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 don’t know how I managed to make it back to the home but I did. I locked the front door then checked on all the kids. Angel and Juanita were snuggled together, Casey had the other three new girls with her and the other girls were in their rooms.

I checked the boy’s wing and found Jack with Robbie and Joey. Phil and Paul were snuggled with Guillermo in a mass of arms and legs. The other boys were huddled together in their rooms except Mikey and Shane. I went to my room and I found the missing two. I got undressed and wiggled into bed as Shane rolled over against my chest. “Good night Papa.”

Chapter 52

The next morning I woke up with Shane still glued to my chest. Since I was facing away from my clock, I looked at my watch and it was after 9. I tried to gently slip my other arm out from under Shane without waking him but it didn’t work. As soon as my arm was free, Shane rolled over and smiled. “Morning Papa, how are Jeff and Nicky?”

I sat up and got the circulation going in my left arm then stood to stretch the kinks out of my back. “They’re going to be sore for a few days but will be fine.”

I went to the bathroom then found a pair of shorts and a tee shirt to put on. Shane quickly did his business and got dressed then walked with me to the dining room. As soon as Juanita saw me she was in my arms. “Thank you Papa Miguel for fixing Nicky.”

She was sobbing so I just held her until she calmed down. Steven fixed me a cup of coffee as I led Juanita over to the table. She sat on my lap and held onto me as if I was a life line. I managed to get a few mouthfuls of coffee in me when I felt her kiss me on the cheek. “Sweetheart, there is something you need to know. Nicky hasn’t been told yet but she will when I see her this morning. Someone hurt her real bad. They just didn’t hurt her butt but her vagina as well.”

I could see her start to get angry and I gave her the best fatherly look I could so she’d calm down. “What did they do to her?”

I didn’t give her all the gory details. “Someone put something inside her and it destroyed her ability to have children. Dr. Perez had to remove that and he fixed her butt also. She’s going to be sore for several days but she’ll be fine.”

As I was looking at Juanita on my lap I felt another body snuggle close to me. “How bad was Jeff hurt?”

I put my arm around Jack and held onto him as I explained what had happened to him. “Are the people who did this going to be punished?”

I’m glad in a way that that question had been brought up as I hadn’t heard who exactly was behind this. “Yes they will now I need to ask you all something. Nicky said that there were people there who would want to use you kids for sex. Who were these people?”

They all sat there in silence but I could see a couple of the kids looking around as if one of them wanted to say something. I was about to say something when Paul and Phil came over to me. Juanita slid off my lap then I slid the twins on. The 2 boys looked at each other then Phil looked up at me. “There was this one woman who was really mean. She was always hitting us for anything.”

Juanita rubbed Phil’s back. “She was the one who put that thing in Nicky. One night she was in a really nasty mood. She was telling us to do this and that and we did it but it wasn’t enough. Paul was cleaning up and he tripped and spilled some water. Well, that set her off and she ripped his shorts down and started beating his butt. After that, we thought that was it but she went and got this big plastic penis. Nicky was the first to see it and knew what was going to happen. She went over and covered Paul’s body and wasn’t going to move.”

I stopped Juanita at that point because I already knew what happened. “Was she arrested?”

 

Jack took Phil off my lap for me. “Yeah, Nicky was hurt pretty bad and had to be taken to the hospital and when they learned what happened, she was arrested and is in prison.”

Now I was totally at a loss. “So is there anyone who could have done this? After she was arrested, did the spankings stop?”

Juanita was the first to nod her head. “They sure did. They did hire a new man and he tried something but Jeff managed to get to the phone and call the Sheriff. That’s when we were all taken to the hospital.”

“Were any of you hurt when you left the home?” I asked trying to get any clue as to what happened.”

They were all shaking their heads no at the question. Now I had nothing to go on. The kids left the home fine except for being a little shaken then Jeff and Nicky arrive here and they’d been severely abused. I was about to ask another question when Hanna came in with breakfast. There on platters were piles of hot pan cakes, mounds of scrambled eggs, loads of sausage and mountains of toast. The adults helped the kids fix their plates then they filled theirs.

