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 three of us talked for another few minutes then I had to get home. They walked me to the door and I got one more hug and kiss from Gerald. It was almost 10:30 by the time I finally got into bed and the next thing I knew, the alarm was going off.

Chapter 67

I staggered from my bed into the bathroom then pulled on a pair of sweatpants before heading down to the kitchen. Ronnie was up already making food to bring on the plane. “Morning Dad, the coffee’s already made.”

I poured myself a cup then kissed my son. “What time were you up son?”

Ronnie finished the salads and put everything into a cool bag then joined me with a cup of coffee. “Umm, about an hour I guess. I’m really excited about seeing everyone back in Recife.”

I smiled as I sipped my coffee. “I am too son. I can’t wait to see the expansion on the home. I think you’ll like the new kitchen. It’s much bigger and I had a new stove and oven put in so there are two. I think that should handle everything for the Christmas feast.”

I was about to go and wake Angel when she came into the kitchen already dressed. “Hi Daddy, I’m ready to go.”

I kissed my daughter on the cheek. “As soon as I have my coffee sweetie, we’ll be ready to go.”

Angel got herself something quick to eat while I had my coffee then we were on our way to the airport. Since we were going to be gone over the holidays, I had a limo service come and pick us up and bring us home when we got back in town. It was also nice not having to fight with all the morning traffic on the interstate. It took about 45 minutes to get out to the airport and when we arrived, the plane was waiting on us. We had our luggage put onto the plane and when we were seated, the cabin steward closed the door.

We got off the ground right at 8:30 and 7 hours later we were landing in Recife. We went through Customs then got our bags then it was off to the house. When we arrived, we got our bags inside and got ourselves settled. When I got my things put away, I checked out the modifications. I was standing in one of the upstairs rooms when Ronnie put his hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad they’re only going to be here for a couple of days Dad. The sleeping arrangements are going to be tight.”

I sighed then smiled. “I guess I should have had the contractors add a third floor.”

Ronnie hugged me. “In all honesty Dad, I don’t know if this old place could have handled it. The house is old but I love the style of it. I bet you had a lot of fun here when you were little.”

I went over to what was Luiz’s room then went out onto the balcony as I thought back. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders as the memories of my youth came back to me. “Son, those were some of the happiest times of my life. I so wish you all had gotten the chance to meet your Grandfather.”

As I was looking out over the pool, tears started to fall. I was lost in my thoughts when I felt another hand touch me. “Why are you crying Daddy?”

I wiped my eyes then smiled. “I’m just thinking about all the times I had here when I was a little boy darling, that’s all. As I told your brother, you would have loved your Grandfather.”

I washed my face then called Pablo. “Greetings my friend, how goes the gift buying?”

I heard him laugh. “I’m glad we have this huge warehouse Miguel and you have plenty of storage space at the home.”

Now I was curious, “Why Pablo?”

“We thought it was a good idea for all the kids to have a bike.”

That had to have been a huge undertaking. “They’ll love them Pablo and with the large field out back that will give them a place to ride. The streets around the home are safe but I sill worry about vigilantes though.”

“Miguel, Danny and his men had been busy lately. They’ve put a huge dent into their operations arresting about 20 people. He hasn’t been able to find out who the ring leader is but he’s hoping one of the men in jail will give him up.”

I hadn’t talked with Danny since I was last down here. “Have any more children been injured?”

“No Miguel, we would have gotten a report from the hospital had that happened.”

I was pleased at that information. “OK my friend, thanks and thank you for all the work you have done in making this a Christmas to remember for the kids.”

I looked at my watch and it was 4:30. The children would be finished with their classes so when we arrived, we wouldn’t be interrupting them. I called Guillermo letting him know we were on our way then we were off. While we were heading inside, I could hear the voices of the children outside playing. The first thing I noticed was the second floor. The contractors did a wonderful job matching the exterior. When we went inside, I looked down the hall of the boy’s wing and I noticed a new exit sign hanging.

