My Mexican Bodega

Part 3

From the Very Odd Mind of

Eric Murphey

A couple days have passed and I sitting in my shop waiting patiently for Emilio to show up after school. Since that first day I met him I have seen him every day. I am truly falling in love with him. Not just because he is a very sexy boy. But because he is him. He is an interesting boy and smart as all get out. I have a bit of stock to put out. But I'm saving it because Emilio seems to actually enjoy putting the things on the shelves. It seems to give him satisfaction to put the cans and items up and in order. The first thing he does after he walks in after school and hugs me for a good long while he goes and straightens what customers have messed up. Which is usually a lot. People don't think or care I suppose. The priest walks in and grabs a soda and a candy bar. He pays and opens the soda and candy.

"Seems like you got a shadow now."

"Yes. Hes a nice boy."
"He seems to like you quite a bit."
"The feeling is mutual. He mentioned the other day about me adopting him. Is that even possible?"
"Are you thinking about it?" he asks me looking serious.

"I don't honestly know. I know that if I don't love him I soon will. Hes a sweet caring boy and whats not to love about that?"
He nods and takes a drink of his soda.

"It is possible for a man to adopt a child. Though its not as easy if you were married."
"I'm certainly not doing that."
"No I don't imagine you would. But if you want to adopt him I can get it started."
"Not to be a jerk and to think only about money. But what are the costs of it. I mean I have plenty but I just want to make sure its feasible to even think about."
"With lawyers and court costs and everything involved. I would guess 100,000 pesos."
I frown when he says that.

"Can you afford so much money? I know its a lot."
"I can afford it. Its not that. Its just a lot."
"Can you put a price on love? Because I know that boy loves you with all his heart. You are the first person that has shown any interest in him. In the past few days I have seen a real change in him. He is much more outgoing and he has a constant smile on his face."
I think a few minutes. I know I can afford it. But is it the right thing to do? Am I doing it for the right reasons? Am I going to do it just so I can fuck him? I get a sick feeling in my stomach thinking of buying a boy to fuck him. But I do know I care deeply about him already. But I know deep in my heart that if he lives here all the time I will have sex with him if he allows me and I have little doubt he would. But is that the reason I want him here all the time? Or is it because I truly love him? Oh boy the thoughts I'm having are confusing and I just don't know what to think.

"Father keep this to yourself. I want, no I need to think about it for a while before I make a decision. Its a big responsibility to adopt him. I want to make sure its the right thing for him before I do anything."
"I understand. I may ask the sisters about it though. Kind of a what if scenario. Not that you approached me about it. Would that be fine?"
"I suppose so. But I would have no choice but to add on a bedroom. I only have the one. I would want him to have his own space. I'm sure its tiresome sharing all the time. It would be nice for him to have his own area where he can just be by himself if he wants."
"I agree you need another bedroom if you go ahead with this plan. But I think he would be just as happy if you had him on the couch."
I nod my agreement.

"I got some people to visit. Just came in top top of the tummy. Pray on it and I will too." He tells me as he takes his leave.

I'm thinking yeah how does that prayer go. God do I want to adopt him because I love him and want to give him a loving supporting home or do I want to adopt him so I can have that ass? But then I think I could probably have it even if I don't adopt him. I sigh in my frustration and confusion. I just want to do the right thing for the right reasons. I move here being truly altruistic in my thoughts. Now I have a boy I'm sure I love and am also very attracted to. I know that when he hugs me I feel so wonderful and not just in a sexy way either. Its like all the love this boy has had all his life and no one to share it with pours out into me with each hug he gives me. But it also turns me on too. Before I know it he is walking through the door a smile the size of Texas on his face.

"Did you have a good day at school?"

He nods as he drops his book bag behind the counter and I wrap him up in my arms. We hold each other a good few minutes and he lets go and kisses me. I've gotten used to this and I am ready.

