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...

The time here had been such a whirlwind I’d forgotten about that. “When do you need to leave for Blacksburg?”

“Well Dad, we have laundry to do then packing. I don’t want to rush to get things done. Do you think we could leave Sunday?”

I shook my head. “That won’t be a problem kiddo. I’ll call the pilot in the morning.”

Chapter 54

Steven left the room and let me finish getting dressed. When I was finished dressing I made a check on the boys and all were sleeping soundly. I went and checked on the girls and like the boys, all were sound asleep. I was about to head back to the common room when I saw Angel coming out of her room. “Hi sweetheart, how did you enjoy your stay here?”

She stopped then kissed me on the cheek. “I loved it here Daddy. How do you manage all that happened and still keep your sanity?”

She had a good point but it was just something I’d managed over the years. “It’s kind of like being a doctor sweetheart. You learn to take things as they come and try not to let them over whelm you. I know things were really crazy here and when you and Steven got here, I was sure glad to see you both.”

We walked back to the common room and met up with Steven and Guillermo. We sat down and Steven looked at me. “When will you be home Dad?”

I really wasn’t sure. “I’m not sure son, hopefully next week. I need to make sure the newest arrivals aren’t going to have any problems. We also need another teacher before the start of the new school year. I also would like to see your brothers.”

Angel nodded her head. “I know they would love to see you too, Daddy. Ronnie’s place is doing great. He’s hoping by when the hotel opens, he can concentrate on getting that going.”

I knew he had it in him and I was glad to hear what Angel said. “Well then after I check on things at home, I’ll drive down and surprise them.”

We talked for another few minutes then I really needed some sleep. I went down to my room and no sooner than my head hit the pillow, I was sound asleep.

The next thing I remember was being awakened by the twins. “Papa Miguel, wake up please.”

I opened my eyes and Paul and Phil were standing there in just their undies. I rolled over and looked at the clock and it was just 7AM. “Boys, do you know what time it is?”

I looked back at them and they were shaking their heads. Phil looked at the clock. “I told you Paul it was early yet. It’s only 7.”

I was laying there and my bladder told me it needed emptying so I grabbed my shorts then went into the bathroom. After relieving myself, I went back out and found the twins curled up in my bed. I debated weather or not to try to lie down with them but thought better of it. I went out to the dining area and fixed myself a cup of coffee.

Saturday was a quiet day with Nicky and Jack getting used to the routine. I’d called my pilot and he would be in Recife by noon on Sunday.

Hanna made a nice going away dinner for Steven and Angel and it started to hit me that my two youngest would be leaving. I would have to return home because there were things I just had to do and couldn’t put off any longer. After dinner, we were heading to the common room when I heard the phone ring. I hustled to my office. “Miguel Sanchez here.”

The voice on the other end sounded frantic. “Oh God Miguel, I’m glad I got you.”

I immediately recognized the voice. “Barbara, calm down and take a deep breath before you hyperventilate.”

I guess me saying that startled her because she took a deep breath then I heard her exhale. “I’m sorry Miguel. I just got a certified letter saying there is a hearing Monday for Martha Davis. It seems she’s persuaded some judge to hear her motion not to have her parental rights terminated.”

When I heard that my blood pressure started to rise. “She’s WHAT? I would have thought by now her case had gone to trial.”

“Well it would have if she hadn’t kept getting continuances. It would seem right before her trial, her lawyer would ask for one continuance after another. This last time the judge said no more and her trial is slated for the end of the week.”

I knew there was no way she could get hold of the ADA on a Saturday evening. I also knew Paulo was out of the city on business so he wouldn’t be able to come home with me. “Alright Barbara, Steven and Angel are leaving here tomorrow. My plane will be here by noon so we should be home by 5. How’s Matt taking this?”

I heard Barbara sigh when I asked. “Not well at all.”

Just then I could hear Matt’s voice in the background. “Is that Papa Doc?”

I heard her answer him then his voice came on the phone. “Papa Doc, I can’t believe this.”

