My Mexican Bodega

Part 10

From the Very Odd Mind

of

Eric Murphey


We walk home and take our time doing so. It feels really good walking after riding and driving all day. When we get back to the store we walk in and its pretty busy this evening. I see we have a couple old guys playing checkers and some boys watching sipping on Jarritos and eating chips. We have probably ten other people in the store too.

"Did you get it?" Bob asks.

I cant help but grin.

"Yes and its even better than we had hoped it would be. The bus is like brand new. I also don't want to forget the man dropped the price to his cost. Which I just couldn't let him. Because the man has to make a living. So I give him ten thousand more pesos and he agreed to it. Because you should see his shop. I bet it costs a fortune to run. But then he gives it to me and tells me to give it to the nuns for the children."
He starts laughing and clapping.

"It is always interesting around here with you Esteban. I know that you told people that you were going to donate all the profits from the store. But some people figured you were just saying that. But now they see."
"Are you kidding me. The store makes a decent amount. But there's no way I could have gotten the bus from store profits. Not unless I saved it for a year. I used some savings for it because it just didn't seem right that the children had to miss out on cool stuff because the couldn't get there. Because you now the sisters if they all cant do it then no one will. They try to be fair. Now I bet they get to o to baseball games. Football matches. Everything and everywhere now. It will really help them out and I cant wait to hear what they do first." I say smiling thinking how great it is they have transportation now. As for where the money came from. I didn't need it anyway. I will make more there's no doubt about that.

"I know where." Emilio says.

"Yeah where is the first place then smarty pants?" I say and grab his side making him giggle.

"McDonald's. Everyone has been waiting for the bus. Because the sisters said that you would take over some in your truck. But that they really wanted everyone to go at once. Even if they had a lottery they felt someone would feel rotten about it."
"Maybe I should volunteer to help. I cant see the sisters dealing with 45 children at McDonald's. racing around full of excitement." I say thinking of the horrors of it all.

"Maybe Father Lopez too. So he can give the workers their last rights." Bob says laughing making me and Emilio laugh too.

"Yeah I better call Sister Carmancita in case they are thinking after mass tomorrow." I tell them and fish out my phone from my pants pocket.

"Hello Esteban. What can we do for you this evening?" She says answering the phone.

"Well, Emilio, Bob and I were talking about the bus. We were trying to decide where the first trip will be. Emilio said McDonald's. is what has been discussed. So I'm thinking if you are doing that that I should volunteer to help. Because I'm guessing that you will go after mass tomorrow because they have all been looking forward to it."

She laughs.

"We were just discussing that. We hadn't really decided on when. However your idea sounds perfect."
"Bob says we should have Father Lopez tag along to give last rights to the workers."

I hear her cackling on the other end and telling the others sisters. All of them laughing at Bobs joke.

"They all think its a marvelous idea." She says giggling like a teen girl.

Now mind you she is 70 if she is a day. But her spirit is lively. I never would have thought it when I first met her. I honestly thought she was just some mean old bitch that was too ugly to find a husband. But life is always full of surprises. I thought about Chuy saying he wanted to adopt a boy and immediately thought to make sure to ask him to go tomorrow, when I see him at mass.

The sister and I talk a few more minutes about everything going on. Emilio and myself are invited tomorrow when we get back for a birthday celebration. With 45 children in their care I go to lots of birthday celebrations. Usually she give me more warning so I can get gifts for all the children. Then one special one for the birthday child. I will find out whose birthday it is and make a special gift.

'We have a birthday party tomorrow. I don't know whose birthday though." I tell Emilio.

"Its Lupe's. He says to me.

'Reeeeallly?" I ask.

"Yes sir." he says to me looking a bit confused.

I know just what I am going to get her. Its a gift that she will love forever. I know it.

"Why don't you grab us something to eat. I just don't feel like making anything and I know we are both hungry. I need to check my emails."
"What do you want?"
"You know what I like. Just some things. Maybe some chips and we can make sandwiches.'
"Sure." He replies with a smile.

I go into the apartment and check my emails. I let my accountant know I took out a large amount of money. Also to go ahead and see if they can get the property I was thinking about for what I want to pay. Which is a substantial amount less than what they are asking. I mean about 30k less. I doubt they take it. But the housing market isn't as high as it used to be and its been on the market a good while. So they might. I fire off a few more emails and Emilio is in the kitchen making us both sandwiches.

