A handsome young caballero. He was a Chicano with pride and dignity.

His long dark hair was always clean and well kept. He had a moustache and dark twinkling eyes that made him a much sought after catch for the local senoritas in the Barrio. Chico Rodriquez had dreams for his future. He longed to learn a trade that would one day allow him to support himself and hopefully a family in the future. An only child whose mother passed away when he was a youngster, he was shuttled from relative to relative until his Aunt Connie came for him. His past gave him a desire for a safe and secure home with a wife and lots of children.

It was Chico's desire to learn a trade, and the ambition to make that happen that brought him to Ed Brown. Ed Brown was a grouchy old mechanic who had very few friends in the Barrio. Ed was not always a grouch though. Several years earlier Ed's beloved wife of nearly 40 years passed away leaving a lonely and brokenhearted man behind. Their only daughter Sharon was a nurse in Los Angeles. Ed had worked long and hard so Sharon could get out of the barrio, leaving Ed alone and lonely.

To forget the pain of his loss, Ed turned away from his friends, and to the bottle. His drinking and grouchy attitude drove business away, as a result he went from garage owner to the renter of a run down business. His garage was considered dirty, even for garage standards. He spent much of his time in the office, a bottle of bourbon in one hand and a shot glass in the other, when it wasn't in the otherwise empty cash register.

It was here where Chico found the man.

A lot has happened to the twosome since that first day. They have become friends and more like father and son than employee/employer. Chico needed Ed as much as Ed needed Chico, they became a family, helping each other through the hard times as well as the good. Their friendship was tested to the limits when a poor little waif entered their lives in serious trouble, and very in need of love. He was an adorable little boy with big expressive eyes, dark brown hair, and a smile--when he smiled--that lit up his whole face with beautiful dimples.

It was difficult to know upon their first meeting how old the boy was. He had a small build, rather thin and not very tall. There was something about the timid child that just made Chico want to reach out to him as his own Aunt Connie had so many years before.

Through a strange series of events the three of them go from friends to a family.

As they settle into their new lives as a family everything is going to be wonderful, it couldn't be better, or could it?

There had been much happiness that last Thanksgiving upon hearing of Chico's being appointed Joey's legal guardian.

Even though Josh and Lynnae were sad about not being allowed to adopt the boy, they knew he was where he wanted to be more than anywhere else on earth and that brought them comfort.

Charlie offered to baby-sit her little "brother", as she would still call him, and Chico and Ed were encouraged to call the Elliot's anytime they needed them.

Joey had been living with Chico since that Thanksgiving and with Christmas just around the corner there was much excitement and plenty of secrets being kept. Santos and Joey had been working together on their recycling business, trying to earn money for gifts for their families. They offered to cut Raul in on the business figuring that three partners could collect more bottles and cans, thus making more denaro.

It was hard to tell who was more excited about the coming Christmas, Joey, Ed or Chico.

With Joey out with his friends collecting, and Chico's arm out of the cast that had hindered him for so long, Chico and Ed were now free to work on getting Joey's Christmas present together, talking as they did so.

"Man Ed, I still can't believe that I get to raise Joey! Can you?"

"No I sure can't and even more unbelievable is the fact that you knew that the Elliot's wanted to adopt him and you never told me!" Ed was a little hurt when he discovered this as he and Chico hadn't kept secrets from one another since the time when Chico was working two jobs to try and support the garage, at least he had thought they didn't have secrets, 'til now.

"I know Ed and I'm sorry about that. I just didn't want you to feel bad over the holidays and I didn't want you to worry about me. I know you had tried to warn me I might get hurt and I didn't want you to worry."

"How many times do I have to tell ya kid that families worry about each other, and what would make you think I wouldn't worry if you suddenly stopped being your pesky Spanish speaking self huh?" grouched Ed as he threw a nearby grease rag at Chico.

"Well I guess I'll get to find out about this family and worrying stuff first hand now doesn't it?"

"Sure does kid, sure does. But it's worth it."

"I'm going over to Della's and get myself some good coffee. I'll be back after a bit," said Ed.

"Ed, I just made some coffee, it's over on the workbench," reminded Chico.

"Yeah, I know but I said I wanted some good coffee, a man can't go anywhere for crying out loud," whispered Ed as he left the garage.

Chico shook his head and smiled as the old man went across the alley. When he was sure Ed was out of sight he ran into his apartment. He had to see if he had enough cash to buy Ed the wallet he saw in the department store window.

As he was busy counting out his cash Joey came in. Chico jumped nearly a foot when he heard Joey's voice.

"Watcha doin Chico?"

"Santa Maria, kid you scared the life outta me!" Chico yelled more from being so startled than from anger.

"Gee, I'm sorry. I guess I shoulda knocked. I just came to put some money in my bank."

"I don't suppose you wanna put any in mine too, do you?" Chico joked.

"Sure, you want some?" Joey spoke sincerely.

"No thank you, Joey I was just teasing." Joey sat on the sofa that pulled out to become his bed at night, opened the jar and was counting out how much he had.

"I'm going back to work, ok?"

"Sure thing Chico, uh where's the catalog?"

"I think Ed had it in the upstairs bathroom," said Chico.

"In the bathroom? Why in..." Joey quit asking when he saw Chico smiling at him. "Oh I get it. Cheese and crackers, is that what you do when you get older?"

"You better not let Ed hear you say that or you won't live long enough to find out, Bud." Joey followed Chico out of the apartment, and ran up to get the catalog.

Chico couldn't get over how much his life had changed in the last year and a half. He had gone from a footloose dating animal, out with a different girl almost every night, to a one-woman man with a new son to raise. He couldn't help but smile as he adjusted the carburetor he was working on. Life is great, he thought to himself as he finished the job and slammed the hood shut.

Ed had gone over to Della's, not for a cup of coffee as he had said, but because he needed to be away from the garage so he could count out his money to spend on Christmas presents for Joey and Chico.

Ed was just returning to the garage when Joey was leaving.

"Hey Kid where are you going?" asked Ed.

"Out with San."

"Out where?"

"Collecting bottles and cans, ya got any Ed?"

"Yeah under the steps, does Chico know where you're going?"

"Don't think so."

"Well you better go tell him."

"I won't be gone long."

"You go tell Chico where you're going or you won't be going at all."

"Yes sir." Joey turned around and went into the office to tell his Foster father what he was up to.

"Hey Chico," he said as he knocked on the open door. "I'm going collecting around the neighborhood with San. Ok?"

"Ok, pal. We're eating at 6:00, be here by 5:30, Liz is coming for supper."

"I will. See ya."

Chico turned as Ed entered the office. "Hey Ed, how was your coffee?"

"What coffee? Oh yeah, it was good. Did Joey tell you where he was going?"

"Yeah, he and Santos are trying to collect cans. Just like everyone else around here trying to scrounge up some extra cash I guess. Did I tell you Liz is coming over for supper Ed?"

"I guess you're telling me now."

"Gee Ed, I'm sorry, I was gonna make taco's do you mind?"

"Now's a fine time to ask that. You're lucky it just so happens Shirley and I are dining out this evening."

"Ed you sly fox you, have a nice time, don't do anything I wouldn't do." He winked at Ed.

"Knock off that kind of talk, I need a drink."

"As long as Joey's gone, I'm gonna work on his Christmas present, I got the paint yesterday. Oh, Mrs. Smythe said she would be bringing her car by at 9:00 tomorrow morning, and that "We'll be here when she arrives this time," mocked Chico in his best Park Avenue snob voice.

"That old bat, I'd love to tell her what she can do with her car," grumbled Ed.

Chico had found a perfectly good, almost new bicycle frame. Well actually Louie did, and he had it cleaned and the small dents removed. Now it was ready for the fresh blue paint. He was painting it when Liz came in the garage.

"Hola mi corizon! How's my sweet Prince?"

"Holy frijoles, Liz, is it that time already?"

"Thanks, I'm glad to see you too."

"No, it's just that I told Joey to be back at 5:30. I'm working on his Christmas present and I don't want him to see it."

"Oh in that case, it's only 5:00. You still have half an hour, where are you gonna keep it when it's wet so he won't find it?"

"Liz I was wonder..."

"Oh no you don't Chico Rodriquez, my landlord will have a fit if I bring a bike with wet paint up to my apartment."

"Please Lizzie, it's not for me it's for Joey. Please?"

"That's a low blow Chico. Oh, all right. If I get kicked out I'm moving in with you," said Liz as she helped Chico put the bike in the truck to bring it to her apartment.

"Well may I say I hope you get kicked out then m'lady."

"Chico!"

When Chico and Liz returned to the garage Joey was coming home for supper.

"Hi guys where you been?"

"I gave Liz a ride over," said Chico.

"Did you pull her car over here too then?" he questioned suspiciously

"What?" asked Chico.

"Well, Liz's car is right over there. How'd it get here if you picked her up?"

"Listen kiddo, don't be smart. don't you know this is not the time of year to be asking questions?" remarked Chico in an effort to cover up his blunder.

"Ok. I'm gonna go wash my hands."

"We'll be upstairs, Ed is out with Mrs. Shriff tonight. Ladies first," said Chico as he allowed her to go ahead of him, extending his arm in a gallant manner as he did so.

"Thank you kind sir, you are too kind."

"Not at all, the view is almost as breathtaking from here."

"Chico, we're not alone remember," scolded Liz.

"Not yet anyway, Mami."

Liz helped Chico make taco's, Joey set the table, and for dessert Liz made apple crisp.

"I bet Ed is gonna be sorry he missed taco's and apple crisp." enthused Joey happily."

"I bet he's enjoying the company better though," said Liz.

"Why's that?" inquired Joey.

"Cause you're never too old for a night out on the town," answered Liz, with a grin.

"Cheese and crackers!" complained Joey, as he rolled his eyes.

"Liz! Remember what you told me about not being alone," reminded Chico.

"We got 12 bucks for all the stuff we brought in to recycle today," said Joey, hoping to change the subject.

"That's great," encouraged Chico.

"Thanks, but not really when it's split three ways."

"Three ways? Whose the third?" questioned Chico.

"Raul. San and I decided to let him join the business, we figured with three of us working we could take in that much more, I guess we didn't think it through very well because then we gotta split the cash too. Oh well it's fun anyway."

"I'm so glad you are all friends now," commented Liz.

"Yeah Raul is cool, hey I made a rhyme."

"You're a poet and didn't know it." Chico laughed heartily at his own joke. "Why all the need for cash all of a sudden?" he asked Joey."

"This is not the time of year for questions. Can I be excused?"

"It's your turn to do the dishes, Bud, then you can."

"Aw but I was..."

"We take turns around here remember, it's your turn to do the dishes, then if your homework is done you can go play or collect 'til 8:00."

"Chico, you had me over for supper let me do the dishes in return, then Joey will have more time to do his homework and play or work. Please? I really want to."

"Ok I'll dry. But tomorrow, it's your turn alright."

"Great, thanks Liz, Chico." Joey gave both Liz and Chico a kiss before he left.

"Homework first!" Chico called after him.

"You are wonderful with him Chico. I think you're a natural at this parenting thing."

"So far so good. But I must say that Joey has made it easy."

The next day as Chico and Ed were working on Mrs. Smythe's car a very agitated Joey came storming into the garage.

"Hi Joey, what's up?" When he didn't answer Chico tried again. "I say pal, how was your day?"

"Rotten. I hate this day!!"

"San and Raul came by earlier looking for you, where've you been?" Joey stopped at the apartment door. His hand resting on the knob, reluctant to answer.

Chico went over to his son. "I believe I asked you a question."

"I-I had to stay after school, talk to the teacher, I need to put my stuff away," admitted Joey as he avoided Chico's gaze.

"Go on then. When I'm through here we're gonna talk about this."

"You go ahead Chico, I can finish this," offered Ed.

"Thanks Ed." Chico left, and Mrs. Smythe who had been sitting in the waiting area heard the conversation.

"It sounds as if someone is in need of discipline." She said in her nasal and authoritative voice.

"It sounds to me like someone needs to mind their own business." Ed growled at one of his most annoying customers.

Chico found Joey sitting at the table, his head resting on his math book. He pulled a chair up next to the child and sat down.

"Had a bad day huh?"

Joey nodded his head.

"What happened?"

"I got to school and someone swiped the markers Ed and Della gave me for my birthday, we had to stay in at noon cause of the rain. In gym class the teacher was mad cause no one was listening, so instead of playing ball we all had to stand with our noses against the wall. I hate that."

"We can get you some more markers, that's not a prob."

"I-I don't deserve new ones when I lost the other ones."

"Well you didn't lose em, you said they were stolen, weren't they?"

"Yes sir."

"Well that's not your fault, when we get some extra cash we'll replace them. Now about gym class, were you one of the kids the teacher was upset with?"

After a moment's hesitation, Joey answered. "Not right away, but I did kinda follow the rest of the guys I guess."

"If you knew they were not listening to the teacher, why did you start acting like them?" Chico questioned curiously.

"I dunno, I'm sorry Chico."

"Your gym teacher took care of the problem, thanks for telling me the truth about it pal," Chico praised. "Maybe that's a good lesson about following the crowd."

"Yes sir."

"Anything else? Why did you have to stay after school?"

When Joey didn't answer Chico lifted the boys chin so they were looking at each other. "I said, why did you have to stay after school?"

"I-I broke something in school, not on accident."

"I see. What did you break?"

"I broke Natalie's crayons. But she broke mine first!!!"

"You don't need to yell, Bud. Did she break yours on accident?"

"I guess so, she said she was sorry."

"If she apologized why did you break her crayons?"

"I was mad I guess, my markers were stoled and then she breaks my crayons. I wanted to hit her hard-but I didn't Chico, I didn't, I broke her crayons instead. When Miss Birch said I had to apologize, I-I said no."

"That's why you stayed after school."

"Yeah and I didn't get to go to art class. I had to stay in the room at my desk. I had to stay after school 'til I said I was sorry."

"I see, so you did apologize then, that's good. But you know what? You're going to buy Natalie new crayons to replace the ones you broke."

"But she broke mine first!!" argued Joey defiantly.

Resting his hand on Joey's shoulder, Chico spoke firmly. "Now you listen to me young man, you are not to raise your voice to or argue with grown ups. Second, you admitted you broke Natalie's crayons on purpose cause you were mad. She didn't mean to break yours. That's the difference there little man, and you ARE going to replace Natalie's crayons, is that understood?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Now I'm going back to work, you stay here and do your homework, if you need anything I'm right outside the door. I'll check in on you in a while."

"Ok Chico."

When Chico returned to the garage Ed curiously interrogated Chico about what had Joey all upset.

All Chico said was, "Someone stole his new markers, and they had to stay in at recess, and they had a timeout in gym class."

"Poor kid, I'll get him some new markers. That old battleaxe Mrs. Smythe the third was eavesdropping when you and Joey were out here talking. I told her to mind her own business, so I don't think we'll have her business much longer."

"I'm sorry about that Ed."

"No loss there, she's an old snoop anyway. Is Joey ok?"

"Yeah, he'll be fine. He had to stay after school for breaking another kid's crayons. I told him he's gonna buy her new ones, needless to say he isn't too happy with me."

"He'll get over it they all do. I told Sharon she couldn't have a new doll after she cut the other one up trying to take out her appendix and she didn't talk to me for a whole Saturday."

"Gee, thanks for the encouragement Ed."

"My pleasure Chico."

Chico went to the parts store to pick up the mufflers Ed had ordered, on the way home he stopped to purchase Ed Christmas present. He also looked in the toy aisle. He hoped to find new markers to replace the ones that were stolen from Joey at school. After paying for his purchase he went home.

"Is Joey still in his room?" he asked when he got back to the garage.

"I haven't heard a peep out of him," said Ed.

"Chico was surprised to find Joey still sitting as he was when he left him. "Are you ok pal?" Joey nodded.

"I finished my homework. Can I get up now?"

"Sure I never..." Chico was unable to finish talking as Joey had sprinted into the bathroom.

A few moments later Joey returned and sat at the table again. Once again Chico sat next to his son.

"Joey I'm sorry. I never thought that when I told you to stay here and do your homework that you would think I meant for you to sit there and not move. You certainly could have gotten up to use the bathroom, or went upstairs for a snack. As far as I'm concerned you got disciplined at school for your behavior this afternoon and of course the new crayons, but that's all. You can watch TV, have a snack or go play. I'm sorry I guess I'm not used to this fathering business, I haven't been one very long and my papa didn't come around 'til recently.

Joey threw himself into Chico's arms. "I'm sorry I was bad please don't send me back to Josh and Lynn!"

"Hey" he said as he pulled away from Joey to see him better. "I said it's over. You have been punished enough today, and I'm afraid you're stuck with me kid cause you're never getting rid of me."

"I'm sorry. It's just that everything's different."

"I know bud it'll take some getting used to for all of us. But we're a family now. We can handle anything, oh here I got these for you when I was picking up the mufflers Ed wanted." Chico took the box of markers from his jacket pocket and gave them to Joey.

"You, you bought me new markers, even after I was bad?"

"Everyone has a bad day now and then where they say and do things they wish they didn't. Kids are no different than adults."

"I love you Chico." He hugged his foster father tightly, he never wanted to let go.

Joey stayed in his room watching television till it was time to close the garage. As he helped Chico lock up for the day they talked and laughed.

"Thanks for the new markers Chico, I don't think I'll bring these to school."

"You're welcome, as far as leaving them home or not that's totally up to you. Joey?"

"Yeah?"

"I didn't tell you that you had to sit at that table all the time, why did you?" Chico was sure he knew what the answer would be but he needed to know for sure.

"Habit I guess, if David told me to sit somewhere if I moved before he said I could, he'd whip me. Once, when Mama was working nights I tried to make supper, but I spilled spaghetti on the floor. He threw me up against the wall, my face shoved into a corner. He told me if I knew what was good for me I'd better not move. I sneezed a few minutes later, I didn't mean to, but when you gotta sneeze you gotta. He took his belt off and whipped me 'til I could hardly stand, then he left me there all night. I didn't dare move again, in the morning I had…" Joey seemed to need to tell more but couldn't at the moment.

Chico went to him and put his arm around him.

"It's ok pal you don't have to tell me any more if you don't want to."

"No I wanna, Mama doesn't, I mean didn't, even know. I didn't dare move again for nothing. He slept in the rocking chair and I was scared what he would do when he woke up. I wet my pants standing there and in the morning before Mom came home I got another whippin for wetting my pants. He told me that when he gave an order I better do it or he'd beat the skin off me."

Joey hugged Chico. He didn't cry but he did feel a tremendous relief to have told someone that long-kept secret.

"I will never whip you Joey, that's a promise to you. I'll never whip you for any reason, and from now on I'll try and tell you exactly what I mean. I'm so sorry, it must have been torture for you to sit there all that time wondering what I was gonna do to you."

Ed came to the top of the stairs from his room and hollered.

"Come on you two the spaghetti is getting cold, if you can't help make it the least you can do is eat it before it gets cold!"

Joey and Chico looked at one another and in unison said, "SPAGHETTI!"

After a delicious supper of Spaghetti, garlic bread and mixed vegetables Joey did the dishes, Ed watched TV and Chico called Liz. They were supposed to take in a late movie but given the sort of day Joey had Chico didn't feel right leaving him, not even while Ed was home.

"Hi, mi amor. Como esta?"

"Bueno mi linda mami. But can I take a rain check on our movie?"

"I was too babe, but Joey's had kind of a bad day today and I don't really feel right leaving him tonight. Do you mind?"

"Well no Ed's gonna be home I just feel like I need to be here for Joey tonight, we're still in transition here, how about you come over here and we can do movies and popcorn. When Joey goes to bed we can have a little adult fun."

'Ok, sure, can I ask you something? If Ed is home why can't you leave Joey, he's not sick is he?" Chico could tell Liz was a little hurt but the nurse in her was also concerned about Joey's health.

"No mami, it's just that, well Carlotta trusts me to raise her son and I don't want to let her down. My Pop wasn't there for me until a year ago and I'm not gonna let Joey or Carlotta down that way. I promise you baby, when we are more settled we'll go out and have a rip roaring paint the town red night. Ok?"

"I love you too mami, bye for now."

Chico hung up the phone and ran the steps up to Ed's place.

"Say Ed, ya got any popcorn?"

"Yeah in the cupboard, help yourself."

"Liz is gonna come over for a while, we're gonna watch a movie. When she gets here we'll go pick one out, is there something you wanna see Ed?"

"No thanks Chico I'm gonna watch Gunsmoke on TVland. I thought you and Liz were supposed to go out tonight?"

"Well we decided to watch a movie here instead, is there a movie you wanna watch Joey?"

"Hey can we rent the new Grinch movie?"

"Sure thing pal. I'm gonna go wait for Liz and then we'll go get a movie."

"I'll make the popcorn," offered Joey.

When Chico left Ed spoke to Joey.

"Joey, did you ask Chico to stay home tonight?"

"No sir. I didn't know he was going out, why would I ask him to stay home? You're here and anyways I been alone before no big deal-unless it's storming," he was quick to add.

"I'm sorry kid, I was just wondering."

Joey curled up on the bed beside Ed to watch Gunsmoke with him until Chico and Liz returned.

In no time at all Liz, Chico, and Joey were on Chico's sofa, eating popcorn and watching the grinch. They all laughed and laughed. It was a very nice time and Liz told Chico she was glad she came over. When it was through Chico turned the set off and turned to his young charge.

"Time for bed for you kiddo."

"Can't we watch it again? I'm not tired."

"Tired or not you have school tomorrow, now scoot."

"Ok Chico, but I'm..."

"I know, your not tired," he copied as he gave Joey a playful swat on the butt.

As Joey went to the dresser he and Chico shared to get his pj's Chico moved the television out to the garage area so they wouldn't disturb Joey's sleep. Liz brought the popcorn bowl upstairs.

When Chico returned to the apartment Joey was just putting on his top. Chico winced slightly as he saw how visible the scars on Joey's back were, even after all the time that had past.

"Your back looks much better," commented Chico encouragingly.

Joey tried to look behind him as he answered him. "Thanks, it feels a lot better too."

"Does it still hurt?' Chico was surprised.

"Not really, just when I bump it, like in gym when we're playing. Thanks for the movie Chico."

"Your welcome. I thought after the bad day you had it might be fun for you."

When Chico had pulled out the sofa bed Joey was gonna climb in, "Oh I better go say goodnight to Ed, I'll be right back."

Joey took the stairs two at a time and burst through the door to Ed's room.

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" scolded Ed.

"No I-I just came to say good night." Joey was turning to leave, as he thought Ed was really mad at him. "I'm sorry Ed, night."

"Hey kiddo come back here. I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you like I did." Ed held his arm out and Joey slid in to give Ed a hug.

"I'm sorry I yelled, I know you've had a bad day. Sleep well." Ed gave the boy a gentle squeeze.

Joey surprised Ed when he hugged the old man firmly around the neck and kissed his withered cheek. "I love you Ed."

Unaccustomed to such an open display of affection Ed replied rather flustered. "Yeah, yeah, kid, me too, go to bed now.

Joey hugged Liz good night and jumped into bed.

"Chico did you break a date with Liz on accounta me?"

"Well, we were gonna see a movie tonight and we did, why do you ask?"

"When you said you were gonna rent a movie Ed asked me if I asked you not to leave."

"It's true, we were going out but you had such a tough day I didn't feel right leaving you to go have fun so I just thought we'd bring the fun here. Now snuggle down under those covers."

"Night Chico, I love you."

"I love you too Joey, you go right to sleep now."

Chico quietly closed the apartment door and sat on the sofa with Liz.

"Mami, thank you so much for understanding about tonight."

"Chico I love you. You have taken on an awesome responsibility, you didn't have to you know, you could have told the Elliot's to go ahead. I know you love Joey and want to be a better father to him than Gilberto was to you, and that just makes me love you all the more my sweet prince." Chico and Liz shared a tender kiss.

After breakfast Joey went to his room and put his new markers in his backpack, he hugged Chico and Ed and left for school.

"I hope he has a better day today," said Chico.

"He'll be fine, would you run over to Della's, she said her number two truck is acting up. I promised Alfred I'd put the new muffler on this morning, they're leaving for their daughters house for Christmas tonight."

"Ok Ed."

Meanwhile at school Joey waited for Natalie to come. He decided to give her his new markers instead of buying her new crayons, because he needed the money he had saved for Christmas presents.

I hope she gets here before I change my mind, I can't believe I'm giving my brand new markers to a dumb old girl, he thought to himself.

"Hi Joey." Joey was startled from his thoughts by a girl's voice.

"I said Hi Joey." It was Natalie Murphy. She was a petite girl with blonde hair and big blue eyes. Her cheeks were rosy and she had on a dark blue dress with silver buttons. She smiled sweetly at Joey as she spoke to him.

"Oh hi Natalie, these are for you, sorry I broke yours yesterday, bye." He started to walk away when she stopped him.

"You didn't have to do that. It was sweet of you though." She batted her eyes at him as she spoke.

"Sweet! Oh yuck I think I'm gonna puke. Yes I had to Chico told me I had to replace yours that I broke, so don't get no idea I like you!" He stuck his tongue out at her before turning to leave.

Joey walked over to Miss Birch's desk, and waited for her to notice him. "Miss Birch?"

"Oh Good morning Joey, how are you today?"

Joey thought his teacher was very nice and he felt bad about the way he had acted the day before.

"Good Morning Miss Birch, I uh I just wanted to apologize for what I did yesterday."

"Thank you Joey I appreciate that but I really think the one you should apologize to is Natalie."

"I did, and I gave her some markers, just wanted you to know."

Miss Birch smiled as Joey made his way to his seat.

"Alright class take out your spelling books please. You have ten minutes to study your words before test time, I suggest you use your time wisely."

Joey had a much better day than he had the day before, and the best of all he got to take part in art class. They made Christmas trees out of paper plates and painted them green. For the decorations on the tree they could draw their own or make some from construction paper, Joey's favorite was the glitter. With just the right mix of silver and white, and a little glitter sprinkled here and there Joey's tree looked like it was cover with snow, which glistened in the moonlight.

Miss Birch made her way around the room helping those that asked and watching "her children" create.

"Joey your tree is wonderful! You really are creative." complimented Miss Birch as she stopped to see how he was doing.

"Thanks, my Mama used to make things with me."

"What a nice memory for you. Say would you be willing to help me with a project for our reading class?"

"Me? You want me to help you?" Joey was quite surprised to have a teacher ask him for help with anything.

"Yes, would you?"

"Sure, I guess."

Miss Birch knelt down beside Joey's desk.

"I would like a poster board chart for our reading. I want room for all the children's names, well here let me get the plans for what I'd like. Ok?"

"Sure."

"See I need a space for all the kids names, and blocks to go all the way across the board to record their progress. Except for those things, you can design it however you want. Do you think you'd like to do that?"

"Yeah I can. Why'd you ask me?"

"Well because every so often I like to take the opportunity to showcase a child's abilities for everyone to see."

"What?" he asked, clearly puzzled by what she had just said.

"I love your art work and I want to have you do something special for me to share it with other teachers and students."

"Oh, like when you asked Andrea to play piano for the Christmas concert?"

"Exactly. Will you do it?"

"Ok, I don't have poster board though."

"I'll send some home with you, see me after class." She stood up and spoke to the class. "Time to clean up the room, then we can go outside a while before we go home."

A short time later Joey was on his way home. He was riding on back of Santos bike as he didn't have one of his own. Joey held the poster board on the top of his head so it wouldn't get bent in the breeze as they peddled to the garage.

Della was leaving as Joey and Santos rode up to the garage.

"Hiya Della!" they said together.

"Hi boys, I just brought some fresh sugar cookies over for all of you. They're upstairs."

"Thanks Della, you make great cookies!"

"You boys shouldn't be riding two on a bike it's not safe."

"I know but its not fair for one of us to walk we're careful."

"What have you got there, baby?" inquired Della as she eyed the poster board Joey was protectively carrying.

"I gotta make a chart for the teacher at school."

"That's nice baby, well you guys have fun I'll talk to you later."

"Let's go have some cookies first." suggested Joey.

"You don't have to tell me twice," said San, as the two boys ran upstairs.

"Hey Ed where's Chico? I gotta tell him something."

"He's running some errands for me. He should be back soon. How was your day today then?"

"Great! The teacher asked me to design a chart for her for reading class."

"Good, good sit down you two and have some of Della's cookies, here's some milk for you." Ed set two large glasses of milk down for the boys. Just as he was about to sit down with them a horn could be heard in the garage below.

"I suppose Chico's not back yet I' better go take care of who ever that is. I'll be right back."

The boys finished their snack and went downstairs to work on the poster. Chico was just returning from the errands and he was very excited.

"Ed, guess what? Papa's coming for Christmas!!"

"How am I supposed to guess when you don't give me chance? That's great. It'll be nice to see your father again, I hope he brings more of that delicious champagne that he brought last time."

"I'm going to tell Joey."

"Tell me what?"

"Joey, my Dad is coming to visit for Christmas."

"Cool! I like him."

"He sent me this letter. It says he'll be coming on the 22nd and stay till the 27th. I can hardly wait."

"Chico I get to make a poster for the teacher at school. She asked me today."

"Well, it sounds like you had a much better day today."

"Yep sure did, hey San I'll get something to put on the floor over there and we can work on the poster out here there's more room there." He pointed to the waiting area where Chico's van used to be parked.

Joey found an old tarp in Ed's office and stretched it out to keep the poster board from getting so dirty while they worked on it.

Chico was checking the oil for a customer when he heard Santos say, "This markers going dry, do you have any more?"

Needless to say he was shocked when he heard Joey answer him. "Nope this is it. Someone stole the ones I had at school."

Chico knew that wasn't true as he just bought Joey new markers the day before. He was going to have to find out what this was all about but he didn't want to question the boy in front of his friend.

As Chico was closing the hood of the car he was working on, he turned and saw a little blond hair, blue eyed girl smiling up at him.

"Excuse me sir. Is this where Joey Martine lives now?" the girl asked politely.

"Yes it is. He's right over there, Joey there's someone here to see you." Chico called to his son. He couldn't help smiling as he had the thought, My boys got a girlfriend.

"Coming Chico. I'll be right back San." When Joey came around the stairs and saw who was waiting for him he wanted to barf. Before he could think up a reason to leave the little girl walked up to him.

"Hi Joey, I just came by to thank you again for the markers."

"Aw knock it off, I told you why I give em to ya now just get lost. I got stuff to do."

"Well I just wanted to say thank you."

"You did so beat it." Joey went back to his poster and Natalie turned and walked away, stopping for a moment to talk to Chico.

"Isn't he cute? That's why I broke his crayons yesterday so he would talk to me, and it was even better than I planned, he gave me new markers." She batted her eyelashes said good bye and left.

"Geez Joey too bad that stupid girl thinks you like her, why did you give her markers anyway?" wondered Santos as the boys resumed work on the poster.

"Chico made me cause I broke her crayons, he said I had to get her new crayons." He turned to Chico. "Why didn't ya just hit me and have it over, now that bonehead thinks I like her."

"Well if you don't like her why'd ya bust her crayons?"

"Listen San I busted her crayons cause I'm not supposed to hit girls, and she broke all my crayons, are you gonna help with this or not!?'

"Hey Joey I think you need to calm down now," reprimanded Chico.

"I gotta do this first, San are you gonna..." Ed went to answer the phone.

"Ed Browns garage, just a minute."

"Do you wanna help me or not?" asked Joey rather abruptly. He wasn't really mad at anyone just embarrassed that she came to see him. It was bad enough that she knew where he lived and stopped by but to talk to him in front of everybody, how embarrassing.

"Santos, it's for you it's your Mom."

"Cheese and crackers I forgot I was supposed to help in the store after school, boy am I gonna get it, I'll see ya later ok?"

"Yeah later."

"See ya Ed, Chico." Joey's friend called as he was leaving. Joey turned around to pick up his poster board.

"I don't know why she came over here, I gave her them damn markers just cause you said I had to and now she thinks I like her and probably so does San!"

"What did you say?!" asked Ed.

"It's ok Ed, I'll take care of it," interrupted Chico before Ed got too upset.

"I know your upset, but I don't ever want to hear you use that kind of language again, do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir."

"I never said you had to give that girl your new markers, you know."

"Yeah but if I bought her crayons like you said, I wouldn't have enough to buy, aw never mind least she's gone. I hate her."

"Why you little..." said Ed as he shook a finger at Joey.

"I didn't swear."

"You need to calm down, I want you to pick up your poster stuff and go to your room until supper," scolded Chico.

"Why, I didn't swear again?"

"It's not nice to say you hate some one either and I just want you to go in your room and calm down. Now please do as I say." Chico pointed to their apartment and waited to be obeyed. Reluctantly Joey did as he was told. "I'll come tell you when supper is ready."

When Chico and Ed finished making supper Chico went downstairs to get Joey. He knocked on the door before entering. "Joey supper is..."

Chico found Joey curled up on the sofa, he was asleep. As he covered the little boy with a blanket he noticed his cheeks were streaked with tears. He covered him up, kissed him on the forehead and quietly slipped out the door.

Midway through supper Joey came into the kitchen.

"Hi pal, are you hungry? I'll get you some hot dish." Joey sat down while Chico dished up some supper for him.

"I'm sorry I was mean."

"It's over. Eat now, ok?"

Joey shoved the food around on his plate a few minutes before eating. He was still playing with his food between bites when Ed and Chico had finished their supper.

"Hey pal, what's the matter, aren't you hungry? I told you you don't have to keep thinking about the time out, it's over."

"Are you mad that I gave that girl the new markers?"

"No. I was surprised but not mad, I told you yesterday they were yours to do what you wanted to with them."

"I didn't wanna but you said I had to get her some, and I don't wanna spend my Christmas money on no dumb girl. She broke my crayons on purpose ya know."

"Yeah she told me that when she left. That's too bad, it was a mean thing to do, but you made it up to her for what you did, that takes a big person to do that."

"Even if I didn't wanna do it."

"The point is you did it and I'm proud of you. Finish your supper now and we can start decorating for Christmas ok, I want this to be our best Christmas ever."

After supper, Chico and Joey went to the storage shed behind the garage and brought boxes of Christmas decorations in.

"I'll go through these and start putting them up, why don't you and Joey go get us a tree," suggested Ed.

"Really! I can help pick out our tree?"

"Sure you can, you can pick it out all by yourself if you want to," offered Chico. He was pleased to see Joey excited about something again.

Ed rummaged through the boxes to separate the ornaments for the tree from the other decorations. It was nice to be able to take out the old decorations and relive the happy times before he lost Margaret.

When Margaret passed away Ed thought he would never celebrate Christmas again. It had been her favorite time of year and celebrating it had been too painful. It wasn't until Chico came into his garage and his life that Ed felt he could again enjoy this most special of holidays. He pulled out an ornament of a little girl on a hobbyhorse. Margaret had given that one to Sharon on her third Christmas, it was a tradition that she hang it on the tree every year. I should really give this to Sharon for her own tree now, thought Ed as he carefully placed the priceless trinket in the box.

As Ed continued the task of sorting the decorations Della came by for a visit. Though Della and Ed did not see eye to eye on a lot of things, especially since she now owned the garage where he worked, they tended to argue a lot but when push came to shove if either one needed the other they were there.

"Hello Ed, I see your finally gonna get this place ready for the holidays, would you like some help?"

"You can help if you want to. Chico and Joey went to get a tree."

"Ed I envy you and Chico, there is nothing that makes the holidays more special than to have a child to share it with."

"Yeah I can't wait all the toys, games and noise. Oh Joy."

"You might be an old grouch Ed but you can't fool me. I know you're glad to have Joey here."

"Yeah it's true I am but I'm a little worried about Chico."

"Why?"

"He is trying so hard to be the perfect father to the boy that he hasn't been out of this garage or that apartment since Thanksgiving when we took Joey home with us. He's had a few dates with Liz, one she came here the other night and they watched the Grinch. The other dates he cancelled to stay here with Joey."

"It's ok Ed, I'm sure he just wants to wait until everyone is more secure. It's a big adjustment for everyone. And I'm sure Liz understands."

"I hope you're right. I know Chico wants to be a good father for the kid and he has been, but Chico is so young yet he needs to have fun too."

"Give it time Ed. It'll work out. How about I go make some eggnog and cider to have while we decorate, if you're sure you don't mind if I help. I love preparing for Christmas."

"That would be nice Della, don't forget to put a little something extra in the nog." He winked at Della, and she laughed as she left.

Ed was just hanging a wreath on the office door when Chico and Joey returned with the tree. It was the tallest tree Ed had ever seen. It was full and green.

"What do you think of the tree Joey picked out?"

"How in the sam hill did you get it through the door?"

"It wasn't easy, it's a beauty isn't it?" boasted Chico.

"Sure is at that, I hope we have enough ornaments for it, by the way where are your ornaments?"

Ever since Chico had come to share the garage with him Ed had given him an ornament for the tree. He was unable to find them now.

"In the closet in my apartment, I'll be right back."

Della was returning to the garage with eggnog and cider, and to go with it, homemade rolled sugar cookies.

"Della you make the bestest cookies! Do you like the tree? I got to pick it out!"

"I love it! You did a wonderful job I must say."

Chico came out of the apartment with his ornaments and a small wreath. The wreath he planned to hang on their apartment, "Where do you want the tree Ed?"

"I thought we'd have it upstairs but now I'm not so sure. It may be too big. Even if it would fit, how would we get it upstairs? Any suggestions?"

They all studied the garage at last Della said, "How about you move the couch and have it over there where your van used to be Chico there should be plenty of room there."

"Great idea Della!" applauded Chico.

The rest of the evening was spent decorating the tree, the garage and both Ed's and Chico's apartments. They sang carols and drank cider and nog as they did so. The garage and its inhabitants were soon full of holiday cheer. The last item on the decorating itinerary was the star for the treetop.

"Joey would you like to put the star on top of the tree son?" asked Chico, his voice and expression filled with pride as he said the words.

"Sure, I never done that before!" Chico handed the star to his son and carefully lifted him up so he could place the star atop the tree. When it was done Della turned off the garage lights and Ed plugged the tree in. They all stood back and admired their handiwork. As Chico stood in the glow of the lights he knew without a doubt this would be their best Christmas ever, he picked his guitar up and the strains of Silent Night filled their home.

The next couple of weeks were spent in preparation for Christmas and the much-anticipated arrival of Gilberto Rodriquez. Chico hadn't seen his father since the night they had supper in his hotel, a lot had changed since then and Chico was anxious to share it with his father. Though they talked often on the phone they had not seen each other in months and they still had a lot of catching up to do.

Ed had taken Joey out to do his Christmas shopping for Chico, as Chico had taken him to shop for Ed, Della, and Louie. He was surprised that the enterprising youngster had saved enough money to shop for everyone he wanted. He even got gifts for Lynn and Josh Elliot and their daughter Charlie.

When they returned from their shopping trip Chico helped Joey wrap his gifts, except for his own of course. They were wrapping the last gift when the phone rang.

"I'll get it Chico!" called Ed from the garage.

"Hello? Oh Gilberto, yes we are all looking forward to your visit, espe..."

"Oh I'm so sorry to hear that, nothing bad I hope?" queried Ed.

"No Mr. Rodriquez I will not tell YOUR son you're not spending Christmas with him. You are not the fellow I thought you were if you are willing to put making money a head of your son. If you want to break his heart you will have to do it yourself. I love that boy like he was my own son and I won't be the one to hurt him. I'll get him so you can tell him yourself. Don't you dare hang up!"

"Chico, telephone!"

"Thanks, Ed."

"I'll take Joey upstairs so you can have some privacy," offered Ed.

"OOOOHHH must be my Lizzie."

Ed asked Joey to come upstairs and help him wrap Chico's gift.

"Hello my lovely lady, how are you this evening?" When Chico discovered who he was really speaking to he was embarrassed at having mistakenly assumed it was Liz, and he was overjoyed to hear from his Padre.

"Hola Papa, como esta? I'm sorry I called you a lady. When Ed offered to give me some privacy I assumed it was Liz calling, don't get me wrong Pap I'm glad it's you. I can't wait for you to get here. Joey and I and Ed too of course are all anxious to se you, say Pa imagine this is my first Christmas as a father!!!"

Chico was as excited as a child on Christmas morning as he talked to his padre, that excitement was to be short-lived though.

"You're not sick are you Papa?" Chico asked his voice filled with concern.

"I see. So your going to miss your grandson's first Christmas as a part of our family for business?...No Papa you listen. I thought when you spent all that time looking for me, like you said you did, it was because you wanted to be a family again. Well Pa in my book a family is there for each other. Call me when you're ready to be a family!" He was about to slam the phone down but put it back to his ear again. "Oh and by the way, Feliz navidad!!!!"

Chico tried his best to calm down, when he thought he had he went upstairs to see what his FAMILY was up to.

"We just finished wrapping your presents Chico!!! I' can't wait for Christmas can you?" Joey was so happy, he knew he couldn't spoil the boys Christmas as his had just been so he forced a smile.

"That's great pal, neither can I. What are you doing now?"

I got this for your Papa, do you think he'll like it Chico?" Joey handed Chico a belt buckle with a bull fighter embossed on it with a silver R under the picture."

"He'd be loco in de cabaza not to pal, it's beautiful."

"Ed I need to go out for a bit, can you keep an eye on Joey 'til I get back por favor?"

"Sure, you ok?"

"I'm fine Ed, I'll be back in a few ok Joey?"

"Sure Chico, where ya going?"

"Christmas is not the time of year to be asking questions Buddy, be back in a few."

When Chico was gone Joey asked, "Is Chico ok Ed?"

"Sure he is Kid, didn't you just hear him, now is not the time for questions. Let's get that gift wrapped now."

"Yeah, and I'll put it under the tree, I can't wait to see how you like your gifts!!!!"

Chico went out for a walk. He had to get his thoughts together, he wouldn't go home until he was sure he could keep from being upset every time his father's name was mentioned. He would not allow this to upset everyone's holiday and he knew that if Ed thought he was upset he would worry. He would not allow that to happen. He thought about going to Liz's but he remembered she was working nights, and anyway he didn't want to leave Joey all that long. He would walk a little more and then head for home.

Ed sent Joey to take a bath before bed and told him he was going to wrap his present and if he peeked he wasn't going to get his present. Joey was in the tub when Chico got home. Chico was sitting on the couch looking at the Christmas tree when Ed came down to see how Joey was doing.

"Oh Chico your home. Joey is taking a bath. Did you get the you know what finished?"

"Yeah I did. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he gets it."

"He'll love it I'm sure, and I know you'll love yours too." Ed put his arm around Chico.

"Uh I suppose you know that was my pop that called?"

"I thought it sounded like his voice, that same goofy accent you know," joked Ed, trying to cheer his friend.

"Did you talk to him?"

Ed didn't want Chico to know that he knew his father wasn't coming until he was ready to tell him so he lied. "Just to say hello, say I'm gonna go check on that kid, we don't need a Christmas prune around here."

"Ed wait, please."

"Yeah, what?"

"Sit down please."

The two friends sat on the sofa to talk, if he was gonna succeed in making this Joey's best Christmas ever, he had to share his secret, kind of get it off his chest so he could be there for Joey.

"Ed, my father called to say he's not coming for Christmas after all."

"That's too bad, why not?" Ed tried to sound surprised.

"Uh- He has a big business deal going on, can't get away."

"Business deals on Christmas? Are you ok with that Chico?"

"No, I'm mad as Hell but I can't let the fact that my Christmas has been ruined spoil it for Joey. I won't!"

"I need your help Ed, I'm not going to tell Joey yet that Papa's not coming, I'm not used to the idea myself yet, but when I tell him I'll tell him he was ill. I don't want Joey to know that my Pop would rather conduct business than be with his family. Promise me you won't tell him anything about this?"

"I'll do whatever I can to help Chico. You can count on me."

"I know I can Ed. I feel closer to you than I do to my own father. Ed I want to be the kind of father for Joey that you have been to me."

Chico hugged the man he considered more a father firmly. "I love you man."

As Chico headed toward the apartment he and Joey shared he stopped and turned to Ed. "Ed I am NEVER gonna put anyone or anything ahead of being the best father I can to that little boy. Joey is gonna have a dad who is there for him, no matter what!" He went to check on his son.

"I know you will Chico, and that's what worries me," Ed said to the closed door.

The next day was the 22nd,the day Gilberto Rodriquez was supposed to arrive for the holiday.

Since school was out for the break, Chico thought he'd let Joey sleep in. That would give him time to figure out what he was going to tell the boy about the change in plans. Chico's plan was not the same as Joey's though as he soon found out. Chico was filling the tank on the car belonging to an elderly couple on their way to see their grandchildren for Christmas, as they so proudly boasted to Chico and Ed while they waited for their tank to be filled, when Joey came bounding out of his room all excited.

"Oh is this little boy yours?" asked the grandmother.

"Yes ma'am," admitted Chico proudly, "His name is Joey."

"Well you and your Dad and Grandpa have a very merry Christmas," she said as her husband paid Ed. "Thank you now, and Merry Christmas."

"Thank you same to you," Chico called after them.

"Nice lady." said Joey "Chico your Dad comes today, can I go with you to the airport to pick him up? Please I never been to an airport before. Please?"

"Let's talk about that, ok?"

"Am I in trouble?" questioned Joey as a look of concern crossed his face.

"No, no not it at all. Let's go in the office, alright?"

Chico and Joey went in the office and closed the door behind them. Chico set Joey up on the desktop, and he took the chair.

"Joey about going to the airport…"

"I won't go if you don't want me too, it's ok."

"No, please, let me finish ok?"

Joey nodded so he continued.

"We won't be going to get my father, because he can't spend Christmas with us after all."

"Why not?"

"Well, uh he's not able to fly right now. He isn't feeling well."

"I'm sorry Chico." Joey appeared almost frightened as he spoke to Chico. "Are you leaving then?"

"And leave you on our first Christmas as a family? No way Jose!" Joey laughed at Chico's joke.

"Your funny. I'm sorry your Papa's not coming I know you wanted him to, I hope he feels better soon."

"I'm not worried. I hope you're not too disappointed."

"I'm just glad you and Ed will be here."

"Me too pal, me too."

Joey was gonna ask Chico something when they heard Ed yell, "Chico there's a customer out here who wants you."

"Coming Ed!"

"Can I go over to Della's?"

"Why don't you eat breakfast first, then you can."

"Ok."

When the entered the garage Chico was pleased, and surprised to see Liz standing there.

"Mami, you're here, I thought you had to work today?"

"I do, but I had to come by and tell you something."

"What, my love?" Chico was running his long, slender fingers through Liz's thick black tresses as they spoke.

"Kim owed me a favor for working for her on her birthday so I collected. I have Christmas Eve off. I couldn't let your first Christmas with Joey go by and not be here to celebrate it now could I?"

"You are the best Liz, have I told you lately how much I love you?"

"Yes, but I never get tired of hearing it."

"Yo amor tu mi Liz." whispered Chico a he kissed her. They were still enjoying the pleasure of each other when Ed came out of the men's room.

"Don't you two ever stop? Chico when you're through would you run get some more towels for the rest room please?"

"Sure Ed, come along Liz?"

"I'll follow you anywhere my love."

"I'm just gonna run upstairs to tell Joey, be right back."

"You're just going to the store not Alaska for crying out loud, he probably won't even be done with breakfast before you get back."

"I guess so, come on Liz."

Rudy came in to give Ed his Christmas present, they were in the office talking when Joey came down stairs.

"Chico! Ed!" he called as he looked for them.

"I'm in the office Joey," alerted Ed.

"Hi Rudy," greeted Joey when he saw Ed's friend in the office.'

"Ed I'm going over to Della's, 'kay?"

"Sure go ahead."

Joey ran across the alley to Della's office, he wanted to ask her a favor. Della greeted him with a big hug.

"Mornin you sweet thing, what brings you over this early?"

"I wanna ask ya something."

"Sure thing Baby, anytime."

"Could you give me a ride uptown please? I was gonna ask Chico but Liz came for a visit and Ed has to work."

"I'd be glad to honey, Christmas surprises huh?"

"Yeah I-I wanted to go to the flower shop and get something for my Mama and sister for Christmas. I could go uptown by myself but, well I don't wanna go, you know, over there alone."

"I understand honey. I would be happy to help you, I'm flattered you asked me. I'll run get the keys to my truck and I'll be right back. Alright?"

Della and Joey were getting into the truck when Chico and Liz were returning from the store. They waved to Chico and Liz as they drove by.

"Say Ed I just saw Joey and Della leave in the truck, where are they goin?"

"Didn't you tell the kid last night that now is the not the time to be asking questions?"

"Yeah."

"Well take your own advice, I don't know where they went but he's with Della so he'll be fine."

"Well Chico, as much as I hate too if I'm gonna get Christmas Eve off to spend with you I'd better get to work on time. I love you."

They kissed good bye.

"Rudy, this kind of thing goes on all the time when they're together. I tell you it's enough to make you sick." Ed exaggerated.

"Ed, you're just jealous and you know it," laughed Rudy as he left.

Downtown a few minutes later Della and Joey pulled up in front of the 'Bed of Roses' florist, and went inside. They looked in the freezers and at all the baskets and different floral arrangements. As they looked the florist came to offer her assistance.

"What can I help you with this morning?"

"I want a flower for my Mama and my sister please."

"Oh nice, what kind of flowers does your Mama like?"

"Her favorite is yellow roses."

"And how about your sister, is she older or younger than you, what does she like?"

Joey looked from the florist to Della and back again before answering.

"I don't know, she never saw any flowers, she was just a baby."

"Oh how sweet a new baby for Christmas, how sweet of you to buy her flowers on her first Christmas."

Joey hung his head and said nothing, he didn't want to explain. It hurt too much.

"Well let's see what we have for them, here are the yellow roses, and if I may suggest, I think a beautiful spray of baby's breath would do very nicely." She waited patiently for the youngster to decide.

Since he had never purchased flowers before he had no idea what to do so he looked to Della for some guidance.

"What should I get?"

"It's your gift dear I don't wanna tell you what to do, but maybe you could get them a yellow rose for your Mama and a pretty pink carnation for your sister."

"What's a carnation look like, is it nice?""

"Yes they're very lovely," Della answered.

"Here they are, over here. Would you like a vase?"

"Does it come with the flowers or extra?"

"I'd be happy to lend you some money if you need baby," offered Della.

"No thank you Della, I want this to be from me all by myself." Joey took his bank over to the counter and emptied its contents to count it.

"I don't think I have enough, better not get a vase for it, thanks anyway."

"Ok when you have picked out what you want I'll get it ready for you. Your mother is very lucky."

After several minutes passed and he still hadn't decided, Della offered a suggestion.

"Joey, if you choose a rose that is closed now by Christmas morning it will be big and beautiful."

"Really? Well I'll take that one then, and that carton flower over there."

"That is a wonderful choice, they are both very beautiful. I'll just take them in the back and get them ready for you."

"Thanks for your help Della, and for offering to help pay, but I just want to do it by myself."

"You're very welcome, you made a beautiful choice."

"Here you go young man. And as part of our Christmas sale, the vases come with the flowers, my boss just reminded me. Honestly the closer it gets to Christmas the more forgetful I become." The saleslady winked at Della as Joey counted out his money.

"Your total comes to $5.00 even."

Della mouthed a thank you to the kind lady as Joey finished his figuring.

"Hey Della I still got .75 left!"

"Good for you baby, you are a wise Shopper."

Joey took his purchase, gave the lady a .25 tip and left the store.

"She was a nice lady, lucky about that sale huh?"

"Yes it was, I guess you know when to shop. Are you ready to go to the cemetery?"

Joey nodded. "Do you think I shoulda told that lady?"

"No, not if you didn't want to."

When they arrived at the cemetery Della asked, "Do you want me to come with you?"

"I think so."

"I tell you what, I'll go with you but I'll stand back a ways so you can have some privacy ok?"

"You sure are a smart lady Della"

"That's the nicest compliment I've had in along time," gushed Della.

They walked across the cemetery together and Joey went on to see his family. He carefully set the vase up against the headstone.

It read:

Carlotta Martine Hendricks 1979-2001

beloved Mother-much missed

Angel Hendricks-tiny blessing 2001-2001

"Hi Mama, hi Angel. I miss you. I hope you have a nice Christmas in Heaven. I love you forever."

As he was turning to leave he noticed a grave and headstone near his Mama's. It appeared to be a more recent grave as there was still a small mound of dirt that had not been worked in. Joey stopped to read it.

David Hendricks

1976-2001

When he realized who was buried there he picked up a handful of the dirt nearby and threw it at the headstone. When he got to where Della was waiting for him he handed her .50

"I want you to have this cause you helped me, okay?"

"That's very nice of you Joey but no thank you. We're friends, and friends do things for each other. I'm glad I could help."

Joey hugged Della and said. "Let's go home."

Monday the 24th, Christmas Eve, Joey was up early anxious for the day to begin. Chico and Ed were just sitting down to breakfast when Joey entered the kitchen.

"Hiya guys, It's Christmas today!!!!"

"It is?" exclaimed Ed as he feigned surprise. "I don't know Chico, I don't feel like celebrating Christmas this year, what do you think?"

"Yeah Ed I think we should skip it. I mean it's not like we have anything to celebrate this year, I'm sure Della and Liz could go somewhere else for the evening," Chico teased, his features giving nothing away.

"Yeah that's for sure how's a guy supposed to watch 24 straight hours of A Miracle On 34th Street when he's gotta stop to celebrate Christmas," added Ed in a displeased tone.

"No way! You guys are teasing me, aren't you?" Joey had such a worried expression on his face that both Chico and Ed burst out laughing.

"Oh course we're only teasing. Not only are we gonna celebrate Christmas but this will be the best Christmas ever." Chico sounded very convincing but Ed could see his face as he hugged the boy to him and he didn't look as if he had convinced himself of what he just said.

Late when Chico was closing the garage so they could celebrate Christmas Joey was so excited he thought he might bust. He was talking a mile a minute.

"When's Liz and Della coming? Do you think they'll like their presents? I hope Della brings some cookies. Do you think Liz will like her present Chico? Does she like coffee?"

"Slow down Joey, I haven't even had a chance to answer one question before you ask another one. Let's see Liz and Della should be here any minute, yes I'm sure they will love their gifts. Della said she was bringing pumpkin pie, but she told me to tell you that she was bringing cookies for you and for Santa. Now what else did you want to know?"

Chico had to admit that despite his disappointment at not having his father here for the holidays, he was already having a good time.

"Chico, I asked ya if Liz likes coffee?"

"Yes she does, why'd you want to know?"

"No reason.

"Joey why don't you run upstairs and see if Ed needs help with anything."

"Ok. Hey Chico?"

"What?"

"There's no chimney on the garage, how does Santa get in here?"

"Santa's magic pal. If a kid has been good he gets in, if a kid has been naughty he doesn't." This revelation brought a look of concern to the little face. He came over to stand beside his foster father and with a voice most sincere, he asked, "Do you think Santa will get in, I ain't been good ALL year, not even most of it, but it wasn't all my fault. What happens then?"

"Santa knows who's been good and who hasn't, and he also knows who had things happen that were too much for them to handle. Don't you worry son, I'm sure Santa will get in just fine."

Joey looked relieved and he hugged Chico. "Thanks for explaining it to me, now I won't worry."

"Good now run upstairs and see if Ed needs anything, please."

When Joey had closed the door to Ed's apartment Chico hurried to the side door of the garage and unlocked it again. When he had opened it Della and Liz came in pushing a shiny blue bike between them.

"It's about time you opened that door baby, this may be California but it still gets cold at night."

"I'm sorry ladies, but Joey has been 'helping me 'all evening. I sent him upstairs to see if Ed needed any help, hurry let's put it in the office. I'll make up some reason why we can't go in there, oh quick here he comes!"

The trio quickly put the bike in the office and shut the door just as Ed and Joey were coming down the stairs.

"Ed I tried everything I could think of to fix this doggoned door to the office, the hinges are broken so it'll have to wait till Wednesday for me to fix it. We'll just have to stay out of there and 'leave the door shut' 'til then," lied Chico.

"What?! My Bourbon, my shot glass! Just let me get them and..." Poor Ed was becoming very agitated at the prospect of being separated from his two most valuable possessions, even for a day, when he noticed Chico winking at him.

"Uh, oh well, I guess as long as Della brought over her famous eggnog I can wait 'til Wednesday to get my shot glass and bourbon."

"I have some right here Ed, why don't you pour yourself a glass and...drink it." Della glared at Ed for nearly spoiling Chico's surprise.

"Liz honey would you like to help me bring over the pies...and the cookies," she added before Joey could tell her not to forget them.

"Joey why don't you go help the gals while Ed and I get the turkey, Della you said it should be done by 6:00 right?" questioned Chico.

"I got a better idea, why don't you, Joey and Ed go to my place and get the desserts and Liz and I will take care of the turkey."

"Eees our job man, uh I mean ladies," teased Chico as he and the others headed out the door.

After a delicious meal, prepared by the ladies, the gentlemen washed the dishes. Had the guys known that while they were washing, drying, and putting away the dishes, in their usual no nonsense way, that the girls had a video camera and were spying on them they probably wouldn't have been so willing to help.

Ed, who was up to his elbows in sudsy dishwater was singing a tune from his vaudeville days. "I'm singing in the rain."

Chico, holding a spatula was talking into it, doing a ver impressive imitation of Lawrence Welk.

"A One-a-and -a two-a- Turn on the bubble machine."

At that moment Joey who was supposed to be drying the dishes, took the sink sprayer and squirted Mr. Singing-in-the-rain, and slapped a handful of suds on the back of Mr. Bubble-machine.

Chico and Ed turned to Joey and Chico grabbed him up in his arms, and Ed grabbed a hold of the sprayer. "This is a stick up, hand over that thar dish towel and no one gets hurt," said Ed in his best cowboy accent.

Joey, who was more curious about what he was going to do than frightened, handed Ed the towel.

Ed slowly, almost torturously, dunked the towel under the water. When he brought it back up, he wrung it out and threw the wet towel on Joey's head!

The girls quickly closed the door and went to the garage, the 'evidence' still in the video camera. They laughed as they hid the tape in the off limits office, and sat down to wait for the guys, trying unsuccessfully to suppress their laughter.

A few moments later the guys came down the stairs. Joey, who had waited as long as he possibly could, yelled, "Let's open presents!!!"

Chico was unanimously elected to pass out the gifts. When all the gifts were handed out, each person took turns opening one gift. Joey got to open a gift first. He got a gift from Louie. When he opened it he was so excited he had his first truck. Louie gave him a Tonka garbage truck.

"Wow! This is cool, I got a real truck just like Louie's!"

Everyone was having a great time. Della put on her "#1 Cookie Maker" apron from Joey, and Ed put on his Snoopy socks and they tap danced around the tree.

Liz made cocoa for everyone after the presents, saying, "I have to try my new mug." She and Della hugged and kissed Joey.

Joey got a Spirograph from Liz, Legos from Ed, some new clothes from Chico, and Della gave him a giant art set with all kinds of paper, colored pencil, markers and paints.

Joey loved all of his gifts, he couldn't remember when he had ever had so many nice things before.

Chico came over to his new son and said, "Joey would you please go get me a map from the office?"

"From the office?" He looked at the office door suspiciously and back to Chico. "But you said the door was broke, when did you fix it?"

"Haven't I told you this isn't the time for questions, would you please go get me a map, Liz wants to know how far away Colorado is."

Joey gave Chico a strange look. "On Christmas Eve? She's not going tonight is she?" He kept looking behind him as he made his way to the office.

As he opened the door Chico and the gang busted out laughing at Joey's question and the expression on his face. All of a sudden a loud war whoop could be heard throughout the garage, followed by "Santa Maria, A BIKE!" Joey stood in the doorway, "Is this for me?"

"Merry Christmas son," Chico stated proudly.

Joey took off at a run and jumped into Chico's arms. "Thank you Chico! Thank you!"

"Looks like someone loves his new bike," guessed Ed.

"I didn't forget you Chico, I got you a present too." Chico set Joey back down on the floor and watched as the boy ran to the tree to get the last gift for his Dad.

Chico opened the package and sat there for a second or two just looking into the box. Ever so slowly he picked up a denim-colored T-shirt. He turned the shirt around so everyone could read it. In Big red letters it said "PAPA CHICO #1"

Chico had tears in his eyes for a moment or two, which worried Joey.

"Don't ya like it?"

"Like it? I love it, it's the best. Thank you, son." And he kissed Joey.

Liz got the last gift of the evening, it was a beautiful gold heart-shaped locket with a card that said, "This Christmas and forever, I give you my heart. I love you Liz. Love Chico."

"Thank you Chico it's beautiful I know just who I'll put in there too," she said as she kissed her man.

The rest of Christmas eve was spent snacking and playing games, and of course an occasional bike ride around the garage. It was almost midnight when Liz noticed Joey asleep on the couch surrounded by all of his gifts.

"Chico look, isn't that sweet?"

"I think he had a good Christmas, don't you?" said Chico.

"If I was a betting person I'd bet on that one baby. I guess I should be heading home," said Della. "Thank you for the wonderful gifts and the fun time."

"Chico, I'll stay and help you put the little lamb to bed and then I'd better go as well," offered Liz.

"You help me mami and I'll take you home how about that?"

"It's a deal my prince."

"Here Ed, I'll help you carry some of these dishes upstairs." whispered Della as she and Ed climbed the stairs.

Chico picked Joey up off the couch and carried him into their apartment. As Chico prepared the sofa bed Liz got Joey into his pajama's. Though he had gained a few pounds in the last weeks since he was with Chico, Joey was still a small boy. Liz studied his small frame with a keen nurses eye.

You could still see his scars, a painful reminder of his past, and yet, promise of a better tomorrow thanks, in part, to her prince.

Chico gave Liz a ride home after they put Joey to bed. As tired as he felt, he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep, so he sat down on the sofa near the tree in the garage, as he didn't want to take a chance on disturbing Joey.

He was thinking about all the wonderful plans he had for them spending their first Christmas together as a family and now, nada. It would have been something if he were ill, like he told Joey, but to skip out on Christmas with your new-found family for a business deal! That was the limit. Chico you act like you wish your father were sick, you should be ashamed of yourself, he thought to himself.

The garage was dark except for the lights on the tree. The lights could be reflected in Chico's dark brown eyes. Eye's that usually twinkled with good humor were now sad and hiding tears, that would not fall.

Ed came downstairs one last time to see that everything was locked up. When he noticed Chico sitting alone in the dark he shook his head sadly.

At times Ed could be cranky with people, even his own daughter, but Ed was a good father, who cherished his daughter, and in his own way he made sure she knew it.

When Ed first met Gilberto Rodriquez a little over a year ago, he was impressed with the man.

The Senior Rodriquez had charm, poise, money and a wonderful son. He recalled how Chico had been so unforgiving of his father for the long absence in his life, but after hearing Chico's father's story he was happy when father and son were able to reconcile.

Anyone who would go to the great lengths and expense to find his son must really love him. That's probably what won Chico over in the first place, that and the fact that his Dad stole a police car to bring his expectant mother across the border so their child could be an American citizen. Gilberto Rodriquez, it seemed had everything, including the hard won love and respect of his son and now with one phone call, he was about to lose it. To Ed's way of thinking, if he lost that he had nothing.

Ed turned and went quietly back to his room. He didn't want to disturb Chico. He knew that the young man he loved as a son would come to him if and when he was ready.

Christmas morning Ed, who was unusually chipper for the hour, told Joey.

"Go in there now and wake your Papa. Don't say a word about the surprise, just wake him up and get him out here. Don't take no for an answer," he added as an afterthought, he knew how Chico liked to sleep in when he could.

"I won't tell. This is gonna be fun."

Chico was awakened rather abruptly by his son. Joey came bounding into the bedroom and jumped on top of Chico. He forgot as he did so that Chico's ribs may still be a little sore from the beating he took at the hands of David Hendricks, Joey's former stepfather.

"Good morning Papa Chico!" the little boy called as he landed atop his foster father.

Chico groaned as Joey landed on his midsection.

"Good morning to you too. What did you eat for breakfast this morning, jumping beans?"

"I'm sorry Chico, I forgot about your ribs, did I hurt you?" asked Joey as he got off of him.

"No, you just surprised me that's all. Come on back here," Chico patted the bed beside him and waited as Joey crawled back up.

"I didn't eat breakfast yet I was waiting for you. You were right Chico, Santa did get in! Come on let's go see what Santa brought."

"No, I think I'll go back to bed for a while." Chico attempted to roll over and go back to sleep but Joey would not hear of it.

"Stay in bed on Christmas morning! Are you loco in de cabaza? Come on Chico get up, please." The little boy tugged on his arm as he pleaded.

Finally Chico rolled onto his back again and threw his hands above his head. "Ok, ok you win I'll get up. Just let me get dressed and I'll be right out."

