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...

Matt was still crying but I could also see anger. “Yes, well no. I mean none of you deserved that and I’m glad that jerk is in jail.”

I wrapped my arms around both boys. “Yes and he’s going to be there for a long time too. When I was at the hospital, one of the officers told me Donavan confessed to everything. Gerald, none of you boys will have to tell what happened in court.”

That information lifted the boy’s spirits. “Come on son, let’s get home. I don’t know about you but I’m hungry.”

Chapter 65

Just then Casey came in. Matt ran over to give his Dad a hug as Barbara looked at me. “Dinner is just about ready and there is plenty for everyone. I didn’t know what time you’d be back Miguel so I made extra so Gerald would have dinner.”

I was starving and not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. “You have a deal Barbara.”

Barbara went into the kitchen as the boys filled Casey in on the day’s activities. To say he was fit to be tied would be an understatement but he was pleased that justice was being served. A few minutes later Barbara had dinner on the table and none of us left hungry. It was late and Gerald’s butt was really bothering him so we said our goodbyes. “Papa Doc, is Gerald going to be OK?”

I hugged him as I reassured him. “He’ll be a little sore but yes, he’ll be fine. I’ll see how he is in the morning. By the way, how well do you know Larry?”

Matt looked up at me. “He’s really cool, why do you ask?”

“His bottom is worse than Gerald’s son. I was thinking of calling his Dad to see how he’s doing.”

Matt took off down the hall. “I got his phone number somewhere, let me try and find it.”

I waited for Matt to return when Gerald came over to me. “How come you want Larry’s phone number Pop?”

I rubbed the back of his head smiling. “Son, his bottom is worse than yours and yours is really hurting. I want to find out how bad Larry is.”

Matt came out of his room holding a piece of paper then handed it to me. “Here it is Papa Doc. He lives close by because he rides the same bus as us.”

“Thanks Matt,” I said as Gerald and I headed for the door. “I’m going to check on him when we get home.”

Matt came over and gave both of us a hug saving the last for Gerald. “I hope you’re ok to go to school tomorrow but if not, I’ll get your homework for you.”

Gerald’s look was priceless as he rolled his eyes. “Gee thanks Matt.”

As soon as Gerald and I were home, I called Larry’s number. His father answered and I told him why I was calling. “Doc, Larry is really sore. I’ve had him soaking in the tub and given him the Tylenol as you suggested but it doesn’t seem to be helping.”

I listened carefully to what he was saying. “Well sir, I have some prescription cream here I can’t put on Larry although I don’t have enough to give you to take home but I can write you a prescription.”

“Larry’s lying on the sofa now in the buff because he can’t handle anything touching his butt. I can wrap a towel around him and get him out to the car. Where do you live?”

If his butt was that sore, I sure didn’t want his Dad having to bring him out. “From what Matt told me, we don’t live that far apart; I can drive over so he won’t have to be any more uncomfortable.”

“Thanks Doc, I really appreciate this.” Mr. Clayton said.

He gave me his address then we hung up. I put on a rubber glove and rubbed some on the cream onto Gerald’s bottom and after a few minutes he was feeling a lot better. He stayed home and watched TV while I hurried over and paid a house call on Larry and his father. He lives 2 streets over so it didn’t take but a few minutes to get there. I knocked on the door and Mr. Clayton answered. “How is he?”

He stepped out of the way and allowed me to come inside. I followed him into the living room and there was Larry lying on his stomach watching TV. He glanced over and saw me standing with his Dad. “Hi Dr. Sanchez, how’s Gerald.”

I walked over and saw just how red his bottom really was. “He’s sore like you but I can see you’re redder then he is. I have some cream here to rub on it that will make you feel better.”

When he heard that he smiled. “Man, anything has to be better then this.”

I put on some rubber gloves before sitting down beside him. “This will help numb the first few layers of skin so you won’t hurt so badly.”

I applied a liberal amount to his butt then worked it into the skin. I was as gentle as I could be and after I was done, Larry was already starting to feel a little better. “That does feel better Dr. Sanchez, thanks a lot. I think I might be able to sleep tonight.”

I wrote Larry a prescription for the cream and gave it to his Dad. “They should have that at most any pharmacy. Apply it up to 3 times a day if needed. You can play tomorrow by ear as to weather or not he is able to go to school.”

Mr. Clayton shook my hand. “Thanks for everything doctor. Larry told me that your partner operated on him a few years ago. That totally slipped my mind.”

I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it. Once our patients are healthy, we very rarely see them again unless they need another operation for some reason.”

Mr. Clayton nodded his head. “Yeah, that’s true. Larry has his own doctor so that’s who we normally call. I’ll get this prescription filled tonight in case he should need it later.”