"I would have gotten that." I tell him.

"I know papi. I just like to help you is all. That and you looked pretty busy."
"Nah just a few emails is all. I want to buy this apartment house and I told them what we would be willing to pay for it."
"We?"
"Yes you and me. Because soon anything that's mine will be yours. Or at least you will benefit from it. Then when I pass it will all be yours."

"I don't want to think about that."
"Why not buddy everyone has to die?"
"I know. But I don't want to think about it. Its a long way away."
"I hope your right. But we wont talk about it. But what I did want to ask you is that now that you are living here. Do you want me to buy a game system for you? I know you talked about liking to play every so often when I was too busy for you to be here. Would you like one?"
"Papi you already do enough for me. I don't need anything like that." He tells me as serious as an 11 year old can. Which for him is pretty fucking serious.

As with most 11 year olds.

"Did I ask if you needed it? I know you don't neeeeed it. But would you play it if I got you one?"
I can see his wheels turning. I can see the excitement in his eyes and him trying to give me a reason not to get it. One thing I am having a hard time with him is giving him things he doesn't need. If I ask him he will always say no. Why I asked this time I don't know. I have learned I just have to get it and he gets so excited about it. But I think he feels guilty. I don't know if its because he knows its costing me a lot for him to live with me. Which to me is of no consequence because I would give everything for him. Including and up to my life if need be. I love him that much. So I am now convinced to myself that I would rather nurture him then lust for him. Though I do lust for him. I'm certainly not going to lie about that. I love sucking his cock. Half the time I shoot my load after I taste his first drops hit my tongue. Its so exciting to me. We sit and eat our simple supper.

The rest of the evening is pretty uneventful. We just watch a movie and then after head to bed. We were both pretty tired from the long day. tomorrow promises to be another long one. I need to get back to work so I can rest.

In the morning when I wake up I feel like I spent the previous day slamming shots of hard alcohol. I feel all achy and a headache nearly the size of Texas. I feel rough that's for sure. I stumble into the kitchen and look to see if I have any pain medication. I take it so rarely I don't know if I do or not. I look in the spot where I keep it and grab the bottle and shake it. Something is in there. I open it and one tablet is in the bottle. I harrumph and go into the store and grab a new bottle and open it there. I grab a soda from the cooler and wash down a couple tablets. I hate them I don't take them often. I figure most of the time if you just leave pain alone it will go away on its own shortly. But this one I don't want to wait on. I go and make some coffee and when it is finally done after three eons I pour a cup add a little sugar and sit at the table. I have three cups before I hear Emilio moving around. I glance at the time and see its pushing 7. So hes up at normal time for him. I am feeling better but my body is still all stiff. I think its from just sitting all day yesterday rather than driving. The bus isn't hard to drive but I'm not used to sitting all day long. I don't guess I have ever done that since school a million and a half years ago. In my working life I never had a sit down job. Hell I had three jobs my entire life before this. The factory, McDonald's., and grocery store. Not exactly places you can just sit down and idle the day away. I get up off my lazy ass and start getting some breakfast ready for us. I get a pack of tortillas out and some charizzo and eggs. I slice up some peppers and onions and toss them in the now hot skillet. I get a glass of mango juice for Emilio as I hear the shower turn off. Yeah a shower I need a shower. A long hot shower to let my muscles relax for sure. I start frying up the charrizo and crack the eggs in with the onions and peppers. I start heating the tortillas and Emilio walks out looking fresh as a new spring day. Oh the power of youth is something. Someone once said youth is wasted on the young. But how else is it supposed to work. We cant all go backwards like Benjamin Buttons or Mork from Ork. How would that be though your great grandparents are babies and your an old man when you are born? I don't see that working really well. However in a sense its kind of how it works. Some old people if they get certain diseases kind of revert back into childhood. None of which I care to experience. He walks out and comes to me and hugs me. I hold him tight thinking one day this will be gone and I need to enjoy every single second of it. I mean I know he wont be gone from my life. But one day he will go to college and then start a family of his own. I can just hope its near me. I love him so much and when you love someone as much as I love him you will do nothing to hinder his growth. If that means he goes away to college and lives in say Durango then that is the trajectory his life is supposed to take. I suppose I can move if I have to. I think about all of this while we hug and he breaks it gives me a quick kiss.