He goes and starts straightening the store and I watch as he goes and gets the carts and fills everything back to full and faces the products. I swear my store looks so nice it could be in Bodega monthly if such a thing is around. My store is in perfect shape. When he is done I look at him and raise my eyebrows.

"Yes a little." He says grabbing his book bag and setting his books on the counter I have cleared off for him to do his homework at. He gets on it and asks me a few math questions. I help him with it as its pretty easy for me anyway. Then he goes to grammar and asks me a question.

"I don't know. I cant read Spanish very much."

"Oy that's bad."

I nod my agreement

"I can read products and what they are. But that's about it. I cant really read."
"But you speak Spanish really good. I just figured you could."

I look down ashamed at my ignorance. He can see my shame I think because he hugs me.

Around six or so I am getting hungry and I go to the apartment and get the food I got from the lady with the cart earlier. Its one of my favorites. I got some barbacoa and I know that Emilio enjoys it too. At least he said he does. So I heat it up in the microwave and carry the plates out that are loaded. I don't think she gives everyone as much as she gives me. Because she charges a very fair price and I don't see how she can make a profit if she feeds everyone this much We eat and a little while later a man walks in wearing a uniform.

"I got a delivery for you." He tells me.

"OK."

He starts bringing in a boxes.

"What did you order?" He asks me.

"Nothing. But from the look of the boxes I think this is a gift from my old boss for the orphanage."
The man brings in about a dozen boxes altogether and then hands me a manila envelope that's sealed tightly with tape. It has my name neatly written on it.

Steven Miller and the return address of Eric Murphey up top.

I open it and inside is a letter.

I pull it out and read it to myself and my little friend.

Steve:
I talked to the boys and we all decided that since there are so many children that one TV would just not be enough. That they will want to watch other programs. So we got a few instead. I listened to you about the sizes and didn't know how big the place is. So we got 48 inch TVs. The boys were all about getting 75 inch TVs but I explained they may not have room for them. The boys also included some other things they thought the children might enjoy as well. I hope this finds you well. I wanted to send some gift cards. But I'm not sure how it would work with the different currencies. So I just included a few pesos we had left form our last trip to Mexico. I hope this helps. If you or they need anything feel free to let us know. We love to help people that need it.

Eric Murphey

"What else did they send?" He asks excited.

"You know as much as I do."

So our curiosity gets the best of us so we go and start looking at the cases. A few TVs I think as I count out 8 of them. I open a box that's not labeled and pull out about 10 laptops.

"He spent a lot of money."

Emilio just nods his head. I do see the laptops are refurbished and upgraded. So at least he saved a few dollars on them anyway. Not that he ever will have to worry about money. I open another case and inside is filled with Joey T-shirts and merchandise.

"Oh wow cool. I bet all this cost a fortune for them to get. I love Joey. Hes so cute."
"I imagine that the record company gives them this stuff."
"Why would they do that?"
"Because Joey is my old bosses son."
He looks at me with big eyes.

"Did you ever meet him?"

"Sure lots of times."
"Oh my god. Whats he like?"
"He is a nice boy."
"No I mean what he like for real."
"For real he is a nice boy."
"I would do anything to meet him."
"I don't know if that's possible because they are really busy people. But I sure I can get an autographed picture of him for you."
"Do you think so?"
"I'm not positive but maybe. I will ask and if they have time I'm sure they will send one."

He just grins.

I open another case and its filled with game consoles and games. I go through and see a note.

Mr Steve:
We was talking to poppi and we thought that they needed games too. So we got some for them to play with. We wanted to send like Call of Duty but Poppi wasn't having any of that. He says there is enough violence in the world without trying to make it a game. So we sent FIFA and Fortnight and games like that. Joey wanted me to ask how many boys and girls so he can send more presents because people are always sending him stuff. We did include a bunch of Legos because they sent us a bunch of them because Joey said how much he loves them. We sent some toys as well cuz we don't need so much and its better to share what you don't need then to keep it just cuz. We sent lots of Joeys stuff cuz he is real popular in Mexico. He says its cuz I'm his brother but I don't think so. I hope they like the stuff we sent. We wanted to send more but poppi said we need to wait and see what they want instead of sending the whole house to them. Poppi is funny. Poppi showed us a picture of the boy that was with you. Are you gonna adopt him? I hope so everyone needs someone to love.

