Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 18:42:24 -0500
From: miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com
Subject: Julio Chpater 11

Well, here I go again telling you the same things.  If you are not old
enough to read this story, then don't. This story is copyrighted and
protected. Distribution of this material without the written consent of the
author is a copyright violation. Legal action will be taken against
violators. If you copy it, you can't change anything and this warning must
be included. You can e-mail me at: miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com.

And now, Chapter 11. The boys learn about prejudice.


Julio



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.

	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
alot 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.

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What surprise awaits Steven when he goes to bed now that they are free to
do almost anything they want? How does Miguel sort out his feelings over
what happened with Dr. Davis? Find out in Chapter 12 of "Julio, A Child of
the Streets."