Julio
 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2005 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

I went back upstairs and found my boys. They had just finished eating lunch and were watching TV when I arrived. Ronnie and Jay were lying in the extra bed in the room and Steven was finishing some ice cream. I walked over to Steven's bed, kicked my shoes off and lay down beside him.

"What's wrong, daddy?" Steven asked.

Reaching over, and drawing him close to me I said "Not a thing." I held him, closed my eyes and all four of us took an afternoon nap.

Steven didn't really buy what his dad was telling him but he loved being cuddled so he closed his eyes and slept with his daddy.

Chapter 11

 
I woke about 2:30 and noticed that Ronnie and Jay had their hands down each other's pants quietly trying to relieve each other. A few seconds later, I saw each boy arch their back and then go totally relaxed. They went into the bathroom one at a time and cleaned up and they also caught my stare as they exited. Steven was still sore but his need for pain medication was becoming less and less.

I met Paul at the nurse's station and asked him to check in on Steven to see if he felt he was ready to go home in the morning. My two sex starved boys were sitting beside their brother as we came into the room and were put out when Paul asked them to step out so he could look at Steven. I stepped out with them and asked them if they wanted their brother home tomorrow and their eyes lit up like candles. I took that as a "Yes" and then told them we were going to have a talk about their actions in Steven's room.

The boys had never been disciplined before and they were not quite sure what was going to happen. Come to think about it, neither did I.

When Paul opened the curtain, he was fine with my decision to take Steven home in the morning. I had some oral medication at the house should he need it and I was capable in removing his sutures. Steven was very sore after Paul's pushing and probing so he received his pain shot in his IV and was soon in dreamland.

As we were walking out of the hospital, the boys heard someone make fun of them in Spanish. Ronnie had to translate what he heard for Jay, since he only knew Portuguese. Ronnie was about to say something back when Jay went nose to nose with a kid a good two heads taller than himself.

Ronnie got in between the two and the tall kid made a smart remark in Spanish. Ronnie quietly elbowed the kid in the gut and told him in English that if he wants any more, he would give him all he could handle. The kid caught his breath and was amazed at how many languages my boys could speak. I stayed out of this until the parents started to step into the mix. Since I also spoke fluent Spanish, the matter was quickly calmed and English was spoken.

I asked the tall boy in Spanish why he made the nasty comment about Jay. His eyes got big when I referred to him as my son. It seems that some kids from his neighborhood think kids from South America are less than "Decent" people. When Jay told him some things about Brazil, this kid realized that Jay was a very intelligent boy. What took the kid by surprise the most was the fact that Ronnie could speak three languages. The boy left with a new understanding about America being a melting pot and Jay was indeed upset about seeing prejudice.

Jay sat quietly as we went home and this was the first time I could say that he was really at a loss for words. Finally he looked at me and spoke saying "Daddy, why did that kid hate me?"

"Son," I said, "I don't think he hated you. I think he didn't understand you."

"He spoke Spanish and I speak Portuguese. We were both from South American countries. So what is the difference? I just don't understand this, dad."

Jay was almost in tears as Ronnie tried to calm down his older brother. Ronnie said "Jay. it's not that you were both from South America, it's that he was from Mexico and we were from Brazil. He thinks all people from Brazil are either bums or rich. He didn't expect to meet us who were all the above. I'm not saying we are bums now, but you know what I mean about how we used to live before Dad found you, Steven and me. You taught me the language. Shit bro, I don't know what I woulda done without you before Dad found me. I was looking up to you as a big brother right after I met you. You know that?"

"Really, Ronnie?" Jay asked. "You're not just saying that are you? Looking into your eyes, I see that your not bud. I love you too, Ronnie. But I still don't like what he did."

I spoke up on that saying "I know you don't like what happened son, but not everybody likes everyone. You know that and what I would like for you to do is to try to get along with everyone you meet. I'm not saying you have to become friends with them, but I don't want fights either, OK?"

Just as Jay agreed to what I had said, we pulled into the garage. I looked at both boys and said, "There is one more thing we need to discuss and I have the floor. If you two ever do what you did in Steven's room in public again, I will warm both your behinds. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir, we promise, "The boys said together." We should have waited until we got home to do that. Sorry, Dad. We won't break our promise, either."

