Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 12:39:54 -0600
From: Gary <gary_q@hotmail.com>
Subject: Patient John Doe 33

Author's note re temp: Something happened to the HTML code with the first
33, sorry about that!  Here it is in TXT, until we can figure out what
happened.  Also, I am working on a site to provide those who want or need
TXT instead of HTML a source for it without overloading Nifty. Have a
glance at http://www.koolpages.com/garysgarden/   It is very raw, but hope
it will inprove!

Now, where were we!

Author's note: I have not abandoned Shawn and Joey, another chapter is
forthcoming. (or for England Swings).  Some developments, between my good
friend and collaborator Miguel, that might make many PJD readers happy have
been going on, Read more soon!

But when Mike gets well;  Everyone please say a get well prayer for him!
He's stuck in a hospital, in a different state from his family, taking
shots in the arm and butt instead of from a jigger glass!

If you will forgive, a personal note to Miguel: Hey, at least you get a
break from getting poked by a pair of horns, or from your Unicorn Colt!
(Got'ch again boys!)

			   Chapter Thirty-three

     Pieter and Johnny were studying when I entered the house, while
Edwardo and Ruben quietly played a computer game on Mary's laptop in the
family room.  Damn, she is good!  I chucked as Ronnie's new sons started to
jump up and greet me, then after glancing toward the kitchen, waved and
continued their game.  I decided not to break the mood and just waved at
the brothers and Mary then went directly into my bedroom to change clothes.
     I quickly shed my pants and shirt, looking forward to getting into the
pool and relaxing. I had just stripped out of my socks and underwear and
stepped into my walk-in closet to get a pair of swim trunks when my door
bedroom door burst open.  "Adam!" Cindy growled from the bedroom.
     "Cindy! Please, I'm changing clothes!" I snapped, digging for
something to put on.
     "You have to sign these immediately!"  "Time is running out, if you
hurry I still can file this afternoon!  Come on!" she demanded.
     "Cindy!" I yelled.
     I started to relax slightly when I heard the bedroom door close,
assuming she had come to her senses and left my bedroom.  I almost jumped
out of my skin when Mary's voice snarled, "Do you mind!  There are young
people trying to study out there!"  Her voice had the bite I had never
heard, that of the school mum from hell and completely opposite from the
kindly grandmother tone I was used to.
     Fuck, where's Angel?  Did she fly back for the floorshow?  I asked
myself as I frantically hopped around the closet, trying to get both legs
into my trunks at the same time.  I have got to get the well tested, it HAS
to be something in the water! I decided about my nut-ranch.
     Cindy and Mary were standing just inside the bedroom's door, in the
middle of a staring contest, when I came out of the closet.  "I apologize
for the disturbance," I told Mary.  I ignored Cindy's glare and continued,
"I normally wouldn't ask this Mary, but may I speak to Pieter for a couple
of minutes? Something ... pressing has come up."
     "I'll get him," I offered when she agreed.  Taking the papers out of
Cindy's hand I added, "I'm sure Cindy wants to fill you in on her day while
the boy and I are talking."  My neck tensed as I felt the darts Cindy was
firing from her eyes strike it.
     I grabbed a beer from behind the bar before kissing Edwardo and Ruben
on the top of their heads, then went into my study.  After rubbing Johnny's
shoulders for a second and kissing what ended up being one of his headgear
straps, I gave Pieter a quick peck on his hair and whispered that I wanted
to talk to him into his ear. He gave me a slightly worried look, but leaned
against me as I guided him out of his chair.
     How to handle this, and get the right effect, I asked myself as we
walked arm in arm across the family room toward the patio.  True to form,
Cindy had maneuvered through the bureaucratic quagmire otherwise know is
INS.  Using legal loopholes and some 'creative lawyermanship' I hoped was
legal, she had managed to bypass the months long wait to get the lad's
status changed from visiting the US on a medical visa to permanent status,
based on the 'medical emergency' she was asking me to certify.
     As we stepped onto the patio I started to usher him into one of the
loungers, but his face told me otherwise, and I sat down and lifted his
little body into my lap.  He squirmed on my thighs and looked at me with a
half frightened, half businessman face as I put my arm around his thin
waist.
     "Have you had any more dreams?" I asked. "Or had any more come true?"
I felt his muscles stiffen as he nodded his head he had not, and mouthed
something without words.  "These are two legal documents about you, that I
have been asked to sign."  He took a deep breath as his little abdomen
tightened as stiff as steel.
     "But, if I sign them, they are not dreams you can wake up from, they
are sort of forever.  A lot like that," I said, pointing up at my mountain.
     "This one says you have to stay in America until you are at least
eighteen years old," I fibbed.  "This one certifies, well says, that your
new parents are the right ones to raise you, and that it is, okay for them
to adopt you." Welcome to cooperate America, you will fit in well! I
thought as I looked at the baby-faced Wall Street level CEO sitting in my
lap.
     "But, like I said, if I sign them there is no turning back, this isn't
a dream.  You are stuck in America, and are a good as adopted, and very
soon.  Do you want me to sign these?"
     To my surprise he jerked the papers out of my hand.  His beautiful
eyes darted back and forth at lightening speed as he rifled through the
pages for a split second before he announced, "There, Pappa, that is you.
That is where you sign it, please, please?"
     "I will, but I didn't bring a pen out here," I snickered. My chuckle
quickly turned to anguish when he planted his hand in my groin and pushed
off my lap with such force I was sure I was sterile, and wondered if he had
dislocated both, or only one of my hip joints.
     "Ouch! Slow down!" rang from the patio door.  That's what you get for
eavesdropping, I groaned as I saw Cindy just inside the door, hopping
around on one foot and rubbing the instep of her other.
     A split second later a platinum topped rocket burst out the still open
door, its colt-like legs flailing like an ice skater's as they fought for
traction and raced toward me.  Oh Shit! I thought when I saw him go
airborne.  I tried to brace myself for the supersonic little body before it
landed in my lap.
     "I brought two sir!  So if one doesn't work, here Pappa, please!?!" he
gasp, thrusting a pen into my hand.  "Pappa, why are you crying?"  Wait
until you reach puberty, you'll know, my bruised crotch answered for me.
