Date: Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:58:22 -0500
From: Miguel Sanchez <miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com>
Subject: Julio, The Growing Years Ch 35

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and that of love. Any resemblance to
actual places, events, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
This story may contain erotic and/or sexually explicit behavior between
consenting teens. If it is illegal for you to, or you find this sort of work
offensive, don't download or read it!

The people in this story do not use protection because diseases don't exist
here. However, in our world they do so please use caution and protection.

This story is protected by copyright. It may not be downloaded or copied for
other than your private enjoyment and may not be changed in any way without
the expressed written consent of the author. This story may not be put on
any other site without the author's express written consent.

I reply to all emails, except flames. You may write me at
miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com

I hope you enjoy this story.
Miguel Sanchez

Copyright Miguel Sanchez 2006


Julio -- The Growing Years

Chapter 35

Marco and I talked a little longer then I turned the TV on to watch the
news. After the news was over, I called it a night because we had a full day
tomorrow.

I had intended to sleep in a little as I figured nothing could or would be
handled much before 10. I had planned on having breakfast with the kids
before Steven and Angel headed back to Blacksburg. As are all good
intentions, mine were interrupted by the phone ringing at 8:00. It took a
few rings before I was coherent. "Hello."

The voice on the other end was chipper for that hour. "Mr. Sanchez, this is
the sales lady from the home site."

I couldn't imagine what she would be doing calling at that hour. "Yes, what
can I do for you?"

This woman could talk the ear off a brass monkey. "Well Mr. Sanchez, I
remember what you said yesterday so I was talking with the builder. I was
also talking with the buyers of the other unit. The buyers said they would
need a little extra time before they could close so the builder will be
giving your unit top priority. He expects to have the unit completely under
roof in about 2 weeks and figures the unit to be totally completed and
everything installed in about 6. He also said anything over $80,000 he would
absorb."

Except for getting woken up out of a sound sleep, that was good news.
"That's very good news. I'll be waiting for closing information from you."

"You'll be receiving something from the attorney who will be handling the
closing," she replied. "That should be in about 4 to 6 weeks."

I hung up the phone then laid my head back down and tried to doze back to
sleep. I had almost succeeded when Marco got up and went to the bathroom. As
soon as he's flushed the toilet, I was wide awake again. I looked at the
clock and it was almost 9. `Might was well get up.'

I went into the bathroom and emptied my bladder and as I came out I smelled
frosh coffee going. I threw on my clothes and Marco poured me my morning
wake up. "What time will Steven and Angel be down?"

I was about to answer when there was a knock on the door. Marco opened it
and in came the 4 kids. "Morning Daddy," my girl said in a chipper voice
seeing that I was only half awake.

I gulped the last of the coffee down and poured another cup. "Sweetie, how
do you manage to be so chipper in the morning?"

She'd been like that ever since I found her at the mall. Maybe it's a female
thing but needed some time to wake up. "When I see Steven and everyone it
just makes me happy I'm a part of this family Daddy."

She had become an important part of this family and even though she was an
adult, I still thought of her as Daddy's little girl. Jay and Ronnie were
having a cup of coffee then we all went out for breakfast. Steven and Angel
had already packed so they brought their bags down and put them into their
car. After breakfast, I hugged them both goodbye as Steven still had a week
left before spring break. "You two be careful heading back and call me
tonight."

I watched as Steven and Angel drove off. Jay, Ronnie, Marco and I got back
into the Blazer and went back to the hotel. We went up to our rooms and
packed for the trip home. I could see the looks Jay and Ronnie were giving
each other. "Relax boys, you'll be together again soon enough. It's going to
be hard not having you all at home."

That seemed to hit Jay hard. "That's right Dad. You'll have to come here and
stay with us this summer."

I knew I needed to go back to Receife to see how the hotel was coming. With
the boys working on the restaurant, our time together would be limited and
Ronnie would be putting in the longest hours. "Oh I will son. I`ll have to
make a trip to Receife at some point to see how the hotel is going."

