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...

I could see the look of dejection on his face. “Alright Papa, Mom can I still stay with Miguel tonight?”

She smiled and drew him into a hug. “Alright son but you better be good while we’re at the hospital.”

He pulled her down then kissed her on the cheek. “I will Mom, I promise.”

I followed Barbara over to her house and dropped Matt off then the two of us headed over to Children’s Hospital.

Chapter 61

It took us almost an hour to get to Children's Hospital because of the traffic. After parking in the physician’s lot we hurried inside. When we got inside, we heard someone yelling his head off. By the time we got out to the lobby, security had arrived. “Sir, if you don’t calm down right now, we’ll have no choice but to escort you out of here.”

The man was really belligerent. “Listen you stupid fucker, I’m here to see a Dr. Sanchez. My son was sexually abused by some pervert; not you take your fucking hands off of me right NOW!”

Barbara and I walked over to the irate man. “I’m Dr. Sanchez and you need to lower your voice and refrain from using the profanity. There are children in here.”

He managed to stop cussing but he refused to lower his voice. “It’s about time you got here. I’ve been waiting over 15 minutes. Gerald, get your butt over here now.”

I saw the boy slowly get up and walk over towards us. I could tell by his actions he was scared out of his wits by his father’s relentless tirade. “Sir, I’ll not tell you again to lower your voice. The police are here so I will call them if you do not quiet down.”

The man finally took the hint. “Very well, now take us back to a room so we can examine him.”

I looked at him then shook my head. “Examinations of this nature are done in private. There will be a male nurse present and I will have my associate assist me.”

He started shaking his head. “No way Doc, he’s not leaving my sight.”

I started shaking my head. “This is not up for discussion Mr. Flemming. You’ve made some very serious charges and they are going to be investigated.”

Just then we heard a voice. “I knew that kid was a pervert and this proves it.”

I turned around and there stood Joyce Davenport. I quickly put my hand on Barbara’s arm. “What do you know about this Joyce?”

She stood there with a smirk on her face. “Just like I said, I knew that kid was a sexual predator. It was only a matter of time before he attacked some innocent boy.”

Gerald was turning red and could remain silent no longer. “Matt’s no pervert, he never touched me.”

I was looking at the entrance and saw a Virginia Beach police officer walk in. He went over to the registration desk and then I saw a nurse point towards us. “I’m Officer Walker. We got a call about a child being sexually abused.”

Poor Gerald was standing there quietly sobbing. “No one abused me officer. I’ve tried to tell my father that but he won’t listen. He even threatened to tie me to my bed and cut my clothes off.”

Mr. Flemming clinched his fist and was about to swing until he remembered there was a cop standing in front of him. “I never said that.”

I just stood there and glared at him. “Are you certain about that sir?”

“Why you,” he started to raise his hand up but the officer stepped in.

“I wouldn’t do that.”

Mr. Flemming put his hand down then Joyce stepped in. “Officer, I know first hand this boy as been molested.”

Barbara almost went off on her. “How would you know that Joyce, you’re no longer with Social Services. I’d also like to know how you’re even involved with this.”

She got a smirk on her face. “I have my ways and how do I know this, I talked with the boy’s mother.”

Officer Walker was confused. “You’ve spoken with the boy’s mother?”

Barbara stepped in. “I’m Matt’s foster mother. His mother is currently in jail pending trial on charges of abuse.”

He took out his notebook and started writing. “So how does this woman know what’s going on?”

“That’s a very good question,” Barbara replied. “All information is confidential. Joyce, unless you want to be facing trial for violating the ADA’s terms you better start talking.”

She stood there then I saw her lose the color from her face. “All right damn it, I have a contact. I’m not ratting her out either so you can just stick it up your...”

Officer Walker glared at her. “Watch it lady and if you have an agreement in place, this admission just might violate it. Who’s the ADA handling the case?”

“That would be ADA Cindy Wells,” I said smiling.

Joyce lost it and attempted to hit me, “You bastard.”