We ate in almost total silence except for the occasional giggle at one of the younger boys’ antics. I finished my food then headed down to my office to call the hospital to check on Jeff and Nicky. I was just about to pick the phone up when it rang. When I answered it, I was surprised that it was Carlos on the other end. “Miguel, we now know who hurt the children.”

At last some answers were going to come. “Alright my friend, what’s going on?”

He waited a minute as if to gather his thoughts then proceeded to tell me what he knew. “It seems that when the children were taken to the hospital for their examination, they were all fine. The worker had not yet assaulted them. The Director was called and he decided to have them stay there until some staffing arrangements could be made. Now this is where it gets a little confusing because none of the kids ever said anything happened to them but it’s apparent something did. I was informed that a young doctor who was on the night shift with the children was found dead this morning of an apparent suicide. There was a note in his pocket that read, ‘I can’t go on living with what I did to those two children. I’m so sorry and may God forgive me.’”

I had to interrupt Carlos at this point. “Carlos, the things that happened to those children they could not help but feel. I can’t believe no one heard anything.”

Carlos went on. “That’s not all Miguel. The body was found about 7 this morning. The police and the hospital have been busy trying to figure this out too. It seems that on doing an inventory of the medication on the floor, a great deal seems to be missing.”

Just then Carlos handed the phone off to another man. “Dr. Sanchez, this is Dr. Sinclair. I’m the Chief of Staff here and first I’d like to say how sorry I am that the children were injured at the hands of one of my staff. Upon doing an inventory of the drugs here, there is a large quantity of barbiturates that are missing and unaccounted for.”

Now that answers the question as to how he managed to do this without anyone hearing the screams. But that had to have meant the other children were drugged to. “The children were in a ward, correct Doctor?”

“That’s correct Dr. Sanchez. Based on the amount of medication missing, all the children were given some so he could do this to the children.”

I felt relieved that I finally had some answers but I was still furious that it happened to begin with. The man was dead and would never hurt anyone ever again but that bastard has caused far more pain than he ever imagined. “I can’t say as I’m sad he’s dead Doctor but now I have a home full of really confused children and 2 in the hospital recovering from the physical damage he inflicted on them. I have a great staff here and with their help, they’ll get though this but you are aware that there will be some long lasting scars.”

“I’m very well aware of that Dr. Sanchez and I wish there was something we could do here to minimize what they’ll have to endure. I can say that those children are very lucky to be in your care now so that with time they will be able to move on with their lives.”

It wasn’t going to be easy but Steven, Angel, Victor and some of the others had been through similar things in their lives so they would all be able to sit, listen and talk with the children. I was really thankful for Guillermo and Jackie because their skills were really going to be needed. I would also get a couple of child psychiatrists to help out if any of the children needed intensive therapy. “Thank you Dr. Sinclair, you have answered a lot of my questions. I guess I’ll have to take it from here. Good bye.”

I hung the phone up and shook my head trying to understand why someone could brutalize a child. I looked up and there stood Steven, Angel, Jackie and Guillermo. I motioned for them to come in and sit down as I began to explain what happened to Jeff and Nicky. When I was finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Angel wiped her eyes and gathered her thoughts. “Casey has the kids in the common room right now. They’re just talking about different things.”

Jackie looked up and continued. “Miguel, for now I think it might be best to try and let the kids set the pace here. I can tell Juanita still hasn’t come to grips with what’s happened to her girlfriend.”

Guillermo went on from there. “I’m getting the same thing from Jack too. I don’t know if they are boyfriends or not but he definitely is close to Jeff. The twins are up and down. They’re sad Jeff and Nicky got hurt but I think they finally realize they’re not going to be physically punished any more.”

I looked back over to Jackie. “What about the little girls, Patty, Jean and Jenny. How are they holding up?”

