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 man slugged down the rest of his drink then refilled his glass. “No problem boss, I know just how to handle it.”

Silk suit drank down the rest of his scotch. “You better because if you disappoint me again, I will cut my losses, permanently.”

 

Chapter 73

*****

It was now getting late and some of the children were starting to get restless. Andrea had fallen asleep so that told me what to do as far as she was concerned and Laura even volunteered to stay back with her room mate.

We got the others loaded into the vans but not before I had to give each of them a big hug and kiss goodbye along with a promise that they would know when she went into labor and had to go to the hospital if she left before they all returned tomorrow afternoon. David and I stayed back so he could drive the Blazer to the hospital.

After everyone left, I sat down with Rivera's in the common room then had a lap full of little Felix. “Miguel, is Andwea gonna be alright? When will she have the baby?”

I could see in his eyes he was fighting sleep. “I don’t know little one, it’s all up to her now.”

Brianna was pacing back and forth. “Miguel, can’t they just take the baby?”

I shook my head. “I really don’t like doing that unless the baby’s head is to big for her birth canal. I’ve spoken to her OB and he doesn’t seem overly worried at this point in time. Once she goes into labor and is at the hospital, we can do an ultrasound and see how big its head is.”

Carlos stood and took a now sleeping Felix off my lap. “Come on now love, there’s nothing we can do tonight. We need to get our boy into bed. Miguel, if she does go into labor tonight, please call us. One of us will get over to the hospital.”

I went out with the Rivera's and watched as they drove away back to their hotel. I went inside and checked on Andrea and Laura. I eased the door open and both girls were sound asleep.

*****

Back on the other side of town, the man in the worn clothes was driving around trying to decide how to handle his boss’ order. He wanted to handle it one sure way but that didn’t seem to be an option. The more he drove the fewer answers he could come up with.

The next thing he new he was in front of a modest house. He wasn’t sure what led him there but after having a few more belts of scotch, he got an idea. He made his way up to the house then started to pick the lock. He heard a car coming so he quickly hid in the bushes. Once the car passed, he quickly got the door open then slipped inside. He let his eyes get used to the darkness then made his way down the hall to the bedroom. The door was wide open and the room was empty. ‘Shit,’ He thought to himself. ‘Now what do it do?’

He stood there for a moment then decided he had to come back. He made his way back outside then made sure the door was locked and drove away.

*****

Back at the home, I had finally managed to fall asleep. The next thing I knew Laura was pushing on my shoulder. “Papa Miguel, Andrea’s moaning. It sounds like she’s in pain.”

I struggled to open my eyes. “OK Laura, go wake David for me please and I’ll be right down.”

I waited until she left then slid out from under the covers. I grabbed my shorts but before I could leave, I had to use the bathroom. After that, I stopped at the clinic and got some rubber gloves. I went into Andrea and Laura’s room and I could tell, Andrea was having some major contractions. I put my gloves on just as David arrived. “Is it time Miguel?”

“It seems so buddy. Laura, can you help me? David, call the hospital and have them get an ambulance here.”

Laura helped me get Andrea’s legs set then I did a quick pelvic exam. She was about 4cm dilated. I took my gloves off then cleaned Andrea. Just then David came back in. “It’s on its way.”

I had David stay with Andrea while I went and called Dean. He told me he’d meet us at the hospital then I went back with my patient. As I was coming out of my office, the ambulance arrived. I held the door for them then led them to Andrea’s room. They quickly got her onto the stretcher then took her to the out to the unit. “Are you coming along Dr. Sanchez?”

I nodded my head. “David, here are the keys to the Blazer, bring it over to the hospital after Laura wakes up.”

He took the keys then I climbed into the ambulance. It took about 20 minutes to make the trip and as soon as we entered, Dr. Miles was walking with us. “How far along are her contractions?”

In my haste, I’d forgotten to time them. “I’m not really sure Dean, I haven’t sat down with her and timed them. I don’t think they’re all that close, to be honest.”

He nodded his head. “OK, we can take care of that. I have her room waiting.”

Just then we heard a voice. “Just where are you taking her?”

