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...

At 10:00, I was fading so we got the others upstairs and into their rooms. Everything had been planned but that was before Chad’s arrival. Chad had fallen asleep so I carried him up to my room. I smiled as Mikey and Shane had left enough room for the two of us. I put the sleeping boy on the bed then went to empty my bladder. No sooner was I in bed when I felt Chad wrap his arms around me. I reached for the light turning it off so I could get some much needed rest. Tomorrow was going to be one very busy day.

Chapter 71

I managed to get a good night’s sleep until I felt someone wiggling to get out of bed. I opened an eye and there is Mikey scurrying across the hall in his all together. I heard the toilet flush then a loud oomph followed by the sound of someone landing on the floor. I got up and saw Marco holding Mikey. “Is everyone alright?”

Marco smiled as Mikey was still rubbing his behind. “I’m fine Pop. This little guy came out on the short end of the stick though.”

I looked at Mikey’s butt and there was a little red mark where he landed on it. He reached his arms out for me so I took him. “What happened?”

He turned red. “I was just trying to get back into the bedroom before anyone saw me. I didn’t see him coming in.”

Marco emptied his bladder then came back out into the hall. “Mikey, this is Marco. He’s like one of my adopted boys.”

Marco wiggled his finger into Mikey’s belly causing him to giggle. “Where do you live Marco?”

We stepped back into my room then closed the door before any of the girls came out. Mikey got his clothes on as Marco answered him. “I live in the US. I go to Medical School now.”

Shane and Chad sat up and saw us. They started to head towards the door when I had to stop them. “Guys, we’re not in the boy’s wing at the home. Everyone has to have their clothes on outside of the bedroom.”

They quickly got dressed then hurried into the bathroom. I was about to talk to Marco when there was a knock on the door. Macro opened it and there stood Ronnie. “Hey Dad, breakfast will be ready in about 15 minutes. I called Hanna early and told her I’d cook here which really surprised her.”

“I bet it did son.”

“But then I told her I’d do dinner here so she and her staff could have a much needed break. I went looking at the supplies and I can fix a nice meal here.”

I was blown away by Ronnie’s offer to Hanna. I knew she didn’t take much time off because of her love for the children. “Son, that was a wonderful gesture giving Hanna and her staff time off. She puts in way too much time but I can’t seem to stop her. By the way, have you seen anyone up yet?”

Ronnie smiled. “Oh yeah Dad, Jay, Angel, Casey and Guillermo are already up as are almost all the children. I think the only ones left sleeping are the teens. I have a few of them helping in the kitchen. I don’t know whose idea it was to put the dishwasher in but it’s really coming in handy.”

“Thanks son, can you get your sister and Casey to get the girls up and I’ll get the boys.”

I started up the stairs and saw a typical sight, Alex was knocking on the bathroom door. “Come on Nicky, will you and Juanita hurry up? I gotta go!”

I tapped him on the shoulder. “Follow me Alex. Who else is still in bed?”

He pointed down the hall. “Jack and Jeff are Papa.”

I told him about the bathroom in the suite then went to wake the teens. I knocked on the door and waited for an answer. I didn’t hear anything so I knocked again then gently opened the door and went inside. I went over to the bed leaning down. “Come on boys, time to get up.”

Jeff moaned reaching for the covers. “Come on just a little longer.”

I had to giggle. “Breakfast will be ready in about 10 minutes boys, time to get up.”

Jack opened his eyes and smiled, “Morning Papa Miguel.”

He hopped out of bed sporting his usual morning wood then reached for his underwear. Jeff managed to roll out of bed so I left them to get dressed and use the bathroom. As I was heading for the stairs, I saw Nicky and Juanita. “Hi girls, please remember there are others that need the bathroom.”

Nicky sighed. “OK Papa but we’d just got in there, honest.”

I smiled at her. “I believe you. I think it would be like that at a home sharing with a brother.”

I could see them both roll their eyes then heard Juanita sigh. “Oh no Papa, no brothers for me unless they have more than one bathroom.”

That got me giggling. “It is nice at the home.”

They went outside and joined the others as Ronnie, Jay, Casey and Angel got breakfast served. After breakfast the children played in the back yard. I had to go into the pump room to check the equipment before they went swimming when I found a new soccer ball and 2 goal nets. This again brought me back to my childhood as Papa and I would kick the ball around. I grabbed the goals and carried them outside and I kicked the ball ahead of me. Several of the boys saw me and immediately ran over but the twins took control of the ball and started playing. Ronnie reached for one of the nets. “Hey thanks Papa, now we can have a real game.”