We went into the house and the two bottomless pits hit Luiz up for a snack. I fixed myself a Bailey's on the rocks and went and sat in my recliner. I sipped my drink and started remembering the argument between the boys and the kid outside the hospital. Then I remembered the boy in ER. Kids being used for senseless sex and kids showing no sense to each other. What a totally fucked up world this can be, I thought.

The boy in the ER was why I left medicine. Recife's hospital left a lot to be desired and my time there was six months of our hell. Doctors who didn't know what to do and nurses who couldn't give a fat rats ass about anything except their pay check. If someone died, who cares. Go on to the next patient until the shift was over. I did my time in hell and went home. Straight into hell again. My father was ill, but at least there was money for medicine and I did have the training. Unfortunately the disease process was stronger than the medication. Papa died. After that, I stayed away from medicine.

My father had set up a trust for the new children's wing while I was in the U.S. and I knew nothing of this until after he died. Luiz told me this about three months after papa's passing and I was fit to be tied because I could have done my six months at the children's hospital wing instead of the Recife public hospital. It seems every time I see something like I did, I get so damned mad and depressed, the only thing I want is my boys. They are my port of safety to me and I need them. Maybe that's why I stuck my neck, head and ass on the line for Julio. If I saved him, fine. The boy would be safe and then I could make him mine. If not, well, that's OK too. Then I didn't have to see any more of this fucked up shit hole. And what about Ronnie and Steven? Well, they were an added bonus. Two more kids I could take away from there and they could have a life. Sometimes I feel like buying the whole area, tearing everything down and starting over.

Why does life have so many questions that have hard answers? Why can't kids be like Jay, Ronnie and Steven? I know that they are far from perfect and all three are gay but they care about others and treat others like they want to be treated. I took a sip of my drink and set it down just as I was invaded by the twin terrors.

"Omph!" I groaned. "Can I have my nuts back, please?"

"Sorry, dad, "Jay said giggling." Does it hurt?"

"Only when I breathe." I said in pain.

They got off my lap and my balls returned to normal. The boys returned to my lap and we watched some TV until dinner. I had my arms around them and Ronnie sensed that something was bothering me.

"What's wrong, Dad?" Ronnie asked.

"Just remembering what we left in Recife and if I really want to go back?" I answered in a shaking voice.

"Can I say something?" Ronnie asked.

"Sure, son." I answered. "What's on your mind?"

Ronnie started "Well, I know we just got here to the new house and it's great. I don't want to go back to Brazil because I'm American. But what about Jay and Steven? I mean, they're from there."

Just then Jay spoke up and said "Look, as far as I'm concerned, there is nothing in Recife or Brazil I ever want to go back to and I think Steven feels the same. So if it's all the same to you dad, we just want to stay here."

"But what about Luiz?" I asked.

"My home is with you and the boys, Miguel." a voice broke the silence. Luiz had been standing behind me and I never knew he was there.

"Thank you, my friend." I said. "Are you..."

"Quite." Luiz said. You have given me the one thing that makes me truly happy. I have a home with a fantastic kitchen where I can cook for the family I love more than life itself. Watching you raise these boys like I saw you do is all I need. Besides, I have..."

"Let me," Ronnie broke in. "Uncle Luiz is my mentor, dad. I love to cook and he is teaching me how. He started teaching me at the old house. I know Jay wants to be a doctor like you and Steven wants to be a vet. Me, well I wanted to be a doctor at first, but I love cooking so much, I want to be a chef. Is that alright with you? I hope I didn't dis..."

"Disappoint me?" I said, fighting off tears "Son, you could never do anything to disappoint me. If this makes you happy, then I'm happy."

Luiz spoke again saying, "If you three don't get to the table, I won't be happy. Dinner will be ruined."

We all headed into the dining room and had another of Luiz's fabulous dinners. Crown roast of pork, potatoes, fresh home made bread, butter, peas, salad, coffee, milk and apple pie for dessert.

"Hey. Dad." Ronnie said, "I just remembered something. Tomorrow is Steven's birthday and we forgot all about Jay's too when Steven got sick."