     Fuck it, let's do it right! I decided. I turned his little body so his
thin back was to me, and used his bony torso as a desk to sign each of the
affidavits.  "Your are really stuck now!" I teased, pulling him against my
chest.
     "Congratulations, young Pieter Roberts, but remember I'm still your
spare dad!" I said before kissing his temple.  I almost died when he
squirmed around in my still aching lap, but enjoyed what had to be one of
the warmest hugs I had ever received from anyone, accented by ten or
fifteen face kisses and giggled 'I love you Pappa's.
     Edwardo and Ruben appeared at the sides of my chair a couple of
seconds later.  As soon as Pieter what I was sure, in Portugese, filled
them in and showed them the documents they began cheering and
congratulating him, leaning into my lap to hug him.  I caught a glimpse of
Cindy off to the side, smiling as she watched the boys.
     I'm sure from hearing the commotion Johnny rushed out the door a
minute or so later.  "What's going on?" he tried above the cheering and
laughter. He stopped only a foot or so from his friends and I and looked
down at the pasture for a quick second before hooting, "For real! Yeah,
Yeah!" he told the horses staring at us.
     Shit, I'm going to end up a cripple over this! I gasp as he landed on
my knees and hugged Pieter.  Thankfully both boys climbed out of my lap as
all four of them passed the sacred documents between themselves and danced
around.  After a deep breath and long swallow of beer, I risk climbing out
of my seat, I'm sure at least partly to investigate the damage to my body.
     "I'm sorry I was so, so demanding," Cindy said as she helped me to my
feet.  "I was just so excited, so anxious to make everything official
before something went wrong. I didn't consider how it would impact my, my
new son.  I am sorry Adam," she apologized.
     I attempted a few steps, and thankfully figured out that my legs were
not broken, and that my reproductive organs were at least considering
dropping back into my groin and out of my throat where they had taken
refuge. I had just taken a couple of normal breaths when she asked, "But
may I use your fax?  I have to get this filed!"
     "Of course, you know you don't have to ask!" I answered, trying to get
my voice back to somewhere near a normal tone.  As much as it hurt I had to
chuckle when we looked around.  "You're welcome to use my printer too," I
added as we watched Johnny and Pieter rush through the pasture gate, waving
Cindy's sacred documents at the four legged fan club waiting for them.
     "Go on, it's okay," I told Edwardo and Ruben when I noticed them
standing at the edge of the patio deck, casting frightened glances between
us and the pasture.
     "Adam! God Damnit Adam, you have to teach Johnny some control!" Cindy
barked as we watched my boy holding out one of the court documents to
Ginger and Zoe.
     "Self control, I'll work on it, perhaps group therapy," I chuckled as
I watched her fume.
     Venus, Zeus and Hera nosed the paperwork Pieter was holding out to
them.  "Whatever, if Ginger and Zoe approve it, it's official!" I teased
before limping to the pool's edge and sliding into the water.
     Big Ronnie arrived at the house while we were eating supper. He and
Cindy spent a few minutes going over the details for tomorrow's INS hearing
after we finished eating, and I felt a little sorry for his new sons a few
minutes later when he announced it was time to go home. Despite assurance
they would be back at the ranch after the hearing to begin their studies
under Mary's tutelage, they weren't at all happy about leaving their young
friends, both two and four legged.
     It didn't really occur to me that the horses the brothers had been
riding earlier were still saddled until the other boys announced they were
going down to groom their animals.  Ruben snapped immediately, informing
his new dad they couldn't leave, that they had to take care of their
mounts.
     I earned a pair of shocked, then disbelieving looks when I suggested,
"Why don't you ride them home?"
     "They are your horses," their new dad added.  "You guys ride over and
I'll meet you there.  Then after the hearing I'll help you saddle them, and
you can ride them back here to start school."
     From their facial expressions I waited for smoke to puff out of their
ears as they digested our suggestion.  "We may ride horses to school?"
Edwardo risk in a high voice.
     "You're in Texas now, everyone rides horses to school!"  I teased.
Well, at least here on the nut ranch, I chuckled to myself as they hooted
and hugged Ronnie and I.
     Young Pieter wasn't overly thrilled a few minutes later when Cindy
told he and Junior it was time to go home. When Cindy informed him she was
going to drop him off for a dentist appointment on the way to the hearing,
then Johnny and Mary would pick him up he all but pouted.  Our assurances
the appointment was just for an Orthodontic exam, and no more fillings or
shots helped a little, but Mary saved the day when she suggested they stop
for pizza before returning to the ranch.
     His babyish face brightened briefly, then tensed slightly as he
considered her suggestion.  "Thank you ma'am, but, perhaps we could eat
those, how do you say, tomato pies? The ones like Doctor Pappa, and Mom and
Dad took me to eat? You will like them ma'am, they are very delicious!"
     "An excellent idea! I will give Mary directions where to find the
Tomato Pie Restaurant," I interceded as Mary shot Cindy and I a confused
look.  Cindy and I had to avert our eyes from each other to keep from
bursting out in laughter as I showed them outside.
     "You're evil, evil inside," Mary softly chucked when I whispered her
where to find our mystery Tomato Pie Restaurant.
     I had to force myself to concentrate on my patients the next day as
the morning wore on, wondering what has going on at the Federal building,
and with the Sanchez family.  After each patient session I rifled through
my messages and email, and even found myself giving my cell phone dirty
looks for not producing the phone call I was waiting for.
     What do the TV lawyers say about long hearings, about how long a jury
deliberates? I asked myself as lunchtime approached.  Wake up, dumb ass, I
thought as I tried to remember old episodes of LA Law and Law and Order I
had watched back in Medical School, looking for legal advice.
     I was about to begin the last patient session of my morning when my
cell phone rang. I took a deep breath when I saw Jay's name on the caller
ID before answering.  "Good morning Jay. How is everything going?  Well I
hope," I answered.
     "Hectic but well I suppose. I had an emergency last night and managed
about three hours sleep on the plane, and have been in meetings all
morning, but I'll survive. If I ever get to the house and slow down things
have to get better."
     "What about..." I tried to asked.
     "I'm between meetings, but I wanted to ask if you would be available
to meet with a couple of colleagues and I later in the day. We would like
to discuss something with you." he cut me off.  I knew I should have gone
to that damn hearing, I chastised myself.  'You're not needed'.  Cindy, you
are dead meat!