"Smells good papi."
"Its nothing fancy. But it is tasty."
He sits and takes a drink of his juice.

I get the food on the table and we start eating. I look at him and admire his beauty.

"I think Chuy is sad." I tell him.

"Probably lonely too."
"Yeah I imagine he is. He lives by himself and after living at the home all those years always having people around.....…" I don't know what else to say.

"Its different being here too."
"Do you miss it?"
"Some things. But mostly not."
"What do you miss?"
He grins at me and giggles.

"Shower time."

I laugh at him.

"Yeah I would miss that too. Shoot I never even had it and I miss it."
"Yeah all the boys naked."
"Oh my. I bet it was something to see."

I watch as he reaches down and adjusts himself. I cant see but I would bet hes hard as stone.

I'm getting there and I never saw it. But I can sure imagine. I think going down the line and sucking off each and every boy in line. Next!!!!

We finish breakfast.

"So since we are in agreement Chuy is sad and lonely I invited him for supper every night. I think it will do him some good. He said he wanted to adopt a boy when he got some money built up a little."
"I can see him doing that." Emilio adds.

"You think hes like me and likes boys?"

"I don't know. Maybe. But I sure don't think we will ever see him get married."
"You think?" I ask.

"You never noticed hes always looking at your pito?"
"No I never." I say laughing.

"Oh he does.'

"No he doesn't. You're making this up."
"No I swear papi. I bet if you wanted he would do things with you."
"I only got enough energy for you." I say passing off the thought. Its not interesting to me. I'm not interested in full grown men. I wish I was it would have been easier in life for sure. I mean being gay is more accepted than well what I am. I've heard it called lots of things. Some nice, and some not so nice.

"He probably thinks you are hot for him."
"I doubt that. But I hope not."
"Why, don't you want a man in your life?"
"No not really. I like you in my life. I need nothing more to make me happy. I do hope though that in time you find other boys to mess around with. Someone more your age."
"I don't want that."
"Don't rule it out. I think it would be a fine thing if you found a boy your age so you can fall in love with him and have a relationship. That way when you get older you will have some experience at relationships that you know may or may not end. With ours it will never end. The sexy times we have may end but we will always have each other. We will always love each other. But I want you to find someone your age because we have to be honest. You are 11 and I'm 55 and I will die a lot sooner than you will. Or so I hope. You will want someone closer to your age that can relate to what you like and talk about things that are in your age group. Like the Tik Tok and things like that. Things I don't understand and honestly have no desire to understand. As a matter of fact I think even if you don't have a relationship with another boy in a sexual nature. I think you should start trying harder to make some friends."
"I have friends." He says defensively.

"I'm not saying you don't. I just think that maybe you should have them over. I need for you to be a boy. I want you to have fun with boys your age. I'm an old man I cant race around and chase you and do things that boys should do, like football. I don't see me out there playing football with you. I couldn't keep up even if I wanted to. Because to be honest football doesn't interest me. I've never been much into sports at all."
"What about Chuy?"
"While he is closer to your age I think you need to find a boy or a girl no older than say 13 to be buddies with."
"I don't understand papi. Did I do something wrong? Is that why you don't want me around all the time?" he says on the verge of tears.

"Oh no buddy. Its nothing like that at all. If I had what I wanted you wouldn't even go to school and spend the entire day with me. Every waking moment by my side. But think about the other boys in your classes. The ones that have always had a mom or dad in their lives. They have friends right?"
"Sure."
"So that's normal. I want you to have memories of childhood like I do. Of going out with friends and having fun. Sometimes doing things you shouldn't and getting in trouble...…"
"You want me to get in trouble?" he interrupts with a very confused look on his face.

"Not bad trouble no. Like hurting someone would be bad. But like I don't know playing with fireworks after I told you not to. That one got me in trouble a lot as a boy. Riding bikes around and going where I tell you not to go. Things like that. Maybe staying out later than I told you to."

"I think I understand."