Barbara got nose to nose with Joyce. “I will find out who leaked that information Joyce even if I have to fire everyone in the department and I don’t think they’re all that loyal to you. Miguel, can you take Gerald and examine him?”

Mr. Flemming grabbed his son by the arm. “I told you Doc, no one examines him without me being present. We’re leaving.”

“Not so fast sir,” Officer Walker stepped in removing his hand from Gerald. “You’ve made a serious allegation and it’s going to be investigated. How old are you young man?”

Gerald looked up at the Officer. “I’m 14, sir.”

The officer nodded his head. “Do you wish your Dad to be there with you?”

He shook his head. “No sir, he’s called me some very nasty names and said after we got back home he was going to beat the queer right out of me.”

Barbara was totally livid. “Joyce, if this proves to be a false accusation, I’m personally holding you responsible. Mr. Flemming, I’m placing Gerald into emergency foster care.”

Gerald looked at Barbara, “Bu… but what about my Mom. She’s still at work and doesn’t know anything about this.”

Joyce looked at Gerald. “Gerald, did you tell your father about that note?”

The scared teen shook his head. “I tried but he hit me hard on the leg and told me to shut up.”

I put my arms around him. “I want you to tell him and this time you won’t be hit.”

He looked up at me and I winked at him. “That note is months old. Matt gave it to me the last time he spent the night.”

Mr. Flemming just stood there with his mouth hanging open. I took Gerald by the hand and led him towards the back. “Barbara, I think you’d better call Gerald’s Mother. She should be here when her son get’s finished and Mr. Flemming, you’re going to have a lot of explaining to do when she gets here.”

On our way back to an exam room, I stopped at the registration desk. “I’m Dr. Sanchez, can you page Dr. Combs to the ER please?”

I took Gerald into an exam room and handed him a gown. “Can you take everything off except your underwear and put this on? I’ll be back in a few moments.”

Gerald put the gown on the table then kicked his shoes off. “You can Stay Dr. Sanchez. If my Dad finds out what Matt and I did he’d kill me.”

I reached out and gave him a hug. “You’ve done nothing more than be curious.”

He looked at me with his mouth open. “How do you know what happened?”

“I was Matt’s foster Dad for a while. He told me what you and he did that’s how I know what your Dad is saying isn’t true.”

Gerald got undressed then sat on the table covering his crotch with the gown. “But there was more that I wanted to do. I really like Matt and I think he really likes me but now it’s all ruined. My Dad will never let him stay over again and I know I’ll never be able to spend any time with him.”

I thought for a moment. “What about your Mom?”

He smiled. “Oh she’s really cool. I think she knows I’m well, gay, but it’s never been a big deal with her.”

“Have you ever sat down and told her?”

He shook his head. “No sir, I mean I’ve never really had a reason to.”

Just then Gerald moved the gown and shucked his undies. “Easy son, I don’t need to see you.”

He smiled and rolled onto his stomach. “No biggie Dr. Sanchez. If you were Matt’s foster Dad and he trusts you, so do I.”

He quickly spread his butt cheeks and I took a quick look at his rectum. I patted his leg when I was done. “OK kiddo, you can get dressed now.”

There was a knock on the door just as Gerald finished pulling his underwear back on. I opened the door and Paul was standing there. “Come on in Paul.”

I made the introductions then explained everything. Gerald let Paul look at his rectum then he got dressed. We talked for a few more minutes then there was another knock on the door. I opened it and there was a nurse standing there with another woman. The woman stuck her head around. “Are you Dr. Sanchez?”

Gerald recognized the voice. “That’s my Mom.”

I opened the door and in came a short stocky built woman. “I’m Gerald’s mother, Ida Flemming. Gerald, what’s going on here son?”

Gerald hopped down and gave his mother a hug. “Dad found an old note Matt wrote me the last time he spent the night.”

“So what’s the big deal and why is there a police officer outside?”