     "Ah, of course. Do I need to get over there now? What went..." I
stopped, not wanting to invite disaster.  "I can break free if needed," I
offered. Sharpen your claws girl, I mentally told my Jaguar.  I sat my next
patient's chart down and started toward the exit door.
     "No, not at all. If this jells we are looking at weeks, or months of
work, if everyone involved can come to terms.  Perhaps after you finish
your rounds, can we meet for a drink or supper?"
     Weeks? Or months? I gasp as I collapsed against the wall.  Oh God, I
knew everything was going too well.  And this prick want to worry about it
over a drink tonight?  "What happened? Are the boys..." I decided not to
go there.  "Where are the boys?" I risked, praying he wouldn't say in INS
custody.
     "They are with Ronnie, I think they were going home. I had to rush to
another meeting so I didn't..."
     "At the hearing! What happened at the God Damn hearing!" I demanded so
loudly he probably could hear me without the phone connection.
     "Oh.  It was very routine, Cindy performed her magic as expected," he
replied.  "I'm sorry, I thought you had been notified.  As Cindy predicted
the immigration and adoption plan was approved, the immigration judge will
basically sign off on anything your Judge Rodriguez approves."
     "Adam? Adam are you still there?" his voice snapped me back I'm sure
several seconds later.  "Would you have a few minutes this afternoon? I
have to fly back to Norfolk tonight, but this could very well be worth your
while, worth all of our time."
     "Let's meet at the ranch, about four.  I want to get home as soon as I
can," I mumbled.  "If you wouldn't mind, call Mary and asked her to prepare
a snack, we can meet at my house."  'Kill Cindy, a slow, painful death,' I
added to my to-do list as I crawled back down the hall to my session.
     Yes, finally, it's about that time! I snickered as my ranch's white
fence came into sight.  Zoe, Hera and a couple more big black heads,
staring impatiently down the road, seemed to agree as I got nearer.  Zoe's
angry glare told me she wasn't waiting to greet me.  This is going to be an
interesting tale, I thought as Edwardo and Ruben's saddled horses joined
Zeus and several other animals to watch the gate open.  Damn, they do know!
Did they hear them or smell them? I added when Cornerstone's van stopped
behind my car and let Mark and Ronnie off, their fan club snorting and
neighing from the other side of the fence.
     Both boys dove into the back seat before I drove up to the house. I
braced myself for them to slam into our good afternoon hug as parked
between a couple of strange cars in front of the house and climbed out of
the car, but signed and shrugged my shoulders as they bailed out of the car
and ran past me toward the pasture.  Well, I know where I rate!
     Edwardo and Ruben were tucked under Jay's arms when I entered the
family room.  To my surprise they were talking to John, my old Medical
school roommate that had helped arrange the surgery on Johnny's leg.  I had
just extended my hand toward John when a high pitched rang "Pappa!" from
behind. I turned in time to see Pieter sliding down the stairway's
banister.  He slipped under my extended arm before John could accept my
hand.
     "I wonder where you are going?" I teased as I pulled on the back
beltloop of his tight Levis, after hugging him.  Before he could answer
Johnny pushed under my other arm and threw both arms around my waist.  "Do
you remember Doctor..." I began, but was cut off as Mark and Ronnie
darted in and hugged Jay.
     "Welcome to my nut ranch," I chuckled toward John.
     After a couple of harsh glares the boys calmed down enough that I
could introduce them to our guest.  A split second huddle later Mark and
Ronnie bolted upstairs as the other kids broke toward the patio door at a
dead run.
     "Amazing, a truly remarkable recovery. He is even using his arm!" John
commented as he watched Johnny sprinting toward the pasture gate.
     "He has about seventy-five percent function, I'm going for ninty-nine
percent, and a baseball pitcher," Jay said.
     "Thanks to you, both of you," I answered.  "I'm sure your boss will be
thrilled too," I added toward John.
     His and Jay's soft chuckle made me turn toward them.  "Former boss,"
Jay smirked.  "We are waiting for another to arrive, but let's sit down, we
will fill you in."
     I started to show them into my study, but hesitated when Mary
appeared, serving me my afternoon beer, and Jay and John mixed drinks.
"Take off your coat and tie" I told John.  "Llet's step into my office," I
suggested, guiding them to the patio.
     As we settled into the chase lounges they filled me in on the first
tidbits of what was going to be an interesting afternoon.  I wasn't very
surprised to learn that Jay had purchased the practice he had been
considering, and he and his mate were indeed moving to San Antonio. They
caught me off guard a bit when they informed me that John was joining him
as a partner in the practice, overseeing its operation as the retiring
physician withdrew and Jay wrapped up his obligations in Virginia.  Their
association even made more business sense as they explained they intended
to expand the practice to include pediatric sports medicine, which John had
developed a level of expertise in.
     "Well, congratulations!" I saluted my friend, holding up my beer for a
toast.  "But, I hope you can do something about his dress standards," I
teased toward Jay as I pushed on my roomie's starched white shirt with my
finger.
     "Yes, good point!" John tittered, removing his cufflinks and rolling
up his sleeves.
     I chuckled and excused myself, and slipped into my bedroom.  What the
hell, I thought as I changed into a pair of walking shorts and tee shirt.
"Here, get out of that shit," I told John when I returned to the deck and I
tossed him a polo shirt.  He grinned and almost frantically stripped off
his stiff garment.  "There is hope for you!" I tittered as he leaned back
and relaxed.
     I felt my eyes bug slightly a couple of minutes later when Mary showed
Tom Flowers onto the patio. She returned a few seconds later with a round
of drinks for everyone while we were still greeting him.
     "Now, we have a proposal we would like you to consider," Jay began as
everyone sat back down.
     They quickly caught both my attention and interest over the next few
minutes as I listened Jay and Tom lay out their idea.  They were proposing
to form a medical group, with Jay and John, Tom, myself.  They have
approached Carl to join us, and a couple of other physicians of different
pediatric specialities, everyone moving our separate practices into a
common location to form a super clinic of sorts.  Miguel had expressed an
interest in joining the organization as a consulting partner.  The more I
listened the more their idea impressed me.
     "How much money do you spend outsourcing your billing, transcribing
and such?  And PT and OT?" Jay asked.  "What about reception and nursing
staff, and office space?  Lab services too.
