Please remember to donate to Nifty, it gives so much to all of us.
Any amount, large or small, is welcome in order to keep this free site available.
Thank you, donations to the address below. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
Life's Illusions - Book Four - Chapter 38
Back in Sydney, JJ was wrestling with a problem and at breakfast, before anyone else arrived, he turned, as usual, to Piers.
I want to go back to the house, it's been nearly three years since I left it, but to be honest, I'm not so much frightened, more like terrified that it will overwhelm me with memories, I can't do it alone, would you come with me, and promise you'll drag me out if I have a meltdown?"
Piers giggled.
"I think you'll be surprised, a lot of what you think it can do to you is all in your mind, it's a house, a home, and yes it sparks memories, but they aren't something you want to lose, they're the sort of memories you'll cherish, memories of your life with a wonderful man who was taken far too soon".
Piers didn't give him time to reply before he continued.
"As soon as Milo and the kids are out of here, we'll go brave your demons, then we can call in the decorators, it will need a freshen up, and I love the smell of a new paint job, in fact I think it's time we did the same, would you go for the same colours, or would you like to experiment with something new?, I know I would".
Piers could see JJ thinking on that question, and he knew he'd successfully diverted his thinking.
JJ pressed the key pad with a certain amount of trepidation, then watched as the wall of glass folded back opening up the lounge to the outside world.
He'd walked through the house, with Piers deliberately trailing behind, but instead of the demons he'd expected, he found comfort and peace, he sat on their bed reliving that morning, when Grant had brought him coffee in bed before heading off into the city, remembering their last kiss goodbye as he'd straightened Grants tie.
He smiled to himself, if there'd ever been any demons here, they were well and truly gone, all he felt was warm, like the day he and Piers had first looked over this house, and now, just like then, he knew he could live here.
"I can come home Piers, it's okay, just like you said it would be, and I do want to redecorate, I want it to be fresh, bright, clean, ready for a new beginning".
JJ was in the process of moving out of Piers and Milo's house, when Roslyn and Cecile's message came.
It was a text, 'Just changing planes in Dubai, can we stay with you for a while?, looking for your thoughts on where to set up a new business, love you cousins, arrive Sydney around ten in the morning'.
Piers was heard to say.
"What are we, the bloody Thorn family half way house?".
But a following text sent them all into a spin.
'P.S., we're both pregnant, explain when we see you'.
Then it was Milo's turn to express surprise, and cost him a swear box donation.
"Fuck me they're both up the duff, you don't think they've flipped to meat and two veg do you?".
Piers was shocked, especially in front of the children.
"Milo, think where you are, and who's listening, that was crass".
But the kids were laughing their heads off, as were Milo and JJ, eventually Piers couldn't help it, and he succumbed, joining them, whilst wagging his finger at Milo.
Baz, Jez, and Pil had moved all of JJ's stuff that afternoon, getting him settled back in his own house, but just as they completed their mission, a florists delivery van arrived, and deposited around twenty floral decorations from Jem.
Baz was heard to say to his brothers later in his room.
"I don't think I want to grow up, adults are crazy, that house looked like a fucking greenhouse".
All three were laughing their socks off, until they realised Piers was standing in the doorway with a look of thunder on his face.
Having grounded all three of his sons for one week, Piers was waiting at Sydney's arrivals lounge next morning for Roslyn and Cecile to emerge.
He knew their flight number, they were traveling first class, so they ought to be through early.
They were brought through on a buggy, their luggage stacked up on the back.
As soon as they alighted from the buggy Piers could easily see why they needed it, both were heavily pregnant.
The usual hugs and kisses ensued whilst Andy, one of Piers and Milo's drivers, loaded their luggage onto a trolley, then they headed for the car, all three trailing along behind him.
It wasn't until they were home and settled comfortably with cool drinks that Piers felt able to ask about the pregnancies, and he was surprised when they both laughed with Cecile saying.
"I win, I knew he had more manners and breeding than you credited him with, sorry Piers".
Roslyn then explained.
"I bet her that you'd ask as soon as you met us in arrivals, Cecile said no, you wouldn't ask, if you even did, until you'd made us comfortable".
Piers smiled as she went on.
"I guess I was getting you mixed up with Pierre, he would have had the whole story before we'd left the terminal building, and we probably wouldn't have known we'd told him anything, I do so miss him".