All three boys came over and hugged me. Marco kissed me on the cheek and
hugged me again. "Pop, I'm going to have to head out early. I'll have to
find a place to stay. Two guys from UVA are going to meet me and hopefully
we will find a place."

I held him by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes. "Marco, when we get
back, I'll have the agent that found me Steven's place get to work on
finding you a place. I don't want you heading out there without a place to
go."

That idea still wasn't sitting well so I called him from the hotel room. I
told him I wanted a three bedroom apartment close to the UCLA campus. He
informed me that he knew an agent that deals with apartments for students
and he would get right on it. I felt better but didn't like Marco being left
out. "Pop, thanks. When we get home I'll call my friends, I have their
number. They're spending the summer out there with friends."

Between the real estate agent and Marco's friends, finding a decent place
shouldn't be that hard, I hope. "Please do Marco. The sooner you all find a
place, the better I'll feel."

Just then the phone rang. It was the hotel owner letting me know he was
downstairs. Marco and I checked our room while Jay and Ronnie did a quick on
theirs. We went downstairs and checked out and then met with the owner. "Hi
Mr. Sanchez, I heard about last night and what a success it was."

I smiled and Jay just giggled. The owner looked at us like we were crazy.
"Thank you sir," Jay replied as he got his giggles under control. "I kinda
had a little to do with it. I called a lot of my friends at the dorm and
they told their friends."

The man shook his head. "Your friends made that kind of impact?"

Now I knew all those people there weren't all from the university. "I don't
think all of the guests last night were from Duke. I don't know how full the
hotel is but I'm assuming some of them were staying here."

I sat and talked with the owner for a few more minutes then we got down to
business. He pulled the lease out of his briefcase and I looked it over. I
read it very carefully making sure everything we'd agreed to had been listed
and it was. I signed it then wrote the man a check for the first 3 months. I
figured by that time, Ronnie should have the place up and running and he
could make the payments. I would have to talk with my accountant and lawyer
as to how best to set Ronnie up for this venture. "Thank you Mr. Sanchez.
Mr. Hawkins will be out of there in 2 weeks. I'll make sure I get his keys
to the place."

I shook my head when I head that. "That's not necessary sir. Darrel will be
staying on as the manager."

The owner got a strange look on his face. "Are you sure about this?"

I knew that whole story where the owner didn't. "Yes, I'm quite sure. Darrel
is our manager."

I got a receipt for my check and a copy of the lease. The boys and I headed
out to the parking lot. We gave Jay hugs and kisses. "We'll see you soon
son."

I got a long hug back from him. "I know you're going to be busy this summer
but you have a permanent room in our home."

I like the idea of that but didn't want to keep his friends from visiting.
Marco kissed him next then Ronnie and Jay said their goodbyes. Marco and I
watched as the boys hugged and kissed then Jay finally broke the hug. "Take
care baby and I'll see you in a few weeks. I'll not miss your graduation."

I watched Jay walk over to his car, get in and drive away heading back to
the campus. Ronnie, Marco and I got into the Blazer then left for home. We
took a casual drive home and stopped for lunch in Virginia. We pulled into
the driveway at 3 and Ronnie made a bee line for the phone. "Dad, it's
Angel."

I took the phone and Angel was telling me she and Steven were fine. I spoke
with Steven for a few minutes then helped the boys get our bags into the
house. Ronnie came into my room and picked my clothes up. "I'm going to get
the laundry going then start dinner. I'm still hyped from the weekend. I
still can't believe I have my own restaurant."

I watched as Ronnie took my clothes then go to the laundry room. While he
and Marco did that, I called my accountant. He suggested the Foundation run
the place that way liability would be on them rather than me or Ronnie. I
told him the lease was already signed. He reminded me that as head of the
Foundation, I could still list the Foundation as the owner. I told him I
would get back to him then called my attorney.

My lawyer said an LLC would be the best way to go. That way just the assets
of the corporation would be in jeopardy should they be sued. I liked that
idea and knew Ronnie well enough he would not let that happen. I had him
draw the papers up and he said he'd call me when they were ready. I had to
think about who the corporate officers would be then decided Ronnie would be
the President with Jay being the Vice President. Angel, who had the
financial and business sense, would be Secretary Treasurer.