I left then returned home to see how Gerald was doing. When I walked in, he was on the phone with Matt then he told him I was home so he hung up. “How’s Larry Pop?”

I sat down beside him. “I’m glad I went over. His butt is worse than yours but you both should be good as new in a few days.”

Gerald’s eyes were wet. “I’m sorry that happened to him, I wish he’d have told his Dad. Had Mr. Donavan not called you, that was the first thing I was going to talk to you about when I got home.”

I hugged him smiling. “That means a lot that you can trust me.”

I’d noticed Gerald was wearing boxers so the cream was doing its job. I turned on the TV and we cuddled as we watched a few shows before the day’s activities finally caught up with him. I managed to get him awake so he could do his nightly routine then I gave him a hug and kiss before he rolled over nodding off to dreamland.

Gerald went to school the next day but I found out when he got home, Larry didn’t make it. After what I’d seen that didn’t surprise me in the least. Larry returned to school the next day and by the weekend, both boys were back to normal. I was on call at the hospital so I let Gerald spend the weekend with Matt.

Time was flying and Ida was true to her word that Gerald was the most important thing in her life. During the last week in October she called and asked if she could come over to talk with me. She said she didn’t want Gerald around and that struck me as odd but I agreed. I had her come over on a Friday so it was easy not having Gerald there. She came in and sat down. “Thanks for agreeing to see me Miguel.”

“No problem Ida, I’m just a little confused as to why you didn’t want Gerald here.”

She looked down at her feet then back to me. “Well, I’m not sure how he would take what I have to say. Gerald means everything to me and I promised him he’d only be in foster care a short time.”

I nodded my head. “He knows that Ida.”

She sighed. “I hope he does because I’ve filed for divorce and I even had a restraining order out on Bart preventing him from coming anywhere near us. I’ve giving a copy to the school and Bart’s not allowed on school property anytime the kids are there.”

I was still nodding my head. “A very wise decision after some of the things he said about Gerald.”

“Well, he’s out on bond and the judge told him if he broke any term of the order he’d be put back in jail until he went to trial. I’ve spoken with my lawyer and he sees no reason that Gerald can not come back home with me.”

I thought for a moment. “Well, you’ve done everything you can to look out for him. Gerald is old enough to let the court know his wishes when you have your divorce hearing.”

“I know, that’s what my lawyer said too. I don’t know if Gerald is going to want to ever see him again considering the things he’s called him. I’d hate to see Bart lose Gerald but it’s been his own doing.”

I couldn’t disagree. “That would have to be something for Gerald to think about. I would also recommend that any meeting the two of them be supervised.”

Now Ida was nodding. “I already planned on that Miguel. I let Bart know in no uncertain terms that if he ever put his hands on Gerald again, it would be a very long time before he saw the outside of a jail cell again.”

I was wondering about 1 thing. “Ida, what about your house, will you have to sell it?”

She shook her head. “My lawyer has almost guaranteed me that I will not have to move out of it. Bart’s temper and bigotry put himself in this position and I think he knows it now.”

Now came the hardest question. I knew this day would be coming and it was good to see a mother and her child reunited but it also meant the house would once again be empty. “Have you decided when you’re going to want custody of Gerald?”

I could see she was having a hard time answering my question. “Well, as soon as possible Miguel, I do miss him terribly. Now don’t think for a minute he won’t be popping over. I know you two have a close bond and right now, you’re the male he looks up too. I also know you and Matt see each other and I’m not about to break them 2 boys up.”

I was happy at the prospects of still seeing Gerald but this was coming at a time that I would have to leave to return to Brazil. I wanted to have something very special for the kids at the orphanage this year so it would mean leaving a little earlier than normal. “I’m glad Gerald has your support Ida, those 2 boys are very close. They remind me a lot of my 2 oldest sons.”

“You’ve been a big help to him Miguel. My lawyer is planning on calling Barbara on Monday about setting up a hearing to have Gerald returned.”

“Ida, I’ll not object to this and I don’t think Barbara will either.”

She smiled when she heard that. “I’m glad Miguel because I’ll be working at one of the local schools now. It’s a little less than what I was making before but financially we will be fine. I won’t be home until about 90 minutes after Gerald does.”

I smiled. “I don’t think someone would mind watching him until you’re off.”

Ida broke into a huge laugh. “I didn’t think so either.”

We talked another few minutes then Ida had to get home. I’m glad that my own kids would be home soon because I was afraid of being alone after a number of months of active parenting again.

Monday when Gerald was at school, Barbara called and asked if I could stop by her office. I had just finished my rounds at the hospital so I told her I could be there in about 45 minutes. When I arrived, she came out and brought me back to her office. “I had a call from Ida’s lawyer this morning.”