Our next stop was the common room. That had been expanded and I saw the door leading to the new dining room. We went inside and I was amazed and Ronnie gasped. “Dad, this is wonderful. What’s on the other side of that sliding wall?”

I smiled as I walked around. “That’s the other half of the dining room. There are more folding tables and a stage back there. I had it designed to hold 200 children plus all the staff.”

Ronnie and Angel were heading towards the kitchen. I went to the partition and opened it a little. The money had been well spent as now we can feed 200 people if the need arose. I joined Ronnie and Angel in the kitchen. When I entered, Hanna was hugging Ronnie and Angel. As I started getting closer, she looked up and saw me. She broke out into a smile as she wiped her eyes. “Herr Sanchez, this is a lovely place now. We can feed many hungry children.”

She engulfed me in a hug. “That’s right Hanna but I do hope we’re never at capacity.”

She laughed. “Let them come Miguel, Hanna will feed them.”

I kissed her cheek knowing she meant those words sincerely. “Are you ready for Christmas?”

She smiled. “Ya, I am ready. The children will have a real feast. They will all have plenary of goodies to feast on. We’re already starting on cookies.”

I noticed some waiting out and tried to reach for one but getting my hand slapped for my efforts. “OK Hanna, I get the message.”

She pulled out a tin lifting the lid. “Those are still hot Miguel. Have a couple of these instead.”

I took two then headed out into the common room. Angel was waiting on me and saw me munching. “Un huh Daddy, can’t stay out of the cookies?”

I had to slap my hand over my mouth to keep from spitting out cookie. Just then Ronnie came out holding several in his hand. “Here Angel, these are for you.”

I managed to chew and swallow my mouthful then watched as my daughter ate hers. “Come on guys, I want to take a look at the upstairs.”

We went down the boy’s wing then found the staircase. One the second floor I saw a long hall with a number of doors. The 3 of us started walking and we stopped at a door. I opened it and saw it was a classroom. There were desks there and the room was loaded with supplies. Angel was looking around. “Daddy, they did a super job. The kids will have it just as good as those in a public school.”

“I really hope so sweetie. I’ll do everything I can to make sure that happens.”

Just then Ronnie stuck his head in. “Dad, look at this.”

I followed him as he went across the hall into another room. He was looking at one of the quarters set up for staff. “Wow son, these are really nice.”

He was sitting on the bed. “Yeah Dad, the bed is comfortable. There is a working area and a huge bathroom. I think anyone would he happy living here.”

“I can’t disagree with you. I know Pablo and Guillermo will continue to find the right people to work here as we continue to grow.”

I walked over to the window and saw the children outside playing. I stood there watching for several minutes then Angel put her hand on my shoulder. “How about we go down there Daddy? I know a few kids who are going to want to see you.”

The three of us went downstairs then went outside through one of the side doors. We went through the garden and out to the playground. I stood against the wall and the kids playing then noticed Andrea gently swinging. I causally walked over and sat beside her. She must have gotten a feeling someone was close by because she turned her head then gasped, “Papa Miguel.”

She got out of her swing and came over wrapping her arms around my neck. I kissed her cheek then looked at her. “How’s our little mother to be?”

She rubbed her tummy then reached around and started to rub her back. “I can’t wait, to give birth Papa, my back aches almost all the time now.”

I turned her around and began to gently massage her lower back. “Have you been taking warm baths to help?”

She nodded her head as I continued to work on her tight back muscles. “Oh yes and David has been giving me medicine my doctor says is OK too.”

I finally began to feel the tight muscles in her back begin to relax. She eased back and sat on my lap just as a soccer ball came flying over towards us. Jeff came running after it then stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Andrea sitting on my lap. “Papa Miguel, look everyone, Papa Miguel’s here.”