The weeks passed quickly and soon Ronnie was taking his finals. Ronnie came
home and handed me an envelope. "What's this son?"

Ronnie shook his head. "I haven't a clue Dad. The graduation ceremonies are
on Saturday at 7 at night."

Ronnie went into his room and I opened the envelope. In the envelope were
seating assignments for the family. There was note included with the
assignments. It read:

"To the family of Ronald Sanchez,

Your son Ronald has been selected as Valedictorian for this years graduating
class. He will be informed once finals have been completed as not to add any
additional pressure on him. On behalf of the school, we wish to congratulate
him and you, his parents."

I was really moved by this. It was so hard not to go into his room and hug
him telling him how proud I was for him. This would be the crowing moment to
three years of very hard work by him. "Son, how many more exams do you
have?"

"Tomorrow is my last one Dad," he shouted as he came out in his underwear.
"I think Marco has his Citizenship test tomorrow too."

Marco walked out of the kitchen holding a soda. "Shit, I forgot all about
it. Thanks for reminding me bro. I'll be looking over everything tonight."

So much for me sharing this with Marco, I didn't want anything distracting
him from his test. He was just as smart as any of the others but I knew what
the meant.

Ronnie put on a pair of shorts then started dinner. After we ate, Marco
disappeared as did Ronnie. I sat and watched TV then wondered what Ronnie
was doing. I looked in his room and he wasn't there. I tapped on Marco's
door then opened it softly. "What's up Pop?"

I shook my head. "Have you seen Ronnie?"

He giggled at my question. "He's in the kitchen. He's working on a recipe
for tomorrow. It's his final."

I closed Marco's door then went out to the kitchen. There was Ronnie with
all kinds of stuff out on the counter. I didn't see his usual cards with his
ingredients on it. He was measuring out this and that and pitting it into
one bowl or another. I watched him for I don't know how long then he stepped
back and smiled. He turned and looked at the door and saw me standing there.
"It's going to be perfect Dad."

I didn't know what he had planned but it appeared like a desert. "What are
you planning son?"

He looked up then smiled. "It's a recipe of Uncle Luiz's. Do you remember
the German Chocolate cake he used to make?"

How could I forget my all time favorite desert? After he passed away, I
missed that so much but could never ask Ronnie to make it. I smiled then
wiped the tears from my face. "That was my all time favorite son."

Ronnie came over and hugged me. "I've taken his recipe and made a few little
modifications. He would use some powered cocoa and I've substituted whole
chocolate."

I had to ask him but I was wondering what his answer would be. "Ronnie, do
you think you could make it for me some time?

I heard Ronnie sniffle a little as he walked over to me. He wrapped his arms
around and I pulled him into my chest. "Sure Dad, I'll be glad to make it
for you. Do you think Uncle Luiz would be mad that I made some changes to
his recipe?"

I know better than that. "Not on your life son. He'd be proud that you're
using something he taught you how to make. He would be even prouder that
you've improved it."

Ronnie was crying hard and I wasn't much better. We held onto each other
until we got our emotions under control. "I guess you're right Dad. I wish
he was here to see this."

I kissed him on the cheek. "He is son. I know he's watching you."

I held Ronnie for a few more minutes then I heard Marco standing in the
door. I don't know how long he was standing there but he came over and
wrapped us both in a hug. "How about I help you guys clean up the kitchen?"

The three of us cleaned up the kitchen then went into the living room and
relaxed. I sat on the sofa and Ronnie was cuddled beside me. This had been
an exhausting evening. I got lost in my thoughts and the next thing I knew,
Marco was gently shaking Ronnie. "Come on bro, it's almost 11 and we have a
full day tomorrow."

I quickly got my wits about me and sat Ronnie up. His eyes were open but he
was still half asleep. I let him sit there a few minutes then I helped him
to his feet. Marco held him while I stood then wrapped my arm around
Ronnie's waist. This brought back memories of when he was just a little boy.
I used to pick him up and carry him to bed but he was too big for that now.
I walked him down the hall towards his room and Marco came with us. By the
time we got to his room, Ronnie was awake enough to walk on his own. Marco
gave him a quick kiss then I followed Ronnie inside. I gave him a hug and
kiss then left him to go to bed.