"No that takes too long come now. Just put your robe on. Come on." Again he pulled and pulled on Chico's arm.

"Ok I'm coming just enough with my arm, who do I look like, Stretch Armstrong?"

Joey let go of Chico just long enough for him to get his bathrobe on and he took him by the arm and lead him out the door.

"Come on!" urged Joey as he continued to lead Chico around to the Christmas tree.

As they came around to the tree Chico saw a tall figure, obviously not Ed, sitting on the sofa. Chico was embarrassed to be seen in his bathrobe. He had always taken such pride in being well groomed. As he was about to retreat into the apartment to change for company a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Feliz Navidad, mi hijo."

It was his father! His Dad had decided to come for Christmas after all! Ed came storming down the stairs yelling his head off, as usual. "What in the name of Andy Granatelli is going on down here? How's a guy supposed to sleep in with all this racket!"

"Papa, you're here, I thought you had a-an ear infection and couldn't fly?" Chico asked quickly recovered his near blunder as he remembered the fib he had told Joey about his father being to ill to travel.

"What ear in...?"questioned Gilberto. He soon noticed Chico's expression and realized it was best to play along.

"It's much better Hijo. The doctor gave me the ok to travel."

"How long can you stay?"

"Just the day. I am expected in Switzerland tomorrow. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend the first Christmas with my new grandson now could I?" questioned Gilberto as he repeated the similar words Chico said a few days earlier. " Come here nieto, and see your abuello."

Joey hesitated only a moment and went to give his new abuello a hug and said, "I'm glad you're feeling better, I got you a present."

Joey ran to the tree and picked up the last package from under the tree and brought it to his Grandfather.

"Merry Christmas," he said proudly as he handed the gift to the distinguished looking man.

When Gilberto opened the package and saw the beautiful belt buckle he said, "Aye carumba this is magnifico nieto! Tell me, did you draw this beautiful matador?"

"No, I found it in a book and I traced it and I brought it to the jewelry store. They did it, Lynn helped me."

"It's magnifico!!" He reached to embrace the boy, Joey temporarily stiffened, and Gilberto, sensing his reluctance asked, "May I?"

Joey gladly accepted his embrace.

"Papa I have something for you too. I'll be right back."

Chico returned a short time later and presented his father with a gift. "I hope you like it Padre."

Chico had given him a family photo album with pictures of Chico during his early years and where the old photos stopped there was a page inscribed, Rodriquez The Next Generation. There was a picture of Chico and his father taken the last time they were together.

"Let's get a picture of Gilberto, Chico and Joey all together. That definitely belongs in the book." recommended Ed. "I just happen to have a camera."

"Aye Dios Mio Ed! Not yet let me shower and change. I'll be right back," yelled Chico as he made a dash for the apartment.

Joey showed Chico's Papa his Christmas gifts and he and Ed had a nice visit while Joey biked around in the garage.

"Senor Brown, I must thank you for opening my eyes. I am so glad I came."

"No thanks are necessary, Chico and the boy are my family too, it's thanks enough to see them so happy."

Chico returned with his best blue jeans and the shirt Joey had given him the night before. His hair combed, and dried shone a glistening dark brown, as his father's once had.

They took the picture with Chico and Gilberto one on either side of Joey. Gilberto took a picture of Ed, and Chico and Joey and then Gilberto announced.

"I cannot be the only one getting gifts here. Joey my nino, go see what your Grandpa has for you in the office."

"In the office? So that's where you get it Chico." When everyone around him started laughing Chico explained to his father that he had hidden Joey's new bike in the office the night before, making up an excuse to send him in there. Gilberto was soon laughing with the rest.

"Chico, Ed look at this cool wagon! I love it. Thank you. He ran to hug the older man. "Oh what have we here? Why I think Santa left this for you," declared Gilberto as he handed Joey a small package.

"Cheese and crackers it's a computer game. 'Help Pooh Bear collect honey pots'," Joey read the instructions, "'Don't let Pooh drop any or you must start over'."

"And for you my son, here." He handed Chico a box, inside was a gold watch with the inscription, Tu estomos mi vida, amor Papa

"I love you too Papa. I'm so glad you could make it. Thanks for coming," he said appreciatively as he hugged his father.

"Don't thank me hijo, thank your other Papa."

Chico looked from his one father to the other. "Ed, you did this, for me?"

"It was nothing, I just hated to see you so down. So I called and asked him if he couldn't reconsider."

"Asked my foot. He told me if I didn't get my Chicano hiney on a plane to spend Christmas with my family that I'd lose more than I gained, and how right you were Ed. I see that now. Forgive me my son for being muy stupido."

"You're forgiven Pa." Turning to Ed, Chico said, "And as for you Ed, muchas gracias mi padre numero dos. Yo amor tu."

Joey, not quite comprehending what was going on, and not one to be left out, asked, "I thought you couldn't come cause you were sick?"

"Joey come here a sec," requested Chico. He knelt down to try and explain to his 7 year old that he lied. "When I told you Papa wasn't coming for Christmas I told you he was sick, and that wasn't true. I lied to you, I've never done that before and I'll try never to do it again. Can you forgive me?"

"Sure." He looked at his grandpa for an explanation. "If you weren't sick then why weren't you going to come?"

"Chico lied to you to protect my honor and perhaps his pride as well. I had a big business deal I was working on and if I came when I had promised, I'd lose the deal. I am ashamed to say that I put business ahead of my family until your grandpa Ed set me straight. Chico how I must have hurt you. All those years when you thought I had run out on you, only to have me desert you for a business deal! As Ed told me on the phone last night, I had to decide what I wanted to be - a successful businessman with no one to share my success with, or a part of a family. Thank you, Ed, for helping me make the right choice. As a token of my appreciation, this is for you."

Gilberto Rodriquez handed Ed a large bottle of champagne. Ed went upstairs to get some glasses for a toast. When he returned, he poured the champagne for the grownups, and juice for Joey. Raising their glasses, Ed offered the toast.

"Christmas with gifts and champagne, much better than beer. I wish we could celebrate it all year! Merry Christmas."

It had been two weeks since Christmas and things had returned to normal. Joey was back in school again and the guys back to work. Della and Ed were back to their old selves again as they tried to pick fights with each other. That happened to be what they were doing one day as Joey was getting ready for school.

"Della what in the Sam Hill did you bake these muffins with, a blowtorch?"

"Ed Brown, that's the last time I make anything for you!"

"Good, I can call the doctor and cancel my ulcer medicine."

"Ed why don't you stick that muffin..."

"Time!" yelled Chico in an effort to stem the flow of words as Joey was on his way downstairs after breakfast.

"Do you want a ride to school today so you don't bend your poster?" volunteered Chico.

"I s'pose."

"Can I see you poster?" inquired Chico. He hadn't seen the poster since the first day Joey brought it home and he was curious to see what it looked like.

"Ok."

He turned the poster around so everyone could see. It was a picture of the universe. There were stars, and what appeared to be constellations, the moon, and even a few planets were visible.

"Loooooking Goooood!" Chico proceeded to whistle through his fingers. "That's my boy!"

"I hope my teacher likes it."

"Oh baby, she'd be an Ed Brown not to," encouraged Della.

"An Ed Brown?" asked Chico in surprise.

"An old fool!" replied Della with a laugh.

"Get outta my garage!" yelled Ed as he threw a grease rag at Della's retreating back.

"If you're ready to go, get in the truck I'll go get the keys."

"Ok. See ya later Ed."

"Yeah, have a good day kid."

A short time later, Joey was dropped off at school and Chico returned to the garage. Through out the day Chico would check his watch. He missed not having Joey around the garage, and looked forward to three o'clock when he would be back home.

"Chico would you quit daydreaming about Liz and bring me the air compressor!"

"Oh sure Ed, I'm sorry."

Liz stopped by a short time later to see when she and Chico would have some free time to get together. Lately it seemed to Liz that when she had any time off Chico was too tired from taking Joey to the park, or he was taking him fishing, for them to have any time to themselves and she missed her man.

She loved Joey and was glad that he was safe and that he was where both he and Chico wanted him to be, but yet Liz missed the times they spent together before Joey. That only made her feel guilty and angry at herself for feeling jealous of a 7 year old who has been in need of some extra attention for a long time.

It wasn't as if Joey asked these things of Chico, he just did them. What kind of person was she that she would begrudge a little boy the thing he needs the most, love.

"Buenos dias mi corazon." They took advantage of Ed being in the men's room to enjoy each other for a moment or two.

"Mmmm mami you are so beautiful, I love you."

"Yo amor tu hermoso."

"When do you work again, mi amor?" inquired Chico.

"I work tonight through Thursday night, I'm off Friday and Saturday, work Sunday through Wednesday," answered Liz hopefully.

"Oh, I love Friday and Saturday nights! Maybe we can take Joey to a movie or out for pizza"

"Oh uh Chico, I was thinking, no I was hoping that we could do something together just you and I? We haven't had much time alone lately."

"I don't know Liz, I..."

"I'll be here I can stay with the kid. I did raise a daughter in case you have forgotten," offered Ed who couldn't help but overhear the conversation while on his way to the office.

"Great! Thanks Ed, so which is it Friday or Saturday?" asked Liz.

"How about both? Friday night we could go out to dinner and maybe some dancing, on Saturday we can take Joey to a movie?" suggested Chico.

"Oh Chico, that's a wonderful idea. I have to go to work but I'll see you Friday. Bye Ed and thank you for the offer."

Liz was so excited for the coming weekend. She would have her Chico to herself and they would still be able to spend some quality time with the boy they both loved.

A while later Joey came bounding into the garage.

"Hey Chico, hey Ed! Guess what? We're having a open house at school, here's your invitation. The teacher liked my poster, she said she was gonna put it up for the open house!"

"Cool, I wouldn't miss it for anything," declared Chico as he took the invitation from Joey. "When is it?" As he read the announcement he realized he had the answer to his question, and disappointment in the palm of his hand. The open house was this Friday!

"I got an invitation for you too Ed, if you wanna come."

"I'll be there kid but I don't know if Ch..."

"Of course Ed and I will be there Joey, we couldn't miss that!" declared Chico before Ed had a chance to tell Joey about his date for the same night. I'm sure Liz will understand, maybe she would even want to go along. Chico felt a little encouraged about this new change in plans. At least he hoped Liz would understand. He could not, no he would not fail Joey as his father had failed him so often in the past.

Chico got things straightened out with Liz. It was decided that the four of them would all go to the open house together and out for Pizza afterward, and Saturday would be the night out for the two of them and Ed would baby-sit.

The remainder of the week was busy with the usual running around. School for Joey and work for the guys and Liz. Della forgave Ed for the blowtorch comment and at least for the time being, they were cordial to one another. By Friday Joey was so excited about the evenings open house Ed told him that if the open house hadn't have been scheduled for that night and he had to hear about it for another 24 hours he wasn't going.

"For pity's sake I don't know whose getting on my nerves more, you or your Papa out there. Everyone that's come in all week is treated to the 'My son's school is having an open house' speech. If I have to hear that one more time I'm gonna scream," hooted Ed as he and Joey were coming from the store room with the inner tubes they needed. They came out just in time to hear, "Hey Rudy, did you hear? My son's school is..."

"AAHHHHH!! "Ed screamed as jumped up and down.

"Ed what's wrong are you hurt?" questioned Chico with concern.

Joey was laughing when Chico came to Ed's aid.

"No I'm not hurt. Oh, what's the use. Joey you tell him will you? I need a drink," pouted Ed as he stomped his way to the office.

Joey was laughing so hard he could hardly explain what he was laughing at.

"What's with Ed?" inquired Chico.

"He was just saying how he was tired of hearing about the open house and would scream if you mentioned it again and we come in here and the first thing he hears is open house." At this point Joey is doubled over with laughter.

"Can I help it if I'm proud of you?" This made Joey sober up in a hurry.

"Y-You are?"

"Sure I am."

"Cool. I better go get ready for the…" Joey snickered as he looked over at Ed who was eyeing him suspiciously. "For the you-know-what," he said and burst out laughing all over again.

"I'm sorry if I've gotten on your nerves about all this Ed. It's just that I'm so excited, my first school function as a parent."

"No I'm sorry Chico. I shouldn't spoil it for you. Enjoy it while you can cause there will be some not so fun school functions you'll have to go to one day you can count on that."

"Like what?"

"Wait'll the kid wants to join band, that first concerts a killer, then there's conferences, those are good for a few tears, oh and lets not forget, the trip to the principle's office. That's always a barrel of laughs."

"You're just being gloomy Ed it's not that bad, besides Joey's a good kid."

"Sure he is, but don't forget the key word there, kid. He's a kid and with kids comes mischief."

"I'd love to stay here and listen to you prepare me for parenthood but I have AN OPENHOUSE to get ready for," joked Chico, stressing the words Ed claimed to be so tired of hearing, "and you should too Ed, you are coming aren't you?"

"Of course I am. I wouldn't miss it if I were lying in the street all bloody. You'd have to slap a band aid on me and drag me to that open house," Ed kidded in return, referring to the time he'd said the same thing when Chico tried to persuade him to go to his old army reunion. "You go on and get ready I'm gonna lock up."

A short time later, though not soon enough for Joey, Ed, Liz, Chico, and Joey arrived at the school. They greeted at the door of Joey's classroom by Miss Birch. "Good evening. I'm so glad you could make it this evening. It's such a pleasure to have Joey back in our class."

"Chico, Raul is over there. I'll be right back 'kay?"

"Sure thing pal, we'll be right there."

"I'm so sorry that I mistook you for Mr. Hendricks that day in your garage," apologized Miss Birch.

"No apologies necessary, as I said I did nothing to correct your impression. As much as I wanted to. And anyway I am pretty much his father now, I have been given legal guardianship of him. Oh excuse me, this is Ed Brown my partner, friend, and you could say foster father. And this is Liz my girlfriend." To his companions Chico said, "This is Miss. Birch, Joey's teacher."

"Welcome, it's so nice to meet all of you. Come on in. Joey, come here please. I want to show all of you the beautiful poster Joey made for our reading program."

The little family followed Miss. Birch to the front of the class, to a big bulletin board. There was Joey's poster. It had a beautiful border and a floating astronaut holding a book. The caption read 'Reach for the stars with a book.'

"Joey you did a beautiful job. I'm so glad you were willing to help out for our open house. Thank you so much."

Joey chuckled as he answered, "You're welcome, teacher, uh, Miss Birch."

Ed gave Joey a little nudge cause he knew what the boy was laughing at.

"Did I say something funny?"

"No ma'am, its a little family joke," explained Chico.

For the rest of the open house Joey showed his family around the room, and where his desk was. There was also a program. Andrea played piano, Natalie (Miss Markers) read a poem, Michael played his harmonica, and Bruce recited the pledge of allegiance. The biggest surprise of all came at the end of the open house. Miss Birch went to the front of the class to give her thanks to the parents for coming.

"Thank you children. You have all done a wonderful job tonight. I would also like to thank you, the parents for coming out to show support for your children. At this time I would also like to offer a special thank you to Joey Martine for the wonderful work he put into designing the bulletin board for this evening as well as our reading program this semester." Miss Birch proceeded to lead everyone in a round of applause.

No one was more proud or clapped louder than Papa Chico

After the open house, they all went out for pizza. It was a wonderful evening full of laughter and fun, something Joey had never really experienced until he met this crazy bunch.

Since it was Friday and there was no school the next day no one really rushed, so it was rather late when they pulled up in front of Liz's apartment.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening Chico. I really enjoyed it. That boy of yours has a real talent for drawing," complimented Liz earnestly.

"Thanks I had a great time too. Are we still on for tomorrow night my love?"

"We better be. Until then my sweet." Liz kissed Chico long and hard. He had missed Liz so much and tomorrow night he would show her just how much. He stayed until he saw her safely inside the building and ran back to the car.

"All set?" Chico asked as he got in the car.

"Shh," responded Ed. Chico looked at him, he had a finger to his lips and nodded his head in the direction of the backseat. Joey had fallen asleep.

Once at home Ed and Chico said their goodnights and Chico carried Joey into their apartment and put him to bed.

Chico was dreaming of Liz. They were in the whirlpool at his father's hotel and just as they were about to surrender to the romance that they had each been craving, Chico could hear Joey calling to him.

He looked up and saw Joey on the balcony above the pool. He was waving and calling "Good morning Papa."

Chico opened his eyes and was greeted by a large pair of Brown eyes staring directly into his own.

"AAAAAAAAhhhh!"

"Holy Frijoles, Joey, are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"I'm sorry Papa I thought you heard me call ya. Ed says if you want anything 'sides toast for breakfast you better eat out. We haven't gotten groceries in a long time and we're outta everything."

"Ok pal, have you eaten yet?"

"Yep, I went over to Della's. She made caramel rolls!"

"Joey," Chico questioned his son suspiciously. "Did you go beg breakfast from Della?"

"Yep." he replied proudly.

"You shouldn't be begging that's not nice," Chico scolded only half-heartedly.

"What would you like more, burnt toast with Ed or fresh caramel rolls with Della?" Joey questioned so sincerely that Chico had to laugh.

"Good point, does she have any left?"

"Is Zorro a super hero?" he answered.

"Great, I'll just be a second and we can sneak, uh, I mean head over there, ok?"

"Alright, now you're talking Papa!" Joey enthused.

In no time at all Chico was showered and ready. The two of them went across the alley to Della's home office.

"Chico, why are we sneaking, I mean heading over here so quietly?" queried Joey.

"Well I don't want Ed to feel bad that we aren't having breakfast with him." Chico replied.

"Oh I get it." Chico knocked on Della's door and when she answered they went in. There sitting at Della's table with fresh, gooey caramel in his mustache was Ed. "I guess we didn't need to feel bad Chico." said Joey as he looked at Ed polishing off a much sought after caramel roll.

After breakfast Chico and Ed returned to the garage for work and Joey rode his bike to the playground to meet the guys for a game of basketball. Raul had gotten a new ball for Christmas and was anxious to break it in.

Antonio, Santos, Jose, and Markus were on one team and Raul, Ricardo, Mannie, and Gabe were on the other. They played several games and both sides had opportunity to win.

They had a regular tournament and were about to start the championship game when Raul's sister Rainy came to call him for lunch. Raul invited everyone over to his house for lunch saying they could play the championship game afterwards. They stopped at each other's houses along the way to get permission.

After lunch they stopped at San's house and San snitched his brothers CD player and some cool CD's to have some music while they played ball.

"This'll be cool, music just like the pros have when they warm up," said Mannie.

"Really? They have music when they play?" asked Joey, who was very intrigued with the prospect of playing like the professionals.

"No Bonehead they play music while they warm up not play the game, whats the matter with you ain't you never been to a basketball game?" asked Mannie rudely.

"No I haven't!" Joey responded defensively.

"Hey lay off man, he just asked ya a question," defended San.

By this time they were back at the playground and all was forgotten except the game.

The championship game was tied and Joey was on his way to the basket when Mannie, trying to block him from making the shot, had come too close and with such force knocked Joey backwards. He landed and skidded across the pavement on his back.

Joey lay there a few minutes not moving. He hurt like the devil but he didn't want to cry in front of his friends. Mannie all ready thought he was a bonehead, he didn't want the guy thinking he was a baby too.

"Hey Joey, I'm sorry man. I didn't mean to knock you down, are you ok?" Joey had landed so hard on the pavement that the guys were worried that they really hurt him.

"No I'm ok, I just got the wind knocked out of me." San helped Joey up off the pavement.

"It's your ball man, I fouled ya," said Mannie as he threw the ball to Joey for a free throw. When he turned toward the basket to shoot San yelled.

"Cheese and crackers Joey, you're bleeding!"

"I am? No big deal." Joey tried to cover the fact that he was hurting by pretending it didn't. Had he not had those scars that were still healing it might not have been so bad. But as it was, Joey was hurting and he had all he could do to keep from crying.

Fortunately San came to his rescue when he spoke up for him.

"I think we oughta call it quits for today. I gotta get my brothers CD's and player back before he misses it or Joey won't be the only one bleeding."

As they left the playground, one by one they all left until there was only Joey and Santos left. Santos had been Joey's closest friend almost since he moved to the Barrio, and before people in the Barrio realized the horror that Joey and his mother had lived through with David, San inadvertently saw the lash and belt marks on the other boys back when the two were going swimming. So San knew how Joey must be hurting from the fall.

"Are you ok amigo?" San questioned with concern when they were alone.

"Yeah, it does hurt but it'll be ok. Thanks for calling the game, though. I didn't wanna have to quit in front of everybody like a wimp."

"Hey man you ain't no wimp." By this time they arrived at the garage. San stayed long enough to help explain what happened and then left saying "Call me later kay?"

"Sure thing amigo, gracias."

Joey looked at Chico with tears in his eyes. "It hurt so bad, but I didn't cry." he proclaimed proudly.

"Lets go get you patched up ok?"

"Is it gonna hurt, like before?" he questioned wearily as he recalled the night that he and Della had treated the welts when they were first discovered.

"I don't think it'll be that bad since they are pretty much better. But it won't feel to good I'm afraid," admitted Chico.

"Oh," was all the boy said.

Joey found Chico to be very accurate in his estimation of how it would be and in no time he was patched up and ready to play.

He called San and was invited over to his house to play for the rest of the afternoon. They played Nintendo, checkers and horse. Joey brought his garbage truck over and they hauled sand from one pile in the sandbox to another. When San's older brother came home and was going to play his favorite CD he heard a skip in it. When it was discovered that San had taken it from the house without permission San was sent to his room and Joey was sent home.

Joey got home in time for supper. Even though it was one of his favorite meals, corn dogs and french fries, Joey just couldn't seem to choke it down.

"What's with you kiddo? Did you snitch some snacks before supper?" grumped Ed as he often did when it was his turn to cook.

"No sir. I just feel full I guess, may I be excused?"

"I suppose, but if your hungry later you get that corn dog, got it?"

"Yes sir. Where's Chico?"

"He's in the apartment, getting upholstered for his date with Liz. I know it's your turn to do the dishes but you go on I'll do it tonight," offered Ed.

Joey went downstairs and was on his way into the apartment when all of a sudden and quite unexpectedly he vomited on the garage floor.

Chico heard something outside the apartment and went to investigate.

"Santa maria!" he exclaimed as he saw poor Joey puking his guts out.

He went back into his place and moments later returned with a washcloth, and some paper towels.

When he got back Joey had finished being sick and was starting to cry.

"I'm sorry Chico! I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

Chico consoled the boy as he cleaned him up. "It's ok Joey. It's not your fault, everyone gets sick sometimes. Don't worry your not in any trouble.

"Ed's gonna be mad at me isn't he, I didn't eat my supper and I think he was mad at that, now I'm really gonna get it!"

"No you won't, Ed doesn't get mad at kids that are sick," said Chico as he cleaned up the floor.

When that was done he finished getting Joey cleaned up and tucked into bed.

He told Ed what happened and even though Ed assured Chico that he was going to be home, and would be more than happy to watch the boy Chico called Liz to cancel. She was not happy about it. The door to the apartment was ajar and Joey could hear the conversation.

"I know we haven't had much time together Liz but Joey needs me. He's sick, it's not like I'm canceling to take him to the circus or something. I'll make it up to you, I promise. I love you baby."

Even though in his heart Chico knew he had done the right thing, he still hung up the phone feeling as though in an effort to be the best parent he could he had failed Liz, again.

Chico went back to Joey who was feeling a little better since he threw up.

" I feel better now, can I get out of bed?"

"No. You stay there and rest, I'll be right back. I'm just gonna get out of this suit."

When he came back in the room Joey was fast asleep Chico was on his way upstairs to talk to Ed a while when there was a knock on the garage door. Chico was surprised to find Liz standing on the other side when he opened the door.

"Liz honey, what are you doing here? Uh, not that I'm not glad to see you, I am, I'm just surprised," he explained as he let her inside.

" Chico, I'm sorry. I behaved so selfishly, you called me to tell me your son is sick and I get upset. I'm a nurse for God sake where is my compassion. If it's all right with you I'd like to stay and help you with him."

"No apologies mi amor, after all how many dates and plans have I broken with you and after how wonderful you have been to help us. You're always there when we need you."

"No Chico, I am the one who should apologize, I know how important it is to you to be there for him. I know you missed out on a lot not having your father around. And I just want to say I'm sorry that I was so selfish."

Chico took Liz into his arms and kissed her. Taking her by the hand, he led her to the sofa in the waiting area of the garage.

" I'm so glad you're here Liz. What a day this has been." He talked as they sat down. "Joey and his friends were at the playground playing ball earlier today and Joey really wiped out on the pavement, he scraped up his back, it's..."

"Excuse me Chico, what did you say?"

"I said he scraped up..."

"No I mean about a wipeout?"

"Yeah he fell on the pavement kinda hard the way Santos was talking, I checked no broken bones," assured Chico.

"And shortly after that he began vomiting, has he complained of a headache?"

"No, why is something wrong?" Chico was becoming alarmed.

"Chico, did either Joey or San say if Joey hit his head on the cement when he landed?"

"No just that he hurt his back, it's still a little sore from the beating David gave him with the vacuum cleaner cord."

"I think I'd better go check on him.."

"Liz, please, if you know or suspect something I want to know what it is. Have I done something wrong?"

"I think if Joey hit his head on the cement he may have a concussion. If he does we need to wake him every couple of hours to see that he's still conscious."

"You mean he could end up in a, in a coma?"

"Now don't get upset Chico, we don't even know if he hit his head or not."

"Madre De Dios!! I may have killed my son! Ed, Ed!" Chico hollered up the stairs.

"What are you yelling for Chico, are you trying to wake Joey, he needs to rest!" scolded Ed as he came down the stairs. He followed Chico and Liz into the apartment.

"Joey? Joey, sweetie, this is Liz."

The tired boy stirred slightly, moaning as he did.

"Hi, you goin out? I'll be ok," he moaned and whispered.

"No honey we're going to stay here with you. When you fell at the playground today did you bump your head?"

"No, I don't think so, I-I can't remember."

"Oh God he can't remember!" Chico, who was usually so calm, was nearing hysterics.

"I know your tired sweets but I need you to try and sit up for me." Turning to Chico she said, "Chico it's early yet, why don't you call the guys he was with and see if they remember if he hit his head. I'll see if I can find a bruise or a bump on his head."

When Chico left to make the calls Liz requested she spoke to Ed. "I didn't want to say this in front of Chico cause we'd have a basket case on our hands, but if he bumped his head I hope I do find a bump."

"Why?" asked Ed with growing concern.

"Because if Joey hit his head on the pavement and we don't find a bump it means the bruise could have gone inward instead of out and cause pressure on his brain. Please Ed, don't tell Chico anything about this until we find out what the boys say."

"They're just little boys too, what if they can't remember either?" questioned Ed.

"Then we take Joey to the ER for a cat scan," Liz continued, reluctant to think of the other senario, "and possible brain surgery to relieve any pressure."

"Dear God! I need a drink," exclaimed Ed in absolute fear.

"Now Ed please I need you. Remember, I'm not a Doctor, i'm just going by what I learned during my ER rotation. Let's not panic. Besides, we don't know for sure if he even hit his head."

Turning her attention back to Joey she whispered softly.

"Joey, honey, can you sit up for me?"

Liz was carefully feeling around for any bump that he may have gotten when Chico returned.

"San says he doesn't think he hit his head, he thinks he landed on his back, kind of like a turtle on his shell. When I called the other guys they said pretty much the same thing. Is he ok? Is he gonna be alright?"

"Well that's good. If they all seem to see it the same way chances are he didn't hit his head," Liz was still checking for a bump when Joey began to stir again.

"No Mama I can wash my own hair." He tried to push Liz's hands away.

"It's ok sweetie sit up for me ok." Joey sleepily sat up, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

Liz had turned on the lamp beside the sofa and held up her hands.

"Joey how may fingers am i holding up?"

"Two." A collective sigh could be heard throughout the room as he answered correctly."

"Good. Now what's your full name?"

"Jose Eduardo Martine. Can I go to sleep now?"

"One more hon, who are theses guys?" she pointed first at Chico.

"Papa Chico." Next she pointed to Ed.

"Grandpa Ed," responded Joey sleepily.

"He called me Grandpa Ed!" beamed Ed proudly.

"Now can I..."

Instinctively, Liz reached for a nearby garage can. It was too late, Joey had gotten sick again.

After Chico and Liz got Joey cleaned up, and fresh bedding on his bed, they tucked him in. Ed was going to make him tea to keep him hydrated and Liz said some soda crackers would keep him from getting the dry heaves.

"Lizzie girl. I'm so glad you were here. I love you!"

"It was my pleasure Chico. I think he'll be fine now, but just as a precaution I think we should wake him every couple of hours to be safe."

"Thank you so much, I'll wake him first why don't you take my bed tonight. I can sleep on next to Joey in case he needs anything."

"Ok Chico, if you're sure you don't mind?"

"Why would I mind? I love you, you know," Chico whispered as he kissed her lips, neck, shoulder...

"Uh, my prince, let's not start something we can't finish tonight ok?"

Throughout the night Chico and Liz took turns waking Joey to be sure he was all right.

About three a.m., Joey became restless. He had a fever of 102 and complained of a tummy ache again. A few minutes later he ran to the bathroom and was sick. On his way back to bed he became dizzy so Chico carried him back to bed. Liz, who awoke when she heard Joey vomiting, gave him some Motrin and a cool compress for his fever. When he finally drifted back to sleep he slept peaceful for the remainder of the night.

Liz awoke first when she heard Ed in his office for his usual shot glass of bourbon for breakfast.

On her way out of the apartment she stopped to check on Joey. His temp had returned to normal.

Liz had to smile at the sight that met her eyes. Chico lay on the bed and snuggled up next to him safe under his long arm was Joey, sleeping peacefully. I can't wait 'til the day when I can be in there beside you like that Chico, Liz thought to herself as she watched them sleep.

"Good morning Liz. I made some coffee, would you like some?" Ed asked as he handed her a steaming cup.

Even though they lived in East Los Angeles the mornings could be cool, especially in January.

"Thank you Ed," said Liz as she gratefully accepted.

"How was your night?" he inquired with concern in his voice.

"It was a little exhausting. We had to keep waking Joey just to be safe and he was up about three with a stomachache and a fever, but has been sleeping peacefully since then. How about you?"

"I slept better than a baby, once I was sure Joey would be ok. I'm so glad you were here last night or I don't think Chico would have let anyone get any sleep." Ed laughed at his own joke as he emptied his shot glass and returned it to the cash register where he kept it.

"I am too. I felt bad that I got upset with him for canceling our plans so I came to apologize and see if I could be of any help."

"I know, I told him I would be glad to watch Joey so you two could go out but he wouldn't hear of it, don't misunderstand me, I know he wants to spend time with you it's just that he's so afraid of not being there, like his Dad, that he's going to the other extreme. You are both so young you need some fun in your lives and I promise I'll keep working on him, if you promise to be patient with him."

"Ed, Chico is very lucky to have you in his life, and I love you for that."

She stepped forward and gave Ed a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

A short while later Chico awoke to find Joey snuggled up so closely to him that he was almost falling out of bed. He got out of bed as carefully as he could so as not to awaken Joey.

After a shower and clean clothes, Chico went to have some coffee.

"Hey Ed, good morning my Liz. I can't thank you enough for staying with us last night."

"My pleasure Chico. You look very well this morning for a man who didn't get much sleep last night. How are you feeling?"

"I think I may be coming down with a cold, do you wanna stay and take care of me tonight?" he teased as he held her close.

"If I didn't have to work tonight you wouldn't have to ask me twice," countered Liz.

"Is Joey still sleeping? You two looked so sweet curled up together like you were. I wished I had my camera."

"Yes he is. He had a good night after 3 this morning though so I think he's on the mend."

"I'll be the judge of that my dear. I'm gonna go check on him then I'll head home and change into some fresh clothes. I'll come back if you want me to."

"Sure, I want you to but I imagine you need some sleep. What ever you want, mi amor."

"I think I'll sleep a while and come back later I know Joey is in very capable hands." Liz winked at her man as she left for home.

Joey stayed home from school that following Monday just to get some added rest. Chico was pleased that they had gotten through Joey's first bout with sickness so well. He thought to himself, Parenting isn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. It was a couple days later that Chico's parenting was put to its first test.

San came to the garage to ride bikes to school with his best friend. They were on their way when San said, "Boy I wish we didn't have to go to school today."

"I know, I'd much rather play ball or something today, hey I brought the game I got from Grandpa Gil for Christmas we can play that at recess," suggested Joey.

"I have better idea, let's stay home from school!"

"Are you sick?" Joey questioned.

"Duh, no dummy and neither are you, but what fun is it to stay home when your sick? You can't have any fun then. Wanna?"

"I don't know Chico might not like it," worried Joey.

"Boy did you leave your brains at home or what? You don't ask permission to skip school you just do it!"

"I-I don't know San."

"Ok. You have fun in school all day and I'll see ya later." San pedaled off down the street leaving Joey staring after him.

"Hey wait amigo, I'm coming with ya!"

The two boys took off away from the school.

"Let's go down by the lake. No one will find us there."

Joey and Santos spent the day by the lake. They dared not swim in case their clothes didn't dry in time but they played with Joey's game and spent time climbing trees. When the guys saw some kids coming down the street they thought they'd better head for home.

Joey was famished when he came home. Chico was changing the oil on Rudy's car but stopped to talk to his son.

"How was school today pal?"

"It was ok, I guess," answered Joey as he avoided his fathers gaze.

"You don't sound very convincing, everything ok?"

"Yeah sure, I'm just hungry."

"Della brought over some cookies for you, if you want when you're finished you can come help me with Rudy's car ok?"

"Really? Cool, I'll be right back." Joey ran upstairs to have a snack. Ed was just putting his coffee cup in the sink when Joey sat at the table.

"Hey kiddo! How was school?"

"Ok, Ed can I have a sandwich please?"

"Sure, peanut butter or jelly?"

"Both please."

"Chico said I could help him with Rudy's car after I eat."

"Good, here you go kid, want some milk too?"

"Sure!" After he got a snack ready for Joey Ed returned to the garage to do tire repair. "See ya downstairs, oh and don't forget to change out of your good clothes before you help your Dad."

"Ok Ed."

When he was alone upstairs Joey thought about how he had really spent his day. He didn't know how San was feeling but skipping school hadn't been as much fun as he thought it was gonna be.

The fact that he had lied to the two people who had been the best to him made him feel all the more guilty.

Down in the garage, Chico's friend Mando arrived with two extra tickets to the basketball game.

"Hey Chico, hey ole folk," Mando greeted his friends in the usual way.

"Hey Mando, what's up?" inquired Chico.

"I have here in my hot little hand two extra tickets to tonight's basketball game, you and the kid wanna go?"

"Sounds like fun, yeah. What time?"

"Starts at 7. I'll see ya about 6:30 ok."

"Great, we'll see ya then."

"Bye, ole folk," Mando called to Ed as he left.

"What's up with Mando? He looked happy, I don't trust him," suspected Ed.

"Mando has a couple extra ticket to tonight's game and Joey and I are going along, that's all."

Joey came from upstairs. "I'll be right back Chico, I'm just gonna change my clothes."

"Ok pal."

Joey helped Chico and Ed in the garage and they grabbed a quick bite before the game.

Mando came a short time later, they had popcorn and snacks as they cheered for the Lakers.

The Lakers won 102 to 80 in overtime so it was quite late when the threesome returned to the garage.

"Thanks for the game Mando, next ones on me," said Chico.

"Yeah thanks, Uncle Mando," repeated Joey as he got out of the car.

"Your welcome guys, catch ya later bro."

After Mando left Chico and Joey went to their apartment. The garage was dark, as Ed had gone to bed early.

As Chico was tucking Joey in for the night Joey's conscience was really bothering him about what he had done that day.

"Chico, I have to tell ya something."

"Shoot."

"Chico, I-I, I love you." Joey had decided not to say anything. He knew Chico would probably tell Mrs. Garcia and then San would be in trouble too, so he said nothing.

"I love you too pal, now go to sleep. It's late and you have school tomorrow. Good night," Chico said as he kissed Joey good night.

Joey just pushed his breakfast around on his plate. He just didn't feel like eating, he had a lump in the middle of his stomach.

"Are you feeling ok pal?" Chico asked as he felt Joey's forehead for a fever. "Maybe you should stay home today."

"Oh no I'm fine Chico, honest. I better go or I'll be late." He quickly finished his breakfast and left for school before Chico could ask him more questions.

As the week wore on Chico was becoming concerned that Joey was coming down with something. He had hardly eaten a thing all week and he was so quiet. He was voicing his concern to Ed on Thursday afternoon after Joey had gone upstairs to do his homework.

"Did Joey have a snack Ed?"

"I think he had a glass of milk and one of Della's cookies. Why the big worry about what the kid eats? It's not like we're trying to starve him you know."

I"I know Ed, it's just that Joey hasn't been himself lately. I hope he's not getting sick again."

"Chico you know how little boys are, he's probably just not growing right now so he doesn't need to eat as much."

They were still discussing this when Miss Birch drove into the garage for some gas.

"Hello Miss Birch. So nice to see you again." Chico greeted as she stepped from her car. "What can I do for you today?"

"Could you fill the tank for me, and wash the windshield?"

"Certainly."

"I was so pleased to have Joey back in class on Wednesday, and it really didn't take him very long to get caught up after missing two days of school. He has really done well considering all that he has been through this year," encouraged Miss Birch.

"Excuse me, did you say he missed two days of school?" clarified Chico.

"Yes Monday, and Tuesday." Miss Birch was confused that Mr. Rodriquez didn't seem to know what she was talking about.

"There must be some mistake. Joey left here Tuesday morning with his friend..." Chico realized as he spoke that this was probably the reason Joey had been acting so strangely of late.

"Will there be anything else for you Miss Birch?" She said no, paid her bill, and left Chico headed upstairs to see Joey.

He was working on his spelling and put it aside when Chico asked to speak with him.

"Are you all caught up on your school work, after missing two days?" Chico inquired, stressing two days.

"Yes sir, you mean one day, I didn't miss much," Chico was astonished, he was sitting here listening to Joey lie to him as if it were an ordinary thing.

"I'll be back in a bit I have to talk to Ed," Chico said before leaving the room.

Chico found Ed in the office and proceeded to tell him what he had learned from Miss Birch and what Joey had just tried to tell him.

"Well it seems as if you have discovered the kids problem, he's fighting a guilty conscience."

Meanwhile, upstairs, Joey was having a very difficult time concentrating.

He hated himself for lying to Chico.

He decided that no matter if Chico told Mrs. Garcia or even if Chico decided that he deserved a whipping, anything would be better than the way he had been feeling. He went downstairs to find his father.

Ed and Chico were in the office discussing the situation when Joey knocked on the door.

"Chico, can I talk to you a minute?"

"Sure, come on in."

"Uh, can I talk to you alone please?"

"Sure pal, let's go in our room." Joey loved to hear Chico call him pal or bud, but he was afraid when he told him what he had to say, he would never be Chico's pal again.

They sat at their table, Joey found it difficult to begin and even harder to look at Chico.

"What did you want to say?" Chico suspected he knew what the boy wanted and tried to prompt him to begin, all the while hoping he was right.

"I have to tell ya something."

"What?"

"I-I didn't go to school on Tuesday like I said Chico. I-I lied to you." Tears began to fall from his eyes as he spoke. He was scared but he felt so much better now that Chico knew the truth. "San and me, we skipped school. I never done that before and I'll never do it again, honest!"

Joey sat forward on his seat bracing himself, for what, he did not know.

"I see. Well I'm glad you finally told me the truth. Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"I-I was scared, and I didn't want to get Santos in trouble."

"What made you tell me the truth now then?"

"I don't feel good, all I can think about is that you think I been good and I'm not. I-I don't care if you whip me or nothing I just don't wanna feel bad any more," cried Joey.

Chico picked the boy up and set him on his lap.

"Listen Joey, I promised you a while back that I was never gonna give you a whipping and I mean that. I'm glad you told me the truth, though and you should have gone to school. Here's the deal, you're going to be punished for skipping school. We are going to school tomorrow morning and you're going to tell Miss Birch what you did. Whether or not she punishes you is up to her and I will stand by her decision, ok?"

"Yes sir."

"Now as for lying. I'm glad you came to me on your own, although I have to tell you Miss Birch was here a while ago, to have her car serviced, and she told me she was pleased at how well you were able to catch up after missing two days of school."

"So you knew I was lying to you?'

"Just for about an hour, and I was surprised and disappointed but I'm glad you told me. It makes me sad that you felt you should lie to me. I would never hurt you. I thought you knew that."

"I-knew that's what you told me, sometimes I been so bad it just happens." Chico understood what the youngster was trying to say.

"That may have been the way it was with David but it won't be that way with me. I may punish you but I won't whip you, I hope you'll soon believe me about that. Now about your lying, I think you discovered how lying makes you feel but did you know what else lying to people does?"

"No, what?"

"Lying makes people not trust what you say. They don't know if they can believe you when you tell them something and that could be dangerous."

"Dangerous, how?"

"Well, let's say that you were lying to people, and one day you came into Grandpa Ed's office and he needed my help with something heavy. If you came to me and said Grandpa Ed says he wants you to help him, and I didn't believe you. Ed, being the impatient man he is, would probably try and lift that himself and he could really hurt himself. You wouldn't want that to happen would you?"

"No sir. I'm sorry I was lying I didn't know it was so wrong. David was always saying things. I'm sorry Chico, you can trust me I won't lie no more," Joey cried.

"I know, I believe you. Now about your lying, I think you found out how bad lying is as you have felt guilty all week, so in that way I think you have been punished enough. But understand this pal, if you ever lie to me or anyone again, you will be punished. Is that clear?"

"Yes sir." Joey hung his head as tears slid down his cheeks.

"I love you Joey, and nothing you say or do is going to take that away."

Joey jumped up from his chair and hugged his father tightly.

"I love you too Papa."

Miss. Birch decided that to make up for the hours he missed on Tuesday, Joey would stay an hour after school and do some work for her for a week.

Chico talked to Rosa Garcia and explained what had happened. He was relieved to know that Santos too had stepped forward and told the truth. He admitted that skipping school was his idea and asked his Mom if she had to tell on Joey.

Ironically, both Chico and Rosa were on their way to see the other to discuss that very thing when they met uptown.

Santos was grounded and promised never to skip school again.

Whether it was the stress of work and trying to be there for everyone else, Chico came down with a bad cold. It hung on for several days and Ed was more than a little concerned as he had never known Chico to be sick since they had known each other, the closest he came to being sick was when he had a broken arm. They were discussing Chico's illness one afternoon before Joey came home.

"Ed, will you please stop worrying! I'm fine, it's just a little cold, actually more a sore throat than anything." As if on cue Chico had a coughing spell.

"If you're fine I hate booze! Now you go call that Dr. Spaniel or I will!"

"Ed!" Chico argued stubbornly.

"Don't argue with me, what kind of an example is that to set for your kid?"

"That's low Ed, using Joey to get your way. He's not even here, how can I set a bad example?"

"He knows your sick, and if you don't go get it taken care of how do you expect him to be brave when your not?"

"I'm not a chicken Ed!" yelled Chico before another coughing bout overtook him.

"Prove it! Go call your Doctor before you lay an egg right here in the garage."

"I'll show you who the chicken is." Chico marched into his apartment to call the Dr. he returned a short time later and triumphantly announced, "They can see me in 45 minutes. They just had a cancellation."

"I'll be here when Joey comes, don't worry, " assured Ed.

An hour later Chico was seated in Dr. Spanola's office feeling miserable because of his cold and manipulated because of all the places he wanted to be a Dr.'s office was not one of them.

"Francisco Rodriquez?" Dr. Spanola's nurse called, rousing him from his musings.

Getting up from his chair he followed Nurse Bracket down the hall. They stopped in front of the scale.

"Ok Mr. Rodriquez now I have to take your temperature," she said as she recorded his weight in the chart.

"HHMM you do have a slight fever, 102," she said as she replaced the protective cover of the thermometer with a fresh one before putting it back in the case.

"If you'll wait in here the Dr. will be with you shortly." Before she could leave Chico spoke up.

"Tonya, why are you so formal? We went together for a year before you dumped me for a nursing degree."

"Chico I'm working. Be serious."

"I am serious sweetie, I thought you said we'd still be friends and I come to see you and you call me Francisco!" Chico shivered as if the sound of his given name were repulsive to him.

"Chico you haven't changed a bit. You are still the Latin charmer." She hit him on the shoulder with his medical chart before leaving the room.

Chico didn't have to wait too long before Dr. Spanola came into the room.

"Hola Chico, como esta?"

"I've had this cold Doc. It keeps hanging on."

"I see you have a fever. Any chills?"

"No."

"Does your throat hurt?"

"Yeah, actually that's worse than the cold."

"Hmm, I see by your chart that you have lost a few pounds since you were here last. Are you eating?"

"I haven't eaten much in last few days Doc. It's hard to swallow."

"Sit up on the table Chico. I want to examine you."

Once up on the table Dr. Spanola listened to his heart and lungs. His heart was fine, his lungs, though slightly congested, were clear of pneumonia.

Next the Dr. got a tongue depressor and turned to Chico.

"Open your mouth please Chico." He looked in Chico's mouth, saying, "Say ah por favor"

"Aahhhhh"

"HHHMMMM."

When the tongue depressor was removed Chico couldn't resist joking with his friend the doctor.

"HHHHM. Is that all you and Nurse Bracket can say is HHHMM?"

Dr. Spanola checked Chico's glands and sat down to speak to his patient.

"Chico, your tonsils look tough. They need to come out as soon as possible."

Chico laughed his familiar hearty laugh until he noticed that Dr. Spanola was not laughing with him.

"Doc your not serious are you? Tonsillitis is for kids, all I have is a cold."

"Chico I enjoy a good joke as much as the next guy but I do not joke when I tell my patience they need surgery."

"Surgery! I can't have surgery, I have a son now that I have to care for, and Ed needs me in the garage. Isn't there some medicine you can give me instead?"

"Yes I know you are a Papa now. Congratulations, but believe me when I tell you, you will be better off getting those tonsils taken care of as soon as possible."

"Yes but..."

"No buts, I'll give you some medicine to help clear up your cold and i want you to call my office to schedule surgery."

"Ok Doc."

After getting his prescription filled Chico returned to the garage.

"How'd it go? What did the doctor say?" asked Ed.

"I have a cold. He gave me some medicine. Where's Joey, did he get home ok?"

"No, I got a call from the police, he stopped on the way home and robbed the candy store. Yes of course he's home!!!"

Chico went to talk to Joey before changing to return to work.

"How was your day pal?"

"Good, Natalie had to stay after school today cause she slammed Andrea's hands in the piano after music class. San got hit in the face with the tether ball at recess and has a black eye. And Markas barfed in the lunchroom."

"Well it sounds like there was plenty of excitement in school today, but how was YOUR day?"

"Good. I was the squad leader for exercising in gym and I made two baskets during our game. How was your day? Still got your cold?"

"Yes, which reminds me, I need to take some of this medicine."

After taking his medicine and changing his clothes, Chico returned to work.

"I suppose you heard all about Joey's big day at school," commented Ed.

"Yes but I heard more about Markas, Andrea, Natalie, and San then I did my own kid," laughed Chico

"That's how it was when I went to country school. I remember when Walter tied the outhouse door shut on Melvin, let me tell you that was the big conversation in school for a week afterward.

Chico laughed at Ed's story until he had to stop and clear his throat. "Got any cough drops Ed?"

"There might be some in the top drawer of the desk. Your throat still sore, what Dr. Spaniel say about that?"

"It's Dr. Spanola, Ed, and he said my throats a little raw but the medicine should clear it up."

"I think you need to take a day off and rest, that's the only way your gonna kick that cough."

"I'm fine Ed really, as soon as I've had a few doses of the medicine I'll be back to my old sweet self again."

"Oh brother!" moaned Ed in mock dismay.

A few days, and several doses later and Chico was not better in fact Ed was sure he was worse. He was barely talking and when he did it was hardly more than a whisper.

For nourishment all He had was fruit juice, tea and hot lemonade.

Ed was trying to convince Chico that he ought to back into the clinic, and Chico who was irritable because he hated to be sick, and tired of arguing with Ed decided to go over to Della's for some tea and company, without a lecture.

He was visiting at Della's when the phone rang.

"Ed Brown's Garage, this is Ed."

"He's stepped out can I take a message?"

"Doc, if you have a few minutes I think you should know that the medicine you gave Chico is not only not working, I think he is worse. He can barely talk and he has had to drink all his meals."

"Thank you Doctor, good bye." As Ed hung up the phone he couldn't remember when he'd ever been as angry at Chico as he was at that moment. He needed Surgery and didn't tell me! I'll see that he makes that appointment if I have to drag him there myself. Ed stormed out of the garage and across the alley. He intended to have this out with Chico before Joey got home.

After pounding on her door for several minutes Ed was greeted with a none-too-happy Della.

"Ed Brown! Have you lost what little is left of your senses? What's the big idea pounding on my door that way?"

"Is Chico still here?"

"Yes come…"

Before she could finish speaking Ed burst past her and into the office. Chico was sitting there having a hot cup of tea.

"How dare you keep something like that from me!" raged Ed as he jumped up and down."

"Keep what from you?" whispered Chico, in an effort to preserve his voice.

"You need surgery, that's what!" bellowed Ed. Chico was so surprised that Ed knew his secret he nearly choked on his tea.

"Ed I..."

"Don't Ed me, buddy. Dr. Spanola just called. He was going to leave a message for you but when I mentioned how I thought you were getting worse he told me you need to have your tonsils out! When were you going to tell me about this, after they have you on the table?"

"Ed I didn't tell you yet because I don't think I'm going to have the surgery, I have too many responsibilities now to be bothered with that."

"Not have the surgery? The hell your not, you have a responsibility to that kid to take care of him and the best way you can do that is by taking care of yourself so you're there for him."

"Oh my Lord!" declared Della in disbelief. "I can't believe that Ed Brown and I actually agree on something!"

"That's exactly why I can't have the surgery, who will take care of him while I'm in the hospital?"

"That's a policeman's exit and you know it!" yelled Ed, using a phrase Chico himself once used to say cop out. "What do I look like, chopped liver? I can watch him and I'm sure Della will help, if not for me than for Joey. Now you get your keister over to that phone and schedule that surgery!"

Chico was about to protest again but Ed intervened. "You do it or I will!"

"Chico you're health is nothing to mess around with, especially now that you're a father." Della encouraged.

"All right, all right I'll make the appointment." Chico whispered as loudly as he could.

Under Ed's close supervision Chico made the appointment he dreaded.

It wasn't that he was scared exactly, just nervous. He was also concerned how his having a hospital stay, even an overnight one, would affect his new and already traumatized son.

After all, it had not yet been a year since his mother went to the hospital and never came home.

After supper Chico and Ed took Joey aside and explained about Chico's upcoming surgery, which was to take place the very next morning.

"Joey, Chico and I have something very important to tell you," stated Ed.

"Am I in trouble?" Joey questioned as a look of worry furrowed his brow.

"No not at all, but it is important, so listen ok." assured Ed. Ed was there for moral support and to be Chico's voice.

"You know Chico has been sick lately right?"

"Chico your not gonna die are you!?" Joey fairly screamed the words.

Chico took the boy into his arms to comfort him.

Ed was becoming impatient and jumped up and down as he spoke more loudly to Joey.

"Oh for the love of Pete! Of course Chico's not gonna die, now just sit there and listen. Don't say another word until I'm through, kapeesh?!"

"Yes sir." For the remainder of the conversation Joey was motionless and quiet as he sat with Chico.

"Chico has been sick, with a cold but he also has tonsillitis. Joey, Chico has to have his tonsils taken out. Tomorrow morning I'll be taking him to the hospital to have his tonsils out and he will be back home probably before supper tomorrow night. Now do you have any questions?"

"Can I go too?"

"No. But you can miss school and stay with Della. Ok?"

"Cool!" Joey put his arm around Chico's neck as he talked to him.

"It's ok Chico, you don't gotta be scared, I had mine out when I was four. It's cool, you get all the ice cream and popsicle's you want. And when you get home I'll take care of you just like you took care of me when I was sick."

"That went well," said Chico. "I thought it would be hard."

"Joey's a smart kid and a big boy. You're the one who made it hard by trying to hide the fact that you needed surgery." Chico was irritated that Ed had pointed that out.

"What's that mean?" inquired Joey.

"He means that I was trying to ignore the fact that I had to have my tonsils out and I wasn't going to make the appointment 'til he made me." Chico shamefully admitted.

"Are you scared?"

"I'm a little nervous yes but mostly I didn't want to have to be away from you for too long."

"Why? Ed's here. I'm a big boy, and I promise I'll be good."

"I know pal. I know. I was just being silly. Why don't you head off to bed now, and I'll be in in a little while to tuck you in."

Early the next morning Della came over to stay with Joey while Ed and Chico were at the hospital. Joey was still asleep and Ed suggested they leave and let the boy sleep but Chico refused to leave until he had said good bye to his son.

Chico went into the apartment and sat on the edge of Joey's bed. He shook him gently as he whispered his name.

Joey turned over and rubbed sleep from his eyes.

"Joey Ed and I are going to the hospital now. We should be back later tonight. If for some reason they want me to stay overnight, Ed will call and you can stay at Della's ok."

"Do you think you will have to stay longer?" he asked with concern.

"No I don't but if it happens I don't want you to worry ok?"

"Ok, I love you Papa." Joey hugged his father.

"I love you too son. It's too early for you to be up yet so snuggle down under the covers again. I just wanted to let you know I was going, Della will be here with you until we come back." Chico kissed the boy. "Now don't you worry."

A short time later Ed and Chico pulled into the hospital parking lot.

Chico was ushered into the business office to fill out the consent for surgery, and insurance forms. From there he was wheeled to a pre-op room where he changed into a gown, was explained the procedure, and what to expect afterwards.

He was then given an IV and with in moments he was out like a light.

Meanwhile Ed paced nervously up and down the hall. When Liz was on her coffee break, she joined him in the pacing as well.

After what seemed an eternity, actually two hours had passed, Dr. Spanola came out of surgery.

"Doc, how is Chico?" asked Ed, bracing himself for the news.

"The surgery went well, although it took longer than anticipated probably due to how infected the tonsils were. He is being moved into the recovery room as we speak."

"Why were they so infected doc? Is it because he was being a stubborn chicano? No offense Doc."

"None taken. Yes, that is probably why. While his recovery will be slightly longer there is no damage and I expect a complete recovery. I must tell you though that it is not often an adult needs there tonsils out, and it has been my experience that adults experience more pain during their recovery."

"When can we see him?" asked Liz.

"As soon as he comes around from the anesthetic. He should not speak for several days to help give his throat time to heal."

"Oh joy, there'll be peace in the garage for the first time in four years," Ed joked in relief. "When can I take him home?"

"Barring any complications such as fever he should be able to leave the hospital this evening, I will be sending a special diet/and instruction sheet home with him. He is to have only liquids and soft foods for a week."

When Dr. Spanola left them, Ed went to a nearby phone to call Joey and Della to give them the good news.

"Hiya Della, Ed here. Please tell Joey that Chico is out of surgery, everything's fine, and we should be home this evening."

Ed returned to the waiting room until he was told he could see Chico. Liz had to return to work but asked Ed to tell Chico she'd stop in before he went home.

A half an hour later when Chico was awake and transferred to another room Ed was allowed in to visit.

As soon as Chico saw his friend he immediately tried to speak. He was concerned about Joey and wanted to know how he was doing.

Ed knew exactly what was on his friend's mind and before he could utter a sound Ed spoke.

"Don't worry about a thing Chico. I just spoke to Della and Joey is just fine."

"Th" Chico tried to speak but the pain just burned at his throat like a branding iron. It hurt to even mouth the words.

"I said don't talk! Here write," he handed Chico a pen and paper so he could "Talk" to Ed.

Chico wrote frantically and turned the tablet so Ed could see. 'THANKS'

Ed talked a few more minutes long enough to relay Liz's message to her favorite patient and he had to leave so Chico could rest a bit.

However as Ed was turning to leave he heard the familiar sound of retching. Chico was vomiting! Ed hurried down the hall to find the Doctor or Liz. "Help Doctor Spaniel, Liz anybody help!!!" Ed yelled as he ran frantically up and down the hall.

Liz heard him hollering and hurried to see what was wrong.

"Ed what is it what's wrong?!"

"Chico's room, hurry, something's wrong!" As Liz followed closely behind Ed, her mind racing, she was brought back to that awful night months ago when Carlotta Hendricks was rushed to the hospital. She died a few hours later leaving a poor boy alone, until he had Chico. Please God don't take Chico away from us too, her mind pleaded as she made her way into Chico's room.

"Oh Chico mi pobre nino" consoled Liz as she located an emesis basin for him in case he should be sick again. Though he had managed to avoid getting sick all over the bed clothes his gown was going to have to be changed. "Does it hurt much amor?"

Chico nodded his head pitifully as she helped to cool his clammy skin with a cool cloth.

Liz turned to Ed to explain. "It's alright Ed. It's not uncommon for patience to become sick to their stomachs as they are recovering from the anesthetic. If you'll just wait out in the hall I'll help Chico into a fresh gown and then you can come back in."

"I don't know Liz, maybe I should help Chico and you wait outside."

Even though Chico felt like Death warmed over he stuck his tongue out at Ed in protest to the old man's suggestion. "Shut up you," Ed replied before leaving the room.

By the time Liz had helped Chico into a clean gown he was ready to sleep a while. So Ed went back to the waiting room.

Around 4:00 Dr. Spanola came through on rounds. When he came to Chico, he found that not only had the young Chicano gotten sick again but had contracted a slight fever as well.

"Well Chico Mi amigo, I hate to tell you this but I cannot let you go home with a fever. You must stay the night so we can keep an eye on you."

Dr. Spanola noted the look of worry on his patience face and was quick to offer reassurance.

"There is no need to worry Chico. A fever is sometimes common after surgery, I was kind of expecting it with the infected tonsils we removed. Yes that's my way of saying if you had come in earlier like I asked..."

Chico held up his hands in a motion as to protect himself from the tongue-lashing he knew he deserved for not listening to his doctor.

"Alright young man. I have patients who really need me. If your fever is gone you may go home tomorrow. From now on perhaps you will listen to your Doctor?" Dr. Spanola winked at Chico as he left the room.

The Doctor ordered compazine IV to control the nausea.

For supper Chico was barely able to swallow lime jello, which he detested under normal circumstances, tea and Chicken broth.

To try and be as cooperative as possible he ate some of everything but was unable to finish anything.

Through out the night Chico slept restlessly due to the fever and the throat pain. When he was awake his mind kept returning to Joey and Ed, as he wondered how they were getting along.

When he slept, he was plagued by dreams of Joey calling to him for help and he was unable to get to him because he was trapped on the operating table.

By morning Chico's fever had broken and while his throat was still sore he was able to eat more of his breakfast.

After he finished eating Dr. Spanola came by and said he was clear to go home.

He had just finished getting dressed to leave when the charge nurse came in with his discharge instructions, followed closely by Ed.

"Good morning Mr. Rodriquez. I have your discharge papers here for you to read and sign. And then I'll go over your outpatient instructions."

As he was signing the forms Ed filled him in all the customers that had stopped by to send their greetings to Chico. When that was done Nurse Ramone gave him his instructions.

"Mr. Rodriquez, for the next week you are to remain on a liquid, and soft foods diet. You mat have banana's jello, pudding, broth. Dr. Spanola has prescribed Tylenol 3-that's Tylenol with codeine for any pain you may have. Also, you are not to talk for at least 2 more days and the Dr wants to see you in his office in two weeks for a check up. Do you understand these instructions? Just nod."

Chico nodded.

"Good, just sign here for your belongings and you can leave. Remember, follow those instructions!"

As Chico and Ed were climbing into the truck all Chico could think of was Joey and he couldn't wait to get home.

When Ed and Chico pulled up in front of the garage Joey and Della were there, waiting. As soon as Joey saw his foster father, he ran and jumped into his outstretched arms.

"Chico you're home! I missed ya! Did you miss me?" Still under Dr. orders not to speak, using his index finger and thumb Chico made the sign for a little bit.

"Is that all?" Joey questioned in an injured tone. Chico smiled and put the child down and stretched his arms out on either side of him to show how very much he really missed his son.

"Come on Chico, I wanna show you what me and Della got for you." Joey chattered excitedly as he dragged Chico toward the stairs. "It's upstairs in the freezer. I picked it out, Della paid for it. Oh, thanks Della."

Chico mouthed a big thank you to Della as he followed Joey up the stairs.

"Your welcome babies, " Della shouted after them.

"I'm glad that's over for Chico, and he's home again. That little boy sure missed him, " Della confided in Ed when they were alone.

"Yeah I'm glad it's done too. It's not the same around here without that crazy Chicano."

"So Ed you old rascal, you do love that young man, " Della declared pretend surprise. Deep down she knew Ed loved Chico as a son, and Chico thought of Ed as a father, Della and everyone else in the Barrio.

"If you say anything to the kid I'll never speak to you again!" threatened Ed.

"Ed baby, if you're gonna threaten someone, the idea is to threaten them with something they would hate!" Della laughed heartily as she left.

Chico and Joey were coming down from upstairs each with a popsicle in their hand. Chico had a popsicle in one hand an Joey in his other arm as they made their way down.

"Ed did you want a popsicle too?"

"Do they have bourbon popsicles?"

"No but they got root BEER." laughed Joey.

"No thanks, that's not my idea of a treat."

"I'm gonna take care of you. I had my tonsils out afore, I know all about it, " boasted Joey proudly.

Chico merely nodded and winked at the eager helper.

"What do you want for supper Chico?" asked Ed.

Chico shrugged, as he still didn't have much of an appetite.

"Well I think I'll make chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, no sandwich for you just soup, " he said as he pointed at Chico on his way upstairs.

Joey kept Chico entertained until supper. Whether it was because he was home, or because he was feeling better, Chico couldn't remember when he had tasted such good soup. He would never let Ed know that, of course, the man could be difficult enough to live with as it was.

Chico, Ed and Joey played gin rummy until bedtime. When Ed told Joey that it was his bedtime he was reluctant to go.

"Joey, it's bed time now you better go get ready, " said Ed for the second time.

"But I was gonna take care of Chico. . ."

"I'm here too, you know. I'm glad you want to help but it's bedtime now scoot." Joey was about to argue further when Chico touched his arm. When Joey looked at his father, Chico pointed downstairs and mouthed the word GO."

"But Ch. . ."

Chico stood up and was about to pick his son up and carry him, when Joey relented.

"Ok, ok, I'm going, cheez and crackers."

"Goodnight grandpa Ed, sorry."

"That's ok, I know you just want to help, but next time. . ." Ed let the rest slide as he gave Joey a look that needed no further explanation.

When Joey had climbed into bed Chico came in to say good night, Chico sat on the edge of the bed with a pen and notepad. He quickly wrote, "I missed you pal."

"I missed you too, Papa."

He continued writing, "I'm proud of you for helping me but I do want you to obey Ed when he asks you to do something."

"Ok I will, it's just that I wanted to be with you longer. I'm sorry."

"I'm not going anywhere pal, I'm home to stay, " he again wrote. "Good night Joey, I love you."

"I love you too Papa."

Early the next morning Chico awoke with Joey sleeping on his chest, Joey's teddy bear dangling at his side. Chico pulled the covers up over the both of them and put his arms around his son, as he fell back into sleep. His last conscious thought, Thank you God, it's good to be home.

The next day being Saturday, everyone slept in after their ordeal over the tonsils. About 10:00 Della brought over three fruity breakfast shakes for the little family and one for herself as well.

"Well look at all these sleepyheads still lounging in their pajama's." Della pretended to scold as she gave Chico his breakfast shake.

"Thanks Della" Chico whispered. His voice was returning and his throat was still a little sore but he was tired of writing.

"Hey, you're not supposed to be talking yet, " admonished Ed with fatherly concern.

"Aw Ed, I'm getting better, and I'm tired of writing everything. Besides, how am I going to go back to work tomorrow if I don't talk?"

"Who said you were going back to work tomorrow?'

"I'm not gonna spend another day with you waiting on me, cooped up in the apartment while Joey's at school."

"Who said I was gonna wait on you?" countered Ed.

"Yeah and who said I was goin to school?" tried Joey.

"I did." Chico told Joey. "Come on Ed if Dr. Spanola says I can is it ok?"

"Oh I suppose, but whose gonna call him? You're not supposed to be talking."

Della and Joey both burst out laughing at this exchange. Ed finally relented and said Chico could start work again tomorrow on the condition that he rest the remainder of the day. So Chico and Joey spent the rest of the day together in the apartment playing games, watching TV, and eating popsicles. Ed made cream of wheat for Chico for supper while Joey and Ed had pizza.