The game immediately stopped as the children began cheering and running towards the swing set. Andrea quickly moved so she wouldn’t get squished by the onslaught. I gave everyone a hug and kiss then saw Mikey standing in the background. Mikey was my namesake and try as I might not to play favorites it sometimes happens. I spoke to him in Portuguese, “Venha aqui o meu pouco um.” (Come here my little one.)

He looked at the ground and then shuffled over slowly. As he got closer I held my arms out and when he saw that, he ran to me, “Faltei a você tanto Papai Miguel.” (I've missed you so much Papa Miguel.)

I wiped the tears off his cheeks. “Don’t cry now Mikey.”

As soon as I’d comforted him, he broke out into his lovely smile. “How long are you going to be here?”

Angel tried pulling his leg. “Oh, we have to hurry back…”

Mikey gasped then started crying again. “Yu you mean…”

I looked at my daughter who in turn quickly picked the crying child up. “No Mikey, we’re not going anywhere for a while. I was just joking.”

He looked at her then slapped her arm. “You meany.”

She looked at me then rubbed her arm. “You deserved that darling.”

Mikey started wiggling in her arms so she set him down then, he came back over to me sticking his tongue out in the process. “Papa Miguel, Andrea is going to have a baby.”

Everyone broke out into giggles as Mikey stated the very obvious. I fought hard to keep a straight face but in the end I lost. “That’s right little one, she is.”

He buried his face into my chest so I waved my hand trying to get everyone to stop laughing. Andrea came over and kissed Mikey softly on the cheek. He didn’t know who it was. “Stop laughing.”

Andrea lifted his head up into her hands then kissed him again, this time on the end of his nose then leaned close to his ear. “I’m not laughing at you Mikey and I really don’t think the others are either.”

Just then Shane came over hugging him then he looked up at me. “Can we go swimming Papa Miguel?”

I looked at my watch and they still had a couple hours before dinner. “I guess so kids. Those who want to swim go and get changed. Ronnie, go find Victor and Sammy and tell them they’re needed at the pool.”

A number of the children quickly took off to get changed when I noticed Jack and Jeff hanging back. As soon as the others were out of ear shot, the two teens gave me another hug and Jeff had a serious look on his face. “Papa Miguel, can we talk to you in private?”

I wrapped my arms around them as we headed for the building. “Sure guys, what’s on your mind?”

Even in the bright sunlight, I could see them blushing. Jack managed to speak. “Umm well, Jeff and I really love each other and…”

“Say no more boys,” I said smiling. “I’ll explain things to you.”

The boys gave me another huge hug followed by a sloppy kiss then they took off for their room to change. Angel had gone down to her room so she could change then join the girls in the pool. She was about to go back outside when Andrea caught up with her. “Angel, do you think it’s safe for me to go into the water?”

She stopped then thought for a moment. “I don’t see why not sweetie. Being in water will make you buoyant and will take a lot of pressure off of your back. While you’re changing, I’ll talk with Dad and see what he thinks, but I don’t think he’ll object.”

I was about to head down to Jack and Jeff’s room when I heard Angel’s voice. “Daddy, can you come here for a minute please?”

I walked up the hall and met her in the lobby. “What’s up sweetie?”

“Andrea asked me if it was OK for her to go into the pool. I told her I didn’t see a problem with it and I also told her I’d ask you too.”

I thought for a moment. “As long as she doesn’t do anything too strenuous, I don’t see a problem. I’ll be out there in a few minutes; Jack and Jeff want to talk with me.”

She turned and headed back to the girl’s wing. “OK Daddy, I’ll tell her.”

I went down to Jeff and Jack’s room then knocked on the door. “Come in.”

I went inside and the 2 teens were sitting on their bed. “OK guys, what’s up?”

Jeff leaned over and kissed Jack. “Like we said outside, we really love each other and we’d like your permission to umm well, we want to make love to each other.”

“Boys, have you two done anything more than what you’re already told me?”

Jack blushed while nodding his head. “Yeah Papa, we’ve fingered each other and man does it feel good.”