I went down to Marco's room and gave him a hug and kiss too. "Sleep well
son. I know you'll do fine tomorrow."

Marco slipped his pants off then slid under the covers. I turned the light
off and closed the door. "Good night Pop."

I stuck my head back inside the room. "Good night son."

I was mentally exhausted. I had good news that Ronnie was going to be
Valedictorian and he was using a recipe taught to him by Luiz on his final.
I went and checked the house to me sure the doors were locked then went to
my room. I set the alarm so I would be up before the boys had to leave then
crawled into bed.

It seemed I just got comfortable when the alarm was sounding off waking me
up. I did my bathroom duty then got dressed and went to make the coffee.
When I got near the kitchen, I started smelling coffee. I looked in the
kitchen and Ronnie was at the stove. "Can't you relax just one day son?"

Ronnie lifted his head from what he was doing to look at me. "It's just you,
Marco and me Dad. It's not that much to do."

I shook my head trying to understand him. I guess it was something that had
been engrained in him. After Luiz died, Ronnie has made sure we were fed. No
matter what time I had my alarm set for, he was up before me. "I understand
that son, but you have your last exam today. I'd planned on feeding you
guys."

Ronnie gave me that patented `I have it covered' look so I just fixed myself
a cup of coffee and sat at the table. Marco came in a few minutes later just
as Ronnie was about to put the food on the table. The three of us talked
while we ate then he was going to start to clean up but I managed to stop
him. "Not so fast son. You cooked and you have to leave shortly. I'll take
care of this."

Ronnie and Marco got ready to leave. Marco's test was slated to begin at 10
but he had to drive a good ways and fight traffic the majority of the way.
Ronnie had just 1 final but it would take most of the morning. I gave each
boy a hug then prayed each would do well.

I had another cup of coffee and read the morning paper. I was lost in an
article when the phone rang. "Hello."

I took a sip of coffee and listened to the voice on the other end. "Um is
Marco there? This is his friend Dean from college."

I quickly gathered my thoughts. "Yes Dean, this is Miguel Sanchez. Marco's
not here at the moment."

The voice sounded a little disappointed. "I see. Well, he called me and said
you were going to help us find a place out here."

"That's right son," I replied upbeat. "I've contacted an agent here. He'll
be getting in touch with someone out there."

"Yes sir," Dean interrupted. "That's why I'm calling. My parents have a nice
3 bedroom house they're willing to let us use while we're in school. The
last tenants moved out a month ago and I happened to ask them about it."

This was great news. Paulo and I were helping Marco financially so he would
be able to help with expenses. "Dean, that's great news. I was really
worried about you boys not having a decent place to live while in school."

Dean gave me the address and directions. I didn't like the idea of Marco
driving across the country but I knew he wouldn't go out there without his
car. "I'll have Marco call you as soon as he gets home son. He's taking his
citizenship test today."

"Oh wow sir," Dean said. "I hope he passes. Give him my best and I'll be
awaiting his call. Goodbye."

This was totally fantastic news. This is a huge load off my mind. Now I
don't have to worry about any of the boys while they're in school. I
reheated my coffee then finished reading the paper. I had just rinsed my cup
out when I heard the garage door close. I wondered which of my boys were
home. "Pop, where are you?"

I stepped out of the kitchen so Marco could see me. "How'd it go son?"

I could see a smile on his face so I was assuming good news. "It went really
well Pop. I did like I do in school. I trust my gut when I put an answer
down then don't try and second guess myself later."

That was a problem I had but finally learned how. "That's great son. Did
they say when you'd have the results?"

"There weren't that many people there, maybe 15. The guy said the results
should be mailed out in about a month."

That would be super if he could leave for Med School with that load off his
mind. "Sounds good. By the way, your friend Dean called. His parents have a
house they're going to let you guys use while you're in school."

Marco broke out in a huge smile when he heard that. "Wow, that's great. I'll
give him a call."