     "With the size of the group, we can do all this in-house, and reap the
profits all the vendors are now.  We can hire some associates for general
pediatric work, and provide a single source for each of our patient's
needs, and what can become a huge patient base."  The longer I listened the
more intriguing their idea became.  Over time Jay had plans to expand into
an in-house day surgery area and other opportunities.
     "A group that did the same thing in California, and within four years
each of the members were grossing seven figures a year," Flowers injected.
     A horse, galloping at a modist pace across the pasture, distracted
me. As it neared the gate several of the kids fell in next to it prodding
their animals.
     "What about food service?" I chuckled as we watched Jay's mate and his
entourage ride up to the gate and dismount.  "Get me more details, but I'm
extremely interested, let's go forward with this," I said as the boys
rushed up the hill in front of big Ronnie.
     "Dad, are you going to ride the horses with us, please sir if you
will!" Ruben screeched as he pushed his way into Jay's lap.
     "That is a world away from fighting my way down Norfolk freeways!  I
love it!" big Ronnie announced, glancing back toward the pasture as he
joined us.
     "Yes Dad, it is so wonderful, and they are wonderful horses!" Edwardo
exclaimed, pushing against Ronnie then rushing toward Jay and his brother.
"Come on Dad, please will you ride with us?" he told Jay.
     "Yes, I will, but where are your manners, Doctor Pop and I have
guests!" Jay responded giving both boys a slight glare.  "Doctor Flowers,
these are my new, just as of today my brand new sons, Edwardo and
Ruben. Also my brother and partner Ronnie."
     Flowers paled as he looked at Jay, then Ronnie.  "Good day," he all
but grumbled.  He glanced at John before shooting me a lost look.  "A
pleasure to meet you, I'm sure," he mumbled toward Ronnie.
     As Jay and Ronnie teased and hugged the boys I felt a knot develop in
my stomach, watching Flowers study them and his facial expression tense.
His jaw dropped when Pieter pushed against big Ronnie and hugged the man.
     "Doctor Owens, may I speak to you for a moment?" Flowers growled as he
stood. He didn't wait for an answer and marched inside.  Jay and Ronnie
accepted my facial gesture and didn't react as I followed Tom into the
house.
     He began unloading on me before I could close the door to my study.
"What is going on here? His Partner?  As in domestic partner? And a pair of
what they called Dad's for the same boy?" he snarled.  "That one, he was
touching our patient! Would you care to tell me what is going on here
Doctor?" he demanded.  Before I could respond he asked, "Are you one of, of
them?"
     I bit my tongue and forced myself to snap back to my professional
mode, wishing I had remembered to bring my beer in with me.  "One of what,
would you define one of what you meant by 'them'?"
     "Those pedophiles, those queer bastards that pray on... Oh my God,
you adopted some... how many children are you holding out here?  You,
people are talking about starting an orphanage?  Why, to be assured of a
fresh supply?" he snarled.  "I think this discussion has gone full cycle,
I'm reporting you to the Medical Society!" he proclaimed and started toward
the door.
     "Go for it, Doctor. But before you do, let me explain a couple of
things to you.  Please sit down." we stared at each other for a second or
so.  "Please, before you fuck up irreparably, sit down," I asked as gently
as I could muster.  "Please sit down, if you take me on I promise I'll cut
you off at the knees, and I can do it!" I told his angry face.  This is
going to be fun!  I thought as I locked the door to my study.
     I didn't snap that Cindy's Suburban was in front of the house as I
showed Tom out a few minutes later, until I saw her and her husband on the
patio.  What now?  I asked myself.  I grabbed a fresh beer before joining
them.  Thankfully the boys were all back in the pasture, and from
everyone's expression I was sure they had been sent there.
     "What was that all about?" Jay asked.  "I thought I had been very open
with him when I approached regarding the group, I informed him of my
sexuality early on."
     "You didn't take into account that he could be an over-protective
Pediatrician," I answered.  "If you are gay and touch a child you're a
chicken-hawk.  When Ronnie touched his patient he went ballistic."
     "He's also a Bible Belt Baptist, Baylor degree and all," Carl
injected.
     "Shit!" Cindy snarled as she threw a stack of papers on a nearby
table.  "Excuse me, my language," she blushed.  "What's the damage, what
should we be prepared for?"
     "I don't think there is going to be a problem, we had a little chat,"
I replied.
     "Adam, if he even spreads rumors, he could delay, or sabotage all
three of the new placements. He could even endanger Johnny's future here."
     "He wont, we reached an understanding," I assured her.
     "I know you are good, but you turned him around in ten minutes? What
on earth did you tell him?" Jay asked.
     "I just told him how the cow ate the cabbage," I tittered with all the
Texas twang I could muster.  "I told him a little about my trip to South
America, and where they boys used to live."  I had to pause briefly to
suppress my smirk, and added, "Right after I printed out his email telling
me how to falsify INS affidavits, he became a very attentive listener."
     "You Bastard!" Carl hooted.  "And I was going to buy flowers and peace
signs to paste on your car!"
     "Are you spelling that with 'ea' or 'ie', Doctor?" Jay chuckled.  "You
should see him when he is angered!"
     I reached behind my neck and gave my ponytail a flip, then pinched two
fingers together in front of my lips, as if holding a joint.  "Wow man, I
guess I been around your old lady too long," I grunted.  The deck roared
with laughter when Cindy answered by giving me a one finger gesture.
     I relaxed when Cindy began going through the paperwork she had and
learned they were just the legal documents she had filed regarding custody
of the new boys.  None to my surprise she had fast tracked everything, and
had already arranged my schedule for a mass hearing before Judge Rodriguez
Friday afternoon.  "Oh, he wants all of your boys present," she told me.
"But he specifically excused Ginger!" she laughed.
     Jay and Ronnie excused themselves to go riding with the boys as soon
as Cindy finished going over her paperwork. I was debating if I wanted to
ride or get into the pool when Carl asked if we could talk or a minute.  I
knew things were going too well, I thought.
     "We wanted to discuss two matters with you," he began. Okay! I told
myself as Cindy reappeared with a fresh round of beer for Carl and I.
"Pieter has become attached, well better put fallen in love with Venus, and
we would like to buy her."