"Good. Now today when we take the others to McDonald's. I want you to find a boy or girl even that lives at the home and hang out with them today. At least while we are gone."
"But aren't we going to get stuff for the store today?"
"Why is it you are always trying to make valid points." I say grinning and ruffle his hair.

He giggles.

"OK here's what we will do. We will go to the McDonald's. then whomever you are with can go with us. I don't think the sisters will have a problem with that. But I want you to ride the bus over with the others. I will follow behind. Didn't you have friends that you talked to at the home?"
"Mario."
"Well don't you think Mario has been missing you and feeling pretty lonely now that his friend isn't around as much anymore?"
"I see him at school."
"Thats good. But how much time did you guys spend together after school before?"
"A lot."
"Alright its settled then."
"Whats settled?"
"That you're going to start having Mario over here to play after school. First you boys do your homework then play some football or watch a movie or do whatever you want to do. Just be boys. I feel like with you always around me that you don't get the chance to be a boy as much as you should be."

"I would rather spend that time with you."
"I know. But you need friends your own age too."

"But what will you do then?"
"Maybe I need a friend my age too?"

"Old?" He says grinning.

"Smart ass. Now go and get me another cup of coffee." I say taking a slow swipe at him he easily dodges with a giggle.

After that we fiddle around the house and watch a little TV before mass. We drive down since its Sunday and we head in put a few coins in the box and we each light a candle. We both pray a few minutes then walk in and find our usual seats. A few minutes later father Lopez walks out and begins the service. When he is done I go and talk with Sister Carmancita and tell her my plans and make sure she is fine with Mario coming with us after McDonald's. She is more than happy to allow it. She is thinking I'm adopting another boy. Ha I'm not doing that. One is enough to fill my heart with joy thank you very much. Emilio walks over to the bus and I see him give a regular hug to a boy I am assuming is Mario. Though I don't know. I am starting to question how well I really know Emilio seeing as how I have never heard of Mario before.

Now I am questioning myself. Am I a bad dad because I don't know about his friend? Am I a bad dad because I don't know really a lot about Emilio other than I love him deeply? I am a bad dad because I don't know much about him. The bus starts to take off and I follow along in my old truck. We get to McDonald's. and I saw the entire way the kids were carrying on and jumping around in the seats. Basically being children and having fun. I'm thinking this is going to be a fucking mess when we get in there. Hey I'm thinking isn't Chuy and Father Lopez supposed to be here too? Where the hell did they run off to?

The bus stops and parks. The children all file off and get in a single file line next to the bus. I hear the sisters telling them something. I cant hear what it is. But as I walk up all voices are silent. We walk in single file and the children form 3 lines in front of the open registers. One nun at the front of each line.

"Now you children get what your heart desires." Sister Carmancita tells them.

Now I cant imagine being in a habit in this weather. I'm sweating and I just have on a shirt and tie seeing as how I left my jacket in the truck. Its cool in here though. As I'm sure it was on the bus. But in between goodness no. Its got to be 100 today.

The children all order and wait patiently for their food to be prepared. Then take their trays and go eat their lunch. All without very much noise at all.

Now in Mexico McDonald's. isn't as cheap as in America. Its not expensive but its also not set up for poor people to eat there all the time either. When the lines die down the sisters get some things as well. They pay for the children with the money either Eric sent or the money the man I got the bus from. Either way they paid for it. I walk up and order my food. Which they wanted to pay for. But I'm sorry I'm not about to do that. When I get done I am by myself.

"Would it be too much of a problem if I ordered all the children and the nuns sundaes?"

The girl behind the register looks at me and smiles.

"Oh its a lot. But its OK it will be nice to do for them."

"Yeah they are orphans and I like to get them treats here and there. Also we have a birthday girl today too. Little Lupe is turning ten. So we are kind of celebrating that later."
"Oh you are so sweet."
"Maybe."

She smiles and I pay for my food and the 51 sundaes. She gets a couple of people to help her and they start an assembly line of sundae making. I get my food and go to sit down. As I do I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket and slip it out and smile.

"LUPE I have a phone call for you." I say loudly so she can hear me. She races over to me and I accept the video call request and hand her the phone.

I see the look on her face switch from confusion to excitement in a second.

She is grinning ear to ear.