Alejandro

We open the rest of the boxes and they are filled with toys. Dolls and trucks teddy bears, you name it just several boxes of toys. I open the last box and its filled with Valentines candy. I guess it is only a week away.

"Lets get all this loaded on the truck and get it down to them. I think I will keep the candy and deliver it on Valentines day though."
"But you aren't supposed to close until 9."
"True but this is ore important I think. If it makes you feel better I will put a note on the door telling people if it cant wait I'm at the home and to come get me. But I don't think anyone needs anything that badly. I'm not the only store."

We load it all up into the back of my old beat up truck, and hop in.

"They are going to be so happy." He says grinning.

"I think you are 100% correct papi."
He giggles and smiles when I call him papi. I have never understood it but a lot of Mexicans call their young sons papi as a way of affection. I don't get it but I appreciate it. I also use it with Emilio because I don't want to call him miho. OK I really do but I still have to think about that. I have to make sure my thoughts are pure on it. I don't want to adopt him and then have him thinking I did it just to try to have sex with him. We get to the home and I pull up in front. Its still light out which to me is nice. It stays light here longer than at home. The old nun comes out. The one I think is in charge.

"Was he bad?" She asks me.

"Oh no. He has never been bad around me. Its just we got some things shipped to my shop for the orphanage from my old boss and we wanted to bring it up now."
"I'm glad to hear it. Not about the material things but that he is good for you."
"Isn't he good here?"
"Mostly yes. But sometimes he gets into fights with the other boys. Usually the older boys. I don't know why he does it. They always get the better of him."
He looks away from me feeling ashamed I learned he isn't perfect.

"I'm sure there is a reason."
He looks back at me and smiles a small smile.

"Come on miho lets get this stuff off the truck."
He grins at me and I realize I just called him miho. I was just thinking of it and I didn't mean it. I mean I did but I don't want to get his hopes up. I don't want to hurt him at all ever. It was then that I realized that I do indeed love him. Not just a little either. But a deep penetrating love I have for him. One that will never die. One that if today is the last day I see him I will forever carry the love in my heart for him. I sigh and lower the tail gait and we start carrying in boxes. I see the HNIC. Head nun in charge. Ha not what you thought I meant is it? I hand her the box with the laptops in it. I say softly to her.

"He included 10 laptops. I don't know how you want to hand them out. If you want them to share them or just give them to the older children. But I thought you should be in charge of that."
She smiles.

"Your old boss is very generous."
"You have no idea. I know he gives away millions of dollars a year. He is always saying. If you cant hep the person in front of you? What good are you?"
She laughs at this.

"I think I would like this man if I ever meet him."

"You might kind of know him already."
"I don't know how The only American I know is you."
"His son is Joey Murphey."

She grins.

"And little Alejandro and the boy Tran who was saved from cancer. Yes I am very aware of them. The girls all make sure I know all the latest information on them. They are all in love with one of the three boys."
I laugh at this. Maybe I misjudged this lady. She isn't at all bitter. Maybe she was just feeling me out making sure my deeds were pure and I didn't expect anything in return.

"Well then wont they all be super happy then when I open one of the boxes."

"Oh my." Is all she says.

"OK We have eight new TVs where do you want them set up?"
She instructs a couple older boys to help Emilio and me set up the TVs. I then had the boys hook up the game systems because if I knew one thing about them it would be more than I already know. But I know the boys setting them up were really excited about them. The other children were thrilled when we hooked up the new TV in the living room area of the home. Its massive. So the sister actually had me set one up at each end of the room. I mean its a huge room I would guess 30 feet by 50 feet. So yes massive. But its filled with old couches and chairs. Big throw pillows and bean bag chairs. All have seen better days. But were getting there. New furniture or new clothes. Yeah the clothes come first.