Gerald looked at me then back to his Mom. “He got mad over it then started making phone calls and someone told him Matt was a queer and that sent him over the edge. He told me to strip because he wanted to look at me and I told him no way.”

I could see her getting steamed. “Doctor, can you get my husband back here please?”

I had a nurse go out front and get him. While she was gone Gerald started crying. Ida wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the head. “Relax son, you’re not in any trouble. I’ll take care of this.”

I then remember Gerald said his Dad punched him in the leg. “Gerald, let me see your legs please son?”

He stood and lowered his jeans. Ida saw the bruise forming and almost burst a blood vessel. “I’ll bust his ass.”

I put my hand on her shoulder. “Now that wouldn’t solve a thing ma’am. You both would be in jail and Gerald would be in foster care.”

She turned around and glared at me. “Right now I don’t care. No one does that to a child.”

I nodded my head. “I don’t disagree with you but Gerald needs you.”

Gerald came up and hugged her. “Mom, Dr. Sanchez is right, I need you.”

The nurse returned with Gerald’s Dad. As soon as he came in I thought Ida was going to bust him but she didn’t. As soon as the door was closed she cut loose. “Have you lost your mind?”

He took the note out of his pocket and threw it at her. “Did you see this?”

She looked at it then threw it back at him. “I sure did, that note is months old.”

“That kid’s a pervert. He molested Gerald.”

Ida lost it. “Shut it right now you bastard. No one’s assaulted anyone except you.”

His eyes got huge. “What the hell are you talking about?”

She got right into his face. “You listen and listen well. I’ve seen the bruise on his leg and that will be the first, last and only time you ever touch him. You’ve seriously crossed the line Bart Flemming.”

“Me!” he shouted. “You want a little queer.”

SLAPPPPP!!! Ida let him have it so fast I couldn’t stop her. “Shut it up now. I’m giving you 2 choices Bart.”

He smirked. “You’re giving me 2 choices? Who just hit who?”

He had a point but she didn’t flinch. “You’ve assaulted Gerald, threatened to tie him up AND cut his clothes off, made a false police report and made a false report to Social Services. Should I go on?”

He just stood there. “But you hit me.”

Ida didn’t budge. “Now, you’re to pack your shit and get your sorry ass the hell out of the house.”

Bart didn’t budge either and then came another knock on the door, “Oh yeah?”

I opened the door and there stood Barbara. The small exam room was getting crowded and with all the shouting going on, I didn’t want the patients getting scared. “Paul, can you find a conference room please?”

Paul squeezed himself out then Barbara came in. “Did you do your examination on Gerald?”

I nodded my head. “I’ll tell everyone what I found when Paul comes back. I can’t have this shouting disturbing the other patients.”

Paul came back a few minutes later. “Come on, I found us a room.”

Everyone started to leave then as Gerald stood; Bart made a move towards him. I took him by the shoulder and pushed him towards the door. “Don’t, there is a cop out there and I know he’d love to put cuffs on you.”

He glared at me then to Gerald. “This isn’t over kid.”

Ida heard the comment. “It isn’t Bart?”

He just stormed out of the room and followed Paul and Barbara. Gerald came up to me with a sad expression on his face. “Looks like I’ve really made a mess of things.”

I shook my head. “No you didn’t son. It’s sad some people are so narrow minded they can’t listen to what people are trying to tell them and that’s not your fault son.”

I held my hand out and Gerald took it like it was a life line. We had to pass through the waiting area on the way to the conference room. I got the police officer’s attention and he came over followed closely by Joyce. “Officer if you’ll follow me please, we’ve moved into a conference room.”

Joyce started following. “I guess the truth came out didn’t it Doc. Don’t worry son, that perverted kid WILL be punished.”

Gerald let go of my hand and walked over to her. “The only perverted person here lady is YOU. Matt never did a thing to me.”

I just smiled as Gerald told her off. “Now you will stay here Joyce.”

“WHAT?” she bellowed.

The officer looked at her. “Lower your voice NOW or you’ll be escorted off the premises.”