"This is torture you know guys. Cream of wheat for me and Pizza for you, " whispered Chico, obviously jealous at the difference in menus.

"Day after tomorrow you can eat like a man instead of a baby, " Ed laughed as he tried to console his pitiful patient.

After supper Chico returned to their apartment to lie down a while. He hated to admit it but he did feel tired. When Joey had finished helping Ed with the dishes he came down to keep his father company. Picking up some paper, a book to use as a desktop, and some markers he climbed up on the bed to sit beside Chico.

"Do you wanna popsicle?"

Chico shook his head no.

"Some pudding, juice?"

Another no.

Joey drew a picture, while Chico rested. He left the apartment only to go to the phone, it was San.

"Yeah I wasn't sick or nothin, Chico had his tonsils out on Thursday so I got to be home. Did I miss much?"

"Guess grown ups can too, cause Chico did. Did I miss much at school?"

"Neat-o, the lucky dog. I don't wanna make no dumb old basket, what's it for anyway?"

"Oh, well man I gotta go, I'll see ya tomorrow amigo." He hung up before San had a chance to say good bye. Now he really didn't wanna make no dumb basket, who could he give it to?

It wasn't long before Chico's tonsillectomy was nothing but a dim memory, and now that it was over he had to admit, he was glad he had it done. Now everyone could get back to normal, or so he thought.

Joey returned to school that Monday, though for the first time his heart wasn't in it. He hated the thought of making a Mothers Day basket. 'Why did my Mama leave me?'

Joey stayed after school so he could catch up on homework. He had been quiet all day and Miss. Birch was concerned.

"Joey, do you feel ok?"

"Yeah why?"

"You seem upset. Is everything ok for you in your new home?"

"Yeah I love it. I finished my math, can I go home now?"

"Would you like a ride? I go right by there."

"I s'pose. Thanks."

Joey didn't say anything for most of the ride, so Miss Birch tried to make small talk. "Joey, you have an amazing talent for art, I can't wait to see what you do for your basket."

Miss. Birch had no idea the sensitive subject she had just brought up. Joey bit his lower lip to keep it from trembling. Fortunately they had just stopped in front of the garage at that moment. Chico, seeing his son come home in the teachers car, immediately thought the worst. His school experience always told him if the teacher brings you home, you're either hurt or in trouble. Chico didn't know which he preferred.

"Hello Miss Birch. Is everything ok?" Chico inquired nervously.

"Oh yes, I didn't mean to worry you. I asked Joey to stay after to get caught up on his math and I offered him a lift home." Chico couldn't resist giving a sigh of relief and watched as Joey got out of the car. As he was turning to go to the garage, Chico stopped him.

"Don't you have something to say to Miss Birch, Joey?" Chico reminded him.

"Oh yeah, thanks for the ride Miss Birch." He turned and left.

Chico went up to the driver's side window to thank her for helping his son.

"Thanks for all you've done to help Joey. I really appreciate it."

"The pleasure has been mine, I assure you. He is a joy to have in class. May I ask you a question?"

"Certainly, " replied Chico in a most charming way.

"Please don't take this the wrong way but I was wondering, is everything ok for all of you?"

"Well I'd be lying if I said we weren't having our adjustments to make but I think it's going pretty good. He's ok isn't he?"

"Yes. As you say it's probably just adjustments. I was concerned because he's been so quiet these few days."

"I thought so too but I thought it was just because I'd been gone a couple days to have my tonsils out. Thanks for mentioning it. I'll have a talk with him tonight."

"I'm sorry. I hope I haven't upset you. I think it's marvelous that you have stepped in to care for him. I just thought you should know."

"No need to apologize, I appreciate your concern. Thanks for telling me."

"Good day then." said Miss Birch as she drove away.

"Adios Senorita Birch."

When he went back into the garage Joey was nowhere in sight so he checked the apartment. He knocked but there was no reply so he slowly opened the door. The place was empty except for Joey's drawing tablet and markers were on the table. He ran up the stairs, calling Joey's name as he went.

"I'm in here Papa, having cookies."

"Here you are, you squirt. How was your day?"

"Ok I guess. I wasn't in trouble, Chico, honest, she just gave me a ride."

"I know pal, she told me." Pulling a chair up along side Joey he kept talking. "Miss Birch is a little concerned about you, she says you've been so quiet. Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I just got nothin to say is all. Can I go over to San's house and play 'til supper?"

"Is it ok with his Mom?"

"Don't know, if it's not I'll come right home, I promise."

"Do you have homework?"

"No sir."

"Ok go ahead then, but change your clothes first, Bud."

"Thanks Papa Chico. See ya later. Can I bring my wagon and truck?"

"Sure. Have fun."

San and Joey spent the afternoon at a nearby park. It was relatively new and there were sand piles galore so the boys had a high time hauling and dumping sand from the garbage truck Louie gave Joey to the wagon he got from Grandpa Gil.

"I'm glad your back at school Joey, even if we're not in the same class."

"Me too San, 'cept. . ."

"'Cept what?"

"I hate them dumb baskets we have to make. I'd rather draw."

"Me too, " agreed San disgustedly, "baskets are for girls. I sure don't know why your teacher had to get my teacher to make us make them dumb things."

"Hey let's go to the big hill over there, we can ride the wagon to the bottom, " cried Joey excitedly, hoping to change the subject.

"That's a great idea, race ya!" yelled San as he sprinted ahead.

"No fair, I got the wagon!" Joey hollered as he tried to catch up.

The boys raced up and down the hill again and again until San's brother came to get him for supper.

Over the next couple of weeks Joey grew more sullen and withdrawn. Neither Chico nor Ed was able to find out what was bothering their charge. One night Chico was taking Liz out on the town for her birthday leaving Joey in Ed's care, although sometimes Chico thought it was more the other way around. Chico had been gone 2 or 3 hours. Supper was done and Joey and Ed were watching television. Joey had been kinda quiet and moody for most of the evening and Ed tried to cheer the boy up. He went to the cupboard and got some crayons and papers.

"Let's make a card or picture for Liz for her birthday."

"No. I don't feel like it, Ed."

"Come on I'll make one too it'll be fun."

"No! I said I don't wanna. You make one!" and he tossed his paper to Ed.

"I don't know what's bothering you kiddo but don't you talk to me like that. You go to your room and go to bed if you're going to be crabby." Ed reprimanded.

Joey ran down the stairs and a second or two later Ed heard the door slam. Ed picked up the crayons and papers and put them away. He was on his way downstairs to check on Joey when Chico came home.

"Hiya Ed, thanks for watching the kid for me. How'd it go?"

"Pretty well I guess."

"Problem?"

"He seemed kind of upset so I suggested that we make a card or picture for Liz's birthday and he got mad and yelled at me."

"Cheez and crackers Ed, I'm sorry. What'd ya do?"

"I told him he better not talk to me like that and that if he was going to be crabby he could go to bed. I was just on my way in to check on him."

"I'll do it Ed, and thanks. I'm sorry he was naughty."

"He's a kid, glad you're back. Did you and Liz have a nice time?"

"One of the nicest that's for sure."

When Chico entered the garage he found Joey fast asleep on his bed. He covered the boy and went upstairs to talk with Ed.

A couple of days later Joey was complaining of a tummy ache and said he couldn't go to school. Chico took his temperature, no fever, his eyes were bright. Chico was familiar with this trick, as he had tried it a time or two in his day.

"Joey you don't have a fever, you're not throwing up, and you don't look very sick at all. Is there a reason you don't want to go to school?"

"No Chico, I really don't. . ."

"Joey you remember what I said before about lying, now why don't you wanna go to school?"

"We're just doing some stupid old project I don't wanna do. I'm all caught up, please, Papa please don't make me go! Please I don't wanna go!"

Chico soon realized that there was more to this then Joey was willing to admit. He took the boy in his arms and looked him right in the eyes.

"Ok pal I want you to tell me why you don't want to go today, what project is it that has you so upset? The truth now."

Joey burst into tears as he looked into his fathers kind and caring face. "We're making baskets for Mothers day and I don't got a Mama to give it to anymore." He sobbed into Chico's fresh denim shirt. "If I stay home maybe it'll get throwed away. Please don't make me go!"

Joey grabbed onto Chico as if he were the only life preserver on a sinking ship.

Now he understood. Chico himself had gone through the same thing as a child. He hugged the sobbing boy to him as he tried to explain things to him.

"Oh Joey, I'm so sorry son. I had completely forgotten that was coming up. You know I went through the same thing when I was about your age. I was in Mrs. Ricardo's class and she had us make our handprints in clay for our Mom's."

"Did you have to make one?"

"Yep I did. Mrs. Ricardo said I could give it to a neighbor lady or something. I didn't like that idea at all, my mama wasn't replaceable. I told her I wasn't going to make one."

"You did? What did she say?"

"She took out her ruler and whacked my knuckles with it, and I did end up making one. You know what though, six months later I went to live with my Aunt Connie and I gave it to her."

"That musta hurt, Miss Birch ain't like that. Did your Aunt Connie like your project?"

"I think she still has it in her treasure box."

"I still don't wanna go Chico please can't I stay?"

"No I think you should go. I know it's hard pal but there are going to be many times in your life that you are going to be reminded of your Mama and running from it won't help the hurt. Now, I want you to go get ready for school or you'll be late."

Joey did as he was told, albeit angrily. He rode his bike to school, meeting San half way. Joey told San his troubles and how he was mad at Chico for making him go to school even after he said he understood what he was going through.

"San, I'm gonna run away! I shouldn't have to make no mother's day thing when I ain't got a mama. I thought Chico loved me. He just wants somebody to boss!"

"You're gonna run away, where ya goin?!"

"I don't know yet, I'll think about it, wait here, I'm going home to get my money."

When Chico saw Joey returning home he thought for sure the boy was gonna try and stay home.

"Why aren't you in school pal?" he questioned suspiciously.

"I just came to get my milk money Chico, I gotta hurry San is waiting for me."

Chico was relieved, the crisis had passed

When Joey caught up to his friend again he said he was going to Alaska to live with the polar bears, as he didn't think they were bossy. He turned his bike around and was about to pedal off down the road when San reminded him that he promised he wouldn't skip school anymore.

"Duh. I'm not skipping school, I'm runnin away dummy!" He tried to take off again and once more San stopped him.

"Wait! I got an idea, why don't you hide out in my attic for a couple days. See if they miss ya, then you can take off for Alaska."

"What about your folks and your brothers?"

"My brothers are at school and Mama is helping Papa in the store, no one's home. The door is locked but I know where they keep the spare key."

Joey decided that was a good plan and they headed over to the Garcia residence. Once Joey was safely tucked away in the attic with some of Santo's mother's left over meatloaf, San headed for school. 'I ain't no stool pigeon but I hope this stalls him till I figure out what I should do. I suppose I could go with him but I really don't wanna. ' He thought to himself as he quickly pedaled to school.

Throughout the school day, Santos kept thinking of his best friend up in his attic, waiting to run away. All this over a stupid basket. Meanwhile, in Santo's family's attic, Joey had curled up to take a nap. If he was gonna be running away tonight he needed plenty of strength. Miss. Birch, who had been concerned about Joey lately, assumed that the boy had taken ill and was home.

Santos hurried home to see how Joey was doing and if he had changed his mind about running away. His brothers had ball practice the house would be empty for a while. Since the store his family owned was just up the street, Rosa wasn't too worried about leaving San on his own 'til she came to make supper. Coming in the back door San stopped off at the refrigerator for a couple glasses of milk, and a handful of cookies out of the jar. He went upstairs to see how his friend was doing.

"Hey Joey, how's it goin? I brought you some cookies and milk."

"Ok. But I think I oughta head out, it must take a long time to get to Alaska."

"Are you sure you wanna run away? I thought you liked living with Chico and Ed?"

"I do, I mean I…well I thought Chico would understand, he made me go to school and I told him why I couldn't. This'll show him. I thought he was my friend, well he sure didn't act like it this morning."

"All this on account of a basket, can't ya make it and throw it away before you go home? I don't want ya to leave."

"Yeah well Chico made me mad, this'll show him."

"What ya gonna do for food and sleep?"

"I can work, and I got money from our business, oughta take me least half way there."

"I don't know Joey I don't think it's a good idea, you runnin away."

"Fine if you don't wanna help me that's fine but I'm goin! See ya."

Joey stood up to leave and his friend stopped him.

"No wait, I'll help ya. I took your bike over to the school so Mama wouldn't find it here and then Chico will think you were at school."

"Thanks San, your my best friend."

San went down stairs after finishing his homework, before his Mom came home for supper.

Meanwhile Chico was getting worried. Supper was almost ready and there was no sign of Joey anywhere. Chico called around to the neighbors and some of Joey's friends to see if they knew where the boy was. He became even more alarmed when no one had seen him all day. Chico decided to phone Miss Birch and see if his son had indeed gone to school that day.

"Hello Miss Birch, this is Chico Rodriguez, Joey's foster father. I know this is gonna seem like a foolish question but was my son in school today?"

After what seemed a very lengthy explanation, Miss Birch offered to drive around and see if she could see the boy, she would bring him home if she did. When he hung up the phone Chico turned to Ed.

"Ed would you please stay here in case Joey comes home? I'm going to the Elliot's, maybe he went back there, then I'm gonna check, " he swallowed hard as he tried to force the dreaded words from his lips. "I'm gonna check the hospital." Chico ran his long slender fingers through his dark hair as he headed for the door. "I'm gonna stop and see if Della can come over here and I'll ask Mando to go with me."

A short time later Mando and Chico arrived outside the Elliot's house. Chico sprinted up the porch steps, Mando trying to keep up with his long legged friend. Chico knocked loudly on the door, as they waited for someone to answer Chico paced the porch and nervously ran his fingers through his hair.

"God Mando where could the kid be?" Before he could respond Lynnae opened the door.

"Hello Chico? What brings you here?"

"Then Joey isn't here?" Chico questioned, his voice heavy with disappointment.

"Why no, is something wrong?"

"Joey didn't come home after school. We've been looking all over, I even checked the hospital. I called his teacher and she said he wasn't there, she thought he was home sick. I took a chance I thought maybe he would have come back here."

"Oh no! Josh is here, come on in." As she let the men in she called for her husband and she and Josh joined the search.

Back at San's house Ed had called wondering if Santos had seen Joey since they left together that morning.

"No Mama I ain't seen Joey in a while." He didn't feel too guilty about that because he hadn't seen his friend in a while.

Rosa took San, Mr. Garcia took the older boys, and they all went out looking for Joey.

It was almost 10:00 pm when everyone met in the garage to see if Joey had come home on his own, or if anyone in the groups had found him. Chico was almost physically sick with worry at this point. He hadn't eaten or drank anything since lunch and all he could do was pace and pray. When he wasn't pacing he was calling the hospital and morgue. The only thing that gave Chico comfort was the fact that he knew that David was dead and there was no way he could have Joey. As San witnessed the commotion his friend and their secret were causing he couldn't take it any longer.

"I'm sorry! I didn't wanna do it but I didn't know what else to do!" Santos cried piteously.

"What are you talking about?" asked his father.

"I know where Joey is! He's in our attic."

Chico came over to Santos. "You knew where he was all this time?" he asked.

"Yes sir." He couldn't look Chico in the eye.

His father was fit to be tied. His face grew stern he turned San to face him and taking the boys shoulders in his hands he said, "You mean to tell me that we have all been running helter skelter looking for Joey and you knew where he was all the time!?"

"I didn't know what else to do he said he was going to run away and I told him he could stay up there. I'm sorry Mr. Rodriguez I thought he'd get bored and go home. I just didn't want him to leave!"

"Why you. . "Raul Garcia took his son toward Ed's office. "I can't believe you let us all worry, well you'll be worrying standing up."

Chico quickly stepped in. He hated to see any one get punished, especially when the boy was just trying to keep Joey from really leaving.

"Excuse me Mr. Garcia please don't he was just trying to stop Joey from leaving, can we go get my son please?"

Chico turned to Ed. "Please stay here in case he gets back here before we get to him."

"I sure will, but I can't guarantee he won't be standing up when you come home." Chico ignored that statement. He knew it came more from worry than anger.

Chico went with the Garcia family back to their home so he could pick up his son. As they drove Chico had many thoughts running through his mind. 'What am I going to say to him? What do I do? I hope I don't lose my temper. I know what I would do if he was born to me and had not been so abused."

Chico and Raul raced across the lawn, into the house and up the attic stairs. Rosa ushered the boys in the house and to get ready for bed. A few minutes later the men came down stairs. Raul Garcia was just as upset as he had been at the garage, if not more.

"Where is Santos!? Santos Ricardo Garcia!" Raul called through the house.

Santos appeared before him before the echo of his voice had the chance to stop reverberating through the house.

"Jose is not in the attic. Now if you know where he is you had better tell me!"

"He's not? Honest Papa he was up there. H-He musta left. I'm so sorry Chico, I was only trying to help."

"I know San. We'll find him. I'm going back to the garage, maybe he's there. Thanks for all your help, I'll call you when we find him."

Chico returned to the garage feeling very frustrated. 'I've only been his guardian for 6 months and I've failed already. Where can he be? God please bring Joey home safe'

His frustration deepened when he arrived at the garage and Joey still was not there. Unable to take it Chico went to the apartment to pray. He was praying and fingering Joey's teddy bear when he heard the familiar voice of his friend Mando.

"Chico I found him!!!!"

Chico sprinted out of the apartment, across the garage and scooped the tired child into his long arms. He swung him around and around in the garage all the while saying, "Aye Dios Mio! Aye Dios Mio." He hugged the boy tightly to him as he continued speaking Spanish as he often did when he was worried or upset. When he put the boy down he hugged Mando and thanked him for finding the wayward boy.

"No thanks necessary man, I'm just glad he's home. I found him heading for the highway, " He looked at Joey, "Take care little man."

"Thanks again man, hey everyone thanks for all the help, I'm sorry for the worry." Chico apologized.

When everyone but Ed had left Chico turned to his son. His eyes were harsh, his tone stern. He knelt down and looked at Joey as he spoke to him.

"I'm gonna be honest with you kiddo. I am very angry with you right now, and I think if I were to try and deal with you now I'd break my promise to you. So I want you to go in your room and get ready for bed, I'll be in as soon as I feel more calm."

For someone who said they were so angry Chico didn't yell, but his eyes didn't have the look of concern they usually held, they looked MAD. Chico stood and pointed to the door to their apartment.

"GO!" He said firmly but still not loudly.

"Y-Yes sir." He didn't have to be told twice, he took off like he was shot out of a cannon.

"It's late Ed, if you would call the Garcia's and the Elliot's and Miss Birch for me, I'll lock up.

"Sure Chico."

Chico went around the garage making sure both doors were locked and the lights were off, and the money and receipts from the day were taken from the till to the safe Ed had hidden away behind Miss. July.

He sat down on the sofa and just thanked God for bringing his son home safely.

Ed came down the stairs and found Chico sitting alone in the dark, just as he had a few months before when his Padre had backed out of spending the holiday with him.

Ed cautiously walked up and sat down on the sofa beside his dear friend, his son.

Without looking up at Ed he spoke. "I've failed Ed. I haven't been his guardian for barely 6 months and he runs away. Ed, he was on the highway! When I think of what could have happened, oh God I'm so glad he's safe. Ed if anything would ever happen to you or that kid in there, " he pointed as he spoke. "I don't think I could go on, you're my family!" Chico uncharacteristically broke down and cried his head in his hands.

"Chico you didn't fail. I don't think there's a kid alive who hasn't run away at one time or another. You are a wonderful parent to that kid, just the kind he needs now. You didn't yell at him and you didn't hit him. He's home, he's safe. You're doing great, Carlotta would be pleased."

"How can you say that Ed? The kid ran away."

"I know you don't believe me now but you are doing great. How many 25 year olds do you know who could not only go out on a limb for a kid he barely knows, but would take over the care and raising of that child when there is no one else. Look at how Carlotta loved her son, as much as she loved him she couldn't protect him from David."

"Ed what does that have to do with anything?"

"It has everything to do with it. Carlotta, his own mother, was unable to protect him from an abuse, no matter how much we do for our children, or how much we love them, we can't protect them from everything. They're going to do things that hurt them and us. It doesn't mean we fail."

Just as uncharacteristically for himself, Ed hugged Chico unashamedly. "I'm proud of you son and I love you."

After they said good night, Ed returned upstairs and Chico went to the apartment. He expected to find his son asleep on the bed, or maybe even crying, but he was totally unprepared for what he found. Next to the table stood Joey, his pajama bottoms down around his knees and his shirt up. Chico's belt lying on the table beside the boy. Chico quietly entered the room and shut the door. He walked over to the table, as he looked down at Joey he could see that his eyes were pinched shut and he was biting on his lip.

"What's this for?" Chico questioned the trembling boy.

"I-I'm ready Chico." He said as he tightly gripped the edge of the table

Chico put the belt back on the table and he knelt down to talk to his son. He turned Joey to face him, pulling up the pajama bottoms as he talked to him.

"Belts are for pants only, not for hitting. I know when you first came home I was pretty upset and I said that I was angry enough to break my promise, but I want you to know that I will never break that promise to you no matter what. I will not hit or beat you.

Joey was crying as Chico was talking. He could barely reply.

"Y-Your not mad at me?"

"At you? No I am mad at what you did. I thought we could tell each other anything pal. If you have a problem why didn't you come to me so we could talk about?"

"I did b-but you didn't listen." Joey wept.

"When did I not listen to you?" Chico questioned suspiciously.

"When I told you didn't want to go to school, and you made me."

"Now that kite just isn't going to fly with me. We talked about that remember? I told you that there are going to be many times, places and things that remind you of your Mama, some good and some painful. It's all pretty new and fresh right now, but I promise it will get better, but you're just gonna have to trust me that sometimes, a lot in fact, you have to do things you don't want to."

"I thought you were my friend Chico and you made me go to school when I told you I couldn't!"

"I am your friend Joey, and even more important then that I'm responsible for you. When you were gone and I had no idea where you were I was worried sick. I couldn't stop thinking about what I would do if anything ever happened to you or to Ed."

"Cause your responsible for us?"

"No because you're my family and I love you. I love you enough to try and raise you the way your mama would have and that means sometimes making you do things that are hard or that you don't want to. And when I, or Ed tells you to do something, or not to do something, we expect to be obeyed."

"Yes sir. So you're not gonna punish me?" Joey asked.

"Oh yes pal, oh yes." Chico could feel Joey tense up. "But not that way, " he said, nodding toward his belt lying on the table. You are going to be grounded. . ." Before he could finish speaking Joey piped up.

"Does it hurt?" he questioned with concern in his small voice.

"No, not the way you're thinking, you've never been grounded?"

"What is it?"

"Except for school you are not allowed to go anywhere. You come right home after school and you stay home, although not necessarily in your room. You can play outside you just cannot leave the yard, oh and for two weeks you will not have your bike either."

"Not my bike. Please Chico don't take my bike away I never had one before. Please don't take it."

"Now listen. It's only for two weeks after that you can have it back. Until then I'm going to ask Della if we can store it in her truck garage, so you won't be tempted to disobey me and ride it."

"What about going to school?"

"I've thought of that too, and since you have had a difficult time going where you tell me your going. Either Ed or I will drive you to school. Now do you have any questions?"

"Am I still your pal?"

"Forever and ever pal. Now you better get to bed, you have school tomorrow. RIGHT?"

"Yes sir." Chico was going to pull out the hide a bed when Joey asked him a question.

"Chico, can I sleep in your bed with you, just for tonight? Please?"

"I guess so, come on I'll tuck you in." When Joey was settled Chico put his belt back in the dresser and went to get ready for bed himself. When he returned Joey was fast asleep. Chico climbed into bed himself. It had been a long and tiring day and he was exhausted.

Just as he was drifting off, he felt a little arm come across his chest. Joey snuggled up beside Chico in his sleep. It was good to be home safe.

Chico explained to Ed about Joey's punishment so that he would help to be consistent. Not that Chico was too familiar with the word but Lynnae had told him that in dealing with all children it was best to be consistent, but especially children who have been abused. They need to learn that they can count on more in their lives than abuse.

Lynnae's words on that had never been brought so close to home as they were the night Chico walked into their apartment to talk to Joey after he ran away. He had expected to find him sleeping but instead he found the boy, down to his skivvies with a belt waiting for Chico to beat him. Even now, three days later, it gave Chico chills as the picture continued to hammer away in his mind.

It had been three days since Joey's return and while everything was straightened out and everything had again returned to normal Joey noticed a cooling in Ed's attitude toward him. This bothered the young boy as he loved Ed dearly and longed for love in return. So when Chico left to have lunch with Liz, and Ed was making grilled cheese for himself and Joey, Joey decided to talk to Ed.

"Ed?"

"Yeah kid?"

"Are you mad at me?" Joey inquired as he handed Ed the Velveeta.

Ed looked at Joey momentarily and said, "Come here kid."

Ed sat on his bed and patted the spot next to him. When Joey sat down he began.

"I gotta tell you, I was very mad at you. When you ran away you acted like a selfish brat.

Chico was out of his mind with worry. He checked the hospitals, and the morgue, he called everyone he could think of. He even had his old street buddies out looking for you.

Now I understand that you left because you were upset about a project for Mothers day. I know that's going to be hard for you, heck I lost Margaret nearly 10 years ago and our anniversary is still a sad reminder of the loss. You also have to realize just how much Chico loves you. No one on earth is going to love you like that young man does. Your Mama could see that, that's why she left a request that Chico be your guardian. What you did by running away, besides scaring all of us half to death was to take that love and shove it back in his face. You hurt Chico more than you or I will probably ever know and for that, yes I'm mad at you."

Joey began to cry. "I'm sorry Ed, I didn't think of it like that. I don't want to hurt anybody especially not Chico or you I love you guys, honest."

Joey cried into Ed's worn sweater, he rubbed Joey's soft hair with his withered hand in an effort to comfort the boy.

"I'm sorry Ed really, and I'm gonna apologize to Chico when he gets home."

"He knows your sorry son, I just wanted you to understand how every choice you make, big and small, affects more than just you. It's ok, I forgive you. If you ever pull another stunt like that or do anything more to hurt Chico you'll be dealing with me, and I'm not near as patient and understanding. Deal?"

"Yes sir. I love you Grandpa Ed."

"Yeah, yeah, I love you too now let's get back to those sandwiches before the bread gets dry."

Joey was tearful as he watched Chico put his precious bike in Della's garage, and he tried one more time to convince Chico to let him keep his bike. "Please Papa can't I have my bike?" he begged as tears streamed down his face. "I promise I won't run away or skip school no more."

"I told you before no bike for two weeks and I mean it. If you ask me again I'll make it three."

Joey ran into the apartment and threw himself on the couch and cried.

Joey survived the grounding with minimum difficulty, the hardest part being the loss of his bike, no matter how temporary. The day Chico was going to get the bike out of the garage Joey stood outside waiting anxiously.

"Here you go pal, " Chico said as he handed the bike back to his son. "Now no more taking off without telling Ed or I where you're going, and no more skipping school."

"I promise Papa I won't no more." He hugged Chico and asked if he could go over to San's house and play.

"I suppose, be back at 5:30 for supper."

Joey and san were playing in the near by park when the made an exciting discovery.

Just off the park was a small pond and ball field Joey and San were playing catch at the ball complex by the pond when Joey dove to catch a low ball. When he landed in the tall grass he found a small turtle!

"San, come here! Look what I found!" He ran to his friend to see what he had found. "Look at what I got!"

"Cheez you lucky, a turtle! You gonna keep it?"

"I dunno."

"Whatdaya mean ya don't know? Jeez keep it. I would if I found it." encouraged Santos.

"You want it?" Joey offered. He wanted to keep it for himself but he didn't know if he was allowed to have pets and he didn't want to ask. David had taught him early on that if you ask for something you may get more than you want.

"Well geez, the ponds right over there, let's go see if we can find another one."

The friends walked around the pond and just as they had almost made their way all the way around they spotted a larger turtle for San.

"Hey this is cool, now we each have one." rejoiced San.

They gathered their stuff together and headed home. Since Joey's bike had a soft back pack type basket he was the one to carry their turtles home. They went to San's house first and Rosa helped the boys find "Homes" for their pets.

"It's almost 5:30 San, I gotta go home for supper, see ya."

"Yeah see ya!"

Joey hurried home. When he arrived, the garage was empty as Chico was in the office and Ed was upstairs making supper. Joey carefully carried his prize into the apartment and hid it under Chico's bed. He washed his hands and ran upstairs to help his grandpa.

After a supper of tater tot hot dish, bread, vegetables, and pudding Chico was talking to Joey.

"So what did you and San do?"

"Nothin much, we played catch mostly." Joey dared not mention finding the turtle for fear he couldn't have it.

"Do you have any homework?"

"No."

"What do you want to do this evening?"

"Play with my- my legos." Joey caught himself. He almost said turtle. 'I better get outta here before I say something that gets me in trouble. '

"Can I be excused?"

"It's your turn to do the dishes pal."

"Oh, what are you gonna do?" he questioned Chico suspiciously.

"I thought I'd see if you wanted to play a game or something. Do you feel ok? "

"Yeah I just was wondering."

Chico helped Joey clear the table before going downstairs to do some work on the invoices.

Ed sat down to watch the day's episode of The Old and the Still that he taped. He hated to miss that show. Margaret had gotten him interested in it, they watched it together during her illness. When he was unable to watch it he taped it.

Joey quickly finished the dishes and went to the apartment to play with his turtle.

Unbeknownst to Joey, Chico saw him come downstairs and look around the garage before quietly going to his room. 'I hope he's ok, he sure is quiet tonight. ' he thought to himself as he returned to the invoices.

Joey was playing with the turtle on the couch as Chico surprised him when he entered the apartment a short time later. Joey jumped and quickly gave his pet a throw behind a pillow on the sofa.

Chico thought the boy was behaving kind of odd, and while he wasn't sure he thought he saw Joey trying to hide something from him. He knew everyone wants and needs privacy sometimes but at the same time he didn't want to encourage sneakiness.

"What are you doing?

Joey sat sideways in an effort to block the pillow and turtle form Chico's line of vision.

"Nothin."

"I thought you were going to play legos. Maybe we can build a castle." Chico suggested. He couldn't help but notice how Joey kept shifting on the sofa, he knew that Joey was definitely hiding something.

"What have you got there pal?"

"Nothin Papa."

"Come on Joey, out with it, what are you hiding behind your back?"

Joey slowly took the turtle out from behind the pillow. He got up from the couch. "I'm sorry Papa I'll take it outside I won't play with it anymore."

"Hold on there, let me see." He stopped Joey who was quickly trying to get to the door before Chico could see what he had.

He held out his hand.

"Well lookie there you got yourself a turtle, pretty cool."

"Y-You mean I can have it? You're not mad at me?"

"Mad at you? NO WAY JOSE!" Chico laughed at his own play on words. "Why would I be mad?"

"Cause I brought a turtle in your apartment."

"It's our apartment, pal and a turtle isn't gonna hurt anything. Sure you can have it."

"Really I can? Thanks Papa!" he hugged Chico, being careful not to crush his turtle.

"What are you going to name him?"

"I think I'll call him Freddie, I found him at the park, San got one too."

"Freddie huh? That's a nice name. You know pal you don't have to hide things from me, if you want something just ask."

Joey hung his head. "Ok I'm sorry, I g-guess I was scared."

"Why were you scared?" Chico coaxed.

"I didn't know if you'd get mad, do you think Ed will be mad?"

"I won't get mad at you if you ask me something. If you can't have it or we can't afford it I'll tell you, but I won't get mad. I don't think Ed will mind a turtle but I'll go with you. You ask, but I'll go with you. The Old and the Still must soon be over."

Chico and Joey went upstairs to talk to Ed about a pet. Ed was just turning the channel when they entered his apartment.

"Huh Ed Joey wants to ask you something."

"That's ok Chico it can wait." Joey tried to squirm free and get behind Chico but he held him in place. "No ask him now." Chico said teasingly.

"What do ya want kid it's almost time for Jokers Wild."

"See what I found Ed?" Joey brought his turtle over for Ed to see.

"Yeah that's nice." He said looking at the turtle.

"Then I can keep him?"

"Sure just keep him off my bed or I'll make soup out of him."

"Thanks Ed!" Joey hugged Ed around the neck.

"Yeah, yeah, the shows starting why don't you go walk your turtle."

"Walk my turtle?! Ed you're funny!" Joey laughed as he and Chico went downstairs to build a castle fit for a turtle king.

Joey was returning Freddie to his home in an ice-cream pail when he heard Chico calling him from the garage.

"Yeah?" He responded.

"Do you want to come with me in the truck? I have a tow job."

"Sure!"

He climbed in the truck beside his father. "I love to go with you in the truck."

"I love to have you along." They visited and laughed all the way to the job.

They found a grubby looking man. He had long greasy hair and buckteeth. He smiled as Chico and Joey pulled up in the truck, glad that help had arrived at last. When he smiled you could see that not only were his teeth big but yellow from smoking probably. Chico got out as did Joey. Chico extended a hand to the stranded customer although if the truth be known he hoped the man would not accept it.

"Thanks for coming so fast. I'm on my way home from work after a double shift, and I jist ain't got the patience for this piece of shit." said the man as he angrily kicked the rear tire.

"I'm glad to help Sir, but I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't swear in front of my son." Chico requested politely.

"Oh yeah hey I'm sorry. I do that at home all the time and the wife is always on my A-- my back about talkin like that in front of the kids."

"You got a wife and kids?" Joey asked in absolute honest surprise

"Joey!" scolded Chico. Though he had to admit that he was equally surprised.

"Aw that's ok, yeah I do. Ain't that a kick. Well ya think she's fixable?"

"I'll get her towed for you and we'll see what we can do. Maybe you can call for a ride from the garage." offered Chico, more in the hope that the man would not stick around the whole time he was fixing his truck, than in kindness

Chico was going to walk around the car to see if any other damage had been done. The greasy man was walking behind the truck. He dropped the cigarette butt that was hanging from his mouth but he didn't stomp it out. As Chico was attaching the chains from Ed's truck to the old car there was a loud bang and suddenly out of nowhere flames shot up around the truck and car!

Chico moved as fast as he could, unfortunately he was not fast enough to outrun the flames. Within seconds Chico's pant leg was on fire. He could feel his flesh burning and cried out in pain to his son. "Joey get back, get away!"

The driver of the car quickly grabbed his jacket off the front seat and ran to where Chico was lying.

As Joey watched in horror, the burly man quickly moved Chico away from the flames and began to beat out the flames with his jacket. When he was sure the flames were out he hollered to Joey, "If that truck a your has a CB get on it and call for help!!!"

Obediently Joey jumped back into the truck, picking up the CB he adjusted the settings as he had seen Chico do and yelled "Della are you there? We need you!"

"What is it baby?"

"Call a ambulance Papa's been burned!"

"'Oh my God, where are you?" Joey was so panicked he didn't know. He hollered out the driver's side window. "Hey mister where are we?"

"Corner of 10th and Granum!"

"Corner of tenth and Granum, Della please hurry!"

As Joey ran to stand beside Chico the man said. "I got some water in my thermos run get it kid." Joey did as the man asked, when he brought the water the man ordered. "Take off your shirt and pour some water on it, put it on your Daddy's leg. It'll soothe the pain till help comes."

Joey hurried to do as he was asked. Chico was moaning in pain. "Joey, Joey, where's Joey?"

"I'm here Papa, I called Della she's calling the ambulance. I'm fine." Chico was writhing around in pain.

"Try and be still. I know it hurts like Hell but try and be still." Consoled the dirty but kind man.

A few seconds later the ambulance and fire engine pulled up at the scene. As the firemen hurried to put out the blaze the paramedics administered first aid to Chico.

The carefully cut away the jeans from his leg, trying not to pull any fabric or fibers from the burn causing more damage.

An IV was set up to keep Chico hydrated, and his leg was carefully packed with cold compresses to ease the burning sensation.

They loaded Chico into the ambulance as quickly as possible. He refused to leave unless they allowed Joey to ride with him. The burly man assured them that he would stay till things calmed down and would come to the hospital to see how Chico was doing.

The ambulance sped to the hospital where Chico was rushed into an examination room. Since Joey was not allowed beyond the large double doors a friendly nurse offered to call the rest of his family. She waited with him until they arrived.

Meanwhile in the ER they were in the process of cutting off the remainder of Chico's jeans to prevent them from irritating the burns. As the nurses expertly tried to remove the fragments of denim material that had been burned into his skin, Chico couldn’t help but moan in pain.

"Joey! Joey! Where's my son?!" He yelled over and over until another nurse came to his side.

"Your son is fine Sir. He’s in the waiting room with Linda. She'll take good care of him."

Chico moaned again as an antiseptic solution was applied to prevent infection.

"My name is Melody, " said the sweet faced nurse as she tried to take Chico's mind off of the pain. She gently brushed away a tear that had escaped and was rolling down his cheek.

"Mr. Rodriguez, you have some serious burns but fortunately they were treated promptly at the scene. We do have to do what is called a debreting to remove the damaged skin tissue to help prevent infection. We have given you something for the pain, but I'm afraid it will still be painful for you. Do you have any questions?"

"Si. Melody would you please check on my son?"

"Certainly, I'll be right back."

They began the debreting. Chico was a strong proud Chicano but there were times, even with the aid of pain medication that he was unable to keep from crying out. "Aye Dios Mio!" He continued on in Spanish moaning and groaning.

Meanwhile in the waiting room Ed and Della had arrived and were with Joey who was recounting the story of what happened. The charge nurse had gotten a hospital gown for Joey to wear until his family arrived with a fresh shirt to replace the one used to soothe Chico's burns and Della was helping him from the gown into his shirt as he told the story.

"The big man smoked a cigarette and dropped it. When papa Chico was hooking his car to the back of the truck. Grandpa Ed's truck went bang and the next thing I knew there was fire, and Chico's leg was on fire! The big man stopped his leg from burning and told me where I could find some water, and now we're here."

Melody came out of the ER to check on Joey as she promised.

"Hello. You must be Joey. My name is Melody and I'm helping the Dr. take care of your Daddy. Your Daddy asked me to come out and see if you were ok."

"I'm fine. This is Grandpa Ed and My Aunt Della." Joey explained indicating his company. "How's papa? Is he gonna be ok?"

"I'll let the Dr. tell you when he's through, but your Papa did ask me to check on you so that's pretty good isn't it?" Melody tried to be reassuring without stepping over her bounds into the diagnostic territory."

"That sounds just like Chico." agreed Ed with relief evident in his voice.

"I'll be right back." Melody disappeared into a small room off the nurses station and returned a few minutes later with a root beer popsicle.

"Can I get the two of you anything?" She asked of Ed and Della. As she handed Joey the treat.

"No thank you." They replied in unison.

"Well there's coffee in the waiting area, feel free to help yourself. I'd better get back in to help with you're papa." she said to Joey. "You are a real cutie, you look just like your papa." she said before leaving.

She returned to the emergency room just as they were bandaging the burns. The doctor was on his way out to talk to the family. Melody, in turn stayed to help get Chico to his room and tell him that Joey was in good hands.

Dr. Spanola happened to be on call when Chico was brought in, after he treated Chico's burns he found Ed, Della, and Joey in the waiting area.

"Hola, Senor Brown. I just came to tell you that Chico is going to be here with us for at least two days. He has second and third degree burns on his mid thigh to below the knee on his left leg. Thank goodness someone was nearby who knew what to do. By cooling down the burns as quickly as they did they minimized the damage a great deal. He's in extreme pain and will be for some time I'm afraid, but with daily debreting and cleansing of the burns, and barring any infection, there should be little or no scaring.

"When can we see him Doc?" Asked Ed. "I've been seeing way to much of you lately."

"He's in his room now. You can see him but only for a moment as he is heavily sedated."

Della followed the guys into the room. Chico was awake although very groggy from the meds, when he saw his family he smiled.

"You'll do just about anything to get out of work won't ya kid." Teased Ed, in an effort to hide his true emotions.

"Not me Ed, man I love work. Oohhh Aye dios mios! How's Joey, he was there, he didn't get burned?"

"I'm here Papa, I'm fine." Della who was holding Joey's hand near the door stepped forward so that Chico could be assured that Joey was really well."

"Thank God!" exclaimed as he reached to hold his son. "It all happened so fast, he last thing I remember, I was hooking the guys car to the truck and there was a loud noise. . . ." Chico drifted off into a medication induced sleep, though he still held onto Joey.

"Papa no! Don't leave me!" Joey cried as he hung onto to Chico.

"It's ok Baby, Papa Chico is just sleeping, it's what he needs now." Said Della soothingly as she picked Joey up. "Let's go home now so your Papa can rest."

"No! I wanna stay with Chico." Joey struggled to be released from Della's caring but firm grasp.

"Joey, Della's right, I'll stay here with Chico you go on home with Della and I promise I'll call when he can have company again." said Ed.

"Promise, Grandpa Ed?"

"Of course I promise, I said so didn't I? Now you go on with Della before I put you over my knee."

"I wanna tell Papa I'm going." Della looked at Joey as if she suspected a trick. "I promise Della I'll be good."

"Ok Baby but then we're going home."

Della set her little charge down and he walked quietly over to his new fathers bedside.

"Chico? Della and Ed say I have to leave, I don't wanna, but I know you say I need to mind. I promise I'll come back. I love you, Papa" He kissed Chico goodbye and he and Della left with Ed seeing them to the nearby elevator. As they were coming from Chico's room they saw a big bearded man standing in the hallway.

"Hey you're the guy with the broken car!" Joey shouted excitedly.

"Ed, Della, this is the guy whose car Chico was picking up."

"So you’re the louse who doesn't know how to extinguish a cigarette! Let me tell you, if you can't do that, that's just another reason you shouldn't be smoking! That young man in there is like a son to me and if any thing happens. . ." Ed stopped there not wanting to worry the little boy in their presence further.

"I know sir, it's my fault and I feel so badly about it." Taking an unopened pack of cigarettes from his pocket he tossed them into the nearest receptacle. "And not only that, " He added as he pointed to the trash can, "I've left my insurance numbers with the billing office. I will pay any and all medical expenses incurred due to my carelessness. Anything insurance doesn't pay I will pay out of pocket. Please believe me when I tell you how badly I feel about the whole thing."

"Ed please don't be mad, he knew just what to do to help Papa. He had me get his water and use my shirt for the burns. He helped us!"

Realizing that even though this man's carelessness nearly cost him his friend, his quick thinking also saved him. That along with the generosity he just extended Ed felt he owed this man an apology larger than the man himself.

"I-I don't know what to say. Thank you for helping him, He's like a son to me and thank you for the offer to help with the bills." Apologized Ed meekly."

Joey ran up to the man and hugged him. His arms did not go half way around the tall and burly man.

"Thank you for helping my new Papa!"

"It's the least I could do after all it was my fault. If you need anything please don't hesitate to ask. I have left my name and numbers at the nurse’s desk. I'll check back tomorrow.

When Della and Joey left the hospital Ed returned to Chico's room. He was still asleep so Ed pulled a chair up beside the bed and began his lonely vigil.

As he had done when Chico was badly beaten by David, Ed requested, no ordered that he be allowed to stay with Chico. However this time instead of bunking in the waiting room down the hall Ed camped out on the chair in Chico's room.

It was about two in the morning when the pain meds wore off and Ed was awakened to moans akin to crying out in pain. He looked over to the bed to see Chico thrashing about in agony. He pressed the call button to summon help. A nurse came in and after checking the chart on the bedside side table made some adjustments to increase the IV meds. She checked his vitals and asked Ed if he needed anything before she left.

Alone with his "son" Ed removed his hat and took Chico's hand in his.

"Chico, I'm here for you son. I'm not leaving until we can walk out of here together."

Chico awakened and looked to his father/friend.

"Ed, you shouldn't be here. What about Joey he needs you."

"Joey is fine, he's with Della. I'm staying here with you."

"Ed you don't have to. . . ."

"I know I don't have to. I'm old the only things I have to do are die and pay taxes. I'm not dying and I wouldn’t pay taxes if you didn't make me, so I'm staying."

Ed I'm gonna be fine, I'll probably be home tomorrow you don't have to worry about me."

"Don't tell me not to worry that's about as successful as telling me not to drink. I've been worrying about you since the first time you rode into my garage, how do you expect me to stop now. Don't you know you’re like a son to me? You and Joey, Louie, and Yes Della are family to me. If you tell Della I'll deny it. But you, you not only came into my garage but you wormed your way into my life. I love you, and if you think for a minute you're gonna leave me high and dry you'd better think again. I love you Chico."

"I-I'm like a son to you?"

"You think you’re the only one who can love someone around here. Of course you are."

"I love you too Ed, thanks for staying with me." Chico grasped Ed's hand firmly before once again giving in to sleep.

Ed held onto to Chico's hand as he sat in the chair to wait and pray. Ed drifted off to sleep as well only to be awakened a short time later as Chico's sleep had gone from peaceful to fitful. Ed stood beside his dear friend and touched his cheek as he whispered, "It's alright Chico. I'm here your not alone, and Joey is home safe with Della. He's safe and anxious for you to get better. Just relax and go to sleep son."

Ed's words seemed to bring comfort as he watched Chico stop thrashing about and once again allow sleep to ease his pain.

"God, It's me, Ed. You know how I love this boy though I pretend otherwise. You see and feel his pain God I ask that you would take the pain away. It burdens my heart Lord to see him suffer. Give him peace and comfort." After adjusting Chico's covers Ed once again settled in to try and rest.

At about 5:00 in the morning the pain meds had expired causing Chico to feel intense pain.

"Ed have you talked to Della? How is Joey doing, your sure he wasn't hurt? Ooohh God this hurts." Chico closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on what Ed was saying to take his mind off the excruciating pain.

"It's 5:00 am Chico I haven't talked to anyone but you and the nurses who come to check on you. I'm sure they're both fine, you need to think about yourself and concentrate on getting better."

Chico's breathing came in short gasping sounds he was hyperventilating and struggling to breathe. This frightened Ed and he pressed the call button, when help did not come soon enough to suit him he took off down the hall to the nurse’s desk. He noticed that Melody was on her way to Chico's room.

"Thank God, I was afraid everybody went on a coffee break. It's Chico he's having trouble breathing! Please hurry!"

Melody hurried into Chico's room and over to his side.

"I'm here Mr. Rodriguez I'll help you." She soothed as she reached for the nearby oxygen mask hanging on the wall above the bed. "Just let me put this on you. Try and relax and slow your breathing down to a more normal rate for you, can you do that?"

The mask in place Chico tried to do as Melody asked and soon his breathing returned to a more normal rhythm. Melody looked into his eyes as she continued her soothing conversation. "Very good Mr. Rodriguez, much better, you were hyperventilating that's not uncommon for burn patience. You'll be fine."

Upon hearing her words of affirmation Chico calmed down and Melody noticed his eyes had a more natural look as opposed to a fearful one.

"There are you feeling better now Mr. Rodriguez?'

Chico nodded his head in reply and the nurse took the mask off.

"There you go, I guess I can safely say your pain meds have worn off huh Mr. Rodriguez?"

"Si, yes ma’am, and please call me Chico."

"I'll call you Chico if you stop calling me ma’am and call me Melody."

"Ok, Melody." Chico smiled through his pain. Checking his chart Melody saw that it had indeed been a little while since his last dose so he could have more if needed and he needed it.

"I'll be back in a couple of minutes with more meds for you. Just relax."

When she had left the room Chico turned to Ed. "Hey Ed Man, I'm glad you're here with me. Thanks."

"Don't mention it Chico. I'll call home after the Doctor has been here. That way I may have some news to tell them."

Melody soon returned and before long Chico was drowsy but feeling no pain. "I know the pain is terrible Mr. uh Chico but really pain in this instance is a good sign. It means that the nerve endings in your legs have not been damaged. I'll be back after a bit with your breakfast ok." And turning to Ed she said. "You are more than welcome to go for breakfast in the cafeteria. Contrary to what people say, hospital food is really pretty good, with the exception of the green Jell-O."

After breakfast Chico was taken to the treatment room down in the burn unit where he endured another debreting and dressing change. When that was done Dr. Spanola came by on rounds.

"Hello Chico, how are you feeling today?"

"I've been a heck of a lot better Doc but when can I go home?"

"Well let's see how things look and then we'll decide, ok."

Dr. Spanola carefully removed the dressings from Chico's leg. The burns were bad and they had blistered over. When Ed saw the damage he thought he might be ill. 'No wonder he has been in such pain!"

"Well I think it looks pretty good." Dr. Spanola said encouragingly.

"Good! Doc I think you need glasses, I've seen road kill that looks better than that!" argued Ed.

"Cheese and crackers Ed thanks for the compliment." said Chico.

"Well what I meant was, as far as burns go this looks good, no sign of infection, the debreting removes the dead skin, giving the healthier tissue a chance to breathe. If you don't get any fever or infection you should be able to go home tomorrow. Although I expect you here as an outpatient everyday for a debreting treatment. The nurse will come in just a moment to show Ed here how to change the dressings." Dr. Spanola turned to Ed at this point. "Dressings need to be changed daily to prevent infection. Do you think you can do it or should I schedule a daily home visit to have them changed?"

"I think I can handle it Doc and if I can't I'm sure Liz will be more than happy to fuss over him."

"Hello" replied Chico in his thick Spanish accent.

Melody returned after the Dr. left and she carefully and patiently explained how the dressings needed to be changed.

"Once you have the dressings removed you can carefully apply this antiseptic cream, don't rub it in just squeeze the tube and see that the burn is covered. Once that is done, place this light gauze over the cream. We'll send plenty of this home with you. Gently wrap this bandage around his leg, tight enough that the gauze stays put about like this." Melody took a hold of Ed's hand to show him the exact way the bandage should feel if applied properly. As she brought his hand down on the bandage Ed quickly pulled away.

"I-I don't think I can do this, I might hurt him."

"I understand we can have a nurse come to help with this if you'd rather. It's the cleaning that's painful and we will do that here. You or the nurse will change the dressing at night, then when he comes in for treatment we will change the dressing here so you really won't have a lot to do."

"Ok I'll try." Practicing on Chico's good leg so as not to hurt him Ed pretended to apply the cream and was given towels to use as gauze and bandage so they wouldn’t waste the sterile strips.

"That's wonderful Mr. Brown! You're doing just fine. I see that you have some company outside so I will leave you for now, just buzz me if you need anything." Melody gathered up the soiled dressings and deposited them in the medical waste receptacle near the door.

She took the towels to the laundry room and washed her hands.

"You may come in now." She spoke kindly to Della and Joey as she left. "Hiya cutie pie, would you like another popsicle?" She asked Joey.

"No thanks I just came to see my Papa and Grandpa." When Joey saw that Chico was awake he sprinted across the room. "Hiya Chico!" just as he was about to jump up on the bed to sit beside Chico, Ed grabbed him almost in midair.

"Whoa kid, why don't you sit on that side instead, this is the leg that got burned and you don't want to bump it." Suggested Ed a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Cheez and crackers Chico I'm sorry." Joey apologized.

"That's ok pal no harm done, come here and let me look at you. I've missed you." They hugged each other tightly. "Della thank you so much for taking care of him for me, hopefully I'll get out of here tomorrow."

"It's my pleasure Chico, I'm glad to help anytime. You just take your time and get better." said Della as she kissed Chico's smooth cheek.

"You can come home tomorrow?" questioned Joey hopefully.

"Maybe he can, if he follows orders and doesn't get an infection." Interrupted Ed in an effort to explain things without allowing Chico to get the boy's hopes up. Ed knew that if Chico got his way he'd go home right this minute and he didn't want he or Della to have to explain to Joey why Chico wasn't coming home when he said he would.

"I don't know for sure pal, I'm hoping to get out tomorrow but like Grandpa Ed says I have to see what Dr. Spanola says." They visited together a while longer and soon Chico was experiencing more pain and had to have medication which made him drowsy thus ending their visit. As long as Chico was sleeping Ed decided to go home to shower and change so he could return to the hospital.

The remainder of the day was spent in a viscous cycle of pain, meds, sleep, and more pain. Ed, true to his word, stayed by his friends side the entire time leaving only long enough to use the facilities.

Chico, who was concerned for Joey and complained about the amount of time Ed spent at the hospital instead of home with Joey, was really glad for the company. When Chico was lucid they had nice talks together.

Liz was on duty for the night shift and it was she who came to the room to get Chico to go for a short walk.

"It will be better for you in the long run sweetness, it will keep the blood flowing to aid healing and it will keep you from getting pneumonia. Come on now mi corizon walk with me. Ed, feel free to go get some supper or go home if you like. I assure you mi corizon is in the best of hands."

"I'll go get something to eat but I'm not leaving till he does." Ed hollered down the hall after nurse and patient

Chico slept fitfully through the night needing medication only twice but around 3:00 in the morning he developed a fever of 103. The dressings were changed and more antiseptic was applied. They had to cut back a little on the pain medication in order to give him something to bring his fever down. Liz sat with Chico and Ed, throughout the night when she was free to do so. She would apply cool compresses to cool him down and Ed would bring fresh cold water.

It was about 4:00 when the pain was too much to bear and Chico passed out. Liz assured Ed that this was ok. He would be able to rest while they worked to get the fever down and once the fever was down they could increase the pain meds again. Ed was satisfied with that as he hated to see Chico in such terrible pain.

By morning the fever had broken, the doctor refused to let Chico go home for fear that the fever came from a developing infection and he wanted to keep a closer watch on his young patient and friend.

"Doc, I have to go home, I have a son now who needs me, and Ed needs help at the garage. I promise if you let me go home I'll be the most obliging patient you've ever seen."

"Exactly, you need rest, not to be working in a garage. If I let you go home before I feel you should it will be on my head if anything happens to you. As your physician, friend, and as a father myself I am telling you, you are not leaving this hospital ‘til I say so. You'll be no good to Ed or your son if you make yourself sicker."

"Bravo Doctor Spaniel, bravo! I couldn't have said it better myself, a little louder perhaps but not better." saluted Ed

"Gracias Senor Brown. Now if you don't get an infection you may be able to go home tomorrow. I must finish my rounds now, you get some rest."

During the day Chico found he could tolerate the pain enough so he was awake for more of the day, which in away was not good for either him or Ed because it gave him more time to worry about Joey.

"Ed I gotta get outta here. Joey may need me. . ."

"Hold it right there you stubborn Chicano. Joey is fine with Della, she has a son of her own you know and besides it’s Monday I'm sure he's in school. Now shut up and move it's your turn." When Ed went home the last time to shower and fill Della in on Chico's progress, he picked up the checkerboard to help pass the time.

"I'm going stir crazy in here!"

"You're going crazy, your lucky I'm not your nurse I'd probably kill you, are you sure you want to come home?" Ed Joked.

By lunch Chico was not feeling at all well. He had developed another fever, 103.5 and the burn on his leg had grown hot and less pink and more red, a clear indication of infection.

Doctor Spanola returned and ordered strong IV antibiotics and cooling clothes.

Chico was hallucinating from the fever and he kept dreaming that Joey was being chased by David. David was trying to beat the boy and Joey was calling for Chico but Chico's legs were on fire and he couldn't get to him. Chico in turn was continually trying to climb over the railings they had to put up so he had to be medically restrained for his own protection. By bedtime the restraints were removed the dressing changed and his fever was gone. Dr. Spanola said that if he could go through the night without fever and fewer pain meds he could go home tomorrow.

Ed spent another night on the uncomfortable chair, he dared not say anything less Chico insist he go home and rest. Some many times in the last two and a half days so much has happened so quickly, Ed dared not leave till he was certain Chico was with him.

Amazingly Chico slept comfortably until about 5 and then all he needed was Tylenol with Codeine to ease the pain. Following breakfast the next morning Chico had his last treatment as an in patient. He signed out and after getting his pain prescription filled he and Ed went home.

Della was ecstatic when she saw Chico standing outside her office door. Joey was in school and while Chico was glad to know that he had not missed much school on his account he was very disappointed not to see the son he so dearly missed.

"Oh Chico baby, it's so good to see you up and around again! How are you feeling?"

"It's great to be home Della, it's still painful but not like it was. I have to go back to the hospital every morning for awhile to keep the burn clan and free of dead skin, but Doc thinks there won't be much of a scar."

"Doc says he can't work for at least a month maybe longer. So I'm gonna see if Mando will be able to help out. I hate to go to those temp agencies, half the time the jokers they send don't know a wrench from a pair of pliers."

"Cheez and crackers Ed I feel terrible about this, and it won't help me much either, having no income with that big hospital bill to pay. Maybe if I'm careful. . ."

"Here we go again, Doc says you’re not working for a month and a month it is. Mando is a good help we'll work it out. As for the hospital bill, the guy whose car you were going to tow when the fire started said that his insurance will take care of any and all expenses, so you can quit belly aching about that, and just be glad your home or I'll kick your butt."

"You tell him Ed," laughed Della as she brought her friends each a hot cup of coffee.

"Uh Della, you’re a gem you know that, I love you for all you've done to help Ed and I, and Joey. You know I love your coffee, but do you have a nice COLD drink? I've had my fill of hot."

Ed and Della laughed at Chico as Della returned to the kitchen and came back with a tall glass of ice and a Coca-Cola.

No two people were happier than Joey and Chico when Joey got home from school. When he saw his Papa Joey was about to run into his arms as he often did but he hesitated. Chico knew what was bothering him as he recalled the day in the hospital when Joey was about to pounce on his injured leg and Ed stepped into prevent it. Chico sat on a nearby stool, because of the burns it was difficult to bend his right leg so he left that one straight and open wide his arms for Joey. Joey ran to him and threw his arms around him.

"I missed you Chico I'm so glad your home. Are you all better?" Joey quizzed as he looked at Chico's leg. He was wearing his usual favorite denim shirt but he had on a pair of baggy gray sweat pants.

"I'm feeling much better yes, but I still have to go to the hospital everyday for a while so they can clean it and treat it to prevent another infection, but I do feel a whole lot better especially now that I am home where I belong." He added as he lifted Joey, carefully so he could sit on his left leg.

"I love you Papa Chico."

"I love you too son."

During the next several weeks Chico proved to be an unruly patient. He didn't complain about anything but he was not very willing to accept help. And the matter of spending any part of a day in bed, without Liz, was intolerable.

"Chico Francisco Esanchez Rodriguez! If you don't get back in the bed and stay there I'm calling the ambulance to take you back to the hospital!" yelled Ed in frustration. "How do you expect Mando and I to get any work done if we have to keep coming back here to make sure you stay put?"

"Ed the Doctor also said I need some exercise too."

"Yes I know but you need more rest than you've been getting if your going to heal, now you get in that bed and stay or I'm gonna find the biggest and ugliest nurse I can find and hire her to sit on you!"

"Ed, you wouldn't?"

To prove just how serious he was he went to the phone and started dialing the temp service number.

"No Ed I'll stay put I swear! Don't call por favor amigo?"

Ed put the phone down.

"Ok. Just you remember, I have the number with me and there are still two three other phones in this place. I'll make a deal with you, If you stay in bed till lunch you can have lunch in the waiting area or upstairs. If you stay in bed and rest ‘til Joey comes home you can be up and around for the evening. Deal?"

"Ok Ed you got a deal."

"Geez I feel like I'm talking to a kid, Mando you got that tire patched?!" Turning back to Chico as he was on his way to the garage he pointed at the patient. YYou stay put. Kapeesh?"

As he promised, albeit reluctantly, Chico remained in bed ‘til Joey got home from school. Then the two had milk and cookies at their table and talked about how their days had gone.

Chico helped Joey with his homework and then they played checkers, and played with Freddie. Della brought over a Ravioli casserole for supper and Chico invited her to join them for the evening meal.

Between medical appointments Chico managed to rest some but he still tried to hard to do for himself, and to be there for every little thing Joey needed and Ed could see that Chico was exhausting himself. The doctor had said he was to stay off work for a month but Ed found him sitting at the workbench after lunch one day charging a battery for a customer who was do in that day.

"What in the name of Jack Daniels are you doing?! You know the doctor told you no work for a month."

"I know Ed but I'm going out of my mind with nothing to do. I'm careful and see I have the seat pants on instead of shorts so I won't get grease on the bandages, besides your tired too, and don't try and deny it. You need my help as much as I need to be busy."

Oh alright but if you hurt yourself, or land in the hospital again I'm gonna kill you!"

The next day at his treatment Dr. Spanola was pleasantly surprised at Chico's progress and consented not only to his returning to work, resting as necessary, but that he didn't have to return to the hospital. He could cut back to a weekly clinic visit instead.

"Great Doc, thanks for everything, uh I know this is gonna sound like I'm a kid or something, but with all that's happened that's the way he's been treating me, could you write this down. I'm sure Ed will think I'm pulling a fast one otherwise."

"A fast one, you amigo?" Dr. Spanola laughed as he proceeded to write a note for Ed. He had known Chico since he was a little boy and he was known to pull a fast one once in awhile as a child, evidently he had not changed all that much.

It had been about a month and a half since the fire that had burned Chico's leg. While he still had some pain every now and then his mobility was good and the scars seemed to lessen with each passing day. He had returned to work full time and he no longer needed to make the drive to the clinic. He was rotating the tires for Alfred when Joey came riding into the garage all excited, Santos was right behind him.

"Chico, Chico! Guess what!"

"What pal, you got a girlfriend?"

"A girlfriend!? Yuck no! San invited me to stay over night at his house tomorrow night! Can I huh can I? Please?"

"I don't know why not, if you're sure you want to."

"All right!!!!" the boys' yelled in unison.

"Joey lets go tell my Mom." said Santos.

"Hey wait a minute boys, I thought when you asked me your mom had given you permission to have Joey overnight. I don't want you two cooking up ideas, if you get permission than he can stay, not before."

"Aw Chico!"

"You two are getting on my nerves the way you say everything at the same time." said Ed in response to their stereo complaint.

"Don't aw Chico me, you go on home and ask your mother's permission, don't tell her, ask."

"Can I go along Papa?"

"Do you have any homework?"

"Yeah, but it's just a few spelling words, I'll come right back."

"I suppose but you come right back."

Before long the twosome were at Santos's house talking to Rosa.

"Mama, can Joey spend the night tomorrow night? It's Tony's night to help at the store. Please."

I don't know, what does Chico say Jose?"

"He said if you said it was ok it was ok with him, please?" Rosa was unable to resist two sets of puppy dog eyes and relented with a laugh.

"If your father says it's alright it's ok with me."

The boys ran up the street to Rudy's store and burst through the door both talking at the same time, as had become their habit being together so much.

"Can we, can we?"

"Can you, can you, what? Lemme guess you want to come to work here at the store for absolutely nothing." Rudy teased the youngsters.

"Can Joey spend the night tomorrow Papa? It's Friday and it's Tony's turn to sweep the store, please Papa please! Mama said it was ok with her if you said ok."

"I suppose, why not."

"YEAH!!!!!" They shouted.

"Let's go tell Chico!" said Joey in excitement. Except for the times when he stayed with Chico when his mama was working Joey had never had a sleep over before and he could hardly wait.

The two boys ventured back to Joey's to tell Chico and Ed the good news.

"Chico, they said I could stay! This is gonna be so great. Let's go in my room and pack!"

"Hold on there guys, it's not ‘til tomorrow night, and you promised me you'd work on your spelling as soon as you got home. San can come over after supper." reminded Chico.

"Yeah I gotta home and clean my room anyway or my Mom is gonna say 'Santos Ricardo Garcia if you think you're having company in such a pigpen you are sadly mistaken’." mimicked San in a high and whiney voice.

"You better not let your Mom hear you talking like that or you may be having a permanent sleep over here." laughed Chico. "You better get to your homework Joey."

"See ya later San." Joey headed to the apartment to begin his homework. He had to write his spelling words 5 times each and then the sentences he copied off the board using each word in the sentences. An hour later when Chico came downstairs to get Joey for supper he found the little boy playing with Freddie. He was coaxing the little turtle to walk over the pencil, when he walked over it once Joey put the pencil in front of him again.

"I hope that this means you've finished your homework," said Chico kindly.

Joey was so into his play that he never heard Chico come in so he nearly hit the ceiling when he heard Chico's voice behind him.

"Cheez and crackers you scared me." He said as he clutched his chest to emphasize the enormity of the scare he had.

"I'm sorry pal, I didn't mean to scare you, I said I hope this means you have finished your homework." repeated Chico as he indicated Joey's playing with his turtle.

Joey twirled the pencil around in his hand as he looked down.

"No Sir, not quite."

"May I see your paper?"