"Don't worry about me. "Jay said." The little guy is important. He's been through so much lately."

I stopped Jay and said "Ronnie, you're right. Jay, you are my son too and you will not be left out. We can celebrate both of your birthdays tomorrow when I bring Steven home from the hospital. Now, Jay what do you want for your birthday and do either of you two know what Steven wants?

Jay spoke up and said, "Well I would like a bike and I think Steven would like one too. But that would leave Ronnie out, so..."

I broke in saying, "I know something you and Steven want and I will get each of you a bike. Jay you said you wanted roller blades and Steven said he wanted a scooter, right?"

"Dad, you remembered!" Jay shouted, "Man, I thought you forgot. You're the greatest Dad in the world. I love you."

Ronnie asked, "Dad, can I bake a cake?"

I said "That's fine with me but you need to ask the head of the kitchen."

Luiz sat there nodding his head and Ronnie started jumping up and down with excitement. Once the boys settled down, they rinsed off the dishes and put them into the dishwasher and Luiz put the food away. I had the boys take their shower while I called Phil about the arrival of my boat. It was to be delivered from the pier to the marina and he had the details. I left the keys and check with Luiz and Phil said the boat would be at the house by 4:30 tomorrow afternoon. Phil would get the bikes for the boys and the roller blades and scooter so they didn't know what they looked like until the time was right. I invited Phil, Susan and their two kids to the party so my three could meet their cousins.

Just then, I was hearing "Ode to Joy" coming from my pocket. It was my cell phone. I had finally changed that blasted cheep, cheep, cheep. It was my partner Paul Combs. He met a physician from Brazil and he had an idea that I might be interested in having a discussion with him. Dr. B. William Davis was a physician born with a Brazilian mother and a British father. He was raised in the UK and now wants to practice in Brazil doing some humanitarian work. I knew who he could hook up with and all I needed to do was figure out was what kind of medicine he practiced. I would find that out in the morning, Paul would have him meet me at the hospital when I went to pick up Steven.

All of a sudden, I saw two pairs of very white and naked buns went streaking by me as I said "Hold it right there!" Then I heard a thud and a thump.

Jay was getting off the floor and Ronnie was holding his head. "What have I told you about running around the house naked? And I don't want to hear anything about we forgot!"

"Sorry dad," We prom..."

"Promise you won't do it again?" I said. "Seems I've heard that before, haven't I?"

Ronnie answered looking at the floor "Yes, sir."

"Come here, Ronnie" I said, "I asked him a question quietly and he whispered the answer into my ear. I asked Jay the same question and he answered the same as Ronnie. "Well since you can't remember to bring underwear with you into the bathroom, you will spent the next two weeks sleeping alone in your own beds. There will be no private get togethers and if I find out that you disobeyed me, you will alternate sleeping in my room for one month. Do I make myself clear?

The boys were stunned. This was by far, the stiffest punishment I had ever given them but they needed to learn that there were consequences when they misbehaved. They walked in silence to their rooms and put on their underwear and came into the family room to watch TV. Neither boy said much until Ronnie asked, "Can I sit in your lap?"

I answered saying, "Of course you can, son. Your punishment said nothing about you not being able to sit with me. I still love you both very much and that will never change, even when I have to punish you. I will never say you can't sit with me as part of being punished."

Ronnie ran over and sat on my lap and hugged me saying he was very sorry for what he did and I accepted his apology as I did with Jay, when he came over.

When the program we were watching was over, it was time for the boys to go to bed. I told the boys that I would come say good night in a few minutes. I went to each boy and answered their questions then tucked them in and said good night.

As soon as I sat down, Luiz said "Don't you think you are being harsh with the boys?"

"No, I don't, "I replied." If they had not made a promise, they may not have been punished. A promise is giving your word and a man's word is his bond. You of all people should know that since that was papa's number one rule."

"You are right Miguel, your papa taught you that at a very early age and you are teaching that to the boys." Luiz replied.

With that, Luiz said good night then went to bed. I watched the news then did the same. I checked on the boys and I heard Jay call to me. I came in and sat on the edge of his bed. He explained to me that he and Ronnie had a special birthday present for Steven and could I release them from their punishment for just one night so they could give their brother his present. I knew this was not something they had just decided on doing, so I said they could have a one-night stay of punishment.