The 3 of us went to the conference room and Gerald stayed by my side the whole time. “Barbara, Dr. Combs and I did our examination on Gerald. There were no signs of any sexual abuse BUT there is evidence of physical abuse. There is a bruise on Gerald’s right leg consistent with someone punching him. This confirms the boy’s statement that his father punched him.”

She nodded her head. “Thank you very much Dr. Combs and to you too Miguel. Now, in light of these events, I’m inclined to place Gerald in foster care until the parents can work out their differences.”

Gerald looked at me and winked but Bart got irate. “What the hell are you talking about? NO ONE is touching my son.”

That pissed Gerald off. “Oh, like you did? Thanks to you I have a real nice bruise coming in on my leg.”

Ida looked at Barbara. “I’ve given my husband an opportunity to solve this amicably.”

Bart was still standing. “That’s my house too woman and don’t you forget it. All this is over some perverted little faggot.”

“SHUT UP DAD,” Gerald shouted. “Matt’s not like that, he’s my best friend. Mom told you where that note came from but would you believe me, NOOOOOOOOO you just punched me then started making phone calls. Barbara, can I really go into foster care? I love my Mom and don’t want to leave her but I’ll not be around that man over there any more. He’s no longer my father as far as I’m concerned.”

I looked at Ida then to the still steaming Bart. Ida stood then looked at her husband. “I’ve given you a choice, now what’s it going to be?”

Bart was shaking his head. “I own that house too and no one is putting me out of MY home.”

I looked at Officer Walker. “I see signs of physical abuse albeit just that 1 bruise.”

Bart was now glaring at Walker. “I can charge him with that but he will probably make bail. Mrs. Flemming, I would suggest a restraining order for both you and your son while you and he work out your differences.”

“Differences,” Bart yelled. “No son of mine is going to around any damn queer.”

Ida looked at Barbara. “Ma’am, can you make it happen? Can you put Gerald into temporary foster care. Bart, you don’t get it and I’m not putting my son at risk of him being around you. Officer Walker, charge him with what ever you want. I have a lawyer and he’ll be drawing up papers for a divorce. Now hear this Bart, you want out of this easy? I want the house and your ass as far away from us as possible. If you want to do this the hard way we can do that too. One more thing, Gerald is 14 and he can call the shots as to weather or not he wants contact with you but if he does, it will be supervised.”

Barbara went over to the phone and called her office. She didn’t have her briefcase with her and the on call worker would need to come out and bring her the necessary papers. While we were waiting Officer Walker took Bart into custody charging him with child abuse. When Barbara got off the phone, she looked at me. “Miguel, can you handle an emergency placement?”

I looked at Gerald. “Well Barbara, I guess I can but maybe you should ask Gerald if he’d want me to look after him.”

His eyes got big. “Really? Miss Barbara, do you know Dr. Sanchez away from work? I know your Matt’s new Mom and I was wondering if we could see each other.”

That got Barbara and I giggling then I ruffled Gerald’s hair. “Yes kiddo, we know each other socially. I was Matt’s foster parent for a short while.”

Ida looked over. “Barbara, I hope all the legal formalities can be worked out quickly. I don’t want to be away from him any longer than is necessary.”

Just then there was a knock on the door. An elderly woman came in and handed Barbara a folder. “Hi Barbara, I got a family lined up for this boy but they live out in Suffolk.”

Barbara looked at her. “Julie, I just asked for papers. You know I don’t like sending kids out of the city unless I have no choice and school is due to start tomorrow. Now, I have an emergency foster parent ready to take Gerald.”

She sat down and I could tell she did have a bit of an attitude. “Very well ma’am. Now who is this foster parent so I can change this file.”

Barbara looked over at me. “Dr. Sanchez here will be Gerald’s foster parent.”

She looked up at me. “Are you sure about this? I’ve seen his file and he’s single. Personally I think he shouldn’t be allowed to.”

Barbara glared at her. “That will be just enough. Dr. Sanchez is a licensed foster parent as well as being a well respected physician.”