We get the TVs set up and the sisters get all the children in the living room and I open the boxes. As children file up I give them a toy that is appropriate for their ages. I'm not all about appropriate for their sex either One little girl wanted a truck. So she got a truck. Every child got a teddy bear. I even had half a dozen left over. I guess Mr Eric was right He does get a lot of things from fans. I show them all the Lego sets and am greeted with some oohs and ahs. Because these are not cheap ass sets. These are super nice sets that are like $250 a set. Good thing Lego likes Joey for these children anyway. I wonder how many they actually sent him because this is a lot. I wonder if he kept any. I get to the last two boxes that are huge.

"OK everyone. One of the people that sent this to you is kind of famous. He included some things he thought you may enjoy."
Emilio is giggling because he already knows the girls will be so excited and the younger boys too. Though he has heard some of the older boys singing some of Joeys songs. Especially the ones Alejandro is in singing in Spanish. Its only a few songs they recorded from the concerts. But they seem to be the most popular here anyway.

I open the box and pull out a small t-shirt and hand it to a little girl and she opens it up and screams a scream that I'm sure split my ear drums. The other girls see and the scream is repeated. How does Joey do this? He hears it all the time I'm sure. Poor boy is going to go deaf I'm sure. I hand out all the things to all of them. Even the older boys seemed pretty proud to have the shirts. I mean I know Joey is a good singer and all. But I figured the older boys would think the music was too juvenile for them. Though his songs aren't really geared towards young girls. They are really sweet songs about love and life. How things are crappy sometimes but there is always the dream of rainbows and puppies somewhere close. I wonder where the hell he got that from. But he has used it a few times. I personally like his music. But its not my favorite. However I bet all the girls here and some of the boys would like to have hugged Joey as I have several times. He is such a cute boy. Got the typical American boy look. There are autographed CDs too for them. I get ready to pack myself back to the shop and Emilio asks if he can come back with me.

I look and it 8:25 already.

"It would only be half an hour."
"OK so a half an hour it is then."

I smile at him and he heads out to the truck. I get lots of hugs and thank yous. I did take a ton of pictures and had Emilio take a ton too when I was handing out things. I want Eric and his boys to see the joy. No the joy THEY gave these children that have nearly nothing. I know Eric very well and I know he wasn't always rich. He was just a guy working at a job he loved and managed to turn it into a fortune. What most don't see is the pain in his eyes every time he walks in. The longing to be where he loves but the pain that knows he just cant. I see it. I doubt any others see it. But I know the look. Its the same look I give to boys that I want to get to know better. To know its not possible. No matter how bad you want it.

We get back and I take the sign off the door. We walk in and I turn the lights on and I see the envelope from earlier. I didn't think much of it. Because he said its just what they had left from their trip. I'm thinking maybe a thousand pesos. Which is a lot and will I'm sure get most of the children something and I will just cover the rest. I'm totally good with that. Because I saw how happy it made my little friend. I know the others will be just as pleased. Its a real treat for them to get to eat out. Because it not only doesn't happen often. It just doesn't happen. They cant afford it and they like to be fair. If everyone cant have it none will. Which is good and bad at the same time. But I get it. So I grab the envelope and reach my hand inside and feel some bank notes and pull them out. I see a few hundreds and then I see several thousand peso notes.

"Holy Shit." I say in English. Emilio sees it and his eyes are as wide with surprise as I was.

"How much is there?"
I count it and he does with me. I am floored its almost 14,000 pesos. So like $1400 American. Its a shit ton of money let me tell you.

"I never seen so much money."
"It is a lot for sure. I better put it in the safe."

He picks up the envelope and looks inside.

"Hey there is another bill stuck in the seam" He takes it out and its only a 20 but still I nearly threw away some money. He is peering into it again and there is no more. But I think I was just so shocked at the amount of cash in the envelope. Here I'm thinking a hundred bucks at most and holy moly.