     "She's not for sale.  As soon as Pieter's status is settled I'm going
to give her to him as a welcome gift.  Well maybe give them to each other,
with the bond they have, it's just a formality anyway."
     They glanced at each other for a second before Cindy replied, "Adam,
that is wonderfully generous of you, but I have a good idea of what she is
worth!  Especially with foal, she is a ten, maybe twelve thousand dollar
animal!"  She paused, shooting her husband another glance.  "At least we
would want to replace her, buy you another mare."
     "Her real value is in the happy faces and giggles she generates every
time your boy, well our boy sees her, that's all I care about.  And thanks
for your offer, but right now I wouldn't want any more animals here, poor
Zeus has his... hands full as it is." Carl coughed softly at my comment.
     "When the foals start dropping this place is going to be busy as it
is.  If everything works out regarding the Children's Home and land
purchases, let's work something out about another horse then.  Please, I
want to do this, he is my kid too, I get custody on weekends, remember?"
     I was surprised they either missed or ignored my quip about their new
son.  "We wanted to talk to you about that too," Cindy said.
     Gulp! I thought trying to digest their faces.  "I'm not sure what the
best way to say this, as I know we are imposing, or better put trespassing
on our relationship with you," Carl began. He took a deep breath before
continuing, "We have decided to move to the country, and we are very
interested in any of that land you might choose to exercise refusal on."
     "We discussed this with Ronnie and Jay. We would like to buy some land
and build out here," Cindy added.
     I looked down at the pasture as I realized they were not going to drop
some bomb shell about their new son's relationship with me.  "A commune!" I
chuckled.  "Doctor Conservative wants to join a commune!  A Yuppie commune
at that!" I teased.  "I love it, let's sit down with the Sanchez's and work
it out!"
     Edwardo and Ruben seemed a little restless, I presumed from Jay's
impending departure as he prepared to leave for the airport later in the
afternoon.  I ended up with Ruben tucked under my arm, big Ronnie escorting
Edwardo as we walked back toward the house after seeing their new dad to
this rental car.  "Hey, he will be back Friday, that's not that long!" I
tried to Ruben.
     "Yes sir," was his only response, more toward the horses watching us
from the pasture than to me.
     I poked him in the ribs and only got a slight reaction.  "Well, you
guys get to come back tomorrow for, for school and get to ride over here
and home," I tried.
     "Yes sir," he mumbled.  "Will we be allowed to..." he trailed off
with out finishing.  I guided him off to the side, next to the front door
of my house.  After a little prodding he softly continued, "Ronnie and Mark
said we must attend school again tomorrow after we finish our lessons."  He
pawed the grass with his foot a couple of times, then added, "Will we still
be allowed to ride horses tomorrow?  We very much enjoy riding them."
     "What is aqua-tairian, Pieter and Mark said it is very hard to learn.
We promise we will try very hard," Edwardo injected.  I was trying to
figure out what on earth they were talking about.  When I looked around he
was leaning against big Ronnie's stomach next to us.
     "They said Maestro Stewart is very harsh, and we will try very hard,
but... we will sir," Ruben said as he pushed against me.
     I'm going to kill them, line them up for painful executions, I thought
as I looked down at the two frightened faces flashing pleading, more
begging expressions between their new dad and I.  Even Junior gets it, and
he's not even here!  I decided.  I had just begun to formulate a torture
plan when Ronnie's cough distracted me.  When I looked at him his face was
bright red, he was clinching his jaw and coughing to keep from laughing.  I
had to look away before I cracked up.  Yeah well, I wonder who they learned
that from?  I asked myself, thinking back to the tease I had perpetrated on
Mark and his brother on our first weekend on the ranch.
     "I think you mean Equestrian, instead of Aquaarian or whatever," I
began.  I took a deep breath hoping for the composure to continue.  "Mrs
Stewart is a very demanding teacher and might make you very tired, but I
would guess you will get to ride your new friends tomorrow, quiet a bit."
     They studied my face for an instant and darted inside.  "I guess the
old saying is true, what goes around comes around," I quipped to Ronnie.
     Mark and Johnny met us just inside the door, pushed a fresh beer into
our hands, then Johnny pushed his way under my arm as Mark snuggled against
Ronnie.  Yeah, a little brown-nosing is going to get you out of trouble,
trouble you are not in, I thought. What the hell, I'm sure not going to
turn it down! I decided as I enjoyed Johnny's cuddle and scratched his bare
back.  "I take it someone is going to get wet?" I teased, reaching down and
gently swatting his speedo clad butt.
     Either they are more worried than I thought, or have gotten into
something else, I wondered when my Ronnie followed us onto the patio and
sat a platter of crackers and cheese between our chairs, and stood between
us like a well trained waiter.  Hum, something is awry here, I thought when
the two younger boys climbed into our laps, Johnny squirming against my
stomach and chest.
     "You guys aren't going swimming?" I risk after several seconds.
     They exchanged glances before my Ronnie pushed his way next to me in
my lounger, flashing a nervous silver grin.  "Ah, well, we was wondering
something sir, I mean Dad," he began. He twisted, pushing under my upper
arm.  "Ah, don't you want some crackers? They're your favorite ones, and I
cut the cheese up by myself!"
     Yeah, this is a cheese slicers festival, sure! I silently snickered as
Johnny pulled my other arm around his thin waist.  "Yes, thank you!" I
managed, reaching over Ronnie's shoulders and grabbing a cracker.  "Aren't
you guys going to eat something?" I asked.
     This has got to be heavy duty, I told myself when all three of them
declined. My boys turning down food? What on earth have they gotten
themselves into! My concern elevated toward anxiety when I noticed Mark
cuddling with Ronnie like a puppy, his facebow almost buried in the mans
chest.
     Ronnie and I ate a couple of more snacks as the sounds of silence
neared almost deafening level.  "Ah, well, ah, Junior and Pieter are gonna
get to spend the night tomorrow, aren't they? Like they always do?" my
Ronnie whined.
     "Everyone does after we get riding lessons," Mark told his living
chair.
     "So, well, are Eddie and Ruby gonna get to? I mean can Eddi...
Edwardo and his brother, please sir? Sirs?" my oldest son asked.  "They
gotta, have to come back for school at Saint Mary's anyway."  He turned so
red I could feel the heat from his face singeing the hair on my arm as both
the other boys shot him death glares.  "I mean with Mary," he groaned.