I got my emotions under control. “Now calm down son, no one is taking you anywhere. Your Mom is looking at some stiff jail time and you’ll be almost an adult when she gets out.”

Matt was crying now. “I know all that but I still don’t want anything to do with her, not now, not ever.”

I used my best reassuring voice. “It’s OK son, I know you don’t want to be around her. I’ll be home tomorrow afternoon.”

Matt seemed to cheer up. “Papa, can I come over and be with you?”

How could I say no to my “adopted son?” “Of course you can if it’s alright with Barbara.”

I could hear Barbara’s answer in the loud cheer he let out then she came back on the line. “You sure know how to cheer him up Miguel.”

I knew this was only temporary. “Thanks Barbara but I think it’s only short term. We can talk more tomorrow after we get home. I’m going to want the ADA there Monday with the tapes of how his mother treated Matt when he was in the hospital.”

“Thanks Miguel for coming home for Matt. I know you have a lot of work there at your home.”

I didn’t tell her that I had to come home any ways. “Not a problem Barbara. I don’t want to see Matt torn up any more by his mother.”

“Neither do I Miguel,” Barbara replied. “But she is bound and determined to torment him and I hate seeing him like this.”

I couldn’t disagree with her. “I’ll be home tomorrow and we’ll talk.”

We finished talking then I saw Guillermo go into his office. I went over and sat down on the couch. “Hi Miguel, something wrong?”

I was still thinking about Matt so it was rather obvious. “Yeah, I have something back at home that needs my attention so I’ll be leaving tomorrow with Steven and Angel.”

Guillermo looked worried. “I hope it’s nothing to do with your boys.”

I shook my head. “No it’s not but that would be better than this mess.”

He shook his head. “You know the new kids are going to be sad you’re leaving so quickly.”

He was right. Jack and Nicky just got home from the hospital and are just getting settled. “I know it will be a little hard but the other kids will help. I have to pack then I’ll spend the rest of the evening with all of them.”

I got up and headed to the door to go to my room. I saw Angel and Steven heading for me so I waited. “What’s up kids?”

Angel reached me first and gave me a hug. “We’re all packed Daddy. I’m going to have to do laundry before we can pack and head to Blacksburg.”

“That’s good and now there will be one more on the plane.”

Steven looked at me funny. “Who Dad?”

I wrapped my arms around them then lead them to my room. “I’ll be on the plane kids. Barbara called and it seems Matt’s Mom got some judge to hear a request to keep her parental rights.”

I reached under the bed and pulled out my bag then went to the dresser and started getting my clothes. “Daddy, after all she did to him? No judge will let her keep Matt.”

I stuffed my socks and underwear into the bag. “I know kids and I plan on having a surprise or two for her myself. I’ll be up bright and early Monday so I can call the ADA who will be prosecuting her case. I want him to be there along with the video tapes from when Matt was in the hospital.”

Steven got a devilish grin on his face. “I can’t wait to see her face when she sees those, Dad.”

I quickly got the rest of my things packed then we headed to the common room. “She will try and have them suppressed but it all goes to her state of mind during the time he was there. Now, I have to go and tell the kids I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”

We walked to the common room and all the kids were there watching a movie. As soon as we entered, we were surrounded. I ended up with an arm full of twin boys while Steven had the girls. Paul and Phil gave me a kiss on each cheek. “Where have you been Papa?”

I went over to one of the sofas and sat down with the twins. “I was in my office on the phone for a little while. Now, I have to tell you all something and it might make you sad. I have to leave tomorrow to take care of some business back home.”

There were loads of moans and groans when I said that. Nicky was the first to speak. “I was hoping you’d be here a little longer Miguel.”

I nodded my head. “I had planned on it Nicky. I was going to be here until you and Jack saw the doctor one last time but this is something that unfortunately just can’t wait.”

I ended up with several more kids on my lap and others had moved over just to be close. Mikey came over and patted me on the shoulder. “Don’t worry Papa Miguel; we’ll make sure everything is fine here while you’re gone.”