I see its a couple minutes until nine when the door bursts open and a man comes in.

"Oh I'm so glad your still open. A pack of Marlboro please."
I grab the cigarettes and sell them to him and he opens them up and lights one.

"Thanks." He says and takes his leave.

I get up and lock the door to close for the evening.

"Why do you sell cigarettes and not beer? Cigarettes are really bad for you."

"I have never known a man to smoke a pack of cigarettes and beat his wife and kids. Or smoke a pack of cigarettes and run into another car and kill a family. Enough with the beer I'm not selling it."
"Everybody else sells it."
"Well that's perfect then. They can buy it there."
"Don't you drink beer?"
"No. If I drink something I want it to taste good. Not like someone just pissed in my mouth."

"But I thought all men liked beer." He says looking at me confused.

"I imagine most do. But there are some that don't. Have you ever tried it?"

He giggles.

"Yeah the nuns give us beers all the time."

I roll my eyes at him.

"Come on we got to get you back before the nuns think I stole you from them."
He looks at me with his big eyes.

"Would that be so bad?"

I put my hand under his chin. Lift his face up so he is looking at me.

"No that wouldn't be bad at all."

He smiles.

"I can stay tonight. If you want."
"No you cant. You have school tomorrow and the nuns might beat me up if I don't bring you back."
He laughs at the thought of the nuns attacking me.

I walk back with him and we hold hands the entire way. We part with a long hug and a quick kiss.

"See you tomorrow?" I ask.

"Right after school."
As I am walking home I see the light on in the rectory. I stop in front and am looking at it thinking if I want to talk to the priest or not about this. I mean how do you broach the subject. Yeah hey father I want to adopt this boy because I love him but I want to fuck him too. What do you think?

I sit and stare at the window a couple minutes when I hear from behind me.

"If you don't knock I cant help you."
I turn startled and see the priest there behind me. He has a bag in his hands.

"I don't know if you can help me or not. I see your cheating on me with another store."
He chuckles.

"I suppose we cant find out if you don't come in."
I follow him to his door and walk in. His house is nice but not super nice. Its nicer than some and not as nice as others. Its what I would think of as middle class in America. He offers me a soda which I accept and he has one too. We sit in his high backed chairs and he waits for me to start.

I sit for five minutes nervously sipping my soda and him waiting.

"I would guess this is about young Emilio?"
"Yes sir."

"You would like to adopt him yes?"
"I don't know if it would be right for me to do that."
"Why not? He seems to care for you a great deal and the feeling seems mutual."

"We do."
"I don't see the problem then. I know you can support him easily enough. You have told me about your investments in America. I know you would give him a good and loving home."
"I would father. But well.........I have an unnatural attraction to him."

He waits moment and I'm thinking oh boy did I just fuck up. Telling a priest I want to fuck a young boy. I'm going to be banished from this community I have started making friends in. But Emilio's best interest is in my heart.

"So you are thinking it would be wrong to adopt him for this reason?"
"Yes sir. I want to adopt him and give him a home he feels safe and loved in. Not a home he feels he has to give me sex to be in. I want my reasons to adopt him to be pure. Not for selfish reasons.

He nods.

"Have you two done anything?"
"No sir." I quickly answer.

"But you want to."
I nod and look down ashamed of my attraction to him.

"Does he want to you suppose?"
"I don't know. He is a young boy and well I notice things stirring in his pants. But when I was young my loins would stir for any number of reasons. So it is probably nothing for him too. I'm an old man. I don't see a young boy wanting to have sex with a geriatric."

He thinks a moment before he answers me.

"I have seen and learned a lot of things in my 64 years of life. I don't believe that you would ever force him to do anything...…"
"No sir I never would do that."
He smiles even though I interrupted him.

"I didn't think so. As for you thinking its unnatural. Who is to say what is unnatural when it comes to love?"
"I would think you father. I mean isn't it against the laws of God? Didn't Jesus condemn homosexuality?"
He smiles at me.