I looked at my pocket to make sure I’d put my ID on and it was. I turned around and saw someone I didn’t recognize. “And who wants to know?”

He walked up then folded his arms across his chest. “I’m David Perez, head of the billing department.”

His name didn’t ring a bell in my memory. “She’s going to the children’s wing so it’s of no concern of yours.”

“It doesn’t matter doctor where she’s going.”

Just then the last did ring a bell. “Are you related to Hector Perez?”

He got a smug look on his face. “He’s my brother, why?”

I started to laugh. “I think he forget to tell you just who’s who around here.”

“And just what is that supposed to mean?”

I just shook my head. “Maybe when I have time I’ll explain it but right now this patient needs to go to her room.”

He ran around and stood in front of the gurney. “She’s not going anywhere unless I say so.”

“If you don’t move out of the way you’ll be looking for a new job.”

“Just who do you think you are talking to me like that?”

I was quickly losing my temper. “I’m on the Board of Directors so that’s who I am now get out of our way.”

He finally stepped aside. “This isn’t over Dr. Sanchez.”

Dean and I got Andrea into her bed in labor and delivery. “Dean, when was her last ultrasound?”

He thought for a moment, “At the start of her last trimester, why?”

“Do you think she can deliver naturally or will she need a C-section?”

He shook his head. “I think you’re right, let’s get an updated one.”

Dean wrote the orders for the ultrasound then had anesthesiology paged so they could start the line for her epidural.

*****

Back over on the other side of town the man in the worn clothes tried one last time to pay a visit to the boss’ problem. When he pulled up there was a car in the driveway so he knew they were home. He parked across the street then quickly had the lock picked and was now inside the house.

He remembered where the bedroom was so he silently made his way down the hall. The door was still open but there was a lone body in the bed. He reached his hand into his back pocket and removed a pair of brass knuckles and slipped them onto his right hand.

He hopped up on the bed then delivered one blow with his right hand.

*****

It was now 6:30 in the morning and I was sitting in Dean’s office having a cup of coffee. I was about to refill my cup when there was a knock on the door. I opened it and the ultrasound tech was standing there. “Here are the ultrasound photos Dr. Sanchez.”

I took them and shook his hand. “Thank you.”

I showed them to Dean. “She might be able to deliver naturally Miguel but I’m going to have an OR on standby just in case. Looking at these, I’d guess her boy will weigh in over 8 pounds.”

I was getting hungry so I went to check on Andrea then head down to the cafeteria. I got myself a big breakfast and found a quiet place to eat. I had just finished eating when I got a page, “Dr. Sanchez here.”

“Hi Miguel, Laura is awake. Ronnie and Hanna are making breakfast to take over to your place.”

“Not bad timing David. Why don’t you stay there and help Ronnie and Hanna if they need it then you can bring the Blazer over after you eat and drop Laura at my place.”

“That will work Miguel. Do you know when the kids are coming back here?”

“Some time before lunch, I think.”

After we finished talking, I called the Rivera’s then went back to the OB wing to check on Andrea. When I went in, she was sitting up. “Hi darling, how are you feeling?”

She looked at me and smiled, “Like I’m ready to get him out now.”

Just then, something dawned on me. “Have you thought of name for him yet?”

Nodding her head, she held her hand out to me. I came over and sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. “What was your Papa’s name?”

“My Papa’s name was Juan.”

I saw her thinking. “Was there another important person in your life?”

I smiled broadly. “Luiz, he was my uncle who raised me and helped raise my boys.”

“How does Juan Luiz Rivera sound to you?”

Tears started to fall at that. “Andrea that sounds lovely.”

“Your parents brought the most wonderful person into this world. I wish I could have met them.”

“I never knew my Mama, my Papa told me she died giving birth to me. My Uncle and his wife played as big role in raising me as did my Papa. I was very fortunate.”

“They all should be very proud of you. I hope my boy turns out half as well as you did.”

I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Considering who his Mother is and his grandparents, I’m sure he’ll turn out just fine.”

“You better not forget who his Godfather will be either.”