"Hola Lupe. Happy birthday." Alejandro tells her. "Did you get my picture I sent to you?"
"Oh yes thank you so much."
That's all I heard. I go back to enjoying my meal and about six little girls are gathered around Lupe now all as excited as her because Alejandro is on the phone. I'm glad Mr Eric is so kind. I know that this little girl will remember this for her entire life. I'm sure Alejandro and Eric's boys do this sort of thing all the time. So I doubt they remember it. But they also know its something special to other people. Joey was telling me one time he doesn't get it. I asked him if he wanted to meet anyone and he would get really excited about it. He told me Dwayne Johnson. I was like um whose that? He laughed at me and I finally figured out its the Rock. I agreed that it would be neat to meet him for sure.

I see the workers bringing out sundaes about ten at a time and setting them in front of some very excited yet well behaved children that start digging in. After they finish their last little bit of their meal. Lupe gets done talking to her crush and hands me the phone.

She wraps her little girl arms around me and gives me a big hug.

"Thank you Sr Esteban this is the best birthday ever."
I kiss her forehead.

"I'm glad I could make it special for you. Oh I got a picture frame for you. So that way you can put the picture in a frame. I'm sorry I keep forgetting."
"Its OK I like it however it is." She says grinning.

"Now go finish your food. Then you got ice cream after."
She and her friends go and sit back down and resume eating. I see Emilio and Mario are talking about something. I just smile thinking this is how it should be. Him having friends and not hanging out with an old man all the time. Not that I mind. But it just seems like he should have friends his age. I guess Father Lopez and Chuy are becoming friends to me. Sister Carmancita is kind of a friend too. I don't know. I do know that I want my boy, my son to have everything. That much I do know for certain.

After a while the sisters get the children back on the bus. Emilio and Mario join me at my table and wait for me to go. It isn't long I am just sitting here and enjoying the doing nothing I get a rare chance to enjoy. Seems like I am always doing something. Which is actually great because before I moved here I spent so many lonely hours toiling away doing nothing. We go and get into the truck and by the time we get to the warehouse its already open. I figured it would be.
"We need lots today miho. So you boys get a flat cart and I will have one too."
"Why so much today papi?"
"I don't know. But we need lots more that's for sure. Seems like we are almost out of nearly everything. Sales seem to be going up."
"That's good then." He says smiling.

"Yes it is. That way we can help the children more."
Mario smiles as I say it. I get a strange feeling when I look at him. OK its not strange. Its a longing. Not that kind of longing. But a longing that I want to love him too. I don't know. I know that if I could I would adopt every single child there and love them all. But I know that is not possible. But maybe another boy? Maybe for Chuy? I don't know what it is that I want from or for him. But Mario is in my head now as we are walking around loading both carts.

"You know if sales keep up like this I am going to have to buy a box truck. Or else come over a couple times a week to restock."
"Don't they deliver?"
"They do. But you have to order a lot."
"So order for two weeks then. We are about to move upstairs so you can make the storage room bigger and it wont make the diner much smaller. Besides you said you wanted to have outdoor dining too."
"Emilio what have I told you about making valid points?"
He giggles and Mario looks puzzled.

"Ah here we are." I say and look at game systems. I see one that's a good deal I think anyway. Its 4,000 pesos and comes with a few games like FIFA which I know Emilio loves. I swear I wish I could get into it. But soccer, football whatever you want to call it just bores the shit out of me. Most sports do so its not a surprise. I put the game on my cart.

"Papi I don't need that."

"I know." I say and smile at him.

"Papi we discussed this."
"I know. We don't need lots of things. But it is nice to have some things too. Besides if Mario comes over what ever will you boys do if I haven't got a game console for you to play with?"
"I don't know. Play football outside. Maybe a game or something like that."
"So more options are good I think. Besides you do well in school and you are a good boy. You deserve to have some nice things. Besides I love you and I want you to have it."
"But its awful expensive papi."
"Its not cheap no. But it means to me that you will take good care of it. So keep arguing and we will eat beets everyday next week."
He makes a sour face and stops trying to talk me out of it.

We pay for our items and load the truck and head back to the house.

Mario seems to be having a good time as does Emilio seeing as how they are laughing and joking the whole way back. I kind of keep the dad roll and let them and don't interfere.