“Casey and I talked briefly this morning,” Jackie started. “It seems their biggest concern right now is if the man will come and try to hurt them again. Casey’s reassured them this will not happen and that seems to have satisfied them for now.”

Now all I had to do was find out if they’d been abused in any way like Nicky and Jeff had been. “OK, I have to go to the hospital and check on Nicky and Jeff. With all I learned today, I have to know if the others were touched in any way.”

Casey spoke up then. “I helped give the 3 little ones a bath last night and they had not been touched. When they leaned back to rinse they’d raised their legs and I did look Miguel. Something inside me needed to be sure these girls had not been harmed.”

I patter her hand. “Relax Casey we’re all concerned about the kids. Guillermo, you had the twin boys with you last night.”

Guillermo nodded his head. “I bathed them at their request and I could see signs of old spankings because some areas are a little discolored on their butts. As far as having been sexually abused, no Miguel, they haven’t.”

Angel looked over to me at that point. “Juanita asked Lisa and Christine if she should shower with them. I can ask if they saw any signs of abuse.”

I nodded my head. “OK and I’ll talk with Robbie and Joey as they had Jack last night and Angel, please get with Lisa or Christine. I need to know if they’ve been abused. When I see Nicky, I have to tell her that she’ll never have children too. Any thoughts on weather or not to tell them the person behind all this took his life?”

I could see everyone lost in thought as the contemplated their answer. Finally Casey took the lead. “Personally, unless one of them came right out and asked, I’d let that subject alone. Because all it’s going to do is raise a lot of questions and in some cases, doubts about themselves.”

“I agree with Casey Miguel,” Guillermo said standing. “This could also quite possibly open old wounds with some of the other kids too. Look at what Shane went through. I think it is best if that issue is left closed.”

So that was it. I listened to my staff and decided they were right and we would only discuss the doctor if someone asked. I opened my office door and I got ready to head to the hospital. “Guillermo, have David start making charts on the new kids and when I get back, I’ll do check ups on them.”

With that, I turned and headed out the door for the Blazer. I had just opened the door when a voice yelled out to me. “Papa Miguel, can I go with you?”

I turned around and saw Jack running towards me. He was running so fast I had to reach out and hold onto him lest he crash into me. I couldn’t very well deny him this. “Alright son, go back and tell Guillermo that you’re with me so he knows where you are.”

He took off running back to the building then not more than a minute later he was running back again. I unlocked the passenger door and quickly got inside and put his seatbelt on. On our way to the hospital Jack asked a question. “Papa, how bad was Jeff hurt? Please tell me the truth?”

I looked over at him and I could see tears in his eyes. “You really care a lot about him don’t you?”

He nodded his head as he wiped his eyes. “Yeah Papa, I do. I don’t understand it but there is just something so special about him.”

Young love was in bloom again. “Before I tell you about Jeff, let me say this son. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not alright to care about someone like you care for Jeff. People might not understand it but it’s alright in my book and no one will ever tell you it’s wrong at the home.”

He smiled when I told him that. “I know, Joey and Robbie told me that same thing last night. We had a chance to talk some before we finally fell asleep.”

I reached over and rubbed his hand then smiled. “That’s good son, I’m glad you had that chance. Now, Jeff’s butt was hurt pretty bad. Someone shoved something in it and tore him plus put a small hole in his rectum. He’s had surgery to fix that and is on antibiotics so barring any problem; he should be just fine in a week or so. Can I ask a very personal question?”

He looked away from me for a second then looked at me again. “I won’t keep any secrets from you Papa Miguel.”

I had to ask and I hoped I wasn’t going to totally embarrass him. “Jack, have you and Jeff had any kind of sex together?”

He looked down then grinned as I saw his face flush. “Yes Papa, we have. We’ve touched each other and even put our mouths on each others dicks. Umm Papa, will he ever be able to um well.”

I know what he was going to ask so I helped him out. “Yes son, he will be able for you and him to make love but not for a while though.”