Piers was getting irritated, and only her reference to his brother saved her, but his answer still confirmed it.
"Roslyn, you're no less irritating than you ever were, just tell me what's going on".
She realised, she'd been waffling.
"Oh sorry, we decided we wanted children, but we wanted them to be our own, so we chose from a list of sperm donors at a private clinic in New York, we've both been artificially inseminated from the same donor, our children will have the same father and we'll be their real parents".
Piers continued to ask questions, but beneath the surface he was quietly bubbling like a soon to erupt volcano.
And Cecile saw it.
"When exactly are you both due to give birth?".
He could tell immediately that Roslyn had picked up on his less than happy state.
"Cecile's six months so she has three months to go, I'm five and a half months, so three and a half months to go, we weren't intending to put on you for that long Piers, please don't think that, we only wanted a place where we felt secure with wise counsel as we choose somewhere to settle".
Roslyn mistakenly thought Piers was concerned that they would want to stay until after they'd had the babies, how wrong she was!.
Thinking she had soothed Piers Roslyn went on to explain.
"We want to start over, establish a new wine label, 'Montclair-Thorn', and we've identified some possible purchases in the way of vineyards, that's where we could do with some counselling".
It was true, Piers had been temporarily distracted, and his interest was now peaked.
"But we know absolutely nothing about wine making, or grape growing, or whatever you call it, I don't see how we could be of help".
Roslyn smiled.
"I agree Piers, but even Pierre rated you as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to not paying through the nose, getting value for money, that's where we need your help, to double check, and verify our calculations, would it matter that you aren't familiar with the product?".
Piers answered honestly.
"No, not at all, most of the items I've purchased over the years for Guardian, I've absolutely no idea what they are, or what they do, I simply look at comparative samples, and volume purchases, I don't need a working knowledge of what is being bought".
Roslyn said that was what they needed, and she'd been about to carry on when Piers suggested they rest up, telling them dinner would be at seven.
When Milo returned from the city around five thirty in the evening, he sensed Piers mood immediately.
"Oh dear, let me guess, Roslyn?".
Piers answer didn't give anything away, except to confirm Milo was right".
"What's she done?, though I suspect knowing Roslyn she let her mouth precede her brain as usual".
Piers contemplated telling Milo exactly what she'd said, but he knew that would just result in there being two pissed off people at dinner, instead of one, so he tailored his reply.
"Right again, I love her, and we owe her big time for getting us back together, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to strangle her at times, forget it now".
Piers went on to tell Milo everything he'd learnt earlier, missing out the reference to them being their 'real' parents.
Milo of course was inquisitive.
"Did they indicate where they're looking to settle?"
Piers shook his head.
"I've told you all I know, we can ask more after dinner, oh I forgot, I've put dinner back to seven o'clock, Pil's got his final rehearsal for the concert, Baz and Jez asked if they could stay behind to listen, then come home together so I said yes, I've relaxed their grounding, they should be home by six, that gives them an hour to get homework done, and JJ's bringing Jem to dinner, there, you're now up to date with the boring life of a househusband".
Milo chuckled and grabbed Piers into a hug.
"Your life is never boring, you wouldn't allow it to be, now where's my kiss as master of the house?".
Piers giggled.
"A kiss you can certainly have my love, but if you think you're master of this house you need to see a shrink, at the very least you're delusional".
Appearing for dinner a few minutes before seven, Roslyn made a beeline for JJ, drawing him into a hug and announcing.
"My sweet JJ, Paul sends his love, he's still pining for you, I really think the two of you could be happy together if you'd only give him a chance to show you".
Roslyn certainly wasn't expecting the reply she received from a bristling JJ.
"I gave your brother several years to show me how happy he could make me, unfortunately he was too busy making every Tom, Dick, Harry, and the occasional Harriet happy, in whatever bed was the closest to hand, so that boat didn't just sail, it sank, now, if you would allow me, I'd like to introduce my partner Jem, who I'm really surprised isn't ready to strangle you after your crass remarks, but then, he loves me and isn't afraid to show it".
Turning to Jem, he winked before saying.
"Jem, meet my cousin Roslyn, she's the one with the misaligned brain and mouth however, on a lighter, and much sweeter note, this is her charming partner Cecile, most definitely my favourite".