Joey slid his spelling paper across the table toward his Dad. As Chico eyed the paper he casually looked over the top and watched Joey. He sat with his head down, still twirling the pencil. After a few moments he attempted to look at Chico. Chico quickly turned his attention back to the unfinished homework.

"Well you're not done but you don't have too much left either. You'll be able to finish in no time after supper." Chico encouraged. "If we put little Freddie up here until your done, then you can play with him all you want." He continued as he took Freddie, pail and all, and placed him on top of the dresser. "Now go in and wash up for supper. If we don't get up there soon Ed will eat it all.

They managed to get upstairs before Ed ate all the pork chops. Joey talked throughout the whole meal about his up coming overnighter at his friend’s house. "We're gonna have Popcorn, and San has this big sandpile and a swingset, can I bring my truck? His Mom said we could have ice cream with chocolate syrup and San's gonna rent air bud, he says that's a movie about a dog that plays basketball! I never seen that before."

"Saw." corrected Ed

"Huh?" asked Joey.

"I said saw I never saw that before."

"I'm sure you could come and watch it with us if you want to Ed."

Chico threw his head back with wild laughter. "No pal. Ed was correcting your grammar. You should say, I've never seen that before." he continued to chuckle at Ed's effort to teach the child grammar."

"Stop that! It wasn't that funny. Eat your supper and be quiet!" grumped Ed.

After supper, while Ed watched the jokers wild Chico and Joey cleaned up the kitchen. When they had finished Chico put his arm around Joey and said "Now for your homework, then you can pack for your night at the Garcia's."

Then returned to the apartment where Chico helped Joey with his homework and got out Joey's backpack so he could pack.

"You want some help or do you want to do it all by yourself?"

"Sure you can help me." Joey was so excited he was afraid he might forget something.

Chico went to the dresser and got out some clean underwear and socks for Joey while he went into the bathroom to get his toothbrush.

"I s’pose I better wait ‘til after breakfast before I pack this huh?"

"Here, I think I have a new one in the medicine cabinet, pack that one and then you can leave yours here. That way you won't forget it in the morning rush."

"Hey, thanks you are so smart!"

He packed his Winnie the pooh pajama's next. Chico picked up Renaldo, Joey's teddy bear. "You don't wanna forget this tomorrow Bud."

"Yeah I guess."

"What's wrong pal?"

"You don't think San will think I'm a - baby if I sleep with a teddy bear?"

"No way man, lotsa kids sleep with teddy bears. Look up there, that's my teddy bear, his name is Manuel. I bet San has a teddy bear too."

"Really?"

"I'd bet on it." affirmed Chico

"Good, cause I. . ."

"Cause what?"

"Cause I don't think I'm ready to sleep without him. David never let me have him at home. When Mama was gone he'd put him in his closet. I had a bad dream one night and I tried to sneak him out of the closet. I knocked over a bunch of boxes and when David found me in there, he put Renaldo back on the shelf and he took me back to bed and tied me there so I couldn't get him again."

"I'm so sorry for all that you had to go through pal. Are you sure you’re ready for a sleep over?"

"But you said I could, I wanna stay Chico."

"I haven't changed my mind. I told you you could and you can, I was just asking you if you felt ready for that, you've been through a lot in the last months." Chico came and sitting on the edge of the bed took Joey on his lap.

"You are a big brave boy. I don't think I could go through all that you have. I love you and I don't want to see you hurt."

"San's my best friend, he wouldn't hurt me. I'm ok Papa don't worry".

Chico could see that he wasn't quite getting his point across but he didn't want to upset the boy or make him fearful of new things. As much as he was glad to see Joey so happy and excited he secretly hoped that he would decide on his own that he wasn't ready for a sleep over yet, because as much as Chico hated to admit it he didn't want Joey to go even for one night. 'Chico you're being ridiculous and selfish!" he chided himself as he helped his son finish packing.

Joey was so excited about the night’s sleep over at his friend’s house that he was up early double-checking to make sure he had remembered everything.

"Are you almost ready for school pal?"

"Just about, I’m making sure I have everything. Can you take care of Freddie for me?"

"That's the fifth time you've checked everything. I think you’re ready, and yes I will be happy to take care of Freddie for you.

"I don't know how I’ll take all this on my bike, even with a basket."

"Why don't you leave it here and you can stop by on your way to San's house and pick it, that way you won't have so much to carry." Suggested Chico. He wanted the chance to make sure Joey was still ok with all of this as the day wore on without making him think he didn't want him to go.

"That's a great idea. I'm ready Papa, see ya later." Joey gave Ed and Chico hugs before heading off to school.

Both Joey and San thought the school day would never end but when the final bell sounded, you never saw two boys run faster. They stopped off at the garage to pick up Joey's backpack and his garbage truck to play in the sandpile.

After saying goodnights and see ya's to Chico and Ed the boys were off to begin their adventure.

"Mom said she was gonna make caramel rolls for us for snack, then ya wanna go to the park and play in the sand pile?"

"Sure, this is gonna be great thanks for inviting me. Except for staying with Chico you know, before, I've never stayed overnight with anyone."

"I’m glad you could stay too. Hurry lets get the caramel rolls before Tony and Markus do!"

As the little boys were enjoying their snack Chico was feeling a little blue. To cheer himself up he gave Liz a call. She had worked so many double shifts and over time that they hadn't had much time together. When he had dialed her number he sat at the desk in the office and rested his legs on the desktop.

Ed came in to have an afternoon glass of bourbon and he pushed Chico's feet off his desk.

"Get your feet off there," he scolded as he poured his glass.

"Hola my lover, como esta?" Having polished off his drink Ed deposited the shot glass back in the cash register and left so Chico could have some privacy. 'I don't mind the kid using the office phone but I wish if he were talking to Liz he'd take it in his apartment, all their love talk is harder on my stomach then the bourbon Chico complains about. '

Twenty minutes later Chico came from the office wearing a sly grin.

"Well Ed, I've decided your right, that Liz and I need to get out more and as long as Joey is over at the Garcia's for the night, Liz and I are going out on the town."

"Wonderful, it's been ages since I've had this place to myself. Finally some peace and quiet."

"Maybe you and Mrs. Shriff can go out and paint the town red too." suggested Chico as he washed the windshield of a car that was just brought in, he made kissing sounds as he joked with Ed.

"Stop that! Not that it's any of your business but Shirley is visiting her sister and won't be home for a week. Maybe Louie and I can go bowling, I'll think of something."

After closing the garage Chico got ready and went to pick up Liz. Louie was at a sanitation engineers picnic and couldn't go bowling so Ed broke down and invited Della over a game of backgammon.

Rosa was just coming to call the boys in for supper when she was nearly trampled by her youngest and his houseguest. They had been at the park since they returned from school and were famished.

"Hey mama what's for supper, we're starving!" exclaimed Santos as they washed for supper.

"Your favorite, Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and milk. I made a chocolate cake for dessert if you clean your plates. Where are your brothers?"

"Tony is still at the store helping Papa lock up and I don't know where Markus is."

"Oh here comes Tony and your father now. Hurry up you two and wash up before your supper gets cold."

By the time everyone had washed and the grace was said Markus was still nowhere to be found so they started without him.

"I hope you like Spaghetti, Jose, I never thought to ask."

"Y-Yes ma’am thank you." Joey ate in silence as he listened to all the conversation going on around the table.

"Where is that Markus? He knows we eat at 6:00!" said Rudy gruffly. After working hard all day he considered mealtime to be family time and he expected all of his family to be on time.

"Rudy dear, Miss Gomez wants you to fix her vacuum. She left it here as she will be out of town for a few days and wants it done when she gets home." explained Rosa.

"Miss Gomez this, Miss Gomez that, I think I know why she's a Miss and not a Mrs. I’ll fix it to tonight. I don't suppose she left a house key or do we have to trip over that thing all weekend?"

"No dear she said she would pick it up on her way home on Monday. What has you in such a bear of a mood this evening?"

"I'm sorry Love it's just been a long day. Half the stock for the store won't be coming in ‘til tomorrow so we may not be ready for Monday's sale, Mrs. Peabody came in and yakked my ear off for an hour about how whenever She needs lids for her canning jars they are never in stock. Well it's only April for pity's sake, it's not canning time what does she need jars, or lids for now?"

"Now dear, you know it's not the jars, really. She's a lonely widow. She just wants some company. I hope you are kind to her."

"When have I ever not been kind?" As if to prove a point Markus entered the back door and was sneaking up the back stairs to his room. He was late for supper again and he knew his Dad would be upset.

"Markus David Garcia come in here por favor." Joey shifted uneasily in his chair as he heard the tone of Rudy's voice.

When Markus appeared he was about to sit at his place at the table.

"Markus, what time is it?"

"6:30 sir."

"What time do we eat supper?"

"6:00."

"We've talked to you about this before, why are you coming late for supper tonight?" There was a coldness in Rudy's voice that made Joey shiver. He knew Rudy was a nice, kind man but the scene that seemed to be playing itself out before him was all too familiar.

"I was over to Andy's playing wing commander and I-I lost track of time. I'm sorry Papa."

"I'm sorry too son. We've talked about this before and since you can't seem to remember that suppertime is family time you don't need to eat. Go to your room and I will see to you later. Your Mother works hard all day and she does not need to be doing dishes till all hours, this is not a restaurant."

Markus went to his room and Joey and San finished their spaghetti.

"If you boys are through you may take your plates to the kitchen and get your dessert." As they were making their way to the kitchen they could hear the grown ups talking about Markus. "Is it necessary that he go to bed without supper?" Rosa asked with concern for her middle son."

"If this was an occasional happening I would say no, but this has been happening more and more. The boy needs to learn that there are other people in the world and that he is not going to be allowed to just do as he pleases whenever he wants. Missing one meal is not going to make him sick. Thanks for the lovely supper dear I'm going to fix that vacuum cleaner and then have a talk with Markus."

Joey and San were in the living room eating their cake and playing checkers when Rudy came in with the vacuum cleaner.

"Hi boy's are you having fun?"

"Yeah." They said in unison."

"Great maybe you can help me fix this darn thing huh?"

"Sure" offered San, Joey wasn't so sure.

"I'll be right back Joey I gotta go to the bathroom."

"Ok." When san left Rudy asked Joey if he would mind plugging in the vacuum cleaner for him while he tipped it upside down to see if the brush was jammed.

"Ok, Yeah." Joey took the plug in cord somewhat reluctantly and plugged it into the wall.

Immediately the brushes began spinning. He turned the power switch off and tinkered around trying a couple more things. When Santos returned he suggested they go in the kitchen to finish their dessert and when his Dad was done working on the vacuum they could watch air bud.

They were laughing and eating their cake, just as Joey was about to bring a forkful to his mouth Mr. Garcia turned the vacuum on again. Joey jumped and his cake fell on the floor. San, Tony, and Rosa all laughed but Joey hurriedly jumped off his chair, apologizing all the while.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to spill. I'll clean it up."

"Nonsense you're our guest, it was an accident. I'll clean this up. San, why don't you pop the popcorn to go with the movie, or would you rather have ice cream?"

"Ice cream!!" shouted the Garcia boys together.

"San you should see what your guest wants first."

"Oh ok, Joey do you want ice ream or popcorn?"

"I-I like ice cream."

"Hey ma let's have malts, I'll get the blender." offered Tony.

"Malts it is then." Just then Rudy yelled from the living room.

"Of all the twitterpated, adelbrained. . . . That stupid woman probably hasn't changed the bag since she bought it! Rosa do we have any c size bags, I think it's the same style as ours!"

"Yes dear. San would you and Joey bring this into your father, here Joy tell Rudy to put this down on the floor before he empties the bag so he doesn't get dirt all over my clean carpets."

The boys went into the living room to help San's dad. The bag was in place and the cover on when Rudy picked up the cord to plug it in again. Instinctively Joey jumped back out of the way. Before Rudy had the opportunity to turn the vacuum on Rosa came in.

"Did the boys' give you my message dear?"

"What message?" he asked looking at San and Joey.

"If you got any dirt on my clean floor you were going to do the vacuuming again." She poked him in the chest as she pretended to scold her husband.

Joey braced himself, 'This is it, he's gonna be mad now. I can't believe she said that!' He thought to himself.

"Oh yeah." said Rudy. In the blink of an eye he had the vacuum on and proceeded to chase Rosa around the living room. Joey was starting to feel panicky when he noticed that Rosa was laughing, she seemed to be enjoying the exchange. As quickly as the little jaunt around the living room started it ended when Rudy took his wife in his arms and kissed her.

"I love the way you vacuum, Rudy." laughed Rosa

"Geez you guys, come on Joey let's go help Tony with the malts." San was clearly embarrassed but he certainly didn't appear frightened so Joey was able to relax.

Soon things were fun again. The malts done they put in air bud and turned off the lights.

Chico and Liz were still out. Chico had decided that in an effort to really make it up to Liz for the times he canceled out on her that he would treat her to Dancing, dinner at his father's Hotel and then a little whirlpool action may be in order.

Ed and Della were playing their third game of backgammon when Ed spoke again.

"I sure am glad that Chico decided to take advantage of Joey's staying at a friends house to get out and enjoy himself a little bit."

"I am too. It's wonderful that he is so concerned for Joey's happiness and well being but even the best most well meaning parent has to take time for themselves." agreed Della.

"I've tried and tried to explain that but I don't think he listens. He is so obsessed with being the total hands on 'I'm gonna be there for my son, unlike my father' attitude on his mind that he puts everything else on the back burner and himself dead last. I just hope Liz is patient enough to wait for him to sort all this out cause I know if he lost her it would hurt him terribly," confided Ed.

"I know, but you know I am proud of him. Here he is practically a kid yet himself and he's trying to raise a kid a physically and emotionally abused child on his own and he's doing an excellent job. He is so caring and attentive to Joey's needs, and he really seems to understand the boy’s feelings. . ." continued Della.

"That's just it Della he's a kid, he's had to grow up so fast himself his mom dying and leaving him to virtually fend for himself until his Aunt Connie came and got him. I'm afraid that he missed out on so much of his childhood and now he is sacrificing his youth for Joey."

"Ed It sounds to me like you don't want Chico to raise Joey."

"Don't try and put words in my mouth Della! That's not it at all. I love Joey just as much as Chico, of course I'm glad he's a part of our family. I just don't want Chico to go to far overboard in either one direction or the other. Life is too short and I don't want him to look back and feel resentment because of his choices now, to feel as if he has missed some great opportunities"

"You sound like your speaking from experience Ed, have you any regrets?" Della pressed.

"Just one." When he said no more, Della who was known for her curiosity asked him.

"WELL?"

"I regret that after I lost my Margie I spent a lot of lonely years alone and full of self pity. I owe a tremendous debt to Chico for helping me and I want to help him. That's why it worries me so that he is so devoted to Joey. He's so young himself and I don't want him to one day look back on a world of hurts and regrets."

"That was beautiful Ed." said Della as she wiped away a tear. "Don't worry Ed, between you, Louie, and myself and even Joey we can help Chico get the balance his life needs for him to be the kind of parent he thinks Joey needs, as well as taking care of himself. We'll all help."

Except for a few scenes here and there Joey really enjoyed the movie. When it was over, they got their pajama's on and went camping under the dining room table. San's brother Tony bought them each a jumbo tootsie roll and said he would give it to them if they stayed out of his room. This seemed a fair exchange so They returned to their tent tootsie roll (fishing poles) in hand.

Markus came downstairs about 10:00 to say goodnight and to apologize again for having been so selfish and keeping his family waiting. Since Joey and san are usually in bed at 8:00 they thought they were pretty cool when at 10:00 pm everyone else was ready for bed.

"Ok you two party animals brush your teeth, say your prayers and I'll read you a story." said Rosa"

"We’re not tired!!" they echoed."

"Well I'm sorry but everyone else is and you cannot be up all night by yourselves, now upstairs with you."

When they were pretty much settled San begged Tony to tell them a ghost story instead of a fairy tale. If they were big enough to have a sleep over they were big enough for a ghost story. Rosa relented and as she left the room as Tony made his way in she reminded him, "Not too scary now Anthony or you will be getting up with two frightened boys'" She warned her eldest.

"Ok you rug rats, I'm telling this story so you guys keep your yaps shut, lights out except for the flashlight, and no bawling. Those are the rules."

Anthony began his tale:

"What's habitants?" asked Joey, forgetting rule #1

"Did I say you could talk?" When Joey shook his head no Tony hit him on the head with a pillow. "Inhabitants, that means Lord Anthony and Markus."

"Aw Tony that was sick" moaned San.

"Did I say you could talk?"

"No."

Tony hit him on the head with a pillow and told the boys to go to sleep. It didn't take long for the two tired boys to nod off.

It was 1:00 in the morning when San first noticed some stirrings going on in Joey's bed. It sounded like he was talking to someone.

"What is it Joey?" Santos whispered. When his friend didn't answer he turned on the light.

Joey was thrashing about on the bed mumbling something.

"No, no I'll stop, no more." San tried to wake him up and as soon as he touched his friend he could feel Joey shaking uncontrollably. Joey sat bolt upright in bed and began to weep. "No no it hurts, I be good!!"

Santos took off for his parent’s bedroom screaming for help.

"Mama, Mama something’s wrong with Joey come quick!" San dragged his Mom all the way to the room he and Joey were sharing. In the meantime Markus and Tony had come to see what all the fuss was about.

"Tony I told you not to scare them!" she scolded when she saw Tony coming down the hall, "What's the matter San? Is he sick?"

"I don't know, Mama, he won't say."

When Rosa and Rudy and the rest of the family got to the bedroom they couldn't find Joey. He had gotten off the bed and was on the floor behind the door. Curled up in a little ball he was whimpering. Rosa knelt down to comfort the frightened child and once again Joey started to scream. "No please no, I'll be good. I didn't mean it I'm sorry." Rosa was unable to touch him, as he would pull away and cry as if in pain. . .

Chico and Liz had a wonderful, romantic evening together. Chico was just getting home from dropping Liz off when the payphone in the garage began to ring.

"Ed Brown's Garage." Chico answered speaking softly so as not to awaken Ed.

"No need to apologize I'm glad you called I will be there in a few minutes." He hung up.

Chico hurriedly put his denim jacket back on and rushed out the door. He jumped in the truck and hurried toward San's house. He didn't even need to knock as Rosa met him at the door.

"I don't understand, he wasn't complaining of sickness, they were having fun. . ." Rosa led Chico through the house to the bedroom where Joey and San should have been fast asleep.

"I told them a ghost story but it wasn't scary they thought it was sick." admitted Tony.

Joey was still behind the bedroom door rocking back and forth, crying softly to himself. Chico knelt down to talk to Joey and when Joey saw him he freaked out again. He backed himself way up against the wall as far into the corner as he could get. "No no more hurts I be good, no David por favor!"

Chico sat on the floor beside Joey, he was whispering softly to the panicking child

"NO!" he screamed and try to back further away, when he realized that he could go no further he put his arms in front of his face as if to stop a blow. Chico reached over and took Joey onto his lap. Joey fought like a caged animal to get free so Chico began to speak Spanish softly into Joey's ear rocking him back and forth. They sat like that for a few minutes and soon it was as if Joey finally realized where he was. He looked around the room and when he saw it was Chico, his Papa, holding him he began to sob uncontrollably as he clung to his Dad.

"It's ok Joey. It's ok I'm here now, you’re safe."

"I-I s-saw D-David" Joey was sobbing so hard it was hard to speak.

"No Joey no you didn't see David, he's dead he can't hurt you any more."

Chico was consoling Joey and rubbing his back trying to get him to quiet down.

"I'm sorry, he hasn't had one of these for several weeks I can't imagine what brought this one on, If I had known this was coming I never would have let him stay tonight. I'm sorry."

"There's no need to apologize, I just hope he's gonna be ok." said Rudy and Rosa with concern. Rosa turned to usher the boys off to bed.

"Joey, I'm going to take you home. . ."

"No I wanna stay with you, "

"Joey listen to me. You live with me and Ed now remember, your not going home to David your coming home with me." Chico used the strength in his long legs to help himself up off the floor with one hand and hang on to Joey with the other. Joey cried all the while. As they made their way through the house Chico noticed a vacuum cleaner standing in the living room and he knew what brought this on.

"Thanks for inviting him, and again I'm sorry for the trouble."

"It was no trouble and perhaps we can try it again when he has adjusted." offered Rosa hopefully.

Chico found it difficult to drive as he was hanging on to Joey. He tried to set the boy in his own spot but his grip was so tight and fearful that he feared what would happen to Joey should he let go of him. He was still sobbing to the point of screaming when they got back to the garage. Ed who was having a glass of water heard the commotion and came quickly down the stairs.

"What is all the racket here?" said Ed as he made his way downstairs. "I thought Joey was staying with the Garcia’s?"

"I'm not sure Ed, all I know is that Joey had a nightmare at San's house. I think this may be the worst one yet. It took a good 10-15 minutes for him to realize that I was not David. He was hiding behind the bedroom door and pleading for no more hurts, that he'd be good"

"Can I do any thing?"

"If you could get me a blanket and unfold Joey's bed please that would be great."

When Ed returned from Chico's apartment with a blanket Chico was seated on the old sofa in the waiting area. He was still holding Joey as he cried. Ed gently lay the blanket over Joey and Chico together. Chico is singing a soft Spanish lullaby too Joey, while he was still crying he was no longer screaming.

The garage was dark except for the soft light streaming from Chico's apartment. Ed stood quietly by and watch as within moments of the soft Spanish Lullaby Joey had quieted and though his breath was still coming in sobs he was quiet and still.

Ed watched a few minutes more as tears slid down his cheek. He realized tonight and perhaps for the first time that Chico needed Joey as much as Joey needed him. It was a beautiful site to see.

When he was certain that Joey was asleep, he carried him into the apartment and gently put him to bed, speaking softly too him in Spanish as he did.

Chico had to loosen Joey grip on his shirt before he could lay him down. It wasn't until then that he realized that in his terror Joey had a grip on his skin as well as the shirt! He had been so absorbed in trying to comfort the boy that he never even realized he was being pinched.

After tucking Joey in Chico got ready for bed himself. It was almost 2:30 and he was beat. As he was putting his jeans on a nearby chair the belt buckle hit the chair. Joey whimpered a little but was soon fast asleep again.

Chico looked at the belt, and was saddened at the thought of how often and how severely that little boy must have been hurt with a belt. As a youngster living with his Aunt Connie she had always understood a young boys need to explore and play, and yes get into mischief. If discipline was ever required it was immediate, on rare occasions painful, but it was always done in love and forgotten. Aunt Connie never used what he had done as a source of humiliation, or to be reminded of at every turn. As he watched his son sleeping he realized that he loved his Aunt Connie as much for the things she hadn't done as much as for those she did.

Chico was sleeping peacefully when he was overcome by the feeling that someone was watching him. Opening his eyes he could see that Joey was awake and standing by his bed.

"What is it son, what's the matter?"

"I'm cold Papa," he explained as he wiped his eyes.

"Well come on in here." said Chico as he threw back the covers so Joey could climb in.

When he was all snuggled in Chico inquired, "There is that better?"

"Yep, thanks." Chico lay back down as well, soon a little hand reached across his chest and hugged him. The rest of the night passed without incident, Chico awoke at 5:00 as it was his turn to open the garage at 6:00. He showered and as he was getting dressed Joey woke up.

"Buenos Dias mi nino!" exclaimed Chico cheerfully.

"Buenos Dias mi papa." The little answered sleepily. Joey sat up as Chico came over to the bed to put his shoes on. As Chico stood to buckle his belt Joey spoke again.

"What are you gonna do?"

"Do? About what?"

"Are you mad?"

"Why would I be mad?"

Joey just shrugged his shoulders in reply. Chico, sensing there was a lot more to the question, sat back on the bed and took Joey in his arms.

"Joey why do you think I would be mad?"

"Cause I was bad at the sleepover and couldn't stay."

"Joey, you weren’t bad, you had a nightmare, it happens. I'm not mad at you at all."

Joey looked up at Chico, "I'm sorry."

"There's nothing for you to be sorry about, it happens, heck the first two nights I was with Aunt Connie she said no one got any sleep because I kept everyone awake."

"You did?!"

"Sure did, Aunt Connie's was the second place I lived after Mama died, I lived with my cousin Carlos a while but when Carlos's dad got transferred Aunt Connie offered to take me in so I wouldn't have to leave another school. I was really sad at first but it turned out to be the best thing that ever could have happened to me."

"You and me, we got lots the same don't we?" declared Joey, quite pleased with this discovery.

"We sure do pal, but now as much as I'd love to sit here with you like this all day I'd better finish getting ready so I can open the garage we'll talk later ok."

"Ok." Joey lowered his head as he answered."

"Hey buddy we're just gonna talk you're not in any trouble, you got that straight?"

"Ok Papa, can I help you today?"

"You better believe it kiddo." As he was putting on his t-shirt, "I'll go upstairs and get some breakfast come on up when your ready." Joey hurried and got dresses, fed Freddie and ran upstairs.

Nothing more was said about the failed sleep over. Joey helped Chico and Ed with little jobs around the garage and played with Freddie. It was about 1:00 when Joey got a phone call, it was Santos calling to see how he was and if he wanted to play for the afternoon.

Chico answered the phone but Joey refused to talk to his friend and went to his room to clean Freddie's bowl. Chico hated to lie so he said that Joey was busy cleaning his turtle’s cage and would call when he was through.

"Ed I know I've had lunch but I think I need to talk to the kid, ok?"

"Sure thing, you'll just work later tonight." Ed always had a smart answer for every occasion. Chico knew he was joking and just waved him off as he went to his apartment. He found Joey sitting on the sofa watching Freddie walk across the back of the couch.

"I told San you'd call him when you were through cleaning the turtle’s cage."

"Do I have to?"

"I think you should. Why don't you want to talk to him, he's your friend."

"He probably thinks I'm a big baby and wants to laugh at me."

"Why would your best friend think you're a baby?" Chico asked as he sat next to his son.

"Cause I bawled like a baby and couldn't even stay at a sleepover all night."

"I see, so your embarrassed."

Joey simply nodded, he was too embarrassed to admit it out loud.

"Joey listen to me, You have been through a lot for being so young. And you've recently lost your Mama. That's a hard thing to handle at any age and your only seven. We were all worried about you last night, heck you even had Santos crying for a while he was so scared. I don't know what you were dreaming or what brought it all on but anyone could see that you were terrified and that is nothing to laugh at or be ashamed of."

When Joey just looked at him, but said nothing, Chico continued.

"Do you feel like talking about it? It might help."

Joey put Freddie back in his bowl and climbed on Chico's lap.

"It was fun for a while, we played in the big sand pile in the back yard, could we get one of those?"

"I don't see why not course we'll have to ask Ed too."

"We played in the sandpile till supper, Mrs. Garcia is a good cook, she made skettie.

Markus didn't eat with us, he got in trouble. I thought his Dad was gonna yell he looked like he was, but he didn't. After supper San and I helped his dad fix some old lady’s vacuum cleaner. He was mad about that."

"He was mad at you boys?"

"No he was mad cause the rattle brained, I think that's what he called her, lady never changed bags in the cleaner. I thought that was funny but when he picked up the thing to plug it in I got scared."

"That's understandable." Chico gave Joey a reassuring squeeze.

"He got it fixed and San's mom came in and told him if he got dirt on her floor he'd be vacuuming it. I got real scared then, he turned on vacuum cleaner and chased her around the room! If Mama ever talked like that to David he hit her, but San's mom was happy, she laughed and said I like the way you vacuum."

"That sounds like those two."

"We even got to have chocolate malts while we watched a movie!" said Joey, becoming more excited about the evening again.

"Cool, I like malts too we'll have to make some on our next movie night." offered Chico, trying to encourage Joey to continue he said, "What movie did you watch?"

"We watched air bud, it's about a dog what plays basketball. If I ever had a dog I'd like to teach it to play basketball."

"That would be neat," said Chico.

"Do you think I could teach Freddie how to play?" inquired Joey

"I think he'd be better at backgammon." teased Chico.

"You are so funny!" laughed Joey.

"Well that sounds like a cool movie, I've never seen that one."

"It was good ‘cept there was a man on there that was mean to the dog and hit him all the time, then he found this kid who taught him how to play ball, kinds like you finding me Huh?"

"Hey I guess so."

"Anthony told us a ghost story before we went to bed, it wasn't scary though, just some dumb ants on a toothpick."

"Well it sounds like you did have fun for most of it though."

"Yep, but I bet they'll never let me come over again."

"Your wrong there pal Mrs. Garcia said later when your more settled and feeling better we could try it again, when you ready."

"She did really?"

"Yes she really did. Do you want to tell me about your nightmare?"

"Chico where'd you put Mrs. Valasquez’s bill she's here to pay." said Ed as he entered the apartment.

"I'll get it Ed, I'll be right back and we can talk some more."

Chico returned to the apartment after Mrs. Valasquez left, Joey was putting Freddie's bowl back on the dresser. Chico sat on the couch and again Joey made himself comfortable on his lap.

"I'm so glad your leg is better, I like to sit on your lap."

"I like having you here, My Aunt Connie used to let me sit on her lap and she'd read to me. My favorite story was the three little pigs."

"Mama used to read to me. I sat on her lap and she'd read Love you forever, that was our special story. Did you ever get to sit on Grandpa Gil's lap?"

"Not that I remember, he left when I was so little. How about you, did you sit on your Papa's lap?"

"I don't remember. I am in the picture I have though, I never sat on David's lap, less I was getting a whipping."

"Do you want to tell me about your dream?"

"I just remember David calling me names rattlebrained and he was chasing me with the vacuum, and the cord was on fire. I kept telling him I'd be good but he kept chasing me. Mama was there. . ."

"What was she doing? Did she help you?"

"She kept smiling and saying I like the way you vacuum. He caught me and started whipping me with the cord. . . like he did for real." Joey stopped to wipe away his tears. "Why would Mama laugh and say she liked that?"

"Dreams are goofy things pal. They take things you see and do, and even hear and jumble them all up. You were probably missing your Mama and she became Mrs. Garcia laughing about her husband and the vacuum, and the rest is just all the different things that have happened to you, memories brought back through the spaghetti, Markus in trouble and the vacuum cleaner. I see now why you were so upset. No body is gonna make you feel bad about that and if San does, he's certainly not the kid I thought he was."

"Thanks papa Chico. I feel better now, but can I sleep in your bed tonight?"

"We'll see. Now why don't you go call San, maybe he can come over for awhile."

San was very anxious to see his friend and did indeed come over. He returned Joey's truck, in all the commotion of the night before it had been left behind. When they were playing checkers on the workbench San asked him a question.

"Can I ask ya something?"

"Sure, what?

"Are you gonna ever wanna stay at my house again?"

"You want me too?!"

"Why wouldn't I, we're buds? I just thought maybe you didn't have a good time."

"I had a great time, I- I just had a nightmare, I didn't mean to be a baby."

"I never said you was a baby!"

"I wasn't busy when you called before." Chico was coming out of the office with Ed; they heard the conversation and stayed out of sight.

"Chico said you were cleaning Freddie's bowl if you weren’t busy why didn't you talk to me?"

"He didn't lie I was cleaning it but I was done when you called, I-I just thought you were gonna laugh at me, I was embarrassed."

"I wouldn't laugh at you, you didn't laugh at me when I had that asthma attack in school last week."

"That wasn't funny."

"Neither is what happened to you, don't worry I won't never tell anybody not even if Anthony and Markus rip out my guts."

"Do they know, your brothers I mean?"

"Yeah but my dad said if they said anything they'd be grounded for the rest of their lives, and Markus is in enough trouble."

Chico and Ed came out of the office. "Ed Where did you put all those invoices? I had them all organized."

"That's the trouble with you Chico, you organize everything so I can't find anything. I needed more space in the file cabinet so I moved them under the cash register."

"Why didn't you leave the invoices under I for Invoices and put the other stuff under the cash register?"

"Are you crazy Chico, bourbon doesn't fit under the cash register and if I took it out of the bottle it would run all over the desk!"

"Ca sen velquenza sta loco!"

"I can't understand you when you talk like that!" hollered Ed

"I know. I want to keep my job." countered Chico.

The boys laughed as they watched round fifty- two between Chico and Ed in the battle of 'You do things your way and I'll do them mine'.

"Come on San, let's go get Freddie and take him outside."

While Chico and Ed worked Joey and his friend played outside. San was asked to stay for supper and called to get permission. They ordered pizza and had a great time.

"Maybe I could stay here at your house one night huh?"

"Could he Chico? Could San sleep over one night?"

"I think that would be ok, let's wait a while though ok?"

"Sure thing Chico, you don't have to tell my Mom I asked do ya? She'd be mad at me for inviting myself."

"Ees not my job man," he answered and pretended to lock his lips and throw away the key.

Shortly after supper san went home. Everyone was rather tired from all the activity the night before.

Joey took a bath and watched Jokers wild with Ed while Chico talked to Liz for nearly an hour.

Joey was getting into his jammies when Chico entered the apartment.

"You were right Chico, San is my friend and he won't tell any body."

"I thought he was a good kid."

"Did you really mean it when you said San could spend the night???"

"Sure, I think we better wait a while though and see how your nights go."

"Great!" squealed Joey as he flew off the bed and into Chico. It's a good thing he was quick because he was caught by surprise.

"Whoa pal, your lucky I caught ya!"

"I know you wouldn't let me fall Papa."

"Are you ready for bed?"

"I'm not tired yet." replied Joey as he tried to stifle a yawn.

"Your not tired huh, then how come your yawning?"

"Cause your boring."

"Why you little monster!!" Chico tackled Joey down on the bed and tickled him.

"I give, I give, stop!"

"Ok pal but it's getting late and we were all up late last night."

"But I don't want those dreams to come back."

"I know and I understand, but staying up all night is just going to make you sick. Remember what we talked about, dreams are just thoughts? Think about the fun things you did today and I bet you'll have good dreams. And I'll be right here if you need me."

"Ok, can I go say goodnight to Ed?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

Joey raced up the stairs stopping long enough to knock. He hadn't forgotten the way he scared Ed the last time he barged in.

"Yeah come in."

"I just came in to say goodnight Ed."

"You going to bed already?"

"It's 9:00. I always go to bed at 9:00 on Saturdays."

"Well sleep good and no hollering tonight."

"Did I wake you last night?" Joey was obviously worried and Ed was sorry he had teased the boy about having a nightmare.

"No you didn't wake me, I was awake just getting a glass of water. Don't you worry about a thing, just sleep well."

Joey threw his arms around Ed. "Good night Grandpa I love you."

"Yeah yeah love you too."

Chico tucked Joey in and in no time he was fast asleep. Chico went to bed about 10:00 as he was tired as well.

During the night Joey began to toss and turn he was crying softly in his sleep when Chico first heard him and woke almost immediately. He gently shook the boy to stop the nightmare.

"It's ok Joey, I'm here. Nobody's gonna hurt you." Chico puts his arms around Joey and began to sing the Spanish lullaby. Before long he was sleeping again, and remained so the rest of the night.

The next day they were invited over to Della's for dinner, and then they played games and visited. It was a very nice day.

"Why do the weekends have to go by so quickly?" questioned Della.

"I know it seems like we just close the garage on Sat and it's time to open a few minutes later." agreed Chico. Joey had gone to the garage to clean up the mess of legos he left all over the apartment, so Chico felt free to share with Della a little bit of what was happening at night.

"Della I'm worried about Joey. He's been having nightmares, bad ones. I've tried to explain about nightmares being mixed up thoughts, he's talked to me about them. I don't know what to do I'm afraid he'll make himself sick. He's afraid to go to bed at night."

"Well he has been through an awful lot. I'm sure it's not uncommon. Why don't you talk with Lynnae Elliot I'm sure she's had a lot of experience with that. Maybe a night-light would help?"

"I'm willing to try anything. I'm beat from being up so much and Joey isn't sleeping well, I'm afraid he'll be sick."

"Who are you trying to kid, the hours you keep a person would think you were an owl."

"Very funny Ed. I wouldn't change a thing I love having Joey with me, it's just this parenting is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be."

"You’re doing fine baby, just fine." Della assured. "But I guess if I were you, I would talk to Lynnae about it."

"That's a great idea Della I'll call her tomorrow when Joey's at school. Thanks."

The next afternoon while Joey was still in school Chico met with Lynnae Elliot to see if she had any suggestions on how to help his son. They sat at what they had jokingly begun to call their table.

"I'm glad you could meet with me, I'm afraid I may be doing more harm then good for Joey."

"What makes you say such a thing?"

"He's having nightmares every night. He's been sleeping with me the last two nights. I let him stay at his friends house and I'm afraid that it stirred some memories for Joey."

"I see well you needn't blame yourself, You were trying to give Joey as normal a life as possible. He's been through so much, maybe even more than Joey can recall himself yet."

"What do you mean?"

"He may have some traumatic memories so deep inside that he can't even remember them. He may be in a grocery store one day and see someone or thing that triggers a memory. Tell me, what do you do for Joey when he has these nightmares?"

When he was at the Garcia's he was wild with fear. It took me about 20 minutes to get him to understand that I was not David. Screaming for David to stop. I took him in my arms and sang a Spanish lullaby. David hated it when Joey and his mom spoke Spanish I guess so I thought if he heard the Spanish he would realize it was me. It worked on Saturday night and again last night, but he keeps having them."

"Does he tell you about these dreams?"

"Yes. He has been very open about them, a little reluctant at times but I tell him that it will help him to talk about it. Maybe I'm wrong and making him talk about it keeps reminding him about it.""

"I think it's different with everyone but if he's willing to talk about it must make him feel a little better. I think you should just keep on with what you've been doing and if your still concerned you may want to take him to a Doctor, just to see if there may be some medical reason for these terrors."

"You think he may be really sick?"

"No, not at all. You have to remember that he has been through so much, remember when you told me that Carlotta didn't even know about the beating with the vacuum cleaner cord?"

"Yeah?"

"Well who knows what other beatings and terrible things may have gone on without her knowledge? It's going to take time, patience, and love, and I know he has found that in you."

Chico continued to be concerned for Joey. It had been almost a week since the failed sleepover and while the nightmares seemed to be lessening in their intensity he still had at least one a night.

This proved to be wearing on everyone’s nerves. Joey was increasingly crabby becoming weepy at times and Chico who was normally so calm and easy going was a bit more snappy, though not at Joey. Though he slept upstairs and rarely heard anything, Ed was becoming increasingly irritated with the whole mood of the garage. Ed being crabby was one thing, everyone was used to that, but Chico, that was too much.

At supper one night when Chico set a plate of tuna hotdish on the table in front of Joey he whined "I hate peas."

"You need vegetables, they make you strong and keep you healthy."

"I don't care, I hate peas."

"Fine eat 7 of the peas and the rest of the hotdish and you can be done."

"Why seven?" he continued to argue.

"Because your seven years old now and you should be big enough to eat seven little peas." stated Chico patiently.

"No, I don’t wanna!" sassed Joey.

"Why you little. . ." started Ed, but Chico interrupted Ed before he could finish.

"Then I'll take your plate and you can go to your room. Your supper will be here if you get hungry enough but I'm not making you something different." He didn't yell and he didn't even look angry but Chico had never done that before and in his over tired state Joey cried and ran downstairs to his room.

"Ed I don't know what I'm gonna do. Joey has never acted like this before. I'm sure it's just because we're all so tired, but those nightmares just won't go away, and I know we won't get a decent nights sleep until they do."

"I don't know what to tell you Chico, have you tried Della's suggestion of a nightlight?"

"No. But at this point I'll try anything, if a nightlight doesn't help I'm taking him to the doctor like Lynnae suggested."

After supper Chico went down to check on Joey. He was sitting on Chico’s bed. Chico sat on the bed next to his son.

"I left your supper in the fridge if you want it."

"No thanks, I'm not hungry."

"I don't know about you pal, but I am tired." he said as he put an arm around Joey. "What would you say if we were to get a nightlight for you? Maybe it will help chase the bad dreams away."

"You think so?"

"I don't know, Della suggested it. Would you be willing to try it?"

"I guess so, I don't like those scary dreams."

"I'll pick one up at the store tomorrow and we'll see how it works. Have you finished your homework?"

"Not yet, it's math."

"You better get to it then take a bath."

"Yes Sir." Joey went to his backpack and got his math book and sat at the table. Chico went to the office to finish making out the order forms so they could be sent out the next day.

"I'll be in the office if you need anything."

"Ok."

Ed had a date with Shirley so he was upstairs getting ready when Shirley knocked on the garage door.

"Hello Shirley!" yelled Chico, that was his way of announcing Shirley as he had done that when Ed and her first met and he loved to remind his friend about that first meeting. Shirley fell for Ed right away, she said his mustache was tre distingaue. That was a great source for teasing Ed, something Chico never tired of.

"Hello Chico. Is my little pineapple upside down cake ready?" asked Shirley.

"He's upstairs I'll go tell him your here. You’re welcome to sit in the apartment and wait. Joey's doing his homework in there."

"Thank you Chico, I think I will go say hi to him. I haven’t seen him in a while."

Chico hurried upstairs to help Ed finish getting ready while Mrs. Shriff knocked on the door of Chico's apartment.

"Come in."

"Hello dear, Chico is getting Ed for me, and he said I could come and say hi. How are you?"

"Hi Mrs. Shirley, I'm doing my math, I'm ok."

"You haven't been by the shop lately."

"I been busy helping Chico and Ed. Maybe I can come over tomorrow?"

"Yes do that and I'll have a snack for you and San can come too. Oh, I have some cans and bottles for you two also."

"Great, thanks. You haven't seen my turtle have you?"

"A turtle, oh no you haven't." Shirley tried to hide her dislike for the reptiles so as not to make the little boy feel bad.

"His name is Freddie, you wanna hold him?" Joey asked as he set the pail down in front of Ed's girlfriend. He was just about to pick the turtle up to give him to Shirley when Chico came in.

"Oh no dear that's fine, he's a-a very nice turtle but I don't care to hold him."

"Shirley Ed's ready now, oh I see you've met our newest family member Freddie."

"Uh yes he's very uh green. I'm coming Ed," she turned to Joey. "I'll see you tomorrow then?"

Joey looked at Chico before answering, when Chico nodded his approval Joey answered. "Sure thing Mrs. Shirley." Shirley kissed Joey good bye and turned to leave. She stopped to give Chico a kiss on the cheek before departing as well.

"Chico how come girls like to kiss all the time?"

"Pal, guys like to kiss girls too."

"Oh gross."

"Trust me pal one day you'll like girls and want to kiss them."

"No way, you said that to me before and it hasn't happened yet."

"It will just you wait."

"I can wait, I can wait!"

"Good, because I don't think I'm awake enough for you to like girls yet," joked Chico as he scooped his boy in his arms and threw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Chico put the boy down and helped him finish his homework. While Joey took a bath, Chico went back to work on the order forms for supplies.

When Ed came into the garage after taking Shirley Dancing he could hear weeping coming from the apartment. He knocked softly on the door and entered only after hearing Chico's welcome. He found Chico rocking and sing to Joey.

"Is everything alright?" Ed asked.

"Yeah Ed, it's another nightmare, a bad one he's been like this for the last half hour."

"I'll go get some cocoa ok."

"Thanks Ed," said Chico wearily.

By the time Ed returned with three cups of cocoa Joey was once again asleep, his breath coming in short deep sobs. Chico continued to rock him as he sipped his cocoa.

"Ed I hate myself for saying this but I really regret ever letting Joey stay at the Garcia's."

"Things will get better Chico, really they will."

"I know, I’m just tired."

"Well he's asleep now let me help you." Chico put Joey back to bed, Ed covered him up. "I'll take care of this you just lie down and get some rest." He took the cups threw the blanket over both Chico and Joey and turned the light off on his way out of the room.

Chapter 26

Chico did get a nightlight but it didn't seem to help. As a last resort he thought he tried one more option before going to the Doctor. When Joey came home from school Chico asked to talk to him before he went out to play.

"Am I in trouble?"

"No I just need to talk to you. You and I are both wearing out from these nightmares and I don't know how to help you."

"I'm sorry Chico, I don't mean to keep you up, I'm sorry!"

"No, no I'm not upset with you and I know you can't help it. I just want to try and figure out a way to help you so we can all get a full nights sleep." He knelt down to speak to Joey.

"Did you have nightmares when you were with your Mama?"

"Yeah some. Mostly when Mama worked, before we moved here."

"What did your Mama do for you?"

Joey went to the closet and pulled out a box. He pulled out the Bible and storybook that they discovered in the box of belongings after Carlotta and David's deaths. He brought the storybook and gave it to Chico.

"If Mama wasn't home, David would give me something to cry for, if Mama was home she'd read our story to me."

Chico looked through the book and sat on the bed, taking Joey by the hand as he did. "I know this was yours and your Mama's story, but would you mind if I tried reading it to you tonight?"

"If you want."

"I'm not trying to replace your Mama, but if this helps I'd like to try it. I hate to see you so hurting."

"Ok. I'm glad I met you, you're awful nice to me."

"I'm glad we met too. You're a good kid and you make it easy to be nice to you."

"I gotta do my homework before San comes over."

"Yeah I have to get back to work too."

Later that afternoon San came over to play. They were under the desk in Ed's office when Ed came in for his afternoon Bourbon.

"What in the name of Jack Daniels are you two doing under the desk!"

"We're camping. This is our tent." said Joey and San.

"Don't let the bears get you." said Ed as he slammed the cash register shut.

"I think it would be so cool to go camping, have you ever been camping?" Joey asked his friend.

"Yeah my dad takes me sometimes. It's fun maybe you could go with sometime" San didn't want to remind Joey that he had been camping with his step dad the time he was supposed to go along and got sick.

"I dunno, maybe."

Chico came into the office. "Santos your Mom is here."

"Aw I gotta leave already? " The boys picked up their camping gear and went out to the garage.

"Do I have to go home already?" he pleaded with his Mom.

"Yes Markus and your father will be home soon, Anthony is at basketball, I have supper on the stove so we'd better get a move on. What do you say to Chico and Ed."

"Thanks for letting me come over."

"Anytime San, anytime." Chico encouraged.

"Yeah see ya kid." waved Ed.

"You coming to school tomorrow amigo?" questioned San

"Yeah, why not?"

"Just wondering, I thought ...aw nothing. I'll see ya tomorrow."

"I'll be waiting for you."

"Come on kid you can set the table, Chico will you lock up?"

"What's for supper Ed?" asked Joey as they made their way upstairs.

"Cream peas on toast."

"No way, you're teasing right?" Joey looked dejectedly at Ed at the prospect of another meal with peas.

"Yes we're having bar-b-ques and French fries."

"Alright! Thanks Ed."

When Chico arrived upstairs the table was set. Joey was helping Ed by carrying the buns to the table.

"These are Great Ed!" exclaimed Chico as he took another bite.

"It was Margaret's recipe she made them for Sharon's birthday party's"

'I'll get some ketchup for the fries," offered Joey as he got up from the table.

"I wonder why San thought you weren't going to school tomorrow?" wondered Chico.

"I dunno he's kinda goofy sometimes." replied Joey. There was much talking and laughter throughout the meal. When they had finished Ed did the dishes and Joey was building with his legos when Liz stopped by for a visit.

"Hola mi corizon. I have missed you," she greeted Chico. "And mi poco corizon como esta?" She kissed Joey, which he immediately wiped off.

"Oh don't you like my kisses Jose?" Liz teased feigning hurt feelings.

"Chico said he's too tired for that."

"What?!"

"Uh Liz don't pay any attention to Joey, he's tired. Aren't you, son?" said Chico as he nudged Joey toward the stairs.

Taking the hint, Ed said, "Come on kiddo, I'll let you beat me at checkers."

"You don't have to let me Grandpa Ed I just do."

"You know your getting a smart mouth just like your Papa." Ed softly whacked Joey upside the head.

"Thanks." Joey answered, referring to being like Chico.

'I never said..." That was all that could be heard before the door shut behind them.

"Would you mind telling me just what Joey was talking about?" requested Liz suspiciously.

"Oh that," laughed Chico as he tried desperately to lighten the mood.

"He was referring to a conversation we had earlier. Mrs. Shriff gave him a kiss and he asked me why girls like kissing. I told him one day he would enjoy kissing a girl and he said he didn't think so. I told him it would happen one day he said he could wait and I said good cause I'm too tired now for you to start liking girls kisses yet."

Liz had a good laugh when she realized what it was all about. "So you two are still up at night?" she asked with concern.

"Yes, but I have one more idea to try before we resort to going to the Dr. I'm gonna try it tonight. Now let's relax a little, just the two of us."

Chico led Liz over to the nearby sofa and dimmed the lights....

Upstairs Joey was indeed beating Ed at Checkers, and Go Fish, Rummy, and Old Maid. "Let me see your arms kid."

"Why?" he asked as he held an arm out for Ed to see.

"I want to see if you're hiding cards on me."

"I wouldn't do that Ed."

"No I know you wouldn't I was just teasing, hey should we have some ice cream?"

"Sure, I'll go see if Chico and Liz want some too!"

"That's ok kid I think their just fine down there, you stay here with me." said Ed as he pulled Joey away from the door before he could open it."

"Oh I get it, I bet they're kissing. Yuck."

"You are young aren't you kid."

"Do you kiss Mrs. Shirley?"

"That's none of your business!" snapped Ed.

"I bet you do." the boy persisted.

"Do you want me to spank you?"

"No."

"Then be quiet and eat your ice cream." he countered as he set a huge bowl of ice cream in front of Joey.

"There that ought to keep you quiet for a while."

"I know you wouldn't really spank me Ed, you're just teasing."

"Yeah, well eat!"

They ate their snack while they watched What's Happening on TV. "I like Re-run best Ed, who do you like?

"I like Dwayne, he's a good actor, no one could be that stupid."

Joey was sitting on Ed's lap when Chico and Liz came upstairs.

"Do you guys want some ice cream?" offered Joey.

"No thank you sweetie I have to be going I work in the morning. I just came to say good bye. She came over to give Joey and Ed each a kiss on the cheek. "Have a good night."

"Night Liz." called Joey and Ed together as Liz started to leave stopping to kiss Chico on the way out. "If that's the way you kiss when your tired I can't wait till your rested!"

"Oh brother!" Chimed Ed and Joey together.

When Liz left Chico came over to Joey. "Ok squirt time for bed."

"No please, I'm not ready yet." Just the thought of bedtime brought tears streaming down Joey's small face."

"C'mon pal, we're all tired and remember we're gonna try something new."

"Your not tired are ya Ed? I can stay up with you, right?"

"No. I'm going to bed as soon as you get your little behind off my lap."

"Come on Pal, it will be ok, remember I'm there if you need me." He picked Joey up off of Ed's lap and proceeded to carry him downstairs to bed.

"No Papa, no, I don't want to." Joey was sobbing into Chico shoulder as the two made their way downstairs.

That poor kid, I hope he can sleep tonight, I hope they both can, Ed thought to himself as he closed his door.

When Joey was finally settled in bed Chico climbed in beside him. He turned on the nightlight and opened the book. Chico put his arm around Joey and began to read. "A Mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth and while she held him she sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be....

. . .Then he went to into the room where his very new baby daughter was sleeping. He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while he rocked her he sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."

By the time Chico had finished the story Joey was sound asleep. Moving carefully so as not to awaken him Chico got out of bed to turn out the light and climbed back in beside his son. Though it was only 8:30 Chico was dead tired and thought he ought to rest while he had the chance.

Chico was awakened some time later by a thud. When he turned on the light he found that Joey had fallen out of bed. He got out of bed and went to pick him up off the floor. Joey quickly pulled away from him and was rocking back and forth in front of the door, crying hysterically.

"Don't hurt Mama, don't hurt Mama, I did it, my fault!" Chico tried again to pick him up off the floor. When he came near again Joey screamed and tried to pull away. This time Chico was ready and was able to grab Joey in a bear hug and sat on the floor rocking him, and singing. Ok God, I don't know what else to do. I'm tired, Ed's tired, and Joey's tired. Everything I've tried has failed. Please give me strength where I am weak. Help me help my son.

The next morning it was Ed's turn to open the garage. When he got downstairs he was surprised at how quiet it was, he went to the door of Chico's place and opened the door. He saw Chico sleeping, sitting upright with Joey in his arms. Upon hearing the door open Chico woke with a start.

"Well no wonder you're so tired if you've been sleeping like that."

"Very funny Ed, Joey had a nightmare again last night and when he got to sleep I didn't want to move for fear of waking him up. Joey, Joey it's time to get up and get ready for school." whispered Chico as he shook the sleeping child. He awoke and went to the bathroom. Chico got up from the floor and was doubled over with a Charlie horse in his leg from sleeping as he had.

"Aye Dios mio! Ed, I got a Charlie horse." Chico attempted to walk it out.

"Chico don't walk it out rub it out that's better for you. Are you ok? Should I go start breakfast, or do you want me to stay here?"

"And do what?!" he snapped in reply. "I'm fine Ed, really."

"I'll go get breakfast then." said Ed and he closed the door after him. As the Charlie horse lessened Chico felt deep remorse for the way he had talked to the man who treated him as a son.

When Joey was out of the bathroom Chico had recovered and spoke to his son. "I guess my brilliant idea didn't work. I think maybe I'll call and make an appointment for you to see a pediatrician."

"A what?"

"A kids Doctor."

"I don't wanna see a Doctor."

"Well I don't like to see you so upset and I don't know how many more nights of little or no sleep we can take around here, so you have no choice this time pal. I'm gonna shower and change, Ed is getting breakfast. When your ready go have some breakfast I'll be up in a bit."

"Yes sir."

When Joey had left for school and Chico and Ed were busy at work when Chico talked to Ed about his rude behavior earlier that morning.

"Ed can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, I don't know what I can do but I'll listen."

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about Ed, I was rude and snappy with you this morning. You were only trying to help and I had no right to holler at you the way I did and I'm sorry man."

"I know you're just tired. I'm just sorry I can't be of more help to you. I'm proud of you, you know. You've taken on an awesome responsibility and you've handled it well I couldn't have held on like this and I was older and had a wife to help me. Or should I say I helped her. Why don't I sleep down here with Joey tonight and you can sleep upstairs, you need some sleep, now before you object just think about it."

"Your so good to me even after I was so short with you." said Chico undeservedly

"You've taken enough of that from me over the years. Now get to work or your fired, by the way, it's your turn to make lunch today." Ed retreated to his office leaving Chico shaking his head after him. At noon Chico went to the office to see what Ed wanted for lunch.

"Hey Ed you want to me to go over and see what Della has on the truck today or make us a couple sandwiches here?"

"I don't really feel like one of Della's tofu tragedies today why don't you make us one of your famous tuna salad with extra mayo."

"Ok but Ed, Della is just trying to help you eat healthy

"Healthy? I got this far without tofu and look at the shape I'm in."

"I repeat, Della is just trying to help you eat healthy," laughed Chico as he headed for the stairs.

"I'll have you know Shirley thinks I'm in FINE shape!" Ed hollered after him.

"I know your her little pineapple upside down cake, smooch" Chico kissed as he shut the door to avoid being hit by a flying grease rag.

It had been a while since Chico went to start lunch Ed was really getting hungry. Putting down the carburetor he was working on he went upstairs. He opened the door intending to complain about the slow service but what he saw caused him to keep his mouth shut. Chico had fallen asleep on Ed's bed. On the counter sat the jar of mayo and a can of tuna unopened. As quietly as he could he got a blanket from his closet, covered Chico and left the room.

"I guess its tofu for me. Sleep well Chico you deserve it."

Ed had lunch with Della and returned to work. Luckily they weren't to busy because Chico was still out like a light when Joey came home from school at 3:00.

"Hiya Ed I'm home!" he called as he headed for the stairs.

"Sssh. Keep you voice down your Papa is sleeping upstairs, why don't you go over to Della's for a snack."

"He's sleeping, he's not sick is he Ed?" Joey was worried.

"No he's not sick, just tired."

"Cause a me keeping him up all night." Joey felt bad that he was causing Papa Chico to be so tired.

"It's not your fault Joey you can't help it. Now be a good boy and run over to Della's for your snack ok.

"Whatya got there, kid?"

"Ok Ed. Just a dumb basket I made."

"Hey bring me one of those cookies she's making ok kiddo."

"Ok. I'll tell her it's for Chico." laughed the little boy as he walked across the alley.

"I swear that kid is getting to be more like Chico with every day. Why me Lord." cried Ed as he looked to the Heavens.

A few minutes after Joey left for Della's Chico came down from upstairs, running his lean fingers through his dark hair.

"Cheez and crackers Ed I can't believe I fell asleep. I'm sorry man. What time is it?"

"3:15, I had tofu with Della."

"Holy frijoles, Ed why didn't you wake me?!"

"Chico your not super hero Zorro you know you need your sleep. If it had gotten busy I'd have woke you in a second now don't worry. Can you patch that tire over there? I can't find the hole."

"Sure thing Ed, where's Joey?"

"He's having a snack over at Della's so you could sleep he'll be here."

Joey came back later with a handful of chocolate chip cookies and a milk mustache.

"Hiya Chico and Ed I brought you some cookies," he said as he handed out two cookies to each Ed and Chico. Ed pretended to grab the remaining two cookies but Joey pulled them from his reach.

"No way, these are mine, Della said."

"Looks like you've already had a snack pal." said Chico

"That was for after school these are for when I'm doing my homework."

"I see. I guess you do need to keep your strength up over homework," said Ed

At that moment Della came into the garage carrying a woven basket.

"Joey, you left this in my office, it's beautiful, did you make it?

"Not cause I wanted to, thanks Della." Joey trudged upstairs to do his homework.

"What's the matter, did I say something wrong?"

"No Della it's nothing you said I think it's this basket. I'd better go talk to him, excuse me por favor." Chico picked up the basket and hurried upstairs to talk to his son.

Chico pulled up a chair and sat next to Joey, and set the basket on the table in front of them.

"Joey." When he didn't answer Chico spoke again.

"Joey, I'm talking to you, please look at me." He looked at his dad.

"That wasn't very nice of you to walk away from Della when she was talking to you."

Joey got up and headed for the door.

"I'll go tell her I'm sorry."

"Just a minute, I'm still talking to you." He caught Joey's arm and sat him down on the chair he had just vacated.

"I take it that this is the project you made for mothers day right?"

Joey only nodded.

"Well you did a great job, what are you going to do with it?"

"Throw it."

"Why?"

"Cause I hate it!" He yelled as he picked up the basket and attempted to throw it across the room. Chico quickly grabbed his son's arm.

"Hey! I know your upset about this but you are never to throw things in this house, and don't you raise your voice to me again, understand?" said Chico as he let go of Joey's arm and put the basket back on the table. "Understand?"

"Yes sir."

"If you wanted to throw the basket away why did you bring it home? Why not throw it away in school?" Chico was surprised by the explanation that followed.

"I did, or I tried. Miss Birch said it was to lovely too throw away and she said there must be someone I can give it to."

"That's a nice idea," said Chico, "What did you tell her, I hope you weren't sassy."

"Natalie was there and she said she would love to have it. Miss Birch said she thought that was a sweet idea. I told Natalie---"

"What did you tell her?" inquired Chico. Joey hung his head as he answered.

"I told her that if I gave it to her I'd- I'd barf in it first. Miss Birch got mad and made me stay in at recess. That basket gets me in trouble every time I turn around."

"No Joey you are the one getting yourself in trouble. That was not a nice thing to say, you know better than that."

"I guess so."

"There's no guessing about it, it wasn't nice and you do know better. Listen to me Joey, Mother's day is a time to honor, or in our cases remember our mother's. We aren't the first people to lose our Mom's and we won't be the last. Both you and I have many wonderful people in our lives who love and care for us and I believe Mother's day is a perfect day to say thank you. I'm not going to tell you what to do, if you want to throw all that hard work in the garbage go ahead, but I bet if you tried you could think of some special person who would love to have a basket like that. I'll leave you to think about that, I've sloughed off enough today. By the way you're going to apologize to Natalie for that nasty remark."

Before shutting the door, Chico poked his head back in and said, "I love you Joey."

When Chico had left Joey returned to his homework and his cookies. As he ate the cookies he looked at the basket on the table. When he had finished his homework Joey went to Chico.

"Chico, can you take me to the store please?"

"What for?"

"I thought about what you said and I wanna get something for someone."

"Sure, let's go. Ed Joey and I will be right back man."

"What is this garage or a vacation resort!" he yelled after them.

A short time later Joey returned with a teddy bear. He put it in the basket he made and signed a note. Chico watched as Joey walked across the alley to Della's office.

"C'mon in." called Della.

"Hi Della."

"Hello baby, did you come back for more cookies?"

"No ma'am, I got I mean I have something for you," he held out the basket with the teddy bear in it and Gave it to Della.

There seemed to be tears in her voice as she spoke. "Oh baby this is so beautiful, thank you but why, it's not even my birthday?"

"It's for Mother's Day on Sunday. I don't have my Mama no more but your good too me like her, you make great cookies. I-I love you." before Della could respond Joey turned and ran back to the garage

CHAPTER 28

Della told Chico later that night when Joey was in the tub that she was so grateful for the beautiful gift. Her own son Tony had not gotten her a Mother's day gift in so long that she felt sure he forgot he even had a mother until he needed money.

"I'm happy for you Della, you deserve that and more. You are truly one of God's angels."

"Thank you Chico, and Joey."

"It was all Joey Della, I talked to him, yes but I never told him what he should do he decided that all on his own. But these, these are from me." Chico presented her with a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses, and gave her a kiss. "Thank you Della for who you are and all you do."

A couple of days later Joey came in the garage after school in a very bad mood

"Hey pal how was your day?'

"I'll be right back I have to use the bathroom."

Chico looked at Ed and shrugged. At that moment little Natalie came sauntering into the garage. She marched up to Chico and said.

"Excuse me Mr. Garage man, is Joey here yet?"

"Uh yes but he's busy."

"That's ok just tell him I'll see him tomorrow at our spot." and with that she left.

Chico and Ed were chuckling over that when Joey came from the apartment.

"Uh Joey you had a visitor."

"Was San here? Where'd he go?"

"No it was Natalie, she said to say she'd see you tomorrow in your special spot." Chico said with a wide grin.

"Ca sen vequenza, we don't have a favorite spot!"

"She seems to think you do." said Ed

"I was on the swings, I heard my name called and looked over to the monkey bars, there on the top was creepy old Natalie, blowing kisses. I think I have to puke."

When Joey ran back into the apartment Chico and Ed were doubled over laughing.

"It seems to me that that little girl is quite a flirt." said Ed

"Poor kid." said Chico. He tried to sound sympathetic but his laughing didn't make it very convincing.

Neither Ed nor Chico said anything more about little Natalie. She was a cute little girl who had a crush on Joey but it obviously upset him to talk about her.

Joey was once again able to sleep through the night and in his own bed so everyone was much happier and more rested. Chico's color and exuberance had returned and he was feeling very pleased that he had managed to survive another parenting trauma.

As such the three guys entered summer vacation ready for some fun and relaxation. Chico and Ed hoped to take Joey and possibly San on Joey's first ever camping trip, and if things went as Chico hoped he and Joey would take a trip to Mexico to stay a week with Gilberto Rodriquez, whom they had not seen since Christmas.

A few weeks into summer vacation, Joey and a bunch of boys were at the playground playing basketball when Natalie came skipping into the garage.

"Hi, Mr. Garage man. Is Joey here?"

"No Natalie, he's not. Please call me Chico."

"Ok Mr. Chico, could you give this to Joey? It's an invitation to my birthday party."

"I sure will."

"Thank you Mr. Chico, good bye."

"Bye Natalie, I'll see that he gets this."

Ed was coming from the office when He noticed Natalie leaving.

"So what does the little floozy want now?"

"Sssh Ed, you be nice." Chico slapped Ed's shoulder. "She might hear you."

Chico brought the invitation into their apartment and he and Ed continued working.

Joey didn't come home from the playground until Ed was closing the Garage for the day. When Joey came riding up to the garage door Ed pretended not to notice him and close the door.

"Come on Grandpa Ed please let me in," laughed Joey

"Oh you're here, sorry we're closed you'll have to come back tomorrow."

"Come on please Ed." Ed opened the door and Joey scooted in. "Boy did we have fun. San's brothers and Raul were there and the big guys showed us how the big guys play ball," Joey said as he mimicked the older boys strutting around the court.

"Yeah well Chico's got supper on you better go wash up."

They had taco salad and bread sticks for supper and Mrs. Shriff sent over the dessert she had named after Ed-The Ed Brown pineapple upside-down cake. After supper Chico gave Joey the invitation that Natalie delivered.

"I'm not going." responded Joey adamantly after reading the invitation.

"She invited you, she wants you there." replied Chico

"If I go she's gonna think I like her, and I hate her." Joey was becoming upset the more they talked about it.

"Joey I want you to stop saying you hate people."