I could see him relax after he heard my answer. “Well we weren’t looking at that right away but it had been something we’d talked about.”

It was like looking at Jay and Ronnie many years earlier. “Well when you two think you’re ready come talk with Guillermo, David or me if I’m there.”

I pulled into the hospital’s parking lot then parked near the entrance. Since I had Jack with me I decided I would check on Jeff first. We headed over to the Pediatric Unit and went to the SICU (Surgical Intensive Care Unit). I saw Bill Perez at the nurse’s station writing notes on a chart. “Good morning Bill. How are the kids doing?”

Bill looked up at me and I could tell he was still tired. “I just checked on Jeff. He’s in a moderate amount of pain and his rectum looked good. You do good work Miguel.”

I smiled at the compliment. “How’s his bowel sounds?”

“Bowel sounds are good,” He replied. “I’ve started him on a soft diet and a stool softener. I told him he might have some diarrhea but it should pass quickly.”

I nodded my head. “Have you seen Nicky yet?”

He shook his head. “I was on my in to see her when you arrived.”

I introduced Dr. Perez to Jack then we went into see Jeff. When we walked in, Jeff was watching TV. As soon as he saw Jack, he broke into a smile and his eyes started to tear. Jack almost ran over to his bed and took his hand. “Oh Jeff, I’m so glad you’re going to be OK.”

Bill and I watched the reunion quietly. Jeff held his arms out and they gently hugged each other. When they broke their embrace Jeff saw me standing there. I was smiling as I walked over then ran my fingers through his hair. “It’s alright Jeff. I know you two really care about each other.”

I lifted his gown then put on a pair of rubber gloves so I could look at the incision. As I peeled the tape off, I heard Jeff wince in pain. I quickly got it off and was pleased there wasn’t any drainage. I put a fresh dressing on it then had him ease over so I could look at his bottom. I felt bad because it was still red and bruised but I knew it would soon heal. The last thing I did was listen to his belly. I then looked at Bill. “I think he can be moved to a regular room, what about you?”

Bill nodded his head. “I don’t see any reason he needs to stay in the unit. I’ll write the order.”

Jack quickly returned to Jeff’s side then Bill and I left to go see Nicky. When we walked in, she looked like she was sleeping. I quietly walked up and just watched as she slept. I had to fight back the tears as I knew the full extent of the damage that inhumane individual did to her. I got my emotions under control then I reached down and rubbed her cheek. “Morning sweet pea.”

I stood there a few seconds then her eyes opened. She smiled then I took her hand. As soon as I was holding it she broke down and started crying. I pulled a chair over and sat beside her. “Papa Miguel, I hurt between my legs.”

Bill was standing there and heard her then left to get her medication. “Ok sweetheart, Dr. Perez will be right back with it. You’re going to be alright. Dr. Perez repaired all the damage but there is something you need to know.”

Bill came in with the syringe of morphine. Nicky shook her head no. “What do I need to know Miguel? Is it about why I hurt between my legs?”

I held her hand and nodded. “Who ever hurt your bottom also really messed you up inside your vagina. Dr. Perez said your uterus was really torn. He had no choice but to remove it.”

“Re removed it?” she stuttered. “You mean I can’t have children?”

I held her hand and moved the hair out of her eyes. “No sweetie, I’m sorry.”

She totally broke down when I gave her the news. Just then the door opened and Angel and Juanita came in. Juanita ran over to Nicky and held her while Angel stood beside me. “Great timing Angel. Where was she when I left?”

We watched as Juanita held Nicky and let her cry herself out. “She was still sleeping. I wiggled out from under her arm then quietly got dressed and came to breakfast. Daddy she was totally exhausted. I had to hold her while she just cried herself to sleep.”

Juanita gently dried Nicky’s face. “Oh baby, I know we talked about you having children. I wasn’t happy about me being pregnant because I had remembered my mom when she was pregnant. She eventually miscarried and I think that’s what turned me off to it. Don’t you worry now, we’ll have a child one day, I promise love. You know I love you.”

