My Mexican Bodega

Part 9

From the Grammatically Incorrect Mind

Of

Eric Murphey


The ride up to the bus place was interesting. Seeing as how I have been in Mexico for several months now and I have only been to two towns. I should get out more. But I have the store to take care of. I have slowed down just working days now. But maybe I should hire someone else to work the days and I just work a few days a week. Am I being lazy or practical? I don't know I just know that I want to spend every second I can with my Emilio.

"See I told you we wouldn't need to pack all that food." Emilio tells me as we are pulling in to look at the bus for the home.

"Well, I didn't know. I mean I didn't know if it would be like in America where you have a McDonald's or Burger King every five blocks, and a Starbucks on every corner."

"Really?" He asks his eyebrows arched.

"Not that bad. But on the interstate you will find a restaurant every few miles. But the leftover steak on sandwiches was nice though wasn't it?"
"I'm not saying it wasn't." He says giggling.

"So are you saying you want some McDonald's while we are cruising all over Mexico?"
"I wouldn't say no."
"Oh you wouldn't would you?" I say as we are walking to the building and I grab him and tickle his sides.

He is laughing his head off telling me to stop nearly falling down he is laughing so hard.

Chuy just watches and smiles shaking his head at us. I wish I would have moved earlier so I could have helped him too. He is such a nice young man. Always polite and quick to smile.

We go into the office door.

"Hi I'm Esteban I came about the bus for sale."
A guy looks up and has a shocked look on his face.

"Your white."
I look at my arm.

"Holy shit your right. When did this happen? Guys why don't you tell me these things." I say looking at them and seeing looks of what the fuck then they start laughing.

"No its just you speak Spanish so well. I figured you were Mexican." The man back peddles and smiles while he does.

"I don't care its funny though. So I'm guessing you are who I spoke to about the bus."
"Yes that's me. Follow me and I will show it to you."
We follow him back through a very large garage with several bays big enough for semi trucks. Its like Walmart super center huge. Maybe not that big. But biggest garage I have ever been in. We go out a door into a fenced in area.

"Shes right here."
I look at it and it looks amazing from the outside. I walk around it and look very carefully at it I look underneath. I don't know why I know shit about mechanics. I guess to make it look like I know stuff. Make sure things aren't leaking. Yeah that's it. Make sure things aren't leaking. I'm sticking with that. I go up inside the bus. Emilio and Chuy right behind me.

"Wow." I say seeing it looks nearly new.

"It looks so nice. The old bus the seats were all falling apart and if you weren't careful you got poked." Emilio says to me.

"No kidding. I got poked a few times on the bus." Chuy says.

We both look at him and bust out laughing.

"What?" He asks.

"Really think about it. You got poooooked on the bus?" Emilio says through his laughter.

Chuy grins.

"Maybe?" He replies his eyebrows high.

"Oh my." I let out as we finish looking at everything.

"Keys are in it so you can start it up and listen to it if you want. I will open the gate so you can drive it around a bit." The man selling it says to me.

"That would be great." Is my response.

I sit in the drivers seat and start her up. She roars to life in an instant. No hesitation at all. Key turn. VROOOM. Cant ask for more than that.

"Emilio go to the back make sure I don't run into anything. I haven't backed anything up this big in ages."
He runs to the back of the bus.

I start backing up and Emilio is telling me to cut the wheel so I do. I manage to back up this massive thing with no problems. Thanks to Emilio. We drive out and he races back to the front and sits behind me. Chuy is in that seat too. We drive around a good ten to fifteen minutes and we pull back in and I park it.

"Guys I don't think we can go wrong with this. I mean its already a really good deal. Granted its more than I really wanted to spend. But its only a few years old and in much better shape than anything else I have seen. What do you think?"

"I think that the nuns will be very happy about it. The bus barely ran when I was Emilio's age. I think the Jews used it to escape Egypt." he says making us chuckle.
"I just know its real nice and that the boys and girls will love it too."
"Sounds to me like I'm buying a bus."

We get off and I walk around it again and its just so perfect. No scratches dents any damage I can see. We walk in and back across the massive garage to the office.

"So you like it?" He asks me.