Jeff was nodding his head along with his boyfriend and he had a grin from ear to ear. “I’ve managed to get 2 fingers into Jack and he’s more than ready for me to add another.”

Jack stood up looking at Jeff. It was as if he was trying to tell him something without speaking. Jeff smiled and nodded his head. “Papa, would you look at us and see if you think we’re ready?”

Before I could answer, Jack had his trunks around his knees. He turned around then bent over so I could see his most private of places. “Relax your anal muscles son.”

He did and his hole opened a little. “What do you think Papa? Has Jeff stretched me enough?”

Jeff stood dropping his trunks. It had been several months since I’d last been there and the one thing I’d noticed was that these two had had a little growth spurt. “Jack and I have grown taller since you’ve been here and he says my penis has too.”

The first thing I’d noticed was that his pubes had become thicker but I really couldn’t see much difference in his penis. “Boys, if you are careful and enter each other slowly, I think you’ll be alright. I want you to promise me if it begins to hurt, you’ll stop and remove your penis from your boyfriend.”

Both boys agreed then we left for the pool. As soon as we came out into the hall, there was a group of boys waiting for an escort. Chico quickly grabbed my hand then used it to try to climb up. I leaned down and scooped him up in one arm then wiggled my finger into his ribs. “Hey! No fair, Papa.”

We hurried outside then Chico managed to get up and sit on my shoulders. He wrapped his legs around my back so he wouldn’t fall then I felt someone taking one of my hands. I looked down and there were the twins. They looked up at me as if they wanted a ride. I was about to say something to the teens when I heard giggling. I had to strain to lift my head because of Chico but I quickly saw the twins on the shoulders of Jack and Jeff. I put my hands on their shoulders. “I think you guys make great older brothers.”

We walked inside the gate to the pool then set our charges back onto their feet and watched as they scurried towards the water. Jeff leaned his head onto my shoulder. “Papa Miguel, we sorta look after the little ones.”

Jack smiled. “Yeah, one night the twins had a bad dream and we took care of them.”

It was nice hearing the teens were looking after the younger ones. I was about to sit down when I found myself in the air heading towards the water. “Hey hang on!”

Ronnie and Victor stopped long enough to better support me and to make sure there were no children in the deep end. The stood me on my feet then Ronnie pushed me backwards sending me into water. As soon as I surfaced, I swam towards the shallow end where I was mobbed by all the kids. All of the adults were in with the children and we had a great time. I managed to ease myself out of the hoard and swim over to the side of the pool to where Andrea was. “How are you feeling?”

She rubbed her distended belly. “Being in the water helps a lot. This baby feels as if it’s as big as me.”

I put my hand on her belly trying to gage its size but I was a little out of my league. The one thing I did know was that she wouldn’t be able to deliver it vaginally because her opening was quite small. “I’m not a good judge of that darling. Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

She smiled at me. “At first I didn’t want to know because all I really cared about was that it was healthy. Then I got to know Felix and really fell in love with that little guy so much that I was hoping my baby was a boy. I finally asked my doctor if he could tell if it was boy or a girl and he told me I was having a little boy.”

She was smiling so much when she told me. “Have you told your new parents and Felix?”

She giggled. “Oh yes and you should have seen Felix. He was jumping up and down so much I thought he was going to land on his butt.”

Just then I heard a little squeal. “Andrea, Andrea.”

We looked at where the voice was coming from and there came Felix running towards us in his swimming trunks. He launched himself at us. Andrea couldn’t catch him in her condition so I reached out and caught the incoming 3 year old. “Whoa tiger, you can’t jump on Andrea like that right now.”

He started wiggling and reaching his little arms out for her. She took him from me then sat him on the side of the pool kissing the little tyke on the nose. “Do you remember I’m having a baby?”

He started nodding his head along with his toothy grin. “Un huh and I’m gonna be a unca.”