I helped them get the nets placed then watched as they chose teams and started playing. It was almost the girls against the boys but because of the numbers, they had a couple of boys on their side. Soon, several of the adults were joining them and oh what a time they had. I felt a hand on my shoulder and it startled me as I was lost watching the game. I looked and there was Guillermo. “Danny and Rolando are here Miguel, they need to talk with you.”

I headed inside and saw them sitting on the sofa. “What brings you guys here so early?”

Danny got up reaching out with a piece of paper in his hands. “This is from Judge Romero; they’re Andrea’s final adoption papers.”

I smiled as I took them from him. “That’s great Danny; I thought I was going to have to run to the courthouse to pick them up. You didn’t need to make a special trip out here though.”

I slipped them into my pocket as Rolando stood. “There’s more to this visit Miguel.”

Papa had a small office that he used when he was still practicing medicine. The three of us could go in there and not be disturbed or overheard if one of the children should come inside. “Would you like something to drink first?”

They shook their heads so we went inside and I closed the door. I could see something was bothering Danny as he was having trouble trying to say what was going on. “Miguel, I have some disturbing information. The 2 tapes that were found I showed to a friend who is with the Civil Police. He analyzed them and they’re both original tapes. He then showed me another tape they had in their possession that was almost identical to the one with the 2 boys in it. That one, unfortunately, was deemed to be a copy.”

I covered my mouth in shock. “Danny, you mean there is someone using…”

I couldn’t finish the sentence as once again I started feeling sick on my stomach. I stuck my head in between my legs and tried to relax and breathe normally. After a few minutes, the sick feeling passed so I could sit up again. I felt a hand on my shoulder as I sat there in a daze then looked and it was Rolando. “It looks that way Miguel but the tape Dad had was the master so no copies could be made of that. The Civil Police are working with the Federal authorities on this because it does look like there was or is a porn ring out there.”

“Oh my god,” I gasped covering my mouth again. “What about the kids in those 2 tapes? Have they ever been found?”

Danny patted me on the leg. “One set has but the 2 in the tape we found have not. The 2 boys from the tape the Federal Police have were found in Rio.”

“My god Danny, do you know the distance between here and there?”

He nodded his head. “I know Miguel but the rooms the tapes were made in were the same. I saw that other one.”

Rolando patted me on the shoulder. “Miguel, since we’ve found that room and that master tape, the only thing we can do is hope we’ve scared them out of Recife.”

“Did the two boys who were found talk with the police?”

Danny nodded. “They were but unfortunately they weren’t able to give much of a description.”

I was getting frustrated, “How come?”

Rolando tried to calm me. “They didn’t say Miguel. They did talk with them at length and they were pretty forthcoming.”

That did make me feel a little better. “Where are they now?”

Danny smiled. “They’re together in a fine foster home. When we saw the tape, we said it did appear that they were enjoying what they were doing and we were right. They’re boyfriends and their foster parents are accepting of it. They’re back in school and doing well.”

For the first time I could finally relax a little. “At least they’re safe, sound and off the streets. By chance, did you or were you able to find out anything about their foster parents?”

Rolando giggled. “We figured you’d want to know and yes we did. They’re being fostered by an older gay couple who have been together for a number of years. They had them checked out at the hospital and knock on wood, they’re healthy.”

I smiled knowing they were safe. “Now if we can find the two from here and get them off the streets, I’ll be a little happier.”

Danny sighed. “Miguel, we’re looking and doing all we can. At least 2 boys are in a loving home. I didn’t want to tell you all this until after Christmas because I know how you are but there are 22 children out there in your back yard.”

I stood up and hugged him. “You’re right my friend and I’m not going to let them down. When the kids are eating lunch, I have something to show you.”

Just then there was a knock on the door then it opened slightly. I saw it was Guillermo and motioned for him to come in. “Miguel, Ronnie said to tell you it’s time for lunch.”

I looked at my watch then turned red. “I can’t believe we’ve been here this long. Thanks Guillermo, tell Ronnie we’ll be right out.”

I led Danny and Rolando out the side door and quickly slipped into the pool house. We went inside and then I unlocked the inner door. I turned the light on and Danny gasped, “Oh Miguel!”

“Miguel, how’d you get all those?”

“It was easy with the number of people getting them. I had the staff at The Foundation’s office and the staff here. They also started getting gifts back in November. Pablo’s been storing them in a store room at the office and the bikes have been here.”