I headed to my room and got undressed for the night. After taking a needed leak, I went to sleep.

I was awake at 7 when my bladder began cussing me out. After the morning ministrations, I headed to the kitchen for my morning coffee. I have been with Luiz all my life and I have yet to figure out how he is always up before me with the coffee made. I got my first cup of wake-up juice in me and Luiz started fixing breakfast. We talked about my idea on staying in the states for good. Luiz thought is was a very good idea and the boys could get the best possible education without being reminded about their past.

I wondered if I should sell the plantation or rent it out and decided to have my lawyer there sell it and but a small undeveloped piece of property so I could maintain my status as a resident and keep my citizenship. As long as I was a citizen, my taxes were not as much as they would have been if I were a non-resident alien doing business in the country.

While I was talking to my lawyer, I asked him for a financial status of the hospital's trust fund. I was wondering if there were funds available for the project I was thinking of starting. My lawyer said the trust account had a value of approximately 275 million dollars, American. Needless to say, I was shocked at how large the trust had grown and relieved that my project could be started. My lawyer handled everything and I asked him to look into getting Dr. Davis licensed to practice medicine in Brazil. My two partners would find the kids and get them to the hospital. Dr. Davis could then begin to treat them with the medication. Those to sick to come and go, would be admitted to the hospital with the bill being paid by the trust.

My lawyer said he new someone who had a medium size jet for sale and this way we could help kids who needed other kinds of medical care that was not available in Recife. Once again, I trusted my lawyer and with the help of Judge Romero, things were proceeding smoothly.

Shortly after 10, I left for the hospital. Phil had brought the boy's bikes over and the other gifts for Jay and Steven while they were still sleeping. Once at the hospital, I met up with Paul and was introduced to Dr. B. William Davis. My eyes almost left my head. I was trying to breathe, climax and fall in love all at one time. The only thing I succeeded in doing was drool. Man, this guy was hot. I had no idea what was happening and thank God there was a bathroom less than a foot away because I needed to be alone for a minute.

After splashing some water on my face, taking a needed piss and regaining my composure I went back outside and talked to Dr. Davis. Paul excused himself and we went to the employee's cafeteria and had some coffee and got to know each other. This guy looked like Ronnie as an adult. His British accent was captivating and I got lost in his blue eyes. Thank God he was going to Brazil or I would have a serious problem on my hand. I didn't want a relationship until the boys were settled here and in school. This guy woke up something in me I never new was there and all things considered, I wished they would go back to sleep. I gave him the phone number to my lawyers both here and in Brazil so things could be arranged for him to go to Brazil. I looked at the clock and it was almost noon. I handed him my partner's card and told him to get in touch with them when he got settled in Recife and they would get this venture off the ground.

I went up to the surgical ward and stopped at the nurse's station and picked up Steven's chart and wrote discharge orders so he could leave the hospital. His nurse said he had been awake since before 8 and was asking her every 15 minutes or so if I was here. She threatened to give him some pain medication to quiet him down and he finally left he alone.

I pushed the door open and greeted Steven with "Happy Birthday, Son."

"You remembered!" he said jumping into my arms. Just then his eyes lost their glow. "I made everybody miss Jay's birthday. He probably hates me now." Tears started rolling down his face.

I wiped his face and said "Jay doesn't hate you. In fact, he wanted us to forget about his birthday and do something for you because of your operation. You big brother loves you very much. I know for a fact that both your brothers have something special planned just for you but I do not know what it is."

Just then, the nurse came into the room and handed me some papers. I set Steven on the bed and had the nurse remove his IV and get him dressed so we could head home. I went over to the chair and sat down to read the reports. They were the blood tests on all three boys. The report said they were all free of AIDS and any other sexually transmitted disease. I guess I can let Jay and Ronnie have oral sex if they want. I went and made copies of each report and put them into my pocket and Steven was dressed and ready to leave when I returned. He ran over and yanked me by the hand, almost dislocating my shoulder in the process, heading for the elevator.

"Slow down!" I said trying to get my youngest to stop at the nurse's station to say good-bye. "Where are your manners, sport?"