     Mark seemed to be the first to recover.  "And everyone will do their
homework and be good, we promise. Please Ronnie?"
     My guest's jaw was as tightly clinched as I was sure mine was when he
glanced toward me, both of us trying to keep from bursting out in laughter.
"Well, it sounds like a requirement of attending Saint M... it is fine
with me, if Adam and M... Mary approve," he more hacked then said, his
chest quivering as he fought back laughter.
     "Thanks Uncle Ronnie!" Mark hooted. He kissed the man's cheek, but
then stiffened and looked over at his big brother.
     "We was, we were wondering too, maybe... if we can tell them they
can?" my Ronnie asked.
     Oh boy, I thought. Ronnie and I exchanged glances before I said,
"Okay, but I want you guys to remember they might still be insecure, a
little scared."  Their slightly evil grins told me I was talking to myself.
     After another quick round of hugs all three of them stood. Ronnie and
Mark giggled at each other and ran toward the pool while Johnny darted to
the patio door. "Cinee on Pieter, Pop said we can swim!" he shouted into
the house, then rushed to the water.
     "Boys, take off your..." I yelled.  "Headgear," I added too late.
I'm glad they weren't nervous, I snickered.  Junior's influence is here at
least.
     "I hope they're not too much trouble, especially on a work night," my
guest commented after we enjoyed a good chuckle at my embarrassed boys
faces.
     "Its become a tradition," I commented.  I was enjoying the memory of
all seven boy stacked into one bed last weekend when a horrible thought
slapped me in the face. Shit! I silently groaned.  If we open the
orphanage, no, don't go there.
     "What do you think your boys have in mind for mine, tomorrow?" he
asked.
     "I don't know, but I wonder if I should install surveillance cameras.
Put all those evil little minds together, I bet I could get a blockbuster
hit from home video!"
     "It would have to be Si-Fi, no one would ever believe this place is
real!" he snorted more toward the mass of kids playing happily in the pool
than to me.
     You are right my friend, I'm not sure I believe all this is real, I
thought later as we watched Ronnie and his new sons gallop toward their
home, and into a sunset that Hollywood directors would have killed for.  I
found myself wishing young Pieter had not gone home with his parents, so I
could share the latest example of Heaven on Earth with him as I hugged the
three thin kids leaning against my stomach.  "Love ya, guys, but homework
time," I mumbled as I turned them toward the house.
     I was about halfway through my morning schedule the next day, checking
my messages between patient sessions, when I read one that made my neck
muscles tighten.  'Let's meet for lunch,' Cindy began.  'Ronnie, Angel and
I have been talking and we need to discuss something.  Call me.'  What now,
as much as I love her why did I get stuck befriending a damn lawyer? I
asked myself as I dialed her cell phone.  Oh well, at Ronnie's restaurant I
at least I know the food will be good!  I thought as I rang off.
     Cindy and Ronnie's proposal was more interesting, and less
threatening, then I had expected.  Together with Angel's staff they had
redrawn the property lines between my ranch, Jay and Ronnie's, and the
extra eight hundred acres.  What they had in mind was that Cindy and Carl
buy two hundred acres, that included the ranch house from the third
property, Jay/Ronnie and I each acquire an additional hundred acres, and
the foundation buy the rest, the five hundred they wanted for their
proposed Boys Ranch.
     "This could work out wonderfully," Ronnie informed me.  "One of my
sister's concerns has been what to do with the ranch house and barn.  They
were hesitant to tear it down because of its age, but it did not fit into
their site plan.  Further, if we all sign up to forming a cooperative
regarding pasture usage, we can get a significiant tax break."
     "And Billy Ray said renovations would only take about a month before
we could move in!" Cindy added.  "Please think about it, a perfect solution
for everyone."
     I studied their map again, almost forgetting about my lunch.  My
mountain would remain intact, and all three families would be less than a
mile of pasture land from each other.  "Let me think about this, actually
go ride where what would be," I offered.  I bit my lip to keep from saying
I wanted to verify the legalities.
     "Fantastic, here is the paperwork!" Cindy bubbled.  "Ronnie, Carl and
I have signed it, get it back to me right after you do!" she declared.  Her
face told me she wasn't offering an option when she added, "Billy Ray said
he can begin work tomorrow morning, I hope that works!"
     The boys were still involved in their riding lessons with Stewart when
I got home.  I joined Mary in the kitchen as I enjoyed my afternoon beer
and she filled me in on her day, glancing out the window as we talked.
When I saw Edwardo and Ruben trotting their animals around, their wide
smiles and happy faces clearly discernible even from a distance I had to
chuckle.
     "I see your new students survived the riggers of both your tutelage
and that of the horrible Maestro Stewart," I teased.
     "That was cruel, they were beside themselves all day with worry," Mary
answered.  I thought I might be in trouble until I turned and saw her
somewhat diabolical smile.  "I thought the top of their heads were going to
pop off when Ann arrived and they learned what she instructed," she
tittered.  "Oh, did you notice her other new student?"
     It took me a second discover what she was talking about as I studied
the pasture, and noticed a great big kid enjoying himself as much as the
others.  "Well, Miguel will be very proud to learn his son has gone back to
school!" I snickered as big Ronnie spurred his mount into a gallop.
     Opps!  I thought as I felt a pair of big eyes drilling into my head
through the window.  "I think I'm being paged," I told Mary.  Okay big
fellow, good idea, I silently answered my stallion, already ready saddled
and staring pointedly through the pasture fence.
     After changing into some faded jeans I started out my bedroom door but
turned back and rushed to my study, and grabbed Cindy's map and my PDA.
After a little digging I snapped the GPS interface into the PDA and was out
the door.
     "I know you want to run, but then we have to do some work," I told my
big black mount as I released my ponytail and climbed aboard him.  Well, in
a few minutes, I decided as Zeus broke into a full gallop and the wind
refreshed my face and scalp.  Go boy, go!  I thought as I leaned into his
mane and prodded him to go supersonic.
     "Yes, this will work, it will be perfect," I told Zeus an hour or so
later as we gazed down from my mountain's summit.  Quit talking to your
fucking horse, you're not that nutty, well yet!  I cautioned myself.  Yeah
well!  Or are you?  I wondered when Zeus gave a loud snort and looked
around at the vista below, seeming to follow my gaze even though I was on
his back, watching the back of his big head.