I turned several shades of red. “I’m truly honored.”

Just then the door opened and in came Brianna. “How are you feeling sweety?”

I decided to leave Mother and daughter alone. I went down to Dean’s office and called my house hoping to catch Guillermo.
I spoke with him for a few minutes then David found me bringing me my keys. “Thanks David, I’m glad you’re here. I need to run back to the home so I can get a shower.”

I told Dean I was taking off for a little while then I’d be back. David and I headed over to the home where I took a well needed shower and grabbed a shave.

*****

Down stairs in the main hospital the on duty emergency room doctor is busy working on an unknown patient. An unknown female was dropped out in the middle of the parking lot and left for dead. A staff worker coming on duty found her and notified the ER. Doctors were busy going over her injuries.
 

*****

“Miguel, can you drop me at your house so I can help the others with the children?”

“David, if you’re like me you’re ready for a few hours of sleep too.”

I called Guillermo back and let him know that there had been a small change in plans and that David and I were going to grab a few hours sleep. I got my shower then opened my door in case the phone rang. I stretched out on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

I next thing I remembered was getting awakened by the phone. I glanced at the clock and it was now 12:30. I pulled my shorts on and trotted down the hall to my office to answer the phone, “Miguel Sanchez here.”

“Miguel, Dean Miles here. Andrea’s contractions are now about 5 minutes apart. She’s 8cm dilated and almost totally effaced.”

“Do you think she can handle a vaginal birth?”

Dean paused for a moment. “I don’t know, I can’t tell. When the baby totally presents itself I should.”

“OK, I’m on my way.”

I left a note for David then hurried back to the hospital.

*****

Over at my house, Guillermo and the other adults were busy helping the children pack their clothes and toys in their laundry bags. The teens pitched in helping the younger ones and soon, everything had been packed and they were ready to return to the home.

José went up to Jackie. “How are our bikes going to get back?”

Guillermo heard the question but Sammy said, “Don’t worry José, Victor and I will get the large van and bring them all back.”

With that question answered, everyone was ready to leave.

*****

I was standing beside Andrea and Brianna as another contraction hit. “Breathe sweety,” I said as she took in a deep breath and let it out as it passed.

Her contractions were now about 10 minutes apart so I pushed the call button and had them page Dean. When he arrived he examined her. “She’s 6cm dilated and partially afaced but I still don’t know if she’ll deliver naturally.”

He called the OR and told then he was coming up with Andrea to do a C-section. Two nurses came in and released the brakes on the bed and pushed her out the door. I was talking with Brianna when I heard him cough. “Do you want me there too?”

I heard Andrea’s voice. “Papa Miguel, please come.”

Brianna and I followed the others and soon, I was back in scrubs.

*****

Back in the ER, the unknown woman was getting a scan of her head neck, spine and abdomen. Once that was finished, she was examined for signs of rape. The doctor was waiting on the scan results when a nurse brought someone back to see the doctor. “I’m Inspector Ernesto Diaz with the Federal Police. We received a tip that a woman had been assaulted.”

The doctor looked at him. “That’s an understatement sir. What’s the Federal Police doing investigating something our Sheriff’s Department normally does?”

“We got the call so we’re going to look into it. If it’s really a local case, they’ll get it. Can I see the victim?”

“She’s undergoing a CT scan right now.” The doctor replied.

The cop thought for a moment. “Can you tell me what injuries she’s sustained?”

The doctor picked up the chart and looked at it. “A number of facial bones have been broken and untold ribs have been fractured. That’s one of the reasons we’re doing the CT scan.”

The cop was busy taking notes as the doctor spoke. “Can I see her?”

The doctor walked out of his office and headed back into the ER. He saw the woman being wheeled back towards her cubicle. They waited until her leads were reconnected to the monitors then they walked in. The doctor was about to say something when she opened her eyes. “Ooooo where am I?”

The doctor looked at her. “You’re in the hospital. Can you remember what happened to you?”

She closed her eyes for a moment. “Yeah,” she replied in a raspy voice. Can I get some water?”

The doctor handed her a cup with a straw in it. “Take a few small sips.”