I had to stifle a giggle on that. “I’m sure you will son. The new addition will be done soon then this room will be closed for some remodeling. The boys and girls wings will have common rooms so you’ll all have a place to play and watch television. The dining room and kitchen is moving down here.”

Just then I had a lap full of Chico. “When will you be back?”

I had a huge surprise for them but I needed to work out some small details. “I hope to be back around Christmas if everything works out.”

The girls piped up then. “Will Steven be here too?”

I looked over at my son and he was bright red as he looked over at them. “Steven, I can see that being a father will definitely agree with you.”

The three girls just giggled then Steven looked at them. “If things work out, yes Angel and I will be here.”

We spent the rest of the evening watching a movie then everyone wanted me to tuck them in and tell them good night. Morning came too quickly and after breakfast Angel, Steven and I made one last check of our room to be sure we had everything. At 10:30, we made our way outside with our luggage. I set my bag in then turned around to see the children standing there fighting tears. I knelt down and I got surrounded. Paul and Phil were the first ones into my arms. “Papa, do you really have to go?”

The twins had tears streaming down their little faces and it was hard to leave with so many of them crying. I kissed them then wiped their tears away. “I’m afraid so boys. A boy back home needs my help.”

The twins stared at me. “Was someone doing bad things to him too?”

I didn’t want to go into details and scare them. “No nothing like that boys, but he needs my help though.”

They gave me big hugs then I put them on their feet. “Well, we’ll be fine Papa, you just help him.”

I smiled at them then thought, ‘Out of the mouths of babes.’

I went around and gave everyone each a hug and kiss and talked with them briefly before getting into the Blazer. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Victor came with us so he could drive the Blazer back to the home. It took about 45 minutes to drive to the airport and as we pulled into the parking area, I saw the plane sitting there waiting for us. We got our gear then Victor hugged me. “Get in touch with Rolando Pop. Tell him to get his butt home for a visit.”

I thought for a minute. “Isn’t he graduating this year?”

He had a blank expression on his face. “I’m not sure but I’ll ask Dad. If he is, I know he’s going to want to be there if he can tear himself away from work.”

I laughed at that. “I’ll make sure he is son. Take care of everything and we’ll see you all soon.”

We gave him hugs and kisses then got on board the plane. The cabin steward closed the door and I heard the pilot start the engines. Soon we were taxiing out to the runway then we were airborne heading back home. After lunch we stretched out and took a nap. Before I did so, I asked the steward to wake me when we were about an hour out of Norfolk. I got comfortable and soon the young man was shaking me gently on the shoulder. “Mr. Sanchez, we’re about an hour out from landing.”

I opened my eyes and tried to get the cobwebs out of my head. Thank you, can you bring me a cup of coffee please?”

While he was doing that, I rummaged through my wallet looking for the card the ADA gave me. I finally found it then placed a call to him. “Julian, Miguel Sanchez here. I’m on my way home from Recife and we’re going to need to talk.”

“What’s the problem Miguel?”

The steward brought my coffee and I took a sip before answering his question. “Barbara Miller called me and she’d received a letter from the court stating Martha Davis had somehow persuaded a judge to grant her a hearing about keeping her parental rights while she’s in prison.”

“Shit Miguel, when is it?”

I had quickly finished my coffee and was awake enough where I could manage a decent conversation. “It’s on Monday Julian, Barbara was so upset, I don’t think she told me a time but we’re planning on being there at 9 so we don’t miss the case.”

“Damn, there’s no way I can make it. I’m due to make opening statements in a big case and there is no way I can get a postponement.”

I thought quickly for a moment. “I can handle things but I’ll need those video tapes.”

“I can get them to you this evening but you’ll really need someone from my office there. If she wins, there is no way in hell I want her getting that boy back. I’ll amend the charges and add sexual abuse of a minor.”

When he said that I knew he was reaching. “She never touched him sexually.”