     I spent ten minutes or so matching the landmarks I had noted during
our ride to the GPS coordinates.  "Yes, this will work boy, we are going to
do it," I told Zeus and dialed my cell phone.
     "Adam, where are you?  I've been waiting to talk to you, the boys are
out looking for you!" Cindy barked even before I could say hello.
     "I'm enjoying my heaven, or my little piece of it," I answered.  "I
wanted to..."
     "Are you alright?  You sound, a little drunk Adam!"
     "No, just high," I answered looking down at the summit.  "Joh Denver
would call it Owens mountain high.  If you are sure everything is proper,
that nothing can go wrong, call Billy Ray and tell him to begin work, I'm
in."
     The phone was silent for a couple of second.  I was about to ask if
she was still there when Zeus twisted and softly snorted.  "Hi Doctor
Pappa," Pieter's beautiful voice rang as Venus' head appeared next to
Zeus's.  Johnny and Mark's greetings followed as their steeds lined up on
the other side of me.  "We knew you were here!  We told mom you were.
What'ch doing?"
     "Realizing another dream, Pumpkin, that another one can come true," I
whispered.  I didn't realize I had done it until after I plucked his little
body off of Venus and perched him in Zeus's saddle in front of me.
     "Dad, DAD!" Mark's high pitched bark interrupted me.  "Mrs, well
Pieter's mom is pissed and yelling all kinds of stuff!" Ops!  I thought as
I remembered I was talking on the cell phone.
     "Say, hi Mom, we'll be home by dark," I told the platinum topped
youngster pushed tightly into my crotch as I held my cell to his face.
"Sorry babe, but we have to go.  We are working on making our dreams come
true, but call Billy Ray." I added after putting the cell phone back to my
face.  I hung up without waiting for an answer.
     "Have you had any dreams lately?"  I asked my young saddle-mate.  He
shrugged and leaned his thin back into my chest.  "Have you and Venus had
any dreams together?" I tried.
     He leaned over toward and looked at his horse for a second, and
shrugged again.  Ginger let out a snort followed by a sigh from Johnny.
"Venus is all sad and stuff when he has to go home.  She wants him to live
with her like Ginger and me," Johnny said.
     "Yes, I wish there were two of me, so I can live with my new family
and live here like Johnny and everyone at the same time," Pieter
proclaimed.
     "Hang onto that wish, dream about it," I told him.  I gave him a hug
before adding, "Let's go home, we need to go talk to mamma." I glanced
around at what would be the new property lines for a minute or so before
helping him climb back onto Venus.
     The rest of the boys were closing the tack room when my little group
rode up to the barn a few minutes later.  Edwardo and his brother gave me a
look I couldn't interrupt as I dismounted and shooed Zeus into the barn.
     "I see you two survived your Equestrian lessons, were they as hard as
you thought?" I teased.  They exchanged glances as they blushed slightly.
"Got'ch!" I hooted, poking their stomachs.
     They giggled and looked up at me as if about to say something when
Pieter and my Ronnie snickered.  When we looked all of the other boys were
standing together flashing diabolical smiles.  Ruben groaned, then to my
surprise stuck his tongue pointedly out at them and pushed against me.
     "Everyone gets to pick on the new kids, remember!" I teased, pulling
both of them against me.  "Hey, who is going to groom Zeus for me?  Are you
guys big enough to?"
     "Zeus?  Your big horse?" Edwardo gasp.  I opened my mouth to tell him
the stallion wouldn't hurt him when he added, "We are allowed to care for
your horse?  Yes Pappa we will! Thank you Pappa, I mean Doctor!  We will be
excellent stableboys! "
     They both rushed away, but only ran a few steps before turning back
toward me.  "Is it true we will be allowed to live here all night?" Ruben
risk.  His brother's face matched his in showing their skepticism.
     "We will perform every of the duties Junior and Mark said we must, we
promise we will!" his brother chimed in.
     "You guys are welcome, I am looking forward to an, enjoyable evening,"
I answered.  When I glanced around trying to find which of my boys was
closest, which one to kill first, I just caught a glimpse of a couple of
teenage bubble butts evacuating the barn.
     In the same instant I started to designate who would die first when
Ruben's screech distracted me.  "Cool, Totally Awesome!  Yea, yea!" he
hooted.  Isolate them, keep them separate from the others, while they still
speak some English, I told myself.
     I was a little disappointed at Cindy's decision not to tell the kids
about our land deal and her kids new home until she could talk to her
daughter, but understood.  She caught my attention during our conversation
when she told me "Jenny is growing into such a bitch, she can move out here
or go to boarding school."  Okay!  I thought as she added, "IF she lives
that long."
     I lay in wait all evening, through supper, the boys clearing the table
and loading the dishwasher, even through homework and bath time for my boys
to spring their next stunt on Edwardo and Ruben; all the while wondering if
the boarding school Cindy was considering for her daughter was co-ed, and
strict enough for my rats.  I found myself getting nervous, waiting for the
plot to unfold as the kids bedtime neared.  Well, if their little scheme is
for tonight, we will find out, I decided.  "Bedtime kids, you guys go get
under the covers, I'll be up in a minute." I announced.
     I got the normal groans from my boys, and heard but couldn't
understand a few moans and mutters as they all shuffled toward the
stairwell.  "Dishwasher!  Just the dishwasher?"  Edwardo barked.  "Pieter!
Even you!  You are a very... Pieter!" he hooted, darting after the little
platinum streak that was scorching the carpet on my stairs as he ascended
them.
     Well, maybe kill them tomorrow, I thought as I listened to the giggles
and snickers from Mark and Ronnie's bedroom.  Maybe kill one or two of
them, but not tomorrow, I decided a few minutes later, as I studied the
bright Texas moon accenting the rainbow of different colored halos ever so
slightly peeking out the top of the blanket on Ronnie's bed.  I even felt
the glow of Mark's from under the covers, buried between Johnny and Ruben
as I kissed everyone goodnight.
     A conflagration of happy squeals and splashing from the patio awoke me
the next morning.  Fuck you, you're fired!  I sneered at my alarm clock
before punching its off button with a harsh blow. After relieving my
bladder I started toward the pool in my briefs, but remembering Jay's new
boys were here I jumped into a pair of swim trunks.