"Whats not to like. Thing drives like a dream. Its in nearly perfect condition. Are you sure the price is only 200,000 pesos?"
"Actually, No its not."
"Yes sir." I tell him thinking oh boy how much more is this going to cost? But I'm willing to go up a few thousand more.

"I heard saying its or an orphanage. Is that right?"
"Yes sir it is. Our Lady of Guadeloupe in Oaxaca.
"I just couldn't take more than I paid for it then. It wouldn't be right."
"Wait what?"

"I got it for 150,000. You can have it for that."

"Wait no. That's not right. You got to eat."
He rubs his rather large tummy.

"Oh trust me I eat." He says laughing. "My wife would kill me if she found out. That and you know it may earn me some points for later. I've not always been a nice person. Give me a second I will be right back."
He walks out to the garage and talks to a guy for a second and comes back.

"I've thought about your very generous offer but we cant do it." I tell him.

"You have to make some money on it. You have a business to run. From the pictures on your desk also a family. I cant take food from your table that wouldn't be right. How about I give you say an extra ten thousand pesos. Because that's about what I was wanting to spend and then no one feels bad about it."
"So if I wont take it will you buy the bus?"He asks me.

"I don't think I can. I try to do the right thing all the time. I'm teaching my son here those lessons. Well, he isn't my son legally but he will be soon we hope. But I cant take advantage of a man with a very kind heart in front of him."
Emilio turns his back to me.

"How about now?" he says.
We all chuckle at his antics.

"Alright. I never had anyone try to pay me more before. But I guess I understand your reasoning." He says smiling and shaking his head at Emilio.

We fill out the paperwork. Amazing it doesn't take 6 fucking hours like in America. We are walking out the door with him following and chatting about whatever. He is a nice guy for sure.

Emilio boards the bus and the man calls me to him.

"Yes sir?"
He hands me ten thousand pesos with a huge grin

"Give this to the nuns for me."

I smile take it from him and slip it in my pocket.

"It was really nice meeting you my friend." I tell him as I shake his hand.

"The feeling is mutual."

We pull the big mother out and I park behind Father Lopez car. We get the cooler out and give Chuy a few drinks and snacks for the trip back. Even though we are stopping at McDonald's because someone wont say no to it. You would think I would be tired of it But I rarely ate at work. Once a week is about it. I didn't want to get tired of it. I like it and still do.

Chuy is going to follow us back just in case we have any issues. Of which I'm sure we aren't. That and I want to make sure I get him some lunch too. OK its kind of in between lunch and supper. So is it Lupper? Like brunch? Probably not.

I climb aboard the bus and shut the door. Emilio hands me a Coke.

"Thank you."
We take off and we are driving a half an hour or so and we are just riding enjoying the silence. Emilio has his hand resting on my shoulder as we go along.

"Papi?" he says breaking the silence after half an hour on the road.

"Miho?"

"At the home were arguing a while back about god. Do you think god is a man or a woman? I was saying that god is a man because the bible says that. But the girls were saying that life come from women."
"They are right and so are you on those points. But you asked me what I thought. I don't think god is either. I think the bible gives the title of him because we understand that. Because you have heard Father Lopez say when we don't understand something that god does its because we think differently like the bible says. An example would be that us as people if we saw a sick child or even adult and we had the power to make them better we would. Yet god has that power and doesn't. So that's one way he thinks differently than us. We wouldn't have natural disasters. Yet he allows them. I don't know why because I cant think like him. Maybe one day we will understand but it wont be in this lifetime."
"So what do you think he is then?"
"One thing I don't think he is a physical being that we can walk up to and get a hug from. At least not here anyway. I think god is love. A pure and true love like human beings can only imagine. Its love so perfect we cant even begin to understand how perfect it is. He has a love for us that we cant even begin to fathom it is so much. Imagine how much you love me and to god that would be nothing."
"I love you more than anyone."
"I know I love you that much too. But gods love for us is even more than that. Its perfect. Because if we mess up he is there to forgive us. No matter what we do. If we kill a million people he will forgive us his love is so strong."
"But he was mad at Cain for killing Abel."
"He was angry yes. But he still loved him. Its why I cant understand the death penalty. People say an eye for an eye. But yet when god was in charge he punished him sure. But he didn't kill him. He didn't imprison him for his life. He sent him away with a mark to remind him and others he was really bad once."

