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Life's Illusions - Book Four - Chapter 12
Arriving at Strelloe House they were met in the hallway, by Dillon blurting out.
"Trev, I'm sorry, this is all my fault, but this can't work, it's never going to give us what we've been craving all these years unless we get married now, I need you".
Trevor had stopped processing the words at 'this can't work', then his brain kicked in, .......what was that last part.......'get married now'........'I need you'.
"Trevor was completely bowled over, babbling a reply, he was so overjoyed.
"Yes, yes, as soon, ......... If you agree, .....let's not wait, .......we could do City Hall, ....or a church, whatever you want, .......... anywhere, I just want to marry you, .........I thought you'd changed your mind, ......... I can't lose you............I'm so relieved".
The four of them, along with Aly, Bo, and Albert, had a celebration dinner that evening, with Dillon announcing.
"Getting married isn't the only decision I made in the last couple of days".
All eyes were on him.
"I want us to be married at Thorn House, in Barrington Hills, I robbed everyone there of so much, I want us to give them back something I know they're not expecting, that's if it's okay with you Trev?".
Trevor was beaming.
"Are you kidding, I'd love it, that house has been my second home since we were kids, your Momma and Grama are going to be so happy".
What Dillon said next, was aimed more at Albert, as if Dillon were trying to sound him out, get his approval.
"I'm also thinking of massively restructuring the management at Strelloe Brokers, I need to hand off a lot of the work, it's becoming too much of a struggle, I'm too thinly spread".
Albert replied, without being asked.
"You seem to think you need some sort of validation, I don't know why, you're the one who took a mediocre company and turned it into an unbelievably successful Goliath, not my words I would add, those words came from the mouth of a very proud Mr Strelloe Snr, a few months before he passed away, he'd be just as proud of you today, even more so knowing you recognise the need to restructure, do you remember his favourite saying?".
Dillon smiled, nodding as he repeated word for word along with Albert.
"No company can afford to stand still, either it moves forward, or it falls".
Trevor was a little hesitant as he said.
"You do realise it's less than three months before we start our European Tour, and we have a new album to record before then, after that I'm pretty much on the road for four months, that's going to be the hardest part, being away from you for so long".
Dillon's reply surprised them all.
"You won't be, I can't do all of the four months, but I'm going to be with you guys for a large part of it, like I said, I'm overhauling the management structure at Strelloe, it can't have me all to itself anymore, you and I, we have to come first, I want to talk to Poppa, he's a Guru when it comes to planning and structure, I think he'll be able to give me some really helpful tips on how to build a strong management structure which will free up my time and still allow Strelloe to grow".
The following day saw two planes take off from Philadelphia, Bo had arranged the charters and paid for both, despite Milo trying to object.
Aly and Bo, along with Piers and Milo, were heading for Nice France, and eventually Montclair.
Dillon and Trevor were headed to Chicago, as Dillon put it.
"No time like the present, I have several requests to make, but we have a quandary of a sort as well, I'm guessing you want either Ary or Bobby as your Best Man, so do I, so I propose we ask them together, then we'll pick names from a hat to see who gets who".
Albert was surprised when Dillon told him to pack for himself as well, because he would be traveling with them, as he put it.
"I want you to see where I spent my early years, and I want the family to get to know you better, I want them to love you as much as I do".
Albert was almost in tears when Dillon finished speaking, even more so when Dillon added.
"You still don't really understand what you and Jonny did for me do you?, when he found me I was in a really bad place, mentally and physically, I'd spent four years on the streets, the number of days where I was really sorry I'd woken up in the morning were increasing, alongside the days where I caught people's reaction to seeing me, I watched their expressions, when they looked with disgust, I wouldn't be missed, no one would mourn for me, I was thinking more and more about ending it all, I was so tired".
Albert could see he was back in a dark place, remembering.