Roslyn started to object, but Cecile steered her away almost out of earshot, but Piers and Milo could still hear, which was unfortunate, because what they heard explained to Milo the reason for Piers bad mood when he'd arrived home, and set a scowl on Milo's face.
"What Ros, what stupid thing were you going to say next, that his remarks were harsh?, well guess what, I agree, but unfortunately they were more than justified, from the moment you walked into this house you've left havoc in your conversational wake, you don't even know how badly you hurt Piers this afternoon by saying our children would be our own, that we'd be real parents, suggesting his and Milo's children are somehow second best, and now you utter that complete mouthful of shite about your brother, as though he's a saint, he's not, he was a lecherous predator for years, and those were the years when he already had JJ, he didn't lose JJ he threw him away, now get your bloody act together, because there are enough people glaring at you right now, one more shit remark out of your mouth this evening and I swear, they will be the least of your troubles, do I make myself clear?".
Roslyn nodded, rather shamefacedly, it wasn't often Cecile stood up to her, but she was wise enough to realise she needed to do some apologising after dinner.
Dinner had started off with quite stilted conversation, until Milo had asked Pil how his rehearsal had gone.
Pil in true family fashion had replied modestly, that it had gone okay, but his brothers weren't having that, and Baz jumped in, with Jez nodding his agreement.
"Oh come on Pil, it was fantastic, you'll be so proud of him when you hear him Poppa, I could have sat there all night listening to him, and there are scouts coming to the concert to hear him, the teachers have been buzzing about that all week".
Both Milo and Piers picked up on Pil's nervous unease at Baz's mention of scouts coming to the concert, but more pointedly, they'd noticed, Baz wasn't looking at Pil when he stressed the point about the scouts, he'd been staring deliberately at Piers, and Piers nodded, understanding immediately that Baz was giving him a message, then quietly whispering to Milo who'd also seen what Baz was doing.
"I don't know what that was about, but I get the impression Baz wants me to intervene in some way, leave it with me for now".
After dinner Roslyn cornered Piers and started to apologise, but she was startled when Milo dropped into the seat next to them, with an obviously fake smile saying.
"Do please carry on Ros, I'm waiting with baited breath to hear why you think our children will be some sort of poor substitute compared to the offspring you are going to produce".
Roslyn gulped.
"I'm sorry, me and my stupid mouth, I didn't mean it in the way it came out, if our children equal yours, in every way possible, I'll be the happiest mum alive, believe me, I didn't mean to upset you".
Piers could see Milo was about to exact some further revenge when he cut him off.
"It's true that you upset Milo and I, our children are most precious to us, but we accept, you just didn't think, so it's done, we're good, now I believe you have another stop to make on this restoration tour, good luck with that one, it won't be such a pushover".
As she moved away in pursuit of JJ, Milo said.
"You let her off, and cut me off, why?".
Piers took his hand, a gesture that Milo would immediately understand was meant to say, this is from the heart.
"Because I saw your face when you heard what she'd done, and I knew you would seriously hurt her in retaliation, I couldn't let you do that, because you would have regretted it afterwards, and that would have hurt you, so I ended it".
Milo gripped Piers hand, giving a half smile.
"My wonderful, all knowing, all seeing husband and protector, thank you".
Milo leaned in for a kiss and they heard from Baz.
"Oh no, snog alert in the lounge.
From Milo came a reply, without even looking around.
"I reckon that's quite mild compared with what I've heard has come out of your mouth recently regarding a certain flower delivery, if your still hovering in ten seconds you and I will need to discuss that matter".
Unsurprisingly, Baz did an about turn and was swiftly gone, with both of them laughing as Piers asked.
"How do you know about that, oh, don't tell me, Miss big ears, I miss the days when she used to have an afternoon nap, and you shouldn't encourage her to tittle tattle, it's not nice".
Milo was laughing.
"Be warned husband, if you try to sneak in your lovers my spy will tell me".
As he stood, pulling Milo up with him, he made an off the cuff remark, which earned him a swat on the backside.
"Why do you think I send her to dance class twice a week, fool".
Across the lounge they could see Roslyn trying her best to apologise to JJ, who appeared to be having none of it, Piers was about to intervene, when Jem did exactly that, and Piers noticed he reached for JJ's hand as he did so.
"What you said, was upsetting to me, and it made me feel like a second choice, what you said to JJ was silly at best, when we all know how badly your brother hurt him, but I accept you weren't thinking, so we accept your apology, we're good".