     I enjoyed a series of hugs and hooted greetings as I was surrounded by
boys after diving into the pool.  Junior was about the fourth kid to hug
me.  "Look Pop, I remembered my headgear!  I took it off!" he proudly
smiled, his braces almost blinding me in the morning sunlight.
     "Fantastic!" I began, wondering if he was still sleepy or a donut or
two short of a dozen.  "I'm very proud of..." I hesitated as I felt what
I hoped wasn't what I thought push its sharp end between my thighs. "You."
I took a deep breath before looking below the water line.  "Ah, Junior, I
think you for something else though," I whispered as I looked at his naked
body pressed against mine.
     "Oh, they came off when I dove in," he casually answered, pointing
toward a small piece of cloth by the pool drain.
     "Good morning Adam!" Miguel's voice rang. I fought off cardiac arrest
as I looked around and saw the distinguished physician offering a coffee
cup toward me from the lounger he was relaxing in.  "You must sleep late
here!" he tittered.
     I think my face provided enough of a response to Junior, and he dove
away from me toward the drain and his briefs.  "Good morning Miguel!" I
managed.  Well, maybe let Junior live for now, I'll let his mother kill
him! I decided.  What if he does become leader of the world, like I'm sure
he will!
     The old man was a true statesman as we talked over coffee, ignoring my
red face. He was in town to work with John on the medical group project,
and to enjoy a little time at his sons' ranch before the Friday hearing.
     "Oh, I brought you these," he told me, offering a small package.
"After the shop keeper called and I realized you never had time to pick
them up, I took the liberty of ordering a couple more."
     I gasped when I opened the package containing the engraved Sharks
teeth I had ordered before my fateful encounter in the streets of Brazil.
"Thanks, thanks so much," I exclaimed.  Oh, thank you more than I can
express!" I added as I noticed Pieter's Ruben's and Edwardo's charms in the
box.  "But, who is Tito?  Did this one get mixed into the box by mistake?"
I asked.
     "No. Tito is the boy you saved in Recife, that my son operated on.  He
is still recovering from his injuries, but doing well. When he moves to our
new Boys Ranch, we thought you might want to present that to him.  We hope
he will be one of our first residents."
     I studied the engraved tooth for an instant then clutched it in my
hand.  "How is he doing?" Miguel's face was enough of an answer.  "Yes,
thank you," I gasped.  I somehow managed to politely excuses myself, and
make it into my bedroom before I started sobbing.
     The rest of Thursday and even Friday morning were a whirlwind of
activity, visiting possible sites for our new clinic and dealing with the
bull involved in closing the deals regarding both the land purchase and the
super practice.
     At least one long hearing, then it's the weekend! I told my big cat's
steering wheel as I pulled into the Juvenile Justice Center's parking
lot. A batch of Big Mac's and supersized malts on the way home! I decided.
     A mass hearing, what the fuck does that mean?  How long is this shit
going to take?  my neck complained as I cinched it into my tie, and stiffly
starched shirt collar.  What are you bitching about!  We've been stuck in
this shit all day!  I could feel my arms complain, to being stuffed into a
suit coat over the irritating shirt sleeves they had been imprisoned in all
morning.
     I know, but soon we will be free, and... I started to answer.  Quit
talking to your God Damn clothes, you need to see a shrink!  I chastised
myself.  I felt my shoulders relax slightly when I saw Cindy's Suburban in
the parking lot.
     Jay, Miguel, Carl and Cindy were sitting on a bench just outside
Rodriguez's courtroom chatting.  Junior, Jennifer and Pieter squirming
nervously on another bench near the adults.
     "Pappa!" Pieter hooted when he saw me.  I ignored a couple of nasty
glares from other people in the hall as I scooped the boy's little body up
and gave him a hug as he wrapped his legs around my waist.
     "Hey, you look great!" I told him as I sat him down.  His smartly
tailored silver/gray blazer set off his hair and complection almost as
wonderfully as the contrasting tie he was wearing sent a new dimension into
his already miles deep eyes.  "What's this?" I teased as he grinned and
revealed a set of metal brackets attached to his teeth.
     "They got him this morning," Junior said as he pushed against me.  "I
mean, ah.  Well, Mom, I told him you were going to get him!" he blushed.
     "Mary, Ronnie and the boys just called, and are on their way into the
center, I think we better go into for the hearing," Cindy said, her eyes
firing poisoned darts into her son.  She fired a preemptive load into her
daughter's head as she turned and walked into the courtroom.
     "Where are they, Rodriguez does not like to be kept waiting?" I
whispered to Cindy after glancing at my watch a couple of minutes later.
We exchanged nervous glances as we both looked at the watch on my wrist.  I
shot her a questioning glare when I pulled my cell phone out and she
stopped me.
     "All Rise," the bailiff ordered, interrupting our less than happy
exchange of scowls.  We both stood as Rodriguez walked past his high bench
into the middle of the courtroom.
     He glanced around, then cast a curious eye toward our table.  He
seemed as if he was about to speak when the courtroom door burst open with
a rattle so loud everyone turned toward it, wondering if it had been torn
from its hinges.
     "Pop!  POP!  HELP PLEASE!" Johnny screamed as he rushed into the
courtroom.  He skillfully dodged a couple of Sheriff's Deputies as he ran
toward me.  "They busted Mark and Ronnie, and Uncle Ronnie and Mary is
freaking out and you gotta help!  Ronnie's Pissed and is gonna really hurt
them, he tried to bite a couple of them and stuff and, well and, please
Pop, Dad!  PLEASE!"
     Thankfully Rodriguez held his hand up, signally the two cops that
chased Johnny into the courtroom to back off.  "Would someone care to tell
me what is going on?  What is the problem?" he thundered.
     The Judge blushed ashen, then red as his bailiff whispered to him a
split second later.
     Please God, would you rescue us from this?  Tell us later!  I silently
prayed as they exchanged words I could not hear.  I pulled Johnny tightly
against me.
     Oh SHIT!  I gasped when I saw the door to Rodriguez's chambers open
slightly, and my Ronnie cautiously poke his shy smile and embarrassed face
through it and scan the courtroom.

To Be Continued. . .

My apologies to all the cliff hanger haters out there, but couldn't resist!