We quickly left the pool house and joined the others for lunch. I saw the remnants of lunch meat, cheese, tomatoes and lettuce along with several open loaves of bread. Ronnie motioned us to some space he’d saved. “Dig in guys. I had to set this aside for you.”

I patted the bench beside me. “Come on and join us son, I bet you haven’t eaten yet.”

He smiled and grabbed 4 pieces of bread. “I did manage some potato chips Dad.”

We fixed ourselves some lunch and ate as the children were back out playing. After lunch I got Andrea’s adoption papers wrapped. Casey, Nicky and Juanita went back over to the home and packed Andrea’s things; because after tomorrow, she would be living with Carlos’ Brianna and Felix. When they returned, Nicky took her bag and hid it in their room.

The twins and Chad came up to me and Phil pulled on my hand. “Papa, can we lay down?”

The kids had been playing virtually nonstop since they got up. “Come on boys, you can take a nap on my bed.”

I led them down to my room and as they started taking their shirts off, I could see they were dirty and sweaty. After a quick wash, they stretched out on the bed for a nap.

I was coming out of my room when I saw Angel coming down the stairs. “Hi sweetie.”

“Hi Daddy, Jean, Jenny and Patty wore themselves out.”

I gave her a hug when she got down to the bottom of the stairs. “As did the twins and Chad, I just hope they’re not wired when they wake up so we can’t get them back down tonight.”

I heard a voice come out of the kitchen with a pitcher of tea and some glasses on a tray. “Actually they went down pretty well last year. We took them out to see the city which had been decorated. By the time we got back, they were nodding off.”

I took a glass and he poured me some tea. “Well, let’s hope they’re as good this year as last. By the way, I got stockings for all the children. They’re out in the pool house with everything else. We need to make one for Chad. Pablo got extras for any new children.”

That evening, Ronnie fixed a lovely dinner for the children. After the sun had started to set, Guillermo and Jackie loaded the kids into the vans for a tour around the city to see the lights. My kids stayed home and we went to work getting the stockings out. Angel made one for Chad so he wouldn’t be left out then it was time to start filling them. Angel opened a bag of peppermint candy and started dropping some in each stocking. “Daddy, you realize once the children see these, they’re going to be in them fast.”

I nodded my head and giggled. “That I do darling but don’t you remember what I did with you four?”

I could see the wheels turning in her head then a smile came across her face. “You were sneaky, they weren’t up when we first went to bed but there they were when we woke up.”

Jay then got in on the act. “You and Steven were really wild afterwards, being on an all day sugar rush.”

Just then Steven stuck his head in. “And you mean you and Ronnie weren’t bouncing off the walls either?”

We were all looking at Jay trying to figure out how he was going to salvage what was left of his dignity but all he could do was turn red. “OK bro, Ronnie and I ate our fair share too before Dad got up.”

We finally got that job finished and all the now full stockings put into a large box and hidden. No sooner had we finished when Guillermo and Jackie came back with the kids. We watched as several of the older ones were carrying the younger ones who had fallen asleep during the ride. I saw Guillermo carrying both Chad and Mikey. I went over and took Chad out of his arms then carried him down to my room. Guillermo was right behind me with Mikey. “I’ll help the others get the rest of the boys down Miguel.”

Once everyone was in their beds, the only kids who were up were Joey, Jack, Jeff, Lisa, Christina and Andrea. Angel came over and sat beside me. “Daddy, did you get any apple cider like we used to have at home?”

A look of shock came over my face as I’d forgotten about it. Just then Ronnie came in with a large bowl and cups on a large serving tray. “OK everyone, who wants warm cider?”

I looked up at my son and all he did was wink at me. He poured me cup then handed it to me smiling. “Thanks son,” I said smiling.

“You’ve been busy Dad, we know it’s hard to remember everything.”

Ronnie and Angel passed around warm liquid to the teens as Jay and Steven served the other adults. I saw Andrea cautiously sip the beverage then smiled. “Oh wow, this is really good. I’ve never had this before.”

Angel took a sip and looked at the soon to be mother. “This is something Daddy has every Christmas but apple cider is something we can buy all year.”

Andrea quickly finished her cup then had a refill. “I’ll ask Carlos and Brianna if we can get it. I’ll bet they’ll like it too.”

I saw Ronnie tap Jay on the shoulder then they said their good nights to us. Ronnie kissed me last. “Good night Dad, I’ll be at the home when you all get up more than likely.”