My mind is consumed with Mario as I drive us back. Not just sexually because he is a very cute boy. Is this the boy that would actually bring off Emilio? I'm going to bet it is. I would love to see that. But I will never push it. I don't want either of them to think that's all I want from them. Especially Emilio. Mario however I haven't any feelings for yet. Other than I like him. He is a happy boy that seems to make my boy happy too. I am getting this because they are constantly giggling at each other. Its a fun trip for sure. When we get back the boys help me unload all the supplies and its a lot for sure. I think Emilio may be right that I should start having it delivered. They don't really charge that much and if business keeps increasing then I will either need to do that or make several trips a week to the warehouse. When we get the last of it in Emilio explains how we stock the shelves as we go along. Mario doesn't think twice he just joins in the um fun of stocking shelves? Well those two I think could laugh and giggle through an insurance convention. It takes a good two hours and when we get done I get them both an ice cream and hand Mario a hundred pesos.

"I cant take this Senior."
"I don't see why not. You worked and earned it."
"Yes I did work. But it is more in appreciation of you helping all of us boys and girls at the home. You give us a lot already. I feel it would be wrong to take anything more."
I sigh and take back the money and slip it in my pocket.

"Why don't you boys go set up the game system. I'm sure you wont mind that will you Mario?"
He giggles.

"Oh no sir I sure wont."

Emilio puts his arm over his friends shoulder and they head into the apartment.

As they go to their thing I sit down and start doing all the paperwork I have let slide. I really should do this every day. But I get side tracked. I don't know why a beautiful young boy that I love would ever distract me. Go figure huh. I work on it for about 2 hours and finally I am done. I am looking at the numbers and just cant believe how high they are. I mean the sales have nearly doubled in a week. I have to go through and check again. But sure enough the sales are that high. I figure out the taxes I owe and put that money aside so I can pay it later when its needed to be paid. I find it weird I guess being American that taxes are included in prices here. So if it says a price that's the price. Its not that then another percentage on top of it. But I guess that's how the rest of the world is mostly. America is weird sometimes. OK Lots of times. I put the money in the safe and get it ready for the deposits. I also going to have to start going to the bank more than once a week. I don't know why I started it that way. Because I tend to have way too much cash on hand. I don't think I will get robbed. But its best if I do happen to get robbed that I have little for them to take. Because they aren't stealing from me. But, from orphans. I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure that's a trip to hell. I don't want to be responsible for anything like that. I get everything done finally and I'm a little hungry. So if I am a little hungry that means I have two boys that I'm sure are about to die of malnutrition. I mean its been at least 4 hours since they have eaten. Boys fall over after 5 hours of no eating. I walk into our apartment and see the boys on the couch dressed in a couple pairs of Emilio's soccer shorts. No shirts on and both looking delightfully edible. I can feel myself chub up as I see all the lovely boy flesh exposed. I don't think I would ever get tired of that.

"Boys I'm starving. You think some quesadillas would be alright?"
"Sure papi." Emilio says and pauses the game.

"You boys play. I got this."
Neither of them listen and get up and head to the kitchen area.

"OK I don't mind helpers."
"Papi thanks for the game." Emilio says and wraps his arms around me for a nice long hug. I will never get tired of his hugs that's for certain.

"Its no problem. We have the extra money to get things like this for you. Are the games OK? I really don't know anything about what boys like to play on them."
"Shoot yeah papi. We got FIFA which is like the best game ever."
I see Mario nodding his agreement. I have been running my hand gently up and down Emilio's back as I always do. His skin is so soft. It makes silk seem rough. When Emilio lets me go Mario takes his place.

"Thank you for letting me come over and play today. I've had lots of fun and I have been missing my friend."
That breaks my heart right there.

"Mario you are always welcome to visit anytime you want."
"You mean it?" He says looking up at me with his brown eyes still wrapping me in his hug.