"Ok but I'm not going. Please don't make me Chico please!!!" Joey looked so frightened and upset that Chico just had to go to him.

"Ok, ok Joey you don't have to go. I'm not going to make you, I promise," he put his arms around Joey and he could feel Joey's heart pounding as he comforted him. "You don't have to go to her party if it's going to upset you this much but I do think you should be the one to tell her you're not going."

When Joey calmed down he whined, "Do I have to talk to her?"

"These are your choices pal, either you go to her party, or you don't but if you don't, you are going to tell her your not coming."

"Ok. I will." with an air of determination Joey picked up the phone, and put it back down. "I don't know her number."

"Her number is on the invitation pal," he said as he handed Joey the invitation. He looked at the number and dialed.

"Is Natalie there, please?"

"One moment please." Joey waited impatiently till she came to the phone.

"Hello?" came Natalie's voice.

"Hi Natalie, this is Joey. I'm not coming to your party cause I don't like you and my dad said I didn't have to if I told you myself so I am bye."

After he hung up the phone he went to play with Freddie and his legos, leaving Chico staring after him as if he were walking on his head. Since Joey had done EXACTLY as he was told Chico let the matter drop in an effort not to make an issue of it.

When Joey had gone to bed, and Della came over for a game of Backgammon with the young mechanic, Chico relayed the whole scene and the three of them had a great laugh.

"I still can't believe he did that, I never thought for a second he would have the nerve." Admitted Chico, as he was again overtaken by laughter.

Joey spent much of his time outdoors during the next weeks. He played ball with friends and went swimming. Ed, Joey, Chico, Mando, San and Louie all enjoyed a weekend camping trip with plenty of fishing, boating and fun.

All of this proved to be a wonderful summer of freedom for the youngster who had previously not known such luxury. Perhaps the best part of their summer came when Chico's father Gilberto Rodriquez called and invited them to come to Mexico for a week long vacation.

Chico brought the subject up one night at supper.

"Hey Ed, my pop called today, he wants us to come to Mexico for a week!"

"When are you leaving, you will come back won't you?" asked Joey with more than a hint of concern in his small voice.

"Joey I'm not leaving you or Ed we've all been invited. He wants us all to come and stay at his place!"

"Even me?!" Joey could hardly believe his possible good fortune.

"Especially you. Pop said he couldn't wait to show his grandson the sights and sounds of Mexico."

"Really, yippee!!! Can I tell San?" exclaimed Joey happily.

"Sure. Uh, after supper" Chico said, as Joey was about to leave the table to share the news with his best friend.

Chico had never seen mashed potatoes disappear so quickly.

"I'm so happy for you Chico I know you and Joey will have a great time," said Ed sincerely.

"You're invited too, Ed. We want you along with us, it wouldn't be the same without you."

"No Thank you Chico. This is the first trip for you and Joey you guys need some family time." replied Ed.

"But Ed, you're our family too."

"I thank you Chico and your Papa, I'll miss the both of you but it's only for a week and I just think I ought to stay here and run the garage. We missed a lot of business when I closed to stay with you in the hospital."

When Chico was about to protest further, Ed interceded.

"I know I didn't have to stay with you, I wanted to but I really think it should just be the three of you and you can tell me all about it when you get back."

"Let me know if you change your mind Ed, we'd love to have you along."

"I won't but thank you, just make sure you two clowns come back here and don't skip the country permanently."

"Can I be excused? I wanna go tell San about our trip!"

"Sure go ahead, be back by 8:00 for a bath."

"Another bath? I just took one last night."

"Yeah and you've spent the day sliding into home plate and crawling through sand piles, 8 o'clock," Chico repeated firmly

Chico did the dishes and Ed dried them, talking all the while.

"Joey sure seems excited about the trip." commented Chico.

"It'll be good for the two of you to spend some quality time together away from the garage. I don't imagine that poor kid has been to too many places, would you pick me up one of those piñatas? I've always wanted one."

"I'd be glad to Ed, maybe I'll get you one of those Parrots too," joked Chico.

"If you do you won't need to wonder what we're having for Sunday dinner when you get home, I hate those things!"

Chico's laughter echoed throughout the garage. When they had finished the dishes Chico phoned his Father to let him know how many to expect and to see when it would be best to come for a visit.

It was decided that Chico and Joey would leave in two weeks, as Gilberto would be between business trips. This would also give Chico and Joey time to get back into their regular routine before the start of a new school year.

The next two weeks were a jumble of activity for Father and son as they got everything ready for the trip. The reservations were made, packing was done and in no time they were off for a wonderful week together.

Gilberto arrived at the airport in a limousine to pick up his family. He had a whole list of things to do and places to go with his family.

They ate in the finest restaurants. Joey was enthralled with being able to eat in a sidewalk cafe. You were outside like a picnic but still had protection from the elements.

Neither Chico nor Joey could get over the size of Papa Rodriguez's home. It had an outdoor pool and an indoor one in case of inclement weather, a sauna, and pool table. And when Chico saw the fully stocked bar he thought immediately of his "other father" back home. "This would be Ed's favorite spot, pop," said Chico with a smile.

Outside there was plenty to do as well. There was a tennis court, golf course, and Joey's favorite a stable.

Joey was so thrilled to actually see a foal be born.

"This is too cool Papa, Ed's gonna be sorry he missed this! Joey told Chico excitedly.

They went to a street carnival, a fiesta as they are called. Chico found the perfect piñata for Ed, a donkey, because as Chico explained to his father, "Ed's a stubborn burro. He also bought Joey some Mexican jumping beans, which he thought were hilarious.

"Can I get some for San? Por favor?"

"Si Mi Nino." So they got a few more for Joey's best friend.

Mexico was quite humid and warm there at times Joey seemed to have difficulty breathing. Chico thought since the boy had never traveled much before this was a little overwhelming for him. So they spent a day indoors swimming and playing.

Along with all the sightseeing and fun they did some shopping, or rather Grandpa Gil did he bought Joey several new outfits, and things. He wanted his new grandson's first visit with him to be extra special. The most exciting gift of all, Gilberto Rodriquez gave Joey a pony from his stable!

"Gracias my abuello Gil!" Joey screamed as he practically tackled the Senior Rodriquez.

"De nada mi besnieto! It is my pleasure. It is yours, when you come again and should you wish to come stay with your abuello Gil as you say."

It had been a wonderful week and while they all hated to see it end Chico and Joey were anxious to get home to Ed.

Gilberto had originally given Chico and Joey their own rooms to sleep in but Joey put an end to that arrangement their first night in Mexico. Thus they were sharing the king-sized bed in Chico's room the last night when Joey started having difficulty breathing again.

Chico sat up with him rubbing his back to help him relax. "I'm sure your just tired from all the running we've been doing and anxious for the plane ride back home tomorrow. Here why don't you take my pillow too? I think it will help if you sit up a little more."

He gave him his pillow and sat with him until he finally fell asleep. At least this is easier than the nightmares, Chico thought to himself as he let sleep claim him as well.

CHAPTER 29

Chico and Joey had been home a few days, Ed had heard all about the fun they had almost more times than he cared to count. Both he and San loved the souvenirs they got.

San was envious about the pony. Chico was however a little concerned about his son since their return. While he was still excited and spoke often of the experience he seemed to have a hard time recovering from the jet lag. He still seemed so tired after nearly a week.

He mentioned it Ed and Ed said "I wouldn't start worrying just now Chico from all that you tow have talked about I'm sure you just wore the kid out. If you're that worried why don't you ask Liz and see what she thinks you should do?"

"That's a good idea, I may do that. You're probably right, we did do an awful lot in that week and as you said Joey has never traveled much before."

Saturday Chico and Ed had a steady stream of customers to deal with, and Joey and San played in the sand pile in San's back yard all morning. Joey came home to have lunch with his Dad. As they were finishing up Santos called to see if Joey wanted to come over and they could play ball with the guys.

"No thanks maybe later, I'll call ya, I gotta go finish my lunch."

"What was that all about?" Chico quizzed.

"San was wondering if I could come over and play ball after lunch is all."

"You sure can, if you want to."

"Naw, that's ok, I don't feel like it." Chico put his hand to the boy's forehead.

"Do you feel ok Son?"

"Yeah, can I be excused please?"

"Sure go ahead."

Chico watched as Joey left to go down to the garage, when he finished cleaning up the kitchen Ed was coming back from his lunch date with Shirley.

"How was lunch Ed?" inquired Chico as he turned the sign around to let people know they were again open for business.

"Good, and Shirley made a fresh banana cream pie for dessert."

"That's funny Ed I thought you were her little pineapple upside down cake." Chico winked at Ed.

"I am but she's my little Banana cream pie."

"LOOOKING GOOOD!!!"

Chico went to the apartment about 2:00 to find something for Ed and was surprised to find Joey asleep on his bed. He checked to see if the boy had a fever, covered him with a blanket and went back out to the garage.

"Hey Ed Man did you know Joey was asleep in our apartment? I thought he was off playing and here he's asleep on a Saturday afternoon."

Maybe he's getting the flu or something. I heard Sierra Gonzales has mono.

Joey slept until 3:00. He spent most of the afternoon hanging around in the garage drawing or building with his blocks in the apartment. Chico and Liz were supposed to go out to supper on a double with Mando and his girlfriend Erika. Chico wanted to cancel and stay home with Joey but Ed wouldn't hear of it.

"Nothing doing Chico. You are a young man, I know you love Joey but you and Liz need some time together with friends your own age. Going out for one evening doesn't mean you aren't a good parent, and besides, I am perfectly capable of taking care of the kid for a few hours."

Reluctantly Chico went out for the evening. They all had a wonderful time together. They went to a nice restaurant for dinner, before leaving the restaurant Chico called to see how Joey was doing.

"He's fine we just had pizza with Louie and Della. Relax, have a good time." Ed said.

They went to the romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle, Chico and Mando wanted to see Jurassic Park but the girls flatly refused to sit through a dinosaur movie. Half way through the picture Chico went to call home.

"Chico the kid is fine don't you trust me for Heavens sake? Just a minute Chico-No Joey you are not taking Freddie in the bathtub with you! He wants to take that turtle in the tub with him, see I told you he was fine. Good bye."

Ed hung up even before Chico could sign off himself, he chuckled to himself all the way back to his seat at the thought of Joey taking a bath with his turtle.

After the movie the foursome decided to go to the diner for a snack. They talked and laughed and after a while Liz offered to call home for Chico.

"You'd do that for me Mami after all the time I've already spent checking on them?"

"Of course I would, I know you've been worried about him and I want us to be able to do this again sometime and I'm afraid if Ed hears your voice at the other end of the line this time he'll never sit for us again." Everyone, including Chico enjoyed Liz's humorous commentary.

"Too true, too true," admitted Chico as he got out of the booth to let his Lady Love through.

The phone rang several times and just as Liz was about to hang up Ed hollered into the phone.

"Are you trying to wake the kid? He's fine now quit calling here Chico or I'll lock the door so you can't get in!" Though he was yelling, it wasn't as loud as usual so he wouldn't wake Joey himself.

"I'm sorry Ed this is Liz, I offered to call for Chico. Did I wake Joey?"

"No, I just want Chico to relax and have a good time without calling every hour on the hour."

"He may be calling a lot, but I assure you we are all having a wonderful time."

"Good well I'm beat. I'll sleep on the sofa in the garage 'til Chico gets home in case Joey needs anything. Just tell Chico to wake me before he turns in for the night. Oh and I won't answer the phone anymore tonight so tell that crazy Chicano not to call again."

"Ok Ed I will tell him, good night oh and Ed, thanks for giving us tonight."

"My pleasure Liz, g'nite."

"Ed said not to call again as he's going to bed. Joey's fine and your supposed to wake Ed when you get home. He's gonna sleep on the couch in the garage 'til you come home. He also said if you call one more time tonight he's gonna lock you out."

"He is, is he?"

"Don't worry mi corizon, I know a nice place you can stay."

About an hour later the foursome ended their evening out. Mando dropped the girls off first and then he brought Chico home. As promised he awoke Ed.

"Hey Ed, man thanks for watching Joey tonight. How'd it go really?"

"Fine I told you, oh well he did get sassy with me and I tied him to bed and he went right to sleep."

"Ok Ed I deserved that I'm sorry I ever doubted you. Thanks again, see ya in the morning."

Joey seemed fine in the morning, as well as the next several days. Chico was relieved that he had just overreacted. Joey probably was just overtired from the trip to Mexico, and with school starting in a week it wouldn't be good for him to start the new school year sick in bed.

Chico, Joey and San got in one more fishing expedition before school, Ed had hoped to go to but Shirley wanted him to go with her to her sister Charlotte's house so he went there instead, reluctantly.

"Man I can't believe we already go back to school a week from tomorrow, it seems like we just got out," complained San.

"I know," agreed Joey. "This has been the best summer."

"San, do you know who your teacher is going to be this year?" questioned Chico.

"It's a new guy. His name is Mr. Carlos."

"Hey cool we get to be in the same class this year!!!! Alright." The boys gave each other a high five.

"Boy I hope that creepy Natalie isn't in our class." said Joey.

"Naw she's got Miss Brighton," said San equally as happy. They both hated Natalie.

"Gracias Dios Mio!" exclaimed Joey as he gazed heavenward.

"Ok boys we better pack up or Ed's liable to send out a search party for us." laughed Chico.

"Hey Joey why didn't you have to go to dumb ole Natalie's party?" asked San.

"Papa said I didn't have to if I called and told her I wasn't coming, so I did, why did you go?"

"Yes Mama said if I didn't it would hurt her feelings. When I said so, she said let me put it this way if you don't go to her party and you hurt her feelings you can forget about a party on your birthday."

"Bummer."

"When I got there I asked her if you were coming and she said you told her no. You know what she said then?"

"I don't think I want to know."

"She said I love a man who plays hard to get." San did his best imitation of a girl's voice as he repeated what was said."

"DAD!!!!" Joey yelled after Chico as he made his way up the hill to the truck.

The following week brought the return to school, consequently there were many a sad kid in the Barrio.

Chico had high hopes that Joey would perk up upon returning to school after such a busy summer, however, he appeared even more run down.

One day when Chico was debating whether or not he should make an appointment at the clinic for his little boy Joey's behavior made the decision for him.

Joey came home from school feeling quite tired. He had a lot of homework, which meant he would probably not be able to play with Santos after supper.

He was in his room working on his homework when Chico came in to see how his day had gone.

"Hey pal, how was your day today?"

"Ok I guess."

"Just ok, how do you like your new teacher?"

"He's ok, he gives a lot of homework though."

"I'm sure once you get used to the New Year and new teacher things will go better, it's almost time for supper you better go wash up."

"Ok, Papa."

Joey barely touched his supper and his attitude was less than sunny as far as Ed was concerned.

"Pal please turn around and eat before you spill." reprimanded Chico.

Reluctantly Joey turned around but he continued to push the food around on his plate.

"Are you gonna eat that food or just play with it?" questioned Ed sarcastically.

"This has peas in it Ed I hate peas," whined Joey.

There are kids in Africa who would love those peas so eat."

"You can send them my supper."

"Joey, that's not nice. I don't like your attitude tonight pal. You eat your supper or no dessert."

"I don't want no dessert and I don't want these peas.

"I'm tired of hearing what you don't want kiddo. You turn around and eat your supper and quit complaining," scolded Ed.

Joey pushed his plate away and replied, "NO!"

"Ok, Joey you are not going to talk like that. Please go to your room," answered Chico patiently. Joey left the kitchen slamming the door behind him.

"I can't believe your gonna let him get by with talking like that." said Ed in disbelief.

"No one is getting away with anything Ed. I just know something is bothering him, it's not like him to be so ornery. I'll have a talk with him after supper."

"I think he needs a little more than a talking to." implied Ed.

"And just what do you suggest I do Ed, spank him? I think he's had more than enough of that in his life already don't you?" questioned Chico with concern.

"In my day if I talked like that I tasted a bar of soap."

"I don't think that's the answer either Ed."

"I just hate to hear him talking to you like that you don't deserve that."

"Well thanks Ed, but I think Joey knows that he's just having a difficult day. After supper I'm gonna try and help him with his homework and maybe he'll feel better. I think he's just anxious about the new school year."

When mealtime was over Chico went downstairs to see if he could help Joey with his homework. He was surprised to find that Joey not only was not in his room like he was told, he was playing with his legos and had them scattered all over the garage floor. He sat on the sofa near where Joey was building on the floor.

"Joey I thought I told you to go to your room?"

"Yeah."

"If you know that then why are you not in your room?"

"I don't wanna."

"I told you to go to your room if you weren't going to eat and when I tell you to do something I want you to listen to me. Please pick up your blocks and go to your room. When you're done with your homework you can play with your blocks all you want."

Joey got up and picked up several nearby legos. However instead of putting them away he threw them across the garage.

Chico was up off the sofa in no time and picked Joey up, carrying him over to the couch.

"Alright young man that is enough of that!" he scolded firmly as he stood Joey up to face him, a firm grip on the boy's shoulders.

"I'm not sure what's wrong with you this evening, but I am not very happy with you right now. I asked you to put your toys away and that is what you are going to do. Now please do as I've asked," Chico wiped away a few tears that were rolling down Joey's cheeks before turning him loose.

Joey picked up the remaining legos without incident and turned to Chico when he was done.

"Thank you Joey. Now please go to your room and finish your homework. I'll try and help you if I can. I think you need to go to bed early tonight."

"I don't..."

"I do not want to hear that sentence again tonight son, you have lost the privilege to do what you want for tonight. Now go."

Joey had been doing his schoolwork for a half an hour when Chico checked to see if he could help with anything.

"I just have my math left. I can't figure it out."

"Let me see if I can help you." Chico sat next to Joey and tried to help him figure out the math. It proved to be frustrating for Joey, he was tired and no matter how Chico tried to explain it to him Joey was having trouble. Finally in total frustration with a sweep of his arm Joey sent all of his homework to the floor.

"Joey Eduardo Martine, what has gotten into you tonight?! Pick those books up please." Joey looked at Chico as if trying to see if his foster father was as serious as his tone sounded. When it appeared that he was, Joey stood to comply.

"I don't like the way your acting at all tonight. I know you're tired but that's no excuse. You are grounded young man. For one week you will come right home from school. No friends over and no bike. I'm going to start a bath for you, and after your bath you will finish your homework and then it's right to bed. You work until everything's ready. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir. I'm sorry."

A few minutes later when Joey was in the tub Chico knocked on the door.

"C'mon in."

Chico squatted down beside the tub to talk to Joey.

"Joey do you feel ok? You're not behaving at all like yourself." He reached over to check Joey's forehead for fever.

"You owe Ed an apology too for the way you acted at supper." Chico took the washcloth and washed the soap from Joey's back. His back still held the reminders of what Joey had been through in the past. As Chico carefully washed the soap off the scars he was all the more determined to keep his promise to Joey no matter what.

"I thought you and I could talk to each other about anything, if something is bothering you, I can't help unless I know what it is," Chico encouraged.

I don't know." was all that Joey could muster in response. As frustrated, as he was feeling Chico never let on to Joey.

"I'll be out at the table, come out when your ready and we'll see if we can't get to the bottom of this homework."

"Ok. Chico?"

"Yeah pal?" Chico asked as he picked up the laundry off the bathroom floor and put it in the hamper.

"Thanks for helping me even when I've been so bad tonight."

"I love you Joey, nothing you ever say or do is going to change that. If you need me I'll be there."

It was a couple days later when Chico was to find out just how much his faith and his words would be tested. Joey was upset about being grounded and he didn't think it was fair that he not be allowed to play with his friends when his homework was done. Having decided in his own mind that since Chico wasn't his "Real Father" he didn't need to obey him and consequently when Chico and Ed were busy working Joey who said he would be out at the swing took off for the playground to meet his friends.

"Ed supper is ready would you go call Joey in please?"

"Joey! Supper is ready!" Ed yelled. When he didn't get a reply he went to the backyard figuring Joey just hadn't heard him. He was nowhere to be found though. Ed hollered a few more times and returned to the garage.

"Chico, I thought you grounded Joey?"

"I did. Why?"

"I can't find him, he's not in the yard." Chico threw aside the spatula in disgust.

"I can't believe that kid. I told him he was not to leave the yard. Don't tell me that I have to have him stay indoors when he's grounded not just in the yard." Chico was clearly upset he only hoped he would calm down by the time he located his son.

"Ed you go ahead and start supper, no sense all of us eating cold pancakes."

Chico was awakened from his thoughts when he heard his name.

"Chico! Chico! Come quick, its Joey something wrong!" Santos was running toward him.

"What is it San what's wrong?!"

"It's Joey, we were playing ball and all of a sudden he just fell. He says he's having a hard time breathing!!"

"San run to the garage. Tell Ed what happened and to bring the truck, you were at the playground right?"

"Yep. Ok, Chico."

"And hurry San, hurry!"

When Chico got to the playground Joey was sitting up, his face looked almost blue as he was struggling for air. Chico scooped Joey up in his arms and headed toward the street. He hoped with all his heart that Ed would be at the curb waiting for them when they got there.

As he rushed Joey off toward the street he prayed for Ed to be there waiting with the truck, and that Joey would be all right.

Ed pulled up to the curb and opened the passenger side door for Chico to jump in. San and the rest of the kids quickly jumped onto the truck bed. They wanted to come along to make sure their friend would be ok.

"Aye Dios Mio Por favor ayuda mi Hijo" Chico prayed as the truck sped to the emergency room. When they arrived at the ER, Ed stayed in the waiting room with the boys and called their parents to pick them up there, being careful to assure that they knew that their son's were safe.

Chico carried Joey into the exam room he was lead to. As he tried to put the boy on the gurney Joey's grip on his father tightened.

"It's ok son, I'm not going to leave you." The nurse propped Joey to a more comfortable more upright position and put a mask over Joey's face. He fought the nurse's efforts and pushed the mask away.

"No one is going to hurt you. This is just an oxygen mask to help you breathe. Don't you remember me? I helped take care of your Daddy when he burned his leg, my name is Melody."

As Melody spoke to the terrified child in the calm quiet bedside manner she was so professional for Joey stopped fighting her. Once the oxygen was given he immediately began to breathe easier.

"There now isn't that better?" Joey nodded. He was getting sleepy, whether it was from the oxygen or from the fight to keep the nurse at bay Joey didn't know, but it was good to be breathing normally again.

"Can I see your hands sweetie?" Joey obliged. Holding his small hands her soft ones she gently pinched the tips of his fingernails.

"Ok, hon, you just lie here and take nice steady breaths and the doctor will be right in."

Not two minutes later Dr Stone, who treated Joey during his first trip to the ER entered the cubicle. After studying Joey's chart for several minutes he too took a hold of Joey's hands and pinched his fingertips.

"Can you squeeze my hands for me, as hard as you can?"

"Ow, that's quite a grip you have there," declared Dr. Stone as he pretended to be in pain.

"Sit forward for me please. I want to listen to your heart and lungs." He listened to Joey's heart and when he lifted the boy's shirt to check his lungs Dr. Stone was reminded of who his young patient was. "I've seen you in here before haven't I, big guy." Joey shrugged. He thought the Dr. Looked familiar but he wasn't sure.

"Let's take this off now and see how you do," he said as he removed the oxygen mask. "Yes I believe your mother and father brought you in here. Take a deep breath for me, that's it now breathe out. Again, again."

Joey did as he was told and the Dr. moved the stethoscope to different areas as he talked. "Once more please."

"That wasn't my dad. He's my dad now," declared Joey, proudly pointing at Chico.

"That's great. I need to talk to your dad for a minute, we'll be right outside here," said Dr. Stone.

"No, Chico, stay here please."

"The doctor wants to talk to me pal, I promise I'll be right back."

The doctor pulled the curtain aside and allowed Chico to move ahead. Once beyond the curtain the doctor lead Chico to a near by desk. He offered Chico his hand.

"I'm Dr. Stone. I believe I've treated your young man before."

"He is my Foster son. His Mother was Carlotta Hendricks, please, Dr, what's wrong with my son."

"Has he been feeling more tired than usual lately?"

"Yeah I guess he has, but we just went on a long trip to Mexico and I thought he was over tired."

"This shortness of breathe has he experienced that before?"

"Two times before, although this has been the worst."

"I see well I'm going to send him down for an EKG, an electrocardiogram, it's a special test for the heart."

"Doc is Joey gonna be ok? His Mother trusted him to me, if anything happens..."

"Now let's not panic. I just want to rule out some things before making any decisions. Let's go tell your boy what we need to do ok. I understand your concern but let's not borrow trouble. Let's see what we're dealing with and go from there."

The doctor and Chico returned to the curtained area to find Melody keeping Joey company.

"Joey, we are going to take you down to x-ray and take some pictures and see what you look like inside. Ok?"

"I done that before when I broke my arms. I wanna go home."

Turning to Chico the doctor said. "Your welcome to wait in the lobby and I'll have a nurse come get you when we're back."

"No I want Papa to go to!" Joey was becoming upset at the prospect of being separated from his Foster father in the huge hospital and as a result he began having difficulty breathing again.

"If it's all the same to you Dr. Stone, I'm not leaving my son until we can go home together." Chico went to comfort the scared child. "It's ok Joey, I'm here and I won't leave you."

"You can come with but no one is allowed in the x-ray room but the technician. However, there is a window where you two can see each other. Come on nurse let's go." They pushed the gurney into the elevator.

In the lobby, with each passing minute Ed was becoming increasingly concerned, not just for Joey but for Chico as well. What was wrong with Joey, and what would happen to Chico if anything happened to his son? While Ed dearly loved Joey, and relished his new role as Grandpa his first concerns were for the young man with him, who now seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and did so proudly.

Ed called Della when he realized this was going to take more time than they first anticipated, and asked her if she would pick the boys up here and bring them home. That way no parent would be concerned for their child's safety when they get a call from the ER. Della had delivered the entire children home safely, promising each one that she would call as soon as they knew anything, and returned to keep Ed company as they waited.

In the X-ray room, Joey lay flat on the table with several patches on his chest. Wires from the patches led to a nearby machine that kept track of his heartbeats per minute, pulse and respiration. The hardest part for Joey, and Chico came when they attempted to insert a cord like material in Joey's arm. Upon seeing the technician coming at him with that he screamed and hollered for Chico and he kicked a technician in the stomach. All this commotion caused the machine to register irregular heartbeats. Dr. Stone relented and allowed Chico into the room to calm the boy down.

Chico stood beside Joey, stroking his arm and singing the Spanish lullaby. When he had settled down the technician carefully inserted the tube. The IV kicked in and Joey felt very warm and relaxed. When he was sedated Chico left quietly so they could proceed with the test. He left word that he was going to the lobby to explain what was happening to Ed. Joey would be asleep for a little while and wouldn't know he was gone.

When Ed saw Chico coming down the hall he felt tremendous relief, yet when he saw the worried look on his face the relief was replaced with concern.

"What's wrong with Joey Chico?"

"They aren't sure. The Doc said he wants to rule out some possibilities before he makes any decisions. They are giving him an EKG now. They had to sedate the poor kid before they could get close to him. He's quite a scrapper." Chico stated proudly. "The Doc said he'd come and tell us as soon as he knows any more."

"Why don't I go get us some coffee." offered Della, who found that in stressful situations it was best to keep busy. When Della left Chico confided his fears to Ed.

"Ed what if Joey dies? Carlotta trusted me."

"Stop that you. Joey is only 7 years old he is not going to die. You just said yourself what a scrapper he is."

"Ed if you could've seen him he was turning blue! God I wish I'd have taken him to the doctor as soon as we got home from Mexico." Chico scolded himself "What kind of parent am I my kid is sick and I take him on a trip to Mexico!"

Before Ed could even begin to comfort Chico, Dr. Stone was coming toward them.

"Dr. this Is Ed Brown, my family, my friend and my boss."

"Doctor, nice to meet you. How is our boy?" replied Ed.

"Well I have some good news and some not so good news. Please have a seat."

Della was just returning with coffee and offered to get some for Dr. Stone as well.

"No thank you, and you are?"

"I'm Della Rogers, I guess you could say I'm Joey's aunt."

"Well he's a very lucky boy to have such a wonderful family. Now let's talk about Joey shall we? Now as I was saying, I have some good news and some not so good news."

Chico sat forward in his seat as if he were a bobcat on the prowl. Sensing his acute distress Della and Ed took hold of his hands.

"First I want to assure you that Joey's heart is strong and healthy, for the most part."

"Dr. what the hell do you mean for the most part? What kind of answer is that?" Chico yelled more in concern than anger."

Chico that's what the Dr. is trying to tell us if you'd be quiet and listen!" scolded Ed.

"I'm sorry Doc. Please, continue." apologized Chico.

"That's quite all right I've seen this stress many a time. Now as I was saying, Joey's heart is strong and healthy. However, he does have a leaky valve that we need to replace."

"In his heart, what happened? You know Doc his, I mean Joey's stepfather used to beat him and his Mother regularly. Could that have caused the damage?" Implored Chico, desperately searching for answers.

"That's highly unlikely sir, a leaky valve is a weakness in the valve that he was most likely born with. As he grew so did the hole and the need to repair it.

I assure you that even though this news seems devastating right now it really is good news."

"Good news! Would you care to share with us what makes you say that my kid having a leaky heart is good news?"

"Chico, baby, you're sounding like Ed. Please calm down and listen to what the doctor has to say," remarked Della in an effort to mask her own worry.

"Della what kind of crack is that?" asked Ed in his own defense.

"Will you two please let Dr. Stone finish I need to get back to my son before he wakes up. I told him I wouldn't leave."

"Thank you Chico. Now Joey's heart is strong and healthy there is only the valve that needs to be replaced. Just like in a car when the break line is cut the fluid can't get to the brakes. Well with this leaky valve Joey's heart is forced to pump harder to get more blood throughout the body. By replacing the valve his heart will no longer be working as hard and the blood supply will flow as good as new."

"I get it doc, we do that kind of thing all the time as mechanics." said Ed greatly encouraged by this news.

"Great then you know how truly fixable it is. Are there any questions?"

"What if Joey doesn't have this valve replacement?" inquired Chico nervously.

"I won't lie to you. If this goes untreated the leak could become a hole. If his heart is forced to pump as hard as it is now it may become weak and damaged. Right now he is young, strong, and healthy. He can have a complete recovery and lead a long and healthy life." answered the dr. honestly.

"You act like this is all very casual to you, this is my son we're talking about how routine is this surgery?"

"There have been 10 in this hospital just today. They are about a two hour operation."

"I see, well tell me Doc, out of the 10 today, how many of them did you do?"

"Chico don't be so rude. The doctor only wants to help Joey!" snapped Ed. He understood Chico's concern but he didn't see any reason to antagonize the surgeon.

"It's quite alright, I assure you. If I were in your shoes I would be doing the same thing. I performed all 10 and I have been in your shoes, imagine me a heart specialist and my daughter needed the same operation."

"I'm sorry Doc I had no idea, how is she?" asked Chico in concern.

"She was 10 at the time that was 15 years ago, she married and has a beautiful baby boy. So you see it is a relatively common procedure and he has every chance for a complete recovery. Joey will be in a room in a few minutes you can see him for a short time but then we really need to have the surgery. Do I have your consent?"

"Yeah I guess that's best. Thanks Doc, for putting up with me and answering all my questions."

That's what I'm here for, Melody will be by with the consent forms. You can see your son for a minute before he's prepped for surgery. I hate to ask but have you officially adopted Joey?"

"No, why?" asked Chico. His concern mounting again.

"Well it's just that if he is still considered a ward of the county of Los Angeles the state pays for all of his medical care till he is either adopted or turns 18. No need to worry."

It was decided between the threesome that Chico would be the one to visit with Joey and try and explain what was going to happen. After assuring Joey that he would be right there when he awoke Chico and the rest of his family retreated to the waiting area till the surgery was over, to wait and pray.

Della went to get some more coffee for her and Ed. Chico didn't want anything. He sat in the waiting area just staring out the window. He saw a couple of boys go skateboarding by and he was reminded of the day he first met Joey.

He was working in the garage one Saturday when a guy came in. Chico saw the saddest looking little boy in the back seat of the car as he was filling the tank and he felt compelled to talk to him. A few days later he actually stopped a couple of neighborhood boys from beating the same little boy up. He had no idea at the time how many times he would actually rescue the little boy or how much he would come to love him with his whole heart and soul.

Who can beat the Lord, the Son of God? Please God, surely you didn't bring Joey through all of that to take him now. Please be with my boy and the doctor's who are caring for him, he silently prayed as he watched the world go by outside.

Ed and Della sat on a sofa in the waiting area talking and drinking coffee.

Della decided to go to the chapel to pray. Ed was growing more and more concerned for Chico with each passing minute. Chico was normally an outgoing sensitive young man with a zest for life and a flair with the ladies. His quit wit and good humor not only enjoyed by his many friends in the Barrio of East LA but admired by Ed.

Ed lived a solitary and virtually cheerless life until he met this vivacious smart alec Chicano. Looking at Chico now he realized how devastating and cheerless their lives would become if anything happened to that little boy who Chico loved as his own, whom he loved as Ed loved Chico.

"Joey will be fine Chico, I'm sure he will. Why don't you let me get you something to eat? You've got to keep your strength up for when that boy of yours comes home."

"No thanks Ed. I couldn't eat a thing really." He looked up at Ed, there seemed to be tears forming in his eyes yet reluctant to fall. "Do you really think Joey will come home Ed? God I wish I'd have brought him to the doctor as soon as we returned from Mexico, what was I thinking?"

"Don't be so hard on yourself Chico, you couldn't have known and besides you heard the Dr. His own daughter had the same surgery 10 years ago and she's doing great. Look at how far medicine has come in all that time, I'm sure Joey has a better than excellent chance of a complete recovery."

Ed put an arm around Chico, and together they waited for news.

The surgery was going very well, Joey was a strong patient. The doctor had just placed the new valve into place when a vessel began bleeding.

"Nurse we need a clamp over here stat!"

Blood began spurting out in all directions, and spattered the doctor's sterile gown.

"His pressure is dropping, we need two units of O negative blood!"

The second surgical nurse quickly set up the IV to accommodate the blood. She waited only until the doctor was able to apply the clamp....

Chico was anxiously watching the clock. Ed could see that Chico was growing increasingly agitated so he tried to console him.

"Chico please sit down, everything is going to be fine. I'm sure the doctor is just making sure he's got everything working as it should."

"Why do you say that? Do you think there's a problem, there must be it's already 2 1/2 hours for a 2 hour surgery!"

"Baby sit down. Ed didn't say there was trouble, he meant the doctor is probably just double checking everything." added Della.

Despite their words of reassurance Chico was anxious and worried. He began to pace the length of the hall, running his fingers nervously through his dark hair.

"I'm ready for the sutures." Requested the doctor.

Exactly 3 hours after he was wheeled into surgery the OR doors opened and Joey's gurney was wheeled to the CCU recovery room. Doctor Stone went out to the waiting area to give the family the news.

Chico was beginning his third trek down the long hallway when he spotted Dr. Stone coming toward him. Chico stopped long enough to tell Ed and Della that the wait was over and rushed to meet him half way.

"How is he Doc? What took so long? Is he gonna be ok?" Chico was so full of rapid-fire questions that Dr. stone didn't have time to answer even one.

"The surgery went very well. I was able to replace the valve and it is working just fine. I have to be honest, we did run into a bleeder. That's a small vessel that burst. He lost a bit of blood and his pressure dropped for a while..."

"Aye Dios Mio that's just what happened to his Mother! He's not dead is he??? Please God no!!"

Please Mr. Rodriquez, come let's have a seat. Please let me finish." The doctor called Melody over. "Would you please bring Mr. Rodriquez here some coffee?"

"Certainly, doctor." When Melody returned a few minutes later with coffee for Chico Dr. Stone continued to explain Joey's condition.

"We were able to stop the bleeding, and repair the vessel. Let me assure you that that is not uncommon. He is fine and I expect him to make a complete recovery. Your son is in CCU recovery and you can see him as soon as he is moved to a room."

"Gracias doctor Gracias. Can I please see him even for un momento por favor?"

Chico often spoke Spanish when he was worried or upset. Dr. Stone, having worked in the Barrio hospital for several years understood perfectly.

"Alright, Melody will take you to the door of CCU. You may look in but only for a minute. Once we have him stabilized he will be moved to a room in Pediatrics."

Ed, seeing that Chico was too worried about seeing Joey to ask spoke up.

"How long before we can take Joey home again?"

"I'd say a week, maybe two at the most. And he will have to take it slow for a while but as I've said before He will make a full recovery and be back to running like the boy that he is. Melody can you take Mr. Rodriquez to the CCU please?"

The walk to the CCU seemed the longest Chico had ever taken in his life.

"Here he is Mr. Rodriquez"

Chico looked into the window of the CCU. There in a big bed with tubes coming from his nose, an IV in his arms and a large dressing covering his chest lay Joey. He looked so small and pale that Chico had to turn away so Melody wouldn't see that the tears he had kept at bay all evening started to fall at the site of his son, so fragile, helpless, and alone. Before Melody could attempt to comfort him Joey began to thrash about in the large bed. He cried out, saying nothing just crying as he tossed about. This proved to be too much for Chico and he was opening the door to the ward when Melody stopped him with the touch of her hand.

"It's alright Mr. Rodriquez really. Your son is in no pain. He isn't even aware that he is doing that. He is heavily sedated his muscles are just beginning to awaken after such a deep death like state."

"How can you be so sure? My son, he, he was abused for years by his stepfather, he, he has nightmares sometimes. He may need me."

Chico tried one more time to enter the ward.

"Please Senor Rodriquez. CCU is a sterile ward you must not go in there. I have seen this many times, it is especially common in young children. Surgery is a traumatic experience. He is fine. Let's go back to the waiting area until your son is moved to his room, then you may sit with him as long as you like."

Chico reluctantly followed the nurse back to where Ed and Della were seated. About 20 minutes later the nurse came and said that Joey was in his own room and could have visitors. Chico, Ed and Della all quietly entered the room. Joey was no longer in a bed but a crib under an oxygen tent. He had an IV and a catheter. The trio went to the crib, Chico slipped his hand through the bars and took hold of Joey's small cool hand.

'It's me, hijo. I'm here hijo and I won't leave you again. The doctor says you were a good boy and that you're going to be just fine. I love you." Chico massaged Joey's hand as he spoke.

"Joey it's me Grandpa Ed, I'm here too, and so is Della."

"That's right baby, your auntie Della is here."

Della and Ed stayed only a few more minutes and went to wait out in the hall.

"I think I'll swing by Santos's house and give them the good new. I'm sure Santos will tell all the guys. Call if you and Chico need anything Ed." Before leaving Della kissed Ed's worn cheek.

For the next several days Chico was practically glued to Joey's bedside. When they got him up to walk, so pneumonia wouldn't set in Chico was there. When Joey awake during the night with a thirst, Chico was there with cold water. And when Joey was sick to his stomach from the anesthetic Chico was there.

Ed, Mando, and Della worked tirelessly to maintain the garage business. After hours Ed would go to the hospital to visit his grandson and try and convince Chico to come home and rest.

It wasn't until Joey had been a patient for almost a week that Chico felt comfortable enough to leave Joey's side long enough to have a nap and shower. Even then it was only as long as Liz, Ed or Della were with Joey.

"Under no circumstances do I want Joey left alone. He's been through so much and I don't want to give him cause for nightmares." Chico was gracious and appreciative of all the help. However he was adamant about that point. When he came into Joey's room after a shower he found Joey waking from a nap and no one was in the room. He was about to turn and go to the nurse's station and raise some hell on his son's behalf when he heard the toilet flush. When he saw Ed had come to sit with Joey and was just temporarily detained he decided to hold his tongue and be grateful that someone Joey knew was near.

After a week and a half in the hospital Joey was becoming restless.

"Papa can I go home soon?"

"I don't know Joey we'll have to see what the doctor says."

"I wanna get outta here."

"I know pal but we have to make sure your well. Maybe we can take a walk in the hall, let me help you."

With Chico's help Joey walked up and down the hall. When they got back to the room Melody was there, waiting.

"Hello little man, I've been looking for you. I need to take your temp and blood pressure ok sweetie."

Chico lifted Joey back on the bed and took a seat in the nearby chair.

Melody put the thermometer in Joey's ear. When she took it out she asked, "HMM do you feel ok? You have a little fever, 102."

"A fever?" questioned Chico, a moment ago they were talking about Joey being able to come home and now something was wrong. "I never should have let him go for a walk down the hall, I bet he caught a chill," Chico scolded himself.

"Not to worry Mr. Rodriquez this happens sometimes. Joey I'm going to take your blood pressure and your pulse. Then I'll listen to your heart, then I think I should check your incision. Ok?"

"Is it gonna hurt?"

"I promise I'll be a gentle as I can."

Melody took the rest of Joey vital signs and recorded them in his chart.

"Now I'm just going to slip your pajama top off and look at your incision."

As Melody moved to take off his top Joey jumped.

"No Chico don't let her, don't let her"

A couple of days later a very anxious Joey was released from the hospital. When Chico pulled up to the garage, he hardly had the vehicle stopped before the boy was out and heading into the garage. Louie, Ed, Della, and Santos and his mother were all there to welcome him home. Joey ran and hugged his family he was so excited to see them he could hardly contain himself.

"Welcome home Kiddo!" said Ed.

"Yes welcome home Baby." repeated Della.

"Yeah Joey, it sure ain't the same visiting this place when you're not here."

"Lookie here Baby, what Della made for you." Della stepped to the side and revealed the largest cake Joey had ever seen.

"Holy Frijoles look at that Chico!"

"Yeah I see, thank you Della, that's so nice of you."

"Well we couldn't have the little man come back without a party now could we?"

Everyone had cake and ice cream, after which Joey and San went to play in the back yard. Though it had actually only been two weeks it felt like an eternity since Joey had been outside.

"Ok San you two can play a while then we had better go. We don't want to tire Joey too much when he just got home," said Rosa.

The grownups visited over cake and coffee while the buddies caught up with what had been happening in their world while Joey was away.

"Jeez your lucky you haven't been in school lately," exclaimed san.

"Why?"

"Cause that Mr. Carlos is a real bear. He's always yelling at someone. Last Thursday he made all the boys who didn't have their math done stand with their nose to the blackboard. Talk about embarrassing."

"Well I'll be back this week. I hate to think of the homework I'll have though."

"Hey can I see your scar? I ain't never seen a surgery scar before."

Sure." Joey lifted his T-shirt and carefully peeled back the bandage. He stuck his chest out to better display the heroic battle scar.

"Cheez and crackers man that's cool, I wish I could have an operation! Just think you got to miss two weeks of school and wow that scar is cool, everyone's gonna want to see it at school."

Joey replaced the bandage again and the two played a few more minutes before Rosa Garcia called for Santos, that it was time to go home.

As they came into the garage Santos yelled, "Boy, Ma, you oughta see the cool scar Joey has!"

"Santos! That's not very nice."

"Why not, it's a compliment. You always say, if you can't say something nice don't say anything."

"Well yes but I'm sure Joey doesn't appreciate you talking like that about his surgery."

"Well he showed it to me, I asked him and he said sure.

"Santos Garcia you didn't?!" Rosa was aghast that her son could be so rude.

"Well what's the point of having a operation if you can't show off your scar?" San questioned with more than a hint of envy in his voice. "Anyways I think that one's much cooler than your other ones." He told Joey matter of factly.

"Santos Garcia when we get home your getting your mouth washed out with soap! Now come along! I'm sorry he was so rude."

"He's not rude, he's my friend. Please don't be mad at him," pleaded Joey on his friend's behalf.

"Yeah hey that reminds me I haven't seen your scar yet either," said Ed.

"We'll see you all, thank you for the nice visit. Come along Santos."

"See ya San." When they left Ed told Joey. "Come on over here so I can check out that scar kiddo."

Once more Joey proudly showed off his scar.

"Wow no wonder Santos was impressed!" Whistled Ed.

"Oh you poor baby," sympathized Della as she gave Joey a light squeeze. "I'm glad you're home where you belong Baby. You guys come over for Sunday dinner ok. I have to go, I'll see y'all later.

"Yeah Joey, that's some souvenir you got yourself there." admired Louie. I gotta get back to work before everyone thinks the city is in the middle of another garbage strike.Catch ya later."

When all the company left Chico sent Joey to the apartment to rest a while before supper, and for the first time in two weeks Ed and Chico were again working side by side.

It took Joey a week to get all caught up on the homework he had. It would have taken a lot longer had Miss Birch, Joey's former teacher, not offered to come by and tutor him. She had so enjoyed having the little boy in her class and she was deeply saddened by the most recent tragedy in his short life and wanted to help him as much as possible.

It was so good to be home. When Joey had gotten ready for bed Chico came to read him a story, but he was called to the phone. Liz was calling to see how her little corazon was.

When Chico returned to the apartment he had to stifle a laugh at what he saw.

Joey had filled his bed with every toy he owned, and he had the pail containing Freddie the turtle up near his head. Still tucked securely under his thin arm was his teddy bear, Joey was fast asleep.

Chico carefully covered the resting boy, shut off the light. He left the door open a little in case Joey needed something.

The next day being Saturday, and usually a busy day at that, it was not a day to sleep in. Chico slept much better than he had in the hospital but he awoke often to see that Joey was all right.

The heart valve incident had come upon them so quickly that Chico hardly dared leave Joey for fear something bad would happen to the boy.

At some point however, he must have slept soundly because when he awoke to prepare for work he could hardly move.

Joey was snuggled so close to him that the child was practically on top of him. Freddie the turtle had joined the family bed as well, although, truth be told, Chico was not overjoyed with having a turtle for a bed partner.

Somehow he managed to get out of bed without disturbing the rest of the inhabitants and he went about getting ready for work.

He hoped they would be busy as he felt as if he had taken advantage of Ed during Joey's illness and he wanted to make it up to him.

"Thanks for opening for me Chico. I really appreciate it I know how tired you must be after the ordeal with Joey."

"That's ok Ed. I was glad to do it. I owe you a lot for letting me take all that time off to spend at the hospital when I know you must have been busy."

"We were at that but Mando and Della were always ready to help. I'm just glad that it went so well for the kid."

"Me too, maybe things can get back to normal around here," suggested Chico hopefully.

"Don't count on it Chico, once you have kids in your life nothing is ever normal again."

Joey spent the day in and out of the garage, San came over to play which made Chico happy he really didn't want to have Joey to far away and if San was at the garage it was easier to keep an eye on them. The temperatures where quite warm for the fall of the year, and while the neighborhood kids were going swimming at a nearby park with a lifeguard on duty Chico refused to let Joey go.

So he moped around the garage and begged a very tired Chico to relent and let him go.

"Please Chico, I feel fine and it's so hot. Please?"

"No I don't want you to go, besides you still have the stitches in."

"I'll just wade a little, sides it'll be cooler by the lake, please?

"What did I just say?" asked Chico growing impatient with the child's begging. "Now please go upstairs and help Ed with the lunch. And I don't want to hear about this again today, is that clear?"

"Ok." he whined as he stomped upstairs. Arriving in the kitchen he slammed the door shut behind him.

"Excuse me, mister. This is a home not a barn. You want to go out and come in the right way?"

He did as he was asked, this time closing the door carefully behind him. He sat in a chair and began slapping sandwiches together as he complained to his Grandpa.

"I'm sorry, Grandpa Ed."

"What's got your carburetor clogged kid?"

"I'm tired of staying home. It's hot out and all my friends are going to the lake to swim and I can't."

"Why not?"

"Cause Papa said no. I still got the stitches in, I can't wait till Monday when they take em out."

"He's got a point there you know. You don't want to get another infection."

"I said I'd just wade. It's so hot and I'm sure it's cooler by the lake."

"Tell you what, I won't make any promises but after dinner, if you offer to do the dishes for Chico maybe he'll soften up, and I'll try and have a talk with him. After all, a growing kid like yourself can only rest for so long."

"Gee thanks Grandpa Ed!" Joey jumped up from his chair and gratefully embraced the old man.

"I said I make no promises, now go call your Papa for lunch." Ed set the table and put out the lunch while Joey helped Chico close the garage for the lunch hour.

"Can San come over again, I mean after he's done swimming? The lifeguard is working today." Joey continued trying to make small talk with his Dad in an effort to soften him up.

"I suppose so. They have a lifeguard on duty now huh?"

"That's what San said." They sat down to a nice lunch. Joey ate lunch without a complaint and even ate his peas, though just the required 7 and no more. When the meal was over Joey hurried to clear the table.

"I'll do the dishes for you Chico, then maybe I can go to the lake for a while huh?"

Chico was tired as he still had not really slept well since Joey's illness, and with the heat on top of fatigue Chico was unusually cranky. This last attempt by Joey to go swimming after Chico had forbade him was too much for his frazzled nerves.

"I told you three times already, no! And I said the last time I didn't want to hear any more about it, now if you're not going to listen any better than that you can go to your room and forget about San coming over. Now march."

Joey's lower lip quivered as he began to cry. Chico had never really raised his voice to him before, not since he ran away. And he certainly was mad. He ran from the room quickly to do as he was told, fearing his possible punishment.

When Joey had left the room Chico put his head in his hands.

"I can't believe I just did that, God I just yelled at the poor kid for wanting to go swimming. Heck if I could I'd like to go myself."

"I'm a bit surprised myself, well at least I know you're human now." Chuckled Ed.

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Chico as he looked up to Ed.

"Up to now you have been super Dad, always patient, and loving. I tell ya it's almost sickening to watch. But now that I've seen you actually yell at the kid you make all of us other parents feel so much better."

"Goody for you, I'm glad you feel so much better cause I feel like a first class jack ass."

"And rightfully so. You had no real reason to yell at the kid, I mean he just wanted to go swimming, and honestly I don't see what harm it would do to let the kid go."

"Ed for God's sake the kid just got out of the hospital from having heart surgery! And you think I should let him go swimming in the lake alone?!"

"No not alone, his friends will all be there and there is a lifeguard on duty."

"Yeah, well have you forgotten he still has his stitches in?"

"No I haven't but if you call the doctor and ask and tell him that Joey has promised to only wade I bet the doctor would give the thumbs up. I know you want to take care of him but the boy needs fresh air and exercise too you know."

"Yeah I know Ed but what if I let him go and . . ."Chico couldn't even bring himself to finish his thought.

"What if you let him go and something happens? Well if you let him go something will happen, the kid'll have fun. I think we have all been through enough with Joey, and Margaret and I with Sharon to know that when you have children nothing is predictable you just have to roll with the punches as the saying goes. And pray for the strength to get through whatever comes. Look at your own situation. You were a punk kid on your own at a young age you took care of yourself. You knew what you wanted and you went after it with everything you got, and you got it to, which proved to be very lucky for me as well. I guess what I'm trying to say is this. I think Joey is a lot like you. He's street smart, talented and very stubborn. Nothing in this life is ever certain, we are never guaranteed another day and like you, don't you think your son deserves the freedom to grow? "

"Yes. But..."

"You can do everything to protect them but life is short and unpredictable. Joey's a little boy who in his short life has not had it very easy or had many happy times. Hovering over him will just make him and you miserable. There I know your going to do what you think is best as Joey's guardian. I am not trying to make you change your mind, I just had to speak my mind." Ed went down to open the garage and left Chico to think things through.

A few moments later he entered his apartment. Joey was lying on Chico's bed, though he was no longer crying his breath came in the short sobbing sounds a person makes after a good cry. When he heard Chico come in he jumped off the bed.

"I'm sorry Chico, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you mad, I'm sorry." He kept backing away as he apologized.

"No pal I'm the one who's sorry. I should not have hollered at you the way I did. I had no right." He sat on the bed and motioned for Joey to come over to him. Though reluctant at first, he did come to sit beside Chico. Chico put his arm around Joey and continued to speak. "I'm so sorry son. I'm tired and hot. That's no excuse for the way I acted. It's just that I worry about you. Ever since you got sick when you went to the playground, I've been afraid to let go for fear something would happen to you. You've been cooped up enough in your life and I have no right to lock you up now just so I feel better. Can you forgive me for what I said to you?"

"No one but Mama ever cared before. I'm sorry, I didn't want to get sick, I didn't mean to."

"I know Son. And as your Grandpa Ed just pointed out stuff happens we just have to learn to get through it. I'm so sorry."

Chico held Joey to him.

"It's ok Papa, I know you love me and I love you too.

Joey never did get to the lake that day, but Chico promised as soon as his stitches were removed he could go.

After the incident about the lake Ed tried his best to convince Chico that he needed a night out with Liz for some relaxation. Della joined in during Sunday dinner at her place.

"Yes Chico you should go out and enjoy yourself a little. I would love to have Joey overnight, we could bake cookies and watch movies."

"Cool that would be fun, I don't know about baking cookies, though," said Joey.

"I can see that Ed has brainwashed you into thinking that men should not be in the kitchen," said Della sarcastically.

"Uh-uh, Ed and papa and I do dishes I just can't cook too well I make a mess." Joey admitted as he recalled the night when he tried to make spaghetti for David.

"That's what a broom and mop are for baby. There's not a mess made that can't be cleaned up again, uh excuse me except maybe for Ed's apartment." Della corrected herself.

Chico and Joey busted out laughing at the joke.

"Besides," said Chico when he could contain himself, "You were a little to young to be trying to make spaghetti on your own. You're older now." said Chico. He knew what Joey was referring to when he said he makes a mess in the kitchen.

It was agreed then that Friday night, being Ed and Louie's League bowling night, and no school the next day for Joey that Joey would stay with Della and Chico and Liz would have an unforgettable night together.

The week didn't go by fast enough to suit either Liz or Chico, both were so looking forward to their impending night together. Chico spent so much time thanking Ed for encouraging him to take a night out that Ed thought he'd bust a vessel he was tired of hearing it.

It was about 6:00 p.m. when Della came across the alley to get Joey. Chico and Liz were going out for supper and who knew where for dessert.

It was about 7:00 when Louie came to the garage looking for Ed. Before leaving to go bowling Ed went to Chico's apartment to let his friend know he was going so he should lock the garage when he left. They each had a set of keys so it didn't matter who got home first.

When no one answered Ed went in. He planned to leave Chico a note he would find when he got out of the shower.

However when Ed came into the apartment he couldn't have been more surprised than if he had seen Liz and Chico making wild passionate love, there curled up like a new born baby was Chico fast asleep. He had on his best dress denims and the light pink shirt Liz had given him for his last birthday. He lay curled up on his right side his shirt wide open and yet somehow Chico was holding the shirt front looking as if he was trying to button his shirt and was too tired to do so.

"Well I'll be damned, if it isn't the last of the red hot lain lovers ready for a wild night." whispered Ed.

He went to the bedside and shook Chico. When he didn't move he tried again, this time calling his name as he did so. Still nothing.

"Yep Chico I promise you'll never forget this night because Liz won't let you." When he realized he wasn't gonna be able to wake Chico he grabbed a nearby blanket and covered him up, then went to phone Liz.

"Hello Lizzie girl this is Ed. I'm calling for Chico. You're probably not going to believe this but Chico is so exhausted he fell asleep while buttoning his shirt. Yes I know dear I tried to wake him but he's dead to the world."

'Why that perezoso(Lazy)..."Liz began to rant and rave into the phone.

"No Lizzie, I know your hurt and upset but certainly as a nurse you must realize how much stress Chico has been under ever since Joey's illness. Believe me when I tell you that Chico was looking forward to this night together as much as you were. He has not slept well for so long worrying about that little boy that he has not taken care of himself the way he should and it has finally caught up with him."

"Not at all senor and I'll tell him as soon as he wakes up."

Liz hung up the phone laughing at Ed's attempt to speak Spanish to her, and went to get a book to read while she waited to hear from her man. When he had called Liz, Ed and Louie went bowling.

Ed came home around ten and found Chico still asleep. It didn't even appear as if he had moved. Poor Liz, she'll be so disapointed. We have to find away to get that boy to balance his life a little more before he kills himself.

The next morning Chico awoke from a most beautiful dream of Liz to see her standing over him, hands on her hips and scowling down at him.

"There you are you Latin Louse! What do you mean standing me up for our night out?!"

Liz couldn't be too angry, after all as Ed had so graciously explained Chico was extremely over tired and needed the rest. However she was curious to see what her Latin lover had to say for himself.

"Aye Dios Mio! I can't believe I fell asleep when we're supposed to go out! I'm sorry Liz, I'll hurry and maybe we can have a late supper." He jumped off the bed and scrambled to quickly button his shirt.

"Oh that's ok Lover take your time, we have a good ten hours before supper."

"What?! What are you talking about?"

"Ed called me at 7:00 last night to tell me that you had fallen asleep and he couldn't wake you. That was 13 hours ago my sweet Prince. You slept our entire date away."

In disbelief Chico ran to the window and peered out. Sure enough the sun was up and shinning brightly through the window causing Chico to squint against the glare.

He returned to the bed, sitting on the edge his head in his hands in total embarrassment and despair.

"I'm so sorry Liz Mi amor. I can't explain and I know I have no right to ask but can you ever forgive me? We get such little time alone together and when we do what do I do, sleep through it."

His head still in his hands Chico heard the click of the door. He expected that he had probably and rightfully so, seen the last of his Lady love, Liz Garcia.

He couldn't let her go without a fight. He stood to go after her and when he did he saw that she stood before him wearing nothing but a beautiful smile.

"Aye Dios Mio, que a femenino!"

He practically flew into Liz's waiting arms. He brought Liz to him and held her close. She slowly, ever so seductively undressed him and he gently carried her to his bed. They had to make up for lost time.

Liz and Chico enjoyed reveling in the ecstasy of one another and fell asleep in each others arms truly satisfied.

They awoke a short time later hungry and deliriously happy.

Showering together, they then dressed and left to go to the diner for an intimate breakfast for two.

Joey who had stayed at Della's for the night had the time of his life, and not a single bad dream.

He and Della went out for supper to McDonalds. When they came home they made brownies for dessert. Della let Joey talk on her CB. He was so excited when she even gave him an official CB handle, toughie.

After their breakfast together Chico walked Liz home, and though they wanted to spend the rest of the day together Chico had to get back to the garage and Liz had the afternoon shift at the hospital.

When Joey got back to the garage he had brownies for Ed and Chico. And he talked a mile a minute about all the cool stuff they had done when he stayed with Della. Joey had been back to the Dr. and had the stitches removed. He was given a clean bill of health and Dr. Stone told Chico that Joey would be able to do just as he had before including return to school. Miss Birch had tutored him to help him catch up and keep up with the class while he was home.

The next day was the start of another week, Joey's first back in school since his surgery. Even though he had kept up with all his assignments he was finding this school year to be more of a challenge then last year both academically and personally. He thought Mr. Carlos was kinda mean, he was a teacher who liked to yell a lot and on occasion he even threw erasers!

Joey had been raised around people with tempers and as such he didn't give it much thought other than that he preferred Miss Birch's calm and encouraging teacher's style to that of Mr. Carlos's angry and degrading style. He was however, glad that San was in his room this year and that Natalie wasn't.

By the end of the week Joey was almost a bundle of nerves. Chico knew Joey well enough to know that something was bothering his son, and fearing it was his health again Chico decided to have a talk with him right away. After what happened last time Chico was not going to take any chances by putting things off. During supper Thursday night Joey was quiet. He ate and was pleasant when he was spoken to, but he wasn't his usual talkative self.

"Joey are you feeling ok?" Chico asked as he put a hand to the boy's forehead.

"Yeah I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You're awfully quiet tonight."

"Don't knock it Chico, how often does that happen?" joked Ed. He was trying to lighten the mood. Joey had been living with them long enough for Ed to recognize the signs of over-protectiveness on Chico's part.

"Ed I just want to make sure he's ok. I don't want any more surprise health scares."

"I'm fine Papa honest. School just isn't as fun as it was last year."

"Why not?" asked Chico curiously.

"Well It's different is all. There's more homework and it's harder. Mr. Carlos is, well he's not as nice as Miss Birch."

"You haven't been in school that long. I'm sure things will get better soon. I'll do the dishes Ed, thanks for the supper. What say you help me and dry the dishes pal?"

"Ok. Sure."

What do you want to do tonight?" Chico asked as they shared the after supper chores.

"I dunno, I don't have homework."

"Maybe we could play some checkers or something." suggested Chico. He felt so much better after a full nights sleep and his relaxing date with Liz. He still felt bad about having hollered at Joey the other day and wanted to make it up to him some how.

"Hey maybe we could go out for some ice cream." Joey suggested happily.

"Sure we haven't done that in a long time." agreed Chico."

When they finished the dishes they asked Ed if he wanted to join them for ice cream.

"And miss Jokers wild? Not on your life, thank you."

"Ok Ed if you're good maybe we'll bring you some rocky road," laughed Chico.

"Make that Chocolate Chip!" Ed yelled after them.

Chico and Joey had a nice chat as they walked to the dairy queen a few blocks away. It was a nice night for a walk.

They were so into their conversation and laughing as they went that neither paid really close attention to where they were walking until Joey came to a stop in front of the house he had shared with his mother and David.

"Cheez and crackers Joey, I'm sorry I didn't even think about where we were going. Do you want to go home?"

"No way, I want Ice cream. Anyways it's just a house. He's not there no more."

"Good for you pal. I'm proud of you."

They got to the DQ a few minutes later. They each had a sundae and they decided that they should get Ed his Chocolate Chip ice cream. They walked home on the opposite side of the street. They would have taken a longer route but Ed gets cranky if his ice cream melts. The three of them watched what's happening on TV Land and then Chico started a bath for Joey and went upstairs to talk to Ed for a minute.

"I'll be back down in a bit." He called to his son. In Ed's apartment he sat down across from Ed.

"Jeez Ed you won't believe what I did," said Chico, frustrated with himself for what he thought was a thoughtless mistake that could cost all of them many a sleepless night.

"What did you do?"

"When we went to the DQ I completely forgot that to get there we walk right past Joey's old house. He stood there for a moment looking at it. I asked him if he wanted to come back here but he said no. I hope that doesn't bring back nightmares I can't handle that again so soon, and what with his heart surgery I don't think it would be very good for him now either."

"Chico that's not anything you did. Now don't go blaming yourself. As long as he lives here he's going to go by they're from time to time. Heck it's on the way to his best friends house."

"I better go check on Joey, thanks for listening Ed. You always put things into perspective for me."

When Chico got back in the apartment he saw Joey was standing by the dresser, wrapped in a towel, and dripping water on the floor. He had gotten out of the tub to get Freddie and bring him in the tub with him.

"Hey pal what are you doing? Are you trying to catch your death out here like that?" Chico scolded Lovingly.

"Naw I just want to see if Freddie likes bubble baths too," he picked the turtle up out of the pail and was heading for the tub again when Chico caught up with him.

"No way Jose!" Chico said. "I don't think turtles like bubbles pal. I'll put Freddie back in the pail, you get back in the tub. It's almost bedtime and you have school tomorrow. When you're through call me so I can help you rinse the shampoo out of your hair."

"I think I can do it Chico. I wanna try."

"Ok call me if you need help, I'll be in the office going over the days receipts."

A short time later Chico heard a scream coming from the bathroom.

"Papa, I got soap in my eyes. Hurry it stings!!!" Joey was trying not to cry but his eyes were sore.

Chico grabbed a soap-free washcloth for Joey to wipe his eyes and cover them to keep more shampoo from getting in his eyes.

"Here pal, hold this over your eyes while I rinse out the rest of the shampoo."

Chico took a large cup and poured several cups of water over Joey's head to get all the shampoo out. When he had finished he said.

"Ok son let's get you out."

"I'm not even wrinkled yet, can't I play longer?"

"It's a school night, you have to get to bed."

"Please???" Joey begged.

"Five more minutes then."

Joey played in the tub with the cup and a boat. Splashing around he was the captain of the boat in the middle of a storm. When Chico came back in, he arrived just in time to be doused with the fierce waters of the storm.

"Gee Thanks I was going to wash my hair tonight anyway." he said as he pushed the wet hair from his eyes.

"Oops." said Joey apologetically. Then when he got a good look at his stepdad his long black hair wet and dripping. He started laughing.

"What's so funny young man?"

"You, your hair, it looks funny!"

"Funny huh well lets see how you look all dripping wet." Chico took the shower massager from its hanger above the tub and squirted Joey in the face and on his almost drying hair.

The two were laughing and splashing each other and having the best time together when Ed came down to see what all the commotion was about.

"What in the name of Jack Daniels is going on down here? It sounds like a riot."

Chico and Joey stopped in mid splash. There was standing water all over the bathroom floor and very little left in the tub. Any traces of bubbles that were in the tub when Joey finished washing had long since disappeared in the water fight.