I gave him a strange look. “You really think these kids are going to sleep much past 7?”

He gave me a coy smile. “You can hope.”

A few minutes later, the teens started to head off to their rooms as they too began getting sleepy. Steven, Angel, Guillermo, David and I waited for about 30 minutes to be sure everyone had fallen asleep then we started playing Santa. It took us almost an hour to being in all the gifts from the pool house and put them around the tree. The last thing we did was hang the stockings in each of the rooms then it was more than time for us to get a little sleep.

When I got into my room I hung Mikey, Shane and Chad’s stockings then did my business before crawling into bed. As soon as I was under the covers, Mikey rolled over and cuddled against me. I wrapped my arm around him then drifted off to sleep.

The next thing I remember were the twins pushing my feet. “Papa wake up, he was here. Papa, Santa was here.”

I cocked an eye open and looked at the clock. It was now a few minutes until 7 and I knew it was time to rise and shine. Before I could move, they woke up Mikey, Shane and Chad. As soon as they heard Santa, they jumped up and ran over me to get out of the bed. By now, word had spread and everyone under 21 was now wide awake heading down stairs. I grabbed a pair of shorts and put them on then headed into the bathroom.

I came out and headed down the hall towards the living room. I had made it to the staircase when I saw Jackie trying to chorale one of the girls. “What’s wrong girl, you lose someone?”

“Did you see a topless little girl go running past?”

I had to giggle at that. “I think she might be with a group of boys running around still in their underwear. Who gets to be the drill sergeant?”

Just then I heard another female voice. “OK kids, listen up please.”

That was followed by a loud group of moans from the children. “You all know the dress rules. You all have to have clothes on, not just underwear. The faster you get dressed, the faster we can start.”

Now the teens in the group came down dressed, albeit lightly. As soon as Angel got those words out of her mouth, it was another stampede of preteens heading for their rooms. I flattened myself against the wall as 4 boys went scurrying past trying to get to their shorts. Poor Jackie barely made it off the steps as Patty, followed by Jean and Jenny headed upstairs.

During the lull in the living room I went into the kitchen to see if there was coffee made. As soon as I got close, my nose gave me the answer. I smiled inwardly thinking, ‘Ah, you gotta love Ronnie.’

I quickly got a cup of coffee then went back out to the living room. The adults had managed to get a couple of the younger ones and were keeping them occupied. Angel was standing by the tree, I put my hand on her shoulder then Mikey came up to me. “Papa look, bikes.”

I picked my namesake up as he hugged me. “Yep, everyone has a new bike. I know some of you had them already but we thought everyone deserved a new one. How would you like to give your old ones to children at the hospital who could really use one?”

Nicky was the first to cheer. “That would be so cool Papa, they’re stuck in the hospital over the holidays.”

Joey chimed in. “And probably won’t get hardly anything so yeah, that’s a great idea.”

Now was time to start passing out the gifts. Jackie and Angel worked the girls while David, Guillermo and Steven handed out to the boys. Mikey, Shane and Chad stayed with me although I tried to get them to be with all the kids. The twins ripped the paper off the gift they were handed and let out a loud yell. “Oh wow, skateboards.”

I looked up as Alex and Joey opened theirs. They both smiled then Joey raised it over his head. “I hope you have enough band aids Pop.”

David just shook his head. “Don’t worry guys, I’ll make a big first aid kit and mark it “Skateboarders.”

The girls were given roller skates. I think maybe next year I’ll find out what they’re getting but they’re kids so bumps and bruises come with growing up.

We were about half way through the gifts when there was a knock on the door. I wiggled out from under Mikey and Chad then opened the door, “Merry Christmas Miguel.”

“Merry Christmas Carlos,” I replied shaking his hand.

I no sooner moved when I had a 3 year old around my leg, “Mewwy Cwistmas Miguel.”

I reached down and pick the little guy up, “Merry Christmas to you too Felix.”

Brianna followed Felix then I saw Ronnie pull up in the maintenance truck which let me know breakfast was here. Felix started wiggling so I let him down because I knew what he wanted. As soon as he was down he scampered off to find Andrea. Both Carlos and Brianna had smiles on their faces but I could tell Brianna was still tired. “He had us up at 5 this morning.”

I led them into the kitchen so they could fix some coffee. “You all are going to drop early tonight. Have you had breakfast yet?”

They shook their heads no as they were fixing their coffee. “Felix was way too busy to stop and eat,” Carlos said after taking some coffee. “But I’m sure by now he’s starting to get hungry.”

