just as skeptical as you are when I arrived. You can mope around and feel sorry for yourself or you can get with the program and act like a member of this family, it’s up to you. Oh, by the way guys, after you’re settled in, maybe we can go swimming.”

A loud round of cheers went up and Jackie got the girls over to the van while Joey and Robbie herded the boys to the Blazer. Just then another boy came up to me. “Excuse me Miguel, my name is Jack.”

I was so wrapped up with the twin boys and Jeff I forgot about him. “Well hello Jack, I’m sorry I forgot about you.”

He giggled when I apologized. “That’s alright sir, Jeff didn’t handle the trip well at all. I tried to get him to wear this little patch like I have on but he didn’t want to.”

I got Jack into the truck then we were on our way back to the home. It took us about 30 minutes to make the drive and when we pulled into the parking lot, there were the others jumping up and down waving. As soon as I had the Blazer parked and the engine shut off Mikey was right there to open my door. “Come on Papa let’s get them out so I can meet them.”

About that time Joey came around and picked him up like a sack of potatoes. “Pipe down squirt, you’ll meet them all soon enough.”

“Hey you big ox, lemme down, lemme down.”

The twins got out and saw Mikey hanging upside down in Joey’s arms. They started laughing at Mikey’s predicament. “You look funny.”

I got the boys together then headed for the front door. “Papa Miguel, don’t leave me like this.”

I waved to him as I went inside then Joey set him back onto his feet. I led the newest arrivals into the common room and had them take a seat. Just then, Hanna brought in a cart with sandwiches, fruit and iced tea on it. “I thought the children might be hungry from their trip.”

The kids made a stampede for the cart. “Hold on kids, hold on. There is plenty for everyone.”

Jenny came over holding a sandwich in her hand. “Is this a treat sir?”

My eyes were really getting opened here. “No darling, this is a late lunch.”

I watched as the children stuffed the food into their mouths barely taking time to chew. “Children, children,” Hanna said getting their attention. “Chew your food. No one will go hungry. We don’t need anyone getting sick.”

Just then, the other adults came in and watched as the kids ate. Steven came over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. “You’d think these kids hadn’t had anything to eat all day.”

I was beginning to think he was right. Once all the sandwiches had been devoured, I got their attention. “Kids, there are some adults here I would like you all to meet. All but two work here and you can all count on them to help you with any problem you have. First here is Guillermo, he’s the director and he also lives here in the boy’s wing. Next is David. He’s our nurse here and can handle any medical problem that arises. If someone really gets hurt, we’ll get you over to the hospital where a doctor will take good care of you. For you girls, you’ve already met Jackie but this lady is Casey. She’s your teacher but she also lives here so any time, day or night you’ll have someone to talk with should you have a problem. Now, these two guys are here to protect you and the home. Victor and Sammy are our Security Officers. Now, I know you all saw that big gate as we came in and I know what you’re thinking. ‘Oh god, they’re going to lock us in.’ Well, it’s not there for that reason. It’s there to keep people out. The door is always open for any child who needs a place to say and if any of you wish to leave. I hope once you get settled here, you’ll want to stay.”

“Yeah right,” Nicky said under her breath.

Just then I was really surprised at what happened. Juanita got up and stood in front of Nicky then backhanded her across the mouth. “Listen bitch, I’ve had more than enough of your rude comments. Miguel didn’t have to open his place here to us and all you’ve done is flap your trap at everything he’s said. I love you girlfriend but one more sour word out of your mouth and that’s it. Now, you got it?”

Nicky pushed Juanita back causing her to land on her butt then bolted from the room almost knocking Angel down as she came in. She looked out and watched as Nicky ran down the hall into the girl’s wing. I came out and Angel put her hand on my shoulder. “She went into my room Dad. What happened?”

“I’ll explain in a minute,” I said walking down the hall. “Stay here with the others please.”