"When Jonny brought me here it was almost worse, I was frightened, you might not want me, I'd be back on the streets, alone again, in truth that terrified me the most, I remember working so hard to gain your trust, your love, it was a long time before I realised, I didn't need to try to earn your love, I already had it, you saved me, you're as important to me as my Momma, my Poppa, and my brothers and sisters".
Albert didn't answer, he couldn't have without bursting into tears, he just nodded, turned, and went about his duties, packing for the visit to Chicago.
In Montclair the following day, Piers and Milo visited Juan at The House on Avenue Montclair.
Juan had been in discussions with a civil contractor when Maria showed them into his office.
They sat listening whilst he completed a call he had on speaker, hearing Juan say.
"I accept we caused some damage, it's inevitable in these situations, but I can't sign off on these costings for repairs, they seem unbelievably high".
An obviously angry response came back immediately.
"What exactly are you calling me, a liar, a cheat, or both, the costs are what they are, you didn't just cause some damage, as you put it, you all but wrecked the fucking place, if you want it put right you have the costs in front of you, if you don't believe what I'm telling you, come see for yourself, I want your decision within the week, otherwise I pull my guys off site, and believe me, if that happens, I won't be doing any other work for you".
There was an audible click before a dial tone was evident, with Juan saying.
"Oops, I guess I pissed him off, so, welcome home guys, I'm a little apprehensive as to why you're here, would you care to put me out of my misery, if it's to reconfirm your resignations, I think I'll probably just shoot myself now, this week started on a low and it's gone progressively down hill, so things are shitty enough without you adding to it".
Milo laughed before saying.
"Well I hope we can brighten your week slightly, Piers has a request, I'll let him explain".
Juan looked at Piers, his expression clearly asking, what.
Piers was smiling.
"We're agreed, it's time Milo did what he promised Pierre he would do".
Juan still looked confused, his reply reflected that.
"Which is what exactly?".
Piers was still smiling.
"He told Pierre he would marry me, but we're all these years on and he's not done it yet, so we're going to do it, but I have a request, there's only one place I can do it".
Juan's expression now showed he knew what Piers was asking.
"You want to marry here in the rose garden, where you know he'll be watching?".
Piers was going to launch into a list of reasons why, but in the end he just said.
"Yes".
Piers and Milo couldn't judge what Juan was feeling, or how he would reply, he'd leaned his head forward, put his hands over his face, they could tell he was crying, see the tears slipping between his fingers.
Now he understood, the recent dreams, always about the rose garden, always urging him to keep it looking good.
When he answered, his voice was strong, firm.
"It would be an honour to host your wedding, and you can be assured, he'll be here with us".
In Chicago a similar scenario was playing out.
They'd started with the parents, it was a Saturday morning, so no one was at work, they were all at home enjoying the weekend.
Phil Coulson, Trevor's father, had received a message from Jace, inviting him to join them for lunch.
Phil assumed it was to celebrate the news they'd received that morning, but even he was surprised, and excited, when Jace shared what else he'd found out by accident.
Trevor had called Jace earlier, completely stunning him when he asked for Jace's permission to marry Dillon.
Whilst Trevor was talking to Jace, Dillon was talking to Phil, asking for Phil's permission to marry Trevor.
No sooner were the calls completed than they were heading for the airport, and Dillon was visibly deep in thought.
Trevor made him jump when he interrupted his thoughts.
"Okay you're busted, we can both hear the cog wheels turning, what is so important you're way off in a distant land?"
Dillon looked sheepish as he answered.
"I was thinking of buying a plane, this chartering is costing far too much, and if I'm going to be traveling out to wherever you're performing on a regular basis I don't want to go commercial, it eats up too much time, what do you think".
Albert, although completely overjoyed, answered dryly.
"I need to get my ears syringed, I thought I heard you say something about spending money, that couldn't be right"
Trevor was laughing at Albert as he spoke.
"I think it's a great idea, but before you make any decisions, have a chat with Aunt Jacqueline, she controls the Thorn fleet, I don't really understand it but, the whole family have turned their planes over to her, now they pay according to the mileage they use, apparently it's more cost effective but, as I said, I don't really understand it, you'd probably get it straight away".