I led them into the living room and we saw Felix snuggling close to Andrea. I felt a hand on my shoulder and it was Brianna. “My God Miguel, Andrea looks like she can deliver any time now.”

I nodded my head. “Her doctor said any time after Christmas. Are you both ready to be parents and grandparents?”

I could see the answer to that question already as they watched Andrea and Felix interact. “Oh yes Miguel, we are. This is a dream come true and we’ll never be able to repay you.”

I smiled as I watched. “Just be good to them both and that’s all the repayment I’ll ever need Carlos.”

Just then Ronnie and Hanna came in. Hanna was mobbed by the children the minute they saw her. “Are you all hungry by now my children?”

The little ones started jumping up and down as a chorus of “Yeah” was heard.

The adults managed to lead them outside to where the food was and I had Ronnie take Brianna and Carlos out too. I was about to close the door when 3 more guests arrived. I waited then extended my hand as they entered. “Merry Christmas Danny, Rolando, Javier.”

They all shook my hand as they entered then Javier stopped. “I didn’t want to miss Andrea opening her present.”

The four of us went out back to join the others but it seems we were a little slow as the children had already eaten. Hanna spotted us and pointed over to a table. As soon as we sat down, she was there setting dishes down. “I made plenty Herr Sanchez. Now dig in, all of you.”

We ate breakfast then we were surrounded by the twins, Mikey, Shane and Chad. Mikey hopped up onto my lap. “Come on Papa, there are more presents to open.”

Danny looked at me and giggled. “You should remember that when your boys were younger.”

I laughed then returned it, “As if you don’t from your three?”

Chad ran around the table and pulled on Danny’s hand. “Come on Papa.”

I looked at Chad who was smiling at Danny. “I think you better listen to him Danny.”

We all headed back inside the house only to see some of the teens snooping around the tree. Joey was holding a gift trying to figure out what it was and to be honest, I hadn’t a clue. “Looking for something Joey?”

He turned red and tried to put it down as I wrapped my arms around his shoulder. “Ah well Papa, it has my name on it.”

I kissed him on the cheek and smiled. “Are you having a good time?”

He hugged me tightly. “This is a Christmas I’ll remember for a very long time.”

Angel, Steven and I started handing out more gifts. This time, the children were getting a wide assortment of toys and board games they could all play together. Some of the teens received clothes that were picked out just for them. Once everything was opened, I reached around to the back of the tree and took out a small package. “Andrea, could you come here please?”

She stood up and came over as Felix had hold of her hand. I handed her the gift and she looked a bit unsure about what to do with it but Felix had the answer. “Open it Andrea.”

She slowly took the paper off the package then opened it. She took out the envelope then opened it removing the paper. She looked at it and began reading it then broke out into tears. She looked at both Carlos and I not sure who to go to first. I motioned with my head to go to Carlos. She moved towards him then he met her in the middle. “It’s real Daddy, it’s really real.”

Brianna wrapped her arms around her daughter and kissed her gently. “It is real darling and you’re now our daughter.”

Felix tried to jump up but Carlos quickly caught him then he hugged his new sister. “You’re my sister now?”

Brianna handed the crying teen some tissues. “Yes Felix, I’m your sister now.”

The four of them hugged for a few minutes then she came over and hugged me. “Papa Miguel, I don’t know what to say. You’ve all been so nice to me here. Thank you so much.”

Just then everyone started clapping their hands. Andrea turned around and saw all her friends clapping causing tears of happiness to start falling again. Nita and Nicky were the first to reach her and gently embrace the pregnant girl. Nicky wiped the tears off her cheeks then gently kissed her. “You’re lucky sweety and I wish you all the happiness in the world, you got two people there who love you a lot and a new little brother. You take care of that baby now.”

Just then Andrea felt a twinge and she moaned. Nita saw it. “Papa Miguel, come here.”

I hurried over and took her hand. “What’s wrong love?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know, I think he kicked me.”

I took her by the arm and led her over to the sofa. “I think maybe all this excitement has gotten to you Andrea, why don’t you sit down and rest for a little bit?”

I went and found David and had a talk with him. “What’s up Miguel?”

“Keep an eye on Andrea. I think she just had a contraction but this is only the first she’s mentioned.”

David and I went back inside and saw Carlos, Brianna and Felix sitting with Andrea talking quietly. The younger ones had taken off outside and were happily playing.

To be continued...

Posted: 08/01/08