Roslyn expressed her thanks and moved away, and Piers watched Jem and JJ having the exact same conversation he and Milo had shared.
A few minutes later, as they leaned in for a kiss, Milo and Piers dropped into the armchairs either side of them, with Milo leaning in to JJ and whispering, loud enough for all four to hear.
"How lucky are we to have guidance councillors as well as partners, mind you I'm a bit miffed to learn I'm not master of my own house, apparently I need further counselling, I'm delusional".
Now they were all laughing as JJ said.
"Oh please Milo, you have to admit, Piers might be completely shit at driving a car, but he does a damn good job of steering this ship, and rescuing us stragglers along the way".
Surprising all of them, when he finished speaking JJ was crying.
Piers quickly changed seats with Milo, pulling JJ into a hug and saying.
"Hey cousin, we made it through didn't we, we're in the sunshine, not a bad bit of navigation I reckon".
JJ looked up to Piers and through tearful eyes said.
"You saved me".
Milo nudged Jem, indicating they should leave them, they went out into the garden where Milo pulled a cigarette from a battered packet, and seeing Jem look longingly offered him one, saying.
"Lots of mouthwash, in the pool bathroom, second cupboard, but don't be fooled, they'll still know, I reckon this place is bugged".
As they smoked, Jem said.
"The reference to saving him, I get that, and I'm so grateful to you guys, you kept him safe, until I could finally drag myself out of my dark place, but there's something I don't think even you know".
Milo was now listening intently.
"It was Vinny who bridged the gap, he challenged me, I told him that I loved JJ but didn't know what to do, that I was going to move away".
Milo was now listening with his mouth open in awe that Vinny hadn't brought this to them".
"He's a remarkable boy your son, I think without my knowing it, from what he said to JJ, I gave him a monumental problem, where he had to debate breaking a confidence, and try to balance it against the good, and bad, that breaking that confidence would bring, he admitted to JJ he knew he was in the wrong, but he'd accept that, to pass my message on, in the hope it did enough good to wipe out the wrong, you must be so proud of that boy because he made our life together possible".
When Milo recounted his conversation with Jem to Piers in bed later that night, they were agreed, they were proud, but not surprised in what Vinny had done, except that he'd felt he had to deal with it alone.
Piers cornered Pil in his room the following morning about being nervous of the scouts coming to his concert.
"What is it about their visit that's unsettling you son?".
Pil looked a little like a deer caught in headlights, at first just staring, then his reply came, quietly, faltering.
"Who told you, I didn't want you to know, I don't want to let you down, I'll go if they say I have to, I don't want too, but I will for you".
Piers was now totally confused.
"Pil you're not making any sense, have you got any important subjects today?"
Now Pil was confused.
"No mostly free periods for studying and Sports Ed all afternoon why?.
Piers really surprised him.
"Stay here in your room, I'm going to tell a little white lie, you're not yourself, so I'm keeping you home today, I'll get you your breakfast as soon as the others have gone, okay?".
Pil couldn't help but ask.
"Yes, but why Poppa, I'm okay, I can go to school?"
Piers replied as he left Pil's room.
"You might feel okay but I don't, you're stressing over something and I don't understand what or why, we're going to remedy that later".
The boys, and Gracie, wanted to go see him when Piers announced he was keeping Pil off school, but they didn't push it when Piers said no, leave him to rest he'll be fine.
Milo looked concerned, but he nodded his understanding when Piers whispered a short explanation.
After everyone had left, it was only Piers and Pil at home, apart from Roslyn and Cecile, but Piers knew they wouldn't surface until at least ten thirty or eleven o'clock, he sat Pil down with his cereal and fresh toast.
"So, we're alone, explain what you meant earlier, because I'm confused, and more to the point, I'm concerned, you made it sound as though you were being forced into something, and that sets alarm bells ringing in my head".
Pil had tears in his eyes as he explained.
"My teachers are telling me I'll get picked for a scholarship, they keep telling me it's a great honour".
He was actually crying now and Piers swooped in.
"Okay, calm down, I don't understand, why are you upset?".
His voice was jerky.
"I don't want to go".
Piers got something of an inkling then.