"Look at this place. I don't think you have one little boy to watch I think I have two. Do you care to tell me which of you two is the one that's supposed to be taking his bath?" Ed looked at the pair of drowned rats, throwing his arms up in despair he turned to leave. Chico quickly pressed the button on the shower massager and gave Ed a dousing on the back.

"Stop that!" He yelled as he jumped up and down. Joey and Chico were doubled over with laughter as Ed went sloshing back up to his apartment.

After they cleaned up the bathroom and got Joey ready for bed, Joey made himself comfortable at the head of Chico's bed.

"Come on pal, enough stalling, it's past your bed time." Chico assumed that Joey was stalling his bedtime in fear of a possible nightmare brought on by their walk earlier that evening.

"No Chico, I just want to read you a bedtime story."

"You want to read me a story?"

"Yeah, you're always doin stuff for me and I wanna do something for you. I'll get up right away in the morning and I promise I won't be sassy."

Chico climbed in the bed and he and Joey snuggled together while Joey read him the story of the three little wolves and the big bad pig. After which Chico carried Joey to his sofa bed, gave him a hug and kiss and tucked him in.

Chico was pleasantly surprised that Joey neither had a nightmare that night or for many nights thereafter. Life had indeed gone back to normal following Joey's heart surgery. Though Chico continued to be cautious where his son was concerned, he did loosen up and allow him to go places and do things with his friends without too much anxiety. Even though things were better for the most part Joey still did not like school as much as he once had and on more than one occasion there were minor battles with homework, which proved frustrating for both father and son.

After two weeks of struggle Chico decided to go to Mr. Carlos and see if there was anything he could be doing at home to help Joey do better in school.

So the following Friday he went to the school a little before 3:00 to see if Mr. Carlos had time to speak with him regarding his son.

At the bell every kid in the building seemed to race for the nearest door. Joey spotted Chico almost immediately after leaving his classroom.

Joey had a look of concern on his face as he spoke.

"Papa what are you doing here?"

"I'm just here to talk to your teacher for a bit."

"Am I in trouble?" Joey looked both worried and confused as he couldn't think of anything he had done for which they would call his Dad to school.

"No not at all I just thought I'd come and talk to your teacher and see if there was some way I could help you at home, so that school would go better for you. Ed's at home you go on and I'll be there in a little while."

"Ok," replied Joey. He still wasn't convinced that he wasn't going to get into trouble. When the classroom had cleared Chico knocked on the open door. Mr. Carlos looked up and smiled.

"Please come on in. One moment please."

"Ok Dominic, you may leave now. You be sure you have your homework done tomorrow."

A boy a little taller than Joey turned from the corner and went to get his books before exiting the class. He never looked at either Chico or his teacher.

"Now what can I do for you?"

"My name is Chico Rodriquez. I am Joey Martine's foster father." Chico offered his hand for the larger man to shake. Mr. Carlos must have out weighed Chico by a good 40-50 lbs. and as tall as Chico was at 6'3 Mr. Carlos was about 2 inches taller as well. As Chico studied the imposing man he could certainly see way Joey was leery of his new teacher.

"It's good to meet you. I always like to get to know the parents of the students in my class; I find it helps me understand them better. What can I do for you today, oh please have a seat."

Mr. Carlos offered Chico his chair at the sound station where the children learned about books on tape for the visually impaired.

"Thank you." When Chico was seated he began. "I notice that my son is having some trouble with his homework, and I was just wondering if there was any thing I could do at home to help him succeed in school?"

"I see. It's good that your here, it shows your a concerned parent. Too often I see the reverse. It's almost as if parents see teachers as glorified babysitters for their children. Someone to 'take care' of them for 7 hours a day."

"I have not been a parent for very long, and while I do find it difficult at times I am also loving every minute of it." stated Chico matter of factly. "Do you have any suggestions as to what we can do to help Joey get the most of his education?"

"On the rare occasions that I find myself having this conversation with parents my first recommendation is always-turn off the television."

"Joey doesn't watch much TV. If he does we usually watch together and only after the homework," corrected Chico.

"Even though Joey was able to catch up on the assignments he missed when he was absent, I feel he wasn't given proper instruction on some of the earlier math, as a result he is having greater difficulty as we progress through the book. He also seems easily distracted, I don't want to say he doesn't listen it just seems that his mind wanders. Of coarse that's the way it seems to be with those artistic types. He's kind of flighty. May I make a suggestion?"

"Certainly," said Chico. He was somewhat offended by this man's attitude.

"I think when he is doing homework, he should be in a room with very little stimulation. Some place where he will not be distracted by sights and sounds around him."

"Forgive me, sir," questioned Chico. "It sounds to me like you are talking about a closet?"

"No, not at all. I'm sorry if you have misunderstood my meaning. Let me show you what I mean." Mr. Carlos stood and walked to the back of the room where he removed a box like contraption from a desktop. Bringing it to the front he explained. "I call these privacy partitions. If it seems to me that a child is not making the best use of their study time, I simply put this on the desk in front of them. It blocks their view of the kids around them so they are better able to concentrate on their own work."

"I understand now, but I'm just wondering, Joey seems to be getting his work done, it just seems to me that he is not enjoying school as he once did and I don't want that to affect his school work."

"Well it has been my experience that when the work gets harder and there is not as much playtime the fun is gone. I don't believe in babying my students. I expect them to do their homework and to follow instructions. If they do that we get along fine. If not, they lose privileges like recess. If your son sees that as no fun then I'm sorry, but that's the way I run my class. Some kids are just more mature than others, if he continues to have trouble perhaps he needs to repeat second grade again."

"Mr. Carlos, I don't believe in babying kids either as you say, but I also know that every person is different and I think it's important for people to consider a person's past to help them succeed in their future. Joey has been through a lot in his 7 years..." Before Chico could finish Mr. Carlos interrupted him.

"You're Joey's foster father are you not?" he questioned Chico somewhat suspiciously.

"Yes, yes I am."

"So I suppose your going to tell me that since Joey was taken away from his birth parents I should baby him and let things slide till he's ready to join the rest of the class?" Mr. Carlos practically sneered as he asked the question.

"No, now I believe it is you who is misunderstanding me Mr. Carlos. I am merely saying that children are not cattle separated into groups of good, fair, or poor quality. They all have the same potential and I think we need to work together to help them reach their full potential, and sometimes being understanding of how a child has gotten to where they are will go along way in helping them do their best."

"I appreciate your taking the time to come and see me Mr. Rodriquez. I can assure you, I have been a teacher for a good many years and I know how to handle my students. If you get your Foster son to school on time, his homework done, I will do whatever it takes to see he does the best he can. If we have problems I will let you know. Now you must excuse me, I'm late for a meeting, can you see yourself out?"

Chico only shook his head in reply and as he stood Mr. Carlos quickly disappeared from the room. As Chico walked to his truck he thought about Joey and how he no longer seemed to enjoy school. After meeting his teacher Chico could sympathize completely. He didn't like the guys attitude and he thought his manner was cold and uncaring, not at all the kind of teacher who should be teaching such young pupils.

Joey and San were at the garage playing and Ed was keeping an eye on them. He was in the office taking care of some orders that needed to go in and the little boys had found a huge refrigerator box to play with. They were inside the box on the landing of the stairs, Ed was just coming from his office in time to see the two of them go sliding down the stairs in the box. When they got to the bottom Ed was fit to be tied. He went over to them and lifted each of them out of the box to stand in front of him.

"What in the sam hill do you think you two are doing?! Don't you know you could tip over and go headfirst down the steps on the cement. Or fall through the railing. I don't ever want to see you doing that again or it will be along time before San comes over to play. Now San you go sit on the couch, and Joey you go sit on the stool by the workbench. You sit there till I say you can go play and I don't want to hear a peep out of either of you."

"Ed, are you gonna tell Chico?" Joey wanted to know.

"What do you think?" questioned Ed. Joey didn't need to be told, he knew Ed was definitely going to tell Chico.

The boy's did as they were told and were still sitting in their respective spots when Chico got back from his visit to the school.

"Hey there boys, watcha up to?" He called as he entered the garage.

Joey anxiously jumped from the stool he was seated on and was about to run and great his Papa when Ed hollered to him as he came out of the office.

"I haven't said you could go play yet young man. You haul your keister back over to that chair." As Joey sat back down on the stool Chico went to Ed to find out what had happened in his absence.

"What's the matter Ed, what did they do?"

"Those two little daredevils came sailing down those stairs in a cardboard box! They could have killed themselves. I told them they're supposed to sit there until I say they can go play and if they ever do a fool thing like that again it would be a long time before San's next visit."

"Ok Ed thanks for watching them for me. Before I get back to work I'm going over to the parts store we need a few things. I'll be right back," he turned to look at the boys before he left. "You mind Ed and I'll see you when I get back."

"Ok you two you can go play but no more stunts like the last one understand?"

"Yes sir," they replied together before running outside to play.

"And take that box with you!!!" Ed yelled after them. Joey did an about face and retrieved the box and ran back out to play.

A short time later Chico returned from the parts store. He looked around the garage and when he saw the coast was clear of little ears, he felt free to vent a little to Ed about his visit to the school.

"Boy Ed I don't want to discourage Joey about school but after meeting that teacher of his I can certainly see why he has lost the enthusiasm he had for it."

"What makes you say that Chico?"

"I went to ask him if he had any suggestions about how I can help Joey here at home. He as much as told me that once the kids were in his class he was in charge. My job as his 'foster father'," Chico mimicked in a sarcastic tone, "was to see that he got to school on time with his homework done and he would do whatever it takes to teach them. That kind of worries me, and he acts like all kids are the same just tell them what to do and they better do it. I was not impressed."

"Not impressed with what?" asked Joey as he and San returned to the garage for a drink.

"Uh with the muffler I got." recovered Chico. He did not want his opinion of the teacher to have a further adverse affect the boy as he was already finding it hard to like school.

"Come on San, let’s go get a drink." They hurried upstairs.

"Great cover Chico, I just hope the next time the kid sees Mr. Rudy from the parts store he doesn't tell him what you said."

"Joey wouldn't do that would he?" Chico asked in alarm.

"He's a kid isn't he? Kids have a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, I remember once Sharon told Mrs. Hullahan that her mother had said she'd never seen a pleated skirt with so few pleats in it. She had overheard something her mother was talking to me about and she thought it was a compliment to the heavy lady. Margaret was so embarrassed she didn't go to Ladies Aid for two months!"

"No way Ed, you're kidding right?" Said Chico with a growing uneasiness.

"I'm dead serious." As he was speaking Joey and Santos came down the stairs.

"Joey can I talk to you for a minute?" requested Chico.

"Sure, I'll be right back out Santos."

"Ok, amigo," San said as he continued on outside to wait for his friend.

"What's up?"

"Joey, about what I said about the muffler a moment ago, don't tell Rudy at the parts store that I said that alright? I'll talk to him about it myself if I need to."

"Sure Papa, can I go play now?"

"Do you have any homework?" Chico questioned.

Joey studied the floor a moment or two as if trying to decide how to reply.

"Yeah some I guess," He admitted reluctantly.

"Ok. Well you can play for ten more minutes and then San had better go home so you can do your homework. I don't want you to be up late trying to get it done."

"Oh ok." Joey hurried outside to make the most of the last ten minutes of playtime. When he had gone, Chico turned to Ed with an air of satisfaction.

"There I guess I headed that problem off at the pass." bragged Chico in reference to his earlier comment to Joey about Rudy the owner of the parts store.

"This time," Ed said as he smiled smugly.

When Chico called outside a few minutes later to tell Joey to come in and do his homework and that Santos had to go home, two little heads poked out from beneath the refrigerator box.

"In a second Chico, we're on the moon, we haven't come outta orbit yet!" Joey answered.

"This is mission control and astronaut Jose Eduardo Martine had better make an emergency landing to complete his mission paperwork or he'll be having an extended stay in headquarters on Saturday, if you get my drift."

Chico was kind but firm. He still believed that no matter what Joey may have been through in the past he still needed discipline, and if there was one thing that his Aunt Connie had taught him, it was that children were expected to obey their elders with no argument. That was one of the many pieces of wisdom his Aunt Connie had instilled in him and he hoped to do the same with Joey and there was no time like the present. The message had gone through loud and clear, and they scrambled to obey.

"See ya later San."

"Yeah you too Joey."

When San had ridden away Joey followed Chico into the garage.

"You better go start your homework before supper pal, I don't want you to be up late tonight, besides you don't want to spend your whole evening doing homework do you?"

"No sir, I'd rather play."

"Go on and get started then. I'll come get you when supper is ready."

It was Chico's turn to cook and he decided to make some beef burritos. He hurried upstairs to start supper while Ed locked up for the night.

"Joey had finished his spelling sentences and was working on his math when Chico came to get him for supper.

"Supper's ready pal, how are you coming on your homework?"

"Ok. I never had borrowing before, that's what we started today. I don't like it."

"Well I'll see if I can help ya with them after we eat. It's Ed's turn for the dishes so we have more time. Let's go eat now before your burrito gets cold."

"Burritos? YES! I love those." Joey raced up the stairs as fast as he could.

Ed was not especially thrilled with burritos so he made himself some oatmeal.

"Hey Grandpa Ed, how come when I don't like something I get told this ain't a restaurant and you get to make something you like?" quizzed the little boy jealously.

"For one thing, I'm an old man and if I ate one of those things we'd all be paying for it. And for another, THIS IS MY KITCHEN!"

"Oh so if I don't want my peas next time we have them, I still gotta eat em?"

"By George, I think he's got it," exclaimed Chico in a thick English accent.

"That's not fair ya know." lamented Joey.

"Listen to me kid," said Ed as he put an arm around his grandson. "Whoever told you life was fair LIED TO You!"

After supper Chico and Joey sat down together to see if they could get through math. At times it was a little frustrating but Chico remained patient and understanding and before too long the homework was done and Joey felt as if he actually had it mastered.

"Thank you Papa Chico." the small lad climbed onto Chico's lap and wrapped his thin arms around his father's neck in a loving and appreciative embrace.

"Your welcome pal, it was my pleasure. What would you like to do now?"

"Let's build something together!"

That sounds like a lot of fun. Go get your blocks."

For the rest of the evening Chico and Joey built a castle with a tower and they put Freddie in the top of it. Joey took some blue construction paper and made water for underneath the moat. He drew seahorses, seashells, fish and an alligator in the water.

"You are so good to draw Joey. Are you going to be an artist someday?"

"I dunno I think I want to work here with you and Ed, wouldn't it be fun?"

"It sure would, if that's what you want to do."

"Hey, I'm glad you played with me. I miss Mama. She used to play stuff with me all the time when David was gone."

"I bet you do miss her. What would you play?"

"She'd teach me my letters and numbers, read to me, and we'd paint and draw. And boy could she build a mean pirate ship! That was cool."

"Wouldn't she play with you if David was home?"

"Naw, it made him mad if she did so I stayed in my room by myself. Now what should we make?' asked Joey, trying to avoid further questions about his stepfather to ruin their evening.

"Let's build an ICE CREAM SUNDAE!" Yelled Chico with excitement.

"Hey yeah! You have great ideas Chico. I'm glad you got to be my Papa."

"Me too pal, me too."

Chico hoisted Joey over his shoulder and carried him up the stairs like a sack of potatoes. When they got to the top Chico knocked and waited for Ed's reply. When no-one came he peeked into the tiny apartment. Ed was on the phone so Chico motioned for Joey to be quiet and they waited till the conversation was through.

"Shirley of coarse I had a nice time at your sisters but do we have to go there every week? No it's not that I don't want to see you, it's that I don't want to see her. I want you and I to go out-alone."

"Oh no Shirley, not here, not now the kids could come up here any moment.

Oh alright, yes I love you to my little banana cream pie, smooch"

When Joey heard that he started laughing so Chico quickly covered his mouth. Chico cleared his throat rather loudly and knocked on the door once more.

"C'mon in!" Ed called. "Shirley I gotta go I'll see you tomorrow night at 7:00." He hung up as Chico put Joey on the floor.

"Hey Ed we're gonna have some Ice cream before bed do you want some?" asked Chico.

"What kind is it?" Ed replied.

"It's chocolate." answered Chico.

"I bet grandpa wants a chocolate KISS," said Joey as he burst out laughing."

"No Joey I think he wants a banana cream kiss." both the guys became overcome with laughter

The next day Joey was actually anxious to get to school since he felt so confident about his math assignment. Chico was relieved that Joey was happy to go, and he prayed to the

Virgin of Guadeloupe that it would continue. He and Ed were busy in the garage all day, stopping only for lunch with Louie and Della.

What started out as a confident and happy day was rapidly turning insecure and gloomy. Mr. Carlos was in a very bad mood and it made Joey very edgy.

Mr. Carlos had three boys and two girls in at recess writing the spelling words they got wrong on the test 50 times each. Even though Joey had his homework done, there were so many in class that were having difficulty that math class ran over into art so they didn't get to have art class.

Joey and San were a few minutes late returning to class after recess because they had been over at the tennis courts having races and didn't hear the bell right away. Mr. Carlos was not happy. As punishment he had Joey and Santos stay after class and clean erasers for him. When they had finished with the erasers and wiping the chalk dust off the ledge of the board, and getting ready to leave Mr. Carlos stopped them.

"Joey Martine would you please stay after a few more minutes I want to talk to you."

The tone of his voice gave Joey chills. "Yes sir."

"I'll wait outside for you amigo," offered San."

"That's alright Mr. Garcia. You head on home, I'm sure your folks will be worried."

"Yes Mr. Carlos." San hesitated for a moment to look at Joey. Joey was looking kinda pale and San thought for sure he was shaking. When San noticed that Mr. Carlos was waiting for him to leave he left as quickly as he could.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong so instead of waiting for Joey to come out, or going home as Mr. Carlos had said Santos went to the only other place he could think of, Ed's garage.

Meanwhile in the classroom Mr. Carlos stood studying Joey a moment and called him up to the desk.

"Y-Yes sir." Joey approached the desk with caution. He was well acquainted with the feeling in the pit of his stomach and he hated it. He thought that after David had died he would never have to know the feeling of tightness in his tummy again. His hands were sweaty despite the residue of chalk dust that remained on them from his recent chore. Mr. Carlos took his seat before speaking.

"Mr. Martine, I suppose you know that your foster father came to visit me in this room yesterday."

"Y-Yes sir."

"Do you also know why?"

"No sir."

"He is concerned that you no longer like school, is that true?"

"Yes sir, I-I mean no sir, I-I mean I like school, it's just harder is all."

"Is all? Is that anyway to talk to your teacher?"

"N-No sir. I'm sorry."

"As your teacher it is my responsibility to teach you. Believe me when I tell you that I will see that you learn everything that's required of you this year."

"Yes sir," replied Joey.

"In conclusion let me say this. I do not like whiners and tattle tales in my classroom. The next time you have trouble with me please come to me, don't go whining to your daddy."

"Yes sir."

"You may leave now," ordered Mr. Carlos.

Santos was in the garage and trying to explain what was happening with Joey at school, but how could he explain something he didn't know. Chico decided it would be best if he just went with San back to the school and find Joey. They were almost to the school when they saw Joey coming down the sidewalk toward them.

"Hey Joey, what'd he do to you?" San wanted details.

"Nothin. He just wanted to tell me something."

"Are you ok Joey?" inquired Chico with concern.

"Sure. He just said that if I had trouble he wanted me to let him know. While it wasn't the whole truth it wasn't a lie either and it satisfied his inquisitors for the time being."

"Cheez and crackers Chico, I'm sorry I scared ya. I thought he was mad at

Joey."

"That's all right San, I'm glad you told me, and I'm even gladder that you were wrong."

"Me too," said Joey. "And I don't have any homework." Joey added happily.

"You never did tell me why the two of you were staying after school." inquired Chico.

"Well we were late coming in from recess. We were at the tennis courts running when the bell rang and we didn't hear it," said San.

"Yeah, Mr. Carlos said his time was valuable and if we were gonna waste his time we'd give it back by helping him after class," added Joey.

"I better get home or I'm gonna be in big trouble. Glad you're ok, amigo," said

San as he raced toward home.

When father and son were alone Chico made a few more inquires.

"Are you sure you're ok, and that there isn't anything you want to tell me pal?"

As much as Joey wanted to tell Chico what his teacher said he didn't like being called a tattletale and he certainly didn't want to get Chico in trouble with that big man. He knew Chico was tough but he also remembered all too well what happened when David worked him over. And compared to Mr. Carlos, David looked like a wimp.

"No sir, I'm hungry, can we stop at Della's and see if she's got some cookies?" Chico laughed as he tousled the boy's shiny black hair.

Since he had no homework for a change, Joey was able to spend a little extra time with Freddie, his pet turtle. Chico was on the phone with Liz. The two of them were going out for the evening and Ed and Shirley were going out as well so Charlotte his former foster sister was coming to stay with Joey. He had been playing with Freddie for a while when he came to the conclusion that Freddie needed more room to move around, he knew he was not allowed to take him in the tub with him but maybe he could let Freddie walk around in the empty tub while he ate supper.

So Joey put Freddie in the tub and pulled the shower curtain shut so no one would find him in there before he could take him out. When that was done, Joey went upstairs for supper. Since he was the only one eating at home tonight Ed made him some spaghetti-o's.

In the meantime, Chico was through talking to Liz on the phone and was going to take a bath and get ready to pick her up. He turned on the faucets and ran upstairs to ask Ed about borrowing a black tie.

"Hey Ed man, do you have a black tie I can borrow? Liz and I are going dancing tonight and I want to look my best."

"There should be one in my closet, I need one too though so if I only have one clean, I get it."

"So what are you and Charlotte gonna do tonight pal?"

"I don't know maybe we'll play checkers, or something. She's pretty fun for a girl."

"That's good pal. Well I'm gonna take a bath, and get ready. Do you want to come with me to pick her up?"

"Sure then I can see Lynnae and Josh."

When Chico had left, it was a couple minutes later when Joey realized that he had left Freddie in the tub.

"Grandpa, did Papa say he was gonna take a bath?"

"Yeah why?"

Joey jumped up from the table almost spilling his spaghetti-o's in the process.

"Hey Kid get back and eat your supper!" When Joey kept going Ed followed him. When they were both in the middle of the stairway Chico yelled.

"Jose Eduardo Martine get in here por favor!"

"What in the world?" questioned Ed.

Joey sprinted to the bathroom. His father was standing in the tub a towel around his midsection looking very unhappy.

"Y-es Papa?

"Haven't you been told a couple of times that Freddie the turtle is not allowed in the bathtub?"

"Yeah" he answered.

"Then may I ask why he is in my bathwater?"

"You said he couldn't be in the tub with me," stated Joey honestly.

"Joey! Are you getting sassy with me?" Chico questioned. He was very surprised at Joey's attitude.

"No Papa I'm sorry, I just-it's just" Joey was flustered he hadn't intended to be sassy. He could feel tears building up behind his eyes, but he tried not to let them fall. "I'm sorry. There wasn't no water in the tub when I put him in there honest. I just thought he needed a little more room to move around."

"I see. Well take little Freddie so I can finish getting ready. I almost stepped on him. I hope he'll be ok, the water was pretty hot for him."

"Yes sir." Joey took the turtle from his Dad and left the room. After putting him in the pail he carried it upstairs. Ed who realized Joey's urgent need to leave his supper on the table had gone upstairs to finish getting ready for his big date. By the time Chico had finished his bath and changed for his date, Joey was done eating and was ready to go along to pick up Charlotte.

"Papa, I'm sorry I put Freddie in the bathtub. I won't never do it again."

"That's ok pal, I'm sorry I snapped at you for being sassy. I think the little guy does need more room, maybe on Saturday we can go out to lunch just the two of us and pick up an aquarium or something bigger than an ice cream pail for him."

"Really you mean it?"

"Sure I mean it, it'll be fun."

"Gracias Papa." Joey hugged Chico as hard as he could. "Yo amor tu

Papa."

"Yo amor tu tambein mi Hijo. Let's go get Charlotte."

Before they could leave the garage, Lynnae drove up with Charlotte in the car. "I hope you don't mind my bringing her over but it dawned on me that Charlotte may have difficulty getting into the truck with her braces on," explained Lynnae.

"Hey Lynn, are you gonna take care of me too?"

"No sweetie I just came to bring Charlotte. I promised my friend Marge she and I would go to the movies tonight. Charlotte, you can call when they get back and either your father or I will come and get you."

"Sure Mom, I'll see ya later."

Charlotte turned to Chico. "I hope you don't think I won't be able to watch Joey. I really do do a lot of babysitting and it's-I mean my legs have never been a problem before." She said as Lynnae backed out of the garage.

"And it's not now. I'm just glad you could come over tonight. Joey knows you. You two can stay in the apartment, then you won't have to climb stairs."

"That's all right Chico, stairs are good exercise I can handle it. I just hope you won't worry." Ed happened to be coming down stairs and heard Charlotte's words.

"Well he will you can be sure of that Charlotte but it isn't because you're here. It's because he doesn't think anyone but him can care for Joey."

"That's not true Ed."

"Oh it isn't is it? Well how come the last time I watched Joey you called four times?!"

"You did?" exclaimed both Charlotte and her charge at the same time.

"Ok so I did but I'm better now. There's ice cream in the freezer for a snack, or Della brought over some sugar cookies. Help yourselves."

Chico knelt down to hug Joey. "One bowl of ice cream or two cookies, not both and no more. You have fun tonight pal and be good." He gave the little boy a kiss. "I should be back by 12 at the latest. I left the number where we can be reached by the phone in the apartment, oh and he goes to bed at 8 on school nights but since it's Friday he can stay up till 9." He left to pick up Liz.

Shirley was picking Ed up and as he waited for her to arrive he talked to Joey.

"Now you be good Joey, don't be running all over and you listen to Charlotte. He sits on that stool over there if he's not listening or send him to bed early."

"He'll be good, won't ya pipsqueak?"

"Yep I will." Ed gave Joey a hug and kissed him on the top of his head. At that moment Shirley came to get her man for their special night. When Charlotte and Joey were alone they played checkers for a while and then Charlotte read some stories to Joey.

"Hey Charlie, you wanna see my turtle? His name is Freddie."

"Sure. Where did you get him?"

"San and I found him at that new park by his house, San's got one too."

"He's cute, I wonder how big he's gonna get." They played with Freddie for a long time, then Joey showed some of his latest pictures to Charlie. She always loved the way he drew and he loved the way Charlie played the piano. Charlie dearly loved Joey and often wished that he could have been her little brother, but whenever she saw how happy he was with Chico and Ed she knew in her heart that he was where he belonged.

At about 8:30 Charlie said they should pick up the toys and go have a snack as it was almost bedtime.

"Aw Charlie lemme stay up, I won't tell."

"No way Jose! If they come home earlier, or if Chico calls to check and finds your still awake I'll never be asked to baby-sit you again. Now get busy."

"Why do you call it babysitting? I ain't a baby and you don't sit on me?"

Charlie started laughing. "I see you’re still full of questions. I don't know, that's just what I've always heard it called."

They were upstairs having ice cream when the phone down in the apartment rang.

"Oh shoot Joey will you please run and get that. If it's Chico tell him I'm on my way to the phone, if it's not just don't let them think your here alone, I’ll get there."

"Sure." Joey sprinted down the steps and was picking up the receiver on the fourth ring.

"Hello?"

"Joey this is Papa, are you still up or did I wake you? And why are you answering the phone, is everything alright? " Chico was beginning to panic.

"I'm fine Papa. Charlie and I were upstairs, I'm having a bowl of ice cream-here's Charlie."

Joey handed the phone to Charlie.

"Hello?"

"Hi Charlie, this is Chico Is everything ok?"

"Oh yeah we're having a great time. Joey's having some ice-cream and then he's off to bed, aren't you Joey?" Charlie asked Joey as she talked into the phone.

Chico smiled as he heard Joey grumbling in the background-"Yeah I guess so."

"Well I won't bother you anymore I should be home around 11:30 or 12:00. Bye."

Joey was tugging on Charlie's sleeve as she talked to Chico.

"Uh just a minute Chico, Joey wants to talk to you." He took the receiver from Charlie.

"Hiya Papa. Can I have one of Della's cookies before bed?"

"I thought you said you were having ice cream?"

"Just a small bowl can I have one huh, please?"

"Just one then you go right to bed."

"Ok thanks bye." He hung up even before Chico could reply further.

"Chico said I could have one cookie."

"I thought he said a cookie or ice cream but not both?"

"He did, that was before he said I could have one cookie now."

"Are you sure?" Charlie was a little suspicious since he had hung up the phone before she could get confirmation from Chico.

"Yeah really, he did, he likes me to be happy." Joey said in all earnestness.

"You have a smart answer for everything don't you? Well go finish your snack so you can get to bed."

After finishing his snacks Charlie read him one more story and put him to bed. Charlie decided to stay in the apartment at the table to read, in case Joey needed anything or Chico should call again-which he did, Charlie answered on the first ring.

"Ed brown's garage, this is Chico's place."

"Hi Charlie, I know I said I wouldn't bother you anymore but I just wanted to make sure he went to bed for you," said Chico.

"He sure did, he wouldn't dare fuss with me, he was my brother for a while ya know. Did you tell him he could have a cookie before? I just want to check."

"Yes I did. Well I won't call anymore. Here's where we'll be for a while..."After leaving the name and number of the dance band place Chico hung up with a promise not to call again.

Charlie was deeply engrossed in the book she brought along, Coma by

Robin Cook, when Chico came home a couple hours later. She was at the spot where the lady in the coma is trying to call for help as the killer is nearing her room to try again, when Chico shut the door to the apartment and whispered, "Hi Charlie"

She nearly jumped two feet in the air, she did drop her book on the floor. Joey stirred at the noise but did not awaken.

"Holy catfish you scared me. This is the last murder mystery I read when I baby-sit."

"I'm sorry Charlie. Thanks a lot for staying with Joey, I really appreciate it."

"No prob, he's a good kid. He talks about you and Ed all the time. I miss having him at our house but I’ve never seen him this happy before."

"I hope he is. Here you go," Chico paid her and while she went out to the garage to call her house Chico pulled out the sofa bed and gently carried Joey to his own bed. Then he went out to the garage to visit with Charlie while they waited for her parents.

"If your willing to sit with Joey again sometime I'll suggest we use Liz's car so I can drive you home afterwards so your folks don't have to. I'm sorry, I forgot all about your braces and that it may be hard for you to climb in and out of the truck."

"That's one of the nicest things anyone ever said to me before." Charlie's mom came just then and when she had gone Chico returned to the apartment, kissed Joey goodnight and went to bed himself.

Chico was awaken the following morning, the way he had been virtually every morning since Joey had come to live with them. Joey had climbed onto the bed and from there he straddled Chico's chest.

"Mornin’ Papa!"

"Morning pal. What time is it?" Chico questioned still groggy with sleep. Joey looked at the digital clock beside his father’s bed.

"6:50, wanna have cereal with me?"

"Sure just give me a..."

Joey pulled a box of Froot Loops up on the bed that he had on the floor. He got off of Chico's chest and snuggled under the covers with him. He reached his small hand into the box for a handful of cereal and offered the box to Chico.

"Don't you want some milk on those?" Chico asked.

"Mff oo vy." Joey replied around a mouthful of Froot Loops.

"After you swallow would you please repeat that?" Chico laughed as he too helped himself to some cereal.

"I said the milks to heavy. It's hard to pour and I'm scared I’ll spill it."

"Here let's go get some for you. Where's Ed, wasn't he upstairs?" Chico put some jeans and a T-shirt on to go get Joey some breakfast and then he would shower and get ready for work.

"Nope. And he wasn't in the bathroom either." announced Joey.

"HHMM-well lets go have some breakfast. It looks like it's my turn to open the garage."

Joey and Chico had toast and cereal together. Chico having finished first ran downstairs to get ready for work. When he was coming down the stairs Ed came waltzing into the garage.

"Well look at you man, where have you been all night?"

"Shirley and I we went dancing from one dance theater to another and then we parked in the Hollywood hills sign and watched the sunrise. The perfect end to a perfect evening."

Ed waltzed over to the workbench and pretended to dip Shirley.

"You sly fox you, I didn't know you had it in you." teased Chico.

"Listen Chico just cause the heat is down doesn't mean the pilot light is out. I'm gonna get ready for work."

Chico hurried to prepare for the day so he could open for Ed. He was shaking his head in astonishment at the fact that Ed had been out all night with a woman. He had the feeling that slowly but surely their roles were reversing and he would soon be the one waiting up for Ed. What a thought man, Chico thought to himself as he showered.

Joey was still eating when Ed waltzed into his apartment.

"Hey Grandpa, where ya been?"

"Out."

"Didja go for a walk?"

"If you must know I was with Shirley, we had breakfast together." It was the truth, just not the whole truth.

"You had breakfast with Miss Shirley after you just saw her last night? Don't ya get sick of her?

"Sick of Miss Shirley? How can you say such a thing? Why I enjoy all the time we spend together."

"Not you too!?" yelled Joey with alarm.

"Not me too, what?" inquired Ed.

"Your girl crazy too, I thought it was just Papa who was but you are too. Yuck

I'd rather have the flu!" That piece of information shared, Joey took his dishes to the sink and went to get dressed. Leaving Ed alone in the kitchen to laugh at his Grandson's assessment of his family.

Chico was almost ready when Joey came into the apartment. He was shaking his head.

"What's the matter pal?"

"Did you know that Grandpa Ed had breakfast with Miss Shirley? He said he could never be tired of seeing Shirley."

Joey put his pajamas on the dresser and dug around in the dresser till he found a pair of denim shorts and a T-shirt. When he was dressed he went to play in the sandpile that Ed had ordered delivered from the city workers. Chico opened the garage for business. He and Ed had a hearty laugh when Ed filled Chico in on the gist of the conversation he and Joey had together.

"That kid is such a riot." laughed Ed. "I never know what he is gonna come up with."

It was not to far into the morning when Joey's shadow, also known as San, came pedaling into the yard. Joey was still out in the sandpile playing tithe the garbage truck he had gotten for Christmas.

"Hey I got an idea, let's make a castle with a moat and we can put Freddie in it for the alligator!!!" suggested San excitedly.

"Hey yeah! That's a great idea!" The two boys spent about an hour making the castle. Joey ran to the garage to see if Ed had a pail he could use to haul water for the moat.

"Chico, ya got a pail or a can I can use?"

"What for?"

"San and I made a castle and we need some water for a moat. Freddie's gonna be the alligator."

"I thought I saw one in the office, just put it back when your done, pal."

Joey was about to fill the pail from the hose beside the gas tank but Chico thought it was better to use slightly warmer tap water so Joey hurried upstairs to get the water. When Ed saw the familiar can he questioned Joey.

"Where did you get that can kid?"

"In your office."

"What did you do with the bur..uh bottle I had in there?"

"I put it by your cash register, I didn't drink any-it tastes awful."

Joey took the water outside to finish his castle. As he watched Joey head down the steps he couldn't help but wonder when he may have had occasion to taste bourbon. The possibilities were just too sad for Ed to care to think about.

When they had finished their moat they came to get their alligator. Joey looked in the pail and saw that Freddie was lying in the mud. He reached in and picked the turtle up.

"I think he must be sleeping." Joey said as he put the turtle in the palm of his hand. When Freddie still did not move as he usually did San tapped the turtles head-Nothing.

"Papa, Papa!" Joey, the turtle still in his dirty little hand, followed closely by San ran out to find Chico. Chico, who had heard his son's cries, was on his way into the apartment.

"What's the matter Son?" Chico knelt down to talk to the now sobbing child. He was unable to answer so he just opened his hand to show Chico his precious pet.

"Oh pal, I'm so sorry. Your turtle died." Joey through himself into Chico's open arms and cried as hard as he could. He felt so bad about Freddie that he didn't even care if his best friend saw him crying. Chico carried Joey into the apartment so they could have some privacy. San came to he felt bad for his best friend and wanted to help if he could. Chico sat on the bed with Joey still weeping uncontrollably into his shirt.

"W-why? H-how?" Joey questioned as he looked at the tiny turtle in his hand.

Chico held unto Joey's hand and studied the turtle. He carefully lifted it from Joey's soiled hand.

"I'm not sure pal but I think maybe the bathwater from last night may have been too hot for him, he's awful small."

"I killed him! I killed my turtle, just like David, just like he killed Mama!!!"

Chico held Joey while new tears began to soak his shirt. When he had calmed down a little Chico tried to reassure the boy that what had happened was not his fault.

"Joey, you didn't kill Freddie it was an accident. There was no water in the tub when you put him in there, if it's anyone's fault it's mine. I was the one who put the water in the tub."

"B-But you didn't see him in there and I knew I wasn't supposed to put him in there!!!" The boy started to sob again. "David always says he has to teach me lessons to listen or something's gonna happen and now I don't have Mama and I don't have Freddie and it's all my fault!"

"No, no that's not true." turning to Santos Chico asked him to run in the office and get Ed.

When Ed got to the garage Chico was rocking Joey as he continued to weep.

"Ed Joey's turtle Freddie just died. I think he may have gotten to hot from the bathwater last night. Now Joey I want you to listen to me. What happened to your Mama was not your fault. Sometimes when Mommies have their babies things happen that even the doctors can't fix. It wasn't your fault that your Mama died that night."

"But if I wasn't bad we wouldn't try to leave then Mama wouldn't got in trouble cause she tried to stop him. She said she wasn't gonna let him hurt me. If I wasn't bad he wouldn't have to do that-If I wasn't bad and put Freddie in the tub when I knew I shouldn't he wouldn't be dead!!!!"

"I've talked to you about this before pal. David had a sickness called alcoholism, and sometimes when people drink they are funny, some are sad, and some are mean. David was a mean drunk. He hurt your Mama and you in an effort to make his bad feelings go away. If he made you feel bad about yourself it makes him feel better. What happened was David's fault. What happened with little Freddie was just a terrible accident. It was both of us together that hurt Freddie not just you. If I had looked more closely at what I was doing when I started the water, I would have seen the turtle in there and taken him out before I ran the water. But no matter what happened, Freddie is gone. He was a nice pet for you and you took very good care of him, I'm proud of you. You never had to be told to clean his bowl and you fed him everyday."

Joey had calmed down a lot listening to Chico explain things to him, but when he didn't say anything Chico asked, "Would you like us to have a funeral for him?"

"Could we?"

"Sure. It's important to say goodbye to those we love when they die, even animals. San's here, and you, me, and Ed, I think we should."

"Ok Papa. I better find a box." Joey brushed the tears away and slid off of Chico's lap.

"I'll help you Joey," offered his best friend. San put his arm around Joey and they went to find a box for Freddie. It was a sweet service. In attendance were Chico, Ed, Santos, Joey and Della provided sugar cookies and Kool-Aid following. Joey was out in the yard for a final good bye when Santos came over to Chico.

"Chico, do you think Joey would want my turtle?"

"Well that's nice of you to offer San, but you want him, don't you?"

"Well I have lot's a stuff. Joey's lost so much and he really liked Freddie."

"It's up to you buddy. I think it's a nice gesture. You are a good friend to him."

"He's cool."

A few minutes later when Joey came back inside Santos went over to his friend, stopping to pick up a couple of sugar cookies on the way.

"Here amigo. Della makes great cookies! Can I ask you something?" Santos asked as he handed Joey one of the two cookies he brought with him.

"Sure amigo."

"If you want my turtle you can have him. Do ya?"

"Thanks anyway San but I don't think so. It's not the same. Thanks."

"Ok, but if you change your mind you can have him. Do you still wanna do something or should I just go home?"

"Whatdya wanna do?" asked Joey.

"I dunno, we could play checkers?"

"Ok, it's almost time for the Flintstones too."

Joey thanked Della for the cookies and Kool-Aid and thanked Chico for letting him have a service for Freddie, and Ed for coming to it and then the friends went upstairs to play checkers and watch the Flintstones.

Joey had been in school for several months following his heart surgery and while he still didn't enjoy school as he had the year previous, it was going well. He was able to have his homework done thanks to Chico's help and he and San made sure to pay closer attention to the bell to return to class on time.

It was a beautifully warm spring day when Chico decided to call the school. At a PTA meeting earlier in the year he had offered to help as playground supervisor and no one had called to take him up on it so he decided to take matters into his own hands. He had been opening and closing the garage for Ed for the last two weeks so Ed could go with Shirley to help her sister paint her living room. In an effort to make the extra hours up to him, Ed gave Chico the afternoon off. That being the case Chico decided to call the school and see if they needed help for the afternoon.

The Principal apologized profusely for forgetting to put Chico's name on the helper list and his offer was readily accepted for that very afternoon. He even suggested that Chico pack a lunch and eat with Joey in the courtyard prior to recess.

Chico was so psyched about his afternoon plans he couldn't wait to surprise Joey. In the meantime at school Joey was in math class, his last class before lunch. Mr. Carlos was up at the board explaining a math problem. Joey was having a hard time keeping up with what he was saying, so he turned to San who sat behind him and asked for the last part of the explanation.

When Mr. Carlos turned and saw the two boys talking he walked over to their desks and angrily slammed his hand down on Joey's desktop. Joey jumped out of his desk and instinctively backed away from the angry man.

"Do either of you two care to tell me what is so interesting that you need to interrupt my math class to talk about it?"

" I-I was just asking San a question sir?"

"I am your teacher, am I not?"

"Y-Yes sir."

"Then ask me."

"I-I didn't get the last part of what you said so I was asking San, I mean Santos."

"Perhaps if you were paying attention you would not need to question those around you."

"Mr. Carlos, I don't mind helping him," said Santos.

"I mind. This is my class and if you are having trouble you need to ask me and not disrupt my class. Mr. Martine, I thought you and I had already had this talk before. Perhaps you need to be reminded. I have had about all of the two of you I can handle. Mr. Martine you will move to that desk over there from now on. Well class Mr. Martine and Mr. Garcia have used up what's left of our class time for today. Please line up for lunch."

Joey and San were on their way to the lunchroom when they noticed Chico standing near the school doors. Both boys ran to greet him, neither mentioned math class.

"Papa what are you doing here?" Joey asked excitedly. Though he was always happy to see his father he hoped he was not there to pay another visit to Mr. Carlos particularly after today.

"I have the afternoon off so I called and offered to be playground supervisor and I thought we could have lunch together. Is that ok?"

"Cool. You gonna stay for the whole afternoon?"

"Not the whole afternoon just until after recess pal. San would you like to join us for lunch too?"

"You bet!! Hey guys, Chico is gonna be playground monitor today!" Santos hollered to the line up behind them. This news brought a round of cheers and whistles. Chico Rodriquez had grown up in the Barrio of East La and he did a lot to help the kids. He was well known and well liked by everyone. For the children of the Barrio he was like the pied piper of hamlin. Except for Santos and Raul none of the kids really understood why or how Jose Martine had come to live with Chico, or call him Papa, but they all envied him nonetheless.

After lunch the boys all played baseball. Chico was playground monitor but because Chico had some many young admirers among the playground set most of the kids were either playing baseball or cheering on those who did. Many a little girl had a crush on the beautiful dark haired mechanic and would have followed him anywhere. If the truth were made known many a teacher married or single found Chico Rodriguez's charm irresistible and his dimples were to die for. The amazing thing was that Chico had absolutely no clue how many woman in his son's school would sit in a science room full of cageless mice to be near the young man if that's where he wanted to be.

The playground that day was unusually busy for the young monitor. Many a damsel in distress needed help off the monkey bars, first aid, or jump rope repair. Natalie happened to be in the washroom before going outside and she overheard Miss Birch talking to Mrs. Reynold's, the music teacher, as they combed their hair before the next class.

"That Mr. Rodriquez is such a nice man. I would kill to run my fingers through his beautiful black hair. I had his foster son in my class last year you know."

"I know dear you've told the entire female potion of the faculty on more than one occasion. I know what you mean though. I am married and I love my husband but when that man looks at me and I see those dimples I simply go weak in the knees."

Both women laughed uproariously as they left the washroom. Neither knew that Natalie had overheard their entire conversation. Consequently when Natalie went outside she went straight for her best friend Sharee and told her everything she had just heard. By the end of recess the news had spread quickly, the girls were all giddy with love and the boys who heard were totally disgusted. Teachers had a crush on Chico?? The poor guy, how embarrassing!

When recess was over the kids gathered around Chico and thanked him and begged him to come again tomorrow. Joey and San were not allowed to sit together after that day and Mr. Carlos watched every move they made. Both boys were relieved when the final bell of the day sounded so they could go home.

Chico was running some errands uptown for Ed when Joey came home so Joey felt free to tell Ed all about poor Chico.

"Cheez and crackers Grandpa you shoulda seen it, all the girls were climbing up the monkey bars and getting stuck. They wanted Papa to get em down! Yuck. Even Sara Moreno. For a girl she's the best climber and she got stuck. Raul said his sister said Sharee told her Natalie heard some teachers talking about Papa's dimples and his weak knees in the bathroom! How gross."

"Oh yeah poor Chico!!" Exclaimed Ed in mock sympathy. It was difficult for him not to laugh at Joey's conversation so when he asked permission to go to Della's to see if she could help him with his homework Ed readily agreed. Ed was still laughing a few minutes later when Chico came back with the groceries, and the newest TV guide.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't hot tamale the Mexican Mechanic."

"What are you talking about man? Did you twist your mustache too tight this morning?" asked Chico.

"From what my grandson tells me you are the hottest thing on the playground since the monkey bars."

"What?!"

"Yes my hot blooded Mexican mechanic. According to Joey who heard it from Raul, who heard it from his sister, who heard from Sharee, who heard from Natalie who heard it in the ladies room that you have half the faculty and the entire female Population of the elementary school, ah let's see what was the word Joey used, gooey eyed over you."

"Oh knock it off Ed. Be serious."

"I am, it's all over the playground. Joey told me. He said Sara Moreno, the best climber for a girl, got stuck on the monkey bars today so you could help her down."

"Speaking of Joey, where is he?" inquired Chico in an effort to change the subject.

"He's over to Della's. He needed help with something so he asked if he could go over there."

"Oh alright, well since I have had the afternoon off, thank you by the way, I'll make supper and do the dishes tonight, ok?

"Great how about some American food for a change?"

"What would you like?"

"How about cheeseburgers and French fries."

"Yeah real AMERICAN food," answered Chico sarcastically.

Conversation at supper was not quite as lively. Joey had some news to share but he said nothing about the girls on the playground and his Papa though. He did however show Grandpa Ed the scrape he got on his arm during the baseball game.

"Wow you must be very proud," said Ed.

"Yeah it's one of the first sores I got playing and not from being bad!" Joey was so excited over the baseball game and his scrape that he failed to notice the sad looks that passed between Chico and Ed about his statement.

Joey Helped Chico with the dishes and then he sat with Ed to watch TV a while. After his bath Joey was offered a bedtime snack as usual but turned it down.

"What's wrong pal?" asked Chico with concern.

"My tummy still feels full is all, uh I mean that's all," he corrected. He remembered how Mr. Carlos had scolded him for saying it the other way. "Can I sit with you for a while Papa?"

"Sure can." Chico was sitting on the couch. He, Joey, and Ed were watching television, Chico opened his arms and Joey climbed up in his lap. Chico strong and lean arms encircled the boy as they watched TV a while longer.

"How about I make us some popcorn Chico?" offered Ed. He enjoyed popcorn when he watched TV.

"Ok sounds good to me, how about you Joey?"

When he didn't answer Chico looked and was surprised to see that Joey had already fallen asleep.

"Looks like someone wore himself out on the playground with his Dad today," joked Ed.

"Poor kid, I'm just going to put him to bed and I'll be right back."

A few moments later Chico returned and he and Ed watched the game and had popcorn.

The next day Joey stayed home from school. Chico went to see if he was ready for school and found him lying on top of his freshly made bed.

"Come on pal or you'll be late for school."

"Papa my tummy hurts," Joey complained.

Chico came in and sat on the edge of the bed. Joey didn't want a bedtime snack the night before and he didn't eat much breakfast either. Chico put his hand on Joey's forehead.

"You don't seem to have a fever pal."

"My tummy does hurt honest."

"I believe you Joey where does it hurt?"

"Right here, my tummy still feels full," he said as he touched the middle of his stomach.

"Do you feel like your going to throw up?"

"No, just hurts."

"Well you stay in bed and rest today. I'll go get a pail just in case you're sick."

San's mother called while Chico was helping Joey get settled with his pajamas and a pail and back in bed. It seemed that whatever Joey had San had as well. At first the parents suspected a plot to skip school but when both boys stayed quietly in their rooms, sleeping throughout the day, it must have been a bug. Thankfully it was a short-lived bug and both boys returned to school the following day.

At the next PTA meeting, Chico wasn't there as he and Liz had a date, but all the ladies in attendance were a buzz about what a pleasant place the playground had become since Mr. Rodriquez had offered his services as monitor. Very few of the ladies in attendance could deny Chico's good looks and his winning ways with the children. Among other school business discussed it was brought up that someone should ask Mr. Rodriquez if he would be so kind as to take playground duty one afternoon a month.

As Chairperson of the PTA Mrs. Smythe was elected to approach Mr. Rodriquez about the possibility as soon as possible. Even though Mrs. Smythe the third no longer had children in the school system she felt it her duty as a civic minded, tax-paying citizen to reach out and help the less fortunate in the Barrio with her excellent leadership qualities.

When Mrs. Smythe the third asked him about it the following week he was more than willing to accept. Ed was gracious enough to give him an afternoon a month off so that wasn't a problem.

The next month went quickly by and soon it was once again Chico's turn as playground monitor, Joey could hardly wait. He had become a very popular kid in school when the other children realized that he lived with Chico Rodriquez. The only drawback that Joey could find is that now the girls were even more pesty than they had been before, especially Natalie.

San and Joey and a bunch of the guys in class were talking about getting a ballgame together at recess when Chico was going to be there when it was time for math. San and Joey were able to complete their homework in class and were quietly talking about the game amongst themselves.

The warm temperatures made the classroom stuffy so Mr. Carlos opened the door to allow the air to circulate through the room better. As more of the children finished their assignment the talking increased until finally Mr. Carlos shouted.

"All right who started all this chattering when you should be doing your homework?!"

Reluctantly Joey and Santos raised their hands.

"I might have known it was you two! What am I going to have to do to get you two to shut up in class unless you're asked to speak, and behave yourselves?! I am disgusted with your lack of respect and I am about this close," he indicated with his thumb and forefinger, "to taking a belt to the both of you, you make...."

"You will NOT take a belt or anything else to my son, or any other child in this school Mr. Carlos. Belts are not for hitting and children should not be hit!" Mr. Carlos turned at the interruption and saw Chico standing in the doorway, a cold and angry stare on his usually smiling face. He was on his way out to the playground for his turn as monitor and heard the yelling.

"Mr.Rodriquez this is my classroom and I'll than..."

Chico came right up to within inches of Mr. Carlos' sorry face and said, "This may be your classroom but that is my son your treating like an animal and I won't allow it! I am taking my son..."

"He is not really your son you know, you are merely being paid by the state to take him," interrupted Mr. Carlos.

"As far as I'm concerned he is my son, and as I was saying I am taking my son and his friend out of this class with me! Joey and San, you're coming home with me. Please get your things." As Chico turned to help the boys get their things together Mr. Carlos grabbed his arm and spun him to face him.

"Uh-uh, I wouldn't do that if I were you Mr. Carlos, threatening, emotional, and verbal abuse of children are serious enough charges you don't want to add assault to the list do you?" Chico eyed him closely as he said the words and slowly Mr. Carlos' grip on Chico's arm loosened and he let go altogether.

"Vominous boys, we're going home!" As all this was going on a large group of teachers had gathered outside the room and when Chico and the boys were making their way down the hall applause and cheering erupted for Chico from the students as well as Mr. Carlos' colleagues.

"That man really does something for those jeans!" said Miss Birch as she watched him walk away.

As the boys hurried to climb in the truck Chico told them, "I'll call your mama from the garage and explain what happened and then I will take you home Santos, I don't think your mother would have wanted me to leave you in the room with that man. If I'm wrong she can yell at me."

Nothing more was said by anyone on the way to the garage. As soon as Chico pulled up to the garage everyone jumped out.

"You guys can go in the apartment while I talk to Ed and call Mrs. Garcia."

The boys did as they were told. When they had closed the door behind them Santos whistled loudly.

"Man o man that was probably the coolest thing I ever saw! I mean Mr. Carlos must outweigh Chico by I don't how much and Chico made him back down, and did you hear the way everyone was cheering when we left?!

"I don't know what you're so excited about San I think we're in big trouble, Chico looks real mad."

"He's mad at the teacher dummy not us."

"Yeah well, wait'll he finds out why we were getting in trouble. Then we'll get it."

"Why were we getting in trouble? The whole class was talkin, not just us."

"But we started it, you bonehead."

"Yeah, but in case you forgot, Joey, we were done with our homework and if everyone else was talkin why did he just get mad at us?"

"You don't get it do you San? Grown ups don't gotta have a reason to be mad at ya. If they're mad and you're there, well too bad for you. I ain't seen Chico this mad since I ran away and I thought for sure I was getting a whippin then, he didn't but I might not be so lucky this time."

Chico came into the apartment and sat on the sofa.

"Santos your Mom is on her way over I explained everything. Let's go upstairs and get some lunch, when your Mom comes you can tell us what brought all this on and we'll figure out what to do from there.

Chico, Ed and the boys were finishing their lunch when Rosa Garcia arrived. She stormed up the steps to Ed's small apartment and when she saw Santos she spoke harshly to him.

"Santos I want you to explain to me what has happened today, why has Chico felt it necessary to pull you from class?!"

"Mrs. Garcia as I explained to you on the phone, Mr. Carlos was threatening to beat the boys. It's true that I did not take the time to find out the cause, but I don't believe it is a teachers job to spank a child, do you?"

"No I don't but..."

"Well I hope you can understand that I was only trying to remove the children from harms way. If I could have I'd have taken the entire class with me. I know you and Rudy very well that is why I felt confident about my decision and if I was wrong in doing so, I apologize but please don't be angry with Santos for what I did."

"Of coarse Chico, I am sorry for acting so ungrateful for what you did for my son. I am very glad that he is safe and I agree with you that a teacher should not spank a child, that is the parent's job when needed. What I meant was, what did my son do that would upset the teacher enough to want to strike him. Santos would you please tell me? If you were indeed causing trouble you will be punished, but not at the hands of Mr. Carlos."

"See I told ya!" Joey said matter-of-factly.

"I thought I would wait and we could find out what happened when you got here without going over the story so many times," explained Chico.

"Who would like to explain what happened in that classroom today?" Chico asked.

"We were talking in class," admitted Santos.

"But we had our homework done and class was almost over." Joey was quick to add.

"I see," said Chico as he sat back on the sofa and studied the boys.

"Were you interrupting the teacher?" asked Rosa.

"No ma'am. He was at his desk and were being quiet," said San. "We were talking about the ball game we were gonna play at recess."

"Yeah and pretty soon everyone in the room was talking. Mr. Carlos got mad and asked who started all the talking, so San and I raised our hands."

"Mr. Carlos got mad at just the two of you when the whole class was talking? Why didn't the rest of the class get in trouble? Chico wondered.

"Si, if the entire class was loud why punish two kids? Perhaps you two should have been kept in at recess for starting the whole thing but you should not have been singled out and subjected to ridicule and humiliation," Rosa spoke in defense of the boys.

"When I got to school I heard him yelling down the hall, and by the time I arrived in the doorway he had singled out Joey and san. He was threatening to take his belt to them." Chico added.

"Well again I thank you Chico for looking out for my son when I could not. I assure you his father and I will be talking about this tonight and we'll get back to you as to what we need to do. Come Santos let's go home, you will not be returning to school today."

"ALRIGHT!" squealed San with glee.

"Education is something to be taken seriously son. It is a privilege and an honor your father and I will see that you get back to school one way or another, Chico we will talk soon." Rosa took her son by the hand and led him from the garage.

Chico turned to Joey.

"Are you ok son?" he asked.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to be a troublemaker. I'm sorry please don't send me away."

"Send you away, what are you talking about? I would never send you away and you are not a troublemaker."

"I told San we'd get in trouble, he didn't believe me but I told him."

"Calm down son I don't know what you're talking about."

"San thought it was neat the way you took us out of class but I told em when you and Mrs. Garcia found out what happened we'd get it. I knew it, I told him."

"Joey please settle down. Did you and San tell us the truth about what happened? Did you start the talking?"

"Yes, but soon everyone else was too."

"Did you sass the teacher when he scolded you, or anything that would make him single the two of you out?"

"Yes sir, I mean no we didn't sass, yes we told you the truth. He said he shoulda known it was us and he was sick of us. It was an accident we were just excited about playing ball, we tried to be quiet but soon everyone was talking. He never told everyone to be quiet he asked who started it so I had to tell."

"I'm glad you did tell him. From what you tell me I don't think you should have been singled out, all the talkers should have been punished not just you two."

"See I told San. Grownups got mad at ya you were in for it. I told him, they don't care what ya do they just let you have it. San thought it was cool I told him just wait we'll get it yet." Joey was sobbing as he spoke. It was obvious to Chico that something more than being caught talking in class was bothering his son, and he intended to get to the bottom of it.

Chico managed to convince Joey that for now no one was 'in for it' and that they, he and the Garcia's would get to the bottom of this before anything came about. Joey stayed in his room the rest of the afternoon. Later in the day Rosa called with Santos' further account of what had been going on between Joey and Mr. Carlos. Chico brought the information to Joey and questioned him about it.

"Joey, San said that he thinks Mr. Carlos is picking on you, do you think he is?"

Joey hung his head and said nothing.

"Joey, I want an answer. Do you think Mr. Carlos is picking on you? He said you tried to get some help from him in math and Mr. Carlos scolded you in front of the whole class, and what of the time when you and San were late after recess, San was allowed to go home and you had to stay after. Why was that?"

Instead of answering Joey covered his ears to tune out the questions he was too afraid to answer and began rocking back and forth.

Chico picked Joey up and set him on his lap, as had been their custom of talking things out ever since Joey had come to live with them, and gently he took Joey's hands away from his ears and speaking softly in Spanish he again asked if he thought Mr. Carlos was picking on him.

This was too much Joey relayed the whole story about how Mr. Carlos had accused him of being a whiner and a tattletale, all the way to today's outburst against the two boys. By the time he was through, he was emotionally and physically drained to the point where he was no longer crying but uncontrollable sobs burst forth from his small frame.

When the truth was made known Chico was fit to be tied. At first Joey was frightened that he was in trouble but Chico asked Ed to stay with Joey while he picked up Rudy Garcia and the two men went to the superintendent's home to tell him about how Santos and Joey had suffered at the hands of their teacher the past months.

"I hate to make trouble Mr. Jennings but when two boys have the exact same account, and I myself heard the man threaten to use his belt on them. I really don't think Mr. Carlos should be teaching. Certainly not such young children. My son - foster or not, he is still my son - has been through so much in the last year and a half and he has spent several years in fear in his own home, being brutalized by a man who said he was doing it to teach him to be good. He does not need to go through that again in the name of education. There are plenty of good, honest teachers who are in the profession because they care for the students. If you intend to keep that man in your employ I will take my son out and find him a teacher who wants to help him learn not humiliate him."

"Si well said mi amigo. That goes for me and my son as well. I will not allow him to be humiliated and verbally abused," agreed Rudy.

"I am so glad that your children have come forward. Up till now we have had a few teachers complaints but nothing we could prove. Lot's of teachers' patience are tried, and some on occasion have yelled but I assure you no child has ever been verbally or physically abused in this school before nor will they again. You understand that as a matter of principal we must hear Mr. Carlos's side and I will want a more thorough check into his past teaching positions as well before we make any decisions. I will keep you informed along the way. Thank you for what you have done for our students," replied Mr. Jennings gratefully.

Satisfied that they had at least made the school system aware of what had been happening Rudy Garcia and Chico headed home.

Ed and Chico had a long talk about the events of the past couple weeks and Chico shared his concerns that this may cause a setback for Joey.

"I understand your concern Chico but don't borrow trouble. Joey has been with you for a while now, and no one could have been more loving, patient, or understanding about all that he has been through than you. You have shown him what real, unconditional love is and that is stronger than any nightmares."

"Thanks for that Ed, I hope your right. I'd better go talk to my son." Chico gave Ed a smile and a pat on his shoulder as he stood to go talk to Joey. The little boy was seated on the sofa, building with his legos.

"Hey pal let's talk a while ok?"

Joey nodded. Chico sat down next to the boy and he snapped some blocks together as he talked.

"Mr. Garcia and I went to see the school superintendent Mr. Jennings this afternoon."

"Why?"

"We thought the school officials ought to be told about Mr. Carlos and the way he has been treating you and Santos. That's not right."

"No Chico no don't do that! It's ok I am used to it, por favor don't do that!"

Chico reached out to the boy but Joey refused to be comforted.

"Rudy and I have already been back to the superintendents office. It's too late." Stated Chico.

Joey began to weep, and ran out of the apartment. He ran to Ed and threw his arms around the old man's waist.

"Ed don't let him do it! Your a Papa to him he has to mind you, don't let him I'll get in big trouble!"

Ed sat down on the stairway and held Joey at arms length. Chico had followed Joey out of the apartment and was watching the scene from a distance.

"What's going on here? Don't let Chico do what, what kind of trouble?"

"If they tell Mr. Carlos will...he'll be mad, he doesn't like tattletales, I knew I shouldn't have said any..."

"You know Chico would never do anything to hurt you he loves you."

This calmed him down somewhat and allowed Chico to come nearer.

"Joey, I would never hurt you, and I don't want anyone else to either. It's true grownups sometimes get angry, but no one should beat children ever. And verbal abuse, saying mean things is just as bad maybe worse in some ways because long after the pain of a slap is gone the hurtful words are remembered, and unlike a beating there are no visible signs to let people know your hurting. You never know when something you say is going to tear someone apart. Grownups are supposed to care for and protect children and those that don't even teachers need to be taught what's right. I won't let you go back in that classroom until I'm sure it's safe I promise. Ok?"

"OK!"

"Good now I have to get back to work before the boss fires me. Why don't you go color or something. If you have some work to finish go ahead I don't want you to fall behind."

By suppertime Chico and Joey were emotionally drained from their dramatic day, they were jolted from their stupors when the phone in Ed's apartment rang.

"Why do people always call at mealtime, don't they eat anymore?" grumbled Ed as he made his way to the phone.

"Ed Brown's Garage. It's suppertime, we're closed and I'm trying to enjoy my food BEFORE IT GET'S COLD!"

"Ed, man don't be rude!" scolded Chico as he grabbed the phone from the old man.

"Ed Brown's garage, this is Chico."

"Oh hey Rudy what's up?"

"No kidding man? That's great, whooppie!!! Thanks for calling." Chico hung up the phone and danced over to Joey and picked him up and tossed him in the air.

"Hey Chico you better quit that or your liable to have a twice tossed salad on your head. What are you so happy about anyway?"

"We did it Ed, we did it. Mr. Carlos is suspended without pay pending an investigation beginning tomorrow! We did it Joey you and all the kids are safe!"

Joey was excited too and relieved but there was something that was still bothering him. He was pretty quiet after supper and while Chico was helping him in wash his hair in the tub. Once he was safely tucked into bed he looked up at Chico there were tears in his expressively brown eyes.

"What's wrong pal?" asked Chico as he put his arm around Joey and the boy snuggled into his side.

"Is it true Chico?"

Is what true?"

"What Mr. Carlos said, that you are only taking care of me cause you get paid, do you get paid to have me here?"

"Come here with me pal." Chico carried Joey to the dresser the two shared and pulled a bankbook from the top drawer. He opened it and handed it to Joey.

"Whose name is on that pass book?" Chico quizzed.

"Jose Eduardo Martine, my name." He looked at Chico with a puzzled expression.

"It's true that the state provides me with money for your care, yes that part is true. I have not spent any of it. It's in this savings account for you when you are older, hopefully for college one day. What isn't true is that I am keeping you here merely for the money.

You are here second, because we were friends and I thought you needed help. Third, your mother trusted me to look after you when she couldn't and I will not betray that trust. The main reason you are here is because I love you, and as far as I'm concerned, you are my son and no one is ever going to take you away from me."

Saturday night Chico and Liz had another date. Chico liked, and trusted Charlie and he knew that Joey was in very good hands when he was with her. Ed and Shirley were going dancing in the Grand Ballroom. So everyone was excited for Saturday. Joey liked to have Charlie come over because she read a lot of stories and made great paper airplanes. Joey was talking to Chico as he was preparing for his date.

"I love it when Charlie comes over Papa." Chico smiled at the name. It was the first time since before Mr. Carlos's suspension that Joey had called him Papa.

"Oh is that your nice way of telling me to get lost?" teased Chico.

"No! I just wanted you to know so you don't have to call."

"Why not?" asked Chico.