Dillon agreed he would speak with Jacqueline, turning to Albert, whilst trying without success to sound annoyed, he couldn't hide his smile.
"One more crack like that old man and you're walking to Chicago".
As they cleared customs and entered the arrival lounge of the FBO Operation in Chicago, Dillon came to a dead stop in shock, Milo and Albert hadn't been looking ahead, they bumped into Dillon, he was staring at a grinning Jace.
"Poppa, how did you know?".
Jace scooped him into a hug as he answered.
"You told the pilots you needed a car to take you to Thorn House, they relayed that request to the FBO staff here, who in turn rang my PA to see if we'd already arranged one, so here I am, absolutely thrilled to be your ride, lunch is being delayed for me, don't worry, no one knows why I'm delayed, except the housekeeper, and she's sworn to secrecy, let's get going".
At Thorn House it almost seemed as if Mel and Jolly were competing for who could scream loudest as soon as Dillon came into view, then there was the mad scramble to get to him.
Jace was heard to say.
"Funny, that never happens when I walk in".
Everyone was laughing.
Over lunch Jace tapped his side plate to gain attention.
"This morning, both Phil and I received calls, we haven't discussed those calls with any of you because, purely by accident I learned a little later that the boys, along with Albert, were on their way here, Phil and I agreed to keep silent and allow the boys to tell you why they called us".
Jace looked directly at Dillon and Trevor saying.
"Over to you boys".
Both stood nervously for a few moments before Trevor spoke.
"You all witnessed me asking Dillon to marry me some time ago, but we've not done anything about it, until this morning when we each called our prospective future father in law, to ask for permission to marry their son, and I know, it was rather cart before the horse, but I'm pleased to say both gave us their blessing".
Dillon now took over, looking between his parents and grandparents.
"I have a particular request, but I'm really only addressing it to Grama, and Moma, no disrespect guys but, I know you'll agree with whatever they decide, I know I've cheated you out of so much over the years, I, we, want to be married here in the grounds of Thorn House, my home, and Trevor's second home, can we do that do you think?".
Mel was an absolute mess, crying so much she couldn't speak only nodding to Jolly telling her to answer.
Jolly was crying but it didn't stop her from answering.
"You're right child, my decision will not only be final, I know it will be welcomed by everyone, and I know I speak for your Momma when I say yes, we would be so honoured to see you married here, and thank you boys, I think you already have an idea of how much this means to us all".
The whole family erupted into applause, with traditional Thorn Family hugs all round.
Dillon sat with his still tearful Momma and Grama a little later as his Momma told him.
"Thank you son, you probably think you know how much this means to your Grama and I, well multiply that by a thousand times, and you still wouldn't be even close".
Across the room, Trevor was being hugged by his Poppa who was saying.
"I'm so pleased for you son, I know I'm biased but, to me it's a fairytale outcome, I've been worried about you for so long, I always knew about your love for Dillon, but those years while he was missing, seeing the pain and sadness you were carrying, it hurt terribly that I couldn't do anything to ease the burden on you, now I see you truly happy, and that is the most wonderful sight I could once have only dared to wish for".
Cornering Ary and Bobby without the gremlins present proved difficult, until Trev had an idea.
Bobby and Ary's cell phones both chirped an incoming message alert at the same time.
Flicking them open they saw.
'Need to speak urgent, patio soon as, Trev-Dill'.
Ary and Bobby found Dillon and Trevor waiting for them on the patio, Bobby asked what was wrong, Dillon was almost giggling as he answered.
"Nothing, but we do have something to ask of you both, would you be our best men, please?".
Bobby started to cry, startling Dillon who wrapped him into a hug, asking.
"Is it that awful a thought to have to stand in support of me or Trevor?".
Bobby, through tears replied.