Just then the garage door opened and in walked Ronnie. I could tell he knew
about being named Valedictorian because he had a smile from ear to ear on
his face. "Oh Dad, I'm Valedictorian."

He came over and I wrapped my arms around him. "Congratulations son. You've
worked hard for it. How'd your cake come out?"

His smile turned to a frown when I asked him that. "It was great Dad.
Everyone liked it so much there wasn't any left so I could bring you home
any."

I kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry son. I'm glad it was a hit. Now,
when is graduation?"

"Saturday week Dad," Ronnie said as he headed for his room. "I have to sit
and write a speech. I'm not a speaker Dad. Everything I am, I owe to you
all. If it wasn't for you, Jay and Luiz, I'd be nothing."

When he came out, I put my hands on his shoulders. "Now don't you sell
yourself short son. Yeah, I adopted you and brought you here and Luiz showed
you how to cook. The love of cooking you had. Luiz helped bring that out,
but it's always been there."

I saw Ronnie deep in thought at what I'd said. "Yeah Dad, but I can't
imagine life without you all. That first day I met you, there was just
something that made me feel safe."

I kissed his cheek and held him close. "Just write from your heart son and
you'll do fine."

Marco came in and popped Ronnie on the butt. "Relax bro, you'll be fine. You
don't need a huge speech. Listen to Pop."

We finally got Ronnie back down to earth and I decided to take him out to
dinner. He went into his room and gave Jay the good news. I could only hear
his side of the conversation and if Jay was as animated as Ronnie, I know he
was happy for him.

When we got home from dinner I asked Ronnie what he would be doing for the
next two weeks. "Dad, we have to clean up. The kitchens have to be ready for
the next year. We'll be there half days."

Ronnie's first week passed quickly. By mid week, he was bringing his
personal things home. Most of the items stay boxed as he was taking those to
Durham. Jay got home on Thursday and was waiting for Ronnie. He heard the
garage door open and he was hiding on the other side. I met Ronnie and took
his load then Jay pulled him into his arms. "How's my brainy lover?"

I carried the box down to Ronnie's room and when I returned, the two of them
were still locked at the lips. Marco was standing there giggling shaking his
head. "Will you two get a room?"

Ronnie turned several shades of red and I couldn't hold my laughter any
longer. "That has to be one of the longest kisses on record."

Jay giggled a little. "What's wrong Dad? Can't I welcome my lover home?"

I walked over and hugged them both. "Of course you can son. But if you'd
have welcomed him any longer, you both would need a shower."

"Dad!" Ronnie shouted.

Marco got in on the ribbing. "Bro, the last time I saw a kiss like that,
Angel was locked with Steven."

"Alright guys," Jay said hugging Ronnie. "Sorry for getting carried away.
I've missed my man and I'm so proud of what he's done."

Ronnie went down to his room and came out with a piece of paper. "Dad, can
you read this?"

To be continued



Come join me in my groups and read stories by me and some other great
authors.

The Fantastic family of groups

http://groups.yahoo/group/stories_byfantastic    for all your gay story
needs
http://groups.yahoo/group/gold_byfantastic      older stories from the
management team

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pics1_byfantastic  for all your
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pics2_byfantastic    fantastic
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pics3_byfantastic       picture
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pics4_byfantastic        needs

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scallyboys_byfantastic  for your pics of
fantastic scallies



http://groups.google.com/group/MikkiWriter    our Google backup group in
case yahoo strikes



And not forgetting the five great groups operated by three members of the
management team,
but not strictly part of the fantastic family

First we have our yummy man Bill littleleroys groups where you can get great
pictures of
all your yums.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bills_yummieland
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Billsyummieland2


Secondly we have two fellow nifty authors' sites which cater for different
audiences.

First there is Marky's picture group this group only allows pics of sexy
lads in either water
or around water
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Markys_WaterHotties

Then there is his new group for all types of hotties
Markys_WaterHotties-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

And lastly we have Haggis's story group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Story_Boi_Board

So pop along and join one of these great groups soon.

Miguel Sanchez
Groups co-owner fantastic groups