"So you think prison is wrong then?"

"No I don't think that. I do think that a person shouldn't be in prison until they die though. Unless they kill a few people. Then yes. Or if they kill a child. Then I think I want them to die. But that's revenge not punishment. What punishment have they gotten when they get to beat us to heaven if they have asked for forgiveness. Its more like a reward."
"You think they get to go to heaven?"
"Sure. I think lots of people get to go to heaven. Even people who aren't christian."
"Really?" He asks surprised.

"Sure think about it. Do you think the tribes of people that live in South America and don't know about god he would cast them into hell for not believing in him?"
"No that wouldn't be fair."
"I think god is a fair and just god. So no I don't think he would either. I also think people of other faiths will be there too. I think we put too much focus on who is wrong and who is right. i think god reads your heart and if its good you are good."
"Even people that kill people like you said. You believe that?"

"Yes I do. In the bible it mentions sins and drunkard and murderer are in the same list. Is one sin any greater against god than another?"
"No I don't guess so."
"Look buddy I may be completely wrong. But this is what I have come to decide in my 55 years of life. If you want to believe it that's fine. If not that's fine too. Everyone views god differently. Just as everyone can read the same verse and get a different meaning from it. It is just how it was designed by the creator."

"Papi you are so smart."
"No not really. I just had a job where I could think a lot about whatever. So I thought about things like this a lot. Trust me I'm not smart."

"I think you are."
"I'm glad I have you fooled."

He giggles and leans forward and starts rubbing my shoulders. I'm really good with that.

We drive another half an hour

"You hungry yet buddy?"

"Yes."
"OK I see a McDonalds up the road a little we can stop there. I need to stand up and walk around a minute. My butts tired."
"I got to pee."
"Why didn't you say something earlier? I don't mind stopping."
"I know. Its just I am ready to be back and if we keep stopping then we wont ever make it."
"What have I told you young man about making valid points."
He giggles at me, and I turn off the highway. I see Chuy is following. Good because we didn't tell him we were stopping at Mickey Dees. I pull the bus into the area for big trucks and walk over to Chuy who is outside the car stretching.

"Long day huh?" I ask him.

"You could say that. So you guys have to pee or something?"
"Yes but we just wanted to get something to eat. Figured this was as good as anywhere else."

"Sounds good to me." Chuy answers as we walk in.

We place our orders and soon are sitting and eating. Its nice to just sit here and not be driving. I don't mind driving. But I don't really care for driving for extended periods of time. So I'm going to be really happy when we get back.

"I'm thinking that when we get to town stop at the gas station and fill up. That way Father Lopez car will be full and the bus too." I suggest.

"That seems like a good plan. I have enough gas to make it no problem." Chuy tells me.

"Good. Lets get back to it before I get to not wanting to drive anymore."
"I'll drive." Emilio says excitedly.

"Nice try buddy. But I don't think so." I smile at him when I say it.

We get back on the bus and Chuy back into the fathers car and off we go again. We are driving down the road and I'm just thinking about things. Nothing in particular just letting thoughts go in and out of my head. Emilio is behind me.