“I figured you might,” I said sitting down as we entered her office. “She came over to see me Friday night.”

Barbara nodded as she sat behind her desk. “I really can’t think of any reason now why they shouldn’t be back together Miguel.”

I nodded my head in agreement. “Neither can I, in all honesty. She’s got a new job with the school system so she’ll be off when school’s closed.”

Barbara made a note of that. “That’s all the more reason to get them reunited.”

I sighed. “She said she wouldn’t be home for about 90 minutes after Gerald got home.”

Barbara smiled. “Miguel, I can read you like a book. You’re going to miss him.”

I smiled and nodded. “I am Barbara but in all honesty, this works out well for me too. I have to go out of the country before Christmas and I won’t be back until after the first of the year.”

She had a big smile on her face. “I know of your Foundation Miguel and you do wonderful work.”

“Thanks, when do we want to reunite Gerald and his Mom? Will there have to be a court hearing?”

She shook her head. “No because she signed him into foster care. I think since we both agree here, Gerald can go home when ever he feels comfortable.”

We decided to talk with him when he got home from school. I’d toyed with the idea of packing for him but I didn’t want him to feel I was trying to push him out. I went home and found things to do to pass the time until Gerald came home. I was having a cup of coffee when I heard the front door open then close. “Hi Pop, I’m home.”

I came out from the kitchen and got my usual hug from him. I had to broach the subject but wasn’t sure how so I decided to take a page out of my own book. “Gerald, we need to talk son.”

He got scared so I just smiled which let him relax as he followed me into the kitchen. “What’s up Pop?”

We sat down then I looked at him. “Well, your Mom has talked with Barbara and I.”

He smiled. “Has she and Dad gotten things taken care of?”

I nodded my head. “Well, kind of but she is now able to take care of you and keep you safe.”

His face sunk a little. “They’re getting a divorce?”

I patted his hand. “It looks that way son.”

I could see him thinking then his face got angry. “Well, if he can’t accept me for who I am then the hell with him, Mom does.”

I couldn’t argue what he’d said. “The question I have is when do you want to go back home?”

His face lit up then sunk. “Really Pop, I can go back with Mom? But man, I’m going to miss you Pop.”

I smiled as he squeezed my hand. “I’ll miss you too son but I’m sure we’ll see each other.”

Just then there was a knock on the door. Gerald looked at me as I nodded my head. He ran into the living room and opened the door, “MOM.”

I was standing in the doorway of the kitchen and watched the reunion of Ida and Gerald. Matt came along with Barbara and I was really glad he did as it would take the 2 of them some time to pack all the clothes and other things Gerald brought with him. Ida gently kissed his son on the cheek as they both stopped and wiped their eyes then she stepped back taking a good look at her boy. “Are you ready to come home?”

He smiled and hugged her tightly. “Yeah Mom I am but you know I’m going to really miss Pop. He’s been super good to me.”

She smiled at him then saw me standing in the doorway. “Well, I’ve kinda figured you would. Do you think you could put up with him or Barbara here watching you for a little while until I get home from work?”

“Umm sure,” Gerald said until it really sunk in. “What? Pop’s gonna watch me?”

I came over to them and patted Gerald on the back. “Yeah kiddo, you’re Mom and I have already talked about this.”

He turned and looked at me. “You knew?”

“Guilty as charged son,” I said giggling. “You and I were talking here and I hadn’t had the chance to fill you in yet.”

Matt came over and hugged me. “You’re mean Papa Doc.”

Ida kissed Matt on the cheek. “Honey, I’m glad Miguel didn’t tell him because that was something I needed to explain to him. I got a job with the school system so I could be off during the times Gerald was.”

Matt was happy then his face sunk. “That’s great but umm does this mean we won’t be able to see each other?”

Ida smiled and shook her head. “Not at all Matt, I know how close you two have become and I won’t stop you guys from being together.”

Matt broke out into a huge smile. “Oh wow thanks Ms. Flemming.”

I looked at the boys, “Matt, how about you go help Gerald pack his things.”

Gerald turned several shades of red. “Aww Pop, I didn’t pack that much.”

Ida put a mock look of surprise on her face. “You didn’t son? Then how come you were packing for over 3 hours that day?”

The adults broke out into a huge laugh. “It wasn’t 3 hours Mom, only 2 and a half.”

The boys headed down the hall so they could get that job done while I took Barbara and Ida into the kitchen. “Now that the boys are out of hearing range, there is something I need to tell you. First both of your families are invited here for Thanksgiving.”

Barbara covered her mouth. “Miguel, that’s not necessary. You’ll have your family here.”

I nodded my head. “That’s true but you all are now a part of my family too. Ronnie will be doing the cooking and I know if I don’t invite you all I’ll have my kids to answer too.”