"Of course I do. You and Emilio are friends. I'm sorry you felt you couldn't just pop in to visit. But from now on anytime you want you can come over."
"Thanks." He says with a grin. I as I do with Emilio am running my hand gently up and down his back. He isn't as soft as Emilio but he is still very nice to the touch. He breaks the hug and we all start in on making some quesadillas. I like them. They are simple and tasty. I'm simple though I'm not sure about tasty. We get it all ready pretty quickly. Its not a hard meal and we sit and enjoy it. The boys enjoy telling me about their epic battles on the virtual soccer fields. I know dick about soccer, football whatever you call it. But I am enjoying their antics as they tell me. Its a laugh a minute as they tell me the stories. When we complete our task of eating we get the plates all rinsed off and the boys just start doing the dishes. I'm certainly not going to argue about it.

"Papi I was thinking." Emilio says to me when they are done and he sits on my lap and wraps an arm over my shoulder. Mario sits next to me. I mean NEXT to me. Not by me but NEXT to me. Its a nice feeling to be sure.

"What were you thinking?"
"Well, see...." He starts and stops.

"Go ahead. No reason to be scared to ask me for anything."
I have an idea what he wants. Though I'm not positive.

"Well, Mario and I have been having tons of fun today."
I just nod.

"So we was kinda hoping that you would you know let him stay the night."
"I don't think that would be a problem. But you both have school tomorrow. So if Sister Carmancita agrees to it then I expect you two to go to bed and SLEEP at a decent hour. Because if not it wont happen on a school night again. Understand?"
I'm given a couple grins in response.

"My phones on the counter." I tell him.

Mario races to get it and I have it in my hand in seconds.

I punch up the numbers.

"Good evening Esteban. How may I help you tonight?" She answers her voice friendly and cheerful.

"Well, the boys asked me if Mario can stay the night. I told them that if you agree that they will have to go to bed at a decent hour and not push any limits. Because school is the most important thing for them at this time."
"I don't have a problem with it. I know they are both good boys and do as they are asked. I imagine you will have to come over there and get his uniform and books for classes."
"I think so yes. I was going to talk to you when you brought him back later anyway. I suppose now is as good a time as any."
"Sure."
We have been offered time and again tickets to local events and haves sadly had to turn them down. But now we have the bus we wont have to do that anymore. Do you think you could go and help us with the children at these events? I know its a lot to ask. But they respect you and listen to you."
"Like they don't you as well."
"Its different for the boys. They need a male influence in their lives."
"I think that's not a problem. Hold on a minute sister I want to talk to you in private."

I slip Emilio off my lap and head into the shop and close the door.

"Sister I'm worried about Chuy."
"We all are. But why are you worried about him?"
"Sister he seems so sad and lonely. After years of living in the home and always surrounded with people I think he is having a hard time. I have invited him to come to supper every night. But sister he needs more. He was talking about he wants to adopt a boy maybe even a girl. He said boy. But I think he just needs like all of us, someone to love."
"Chuy has always been a very loving person. But I know he cant meet the requirements to adopt yet. I know he is trying but he just doesn't make enough yet to afford to raise a child. As you know its not a cheap prospect."

I sigh in agreement.

"What can we do to help?"

She giggles. I swear hearing a nun giggle is always just a shock to me.

"Well, I have some paperwork that he can work on and it will create a little income to him. We actually should just retain him it would give him a bit more consistent income. It would also save us a few pesos as well. I think I will call him tomorrow and discuss it."
"Sister you know that wont work. He will do it for free like he is for me. He thinks of the home as his home. All of you like family. I don't see how you can do it."
"I have my ways."
I smile thinking of her manipulating our Chuy into taking money for his work.

"You know I saw a nice little house for sale a couple blocks from here. Kind of between us. You know the one?"
"I do. It needs lots of work though."
"Any idea how much or who owns it?"

"I do know who owns it. Though I don't know the price." she responds.

"Could you find out for me. I think it may be a gift to him for all his hard work getting Emilio and me together. Besides he needs somewhere to have an office. So people will take him seriously. I mean he already has a disadvantage looking so young."
"Mhm. I will see what I can find out."
"Good. I figure we will be down there in a little while. So I can get the boys started to settle down. Have them shower and whatnot and get ready for bed at least. Do you think I'm making a mistake letting him stay on a school night?"
"Not with those two. Maybe with some others yes. But those two no way."
"See you in a bit sister."
"Yes."
We end the call.

I open the door and hear Emilio say to Mario.