"Papi you care if I take a nap?"
"No buddy you go right ahead."
He lays on the seat behind me and I can see him in the mirror close his eyes and after a while I see the look of sleep on his face. I think how much I love him. I thank the creator for bringing him into my life to give me someone to love. In my life I have seen many things. The one thing that I never can get over is someone that takes love for granted. I see it all the time. People don't appreciate the love they have in their lives. Let me tell you when you are alone for years and long for nothing else when it does come into your life you appreciate it more. I think of the arguments I have seen among people who love each other and its usually over the dumbest thing in the world. I read that most relationships like marriage end due to finances. But money goes up and down in your life. But if the love is real you should fight to keep it. Not let silly things get in the way. Not allow silly worries to get in the way. In the back of my mind I think that Emilio before I know it will be going to college. Then going out to find his own life. I hold him as love should with open arms. So that he can go off and explore and be his own person. Like he needs to do. I will always love him. Of that I have no doubt. But it would be selfish of me to hold him with me. Always wanting him to stay and be with me. I decided that I am his papi first and foremost. I am his lover for now. But in time that may change. Though I am convinced that my love for him will not change if that happens. In truth I want him to find a boy his age that he can love and be in love with. When he is 18 I will be 62. When he turns 21 I will be 65. It isn't right or fair to burden him with an old man in his youth when he should be out having fun and partying with friends and lovers. Of course I will worry but that's only natural. That's what you do when you love someone. Worry, and worry a lot. In our little town its not so bad. There is some violence but in general its a safe place to live. I don't worry about him going out and playing by himself if he desires to do so. He hasn't yet but he will one day I'm sure. I don't worry someone will snatch him up and steal him. We live in a poor community but its safe. People look out for each other that's for sure. Even the drug lords in the area dont cause any issues. They just want to earn a good living and support their families in a way they otherwise wouldn't be able to. You just cant do that with what they get paid here. I understand why so many people cross the border illegally. Most of the time its not to do anything other than to make a better life for their families. I cant blame a person for that. I don't see how anyone could. I heard for years how they are stealing Americans jobs. Yet I see them in the worst jobs possible and they are happy to have them. I cant imagine a day in a tomato field picking them all day. Its hard back breaking work. I don't see too many Americans lining up for that job. So stealing American jobs I think not in that case. Its a case where no one else will do it. If they would they would ask for so much money that the farmers couldn't afford it.

I look at him in the big rear view mirror and see him smiling in his sleep. I wonder what he is thinking about? I am sure it is a happy dream from his smile. I cant help but smile from it. We drive a couple hours and get to town. FINALLY. I pull into the gas station Chuy behind me. We fill up both vehicles and Chuy insists on paying for the fuel for both vehicles.

"Its the least I can do. Sadly at this time its also the most I can do."

"Its not going to cut you short is it?"
"With money at this time in my life it is always short. But when you never have had any then it not really something you miss is it?"
"No I suppose not. Why don't you come over a few times this week for supper. I know Emilio and I enjoy your visits. We seem to becoming pretty good friends Chuy. Not because you are our lawyer. But because you are a really good guy."

He blushes.

"I think we are becoming friends."
"So you will come for supper then?"
"I wouldn't want to take advantage."
"I assure you that you aren't. Even if you just showed up one day unannounced you would be welcomed to join us. So lets not hear any talk like that. Besides I know how much it would have cost me if I had to pay for a lawyer for this. You have saved me tons. A few meals is certainly an easy way to pay you back."
"I'm not looking for anything other than to make a boy very happy."
"And a man."
"Yes and a man. But you really cant understand what its like to grow up in the home. Your physical needs are met sure. But on an emotional level its sad to say that most of the children there are extremely lacking in the understanding where it comes to loving relationships. I mean sure there are groups of boys and girls that create a kind of family for themselves. But to actually have a real family. Now that is something that every boy and girl there wants. To have a home where there is a loving parent or parents to go home to. Can you imagine what its like to not have love in your life?"
I nod at him.

"Yes I can. I do understand what you are saying. I have always been a single man. I haven't had a lot of love in my life and the gift of love that Emilio gives me is more than I could have ever dreamed for. He is the kindest sweetest boy I have ever met. I worry a lot though that I will let him down and somehow screw up and hurt him."
"Trust me you will never hurt him on purpose. Of that I am sure."

"I know I would ever do it on purpose that's a certainty. But sometimes I do and say things that are taken the wrong way. Sometimes I just don't think what I'm saying is bad then it comes out and bam its awful."

"He may have his feelings hurt from time to time that's a guarantee. But he will quickly overcome it."

"I hope you are right."
"I am. I am going to take Father Lopez his car back and I imagine you will deliver the bus now."
"Yes that's my plan. Its not late yet. Its only 6 so I imagine the nuns and the children will be thrilled to see their new ride."
He grins.

"Of that I am certain."
"Emilio was telling me that the local football team offers tickets for them but they have to refuse them because they don't have a ride. I think this will open up lots of opportunities for the children to get out and have a good time here and there."

"I know they will."
I don't know why but I give Chuy a hug. He holds me tight as I do. Now that I have been around Emilio a hug isn't a quick thing anymore. I hold him to me tight a good minute maybe even two. When we separate I see he has tears in his eyes.

"Whats wrong?" I ask concerned.