She did as instructed. “Yeah, I remember what happened.”

*****

Back in the Children’s Hospital Andrea was in a lot of pain. I looked at Dean. “Can you start her pain medication now?”

Dean went out and came back with a syringe and I helped Andrea turn onto her side. He inserted the needle into the catheter then put his hand on her back. “Andrea, I’m going to slowly start to give you this medicine. I want you to tell me when the pain lowers to a more comfortable level.”

She nodded her head then Dean began to slowly inject the morphine. After a minute, Andrea was nodding her head again. “OK Papa Miguel, that’s a lot better.”

Dean removed the needle and I saw there was still about a full CC left.

*****

Over at the home, Steven and Victor had returned from picking up the children’s bikes. Cheers, whoops and whistles were heard as each child took them and rode around back.

After lunch, the kids were ready to go swimming. Guillermo was about to get into his trunks when he saw a strange man walking around looking into the offices. “Can I help you sir?”

Guillermo closed the door to my office then closed the door to his. “I’m Inspector Ernesto Diaz with the Brazilian Federal Police.”

Guillermo looked at the man’s credentials. “What can I do for you?”

“I need to see a Joey Peña.”

Guillermo was curious and concerned. “Why?”

He shook his head. “That’s between me and him.”

“Do you have any idea who lives here?”

He nodded his head. “Yeah, it’s a children’s home, so what?”

Just then Steven came up. “What’s going on?”

The cop looked at Steven. “Who are you?”

“That’s none of your business,” Steven replied.

Guillermo turned looking at him. “He wants to talk to Joey.”

Steven looked back at the officer, “Not on your life.”

“Would you like to be…”

Steven crossed his arms. “Guillermo, call Paulo and then call Dad. Don’t think for a minute you scare me bud.”

Guillermo started for his office. “Your Dad is with Andrea.”

“Then call Danny, he’ll know what to do.” Steven then said.

Just then, Chad came running in and jumped into Steven’s arms. “I had fun last night Steven. I slept with Danny.”

He tickled the boy as Danny and Rolando came in. “I bet you did Chad. Hi Danny, I’m glad you’re here.”

“What’s going on?” Danny asked as he took Chad from Steven’s arms.

Steven looked at the cop then back to Danny. “This guy thinks he can just waltz in here and talk to one of the residents.”

Danny glared at the cop. “Oh yeah, is that so?”

The cop was now glaring at Danny. Danny had the day off so he and Rolando were in street clothes. “And just who in the hell do you think you are?”

“I’d watch my mouth if I were you.” Rolando jumped in. “Now who the hell are you?”

“I’ll ask the questions,” he said opening his ID case. “I’m Inspector Diaz now who are you two?”

Danny reached for his ID. “I’m Sheriff Vasquez and this is my son, Deputy Vasquez. What the hell is a Federal cop doing here, wanting to speak to one of the residents? Has one of them broken a Federal Law?”

He shook his head. “That’s none of your business.”

Danny stood toe to toe with him, “None of MY business? You come into my city and you don’t have the decency to inform me you’re here? You have a lot of nerve; now answer my question. Has one of the residents here broken Federal law?”

He looked down. “No, no one has broken federal law.”

Rolando was getting madder by the minute. “Then why do you want to speak to a resident?”

He shook his head again. “That’s none…”

Danny interrupted him. “You’re in MY city so it is MY business. You know the law inspector; a minor has to have an adult with him during questioning. You come in here and try to throw your weight around but it’s not going to work. Now, who and why do you want to speak with a resident?”

Again he shook his head then Rolando popped his cork. “Since you’re not willing to tell us, you have exactly 1 minute to get off of The Foundation’s property. You’re now on notice. If you return and fail to give a valid reason for being here you will be arrested and charged with trespassing. If you really piss me off, I might add 1 count of attempted kidnapping for each of the children here.”

The cop turned to leave but stopped. “Who is the owner?”

Steven opened the door. “That would be my father, Dr. Miguel Sanchez. You can find him at the hospital but he’s busy with a patient.”

To be continued...

 

Posted: 09/12/08