Ida smiled. “Miguel that is very generous of you and I accept as long as I can help.”

I fixed us some coffee then we sat down at the table. “I’ll let you and Ronnie work that out. Now, there is something Barbara knows but Gerald doesn’t and I want to be the one to tell him and Matt. I will be out of the country over Christmas. Ida, I don’t think you know but I have a Foundation that works with homeless children in Brazil. I have an orphanage in Recife that right now has over 20 kids there. This year I’m planning a very special Christmas for them.”

“Gerald will be heart broken Miguel but I’m sure he’ll understand.”

I nodded my head. “I’m sure both boys will be sad but they will not be forgotten either. I plan on getting each of them something special from me.”

Barbara looked at me. “What is it Miguel, this way I’ll be sure not to get the same thing for Matt.”

I sipped my coffee. “I’d like to get each of them a new bike. That way they won’t have to walk everywhere.”

Ida covered her mouth. “Oh Miguel, Gerald will love that. He’s out grown his and before all this with Bart happened, we were planning on getting him a new one.”

I smiled knowing my gifts were something really needed. “Thank you Ida. Barbara, I know Matt’s been riding Big Matt’s bike so now he can have one of his own.”

“Thank you Miguel,” she said smiling. “I know he’ll love it.”

“Love what Mom,” a voice said as the boys came into the kitchen.

I pulled out 2 chairs for them and they quickly joined us. “Boys, I need to tell you both something and it’s going to make you a little sad.”

Gerald covered his mouth. “Pop, you’re not sick are you?”

I rubbed his head and smiled. “No son, I’m not sick. First thing is good news and that is you all are invited here for Thanksgiving.”

Matt was really happy. “Oh cool Papa Doc, I get to see Jay and Ronnie. You’ll love them Gerald, they’re so cool. They’re boyfriends.”

Gerald smiled. “Wow, I think they’re the second couple now beside your brothers. Umm, what’s the sad news Pop?”

I sipped my coffee and thought how best to break the news. “Boys, I don’t know if you two know that I run a rather large charitable Foundation.”

Matt smiled. “Yeah Papa Doc, Mom’s told me a little about it and that’s great. You help kids who’ve been abused and stuff like that.”

I smiled nodding my head. “That’s right son. Now, this means I have to travel out of the country and I’m usually in Brazil over Christmas.”

Gerald’s face sunk. “You won’t be here this year Pop?”

I could see the disappointment on his face. “No son, I won’t but now don’t think for a moment that I have or will forget about either of you. You will each have a special gift from me.”

Matt’s face lit up. “Cool Papa Doc, what is it?”

I laughed and shook my head. “Now if I told you what it was, it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it.”

He tried the puppy dog eyes routine but this time it didn’t work and even Gerald tried but no dice. “Aww alright, I guess we’re just going to have to wait.”

I kissed each of them. “It’s not that much longer boys. Now, have you got everything packed and more to the point, did you 2 manage to get the suitcases closed?”

Matt smiled nodding his head. “It was a piece of cake Papa Doc.”

I helped the boys get Gerald’s bags out to his mother’s car then it was time for Gerald to say goodbye. He came over and hugged me tightly as tears began to fall. “It’s going to be great being back home Pop but I’m still going to miss you.”

I knelt down then wiped the tears off his face. “I know son and I’ll miss you too but I’m only a phone call away and you know you’re welcome here anytime. Besides, I’ll still be watching you some in the afternoons.”

He smiled when I reminded him of that. “Yeah, that’s right Pop. I love you so much and I can’t begin to thank you enough for being my foster dad.”

Matt kissed me then looked at Gerald. “Babes, he’ll always be your Pop if you want him to be, he’s still mine even though Casey is my new Dad.”

Gerald looked up at me smiling. “Really Pop, I can still call you Pop?”

I picked him up kissing him on the cheek. “I’ll be your Pop for as long as you want son.”

He returned the kiss as he hugged me tight. “Cool cause I want that to be like forever.”

I put Gerald back onto his feet then watched as he got into his Mom’s car. Ida came over and hugged me then. “Miguel, there’s no way I can thank you for what you’ve done for Gerald. I’m glad he wants you to be a part of his life because I don’t know if Bart will ever be able to accept him being gay and that’s so sad. Gerald is still the same boy he was before Bart knew so it is his loss.”

I returned the hug. “I know Ida. I’m hoping one day he’ll realize what he had and come to his senses before it’s too late.”

Ida got into her car and I watched as she and Gerald left. I went back inside and fixed myself a Bailey’s on the rocks then turned on the television. I hoped the next few weeks would pass quickly so I could once again hear the pitter patter of feet in the house.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/25/08