"I...I..I don't remember the last time I had a hug." He says wiping his face off.

I had no words. I know how he feels. I was there not too long ago with Emilio when he hugged me. I followed my heart and took him back into my arms. I hug him tight. He returns the hug with the same intensity. I start whispering in his ear.

"You are a good man. You will find some love soon."
"I want to adopt a boy like you are doing. Give him a home with an abundance of love like you are doing for Emilio."
"I will help you however I can."
"I need to get set up first. I need to have some real money first."
"Does money matter when it comes to love?"
"No I suppose not. But I barely survive right now. Between rent and everything else I'm lucky to eat."

I kiss his cheek and break the hug.

"Then I suppose we need to find you some work." I say grinning. "I also expect you for supper every night from now on. You are quickly becoming a part of our family. Maybe you are Uncle Chuy now?"

"I wouldn't want to intrude on your lives."
"Chuy you aren't intruding. Do you think that my heart is so small I can only love one person. Or Emilio is that way too? We are made in Gods image and we as humans have a great capacity for love just as the Creator. That my friend is how I think we are made in gods image."

He smiles at me and walks away to think about what I have told him. I get back on the bus nd Emilio is still asleep. I'm OK with that. But he and I will soon talk about Chuy being a bigger part in our lives. He is like us. He needs love too. He has no one and we need to step up and be someone in his life for him. We need to find the perfect boy for him too. Am I a match maker in a way now? Oh lord I hope not. I could be like one of those match makers of old that bring couple together but with children instead. Match them to the right homes for them. A nice thought. But probably not going to happen. But for Chuy I think I must. I will discuss it with Emilio and see if he can think of a boy that's perfect for Chuy to love.

As I start the bus my Emilio starts waking up. He is rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Oh we're home."
"Almost. We need to drop off the bus first. Then home we will be."

A few minutes later we pull up in front of the orphanage and the children all come racing out with smiles and laughter. The sisters aren't any better. They are simply delighted at the new bus. Sister Carmancita looks the bus over.

"You did very well. This looks like a brand new bus." She says to me grinning ear to ear.

"I was pretty shocked at how perfect it is too. It drives great. I didn't have a single issue out of it on the way back down. I think it will be a good bus for you and the children for years to come."

"May the Lord bless you." She tells me.

"He has so much. I don't dare ask for anything more."
She smiles. I hand her the keys.

"Oh and the man I bought the bus from wanted you to have this."
I say and pull out the ten thousand pesos and hand it to her.

"Oh my the blessings are raining from heaven today."
"Sister they do every day."
"Yes they do. But today is an especially blessed day. Thank you."
"Don't thank me. I'm just a tool of the creator to help."
"You are too modest.'

"No I don't think so. I think that the creator put this bus in my path. I still don't know how the man found out I was looking for a bus. The deal was good to begin with and he made it even better. So this is none of my doing. Of that I am certain. Hands that are divine have touched this day. Of that I am certain."

Lots of the children give me regular hugs and thank me. After that Emilio and I walk home and my butt is so thankful I'm not sitting on it as I am too.

______________________

ericmurphey1971@gmail.com

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OK so I hope oyu enjoyed this chapter. I noticed I got a lot fewer emails last chapter. Im guessing its because I pissed some people off. Thats just fine with me. I spent 4 years being pissed. I also have to say aout the indictment. Unlike others I cant comment on it yet. Because I dotn know what the 34 charges are. So until I do know and see them and hear some evidence I cant say one thing or another about it. Other than HA! Remeber the Lock Her Up chants? HM?

Anyway enough of that orange news.

I hope you have all had a great week and I love to hear from you. Andrew sent me an email about Transtions yesterday. He tried to trick me. But I was onto him. It being April Fools day and that. So I know you have been waiting for ages but he says in a week or two they will start posting. You excited? I know I am. Lets see what they have in store for Eric and the boys? Does Eric go broke and he starts a boy brothel in Thailand? Do they all go straight? Does Joy find out about their love making? All things that I doubt happen. But very well could. I made a few suggestions but they were that. Suggestions. I am curious to see if he does what I suggested. If you havent read any of Andrew or Tuxs work then what the Hell are you reading this for?
Love you guys

Eric