"You're asking us, when we hurt you so badly, it was our fault, all those poor choices, we caused you years of pain and suffering, you should rightfully hate us".
Looking at Ary and his tearful, pained, expression, Dillon could see he agreed with what Bobby had said, he knew they needed to put this thing to rest now.
"Come on, summer house, it's too open out here, but we need to talk".
Once inside, Ary started speaking.
"Bobby's right Dill, after what we did to you, I don't feel I've earned the right to stand beside you, I know Bobby feels the same".
Trevor started to speak, but Dillon put a hand gently on his arm, effectively saying, I need to deal with this, and Trevor fell silent as Dillon asked.
"So, are you telling me that all the things you did, all the decisions you made, were out of malice, a deliberate attempt to hurt me?"
Both Bobby and Ary, and even Trevor, shouted loudly.
"No".
Dillon didn't dare smile, he could see how important this was to them.
"So if it was a simple mistake, why didn't you explain it to me?".
Ary blurted out a reply with Bobby and Trevor nodding in agreement.
"You wouldn't listen, wouldn't speak to us, you locked both doors to your room, you wouldn't give us a chance to explain".
Now Dillon smiled, he had it in the bag.
"So if I hadn't been so stupid, if I would have listened, I might still have been angry, but I would have heard that you loved me, that you thought what you did was for the best, I wouldn't have run away".
He gave them a few moments to digest what he'd said before continuing.
"Don't you think you're taking on a guilt that rightly sits elsewhere, not on your shoulders, in truth, it sits on mine, I was the one most at fault back then, you were, you are, my brothers, I shouldn't even have questioned your love, but in a fit of rage I did, I was to blame for what happened, it's why I said what I did that night at your concert in Chicago, do you remember what I said?".
All three nodded but it was Bobby who repeated Dillon's words.
"You said, I'm sorry, I understand now, can you forgive me".
Dillon looked directly into Bobby's eyes.
"I was telling you, it wasn't your fault, it was mine".
Turning to Ary he again looked straight into his eyes.
"Do you understand, you did nothing wrong, I was the one at fault, now please, stop this silly blame game, it can only hurt us more, we're together again, let's leave all of that stuff where it belongs, in the past, Trevor and I are asking you to be our Best Men, we don't want anyone else, we want you, will you do it?".
Ary looked at Bobby who smiled, so Ary answered for both of them.
"Yes, and we'll be both proud and grateful".
As everyone gathered before dinner that evening, Mel asked Dillon where Albert was, it was only a few minutes before she expected dinner to be announced, and he was nowhere to be seen.
Dillon didn't have to think long and hard, he guessed immediately what Albert was doing.
"Don't hold dinner Momma, I'll be back shortly, I think I might know what he's doing".
Dillon left the lounge, from the dinning room he entered the kitchen service area, where hot plates and lamps were waiting to receive the first course, keeping it hot until the signal came from the housekeeper to begin service.
Passing through into the kitchen he saw Albert talking to the housekeeper, going directly to them he addressed Albert.
"I couldn't find you, it's almost time to be in the dining room, come on I'll walk with you".
Albert just stared at him before saying.
"You want me to dine with the family?".
Dillon did his eye contact look as he replied.
"I want to dine with my family, that means you must be there, you are part of my family, an important part, now come, let's not keep them waiting".
After dinner Dillon guided Albert into the large lounge of his grandparents house, sitting deliberately away from the others, something not lost on anyone, Albert was about to get a talking too.
"Albert, I asked you to come here because you are a very important part of my family, I want you to get to know them, everyone but you understands just how important you are, without you and Jonny, I most likely wouldn't be alive today, even after Jonny rescued me, I seriously doubt I would have my sanity if you hadn't persevered in encouraging me to seek help from Sienna".
He paused to take Alberts hands into his.
"I don't know how much more plainly I can put it, I'm only here today because of you and Jonny, my biggest regret is that Jonny isn't here, it would have made me so proud to introduce him to the rest of our family, like I have you, make no mistake Albert, they're your family too now".