Nicky looked up then gently kissed her. “You mean that Nita?”

She smiled and nodded her head. Dr. Perez and I needed to examine Juanita. “I hate to disturb you girls but I need to examine Nicky.”

Nicky looked over at me. “Nita’s seen me loads of times Miguel. She can stay if it’s alright with you.”

I didn’t have a problem with it and Juanita stayed by Nicky’s head the whole time while Angel decided to wait outside. I pulled the curtain closed then Juanita lifted Nicky’s gown while Bill and I put on some gloves. The unit had her in a diaper with a heavy pad to catch any bleeding and discharge. Bill removed it and we looked at the pad. There was some blood in it but it was dried. “Miguel, I’d like her to stay in this one more day. It doesn’t look like she’s draining but I’d like to be sure. Also, when she a little better healed, I want a gynecologist to examine her. I had a GYN resident assist me with her hysterectomy and we did leave her ovaries so she would not go into menopause.”

Nicky looked up at us. “Is that a diaper Papa? Can’t I wear underwear with a heavy pad?”

I really expected that from someone 14 years old. “I don’t see a problem with it sweetie but you must let the nurses know when it needs to be changed so they can note it in your chart. If you’re bleeding too much and it doesn’t stop, you might need to go back to the operating room.”

Juanita stared at Nicky. “I promise I’ll tell the nurses.”

Nita leaned down and kissed her lover. “I brought you some panties love.”

Bill and I looked at her rectum and it was red and bruised like Jeff’s but it would heal with time. I went out to the nurse’s station and got some pads for Nicky. I had to get back to the home and check on the others. I had an idea before I left. “Juanita, with what happened to Nicky and Jeff, I want to check all you kids to be sure you weren’t hurt too. Would you object if I looked at you here?”

Juanita looked worried when I said that. “I feel fine Papa Miguel but you can make sure I’m OK, sure.”

The curtain was still closed so Juanita dropped her shorts and panties. I looked at her butt and that was fine so I didn’t go any further. “OK sweetie, you’re fine. I’m sorry but I felt it was important.”

Nicky took Nita's hand and kissed it. “I’m glad you’re OK sweetie. I don’t think I could stand it if you’d been hurt too.”

I had work waiting for me back at the home as did Angel. I didn’t have the heart to make the kids leave. I thought for a few minutes then got an idea. I gave Juanita some money so she and Jack could get some lunch. I then gave her enough money so they could take a cab back to the home. I wrote the address on the back of one of my cards and gave it to her. “I want you and Jack back at the home no later than 3:30. Go to the nurse’s station and ask them to call you a cab. Tell them you’re staying at Dr. Sanchez’s Children’s Home. They will help you.”

Nicky looked at me and grimaced. “Miguel, I’m really hurting. Can I get the medicine now?”

Bill was sitting in a chair writing his notes. I had him hand me the syringe then I injected it into Nicky’s IV. “Nita, she’s going to go to sleep for a while. Why don’t you sit down and watch a little television until she wakes up.”

Bill closed the chart then stood looking at me. “I’m going have Nicky transferred to a regular room too.”

We left the room and Angel came over to me. “What are the kids going to do Daddy?”

“I gave Juanita money for lunch and for a cab.” I said as I went back to Jeff’s room.

I went in and talked with Jack and he let me take a quick look at his butt and he too had not been molested. After that, I met Bill Perez at the nurse’s station. “Miguel, they’re going to move Jeff and Nicky in about 30 minutes. They’ll both be on 3 east.”

I got Angel and went to the 3^rd floor nurse’s station. I talked with the head nurse and she promised me she’d see to it a cab was called for Juanita and Jack at 2:30. “Dad, on the way back to the home, can we stop and see how the hotel is going?”

We stepped into the elevator for the ride down to the first floor. “Sure, I’m curious to see how things are coming along.”

To be continued...

Posted: 07/18/08