I quietly walked down the hall then heard Nicky crying in Angel’s room. I went inside and looked around. I listened then heard her in the bathroom. The door was open so I stepped in and saw her sitting in the bathtub with her knees pulled up into her chest. I sat on the toilet and just watched her for a few minutes. “I know this is all new and probably very scary for you.”

“Whatta you know,” she spat through her tears. “You get fed all you want while we get shit. You get horny so one of us becomes your sex toy. You have nice clothes, we get trash.”

I eased over and sat on the side of the tub. “Is this what happened at your last home?”

“As if you didn’t know,” she said looking up at me.

The side of her lip was bleeding where Juanita let her have it so I handed her some tissues. “Wipe your lip, it’s bleeding.”

She smiled when I said that. “I guess I’d have learned not to piss her off by now.”

I stood up and held my hand out to her. She accepted it then I led her out and sat on the extra bed. “As for your last statement Nicky; no, I didn’t know what had happened back there but that won’t happen here. I know you have no reason to believe me but if you talk with the other children they’ll tell you. All of the kids here had things happen to them or they had to do things in order to survive out there. But they all know that those days are over.”

Just then a voice said, “Are you OK babes?”

I looked up and there was Juanita standing in the door with tears streaming down her face. Nicky looked over and grinned then her girlfriend was in her arms. “Geez Nita, I should know never to mouth off around you.”

“Oh babes,” she giggled. “When will you learn to trust some times?”

She lifted Juanita’s chin up and started at her. “The last time I did I got a dildo shoved up my ass. Sorry babe, but I’ve kinda lost my power of trust.”

She leaned down and kissed Nicky gently on the lips. “I remember that all too well but I can’t help but trust these people here. Like I said before, Miguel didn’t have to open his home to us. The least we can do is give him a chance, especially for the little ones.”

Nicky looked up at me with her swollen lip. “I’m thorry Miguel.”

“Apology accepted,” I said smiling. “I’ll get you an ice pack for your lip, it’s really swelling.”

I stood up and the girls followed me. On the way out, I showed them their new room. “Wow, this place is nice. Hey Nicky, we have our own bathroom. No more sharing with the boys.”

The more I heard about this old home, the more I didn’t like. “That’s right every room has its own full bathroom. You all will have a few chores to do like keeping your room clean. Once a week, you strip your beds and take your linen down to the laundry room where you’ll get clean ones.”

Nicky looked up with a scowl. “Here it comes now.”

“Stuff it Nicky,” Juanita snapped. “What else is there?”

I thought for a minute. “Well, after movie night in the common room, everyone helps pick up.”

Nicky looked up. “That’s it? You mean we aren’t working in the kitchen washing dishes or scrubbing the floors?”

I went over and hugged her gently. “No darling, this is a home for children. You do have a few responsibilities here like attending school and doing your homework. Keeping your living area clean and tidy and just being a kid. I have staff here to keep the rest of the place clean.”

She looked up at me and for the first time I saw a lovely smile. “Really, that’s it?”

I nodded my head. “Yep and be the best person you can possibly be.”

I felt her hug me tightly and start to shake. I rubbed her back as she just let all the pain she’d suffered at the other home leave. “I’m really sorry for acting like such a bitch.”

Just then Juanita came up and smacked her on the butt. “Just learn to keep it zipped.”

I giggled at their antics. “Once you all are settled, I’m going to give you all check-ups.”

Nicky looked at me funny. “Ah check-ups? You mean like a doctor would?”

I blushed when she said that. “Ah yeah. I guess I forget to tell you all that I’m also a doctor.”

Nicky relaxed when I told her that. “Uh well then Doc maybe you can help me with something then. Remember when I told you about having that thing shoved in me?”

I nodded my head. “Yeah love, I remember. Did that really mess you up back there?”

She looked at the floor then nodded. “I still have problems going to the bathroom some times.”

We left their room and headed back to the common area. “I’ll see to it that that is taken care of Nicky. You might need surgery to repair the damage but I’ll get you fixed good as new.”

We returned to the common room and only the girls were there. “Where are the other’s?”

Just then I heard 10 boys whooping it up coming towards the common room.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/11/08