I heard him giggle. “Every time she gave him an enema I can get the jury to believe it was.”

“It’s a stretch Julian,” I said as the steward refilled my cup. “Now, who can you get to be there in court tomorrow on such short notice?”

“I have a young ADA and she doesn’t have any cases at the moment. Her name is Cindy Wells and I’ll have her with me when I come over this evening. Is 7 alright with you?”

I took a big mouthful of coffee. “Sure Julian that will be fine. This way, Barbara can be there.”

I finished that call then called Barbara and I heard Matt in the background. I was about to talk with him when the pilot announced we would be landing in a few minutes. I finished the call then woke Steven and Angel up. We made a smooth landing then taxied over to the General Aviation terminal. After clearing customs and immigration, we were on our way home. I stopped and got the three of us a pizza for dinner because there would be no way we could cook anything and be done in time for our guests. We had just finished eating when there was a knock on the door. I had a good idea who it was so I was ready for Matt. As soon as I opened the door, he was in my arms. “Papa Doc, I’ve missed you.”

I held him as he broke down. “I’m here now son and we’re going to make sure your Mom loses her parental rights.”

I was about to close the door when I heard a voice yell, “Well, well Doctor Know-it-all lives in a hotsy totsy house.”

I put Matt down then he stood in front of me and shouted back. “What the hell are you doing here? I never want to see your sorry ass again.”

Barbara looked at Matt and put her hand over his mouth. “Matt, we don’t talk like that.”

I leaned forward towards Barbara. “Normally I’d agree with you but he’s been through hell. Let him get it out.”

Just then Barbara looked up and saw another woman. “Joyce, what in hell are you doing here with her?”

She shook her head. “Now, now Barbara, a mother has the right to see her child.”

“Not when the child is in the care of Social Services. There are procedures to follow and you know that.”

Just then a car pulled up and the driver got out. I immediately recognized him. “Julian, great timing.”

He walked over to the 2 women who kept walking towards the house. “I want to see my son now,” Martha shouted.

Matt was so angry he was shaking. “GET OUT OF HERE NOW! I DON’T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU; NOT NOW, NOT EVER!”

Honey started dripping out of her mouth. “Now son, you don’t mean that. Mamma was just taking care of you. You know you have a sensitive system and you were always getting sick.”

“Getting sick with your help,” Matt spat as they kept walking towards us. “READ MY LIPS, LEAVE ME ALONE!”

Just then Mr. Hyde came out and she charged. “Why you little pervert.”

I pulled Matt out of the way but there was no way I could stop the charging woman. Just then a blur came past me and knocked her to the ground. I looked and there was Steven sitting on top of her. “You were told to leave here several times bitch; now you will when the police get here.”

“Get off me you fucking pervert lover,” Martha shouted. “I’m having you arrested.”

Julian came over and put his hand on Steven’s shoulder. “No you aren’t, you’re going back to jail and I doubt very seriously any judge will allow you to keep your parental rights after this incident.”

Joyce came up and laughed at Julian. “After I tell the judge how you were antagonistic and you baited Ms. Davis into trying to protect her son.”

“Protecting her son?” Steven shouted as the police came up. “This slob here was told to leave several times yet neither of you did. That’s trespassing in my book.”

The officer reached down and started to pull Steven up when Julian showed the man his ID. “Arrest that woman and charge her with trespassing and attempted assault on a minor. This man protected his father and the child.”

Steven got up and Martha was quickly handcuffed. “What’s the meaning of this? That boy is a pervert and they’re all pervert lovers.”

I stood there and watched Matt’s mother rant on then saw Barbara step down towards Joyce Davenport. “So, you really think that woman is a fit parent?”

“The job of Social Services is to keep the family together,” she said as she turned towards her car. “Now I’ll have to bail her out again. Mr. Sanchez, she is going to want to see her son.”

Now I was pissed. I walked out to her car trying to figure out who was crazier, Martha Davis or Joyce Davenport. “Lady, I’m telling you now, do not come back here. I will have her arrested again and the next time, you won’t be bailing her out.”