She pulled out a pen and started making changes all the while mumbling under her breath. “I thought we got rid of him.”

“Excuse me?” I said. “Would you mind repeating that?”

Barbara was staring at her then her eyes dropped to the woman’s open briefcase. “You thought WE got rid of him? Please explain yourself and just what is my foster son’s confidential file doing in your briefcase?”

The woman slammed the lid down and closed the file she was working on. “I’m stating for the record now I’m against any single man fostering children. As for what’s in my briefcase it’s MY business.”

Barbara went to reach for the case but the woman moved it but not out of Ida’s reach. The woman stood but Barbara blocked her. “Julie until further notice, you’re suspended pending a full internal investigation. You have confidential material on cases you’re not even assigned to in your possession which is totally against policy. Word leaked out of our office as to the location of my foster son and now you have his file.”

She stood to leave. “Take your file and yes, I told Joyce where he was. He’s the devil’s child.”

Barbara put her hand out. “I’ll take your ID and the keys to the office. Based on your own words here, you’ve violated confidentiality and I have no choice but to terminate you. You do have the right to appeal. Good day.”

Barbara went over and went through the woman’s briefcase and removed Matt’s file. Once she was certain no other files were in there she let the fired worker leave. She sat down and finished the paperwork then had Ida sign it then I signed it. Ida looked at me and sighed. “I guess it’s official now.”

I looked at the sad woman. “It’s only temporary until the court rules on your case.”

Barbara handed her a copy of the papers. “Once we’re sure Gerald is safe we will return him to your custody.”

Gerald came over and hugged his Mom. “I’ll be fine but you know I’ll miss you. I’ll call you all the time and I’m sure Dr. Sanchez will let us see each other. You just get Dad out of our lives.”

I walked over and put my arms around them. “That won’t be a problem. I’m sure Barbara and her husband would be willing too.”

Ida kissed her son. “I’ll be at the lawyer’s office tomorrow bright and early. Will Gerald miss opening day of school?”

I shook my head. “Not if I can help it. What school district do you live in?”

Gerald looked at me. “I go to Bayside.”

Barbara giggled. “You two just remember to concentrate on your school work and not on each other.”

Poor Gerald turned bright red then laughed. “Alright, I don’t want either of us getting into any trouble.”

It was getting late and I knew Matt would be wearing a path in the carpet back at Barbara’s house. “I think we should get going. Ida, why don’t you take Gerald so he can get his clothes packed. I need to take Barbara home then I’ll come over and pick Gerald up.”

Gerald looked at me. “Dr. Sanchez, what should I call you? I mean Dr. Sanchez sounds a little too formal.”

I thought for a second. “Well, when I was Matt’s foster Dad he called me Papa Doc or Pop. In fact, he still does. Ida, if he called me that, would that bother you?”

She shook her head. “That’s fine, what ever Gerald is comfortable with.”

We left the hospital and fought the traffic back out to the Beach. “You noticed I didn’t let on to Gerald that Matt was coming over.”

She giggled. “Yeah I had noticed that and I’m not going to say a word to Matt either. This is going to be fun when they see each other.”

It took us about 45 minutes to get out to the beach to drop Barbara off. I had to hurry and I hated it when Matt came running out and I didn’t have time to talk. As soon as I drove off, he ran to Barbara. “Why didn’t Pop stop? Is something wrong?”

She shook her head and fibbed. “No son, nothing is wrong. He had to run by the store to pick up some groceries. You two had been gone for the last 4 days.”

Matt was still antsy. “But I was going to spend the night. I could have gone to the store with him. Is Papa mad at me?”

Barbara lifted his chin. “Oh no son, he’s not mad at you. I bet you haven’t repacked your bag now have you?”

Matt turned a little red. “Um well no ma’am, I haven’t.”

She gave Matt a kiss on the head and a little swat on his butt. “Then I suggest you get that done. Miguel said he’d be home in about an hour.”

To be continued...

Posted: 07/25/08