"Cause Charlie takes good care of me and cause every time she has to answer the phone we have to quit playing."

"I see, well I tell you what I won't call tonight unless we're going to be late, deal?"

"Deal. Charlie's funny she makes me laugh."

Joey picked one of Chico's ties up off the bed and put it around his own neck. Standing on the bed so he could see in the mirror above the dresser he tried to tie his tie like Chico was doing.

"Why'd you wear these things, don't they choke ya?

"Well they're not very comfortable but they make you look more dressed up then just a plain shirt." Chico explained.

"Kinda like a lady wearing them stretchy things on her legs when she wears a dress, steada just her legs?"

Chico tossed his head back and laughed for all he was worth.

"How do you know about nylons pal?" he asked still laughing.

"When Josh and Lynn would go out she put them things on, when she was at church she wore them but she never wore them in the garden with her, like you never wear your tie in the garage."

"You are a screwball you know that don't you?" Chico asked as he helped Joey tie 'his tie'

"Yeah, I know, Grandpa Ed says I'm just like you."

Chico kept his promise and didn't call the whole time they were out. This was one night when Joey would have been glad for the diversion as Charlie was not her usual entertaining self.

"What's the matter Charlie don't you feel good?" The little boy put his hand to her forehead as his father always did when he asked that.

"Yeah I feel fine pipsqueak, just a little sad I guess. I'm sorry if your not having any fun tonight."

"That's ok. Why're ya sad Charlie?"

"There's a dance coming up in a week and I can't go."

"Cause of your legs?"

"Well kind of but not really. I can't dance very well because of my legs, but I can't go because no one ever asks me."

"Go by yourself, I'm sure your Mama will take you."

"I don't mean to hurt your feelings pipsqueak but you don't go to a dance with your Mom, are you Loco in de cabasa? I've always wanted to go to a dance and have a guy lead me out to the floor on his arm like he was proud to be seen with me. To hold me in his arms as we glide quietly across the floor. Not clanking around in these stupid things." Charlie said as she slapped at the leg braces she had been forced to wear since the night her father backed over her with the car. "For once in my life I want people to stare at me with envy in their eyes not pity. I want someone to say you look beautiful, not you walk funny."

"I'd dance with ya Charlie, just don't think I'm gonna kiss ya-yuck."

"Just for that pipsqueak you're going to bed."

"I'm sorry Charlie I was teasing, I wanna stay up."

"I'm teasing too, Pip. You don't have to go to bed because of that but it is your bedtime, now scoot before your dad comes home and your still awake. We have time for three books thanks to all my complaining."

"That's ok Charlie, I'll just pick three long books." With that he threw his pillow and hit her in the face.

Joey stayed around the garage to help Chico with 'their work'. Joey loved to spend time with his dad, helping him and talking to him, and besides, San was grounded for sassing his mother so Joey decided to stay and help his Papa.

"Did you and Charlie have fun last night then pal?"

"Yeah it was ok."

"Ok, just ok and I didn't even call once?"

"Yeah it was fun but Charlie was kinda sad last night."

"Can you hand me a pair pliers pal? Why was she sad, did she say?"

"I asked, here you go Papa, she's sad over a dance." Joey said it as if it were the dumbest thing in the world to be sad about.

"Ahh I see she can't decide which fella to go to the dance with huh?"

"No sir, she can't go cause no one asks her."

"I find that hard to believe," said Chico.

"I'm not lyin!" declared Joey defensively.

"No I know your not. I just meant that Charlie is a pretty girl who's also very nice I can't believe that no one would ask her out."

"It ain't cause she's a dog or nothin it's cause she's crippled."

Chico turned to his son. "I hope you don't say that around Charlie?"

"I don't even think about her legs. Why would I say that? I was just tellin ya."

"Why don't you run next door and see if Della's got some of her delicious cookies for after lunch."

"Ok Papa." When Joey was gone Chico went to the office to find Ed.

"Hey Ed can I talk to you a sec?"

"You can talk but I can't promise I'll listen."

"I'm serious Ed I want to ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"I was talking to Joey about something."

"No. No more pets in this garage!"

"No Ed man come on it's important."

"I'm sorry Chico what do you want."

"Joey said that Charlie has a dance coming up at school and she's upset because she thinks no one will ask her."

"Chico if your trying to get me to..."

"No, Ed, I was thinking of me. Do you think Charlie would go to the dance with me if I asked her?

Ed stood and checked Chico for a fever.

"Of coarse she would I don't think you have any idea just how many young girls would give their eye teeth to go out with you. I just want to ask you one thing, are you thinking of asking her to the dance because you want to go to a junior high dance or because you feel sorry for Charlie?"

"I don't feel sorry for her actually, she's a beautiful and sweet young girl. I think there are a lot of guys out there who would love to ask her out but are unsure if-well how can I say this-If she can dance and I thought maybe if I asked her to go that maybe the other guys there would see what a wonderful date she is."

"Chico you have a very compassionate heart. Go ahead and ask her."

Joey came back with a container of cookies and one in each hand.

"Thanks for sending me over to Aunt Della's she always give me extra cookies."

Della came in at that moment.

"What's new fellas?" she inquired.

"Nothin much Della what's new with you?" replied Chico. "By the way would you like to have lunch with us, we're having grilled Cheese Sandwiches and tomato soup. Don't worry it's my turn to make lunch." consoled Chico teasingly.

"In that case I accept your invitation." said Della.

"Great I'll go start it right now, and thanks for the cookies."

"Ymfp tns." said Joey, his mouth full of cookies.

"You better save room for lunch young man."

Chico hurried upstairs to start lunch, but as long as he was alone in the apartment he thought he'd give Lynnae Elliot a call and talk his idea over with her. A few minutes later he hung up the phone triumphantly. They had agreed to keep their conversation between the two of them. Chico was anxious to speak to Charlotte. In addition to talking to Lynnae Chico thought it best to tell Liz about his planned invitation as well so that was the next call he made. After lunch Joey went riding with Louie on his garbage route. Louie and enjoyed the company and Joey loved riding way up in the big truck, and Ed liked that it kept Joey out from under foot all day.

As luck would have it, with a little help from Lynnae Chico was able to speak to Charlotte the very next Monday. During school hours for her own safety as well as protection for the school Charlie was required to use her wheelchair while on school property during the hours of 8-4. Lynnae knew that Chico wanted to talk to Charlie but he asked her not to say why so she did what any mother would do in her situation, she let some of the air out of the wheels on Charlie's chair. On the way to physical therapy after school her mother casually mentioned that she thought she noticed the wheels were a little low and suggested they stop at the garage and have them reinflated.

"Besides then I can see how Joey's getting along.

"Ok sure as long as we're over here anyway can I stop at the library and get some books?"

"I don't see why not, maybe we could do some shopping too, you haven't gotten any new clothes in a long while, hey don't you have a big dance coming up at your school this week?" queried Lynnae.

"Yeah, but I won't be going I'm sure. But we can go shopping anyway we haven't done anything together in a long time."

"Wonderful, I'm so glad your not embarrassed to be seen with me, YET." teased Lynnae.

A few minutes later they pulled into Ed's garage. Joey was at the workbench drawing a picture of Cochese, the pony he got from his Grandpa Gil. When he saw Charlie and her mom he ran to greet them both with big hugs.

"Hiya, wanna see my picture?"

"Sure," said Charlie as she was practically dragged to the workbench by her little admirer.

"Hello Ed how are you today?" she asked.

"Same as I was yesterday, old." he said.

"Oh come on Ed remember, your only as old as you feel." quoted Chico.

"In that case I must be dead."

Lynnae and Chico just rolled their eyes in exasperation at Ed's gloomy attitude.

"What can I do for you today, or did you just come by to see Joey?" asked Chico.

"Well Charlotte and I were out to do some shopping when I noticed the wheel on her chair is getting low can you air it up for us please and also I need some gasoline."

"It would be my pleasure Senora Elliot, ees my job." answered Chico. As he worked he was wondering how to broach the subject of the dance with Charlie so he could ask her, when Joey unknowingly came to his rescue. Charlie and Joey were returning to the car so Charlie could sit down when Joey innocently asked, "So are you goin to the dance Charlie?"

"No, Joey, I'm not."

"You're going to a dance?" asked Chico as if he didn't know about it. "When?"

"It's Friday and I'm not going." replied Charlie rather sadly.

"Ahh can't decide which boy to go out with so your gonna tease em all huh?" questioned Chico.

"No I hate to admit it but the reason I'm not going is because no one has asked me, and I don't think they will."

"You're kidding me, a beautiful girl like you and no one has asked you to the dance yet?"

"Papa..." Ed quickly covered Joey's mouth in an effort to keep him from spoiling the surprise. Fortunately no one noticed.

"Well allow me to be the first," said Chico.

"What?!" Charlotte asked, not sure if she heard correctly.

Ed knew he couldn't stand in the middle of the garage with his hand over Joey's mouth indefinitely so he ushered the little boy into his room.

Chico walked over to where Charlotte was seated and took her hand in his. "Charlotte it would give me great pleasure, if you would allow me the privilege to escort you to the dance on Friday. Will you be my date for the dance?"

Charlotte was dumbfounded. Since the first day that Chico came to visit Joey at her house she'd had a crush on the lean Latino and were her ears deceiving her or was he actually asking her out?!

Since her first day in junior high Charlotte had dreamed of going to dances on the arm of a boy, after her accident she gave up the silly notion of ever dancing but deep in her heart she hoped that someone would at least ask her to accompany them. As each dance came and went without a single invitation Charlie had given up the idea and resigned herself to staying home with a good book, and now here was Chico Rodriquez, one of LA's most handsome young men, asking for the privilege - the privilege! - to be her date!"

"Are you seriously asking me to the dance?" she asked in surprise.

"Charlotte, if I may call you that? A Gentleman never jokes when he asks a lady on a date. So will you allow me the pleasure of your company this Friday evening?"

"I can't believe this, but yes, yes I would love to go to the dance with you."

"Mrs. Elliot, would you allow me to escort your daughter for the evening?" Chico inquired of Lynnae. Since Charlie was unaware that her Mother knew that Chico planned to ask her she was behind Chico silently pleading with her Mother to be allowed to go to the dance with him.

"Well I, huh, I don't know, I-I suppose you can, yes."

"Gracias, Senora Elliot. And to you, Senorita what time shall I pick you up?"

"Is 8:00 ok?"

"8:00? Until them mi linda."

As Charlie and her Mother were getting into the car to leave, Lynnae said, "Well should we head over to the library next?"

"No I think I'd rather go shopping, I'm tired of reading for now. Bye Chico, I'll see you Friday, oh and please say good bye to Joey and Ed for me."

"Will do, adios mi senorita." Charlie and her mother waved as the backed out of the garage. When they left Ed and Joey returned from their hideaway upstairs.

"Papa I told ya why she wasn't going to the dance, why'd ya ask her?

"I don't know if your old enough to understand this yet but I didn't want Charlie to know that I knew no one had asked her to the dance because I don't want her to feel bad, or to think that I asked her to go with me because I felt sorry for her," he answered honestly

"What!! You asked Charlie to go to the dance with you? Why??"

"I asked her because I think that she is a lovely girl who deserves to go to a dance. Now no more questions. Por favor go clean your room there are toys and crayons all over I almost broke my neck this morning."

Joey did as he was told, although he would have liked to ask more questions.

The remainder of the week flew by, except for Charlie for her it dragged endlessly.

She and her mother were able to find a beautifully tailored peach colored dress, long so as to hide the braces, it had spaghetti straps. Lynnae was certain her daughter was going to be the most beautiful girl at the dance. Josh was a little apprehensive about his teenage daughter going to a dance with a 22-year-old gentleman. He knew Chico and he trusted him, but the father in Josh still had misgivings. When Lynnae took him aside and shared with her the sincerity with which he asked permission to take her to the dance he decided to say no more about it and let his only daughter have this special evening.

As promised Chico arrived at the Elliot's promptly at 8:oo he had a beautiful corsage for Charlotte which matched her outfit perfectly. He offered her his arm and they were off. Chico opened the door for her and carefully shut it so as not to get her dress in the door.

It was only a matter of moments until they were parked in front of the gymnasium.

Charlotte was studying her hands as Chico turned the ignition off. He had borrowed his friend Salvador's car thinking it may be easier for Charlie. He wanted this night to be as enjoyable for her as he could possibly make it. Chico must have sensed her apprehension as he spoke.

"Is anything wrong senorita?"

"I'm just nervous I guess. I haven't been to a dance since...

Chico are you sure you want to be here, with me? You don't have to."

"What? I assure you my lady that I do nothing I do not want to do, and that I have been looking forward to this night ever since you agreed to accompany me."

Charlotte and Chico entered a hallway, and off to the right was the area set aside for coats. Chico went to hang their jackets up, leaving Charlotte's side for only a moment.

As she stood off to the side Allison Miller came practically strutting in with her date Cameron Martin. Seeing Charlotte standing all alone they came over to her.

"Charlotte, why is that you? My don't you look...cute It's so nice that you decided to join us, even if you don't have a date. I'm sure I can persuade Cam to dance a couple of dances with you. He is always willing to help those less fortunate."

"Gracias Senorita but that won't be necessary as I am with the lady this evening and I don't intend to share, that is unless you are so inclined to my amore," declared Chico gallantly. Charlotte was so happy at that moment if she had died right then she would not have cared. Just the opportunity to see Allison put in her place by the debonair Chico was more than she ever hoped for. "Shall you mi linda?" He once again offered her his arm and together they entered the gymnasium.

"The decorations were fabulous. When the others saw Charlotte enter with Chico you could practically see the streamers move as the suction from all the girls as they gasped at seeing 'poor Charlotte' at the dance. The fact that she was there was a surprise in itself but when they realized who she was with they were amazed!

Allison and Cam came in behind them, much to Allison's disappointment the 'grand entrance' she planned to make was anything but grand as all eyes were on Charlotte and her handsome date. The boys, most of whom never gave Charlotte a first look, much less a second were now picking their chins up off the floor as the watched her walking across the floor.

"Would you like some punch my dear?" asked Chico as he pulled out a chair for his date.

"Yes thank you, that would be nice." When Chico had gone Stacy, Charlotte's best friend came up to her.

"Girlfriend I am mad at you, you never told me you were coming to the dance, and you certainly never told me you were coming here with Chico Rodriquez! How could you not say word one about a wonderful secret like that?"

"Because Stacy girl, it was just that, a secret. I love you dearly but I don't think that wonderful moment I just experienced now would have been possible if everyone in the free world knew about it."

"Here's your punch my dear." He handed her the punch and pulled a nearby chair more closely to Charlotte.

"Gracias, Chico. I'd like to introduce you to my best friend Stacy Campbell, Stacy this is Chico Rodriquez."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Stacy's date came over.

"Stacy, you're my date aren't you?" He whined.

"Yes Alan, I just came over to greet Charlotte and her date. Alan you know Charlotte, and this is Chico Rodriquez."

Alan offered Chico his hand to shake. "Nice to meet you sir. Come on Stacy let's get some punch." When they had left Charlotte leaned closer to Chico and whispered, "Thank you Chico that entrance was wonderful and the way you put that Allison in her place so politely, I loved it, this night has been wonderful already."

"I assure you my dear the night is young. We have not even danced yet," he whispered in return.

Marcy Carlton came over to their table. As she made her way to the table she had her head back and her chin out in such a way that Chico had to suppress a laugh.

"What is it Chico, what's so funny?" asked Charlotte.

"The girl that's coming this way, if she sticks her nose up in the air any farther she may fall, it's a good thing this is not an outdoor dance or she might get a bug up he nose."

Charlotte laughed. She had had similar thoughts about Marcy herself but had never dared voice them. They were somewhat under control when Marcy finally made her way to the table.

"Well Charlotte, Allison told me you were here but I told her she must be mistaken, but I guess I'm the one who is mistaken. It's so nice that you found someone willing to sit at the dance with you. What a shame you can't dance, being well you know, handicapped."

Charlotte hated those terms especially the way they said them. She wanted so badly to slap Marcy's face right off her head but she would not lower herself to their level of meanness. Resisting the urge, she said only, "Thank you Marcy, I'm happy to be here. I hope you have as lovely a time as I am having already."

Not having gotten the reaction she had hoped for Marcy turned and stomped off. When she left Chico said to Charlotte. "Charlotte, you are a class act!" and he kissed her cheek. Just then the lights dimmed and the DJ spoke.

"Alright you guys and dolls let's party!" The first songs were faster more upbeat tunes and Charlotte just sat together and talked, enjoying the music. The first ballad Chico stood and offered his hand to Charlotte.

"Charlotte would you do me the honor of our first dance together?"

"It is I who would be honored Mr. Rodriquez." Arm in arm they went out to the dance floor. As the ballad softly played Chico put his strong arms around Charlotte. Instantly she felt so safe and steady, as if she could dance all night. Charlotte was not a tall girl, but the braces added a little to her height. They danced nicely together. Much to the displeasure of almost every girl in the place, Chico and Charlotte seemed to glide magically across the floor as if they had become one.

So the evening went dancing to the ballads, they even managed a couple only slightly up-tempo dances. Always Chico held her as if she were the most valuable treasure. Marcy and Allison talked their dates into trying to cut in. They tried to tell them it was for Charlotte, but they wanted a chance to dance with Chico. Cam and Chad, both asked Charlotte if they could cut in. Chico looked at Charlotte. Charlotte could tell that he did not wish to dance with either Marcy or Allison so she politely declined.

After two or three dances the couple sat down to rest. Not long later Stacy and Chad came over so for a dance they changed partners. Stacy was ecstatic to be dancing with Chico Rodriquez, even Miss Birch and the other female chaperones were dying to dance with him, weather they were married or not.

When they had sat again and were enjoying another cup of punch Chico took her hand in his, "Are you having as good a time as I am Charlotte?"

"Even better I think. Thank you."

"Uno Momento por favor."

Chico got up and was instantly swallowed in a crowd of teens. Specifically girls hoping to catch his eye and be asked to dance. When he returned a short time later he was grinning from ear to ear. His dimples were so beautiful that they looked like swimming pools that Charlotte would love to jump into. Just as Chico was coming to the table the DJ announced,

"Alright everybody this is the last dance of the evening, and we have a special request.

Charlotte, this is for you from Chico, thank you for the beautiful evening it is a joy 'TO BE WITH YOU.' so here it is folks, To Be With You.

They danced effortlessly around the floor. Before long the dance floor cleared and it was just Chico and Charlotte flowing together to the music. When the song ended Chico gave her a tender kiss on the lips.

As they stood together on the Elliot's front porch Charlotte looked into Chico's deep dark eyes, there were tears in her own as she spoke. "Chico I can never thank you enough for what you did for me tonight. It was a dream come true. If I never go to another dance I will still be the happiest girl alive. Thank you for giving me a wonderful night and a beautiful memory."

Lynnae and Josh were watching the late show when Charlotte came in. She was leaning on the door, a far away look on her face.

"How was the dance sweetie?" questioned her mother eagerly.

Charlotte sighed and then all of a sudden she squealed a most ear-piercing squeal.

"Ooooooooooohhhh Mom, Daddy I had the most wonderful night of my life, if I died tonight I would be satisfied with the life I had. Chico was the most perfect gentleman." Charlotte came and sat on the couch between her parents. "He danced all but one dance with me, the other Stacy wanted to dance with Chico so I danced with Allan. He walked into that old gym like it was a palace and he was with a princess! And you know what? I felt like a princess too! I was so nervous at first I even told him he didn't have o go through with taking me to the dance if he didn’t want to, but he said he had looked forward to it all week, and I believe he meant it."

"I'm so happy for you punkin." said her Dad affectionately

"Yes it sounds like you had a wonderful time."

"Oh I did Mom but you know what the best part was? One at a time Marcy and Allison came up to me, with their usual remarks and Chico, who was ever the gentleman, put them in their places and when they wanted to dance with him he told them his card was full and he wasn't sharing me with anyone this evening!"

Lynnae was overjoyed for her daughter but Charlie could tell by her father's expression that he was concerned about something and she had a hunch she knew what it was.

"Don't worry Daddy, I know Chico loves Liz and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a crush on Chico, what girl doesn't? But he's got a girl he loves, and he gave me a special gift tonight and only one night-I got to be the princess and he was my Prinze. I'll never forget this night or the man who made it possible as long as I live."

When Charlie was in her room Josh asked his wife a question.

"What is it about Chico that makes Charlie think all the woman and girls love him?"

"Because they do dear, because they do."

"Are you one of those woman my dear?" he questioned suspiciously.

Lynnae looked her husband right in the eyes.

"I have never seen my daughter as happy as she was tonight. Chico didn't have to ask a teenage girl to her high school dance, especially when he already has a girlfriend, but he did. He gave my daughter the most special evening of her life thus far, and for that, yes I love him too."

Chico was asked again and again to be playground the children loved having him there especially Joey. As far as the other kids at school were concerned Chico was the greatest thing since peanut butter and Joey was the coolest because he was considered Chico's family!

After years of fear and abuse it was wonderful for Joey to finally experience love and acceptance.

The only one of Joey's classmates who knew anything at all about Joey's background and how he came to live with Chico and Ed was Santos, though he didn't understand much of it he was true to his promise and never said a thing to the other kids.

Since Mr. Carlos's suspension Joey and Santos had a new teacher, her name was Mrs. Hopkins. She was an older teacher, chunky build with gray hair and the kindest eyes Joey had seen since his mother died. He liked her immediately and for Mrs. Hopkins the feeling was mutual.

Under her direction the entire class thrived, attendance was improved and few of the children had to stay in at recess to finish assignments.

Mrs. Hopkins had a way of teaching that made everything come alive and the students all adored her, and were eager to please, so all in all things had improved drastically in the lives of the students and for their parents as well.

About this time Joey came home after school one Thursday all excited. He raced all through the garage yelling for Chico. He rushed from the office expecting to see a fire the way Joey was carrying on.

"What is it Joey what's wrong?"

"Nothing Papa I just wanna ask you something."

"You scared me half to death kiddo, I thought something terrible happened." Chico said as he sighed with relief. "What do you want to ask?"

"I think he's asking for a spanking if he ever scares us like that again!" scolded Ed from relief."

"You're funny Grandpa Ed," laughed Joey.

"Well what did you want to ask me?" Chico repeated.

"Can Santos spend the night tomorrow, please????"

Joey had never asked to stay at San’s house after what happened the first time and neither had he ever asked for anything else. Chico had wanted Joey to have as normal a childhood as he could possibly provide for him so he quickly agreed to Joey having a friend overnight.

"Thanks Papa, thank you! Thanks Grandpa Ed, I'll be good this time I promise." He exclaimed as he hugged his family. He turned and was on his way out of the garage again as quickly as he had come in when his Dad stopped him.

"Where are you going pal?"

"I'm goin to San’s house to tell him you said it was ok."

"I think you should ask permission instead of telling us where your going." said Ed.

"Oh I'm sorry, can I go over to San's house please? I'll come right back I promise."

"Sure come right back though so you can do your homework before supper." said Chico.

If he were to admit it he was almost as excited about the sleep over as his son was. Ed, on the other hand was less than enthusiastic about the idea of having to little boys running around the garage all weekend and he didn't hesitate to voice his opinion.

"Oh that's just wonderful. Why do I have the feeling that I'll need to go back to work on Monday to recover from my "restful" weekend?" Ed questioned sarcastically.

"Oh Ed lighten up. I promise I'll take care of everything, you'll hardly notice they're here, besides you love having kids around here as much as I do, admit it."

"Ok, ok, I don't hate having the little rugrats around but if they keep me up all night or break anything I'll hold you responsible."

"It's a deal." Chico assured.

Friday after school two very excited little boys came rushing into the garage, they almost collided with Ed.

"Hey watch it you two, you want me to break a hip or something? See Chico they just got here and already I'm in danger." He yelled as he looked toward upstairs.

"Sorry Grandpa, are you ok?"

"I'm fine, no thanks to you two. There are cookies and milk upstairs for both of you, do you think you can make it upstairs without tearing down the staircase?"

"Sure Ed thanks, where's Papa Chico?" asked Joey excitedly.

"Well the milk doesn't pour itself so where do you think he is?"

The boys ran upstairs laughing, Chico had a snack ready for both of them. He sat with them as they ate and made some plans for the evening. When they had finished eating the boys changed their clothes and went outside to play.

After he closed the garage for the day Chico took the boy's swimming and out for pizza. They stopped on the way home to get banana splits for themselves and one for Ed. Chico joked that it may help to sweeten up the ole grouch. When they got home the boys went immediately to Joey's room. They played quietly for a while which had Ed growing concerned.

"Ed, yesterday you were worried that they would keep you up all night and tonight your worried because they're playing quietly."

"Chico you were a kid, not too long ago as a matter of fact, what did your Aunt Connie do when you and a friend were playing quietly together?"

"Now that you mention it," said Chico as he got up to check on the kids.

Chico found the boys in a makeshift tent under the table. The lights were off and when they heard the door San yelled, "A BEAR!!!!" In a flash the boys were out from under the tent, pillows in their hands and they proceeded to beat Chico with their pillows.

"Ok you two, you asked for it!" Chico grabbed his own pillow off the dresser and began to defend himself. Joey jumped over the back of the couch and landed on the middle of his bed. San followed and soon Chico was there as well. The three of them were going at it for all they were worth. Ed heard the commotion and came down to see what was going on. When he opened the door he got a pillow in the face for his efforts courtesy of Joey. He was a little frightened when he realized what he had done.

"Well I can see that I don't have two little boys tonight but three," said Ed as picked his favorite hat up off the floor." Ed grabbed the pillow from Santos and hit Joey on the head; he then turned a whacked Chico in the back of the head as jumped off of Joey's bed. His long hair became an instant static magnet and stuck up in every direction. Joey, Santos, and Even Ed were all laughing hysterically at the sight.

"Laugh at me will you, take that!" yelled Chico as he hit Ed upside the head with such force he fell backward onto the bed, knocking Joey over as he went, who in turn knocked Santos over.

"I love playing dominos!" joked Chico.

"Why you." Ed threw the pillow at Chico, who ducked. Instead of hitting Chico the pillow connected with a picture on the wall behind him, the picture came down, fortunately it didn't break.

"Uh oh!" said Joey and Santos as they sat on the bed looking at Ed with wide eyes.

"Whoa that was a close one," said Chico as he looked at the picture on the floor.

"Are you ok Chico?" questioned Ed with concern.

"Oh yeah, no sweat, but I guess that's the end of the pillow fight."

Everyone went upstairs to have popcorn and watch the apple dumpling gang.

When the movie ended it was 10:00 pm and Chico helped the boys set up their makeshift tent on the floor in the apartment. They wanted to sleep on the floor of the garage but Chico said no, he thought it would be too cold. When the boys were settled for the night Chico went into the office to call Liz in private. While Chico was on the phone with Liz, San and Joey were nowhere near ready to go to sleep.

"It's Friday and this is a sleepover, we gotta stay up all night." declared Santos.

"Yeah, how come they call it a sleepover if you can't sleep?" quizzed Joey.

"That's what the grownups call it so we'll go to sleep. It's really called an all-nighter, that's what Tony says, he says they have them in high school all the time." explained Santos patiently.

"You sure know lotsa stuff." admired Joey.

"Yeah well, I listen in on Tony and Markus, makes em mad too." San laughs and hits Joey with his pillow. It didn't take long before a full-blown pillow fight had erupted again.

They were laughing and bouncing on the sofa bed when Joey's foot slipped off the edge of the bed and he fell to the floor with a loud crash. He quickly got back up and was jumping on the bed again when San tackled him and they both went down on the floor this time tipping the end table and telephone over in the process.

Chico had heard the commotion but let them play it out for a while but at the sound of the crash Chico quickly said good bye to Liz and sprinted to his apartment.

He opened the door and was greeted by two boys scrambling to pick up the mess. Chico wanted to laugh at the site but he knew he should say something firm about the situation.

"Ahem." said Chico to get their attention. They looked up at him as if they had just been caught in the cookie jar before supper.

"What are you two doing?" he questioned.

"Dusting?" suggested Joey trying to be helpful.

"Oh, well when your through dusting it's lights out."

"Aw Papa we're supposed to stay up all night at sleepovers." argued Joey

"Then why are they called sleepovers?"

"Cause that's what you call em they're really all-nighters."

"Well not tonight, you've already stayed up past your bed time and it's 11:30. Come on now." Chico helped them straighten up the apartment, got them drinks and tucked them in. As he was turning out the light he said, "Go to sleep Por favor." He winked at them, turned out the light and shut the door. When he returned half an hour later they were fast asleep.

Due to the sleepover Ed agreed to open the garage to give Chico a chance to sleep in a little, although he needn't have bothered. Chico was awake very early, though not by choice.

Joey and San were both up early, even before Ed who was supposed to open the garage by 6:30.

"I'm hungry, lets go get some breakfast, you like froot loops?" said Joey.

"They're my fave. Let's go get some."

"Yeah then we can watch cartoons."

"In here? Chico is sleeping."

"That's ok, he likes to watch cartoons with me."

The little early birds tiptoed upstairs and went to the kitchen. Ed was sound asleep and snoring like a buzz saw. The boys laughed but were quick to quiet down so as not to wake him up.

They got the cereal from the lower cupboard where Ed had moved it after he nearly had a heart attack seeing Joey walking across the countertop looking for it, and went back downstairs to watch TV.

When San saw Joey climbing on the bed beside Chico he asked in surprise. "Are you gonna sit there and watch TV, when he's sleeping?!"

"Sure I always do, come on he don't care. Oh I forgot to turn on the TV." Joey got off the bed and turned on bugs bunny and came back to the bed.

They ate froot loops and passed the box back and forth across Chico as they watched TV.

After the fourth pass across Joey passed them back to san who accidentally dropped the box on Chico's head. Froot loops spilled all over.

"Holy Frijolies San why didn't ya grab the box!?"

Chico opened first one eye then another. "Breakfast in bed, how nice." He said sarcastically. He sat up in bed and looked at his two alarm clocks. "What time is it?"

San looked at the digital clock,"5:30"

"In the morning! What are you two doing up at this hour!?"

"Oh we've been up since 5:00,want some froot loops?" asked Joey.

"5:00 o’clock in the morning madre de dios!" exclaimed Chico as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Well as long as I'm up I may as well have some cereal, pass that box over this way please."

The three boys ate dry cereal and watched cartoons for a half an hour before Chico had to get ready for work. When he had gone out in the garage san looked at Joey.

"Boy you are so lucky I never thought about Chico being anybody's Dad but he is too cool!" Santos was truly in awe and even though he would never trade his parents he envied Joey the new life he had with Chico and Ed.

San and Joey played together all morning. They happened to be out in the yard when a surprise visitor came to the garage. It was Miss Greene, the social worker who had placed Joey with the Elliot’s. She was there with a young gentleman named Joseph Deil. He was being trained in under Miss Greene's supervision. They entered the garage and found Chico fixing a muffler.

"Chico, we have company." said Ed, as he shook Miss Greene's hand. Chico rolled out from under the car, he was wiping his hands off on a rag before shaking hands with Miss Greene.

"Hello. What can I do for you?" he asked somewhat nervously.

"I know that you have been named guardian for Jose Eduardo Martine at his Mother's request, but we at Social services feel it our duty to have occasional follow up visits to see that this arrangement is best meeting the needs of all involved, especially the minor child," stated Miss Greene with authority.

"I see, well you're welcome to look around and I would be most happy to answer any questions you may have," offered Chico.

"Yes please have a seat," said Ed as he pulled out a stool for the lady.

"If you don't mind I'd rather just have a look around."

"Certainly." Before Chico could begin the tour Joey came running through the garage as if his pants were on fire.

"Hey pal slow down, where's the fire?"

"Can't gotta go to the bathroom," he slammed the door behind him.

"Well at the start of our tour, there's the bathroom." joked Chico.

Mr. Deil laughed generously at the humor, which earned him a glare of disapproval from his supervisor.

While Chico was giving them a tour of the apartment Ed went upstairs to tidy up a bit before the made their way up there. Joey came from the restroom and was getting a drink from the hose in the garage when the door to their apartment was opened slightly. Even though Joey knew it wasn't polite to eavesdrop he was sure he had seen those people before he just couldn't recall where and his curiosity had gotten the better of him.

"Yes Mr. Rodriquez I have no doubt in my mind that Jose is happy here with you, after all this appears to be just a large playground. Do you honestly think that a garage is a safe environment to raise a child?"

"Evidently his mother did, because she wanted him here with me, besides she trusted her son's care to me even before her tragic death."

"Yes let's not forget that shall we, her death. That was a senseless tragedy, one that I feel could have been avoided had the violence been reported to us long ago. In fact, I was at his home sometime back and when I questioned him as to how he was hurt he would not say. I believe that had he told us then what was happening, social services would have stepped in and his mother may still be alive today. Instead he is..." Joey didn't stick around to hear any more he ran out in the back yard and no one ever knew he had been there.

Chico was leading Miss Greene out of his apartment to the stool she had been offered earlier. He was angry at this lady for her cruel judgements and felt she needed to be put in her place however, he had to be careful for he was sure Jose's future would rest on how he handled himself.

"Miss Greene, you may not like what I have to say but I'm going to risk it." Ed was coming back down stairs at this point, and stopped on the steps to listen to what Chico had to say. "You may not like the environment here but I can assure you that with this environment comes unconditional love, security and acceptance. Joey has a warm bed, food and a roof over his head. His Grandpa Ed and I love him dearly. Now after what he has been through doesn't that count for something?" Chico didn't wait for her to respond before he continued. "Now as far as Joey's mother, you maybe in social work but who are you to judge? Were you there when David was beating them, were you there when he threatened Joey that something bad would happen if he was naughty? Violence and hate were all Joey knew, until he came here he thought all families lived like his, so how can you expect a little boy who has no idea that what's happening to him shouldn't be, to tell you all about it. And if he did you would do what take him away from his mother, the only person to show him any kind of real love? Let me tell you something Lady, the night Carlotta died she was beaten by her husband because she tried to stop him from hurting her son. She stayed with David out of fear of raising a child alone. Let me show you something." Chico went to the closet in his apartment and got out the letter Carlotta left with her attorney and showed it to Miss Greene. "That poor frightened lady did all she could to save herself and her son, I looked into trying to get help for them and did you know what Della was told? By the way Della is Joey's honorary aunt who lives next door and helps us out, she was told that unless someone actually witnessed a beating there was nothing you guys could do, and that if Joey said anything it would be the word of a then six year old over his parent."

"Well I never knew any one contacted our offices regarding this..."

"Well you were and we got nada. So don't you dare come into our home, criticize us and where we live and then have the gall to insinuate that had a poor scared little boy had been honest with you his mother would still be alive! That's a hell of a guilt trip to lay on a kid missy!"

"Miss Greene said no more, but Mr. Deil applauded loudly as did Ed.

"Here, here!" shouted Ed for encouragement.

"If you would like we can finish the tour and I'll answer any questions you may have now. You understand I am not normally like this but I could not allow you to make such an assumption about my son and his family situation."

"I see no reason to continue the tour. Come on Mr. Deil we have other visits to make."

"On the contrary Miss Greene, I think that Mr. Rodriquez has made some very valid points. If you would permit me Mr. Rodriquez I would love to see the rest of your home, and if I may speak with Jose and this Aunt Della. You may return to the office if that is what you wish but I intend to finish what I start, I can take the bus back to the office."

Miss Greene fairly stomped from the garage. Chico finished the tour while Ed went to get Joey and Della. He also had Joey wash up some before speaking with Mr. Deil. San sat in the apartment and waited for his Mom to pick him up.

Mr. Deil saw the entire place, spoke to Ed, and Della, and lastly he spoke with Joey.

"Joey, my name is Mr. Deil, I want to ask you some questions ok."

"Am I in trouble?"

"Not at all I just want to get to know you ok?"

He looked to Chico for assurance.

"Ok."

"How long have you lived here with Mr. Rodriquez and Mr. Brown?"

"Since my Mama went to Heaven, she gived me to them." he answered nervously.

"Are you happy here?"

"Yep Papa Chico and Grandpa Ed are good to me, we had a all-nighter and a pillow fight too!"

"An all-nighter? What's that?"

"My bestest friend besides Chico and Ed got to stay over night, we had popcorn, went swimming, watched movie, and had a pillow fight."

"Sounds like fun, I wish I could have been here."

"Maybe we could have one, huh Chico?"

"Sometime, sure pal."

"He calls me pal, he even stays my pal when I'm bad." Joey announced with amazement.

"When you’re bad, are you bad sometimes?"

"Yeah, sometimes I sass back, one time I ran away."

"When you've been bad, what does your Papa Chico do?"

"He talks to me. He looks right to me and tells me what I did was not nice and I shouldn't do it no more-he hugs me too."

"I see that's nice, you said you ran away once, why was that?"

"Cause I was mad, Chico was making me do something I didn't want to."

When Chico heard that innocent explanation he thought his parenting days were over for sure, and cringed at the thought.

"What did Chico make you do that you didn't want to do?" Mr. Deil looked somewhat questionably as he asked.

"We made something in school for our moms I didn't want to go to school and make one cause my mom is at Heaven but Chico said I had to so I got mad and left."

Mr. Deil felt a more detailed explanation was in order so he asked Chico to elaborate.

"Joey's class made baskets to give to their mothers. It was hard for Joey to be reminded that his mom wasn't around to give the gift too and he wanted to skip school. I tried my best to explain that there were probably going to be many times and things that would remind him of his mom but that he couldn't run from them. I told him he had to go to school and he couldn't miss just for the sake of an art project that's when he left for his friends house instead of going to school as I thought."

"It sounds to me like that was a normal parent/child disagreement. Tell me Joey what did your papa do when you came home?"

"He hugged me and said oh my god, thank you. Then when he was mad he said I had to go to my room till he was ready to deal me. He said he was mad and if he didn't take time to get unmad he might break his promise."

"Break his promise, what is that?"

"That he would never hit me, or do stuff like David."

"What did he do when he was unmad?"

"He said belts aren't for hitting and even that what I did made him mad he loved me. He took my bike away in Della's garage for a week and I was gran, grand.."

"Grounded." assisted Chico.

"So he didn't break his promise to you then?"

"Nope I thought he would he looked so mad but he didn't. Are you gonna take me away from Chico?"

"We just need to check up on you every once in a while to see that you are well cared for. This is just a visit."

"Oh ok can I go back outside to play?"

"Sure pal, just stay in the yard it's almost time for supper."

Mr. Deil had Chico sign the forms that were needed to verify that Joey had indeed had a heart valve replacement and the state was going to make restitution. Mr. Deil was about to leave when Chico said, "I hope that the way I spouted off to Miss Green will not affect Joey's staying with me. I just couldn't hear blaming Joey for what happened and that's the way she made it sound."

"Mr. Rodriquez, I was taken aback by that as well. Even though she is the senior supervisor I believe she over stepped her bounds. While I’m sure there will be a report on this from her I promise you a follow up report from myself. It is our job to help children and their families not judge them. Thank you for your time."

Everyone was greatly relieved when Miss Greene and Mr. Deil had left, but they were comforted by Mr. Deil's kind words and his willingness to continue with the visit.

Chico had grown close enough to Joey over the time they spent together to notice some subtle changes in his foster son, since the visit that no one else was picking up on, they noticed but attributed it to coming down with something, or perhaps being over tired. Chico was not so sure.

A perfect example of that came one night, when Chico, Liz, Ed, Joey and Della all went out to supper at Gilberto Rodriguez's hotel to celebrate Liz's birthday. Joey couldn't make up his mind what he wanted and when he did, after it arrived he said he didn't like it.

When he was told that he ordered it and must at least eat a few bites, he did so reluctantly and pouted on his chair. He said he had to use the bathroom but he wouldn't go unless Chico came with. Chico accompanied Joey to the bathroom and waited for him outside the door.

"I'm tired Papa." Joey whined when he came from the bathroom, so Chico carried him to the table, Joey sat on Chico's lap through desert until they left for home. As he was tucking Joey in for the night Chico had a talk with his son.

"Joey are you feeling ok?"

"Yeah why?"

"Well you weren't yourself tonight, you were kind of crabby and ornery, that's not like you."

"Just tired, can I sit with you for a while?"

Chico picked Joey up and carried him to the couch and held him till he fell asleep.

At school Santos had been telling everyone what a cool time he had at Joey. He told about swimming, sleeping in a tent on the floor, and the pillow fight, it wasn't long till everyone wanted to stay at Joey's. All the other kids said their parents told them to quit having pillow fights they didn't join in. The only draw back was that besides all the boys wanting to stay over so did Natalie.

"I bet you look so cute in your pajama's." she said one day.

"You just shut up." he said and he gave her a hard shove. He was sent into class for the remainder of recess. At least Papa's not on the playground today, he thought to himself.

After school Joey hurried home, he wasn't having a very good day and he was anxious to see Chico. Though he would never tell Chico, ever since that home visit in the garage Joey was worried about how long he would be allowed to stay with his new Papa and Grandpa so he wanted to spend as much time with them as he possibly could. Chico was on an errand for Ed when Joey got home so he visited with Ed, careful not to let on that he had pushed Natalie. He changed his clothes and was handing tools to Ed when Della came in.

"Hey baby, I just made some sugar cookies and I was wondering if there were any willing cookie testers in here."

"Me, I will Della! I'm hungry!"

"Ed what's the matter with you don't you feed this child after he has worked so hard at school?"

"Hey Della, this is a garage not a restaurant he knows where the kitchen is if he's hungry." came the reply.

"Come on baby. Aunt Della has something for you." she took Joey's hand and lead him to her home office for some homemade cookies.

"Where's Joey?" Chico inquired when he returned with some stuff for Ed.

"He's across the alley at Della's spoiling his appetite for supper on those rocks she calls cookies."

"Ed you like Della's cooking as well as Joey and I do."

"You know that, and I know that but I have my reputation to think of."

"Gosh yeah you don't want to give anyone the idea that you like people."

Joey was coming from Della's and when he saw Chico he ran to greet him.

"Papa, your home I missed ya!"

"I missed you too pal, how was your day?" he asked as he scooped the small boy up in his arms.

"Why?" Joey questioned defensively.

"I was just wondering, hey what should we have for supper?"

"Macaroni and Cheese with hotdogs!" Joey yelled.

"Sounds like a plan to me bud, do you have homework?"

"Nope, can we play a game tonight?"

"Sure. I have to get back to work so why don't you go play for awhile before supper."

"I wanna help you, can I?"

"Sure. Before I forget you have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon Joey, so I'll pick you up at 1:30."

"How come I'm not sick?"

"It's just a check up to see how you're doing since your surgery."

"Oh."

"Don't look so worried it's just a check up, come on let's get to work."

The following day when Chico showed up at school every kid he saw in the hall asked the same question, when are you gonna play on the playground again?" To which he would say, "I don't know, they haven't asked me lately. Soon I hope."

At the clinic Dr. Stone was very pleased with the outcome of Joey's surgery and his recovery.

"The scar is healing nicely, by next year it will barely be noticeable. As long as you're here let's check some other things as well." Dr. Stone turned to explain to Chico.

"After surgery it is easy to come down with colds and things as the immune system has been compromised so we just like to try and keep ahead of things."

"Is there something I should have been doing that I didn't?" Chico voiced his concern. "He has been well ever since the surgery or I would have brought him right in. Well he did complain of a stomach ache one day but he never really got sick."

"No I'm sure he's fine as I said I usually do a thorough exam after to make sure all is well." He checked Joey's throat, listened to his lungs. He stopped for a moment. "His back is looking better to I see. I'm afraid you probably have some tough looking scars but they are much better. Ok see this little light? I'm just going to look in your ears alright."

Dr. Stone put the scope up to Joey's ear and Joey winced momentarily. "Hmm, your ears are very red, have you had an earache lately?"

"No just full."

"Full? You mean plugged, is it hard to hear things?"

"I hear my voice in my head, and my ear sounds like cereal."

"Joey why didn't you say anything?" Chico asked.

"I'm sorry I didn't know I shoulda I wasn't sick." Tears started to slide down the boy’s cheeks. Chico got up and went to him. Dr. Stone got a Kleenex and handed it to Chico who in turn wiped away the tears.

"It's ok Joey you aren't in trouble I'm just surprised that you could have an ear infection and not say anything about your ears hurting."

"His right eardrum has burst, and healed over, have you ever had a hearing test?"

"I don't know."

"His eardrum burst from the infection?!" Chico was becoming alarmed. How could Joey have been so sick as to have an eardrum burst and he not notice.

"No, I don't think so it looks as if it may have happened a while ago. I'll give you a prescription for some antibiotics and eardrops, he needs to take the ceclor twice a day and the eardrops every night. Finish the antibiotic and use the drops for ten days two drops in each ear." The Dr. handed Chico the prescriptions. The expression on his face told Chico he wanted to speak to him so Chico sent the boy to the waiting area to wait for him.

"Is everything ok Doctor Stone?"

"Oh he'll be fine the infection should clear up in no time and i see that the eardrum has repaired itself. There have been occasions where a child has so many ear infections that their eardrum may burst, and ear infections can come on quickly so there is really no reason for you to feel as if you have missed something. I was just wondering, given Joey's past history of abuse if perhaps the injury may have come about in an altercation."

"Is that possible?"

"It has been known to happen, in one instance a little girl went deaf when her mother hit the side of her daughters head against the wall. I know there is nothing that can be done about it now of course, but if it's from past ear infections we may need to put tubes in his ears if he continues to develop infections. "

"Ok I'll keep an eye on that thank you." Chico and Joey went to get his prescriptions and came home. Chico filled Ed in on the latest discovery and in addition to keeping an eye peeled for future infections, Chico was going to see if he could find out what if anything other than a past infection may have caused the damage to his son's eardrum.

Ten days later the meds were gone, as well as the infection. Chico had not been able to find out anything as far as the cause of the ruptured eardrum but Joey promised that if his ears were bothering him he would tell Chico so they could take care of it. In a way Chico was relieved to find that the double ear infection was probably the reason for Joey's crabby attitude. He and Liz were going to a nightclub for an added birthday present for Liz. Ed said he would be home and could take care of the kid. Joey was eating pizza with Ed when Chico and Liz came in to say good night.

"We'll be at the Blue Lagoon if you need anything Ed, Joey it's a school night so you go to bed at 8:00 be good and listen to Grandpa Ed."

"Why do you have to go I want you to stay here." Joey whined as tears formed in his eyes.

"Hey pal what's this all about? I'll be back, I always come back. I love you it's just that Lizzie and I need a little time to ourselves. Finish your pizza now like a good boy and I'll see you in the morning." He kissed Joey as did Liz.

"Hasta luega mi pocco corizon yo amor tu." she said as she tousled his dark hair.

They left but by the time they reached the bottom of the stairs Joey was right behind them. He clung to Chico's long legs and cried, pleading with them not to go. Ed came from behind totally surprised at this sudden change in Joey. Chico picked Joey up and carried him to the couch. He looked the boy in the eyes and spoke with a loving but firm tone.

"Joey that's enough now, this isn't like you. Are you sick?"

"No Papa I just don't want you to go!"

"I've told you sweetie, Liz and I need this time together, I love you..."

"We all love you," interrupted Liz.

"That's right we all love you but Liz and I are going out for the evening>you'll be completely safe here with Ed now I want you to stop all this fussing." Chico stood and sat Joey on Ed's lap, Ed had sat down to hold Joey so they could get away without being tackled.

"Oh for the love of Pete I’m not going to beat you or anything please stop all this blubbering before you shrink my sweater." Joey was crying into Ed's sweater and Chico let him know that he would be calling to see how it was going.

"That's alright Chico you and Liz have a good time, Joey'll either stop crying soon or he will go to bed early." said Ed, hoping to get his point across to the crying boy.

Chico and Liz had a very nice time and Chico decided that Ed had been a Father a lot longer than he had and he trusted Ed to do the best for Joey. So he didn't call. Right away. Liz and Chico danced almost every dance and had some wine. Liz listened patiently as Chico shared his concerns about Joey with her. She loved that little boy as much as Chico and as much as she had to agree with Chico that they did indeed need a night out to themselves she would have gladly stayed home with Joey. However, Liz being a nurse she was able to get away to work, Chico and Ed lived and worked in the garage so she knew that it was extra important for Chico to get away.

"Liz I don't know if I did the right thing in leaving Joey when he was so upset, he has been a little more clingy than he used to be. What do you think?"

"I honestly don't know Chico, he did say he wasn't sick and the ear infection is cleared up maybe he was just over tired. Would you feel better if we went back? It's alright with me if you want to." Liz suggested.

"Well maybe I'll just call home and see how it's going."

"Hello Chico." said Ed when he answered the phone.

"How did you know it was me?" asked Chico.

"Well let’s see I'm here, Joey's here and you’re not. I'd say that two and two add up to Chico being on the other end of the line when I answer."

"Very funny Ed, move over Bob Hope. How was everything after we left?"

"Oh fine he cried a few more minutes and then we finished supper. He's in bed now. You guys have a nice time I'm watching the Rockford Files on TV Land so I'm hanging up."

Chico and Liz talked it over and decided that as long as he was in bed there was really no point in them cutting their evening short to sit at home and watch him sleep.

"Besides I can just hear Ed yelling, what did you come home early for, you want Joey to think he can throw a fit and you'll do whatever he wants. If he starts making a habit of this you've not only lost a sitter but I’m gonna be the one yellin I told you so."

Liz and Chico shared the laugh at Ed's expense, a few more dances and then Chico drove Liz home. All in all it was a lovely evening.

Early the following week Chico was asked to fill in as playground supervisor. Mando was between jobs and was happy for the chance to fill in for Chico. He would never have admitted it to Ed but he loved the old folk and liked to help him out whenever he could.

Joey was excited about the prospect of his Papa being on the playground again. The kids had all been wondering when his Dad was gonna come back and play with them again.

The day that Chico was scheduled to volunteer was a beautiful sunny day. The kids couldn't wait for recess.

Natalie had gotten a belated birthday present in the mail from her Uncle it was a new doll, which she promptly brought to school for show and tell. This turned out to be somewhat of a problem for Joey as she kept following him around the playground asking him to playhouse with her.

"Please Joey you can be the Daddy and go to work and I'll be the mommy and take care of Joseph Jr!"

"Listen here stupid girl, I don't like you, I don't like your dumb doll, and I don't wanna play house with you ever! If I was your husband I'd slug ya, now get out of my face afore I feed you your teeth! And My name is Jose or Joey not Joseph!"

"I'm gonna tell your dad!" whined Natalie as she ran to find Chico. Joey was worried now but he would never ever run after no dumb girl. I just hope Papa doesn't make me playhouse with her, he thought to himself.

A few moments later he saw Chico being pulled across the play yard over to Joey.

"Here he is Mr. Chico he won't playhouse with me and I asked him nice."

"Well Natalie I'm just here to see that no one gets hurt I'm not here to make anyone play something they don't want to." Chico explained delicately.

"You mean you’re not gonna get mad at him or nothing?"

"No. Why should I?"

"Cause he was mean and said if I didn't get out of his face he'd feed me my teeth."

"Joey did you say that?"

"Yes sir, but she won't leave me alone."

"Natalie I am not going to make Joey play with you, but he is going to apologize and then I want you to find someone else to play house with you."

"I'm sorry you told that I said that."

That wasn't exactly the apology he had hoped for but he didn't want to push it because in the short time he had been playground monitor he saw the way she pestered his son and he felt bad for him.

"Thank you Joey, now Natalie would you please go find someone else to playhouse with you?"

Much to Chico's surprise she turned to him and said, "Mr. Chico would you play house with me, you can be the Daddy who works and I'll be Little Jose's mommy."

Joey busted out laughing. He couldn't wait to hear how his Dad got out of this mess.

"You just shut up Joey you had your chance buster!" yelled Natalie.

"Say, it's not nice to say shut up to people, thank you for asking Natalie but I have to watch all the kids and I'm afraid I just don't have time to play with you, and to be honest I don't like to play house."

"Well I can certainly see where you get it Joey!" and she stalked off to find someone to play with dragging her baby through the dirt by one arm.

When Chico first started helping out as playground supervisor Joey was ecstatic but as time went on Joey found himself becoming jealous of the time Chico seemed to enjoy spending with the other kids. After all, Chico was his father, not everyone else's. Once again Chico found himself keeping a closer eye on his little boy as something seemed to be bothering him. How I wish he felt he could come to me when he is hurt or upset. I thought he was really beginning to trust me.

San came home after school with Joey the following day, his Mother had an appointment out of town and his dad was at the store San would rather play than help out at the store so his Mom said he could stay with Joey as long as Chico didn't mind, and he didn't.

The boy's were snacking on some of Della's homemade cookies at the workbench and designing plans for their fort.

"Hey Joey I had a great time at the all-nighter last week we should do that again, I know a bunch of the guys would like to come too."

"Really? Cool. That was fun I never got to have friends over...before."

"Really? What a bummer."

"It's not so bad, I get to do lotsa stuff now, least while I'm..." Joey didn't finish the thought. He was afraid if he voiced his fears about being taken away from Chico and Ed that they would think he wanted to leave. Chico, who was installing a muffler, did not hear what was said.

In the weeks that followed Joey seemed to be his usual self until Chico had to be gone or he was helping on the playground. It got to the point where even San noticed a change in his best friend. One day after school Joey was over at Della's hoping to get some cookies for a snack when San talked to Chico.

"Chico, is Joey ok?"

"I think so, why do you ask?"

"Well geez he used to wanna do things and now he hangs around here all the time, I'm sorry it's .."

"That's ok San I'm glad you asked. Has he said anything to you about what may be bothering him?"

"No but when I told him the gang wants to have you on the playground all the time he got mad."

"Mad, about me being on the playground? I wonder why."

"I told all the guys what a great time I had over here that night and now they wanna come too." San was quick to add that in the hopes that Chico would take the hint.

"Thanks San, I'll keep an eye out, here he comes, shh."

Joey came back with a handful of cookies for himself and San.

"Hey Joey, lets go to the dime store and see if they got any new baseball cards." suggested San.

"I don't think I..." before Joey could come up with a reason not to go with his friend, Chico made the decision for him.

"Joey Ed asked me to pick up the new TV Guide and I forgot would you and San get one for him while you're there? If Grandpa Ed misses the crosswords he gets crabby."

"Uh sure. Ok." answered Joey as he held his hand out for the money.

"Thanks pal, and why don't you guys get yourself a pop or something." he suggested as he gave Joey the money.

While the boys were gone Chico went to ask Ed about something.

"Hey Ed, what do you think if Joey were to have a sleepover with the guys in his class, here at the garage I mean?"

"I'd think that you finally flipped your burrito, how many boys are we talking here?!"

"I dunno 10 or 12 with Joey."

"10 or 12? Now I know you have flipped your burrito! What brought this on?"

"San and I were talking and he mentioned that the guys would like to have a sleepover like the one we had when San was here, I think it would be good for Joey. If he makes more friends he may feel more secure."

"What in your Burrito fried brain makes you think he's feeling insecure?"

"He seems different somehow, reluctant to do things he used to love. Even San has noticed it, and let's not forget the scene when Liz and I were going dancing, he acted like he didn't even want to stay with you. I just think we have to do something. If you say ok I'll find out when Liz has a free weekend and maybe she and Della and possibly Mando can help. Whatdya say Ed? Please?"

Ed looked at Chico and after a few moments he relented. He loved Joey too and wanted him to be happy here, but even more he loved Chico and he knew it would break Chico's heart if he thought he had failed Joey somehow so he agreed to the sleep over. Chico was thrilled but decided not to mention anything to either of the boy's until he had a chance to see if Della, Liz, and maybe Mando would be able to help. He knew he couldn't do it on his own but he wanted it to be as easy on Ed as possible.

In the meantime Chico was called and asked to be the playground supervisor again.

The next day at school when Joey told San that his dad was going to be playground supervisor again it didn't take long for the news to travel around circle. The boys brought bats, balls and gloves, the girls wore lace shoes instead of Velcro, and even the teachers, particularly the single ones were a little more dressy than normal.

The next day on the playground Chico was kept quiet busy pitching fast balls, tying shoes, settling squabbles, twirling jump ropes. He never saw too much of Joey, which disappointed him but he was at least grateful to be allowed the chance to help out at his son's school.

Joey was off around the corner of the building, even San didn't know where he was. Joey grew tired of playing ball and he didn't want to watch Chico fussing over all the other kids so he chose to go off on his own. 'I wish Papa stayed at work today.' He thought to himself as he pouted in the corner.

After recess Chico said good bye to the kids, Joey had come out of hiding by this time, and was on his way out of the building to head back to the garage when Miss Birch stopped him.

"Mr. Rodriquez, I was wondering if you could take a look at the copy machine, it seems to be jammed and I still have more test papers to run off?" She asked as she batted her long eyelashes at him. Chico seemed not to notice he simply said,

"I can see what I can do," and before long the copier was running smoothly again. "Here's your problem Miss Birch, someone just put too much paper in the copy machine at a time, it should work just fine now."

"Thank you Mr. Rodriquez, honestly I don't know how that happened but I'm so glad you were able to fix it. You are such a smart mechanically minded man." Again with the eyelashes.

"My pleasure, have a nice afternoon."

Chico got back to the garage to help Ed the rest of the afternoon. He stopped at Mrs. Shriff's bakery to get a twist for Ed, sort of a thank you for letting him have the time off to help at the school.

Later that day when Joey got home he was still in a rather pouty mood.

"Hey pal how was your day? I didn't get to see too much of you, where were you?"

"It was ok, I was playin, I got 100 on my spelling words." He said in a monotone voice.

"Good for you. I'm proud of you, why don't you change your clothes there's a snack for you upstairs."

Joey had a snack and helped by sweeping out the garage. He was busy with this task when Chico asked, "Where's San today? Don't you two walk home together?"

"He had to stay after and make up the test he missed when he was sick. We might play ball with the guys later though."

"That's good, do you have any home work?"

"Just some sentences I have to write for spelling."

"You better go get that done then so you can play ball later. I don't want you up late tonight doing homework."

"I wanna help you and Grandpa Ed in the garage, I can do my work later. Anyways I don't wanna play ball."

"Aw come on Joey, you can help your grandpa and I any time, you haven't been doing much playing lately. I'm sure San will want you on his team. You go on and finish your homework so you can play later. I promise there will be plenty of time for you to help out here."

"OK." Joey said in a somewhat pouty tone. He returned the broom and dustpan to the office slamming the closet door as he left.

By the time he finished his homework San was outside waiting for him to come and play.

Even though Joey thought he would rather have stayed home with his Papa he did have a great time with the guys. As he pedaled home Joey thought back to how Chico had encouraged him to go play with his friends rather than helping he and Ed in the garage. That recollection added to the memory of Chico playing with all the 'other kids' at recess created a jumble of emotions in Joey that he didn't know how to explain or deal with. By the time he returned home he was feeling very frustrated and angry.

Ed was taking Shirley out for dinner and dancing again so it was just Chico and Joey. Chico greeted Joey affectionately with a big hug and asked him nicely to wash his hands for dinner.

When Joey sat down to supper Chico put a plate of chicken and rice casserole that Della had made down on the table in front of him, and he took the chair nearest his son.

"I don't wanna eat this tonight I wanted pizza, we haven't had pizza in a long time."

"We can have pizza tomorrow night pal. Della made this good hotdish for us tonight. Here I'll pour you some milk."

Joey picked at his food on his plate.

"So who won the game today?" Chico asked in earnest.

"Raul, Reggie, and Devan but they cheated."

"They cheated?"

"Yeah they kept stealing bases and when our team tried it we were out."

"I don't think that's really cheating I think it may be that you guys didn't get on base before you were out. How did you do, did you get any hits?'

"I got to second once, when I went for third I got out. Papa I really don't wanna eat this, can I have a peanut butter banana sandwich instead?"

"No you may not. If your full that's one thing but if your just being picky that's another."

"Huh?" Joey questioned.

"This is not a restaurant son, if you're hungry you will eat what's on your plate."

Joey began picking at the food on his plate in a pouting manner. Chico was very surprised when he pushed some of the food so forcefully that it went on the floor. He grabbed a napkin off the counter and handed it to Joey.

"That is no way to eat young man please clean up your mess and eat your supper."

Joey sat back in his chair and looked in his father's eyes. When he didn't move Chico repeated himself. "Please clean up your mess and eat your supper."

Reluctantly Joey took the napkin and wiped the hotdish off the floor. When he sat down again he asked his dad.

"Are you gonna be at the playground again?"

"I hope too, I love being with you and all the kids."

Joey took a bite of his hotdish and spit it out on his plate.

"What is that all about pal? You know better than that."

"What's this?" Joey asked as he held a piece of chicken up for Chico's inspection.

"It's chicken. Now please eat." Chico was becoming a little impatient with the whiny little boy.

"No I don't wanna."

"What did you say pal?"

"I -I said I don't wanna."

"If that's the way you're going to behave you can leave the table." Chico stated calmly.

"But I'm hungry I want a sandwich!"

"I told you you need to eat what we're having. We are not going to get into the habit of having three separate meals around here."

"No!" yelled the little boy as he pushed his plate away.

"Then you may be excused to your room."

"No!"

"I think you need some time to yourself to calm down if you don't go to your room I will take you there."

When Joey continued to sit in open defiance of Chico's discipline Chico picked Joey up off of his chair and proceeded to carry him to the apartment. Joey began to cry and struggled to get free of being sent to his room.

In the apartment Chico sat Joey on the sofa, meanwhile Ed has come home early and hears crying in the apartment. He goes to see if he can be of any help but when he realizes that Chico is scolding Joey he gives them their privacy.

"Now, you are not to leave this room until I come back and get you. You are having a timeout 'til you can calm down and behave like the good boy you usually are."

"NO Papa No I don't like it in here. You just don't want me to be with you. You made me go with my friends, and now you stick me here! You come to school so you can play with my friends and you don't even care if I'm not there! I don't want you to be in school no more, they're my friends cause they like you not me!"

Chico was going to step into the apartment to try and calm Joey down and explain things to him but when Joey picked his pillow up off the sofa and threw it in Chico's general direction he decided it would be best to leave Joey alone til he could calm down.

"I'll be back when you have calmed down and we'll talk about all this." Chico shut the door and was surprised to see Ed had returned when he turned around.

"Oh hi Ed, I wasn't expecting you so soon, is every thing ok?

"Shirley wasn't feeling well so we called it an early night. It doesn't sound like you two are having a very good evening."

"Joey is having a fit I think he should calm down before we talk. I hope he's not getting sick again." Chico was concerned yes, but Ed knew Chico well enough to know that the things he had just heard Joey say to Chico had hurt his "son" deeply.

He and Chico went upstairs leaving Joey alone and screaming in his room.

A few moments later the screaming had lessened but it sounded as if he were throwing and kicking things

Ed was becoming upset that Joey was not only having a fit but that he was being so destructive, he wanted to go to the apartment and put a stop to it when Chico stopped him.

"I know your upset Ed. I don't blame you, I'm not pleased with his behavior tonight either but he's doing this to get attention. If we go to him now we'll be giving him just what he wants."

"If I have to go down there I won't be giving him anything he wants!" retorted Ed.

"Ed please, I know you're upset, and I also know that Joey is behaving terribly this evening but after everything he has been through Joey doesn't need more physical discipline. I know it's trying Ed but please be patient. I'll pay for any and all damage-better yet Joey will not get an allowance until he pays for the repairs."

That decided Chico sat down to finish his supper and Ed turned on what's happenin on TV Land. He looked at Chico who sat miserably quiet as he ate. Ed felt guilty about watching TV when Chico seemed to be having such a difficult time and he turned off the set and sat across from Chico.

Chico was finishing his supper when Ed spoke up.

"I can tell that something's bothering you, do you want to talk about it?"

"Ed, I don't understand what just happened."

"What do you mean? All kids have temper tantrums at one time or another."

"I know Ed but I mean, I thought I was being such a good, involved parent by helping at the school and instead it seems I've made things worse for Joey. I thought I was doing the right thing in encouraging Joey to go play with his friends today and all I did was make him angry at me." Chico had tears in his eyes as he looked questioningly at Ed.

"Every kid at almost every age has been angry at their parents about something, usually over nothing. You are always there for Joey and that's great, that's what he needs.

He's just confused, in less than a year and a half he has gone from a child with virtually no supervision or security to having someone who is always ready, willing, and able to be there for him. I'm sure he's just testing you."

"I feel so bad Ed. I only wanted to help him and I think I've hurt him."

"You hurt him?! I don't think so. You gave him a place whenever he needed, you've taken him on as your own son - how many people would do that? Not very many I can tell you that! And you think you hurt him? No way Chico it's him who has hurt you tonight. You are doing a damn fine job parenting this little fella and don't you ever forget it."