We were giggling at the little guy’s animated talking. Andrea reached out hugging him. “That’s right but if you jump on me, it could hurt the baby.”

Suddenly his face lost its expression and tears began to fall. “I don’t wanna hurt him Andwea, I sowrry.”

I watched as she cuddled the crying boy and stroked his back calming him down. “I know you don’t Felix and I didn’t say that to make you cry.”

He stopped crying as she kissed him on the cheek. “I sowrry, I won’t jump on you, I wuv you Andwea.”

Felix hugged her then she slid him into the water sitting him on her hip. “I love you too Felix.”

I walked up the steps and was about to sit down when I heard a voice. “Hi Miguel, I figured we would find Felix out here with Andrea.”

I looked over my shoulder and saw Carlos and his wife walking over. I walked over away from the pool and shook his hand. “He’s quite the little guy and he sure loves Andrea.”

Brianna was smiling as she watched the two of them in the water. “That’s all he talks about when he’s not here with her. Miguel, is there any way we can adopt her sooner?”

I smiled and nodded my head. “I have an idea that I know will make everyone happy. How would you like her adoption final on Christmas Day?”

Brianna quickly covered her mouth. “Oh Miguel, that would be the best Christmas present ever.”

Carlos had to wipe the tears from his eyes. “How can we ever thank you enough Miguel?”

I put my hand on his shoulder. “Continuing to love Andrea and her baby will be all the thanks needed. I’ll call Judge Romero and have him do the papers.”

Brianna leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “Miguel, can she stay with us at our hotel?”

I shook my head. “I’d like her to spend these last few days with us. I have a huge surprise for the children.”

I turned to head inside but stopped momentarily to talk with Guillermo. “What have you got planned Miguel?”

When we were inside, I told them my plan. “The day after tomorrow I’m having a Christmas tree delivered to my house with loads of decorations. This is going to be a Christmas the children won’t forget for a long time. My children will be there and the plan is to have the children decorate the tree. I’ve had extra beds put in the rooms and the kids will spend the next two nights at my house. On Christmas Day, they will find gifts galore from Santa and to top it off, every child will have a new bike.”

Carlos had his hand over his mouth. “This will be a Christmas they won’t soon forget.”

I nodded in agreement. “Now, in a specially wrapped box will be Andrea’s adoption papers. That will be the final gift.”

“She will never expect that Miguel.”

Again I nodded my head. “I know Brianna. I just hope with all the excitement, she doesn’t go into labor.”

I had just finished telling them of my plans when I started hearing the kids. “Miguel, would it be alright if Andrea spent tonight with us. We’ll have her back in time for the tree decorating.”

“That will be fine. Have her back around 2PM on the 23rd.”

The Cruz’s and I were about to head towards the girl’s wing when I heard the pitter patter of little running feet. Felix came running into the common room, followed by Mikey, Chico, and Shane. Felix was giggling running in between the adults but I could see Mikey wasn’t happy. “Felix, no running is allowed in the house.”

The 3 year old was quite hyper and very full of himself. “Oh yeah, then catch me.”

Just then a hand reached out and grabbed hold of the imp. He looked up and saw Andrea. “Felix, how many times do we have to tell you this?”

He looked down then back up at her smiling. I knew what he was trying to do but it wasn’t working. Carlos then took his son by the hand and knelt down facing his son. “If you can not obey the rules here then you can’t come to see Andrea.”

I joined Carlos kneeling in front of Felix. “Son, we don’t let the children run in here because they can slip and fall.”

Chico came over then. “Papa Miguel’s right, I learned the hard way once.”

I could see the wheels turning in the little boy’s head. He quickly hugged his father. “I’m sowrry Daddy.”

He turned around then leaned over his father’s knee. Carlos picked him up then kissed him on the cheek. “I know you get excited being here but we don’t want you getting hurt.”