"Thanks for taking good care of me and I hope I wasn't to big a pain." Steven said with a grin on his face.

All the nurses started laughing and came over to give him a hug. He returned every hug and waved bye as we headed to the elevator.

As we were in the elevator, Steven asked if he could get something special for Jay for his birthday. He saw a beautiful gold crucifix and chain and he wanted to get one like that for his brother. On the way home, we stopped at a very fine jewelry store and looked at crucifixes. Steven found a beautiful one in solid 18 karat gold with a solid god chain. He set it down and turned towards the door when I asked him "What's wrong, son? Why the long face?"

"Oh, Dad." he said as tears were falling from his eyes. "They cost to much. I don't have enough to get him anything."

"Which one do you want to get him?" I asked my youngest.

"This one, right here." He said.

"Then this is the one he shall have." I said and called a sales lady over to help us. I knew the owner of the store because he repaired my Rolex just after we came here, but this was a new salesperson and she looked like we didn't belong in here.

"May I help you?" she said with a very short tone.

"Yes, you can." I replied, "I would like to see this crucifix, if I may."

"This one here might be more to your liking." she said in that short voice again.

"Actually, this is the one I want." I said in a professional voice.

"I'm sorry sir....." she started to say when a voice said

"Dr. Sanchez" the owner said. "I'm glad you're here. Your Rolex is fixed."

The sales lady turned four shades of green at once and said "Rolex? That was your watch I fixed?"

I looked at her and said "Am I not good enough to own that watch or buy this crucifix? What were you basing your assumptions on?

"Were you rude to Mr. Sanchez?" the owner said. "If you were young lady, I will warm you backside when we get home."

"I'm sorry, papa." the girl said. "Mr. Sanchez, I am deeply ashamed of my conduct. Please forgive me."

"You are forgiven, little one." I said. "Remember, treat everyone as you would like to be treated and you will never embarrass yourself again."

"Mr. Sanchez" the girl said. "Here is that crucifix you asked to see. Would you like it engraved?"

"Yes." I said and told her what I wanted it to read.

"Right away, sir." she said and left to do the engraving.

"This is for my oldest son. Actually it is a birthday present from his youngest brother. I forgot he was making his first communion on Sunday and this will be a nice gift for the occasion." The girl came back out with the cross and it was beautiful. She even gift-wrapped it for us. Steven had found a lovely gift. I put the purchase and repair on my credit card and headed for the house.

I learned that Jay had never celebrated the rite of receiving his first communion properly. He had his first when he was six but there was no ceremony or anything. When I registered at the parish, I made arrangements with Father, for Jay to receive his first communion Sunday. Ronnie and Steven had a little more work to make up then they will take theirs together in about a month.

By the time we reached the house, it was almost 4 and the party would begin soon. Phil had put the bikes in a workroom in the garage and the boys never had a clue. The scooter and roller blades were wrapped so each boy could have something to open. Ronnie got Jay a CD he had wanted and cost of material gifts from one to the other was never a problem. As long as they were able to give someone something they wanted, the price was not important.

Jay had been allowed to help with the cake but he was not allowed to see how it was decorated. As soon as I came in with Steven, I was surrounded. Jay and Ronnie greeted their brother like they hadn't seen him in a year instead of three days. I calmed them all down and took them into my office and closed the door.

I took the papers from my pocket and handed each boy the proper report. It said AIDS and STD"s "NEGATIVE" and Ronnie started crying when he read this. I comforted him and reminded him that I knew he didn't hurt Jay when they messed around earlier. I told the boys that they could now have oral sex with each other if that was what they wanted. I also told them that they were not to force the issue if someone did not want to do this. They all agreed and we went out to the deck just as Phil, Susan, Amy and Paul arrived.

Since it was the middle of summer, they all wanted to go swimming. Amy felt like the odd person out seeing that she was 16 and the only girl but once she got to know the boys, she felt right at home. She even offered to baby-sit the boys if I needed. I thought the boys would go into orbit at the thought of having a babysitter but they liked the idea.