"No I think he will."
"Its too much to ask for Emilio. Please don't ask him."

"But I know he will love you as much as he loves me. My papi is a good man. I bet if I asked him he will adopt you too. Then we could be brothers for real."

"It would be too much to ask or even hope for. To have a real family."
I silently close the door back and walk into the shop. I walk over to a cooler and pull out a soda.

"I should sell beer." I say to no one.

I have a seat at the games table. Its what I have started calling it. Because that seems to be the table the old men and the children play games at. Sometimes they buy things. Sometimes not. Either way its just nice they feel comfortable enough to sit here and enjoy their days.

Adopt Mario too? I think. But the thought of hearing him say its too much to hope for. Well, it breaks my heart. Is hoping for love too much?

OY vey.


_______________________

ericmurphey1971@gmail.com

Hello everyone.

I hope life is treating you great. I think though I'm not sure that it seems as though Sunday is a good posting day for me. So we will see how that goes.

Transitions from Andrew and Tux is soon. When you ask? I don't know. Soon.

So lets discuss some things.

So let me think this week in America has been different. North Dakota republicans expanded the lunch reimbursements for themselves yet turned it down for children. You know because they care about children so much. Oh wait that's just until they are born. Then fuck them. Because its so obvious to me after the Tennessee legislature expelled two black men from their rolls for speaking out about gun control on the house floor breaking protocol. That of course deserves being expelled. Because its obviously more vital for bubba to own an AK than your child's life. Well unless they aren't born yet. Then it matters. So yeah we do it for the children. Uhhuh. Keep sending hopes and prayers they work so well. Because you know legislation isn't going to happen.
I mean really the Missouri legislature just made certain that a woman if she is in the chamber must have her arms covered. Because that's like super important to the welfare of the state. However they just said that you can open carry long guns on city streets. So yeah. Protecting children from that scary arm skin. Yet bullets not so much.

Ron the hero fascist of Faux News Desanits. OK he reminds me of the kid in kindergarten that ate paste and you wiped boogers on. I mean really he is trying to destroy Disney? Why is he hating big business? I thought republicans liked big business. Oh wait if they give them money. Sure I get it. But its ridiculous the things he is suggesting. Toll roads to get to Disney. Hotel taxes. OK now sine the state already took over Reedy Creek the tax payers are now burdened with a massive debt. Now he is saying toll roads and hotel taxes. OK so far this is only hurting people. He hasn't suggested anything that will actually make Disney pay shit in his little tantrum of a war of Don't say Gay. So yeah typical rhetoric from a fool. Being eatin up by fools. A vote for Ron is a vote for a restrictive government. A government that will restrict everything.

Its funny shit. I asked a person why they like the MAGA bullshit. They said because they are tired of being told what to do.

OH you mean like freedom for gays. Freedom for women and reproductive rights. They don't want to be told they need a vaccine to work. Because its their body. I agree with them. No government entity should be allowed to tell you what you can or cant do with your own person. SO their argument doesn't hold water. You cant have it both ways. Its OK to tell a woman what to do but not me. Hypocrites the lot of them.

The democrat party is the party of pedos. MTG says. Uhuh. Because they actually care about children AFTER they are born and want to see them loved and cared for. Make sure they have food and healthcare. But let me think here. Matt Gaetz was under investigation for what now? Interstate travel for sex with a person under 18 years old? Hes what party now? Wait the guy that ran for Senate in Alabama that lost was accused of many affairs while he was married with underage girls. HM a Democrat won. Though barely. These people need to be honest. They don't care about anything but power. They will say and do anything to get it. They lie they cheat they steal they I'm sure would kill for it too.

So yeah I vote Democrat. I'm a big old pedo. But you now what. I am a lot of things other than that as well. I'm a caring person that loves others and wants whats best for them. Lowering taxes on rich people doesn't seem like that's helping people. I am dumbfounded that the republicans are crying about the deficit now after 4 years of record breaking deficit spending in good economic times and now they want to blame everyone but themselves. Cunts is an acronym

Cant understand normal thinking. They are cunts for sure.

Anyway I hope you are enjoying the story. That's the important thing. Its obviously written by a democrat because the main character helps children.

Eric


ericmurphey1971@gmail.com