She got into her car then looked at me. “Fine sir, we will let the judge decide. Don’t forget, he is to be there.”

She started the engine then drove off then I returned to the house. Matt was cuddled against Steven and I could tell he’d been crying. As soon as he saw me come in, he was in my arms. “Why does she have to do this crap Papa Doc?”

I wrapped my arms around him then went over to my recliner and sat down. “I don’t know son. I’m just as surprised to see her here as you are.”

It was almost 8 and I still had to talk with Julian, Cindy and Barbara. Barbara came over and kissed Matt on the head. “Why don’t you go out and get your bag, you need a shower son.”

The look on his face said he wasn’t ready for a shower but he got off my lap and went to get his bag. “You can watch a movie son while we talk then you can get a shower.”

He lit up and was out like a shot. I got a movie set up for Matt then we went to the kitchen to talk. Cindy was quietly talking with Julian. “I’ve seen weird people in my time but she takes the cake.”

Julian pulled out the tapes. “When you get home, look at these. You haven’t seen anything until you’ve watched them.”

We talked for a few more minutes then Julian had to leave. We walked them to the door then Barbara sat down and talked with Matt. “Don’t give Miguel any problems son.”

Matt had that ‘Oh Mom’ look on his face. “When have I ever given him any problems?”

She giggled. “You’re right son. I’ll see you tomorrow at court.”

I walked her to the door. “He’ll be fine. He didn’t need this tonight but it did allow him to vent his anger and frustration out at his mother.”

She looked at the ground then back up to me. “I guess you’re right Miguel. I don’t like his swearing though.”

I shook my head. “I don’t either and my boys rarely did unless they had a good reason for it. Matt’s a smart boy and I don’t think he’ll do it again.”

She smiled and gave me a hug. “You’re right Miguel. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I watched as she walked to her car then drove off. When I returned to the living room, I didn’t see Matt. I was just about to ask where he was when I heard a voice yell. “Papa Doc, I forgot my bag and I’m in the shower.”

I brought his bag upstairs. “Where are you son?”

I waited for his answer. “I’m in your shower.”

I was wondering why he used my shower but he’s used it in the past so it’s no big deal. I set his bag on the bed then knocked on the bathroom door. “Can I come in?”

“You don’t need to knock Papa just come on in.”

I went in and Matt had the shower door open. “Umm son, you should get washed.”

He looked at me funny then glanced down. “I, I’m sorry Papa.”

He started crying then sank down into the tub. I walked over and knelt down beside the tub. “Don’t cry son, Papa’s not mad at you.”

He looked up at me and tears were streaming down his face. “Bu, but I had a boner in front of you.”

I tried not to laugh but I couldn’t and he cried harder when I giggled. “Son, you’re forgetting I raised 3 boys and have a load of them in the home in Brazil. I’ve seen boys with erections before and I know it’s something that happens. Don’t be embarrassed son.”

He turned around and I helped him to his feet. With all his crying, his erection was now gone. Matt hugged me, getting me soaked in the process. “I’m sorry for acting like a baby Papa but when I saw I was hard, it was like my Mom was standing there instead of you.”

I kissed him gently on the cheek as I held him and rubbed his back. “It’s alright son now why don’t you get your shower, then we can watch some television before we need to pack it in.”

He looked at me then smiled. “Alright Papa, but before you go can I ask you something?”

I took my wet shirt off and dried my chest. “Sure son, what is it?”

He looked down then back up to me and turned a little red. “Well, ever since my Mom started her bull I’ve tried to masturbate but nothing works. I mean, I can get hard but when I do it, nothing happens and I usually end up with a sore penis. What’s wrong Pop? Why isn’t it working like before?”

With everything he’d been though it wasn’t surprising he was having problems. “Finish your shower son and we’ll talk, OK?”

He put his arms up so I leaned down and gave him a kiss. “Thanks Papa Doc.”

To be continued...

Posted: 07/18/08