I had to almost drag Luiz out of the kitchen to join us outside. He had to be sure that everything was just right and perfect. He had just made some iced tea and he said it wasn't cold enough. I told him that's what ice is for and he just rolled his eyes. Susan came in and took the pitcher out of his hand while Phil and Luiz spoke in Italian. Seems Luiz had a secret from me.

Luiz learned the language before he met my father. The opera's he liked to listen to were in Italian and that's how he kept the language alive. I was amazed. I saw Susan and Ronnie on inner tubes and they were talking like they were two long lost friends. As I got closer, Susan amazed me this time. She and Ronnie were have a conversation in Spanish. Even Amy and Paul could speak the language fluently. I was beginning to think my house was the headquarters for the United Nations.

By 6:30, the kids were getting hungry so Phil and I had grill duty. Hamburgers, hot dogs and Italian sausage were the food of the day. We also had potato salad, coleslaw and a garden salad. Everyone ate their fill and then Ronnie, Amy and Paul cleared the dishes. Jay and Steven were the birthday boys and were not allowed to do any work on their birthday. Jay tried to say something but Amy kissed him on the cheek and told him to enjoy the day.

When everything was put away, we went inside for the main event. Jay and Steven sat at the table while Ronnie and Luiz carried in the cake. It was a large sheet cake and on the left side was "Happy Birthday Jay" with an icing drawing of a boy on roller blades. On the right there was "Happy Birthday Steven" with a boy on a scooter. They were so surprised at the beauty of the cake; they didn't want to cut it until Jay did the honors on his side. Steven finally relented and cut his side. One half of the cake was yellow and the other half was chocolate. Jay liked yellow more than he did chocolate but he knew Ronnie liked yellow too. When all the gifts were opened, they boys went out into the garage to see their new bikes. Jay wanted a motor cross style bike, while Ronnie wanted a 15 speed and Steven, he just wanted a bike he could ride. All the boys were happy with their presents. Jay and Steven said Amy and Paul could ride their bikes while they used their scooter and blades. All in all, this was a good day.

As the sun began to set, Phil said he had to get home to make some business calls. So, with the guests leaving, life was back to normal again with three kids and the noise. I had the boys take a shower to remove the chlorine from their skin and hair while I had a drink and sat in my recliner.

I finished my drink and realized the boys were still in the shower. By now, they probably were looking more like prunes rather than children. As I opened the door and went in, Steven had yet to take his shower. I was just about to say something when the door opened and Jay motioned for Steven to come. He looked at me and said this was part of their special present. It seems they are going to give Steven a very special shower. I told Jay to come see me when they were all finished. As I turned to leave, I noticed three sets of clean underwear on the sink. It seems they do remember things after all. I was watching television when they boys were done and Ronnie had Steven on his back. It seems Ronnie was Steven's private beast of burden for the night.

When they were seated, Jay and Steven received their final birthday presents. Jay took his present from Steven and Steven took one from Ronnie. What had me thinking was what did Ronnie give Steven considering he didn't ask me for any money. Ronnie wanted Steven to open his first and when he did, he ran over to Ronnie and hugged him tight. All Steven wanted from Ronnie was a loaf of his homemade raisin bread. Ronnie made that when we were still in Brazil and Steven loved that so much he wanted a loaf for his birthday. Jay opened his present from Steven and his eyes got so big I thought they were going to fall out of his head. It wasn't until he felt something on the back and turned it over that Jay got the real meaning. On the back were engraved two sentences. The first was "Happy Birthday, Love Steven" and the second said "First Communion, July 25." He was crying so hard he didn't know whom to hug first, Steven or me. Steven went over to him and asked him if he liked it. When Jay was nodding his head, I put it around his neck. Just then, Jay took it off saying that the priest had not blessed this yet and he would wait until he had. We knew how important this was so we let him wait to wear his crucifix.

I asked my two birthday boys if they had a good time. They said this was the best birthday either of them ever had and they would never forget this day for a very long time. We sat and watched TV for the rest of the night and the boys had to have another piece of cake with some ice cream. At 10:30, they kissed me good night and headed to Jay's room to get some sleep. I went in to kiss them good night when I saw Ronnie and Jay help Steven out of his underwear and they laid him into the bed. I kissed each boy and turned the light of as I closed the door behind me.

To be continued...

Posted: 06/06/08