"Thanks Ed. Thanks for always being there for me, that must be where I get it." Chico winked at his second father. Joey was still crying though he had calmed down considerably since Chico sent him to his room. "I think I'll go see if he's ready to talk yet, it's been almost 20 minutes."

As Chico made his way down the stairs he could hear that Joey's cries were quieting down. He knocked on the door and waited for an answer. When none came he opened the door. It was hard to open as Joey was lying on the floor near the door. He had been lying there kicking on the door. The pillows were scattered all over, as were the blankets and sheets from Chico's bed.

Chico squatted down so he could be closer to Joey as he spoke.

"We need to talk, pal." he looked around the apartment at the mess and continued. "It looks like you've been busy, come on pal, sit with me so we can talk." when Joey just lay there Chico picked him up and sat on the bed with Joey in his lap.

"You said some things to me tonight, things that I had no idea you felt. I thought we were always able to talk about things?"

Joey sobbed into Chico's shirt. "I know your angry at me but I'm not sure why, can you tell me?"

"Playg-ground." was all Joey could say through sobs.

"You're mad because I help on the playground?"

"You play with them, they like me cause I live with you."

"I see. Well you know what I think?" Joey shook his head. "It may have started out that way but once they got to know what a great kid you were they like you for you not me. And what about San he has always liked you."

"I know you are not happy with having me at the playground but I have been asked to help and if I can get away to do it I will. Not to upset you like this, but because I want school to be a safe and fun place for you and all the children and they asked me to help and I said I would. I will make a deal with you though, I'll help out at the playground when I can for the rest of the school year and if by next year you still don't want me there I'll see if I can find another way to help."

"Ok Papa."

"Great now I'm going to take a shower and I want you to clean up this mess you made, then if you're hungry your supper is in the fridge I'm sure Grandpa Ed will warm it up for you.

Joey cleaned up his mess and went upstairs to eat. While he was eating Ed sat across from him to keep him company.

"I thought you and Miss Shirley went out?"

"We did but she got sick so I came home early. That was quite a fuss I came home to."

Joey hung his head in shame.

"I was mad, I guess."

"You guess I'd say you were. I'd hate to think that you could talk to someone who loves you as much as Chico does without being mad. What you said really hurt him you know. He would never intentionally do anything to hurt you, he only wants the best for you. It's ok to be mad sometimes, everyone is you just have to be careful what you say to people."

"Have you ever been mad?"

"More times than I care to admit I'm afraid. In fact when I first met your Papa Chico I wasn't nice to him at all. I'm just thankful he saw through my angry mood and nasty words and stuck it out to become like a son to me."

"You were mean to Chico?!" Joey questioned in surprise.

"Yes I was. In fact when Chico told me he looked at me as a father I told him not to because if he was my son he'd have gone to school and made something of himself, he wouldn't be some street punk bumming a job in a garage. I remember it like it was yesterday. I knew as soon as the words were out of my mouth that I had hurt him but he came back and we've been a family ever since."

"You called Papa Chico a street punk?! Did you say sorry?"

"I don't think I ever did, somehow we both just knew what we meant to each other."

Joey listened to Ed's story as he ate his reheated hotdish and as soon as Chico returned upstairs Joey threw his arms around his Papa and apologized for his earlier behavior. Then he turned to Grandpa Ed and looked at him as if waiting for him to speak to Chico.

Following Joey's lead and as a way to set a good example Ed went to Chico and said, "Chico I was telling Joey about the time when we met and how I said something that hurt you. As I remembered it I had to admit that I don't remember ever apologizing to you for that. I'm sorry, and you'll never know how glad I am that you saw past my anger and became my friend and now my family."

As Ed hugged Chico, Joey hugged them both around the legs in a great bear hug.

It was a couple weeks since Joey had the upset about Chico helping at the playground and even though they had come to an agreement Joey found himself hoping Papa Chico would change his mind and not come to school any more. However, that was not to be the case, when a few weeks later Chico was called to fill in when Raul's mother had to cancel her turn due to gallbladder surgery. He was ready to fill in wherever and whenever he was needed where his son was concerned. The morning of the day that Chico was to help out Joey woke him at four in the morning.

"What is it pal?" Chico inquired sleepily.

"My neck hurts."

"Your neck hurts? Did you sleep wrong and get a stiff neck?" he asked as he sat up and turned on the light.

"Inside, my neck hurts on the inside and my tummy hurts." Chico checked for a temperature.

"You don't seem to have a fever, do you hurt anywhere else?"

"No."

"Do you feel like you're going to throw up?"

"No my tummy just hurts."

"Let's go get you some tylenol, do you have to go to the bathroom?"

"No, can I sleep with you tonight?'

"Sure pal, now lets get some Tylenol." Chico gave Joey some Tylenol and sat with him in the bathroom in case he was going to be sick. After awhile Chico carried the little boy into the other room and put him back to bed and went to bed himself. As he drifted off to sleep his last conscious thought was, 'I hope it's not his ears again.'

The next morning when Joey still complained of a sore throat Chico felt compelled to call the school so they had time to find a replacement for the playground. When he had done that he sat on the bed with Joey until he had to get to work.

Throughout the day Chico spent his lunch and break times with Joey. He read stories to him and they played games and drew pictures.

It was a very nice day after all, and being a Friday that meant that father and son had three whole days together.

Saturday afternoon San came by to see how Joey was feeling and he had a surprise as well.

When San came into the apartment where Joey was lying on the floor drawing a picture he had a tiny puppy with him. He said a kid was giving them away in front of the dimestore.

His mom had consented for him to have one and he brought it over to show Joey.

"Wow a puppy that's so cool! Let's go show Chico and Ed!" exclaimed Joey.

"Yeah and maybe you can get one too!!"

"I dunno, after the turtle I don't know if they'll let me have any pets."

"Ya got a pony at your grandpa's."

"Yeah it's at Grandpa's I'm not taking care of it. I'd like a puppy but I'm not asking."

"Why not?"

"It's bad to ask for stuff."

"Who says?" asked Santos skeptically.

"I just know is all. Can I hold the puppy?"

"Sure."

Chico and Ed had been in the office ordering supplies and had not seen Santos come in with the puppy. The boys were playing on the garage floor with the puppy when the two guardians emerged from their office.

"Oh no you don't kiddo. We don't need a dog around here." said Ed when he saw Joey holding a squirmy little puppy."

"It's San's he's lettin me hold him." assured Joey.

"That's a nice dog Santos where did you get him?" asked Chico.

"There was a kid outside the dimestore giving em away when I was uptown with Mom. She said I could get one."

Joey put the puppy on the floor and the two boys were playing with it until a customer came in to have his car serviced then they took him outside to play.

"Ed don't you think it would..."

"Stop right there Chico I think you and I have our hands full with this garage, our ladies and now Joey we don't need to add a dog to the list as well."

"Come on Ed, every little kid needs a dog."

"No way Jose-besides he didn't even say he wanted one."

"I don't know of any kid who doesn't want a dog, didn't you have a dog when you were a kid?"

"Yeah I did but we lived on a big farm not in a garage in the middle of LA. The answer is no, N-O."

Over the next couple of weeks everything seemed to have returned to normal for Chico, Ed and Joey. At least as normal as life can be for two mechanics and a 7 year old.

Chico and Liz had a date, and while Joey was clinging to Chico before he left to get Liz he was well behaved and didn't cry once.

While out for the evening Chico discussed the possibility of a sleepover with a few of Joey's friends and asked her if she would be willing to help him supervise the boys.

"I'd love to it'll be great. It'll be just like..." Liz smiled seductively and left the thought hanging in the air.

"It'd be just like what?" asked Chico with a wide grin that showcased the dimples that drove Liz wild.

"It'd be just like we were married." She admitted happily as she reached across the table and kissed Chico.

The next day Chico asked Della if she would be willing to help supervise the sleepover as well. He was so happy when she said she would be glad to that he danced her around her office. He planned to talk to Joey about it that night at supper.

After school Monday San and Joey came running through the garage and into the apartment, before Chico and Ed could even wonder what was going on they came back out and began scrounging around the garage.

"We found some old boards in that lot across the alley. now we can start our fort," said Joey excitedly." can we use some tools?"

"There's a hammer on the work bench and I think there are some nails in the bucket over there, help yourself." said Chico.

A few minutes later the boys came back from the storage shed where they had been storing the old boards with a saw.

"Hold on a minute you two. You are not using a saw."

"How are we gonna cut the boards?" Asked Joey.

"Either your Grandpa or I will do it for you. You two are too young to use a saw."

"But we wanna..."

"I am not going to argue with you about this no saw or no fort." Chico was adamant so the boys showed Chico the plans for their fort and asked him if he would help them and cut the wood for them.

"That's all though we wanna do it by ourselves." said Joey with determination.

"Hey maybe we could make a clubhouse and all the guys can help us!" suggested San.

"Hey neat!" The phone rang and it was Rosa Garcia and she wanted San home to help her with some chores. Chico thought he had found the perfect opportunity to ask Joey if he would be interested in having a sleepover, if he was they could have a fort building party.

At supper that evening Chico brought the subject up to his son.

"I want to ask you about something Joey."

"What Papa?"

"San was telling me the other day how he and a few of your friends would like to stay over night here at the garage, would you like that?"

"You mean you'd let me have all my friends over here?!"

"Sure if you want to, this is your home to after all." encouraged Chico.

"REALLY? I can? Thank you Papa! Thank you Grandpa!" Joey ran around the table and hugged his family excitedly.

"Ok kid, now sit down and eat before your supper gets cold."

Joey did as he was told, and finished supper in no time. It was a much more pleasant atmosphere at supper than it had been a few nights ago.

"If you want you can have a sleepover on a Saturday night then we don't have to open the garage and you can have a fort building party. I'll have time to cut the wood for you on a Sunday and Della and Liz said they would help out."

"That's a great idea! Who can I invite?"

"Anyone you want to." said Chico. He was pleased to see Joey so excited about something again.

"Wow I never got to do this before, Mama never let me have friends cause she didn't want David mad." Joey was so matter of fact about the whole admission that it brought a lump in Chico's throat.

"Oh Ed we forgot to put milk on the table, I'll get it." Chico left the table before Joey could see that his eyes were tearing.

"Chico what did you put in this hotdish tonight it's so dang spicy it makes my eyes water!" yelled Ed, to cover the fact that he too had tears in his eyes.

"Just a dash of Tabasco Ed."

"No wonder I haven't had to spray for flies today."

"Very funny Ed." said Chico in a sarcastic tone.

After supper Joey hurried to call his friends and ask if they could come to a sleep over this coming Sunday. He was so excited that's all he talked about for the remainder of the evening.

The coming week was a busy one. In his spare time Chico was going over lists of things he thought they would need for a successful sleepover. Della was gracious enough to 'cater' the engagement free of charge and Liz knew a bunch of cool games they could play.

And Ed decided that he had enjoyed his souvenir from Mexico long enough and decided that the kids could brake his Piñata at the outing, as long as they behaved themselves so he could watch Gunsmoke on TV land in peace.

Mando could help out through supper but then he was taking his girlfriend Anita to a double feature.

Finally the night of the sleepover came. The kids started arriving about 4:30 Saturday afternoon and Joey was so hyper he could hardly stand it.

He had invited San, of coarse, Tony, Raul, Martin, Gregory, Thomas, Stevie, Dominic, Danny, and Paul and Mark. And everyone was able to come!

When everyone came they ran through the sprinkler in the back yard. Needless to say there was a lot of noise in the neighborhood that day, and even though he would never admit it Ed was enjoying all the commotion his new family member had brought to his home.

Later Della said they were having pizza, and the best part they got to make them! She had the crusts ready and sat all the ingredients out and the boys could put on whatever and as much of anything they wanted!

After supper Chico brought out the piñata and the kids beat the donkey to bits. There was candy and small prizes all over the garage.

As the boy's were rushing around gathering goodies Chico snuck into the office and brought out cans of silly string. He set the extras on the workbench and snuck up behind the group of boys.

"Reach for the sky!" He yelled. They turned to find Chico holding two cans of silly string and he let them have it. In turn each boy grabbed a can and chased Chico out into the yard. There was multiple colors of silly string all over the tire swing and in the grass but they didn't stop there Chico ran and attempted to hide behind Liz, but that didn't deter the mob of kids in the least and Liz was soon covered in string.

"Chico Rodriquez this string better come out of my hair or else!" She yelled.

"Or else what?" he teased.

"Or else this!" she said and squirted him in the face and hair with her own hidden can of silly string.

Before long Ed, Della, Liz, Chico and every one of the boys had silly string all over the place.

When all the cans were empty everyone pitched in to help clean up, then Chico and Liz took everyone out to pick out some movies and lots of snacks.

While everyone else was picking out movies and snacks San and Joey had taken some of their recycling money and bought some surprises for tomorrow at the fort building party.

When they all got back to the garage it was about 8:oo and Della and Ed had laid out plenty of extra blankets and things for the kids to put their sleeping bags on. It wasn't long before twelve little boys had their pajama's on and were watching movies. They may have had their pajama's on but they were nowhere near ready for bed.

Della served Popcorn, chips, pretzels and dip during the movies. When they were done the boys were tired but none of them would admit to it so they played games after that Chico turned out all the lights except a flashlight which he held in front of his face as he told them ghost stories. Bloody Mary, the man with one arm, ghost in Rockingham manor.

Surprisingly several of the boys fell asleep during the scary stories. It was almost 1:30 in the morning when Chico finished. He went to the apartment to help Della do some straightening while the rest of the kids settled in for the night.

When Joey thought everyone was asleep he quietly went into the apartment to find his dad.

"Hello baby, what are you doing up?" asked Della.

"Where's Papa?"

"He's getting me some blankets baby..."

"Here you go Della I really appreciate your… Joey I thought you were asleep? Are you ok?" Chico asked when he saw Joey was still awake.

"I just came in to ask ya something."

"Sure pal, what is it?"

Joey went to the dresser and got out his favorite book and brought it to Chico.

"Would you read this please?"

"Sure pal come on." He took Joey's hand and was gonna take him out to the garage when Joey stopped him.

"No Papa just to me please? Everyone else is asleep."

"Ok I'd be glad to." Della sat at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee while Chico sat Joey on his lap and read him LOVE YOU FOREVER.

When he had finished he gave Chico a goodnight hug and kiss and thanked him for the sleepover, went to bathroom and went back out to the garage.

Chico poured himself a cup of coffee and sat across the table from Della.

"I can't thank you enough for staying and helping with all this, I wanted to do this for Joey but I didn't want to burden Ed. I don't know if any of them are going to stay awake or when they will get up so I'm glad your here, especially since Liz got called into work."

"It's my pleasure baby, you know I'm always glad to help you. I couldn't help but notice that someone is a little jealous this evening." chuckled Della.

"Really who?" asked Chico curiously.

"Joey of course, didn't you notice how he came in and wanted you to read just to him, and sit on your lap?"

"Well yeah but I don't think he's jealous." defended Chico.

"Listen baby, he's a little boy, you are his new papa and you yourself told me about the tantrum he had about you being at the playground, and now tonight. As much as he is enjoying this party I'm sure it's a little hard for him to see you spending time with all the other kids."

"Really Della, do you really think that's why he doesn't want me at school?"

"Sure it is, he loves his friends, but he loves you more. You are the one person in his short life that he has been able to count on, sure he had his Mama for awhile but there was someone that even she couldn't protect him from. You have been there for him again and again and he knows you love him but he just wants to make sure he doesn't lose that love to anyone else."

"Gee Della I can't believe that I never realized that, it certainly explains why he was upset about his friends and I at the playground. I sure am glad that I have you and Ed to help me with all this."

"Believe me Chico when I tell you that you are doing a wonderful job, and I know you would have figured it out on your own. You have been a wonderful papa to that little fella, he's very lucky to have you in his life."

"No Della,I'm the lucky one."

Early the next morning Della made Pancakes in the shape of Disney's Winnie the

Pooh characters served with sausages, toast and juice. As soon as they had all eaten Chico and the boys went out in the backyard and began making the fort. It was a fun morning with a lot of pranks laughter and pounding.

From time to time Della and Ed would bring out lemonade and cookies for the construction crew.

For lunch Chico took them all too Taco bell after which they went back to their fort. It was a hot afternoon and Joey and San surprised everyone when they threw water balloons down on everyone from Ed's upstairs bathroom. Unfortunately Ed caught them in their mischief and told them if they didn't clean up their mess and haul their buns outside with everyone else he'd clean their carburetors but good. They hurried to oblige.

By late afternoon they had built a deluxe model fort and Ed was anxious to have everyone go home.

Joey thanked everyone for coming and the guests thank Joey and his family for the best sleepover ever. Santos was the last to go home because he told his mom that he wanted to stay and help clean up. His mother was pleasantly pleased and surprised and relented.

Since San was nice enough to stay and help clean up Ed offered to give him a ride home when they were through.

"See ya at school tomorrow amigo and thanks for a great weekend." said San.

"Yeah I'm glad you were here it was fun, see ya I'm gonna take this stuff over to Aunt Della's." A couple of high fives and the boys went their separate ways, until tomorrow. In the truck on the way to bring Santos home, San asked a question that he had been dying to ask someone ever since he first heard it.

"Hey Ed?"

"Hay is for horses kid, what do you want?"

"Is it bad to ask for stuff?

"What kind of question is that, ask for what stuff?"

"You know, is it bad for a kid to ask for things he wants?"

"Well how is anyone supposed to know what a kid wants if he doesn't ask. If he can't have it he won't get it, now if he bugs and is pesty about it he might get something he didn't ask for. Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering is all."

"Come on now kid I didn't just fall off the garbage truck your after something I know now out with it. I have to be prepared so when Joey asks I can tell him no."

"Oh he won't ask."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Cause he's the one that told me..."

"Told you what?" asked Ed as the pulled into the Garcia's driveway.

"He's the one who told me it was bad to ask for stuff."

"When did he tell you that?"

"The other day when I brought Zorro in to the garage. I told him I just asked my mom and she said I could have a puppy. I told him he should ask you and Chico for one and that's what he said. Why would he lie?"

"San, do you know why Joey lives with us now?"

"Sure, cause his Mama and dad died."

"Well yes, but you remember when he broke his arm a couple summers ago?"

"Yeah?"

"His step dad did it, Joey's stepdad was a very mean tempered man, he didn't just yell like I do he would hurt Joey and his Mom. I suppose Joey told you that because that's what he believes. He probably learned that it's less painful if you don't ask for things. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Ed wanted to make sure that he had explained it so Santos would understand and not think that Joey was a liar.

"I think so Ed. You think if Joey asked for stuff at home he got hit?"

"I'm not sure but I would say so, which is probably why he thinks it's bad to ask for things. Do me a favor would you?"

"Sure what?"

"Don't tell Joey what I told you ok? If he wants you to know he'll tell you when he's ready."

"I know Ed, we're buds ya know. You won't tell him I asked ya either will ya? I don't want him to think I thought he was lying to me."

"It's a deal, now get outta my truck so I can go home and take a nap."

"Thanks for the ride and everything Ed. See ya."

Ed watched as San made his way to the house with his puppy nipping at his heels all the way. When he was gone from site Ed backed out of the driveway and headed home. It had been a tiring weekend but he had fun-Just so no one ever found out.

It was 5:30 when Ed came home. Chico and Joey were having left over pizza when he came upstairs.

"Hey Ed, there's more pizza in the oven if you want." said Chico as he was taking a huge bite of pepperoni pizza.

"I had so much fun this weekend, thanks for lettin me have friends over Papa Chico and Grandpa Ed."

As he had done when he found he could have a sleep over, Joey went around the table and gave both Chico and Ed big cheesy kisses.

"Where'd you learn all those cool ghost stories you told last night?"

"My Aunt Connie. She told them at my sleepovers." boasted Chico. He was very proud of his beautiful and equally proud aunt.

After supper Chico helped Joey with his bath and hair washing. When that was done they played with legos and talked.

"Joey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure Papa." he said as he climbed onto Chico's long legs as he stretched them out on the floor.

"Does it bother you when I play with the other kids on the playground, or spend time with your friends like I did this weekend?"

"Uh huh, little I guess."

"Why?"

Joey simply shrugged his shoulders in reply.

"I'd like you to tell me if you can."

I-I was scared." Joey admitted.

"Scared of what?" Chico persuaded.

"I was scared you'd like them better'n me and, and I'd have to leave."

Chico was so flabbergasted by this admission that all he could do was hug the boy. When he moved to hug him, Joey jumped as if he expected to be slapped for what he just said, but when Chico had his arms around him he instantly relaxed and returned the hug. After a couple minutes Chico pulled away from the embrace and looked Joey in the face.

"Joey I love you. From the first day we met I thought we were going to be friends but I never imagined just how much you would mean to me. I can't imagine my life without you. When I thought I had lost you to the Elliot's my heart broke, and when that letter your Mama wrote explaining why she wanted me to raise you came from the lawyers office, well I can't remember when I'd ever been so happy. If I'm paying attention to other kids on the playground or anywhere else for that matter, it's because I love you and I want you to have the best, and I want to do all I can to see that you are happy and safe. I promise it's not done to hurt you or so I can find someone I'd like better because that ain't possible kiddo. As far as I'm concerned you are my son and you always will be I promise."

The following week was pretty much a flurry of normal activity. Everyone was busy with their normal routine of work and/or school. Chico was called into school one day because Joey was being kept after class for having pushed Natalie off the merry go round, and she tore her dress.

When Chico told Ed he had to leave the garage for a while to go to the school, and why, Ed exclaimed, "Oh for the love of Pete, if those two don't quit it they'll probably end up getting married!"

At the school he went to Joey's room and found Joey and his new teacher talking in the room, or at least the teacher was talking. Joey sat there in his desk sullen and silent.

Natalie and her mother were there also. Natalie was crying and her mom was trying unsuccessfully to console her.

"Excuse me Mrs. Rainy? I'm Chico Rodriquez Joey's foster father." He extended a hand to the teacher.

"Yes it's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Rodriquez, thank you for coming so quickly. I have been trying to find out what happened but I have not progressed very far I'm afraid. The playground supervisor only saw Natalie falling from the merry-go-round, Natalie told her that Joey pushed her. When I've asked your son about it he refuses to answer."

Chico knelt down beside his son's desk. "Is it true Joey, did you push Natalie off the merry go round?"

Joey said nothing.

"I asked you a question and I want an answer, now please."

"Yes sir, I did."

"Why? You do know you could have hurt her and you did tear her dress it looks like."

"Cause I was mad at her." He answered, not looking at Chico.

"Joey, we have talked about being angry. You know it's ok to feel angry but it is never ok to hurt someone. We will talk about this at home." Chico stood and extended his hand to Natalie's Mom, Mrs. Matthews.

"I am very sorry that my son did this and I will see that you are reimbursed for the dress."

"That's not necessary. I'm sure Natalie would appreciate an apology though."

"Yes, I agree that is definitely in order. Joey what do you say to Natalie?"

"Please don't make me Papa."

"Joey Mrs. Matthews is being very generous after what happened I think you know what you should do."

"Ok I'm sorry! I'm sorry I pushed ya but I don't want ya bugging me, I don't want ya touching me, kissing me, and I don't want you hanging upside down on the monkey bars to show me your underwear just leave me the Hell alone!"

Chico was shocked to hear Joey use such language but before he could reprimand him Mrs. Matthews spoke up.

"Natalie Anne Matthews! Is that true? Is that the way you've been behaving towards this little boy?"

"But I like him Mom. I just want him to know."

"Well a lady does not throw herself at boys. No wonder he is mad at you, wait until you get home, we will have a long talk about this. Mr. Rodriquez, Joey I am very sorry about my daughters part in all of this today and earlier as well. I promise you it won't happen again."

Both parents apologized to the teacher and took their erring children home. Joey was quiet on the drive home and when Chico stopped the truck Joey ran for the apartment and slammed the door. After parking the truck Chico joined him there. He found Joey face down on the couch, sobs ripping through him.

"Joey I think we need to have a talk." When Chico sat on the sofa Joey curled his legs up underneath himself and rocked back and forth. "It's ok pal we're just going to talk." He reached out and picked Joey up. When they were settled Chico rocked him and sang the Spanish lullaby until he had calmed down.

"Joey, did Natalie really do all that stuff or were you just too mad to think about what you were saying?"

"I'm not lying! She is always touching me-and and I hate it. She won't listen to me. Everyday she does stuff and today she..."

"She what, what did she do?"

"SHE KISSED ME! That's when I pushed her off the merry go round." Joey got up off of Chico's lap as he talked. "I said sorry cause you asked me to and I-I love you but I wasn't really sorry and if she ever touches me again I'll push her again, and I don't care what you do to me."

Chico was struggling not to laugh at his son's predicament. He knew as a father, he had to reprimand Joey for his behavior, but on the other hand a guy can only take so much and it sounded as if Joey had indeed reached his limit.

"Well Joey I do think you need to settle down and please stop shouting, or we'll have Ed in here to straighten things out. Thank you for apologizing Joey. I'm sure it made Natalie's mom happy to hear that you were sorry, although we could have done without the swearing. At least now the teacher, and Natalie's mother all know some of what's been going on so that may help, but I really want you to try and avoid her rather than hurt her if you can. Promise?"

"Ok Papa I promise, I'll try."

"And since I had to get you out of school early because of fighting today, I want you to stay in your room until supper."

"Can I watch TV?"

"No, this is your punishment."

"Can I draw then?"

"No, I'll be back to get you for supper."

"But Pa..."

"No arguments, this is how it's going to be or you can go to bed as soon as supper is over." The look Chico gave him said the discussion was over, so Joey threw himself on the sofa, face down in the cushion. "I love you son." Chico said before leaving the apartment.

"I mmmto u to." came the muffled reply from the cushion. Chico tried not to laugh as he closed the door. Supper that evening was a somewhat solemn occasion as Joey was still mad about the time out he had, he felt undeservedly. He was pouting but he ate his supper, spoke when he was spoken to and wasn't sassy so all in all it was a nice meal.

After supper Joey had a bath and watched What's Happenin on TV land with Ed as they ate ice cream, too quickly it was 8:00 o'clock and time for bed. Ed gave Joey a good night kiss and sent him down to the apartment. Chico had just gotten off the phone with Liz and was turning down the bed covers for Joey. When he was tucked in, and had a glass of water, and a story Chico turned out the light and closed the door.

It was time for Joey to be getting back from school when Miss Greene and Mr. Deil paid a surprise visit to the garage. They visited cordially with Chico and Ed until Joey came into the garage. When he saw who was there he stopped in his tracks.

"Jose, good to see you again." said Miss Greene. Joey said nothing but went immediately to Chico's side.

"Well I see no reason to put this off any longer, Mr. Rodriquez our office has received a complaint on you and your ability to raise this child." stated Miss Greene in a very business like tone.

"What?! A complaint, against me, who was it?" Chico was baffled by what he had just heard.

"We are not at liberty to say. If we get in the habit of divulging our sources we lose credibility and people who are already reluctant to report abuse and or neglect will not come forward out of fear."

"Abuse! Neglect! I have never laid a hand on this child in anything but love since the first day he came in here, and he has always had someone watching over him. I don't understand any of this. Why, when his stepfather was beating the crap out of him everyday no one did anything, and now when we are becoming a family do you come with this crock of bull!?"

"Mr. Rodriquez I did not receive the call or I surely would have spoken up on your behalf," consoled Mr. Deil.

"You must understand that even though the boy's mother gave you full custody of the child, we must investigate any claims that our office receives to the fullest. It is for this reason that we must place Jose into foster care until we have thoroughly investigated these claims. He will be returned to the Elliot's and under no circumstances are you to have any contact with the boy. Any attempt or visitation on your part or the Elliot's and Jose will be moved to another foster facility."

"No Papa don't let em, you promised you said I was yours forever!" Joey began screaming and crying. He clung to Chico who in turn held him tightly. Ed who was fit to be tied at this unfounded accusation against Chico was yelling for the pair to get out of his garage.

In an attempt to calm things somewhat Mr. Deil was quick to add, "Once the investigation is complete and no improprieties are found Jose will be returned to your full custody," he said as he reached for the weeping child who was clinging to Chico's legs.

He picked Joey up. He was a tall man, even a little taller than Chico and quite strong. "I'm sorry about this sir, I don't believe it but we must check into it," he apologized as he attempted to carry the screaming child from the first real home he had ever known.

"Papa! Papa! You promised, you said!!!" He began kicking as he yelled and his foot caught the poor man in a very sensitive area and he literally dropped the boy, who ran as though for his very life to his Papa Chico. Chico knelt beside Joey, he was openly weeping he spoke.

"I don't know what this is all about son, but I promise you I will find out. I'm going to call Grandpa Gil and see if he can help us. At least you can be with the Elliot's until this mess is settled. I promise I will get you back. I have done nothing but love you and when they see that you'll be back here before you know it. I love you my son, and I won't rest 'til your home safe again." After speaking to his son Chico stood and spoke to the social workers.

"I don't know what this is all about but I can assure you, I will find out. I'm not trying t0o be uncooperative but I will not help you take my son from me, if you want him out of here you will have to take him out yourselves." He crouched down to try and comfort Joey as best he could, which wasn't easy since he was on the verge of tears himself."

"Joey I want you to know I had no idea any of this was coming. I don't want you to leave I love you, and I need you in my life maybe even more than you need me. I promise I will do everything I can to get you back home where you belong." With those words he embraced Joey tightly and kissed him.

Miss Greene came over and took Joey by the hand to take him from his home,before she had time to react Joey bit her hand as it rested on him.

"Ouch! Oh my God the kid bit me! I am not waiting any longer you must come with me this instant." she insisted quite irritated at the way the whole ordeal was turning out.

"No, I won't go with you, I don't like you said-you say mean stuff! I'll go with him!" He pointed a shaky finger at Mr. Deil who was still somewhat sore. He came over and offered an outstretched hand to Joey.

"I'm sorry I kicked your winky." He stated sincerely as he hung back and continued to cling to Chico's leg. "I said sorry can I stay here now please?" Mr. Deil was rather embarrassed by Joey's apology but said nothing. Joey began to cry anew as Mr. Deil shook his head no and picked Joey up once more time.

"Papa, I wanna stay with you and grandpa por favor, Papa ayuda!!!!!"

Joey continued to plead with Chico as he was buckled into the car. Since it was such a nice day the windows were down and Joey's cries could still be heard as they drove away.

Chico and Ed embraced each other and while Ed shed a few tears Chico was now weeping openly. When he had calmed down somewhat Chico looked to Ed.

"Ed I don't understand who would do this, we are a family, I know I'm not the best parent, hell I may be a terrible one But I swear I have never hit a kid in my life especially not Joey!"

"I know Chico, I know and we'll get the kid back we won't stop until we do. No one could love that little boy more than you and Joey knows that. I have an idea, why don't you get all of Raul Gomez's papers together, you know the ones that Joey's mother had drawn up along with the letter she wrote specifying her wish that you raise her son. Get Della to go with you over to Mr. Gomez's office and see where you stand."

"That's a great idea I'll do that right now. Thanks," he hugged Ed before beginning his errands.

As soon as Chico and Della left Ed decided to run an errand of his own, to the social services office to give that addlebrained social worker a piece of his mind. 'I hope she needs a tetanus shot right in her professional keister from that bite Joey gave her for putting my Chico through this! 'He thought to himself in anger as he got in the truck.

Della was saddened to learn of the latest setback for the family of three and wholeheartedly agreed that in this instance Ed was right, she closed her office and accompanied Chico to attorney Raul Gomez's office for some advice on what to do first.

In the meantime Miss Greene's station wagon pulled up in front of the Elliot's home.

Joey was still screaming and refused to budge from the vehicle. When either Miss Greene or Mr. Deil attempted to reach him he kicked at them. Mr. Deil, already having experienced what a marksman the boy was with his feet was more reluctant to remove him from the car.

It wasn't until Lynnae came out to greet them, with tears in her own eyes, did Joey calm down. He stopped kicking and when Lynnae reached for him he threw himself into her arms and continued to cry.

"I'm truly sorry about all of this Miss Elliot, I've tried to explain to him that this may very well be temporary." expressed Mr. Deil sincerely.

"I'm sure you have Mr. Deil and I thank you for that but in my opinon this should not be happening at all. Chico loves Joey and no one could take better care of him."

"We have our policies to investigate any possibility of abuse." interrupted Miss Greene.

"Where were you and your policies when this poor child WAS being abused? I hate to be rude but if you'll excuse me this little boy needs my attention." Lynnae turned and marched to the house still cradling Joey.

Once in the house she sat in the rocking chair and held him, speaking softly as she did. "I'm so sorry this has happened Joey I know Chico loves you and would never hurt you. I don't know what i can do to help but I promise Josh and I will do everything we can to get you back with your Papa and Grandpa.

In a little while Joey fell asleep from all the fussing and fighting he had put up to stay at home. Lynnae put him on the couch, covered him with an afghan and went to start supper.

Charlotte was coming back from physical therapy. She saw someone on the couch and rolled into the living room to investigate.

Smiling when she saw that it was Joey she went to the kitchen to help with supper.

"Has Chico got a hot date mom?" Charlotte joked. When she saw the tears in her mother's eyes her smile quickly faded.

"What is it Mom, is something wrong, is Chico hurt or Ed?"

"No honey nothing like that, but Joey will be staying with us for a couple of days."

"Why what's going on?!" Charlotte was growing panicky as she thought of all the reasons why Joey would need to stay with them again. Well almost all the reasons, because what her Mom told her a few minutes later made her jaw practically drop to the floor.

"It seems there has been a complaint turned in to social services regarding Chico's care of Joey, so he needs to stay here while Chico is under investigation."

"No way Mom! Chico is the kindest, sweetest, most caring person I know-next to you and daddy of course."

"I know sweetie. Joey is taking this very hard so we must be really patient with him. When your father gets home we are going to see if there is anything we can do to help. Honestly I don't know what the trouble is. They should have done something when Carlotta and David were still alive, they shouldn't be taking this out on Chico and that poor little boy."

"If there's anything I can do to help Mom you know I will." offered Charlotte.

"Thank you dear, I know we may need your help too because Joey and Chico are not allowed to have contact with one another until the investigation is done and I know that is going to be hard on Joey. I may need you to be around home more and help me keep him occupied."

"No problem Mom. I'll set the table." Joey slept until supper but he refused to eat. He didn't even want to come to the table though he was encouraged to do so. At the Elliot's mealtime was considered to be an important family time and everyone living there was expected to at least sit with the family at mealtime. Reluctantly he came to the table although he didn't eat or say anything.

When the meal was over he returned to the couch, curled up in a ball and rocked back and forth.

Chico and Della discussed the turn of events at great length with attorney Gomez. He felt bad that his late client and her son had suffered so and now it seemed the young boy's suffering was to continue yet.

Raul said that even though Chico had been granted full and legal custody of the boy, since he was a minor and since there had been a complaint about poor care being given to the child the State must look into things.

"Por favor senor Rodriquez, I have known you for a long time and I know you are not capable of any such maltreatment of a child and I trust that Jose Eduardo Martine will very soon be returned to your full custody. I must encourage you in the meantime to be as cooperative with the caseworkers as you can. Answer all questions honestly and directly. I know you have been blessed with a sharp wit mi amigo but in this instance it is not appropriate. I'll do whatever I can and if you need a reference just let me know."

Della and Chico returned to the garage not really any wiser than they had been when they left, and certainly no happier. Della returned to her place to prepare supper for the three of them and bring over, and Chico looked through the place, upstairs and down for Ed. He was nowhere to be found and there was no note either. 'I wonder where that old goat went?' Chico wondered to himself. Had he known where Ed went Chico may have gone into cardiac arrest thinking he'd never see Joey again after Ed got through with them, as outspoken as he was known to be.

In the Social services office Ed was waiting, although not patiently, for Mr. Solomon the head coordinator to meet with him. He had enough of that Miss Greene and wanted to talk to the boss.

"Hello, my name is Herald Solomon what can I do for you today sir?" Ed shook the man's hand, it was sweaty and had no grip to it whatsoever.

"My name's Brown, Ed Brown and I want to find out what is going on in this office."

"Well Mr. Brown, I'd like to help you but I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"I'm talking about the Jose Martine and Chico Rodriquez case and what kind of horse pucky you yahoos are pulling!" Mr. Solomon got up and went his files. After reading a few moments he said.

"Yes Jose, 7 year old he was removed to a foster facility today. There was a complaint issued. I don't see what you are so upset about Mr. Brown that is our standard pro..."

"Your standard procedure I know that all ready that's what they told us when they took my grandson away kicking and screaming today! What I want to know is why the hell did you yahoos do that? Joey has been happy with Chico, Chico is my head mechanic and he's like a son to me. I can promise you that you won't find a better father for that kid than the one he has in Chico. He has never hurt anyone, least of all a child."

"We were alerted to a possibly abu..."

"Yes I know all that but it's not true and I want to know who had the gall to say such an outright lie about my son, and I want to know what you are going to do to correct this horrendous mistake?"

"We cannot say who we took the call from, but I can assure you that our office will take every precaution necessary and when we are sure that there is no validity to the complaint your grandson will be returned to your home."

"At what cost? Tell me that! That little boy has been so severely beaten he trusts no one until Chico came along. Joey had not eaten regularly, he was left alone, and he got to the point that if anyone even reached out to him in affection he would scream. Now I want to know this little fishing expedition of yours is gonna hurt that boy almost as much as his Stepfather did and all the love and attention, that Chico has given that child will be lost. Not to mention what this is gonna do to Chico. His mother died when he was just a young impressionable boy. Like Joey he was shuffled from home to home 'til he came to his aunt. He knows some of what Joey's been through and it has done him a world of good to raise that boy. He has almost given up a social life, I have to practically insist that he go out some, he is so attentive to Joey's needs I think he knows what Joey needs before Joey does, and I'm not so sure that if you took them away from each other if either of them could go on. Now is that a cost your willing to pay?!" That said, Ed stalked out of Mr. Solomon's office. The wispy little man staring after him.

Back in the garage Chico was pacing back in forth thinking of all the things he should have told Mr. Deil about Joey's ears, about his clinginess and his teddy bear the poor boy is gonna need that tonight.

At least he was at Lynnae's and that was familiar, and Josh and Lynnae know that Joey had heart surgery, but they didn't know about his ear infections should I call Lynnae or would that be considered contact with Joey? 'He was so deep in thought pacing and nibbling on his thumbnail as he did when he was anxious that he nearly bumped into Della who had returned with a casserole for supper.

"Hey baby, I've got a hot pan here, I don't want to burn you. Is Ed here?"

"No, and I don't know where he is."

"I hope he gets here soon or this casserole will be ruined," said Della.

"How could you tell the difference?" asked Ed, as he came into the garage."

"Very funny Ed where have you been?" questioned Della.

"I've been talking to a guy about a payment what do you care?" He snapped. The social workers last visit had everyone on edge.

"I care because as much as it pains me to admit it I like you Ed and I think we have all had all the loss we can deal with today MR. EDWARD LESTER BROWN!"

"Oh Della I'm sorry I was so rude, and thanks for the casserole."

"I hope you don't mind if I join you guys this evening, with all that's happened I just don't feel like eating alone."

"No I don't think we do either, go ahead, Chico if you'll go get the plates and set the table I'll lock up for the night.

As they were all eating and trying to make small talk trying to avoid the one subject that was heavy on all their hearts, Joey, Chico asked.

"I'm not supposed to have contact with Joey but do you suppose that means I can't talk to Lynnae or Josh either?"

"I don't know baby but I think we can find out. Why do you ask?"

"I never told them the troubles Joey's been having with his ears and to watch for infections, or about how clingy and easily upset he's been lately. And there's his teddy bear he never goes to bed without it and it's still in his... in the apartment." Chico was barely able to choke out the words.

"I could call the Elliot's for you just to be safe." suggested Della wisely. "As Raul said this afternoon it's best that you follow they're rules and be as compliant as possible 'til this whole fiasco is settled."

"Thank you Della but he is my son, and they maybe able to keep us apart for now, but I will call and let them know what I need to and thank them for taking care of my son until he is returned to me. I'm sorry Della, I'm sure this supper is delicious as usual but I just can't eat anything, if you'll excuse me I think I'll go call the Elliot's." He bent to kiss Della before heading for the apartment.

At the Elliot's things weren't going any better for Joey than they were for Chico. After Supper Charlie offered to do the dishes so Lynnae could sit with Joey. He had been quietly weeping alone on the couch since supper. He would no longer allow Lynnae to hold him but she sat beside him and rubbed his back. She cringed as she felt the scars that still remained as a testament to his past pain.

She was on still doing that when Chico called. Josh came in and signaled to his wife that Chico was on the phone. She went to take the call.

"Honey would you please go sit with Joey I'll be right back." They kissed quickly before Lynnae answered. She had taken the phone in the kitchen to avoid the possibility that Joey may hear who she was talking to.

"Hello?"

"Lynnae, this is Chico. I'm sorry to bother you, I know I am not supposed to have any contact with Joey but there are some things I wanted to make sure you knew about, and I know Joey is going to need his teddy bear at night and that's still here."

"I understand. I can have Josh pick it up if you'd like. What did you need to say?"

'Joey has had a bad ear infection in both ears and it was discovered that at one time his eardrum ruptured. We're supposed to keep an eye on it as he may need tubes in his ears." Lynnae could hear the tears in Chico's voice as he spoke of his son, but she said nothing, for fear of embarrassing Chico as well as allowing her own tears to start.

"I'll send Josh over for the item as I think he will soon be asleep. I hate to tell you, as I don't want to make you feel any worse, but he has been crying since Mr. Deil and Miss Greene brought him here. I feel so bad because I know that there is no truth to the claim. I'll watch out for his ears. If there's anything else you think he may need just have it ready and if there's anything I can do to help in this I'd be glad to speak for you at the social services office."

"Thank you Lynnae but the best thing you can do for me you're already doing. You're taking care of my son. I know he's in good hands." After hanging up the phone, Chico went around the apartment gathering a few things for Joey to have with him 'til he could come home. When Josh had picked the items up and left Chico went to shower and as the water fell down upon him his tears flowed almost as heavily.

Over the next couple of days things were pretty solemn around the Elliot's household. Joey was so sad and missed his family and it broke the Elliot families hearts to see Joey so sad, especially when they knew he had finally found the happiness and security he needed with Chico.

Joey was not eating and he rarely spoke. At night he was up a lot crying for Papa Chico, or if he slept through the night he would wake up having wet his bed.

The first morning after this happened he was hysterical. He hadn't wet the bed since he was three and the last time he had he got slapped upside the head so hard he was knocked out of the bed and his ear Popped when he hit the night stand. Needless to say when Josh came to check on him Joey wouldn't get out of bed.

"No! I want Papa Chico!" He began kicking and screaming. When Lynnae heard all the ruckus she came running to see if she could help.

"Joey what's wrong honey?" Lynnae asked as she came to his side. Josh seeing that help had arrived backed up. He was not offended in the least. He understood that Joey was fearful of him and whenever possible he let Lynnae handle things.

"I'm sorry." He wailed as he pulled the bed covers up tighter around himself.

"Did you have an accident in the bed sweetie?"

"Watcha gonna do?"

"I'm gonna run some bath water for you and wash your sheets. I know you are a big boy and your having a hard time right now. Sometimes when kids have troubles they wet the bed, I know you didn't do it on purpose honey, and so does Josh."

"That's right Joey. I know you're a little scared of me but I will never hurt you or any child."

"I want my Papa, I wanna go home!" he cried and cried. Lynnae went to start the bath water and returned to help a somewhat calmer Joey to the bathroom so he could bathe.

As the days progressed Chico was still pacing and anytime the phone rang he was right there in case it was Miss Greene calling to say he could pick up his son.

When it wasn't he would return to work, or in the evenings and weekends he would call lawyers and social workers to see if there was anything that he could do that he hadn't already. Each time he was told just wait it out 'til they finish their investigation, and be cooperative. After this latest conversation he hung up the phone and wept bitterly.

He was weeping when Ed came into the apartment to see if Chico had any aspirin.

"Oh I'm sorry Chico I shouldn't have barged in."

"It's ok Ed." said Chico as he wiped his face with the back of his hand.

"Do you want to talk about it Chico?" Ed came and sat beside Chico on the edge of the sofa. Unbeknownst to Ed Chico had been sleeping on the hideaway bed since Joey left. It made him feel closer to the boy.

"Ed, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be behaving this way."

"Behaving what way? Showing that you have feelings, that you love the kid? Chico until you came along I never showed love to anyone since Margaret. Not even my own daughter. I was afraid if I felt love for someone they would be taken from me. You made me see how important it is to tell people how much they mean to you before it's too late."

"Ed what are you saying? You think I'm gonna lose Joey don't you?!"

"I didn't say that! What I was trying to say is that it's important to tell those you love that you do and it's ok to feel sad. It's when we think we are too tough and hide are feelings that we have the problem. It may feel like you don't think you can go on right now Chico but you are strong and you will get through this, I know it won't be easy, but you were there when I wanted to go back to the good ole days when my Margaret was living, and I'll be here for you until Joey comes home and always. We are a family and that's what families do."

"Ed, I'm miserable without my son. I called my own Papa to see if he could give me some advice or even if he would be willing to come for a visit, you know where he is? He's on a mountaintop in Aspen with no way to reach him. Once more I need my Pa and he's nowhere around." This sad realization brought about a fresh flow of tears as Chico cried into Ed's raggedy brown sweater.

Ed could not remember ever seeing Chico so devastated and he had serious concerns about weather his speech at the social service office, about neither Chico or Joey surviving without the other, was more than just a dramatic statement for affect but a nightmare about to come true.

"There, there, Chico. I know it's hard to believe it now but you will survive this."

"Papa Ed, if I lose Joey I'm not sure I want to survive." moaned Chico.

"Now just a pea pickin minute Chico Rodriquez! What the hell kind of way is that to talk? You are a parent now you have to set an example for your son. You can't quit. How's he supposed to be brave and keep going if you can't? You're 24; he's only 7! Now you snap out of this. What would your dear mama say if she heard you talking such foolishness?"

"She'd take a wooden spoon to my behind I s'pose." Despite his solemn mood Chico had to laugh at the picture Ed's question had created in his mind, and he felt a little better.

"Thanks for being there for me Ed." He said as he hugged the old man.

"That's what family is for Chico, that's what family is for."

Chico had to battle with himself not to give in and call Joey or the Elliot's again. As much as he wanted--no, needed--to talk to Joey he did not want to jeopardize the chance of getting his son back.

The Social service Office was almost through with their investigation, to date that had found no one that could corroborate the claims made by the caller. Just the opposite, everyone they spoke to said that Chico Rodriquez was a kind and gentle young man, whose caring and responsible attitude held him in high regard in the Barrio community.

Even Mrs. Smythe the third, head of the PTA had to acknowledge the fact that it had been much easier to find people-even those without children in school-to help out on the playground or other areas since Chico started. People were anxious to follow his good example.

Mr. Deil spoke glowingly about the young man as well.

The committee decided that they would be ready to hear Mr. Rodriguez's side of things by the end of the week. Before that time, however, they wanted to hear from Jose himself. They made a call to the Elliot's to schedule a time to bring the boy in.

When Joey heard that he was going to have to speak to a committee of people about how Chico had treated him he was scared. No one, except Chico had ever asked him questions before. Well David would ask him stuff but he usually got slapped when he answered.

The night before the hearing Joey came to Charlie's room in tears. She had taken her braces off and just climbed into bed so she was unable to get to the door. When she gave permission to enter Joey threw open the door and ran to her.

"What's the matter pipsqueek?" She inquired as she lifted him onto her lap.

"I-I'm scared Charlie, I don't wanna tomorrow."

"I know your scared pip I was too when I had to go to one of those, but it'll be ok. They just want to ask you how you like living with Chico, and if he was good to you."

"Course I do, and he's great he don't even slap me when I'm bad. You had to go to this stuff?" Joey was very surprised. "I though your papa signed papers?"

"He did Pip, but he only signed papers giving up legal custody of me, that means he wouldn't be called my dad anymore. He didn't leave me to the Elliot's like your Mama left you to Chico. There was another family that said they wanted me and so did Mom and Dad Elliot. These people asked me if I was happy where I was and I told them and the Elliot's adopted me."

"Will Chico get in trouble?"

"No he won't, he loves you and if you tell the truth they will see what a great guy your papa is."

"Is Miss Greene gonna be there?"

"Oh I'm sure she will be, she is your case worker."

"I wish she wasn't I don't like her, she says mean things she hurt..." Thinking he may have said to much Joey didn't finish what he was saying.

"She hurt what Pip?" asked Charlie in concern.

"She hurt my feelings. She said I killed my mama." Joey said, anger replacing his fear.

"She told you what?!" Charlie practically yelled. For a moment Joey thought he was in trouble and looked as if he were going to cry. "I'm sorry Joey I didn't mean to yell, why did she tell you that?"

"Well she didn't tell me really-I heard her tell Chico. I didn't mean to listen, I was getting a drink and they were in the apartment when she said if I told how mean David was when she came over the first time, that Mama would be alive and I wouldn't have to live in this garage." Joey finished speaking in a snobby tone, mimicking Miss Greene. "Is that true did my mama die cause I didn't tell the truth?"

"Pipsqueek I love you, and I would never lie to you, I don't know what would have happened if you would have spoken up, and neither does Miss Greene. Sometimes people can get the help they need and some don't no one knows for sure. She had no right to say those hurtful things to you or to Chico, they are her opinions only, not fact.

Let me ask you something, what did Papa Chico say to Miss Greene when she said that?"

"I don't know I ran off. I was afraid she'd take me away from Chico and she did. Charlie will you come with me tomorrow please?"

"I'll ask Mom if I can, ok?"

"Can I stay in here with you tonight? Chico let's me stay with him when I'm scared, I promise I won't wet."

"I don't think that's a good idea Pip but I tell ya what I will do, if you bring my chair over here I'll wheel you back to your room and sit with you till you go to sleep, ok?"

"Thanks Charlie. I love you."

The following afternoon Joey arrived at the social services office dressed in the clothes Papa Chico had given him for Christmas. Dark blue cords, a light blue denim looking shirt and a little black tie and black tennis shoes. Charlotte was permitted to come along and Joey sat on her lap as she rolled down the long hallway to the conference room.

They entered the massive room which held a long table lined by several chairs. There was a video camera and TV/VCR. In each chair there sat, in Joey's estimation 12 very frightening people. Joey was asked to have a seat and his foster family was told to wait outside.

At first Joey was upset by this but when he was assured that they would be allowed back in as soon as they were through he was better. However before leaving Charlie asked if she could speak. When permission was given she said, "Last night Joey, uh excuse me, Jose came to my room. He was in tears because he was scared to come here today. Joey has something to say, and I hope you will listen, he may be little but he is smart and he has something to say that concerns Miss Greene that I think you need to know. Joey came to me about this I assure you I knew nothing of it before and I didn't coach him in any way. Thank you for allowing me this time."

Charlie leaned over and kissed Joey and whispered. "You can do it Pip, do it for Papa Chico."

Joey answered all the questions he was asked honestly and confidently. When the questioning was through the committee asked him if he wanted to say anything before leaving.

"Yes sirs and ma'ams. I wanna go home to papa Chico-he's not my papa but he loves me and tells me every day. He feeds me every day, he plays with me, and talks to me.

He lets me sit on his lap and he reads me stories. Sometimes I'm naughty and I have to go to my room but he never hits me. He promised me he wouldn't. He helps me with my schoolwork and he even helps at school on the playground all the kids like him.

He plays guitar and when I have bad dreams he rocks me and sings a song to me. He said I could have a turtle and when he died we had a funeral for it. I'm sorry my mama died and I miss her, and I'm more sorry if it's true what Miss Greene said, that I killed her, but if I can't be with Mama I wanna be with Papa Chico. Oh and I almost forgot, when my other teacher said he wanted to hit me, Papa wouldn't let him. He took me home.

When he had finished speaking he sat in the oversized chair and waited. The silence as the committee looked at one another was making him nervous again. "Can I go now-I have to go to the bathroom." Joey stated apprehensively.

"Just a few more questions and your free to go. You said that Miss Greene here said you killed your mother, when did she tell you that?"

"She didn't, I was getting a drink and I heard her tell Papa that if I had told her what David was doing to me and Mama when she first came over, she could have helped us and mama would be alive and I wouldn't have to live in the garage, I ran off I was crying and I didn't want Grandpa Ed to scold me for listening in. He always says-if it's any of your business we'll tell you. I really have to go potty can I go now?'

"Yes, it's right down the hall and to your right. Please come back in here we have one more question we want to ask you?"

"Yes sir." Lynnae took Joey to find the restrooms and waited for him. She then brought him back into the conference room. When he was seated again the spokesman for the committee asked.

"You also said that when your old teacher wanted to hit you Papa wouldn't let him. Who was your teacher? And why do you think he wanted to hit you?"

"His name was Mr. Carlos. He said I was not listening and he was mad that Chico came to talk to him about something. Mr. Carlos told me the next day that he didn't like whiners and tattletales in his class and if I had a problem I should talk to him and not tell my Papa. He didn't like me, just like David."

"Who is David?"

"He was my stepdad. He hit me lots, but Chico let me stay with him sometimes so he couldn't be mean to me."

"Ok young man thank you for your cooperation."

"Huh?"

"Thank you for talking to us."

"Yeah sure."

The committee all watched as the little boy slid down from the chair and opened the door.

Joey was surprised when he opened the door and there in the reception area with Josh, Lynnae and Charlie was his Papa!

"Papa Chico! Did you come to take me home?!" he screamed as he ran and jumped into Chico's arms. This sight was not lost on the committee who all smiled and jotted the information in their files.

"Not yet pal but I hope to soon. These people just want to ask me some questions."

"I wanna come too can I stay with you?"

"I'll be back out as soon as I'm through and if they say ok maybe we can all go out for supper."

"Where's Grandpa Ed?"

"He's at home working, but he asked me to give you this." Chico gave Joey a big hug and a kiss before setting him down

"Mr. Rodriquez they're ready for you now." said Mr. Deil. By this time Ed had closed the garage for the day so he could be with Chico for moral support. He arrived just as Chico was called into the conference room and after hugging Joey was allowed to accompany the young foster parent in the room.

Chico answered all the questions and he was also asked what exactly Miss Greene had said that crucial day in the garage and what his response was. Mr. Deil spoke up once again in Chico's behalf when he corroborated Chico's explanation. Next he was asked about the incident at school with A Mr. Carlos. When that portion of the interview was complete Chico was asked if there was anything more he wished to say.

"Yes there is. I don't understand why all this has happened. When I say that I don't just mean this business with the complaint against me, I mean I don't understand how Joey and his stepdad came to be in our garage that first day, or how I came to meet him several times following our first meeting. I think maybe Mr. Ed Brown, my business partner, friend, and family wondered the same thing about how we met and came to be friends, I don't know. I believe things happen for a reason, that there is a plan that everyone follows without really knowing their part. I believe Joey came into our lives because he needed friends, but most of all because he needed help. Help that even his dear Mother who loved him more than life itself could not give him. Meeting, working for, and growing to love Mr. Brown as a father, has taught me a kind of love that I never had before. Having Joey in my life has taught me how to show that same love to someone who had only known pain and suffering. Joey has taught me a kind of patience one learns when trying to show someone they care for that there is much more to life than pain, and fear. That comes from trying to show them that not everyone in their life is going to hurt them. Joey is an affectionate young boy who is finally realizing that there are people in the world who don't hurt children, and that everything he says or does is not gonna be cause for punishment. Joey asks for nothing. He gives and accepts love more freely now than he used to. When we first met, I think it was weeks before he allowed anyone to touch him. I have grown to love that child more than I ever imagined was possible.

I would never hurt him or any other child and when he was taken from me I thought I would die. Ed helped me see how important it was for me to be strong, and brave for Joey if we were going to do what we had to do to bring him home. I made a couple of promises to Joey since he has been living with us, one was that I would never hit him for any reason, and I haven't. The other was that as far as I'm concerned Joey is my son, I love him and nothing and no one was ever going to take him away from the family that loves him. I'm asking you--no, begging you--please help me keep that promise. Don't take my son away from me."

'Thank you Mr. Rodriquez. Before we make our decision I would like you to view the tape of the interview we had with Jose Martine a few moments ago."

As the played the tape for Chico he was so moved he had tears in his eyes. When he heard the portion of the tape where Joey had overheard what Miss Greene had said and how he cried, he felt a new anger rise within him for Miss Greene.

When he looked over at her he saw that she was fidgeting in her seat. When the tape had finished playing the committee asked that Jose be brought in. As soon as he saw Chico again he climbed on his lap, gave him a hug, a kiss, leaned against him. When Chico put his arm around the boy, Joey pulled his arm more tightly around himself and clutched his hand so as not to let him get away.

"First of all I would like to thank all of you for the cooperation you provided us. Mr. Brown, thank you for your earlier comments. You helped us to realize that going by the book does not always work, sometimes you must go with your heart."

Chico and Joey both looked at Ed in amazement when they learned that Ed had spoken with the committee on their behalf. In a way it didn't surprise Chico because he knew deep down what a loving and kind man Ed Brown really was. And yet it did surprise him because Ed was not the kind of man to show his emotions very freely. Whatever the reason they were grateful.

"Secondly, we would like to thank Mr. Rodriquez and Jose for your honest and heartfelt remarks. I am terribly sorry for the injustice you as a family have suffered in recent days.

Miss Greene, you are a dedicated social worker. You have high ideals which are wonderful, but you are new to the social work industry and have made a grave error that many rookie case workers make. Contrary to what you think you cannot save the whole world, we can only do so much one family at a time. Not all your answers are going to come from the textbooks you study, and not every answer is going to work in every situation. You also broke one of the biggest rules not only in our jobs but also in life, don't judge others. It is not for you to say what may or may not happen in any given case, and it certainly isn't for you to voice those unsolicited opinions in front of the very people you are supposed to be helping. I have no doubt that you will one day be one of our top case workers but I feel at this time you need to take a refresher course in ethics and return to the position of trainee. Mr. Deil would you please consider a promotion to caseworker supervisor, and would you be willing to take over as Jose's caseworker?"

"I would be very pleased to sir, thank you."

"Now before we adjourn for the day, I would like to close with this. While I am sorry for all that our office has put you through, I am proud of the service our office provides and the good that we are able to do because of the rules we follow. It is with that thought in mind I am very pleased to say that as of this moment on Jose Eduardo Martine is once again placed in the permanent custody of Mr. Chico Rodriquez."

Loud cheers filled the office as Joey, Chico and even Ed yelled in celebration.

"Case dis.." Chico stood and interrupted Mr. Solomon.

"Please excuse me sir but could I please say something?"

"Yes of course."

"I had no idea that Joey heard what Miss Greene said that day of the visit to our establishment but now that I do it certainly brings to light some of what Joey has been going through these past weeks. He has been weepy, and clinging to me. I now understand why. The emotional pain he must have felt at hearing that he may have been the cause of his beloved mothers death, which we all know is not true, must have been very difficult for a little seven year old to handle. I think at the very least, Miss Greene owes Joey an apology for her snappy judgement."

"You are quite right Mr. Rodriquez, I couldn't agree more. Miss Greene?"

Miss Greene came to stand before the little boy.

"Jose, I am very sorry not only that you overheard what I said, but that I was so cruel as to say such a thing. I know now what a wonderful Guardian you have and that he loves you and wants what's best for you. I hope someday I can be as sensitive and as wise as he is.

I hope you will be very happy together, you certainly deserve it, you have been such a big brave boy. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Sure!" Joey surprised everyone by throwing his little arms around Miss Greens neck and giving her a big hug. "I guess I like you now."

Even though the Elliot's had provided the best possible care for Joey, his lack of appetite and sleep had caused him to lose weight, thus giving him a very malnourished appearance. As a precaution Chico took Joey to the pediatricians office as soon as the boy was returned to his custody.

He was given a vitamin supplement to be taken daily to help make up for the vitamins and minerals he lost when he was unable to eat. Chico was encouraged to see that Joey ate smaller meals more often until his appetite returned to normal.

Chico was told that the bed wetting was not to be cause for alarm at this time as there were no signs of an illness that could be causing it and in light of all that he had been through it was not unusual for a child to wet the bed and once he was more settled that should quit.

A couple of weeks after Joey was returned to Chico and Ed Chico voiced his concern about Joey's future to Ed as they were working together one afternoon.

"Ed I was just thinking about something."

"Oh I hope it wasn't too painful for you."

"Ha ha ha, very funny. I'm serious."

"Ok Chico I'm sorry, what were you thinking about?"

"I was just thinking about how, even with written consent from Carlotta, it was still so easy for the state to step in and take Joey away. I promised him he was my son, and always would be."

"Yeah I know, I was in the hearing room with you remember?" said Ed somewhat sarcastically.

"Well I mean just my saying it doesn't make it so, just like Carlotta's letter doesn't make it so. What would you say if I told you I want to legally adopt Joey?"

"I'd say what the hell took you so long?"

"Then you think it's a good idea?"

"Probably one of your better ones, I'd say."

"Great, I'm going to call Mr. Deil right away, but Ed I want this between you and I for now. If for some reason it doesn't work out I don't want Joey hurt."

"Chico you worry too much but ok I won't say a word to anyone I promise."

A few weeks later Mr. Deil called with the news, since Joey had no living relatives to contest the adoption, and Carlotta Hendricks made her request to have Mr. Rodriquez made legal guardian and it had previously been approved by Los Angeles County all that was necessary was for the papers to be signed and notarized.

Chico was ecstatic at the news. He asked Mr. Deil to hold off long enough for he and Ed to put a special adoption party together. They would have friends, and "family" over and serve cake and ice cream, really do it up right.

"That will be fine Mr. Rodriquez, I'll have the papers drawn up and you may call me as soon as you are ready."

"Thank you Mr. Deil, I will but please call me Chico."

"Ok if you'll call me Mike."

Della, Liz, and Ed helped Chico put together the best party ever. He took Joey and San fishing one Sunday morning so that the other three were able to decorate for the party. While Chico's friends knew what was happening they were careful not to discuss it in case their children heard and word got back to Joey before the day of the surprise.

After an exciting morning of fishing, even though no one caught anything, Chico and the boys returned home.

Upon pulling up to the garage Chico pretended to be miffed at Ed for locking them out of the garage. When the finally got in everyone jumped up and yelled "SURPRISE!!!"

Joey and San jumped at the shock. Joey turned and looked at Chico who was smiling more than anyone.

"What's this for? Is it a birthday party?" he asked.

Chico knelt down beside the little boy and spoke.

"This is an adoption party Joey."

"Adoption party?"

"I made a couple of important promises to you a while back and I have kept the one about not hitting you. The one about your always being with me, and being my son, has been a little harder to keep lately. But now that your back home I want to do all I can to see that you stay here. Joey I want you to be my son. I want to legally adopt you. Would that be ok with you?"

"Yes Papa Chico, you mean you really want me?? For forever and ever?"

"Yes I really want you, forever and ever. If you like your name would legally become Jose Eduardo Martine Rodriquez."

"I would still be Martine?"

"If you want to. I don't want to take your father's name from you. That was his gift to you, but I would love for you to have my name. What do you say pal?"

"Thank you Papa Chico. Thank you." Father and Son embraced a moment and then Grandpa Ed interrupted the tender moment.

"All right already sign the paperwork so we can cut the cake!"

Chico signed the paper and then Joey signed it. Taking his time so it would be just perfect. During cake and ice cream Ed asked Joey if he remembered to put his bike away. When he said he thought he had Ed answered.

"Well you'd better go check before someone steals it." Joey put his cake down and went to do as he was told. When he opened the door a tiny little puppy waddled into the garage!

"Wow a puppy! Thank you Papa!"

"I'd like to take credit Joey but I didn't get him for you." admitted Chico.

"Thanks Uncle Mando!"

"Don't look at me kid I know better than to go against ole folks."

Joey looked at Ed who was smiling from ear to ear.

"Grandpa Ed? You got me the puppy?" When Ed shook his head yes Joey ran to him and threw his arms around him.

"Thank you Grandpa Ed! Thank you!"

"Every kid needs a puppy but if that dog messes in my apartment he goes to the pound!"

"Oh right Ed it's too late we already know you ain't nothing but an old softy," said Della with a triumphant laugh. She looked down at Joey who was probably the happiest kid in the world at that moment and asked. "What are you gonna name your puppy baby?"

"I think I'll name him amigo, cause he's gonna be one of my best friends."

"I'm glad you said one of Joey, I'd hate to be replaced by a dog!" San answered seriously, to which everyone laughed.

Joey hugged Ed again and Joey, Ed, Chico, and Amigo all posed for an official family photograph. Before Della could snap the picture Chico called Liz over. "You have to be in here to mami because we are all gonna be one big happy family."