Felix started wiggling so Carlos set him down. He went over to Mikey who was still standing there with his arms crossed over his chest. He reached his arms up towards my name sake. Mikey picked the toddler up then got a big noisy wet kiss. Mikey tried to keep an angry face on but it soon melted. “Sowrry Mikey,” the little imp said causing Mikey to smile.

Just then, Mikey poofed the imp on his belly, causing him to squeal with delight. Brianna came in holding Felix’s clothes. Mikey set the boy of his feet then Felix ran over to Andrea. “Can she get me changed?”

The teen smiled taking the boy’s clothes. “Come on Felix, let’s get you changed.”

I walked over to Andrea before she left. “Would you like to spend a couple of days with your soon to be parents?”

Felix started jumping up and down. “You know I would Papa,” Andrea replied as she hurried down to get herself and her little brother changed.”

I looked at the other children. “OK kids, I’d like you all to get your showers now to get the chlorine off of your bodies because dinner will be ready in a little while.”

The kids scurried off then Andrea and Felix returned. Brianna noticed the boy’s head was still wet. “Did you get him showered too?”

Andrea smiled. “Yes Mom, I hope you don’t mind but he wanted to get in with me when I went to take mine.”

She went over and hugged her daughter to be. “No sweetie, I don’t mind. He’s jumped in with both of us at different times so he’s aware of the differences.”

Felix giggled. “She gotta big tummy Mommy.”

Andrea knelt down. “That’s because I’m going to have your nephew real soon.”

Felix reached up and gently rubbed her abdomen. “Did you hear that? Now you hurry up and get here.”

We all laughed but that was a touching sight. I walked with them as they headed out to their car. Andrea stopped and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks Papa.”

After they left, I got myself a quick shower then it was time for dinner. This was the first time I’d eaten in the new dining room. The room gave us space and we weren’t crowded. After dinner the kids started playing quietly which gave me the opportunity to catch up on things with the staff. We were in the middle of something when Shane stuck his head in. “Papa Miguel, have you seen Mikey and Chico?”

I looked at the others and they were shaking their heads. “Shane, get the older boys and have them start looking outside. Angel, will you get the older girls and have them help the boys outside please. Shane, you get the younger ones and start looking inside and don’t forget the second floor.”

My heart and stomach were fighting to trade places inside my body. Ronnie and I hurried down the hall in the boy’s wing to get to the second floor. Robbie, Shane and the twins were up there going through every room. Phil saw me as he came out of one of the rooms. “They’re not up here Papa.”

We waited until the others came out then headed back downstairs. Joey and Christina came running inside. “We found them Papa, they’re out here.”

We followed the teens outside. They led us around back towards the playground. As we walked through the archway, we saw Mikey and Chico sitting on a ride and Mikey was holding what appeared to be a small child in his arms. When we got there, I could see both boys crying. Chico looked up at us. “Papa, we found him outside the back gate.”

I sat down beside Mikey and he was holding a sleeping little boy in his arms. The boy was filthy. His clothes were worn and in tatters and he was barefoot. Mikey looked at me. “Papa Miguel, you gotta help him please, you gotta.”

I leaned down and kissed my namesake. “How could I refuse a request by you son?”

He reached up and wiped the tears from his eyes as I gently reached down and took the sleeping child into my arms. Chico held onto the big wheel so I could stand up. “His name is Paco.”

We all started heading back inside when his eyes fluttered then opened. I smiled at the little boy trying not to frighten him but I wasn’t successful. He started wiggling in my arms so I held onto him tighter. He then began to cry. Mikey and Chico quickly gathered around him reaching up trying to calm him. I knelt down so he could see the only 2 people he knew. Mikey rubbed the little boy’s hair. “This is Papa Miguel Paco; remember I told you about him?”

The little guy stopped squirming then looked up at me. “Will you be my Papa too?”

My heart melted on the spot then I leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. “Yes Paco, I’ll be your Papa too.”

To be continued...

Posted: 07/25/08