"No actually in the bible text Jesus never mentioned it. Contrary to popular belief. I find it amazing how many Christians say things yet don't even read their bible. That seems to be a popular thing that people make it up as they go. They pass on their thoughts and beliefs as Gods. Yet we don't think as God does nor does he think as we do. God I believe thinks only in love. He sees the compassion in our hearts even those we think have none. God truly loves each and everyone of us. No matter how heinous we think that person is. God still loves them. We are quick to classify people as monsters who do things we don't approve of. Thereby stripping them of their humanity. It is easy to hate someone you think is a monster. But God tells us to love our enemies. He wants us to love each and every person on the planet as he does. We fall very short of that. Myself included. But I think that you thinking and doubting your intentions of wanting to adopt Emilio shows that you truly care for him and don't want to hurt him. But want to help him and give him a loving home. So your concern is enough to me to think that what you want to do is the right thing to do."
"But what if he wants to have sex with me. I'm sure he doesn't but he has said a few things that make me think he isn't completely opposed to the idea. Maybe I should have him stay away. I don't want to hurt him."

"No that would destroy him. Emilio is a very fragile boy. He doesn't attach himself to anyone At least not that I have heard or seen. In the short time he has been spending time with you I am seeing his blossom open instead of being shut tight. He is becoming who is is supposed to be. I think with your guidance he will grow into a very caring and compassionate man. If sex is involved that I'm sure will be his choice."
I nod.

"Father you have given me a lot to think about. I need to pray on it."
"I would suggest you do. But that's kind of my job." He says with a smile.

I finish the last swallow of my soda and get up.

"Thank you for your time father. You have given me something to think about. At least a different perspective on the topic."
"I'm glad I can help. Please feel free to talk to me anytime."
"Thank you father." I say shaking his hand.

I walk out and head to the church. I head to the candles and drop a few pesos in the box and light a candle. I kneel before them and pray for guidance in this matter. Actually in all matters. I don't think you can go wrong asking God to help you with choices that are hard. Even ones that are simple as well. I pray a good hour or so going over everything in my head with my maker.

I get up and my knees protest being bent for so long but they give in and let me up. However I was wondering for a moment. I head home to my little apartment. It feels so empty now. I feel so very alone. I feel something I don't feel. I feel lonely. I sigh and think is this the answer?

I decide to put it out of my head for now. I open my laptop and send an email to Mr Eric thanking him and his wonderful boys for the gifts for the children. I send pictures of them. After I attach half a dozen I'm thinking this is a lot of photos I want to share. Well over a hundred. I think OK that's a lot. I find a photo hosting site and post them on there and send Eric the link explain that I wanted to attach them but it was just too much. But I think this will work out very well. I sign off my computer and shut it down. I head to bed still thinking of my young friend.

_______________
Donate to Nifty.

Ericmurphey1971@gmail.com

Well guys I hope you are still enjoying it. Emails dropped off. Im sure thats its the normal drop off and most of you are still reading. If not thats fine I like this story. I find I enjoy writing in first person. Obviouslly since a lot of my stories are written that way.
So lately I have been thinking of Adam Rich. He was my first crush. Oh my goodness when I was a boy I didnt think anyone was cuter. Now I look at eight is enough and think. I wasnt picky was I? He was cute sure but not the knockout I thought he was when I was 6. But I looked into his life. I knew he had some drug and alcohol issues in his life. But what struck me is there is no record of him dating at all. I mean none, zero, zip, Nada. No chidren. SO whats with that? Was he like me and kept it to himself? Was he asexual? Any thoughts on it or if you know something share it with me. Enquiring minds want to know. OK I do anyway. They said he may have died from a drug overdose. I suppose thats possible. He was only 54 so it could have been a number of things that he died from. I hope he was happy and had friends.

Hope you are continue to enjoy the story.

Ericmurphey1971@gmail.com

Eric