"When we get back to Philly there's something I want you to do, start the search for an under Butler, you'll continue to hold the reigns of the household, that will never change, but I want you to hand off the majority of your work, it's time to take it a little easier my friend, do you understand?".
Albert was close to tears but his reply nearly brought Dillon to tears.
"So you think you were the lucky one that day Mr Strelloe Snr brought you home, no sir, begging your pardon but, if I had to pay for the happiness you've given me since you walked through that door, then I'd be seriously bankrupt, you have no idea how much joy I've gotten from watching you grow stronger, thank you for making me a part of your family, I don't have any family, there was only ever my mother and I, but she passed before I started working for Mr Strelloe Snr".
Dillon extended his arm, sweeping across the room.
"They're all your family Albert, and believe me, this is nothing, wait until the extended family descend, there's one other thing, handshakes don't cut it for the Thorn family, it's hugs all the way, get used to it, doesn't matter where we are, protocol takes a serious back seat where this family is concerned, now come on let's go join the others, I know Momma is waiting to get to know you better".
Dillon kept a wary eye on Albert for most of the night, asking Trevor to do the same but, when he saw his Poppa sitting alone he dived in next to him.
"Poppa, could I ask for your help with something?".
Jace answered in an even tone, allowing no one to see that he was almost bursting with pride, his boy was asking for help.
"Of course you can son, what is it you need?".
Dillon explained.
"I want to restructure the management of Strelloe, well, I say restructure, I suppose I should be saying I want to actually put some in place, you see, above section managers, it's just me, I do everything, that was alright when I didn't have anything, or anyone else to consider, well I do now, hence why I'm asking for help, I don't want to get it wrong".
Jace was amazed, he had no idea how Dillon had managed the sheer volume of work he must be carrying, Strelloe had almost as many employees as JBJ, and Jace had already looked at its last published accounts, it had a turnover and profit ratio both in excess of JBJ's.
"The way we've always operated JBJ is a good place to start son, we have a higher operating cost than Strelloe but, no one is stressed, we have happy staff, which we've always believed is a key element to growing the business, why not spend a couple of days whilst you're here looking around JBJ, when you've done that, let's you and I sit down and talk, tell me what you think, what you like and what you don't, I'd be just as interested in hearing what you think of our operation, it might open my eyes as well, I remember Jonny Strelloe saying something to me a long time ago about any business that doesn't embrace change".
Dillon was smiling as he jumped in.
"Let me guess, 'No company can afford to stand still, either it moves forward, or it falls', that was Jonny's favourite saying, and I admit, it's served us well so far".
As they were talking Mel joined them.
"I've just spent time with Albert, his love and admiration for you is so clear, thank you for bringing him with you, I so wish Jonny Strelloe were still alive, I would hug him from now until eternity".
Dillon answered, but as he spoke, they could see the sorrow in his expression.
"He was a wonderful man, old school honour, if he gave you his word, shook hands on a deal, no contract was needed, he would never go back on a deal, it cost us dearly a couple of times before I took over, but he would be adamant, his word was his bond, he never broke it, even when I got annoyed with him about the losses, I admired him at the same time, I hope people see me as even half as good as him, I'd be happy with that".
Mel asked if he and Trevor had any date in mind for the wedding.
Dillon's reply completely threw her for six.
"Not really, as long as it's in the next month and a half, no rush".
Mel just stared at him, so Dillon explained.
"The guys start a four month tour in less than three months, we have to get in before that and still allow them some studio time, they have a new album almost ready to record, sorry does that make it difficult?".
Mel hugged him, kissing his cheek.
"Difficult yes, impossible no, leave it to Grams and I, we'll knock your socks off".
At breakfast next morning Mel announced.
"This is an early warning, pencil into your diaries the third weekend of March as being booked up, you are all attending a wedding".
Ary chipped in with humour.
"Oh yeh, I got that on Twitter, some two bit celebrity singer and a nerdy CEO of some small company I believe, not sure I can make it".
Mel's response was just as quick, but it held a steely message.
"Good luck with that number one, anyone who doesn't make it gets passed to Grams to be dealt with, that should be fun, save me a seat behind the blood splash barrier".
Ary quickly recovered the situation as everyone roared with laughter.
"Just joking, I'm so there".
Not to be outdone Mel shot back.
"Good answer, but don't be fooled, I'm watching you boy".
Mel then went back to her original announcement.
"Before anyone asks, we don't know the day yet, Grams has two preferred ministers, we'd obviously like it to be Saturday, but if it has to be Sunday, does it really matter, this is a Thorn Family wedding, we all know it will start somewhere around Thursday, possibly earlier, and not end before Monday, possibly later, I'll keep you updated, Aunt Jacqueline is informing the invading swarms, sorry, I meant to say extended family, as we speak, I would ask that you let me know how many rooms you can spare in each residence, this calls for some serious doubling up".
Jace shouted above the noise.
"I spoke with the gremlins this morning, after some serious financial haggling, which leads me to believe they will all become either financial accountants, or mafia bookkeepers, they have agreed to take mattresses up to the wreck rooms in the attic, so that's six rooms, plus, all three nannies have agreed to share one room, so two more, plus Ary and Bobby will double up, that's nine rooms we can offer".
From Will and Tame, an offer of four rooms, the same from Jo and David, as all their children agreed to move out to friends and lovers for the duration, with the available rooms in the main house that gave them thirty rooms, but Dillon spoke up, and it didn't get a favourable reception.
"Momma, there's my old room as well".
Mel's head snapped around like a robot, Jace's face drained of colour, and Dillon knew immediately he'd fucked up, but it was too late, Mel was already answering him.
"No one except you will ever occupy that room, do you understand?".
Dillon understood immediately, he saw then how much he'd hurt his Momma, she'd been keeping his room as a shrine, and he knew what he had to do, brave the demons, this was sacrifice time, and he knew he could do it.
"That's okay Momma, I'll take that room with Trev, that means you can use Trevor's room as well".
He watched as his Momma took the information and nearly cried, why hadn't anyone explained this to him, she was hurting, she needed her baby back where he belonged.
Later that morning, he'd explained to Trevor, he had to do this alone.
He opened the door almost gingerly, expecting a wave of pain and suffering to surround him, but there was nothing, he wandered around the room, touching toys from long ago, sat on the bed, still with its comic strip duvet.
He wasn't sure at what point he became aware she was there.
"Come sit down Momma, it's alright, I came home, you didn't lose me, I'm sorry, it's all I can say, all I can give you, it's too late to change what I did, I was wrong, I was stupid, you didn't do anything wrong, all of it comes back to me, I made a really bad decision, and I inflicted years of hurt on everyone, I can only try to make up for that, but this room, after the wedding, get rid, it's a reminder of something that's best allowed to remain where it is, firmly in the past, we're here in the present, I'm so sorry Momma".
As the tears flowed from his eyes Mel drew him into her arms.
"You can't even begin to know how I felt that night, I had seven of my children safe, but all I was focused on was the one sweet child who was missing, and I'm almost ashamed to say, I neglected the others, your brothers and sisters, for a long time, I wanted, needed, you home, and it never happened, we became a somewhat fragmented family for a long time, it was your Poppa who held us together, not me, he's the hero, I'm sorry to say son, this afternoon you challenged something I've held in check for so long, this room, every day for the last ten years I came here, I talked to you, it became you, your surrogate, but I understand, it's time to let go, I don't need it, I have the real thing right here in my arms, let's leave this room together now, and we'll never revisit it as it is, that time is gone".
And so they did.
Two days later when passing bye, he noticed the door slightly ajar, out of inquisitiveness he went in, and gave a sigh of relief, it was now a modern suite, completely refurbished, no sign of the past remained, his foolish, stupid youth, had been been completely wiped away.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.