"Tell me everything Pil, but first, let me explain something, your Poppa Milo and I would be so proud to support you if you decide you want to go on to a higher education, but take note, I said if you decide, and that isn't going to change, now, in your own time, spill the beans because I think I see what's upsetting you but I'm not entirely sure".
Pil slowly explained, his teachers had told him he was guaranteed a music scholarship, and he'd be going to Washington in the US, to one of the most prestigious universities in the world, he knew it would disappoint so many people if he turned it down, but he didn't want to go.
By the time he finished talking he was crying again, this time Piers put a hand gently under his chin, tilting his head up until they had eye contact.
"Now listen to me Pil, no one, and I mean no one, is going to railroad you into any decision, if you're offered a scholarship great, but you, and only you will decide if it's what you want to do, I don't give a fig if you decide to turn it down, and I can guarantee your Poppa Milo will say exactly the same thing, this is your life, we'll guide you, support you, try to keep you safe, but we are never going to dictate the path you take, that choice is yours, do you understand me son".
Pil just stared at him blinking, for several moments, before asking.
"So I don't have to go?".
Piers hugged him tight.
"No son, if that's your decision, you don't have to do anything you don't want too, now, are you okay to get on with your studies?, because I have some stuff to go over with your aunts"
His reply was now strong and confident.
"Yes Poppa, and thanks".
Piers ruffled his hair, getting the usual teenage grumble about messing up what to Piers looked like a mess anyway, but apparently, as Pil explained, it was a perfectly, and precisely placed, mess.
When Roslyn and Cecile appeared they'd fussed over Pil, until he escaped to his room and Piers arranged breakfast for them, then went on the fact finding mission he'd already planned.
"So tell me, where exactly have you decided to settle, and remember, I know nothing about making wine, I'm great at drinking it, but my experience stops there".
Cecile answered him.
"Orange, it's less than two hundred miles from here, it's a perfect location for what we want to grow and produce, we already have five vineyards lined up, and a country farm which would give us the base to build a winery, we just need you to look at the financials, to see if there are any glaring errors".
Piers was surprised to hear they had so much in place already, but it didn't faze him.
"Okay, I can do that, but if it's that close, I'd like to look over the financials this week, then next weekend, let's go on an exploratory visit, see these vineyards in real time, look over the farm, check out local bye laws, make sure you're not buying a pig in a poke, we can make it a family weekend, I'll find accommodation in the area, are you girls okay with the travelling?".
They agreed it was a good plan, Roslyn added.
"I really am sorry for upsetting so many people Piers, I think my hormones have turned me into a cow, but this is a great plan, we want to try to be established, with the vineyards, and our base before the babies are born".
Piers, in half jest, caused them all to laugh.
"Roslyn, I love you dearly, and I, we, owe you so much, but lets be clear, your hormones have nothing to do with your actions, you've always been a cow".
When the boys and Gracie arrived home from school that afternoon, Piers saw they were heading first to Pil's room to check on him.
Piers asked Baz for a minute, and steered him into the small lounge, shutting the door.
"You were telling me about his worries last night weren't you?".
Baz looked embarrassed, not sure if he'd done the right thing or not, but he nodded, and Piers hugged him.
"Good work son, but you don't need to use subterfuge, if you know of something which you think I, or Poppa Milo, can do something about, come straight to us, I can promise complete confidentiality, I've assured Pil, no one, except Pil gets to decide his future, if Pil doesn't want what they offer, then they can take a hike, you are all the masters of your own futures, we'll support and guide you, but ultimately, the decisions are yours, now go see your much improved brother".
They'd visited the vineyards and farm that weekend, and Piers was impressed, on the whole the figures stacked up, with the exception of one vineyard and the farm, those two were, in Piers opinion grossly overpriced, he recommended offering around a thirty percent reduced offer for them, and when a nervous Roslyn and Cecile followed his instructions, they were completely shocked, their offers were accepted straight away.
Roslyn asked why, what had he seen that they hadn't, so Piers explained.
"It's a plateau land farm, surrounded by hillside vineyards, where do you think they all drain too, and in doing so, they drain right through the fifth vineyard.
But both girls looked baffled, so he went on.
"I looked at the financials for the farm and fifth vineyard in detail, for the last ten years, they've only produced a less than moderate crop, that meant I needed to know why two such vast areas of land weren't producing more sizeable crops, and my investigators found that two thirds of the land on both plots is useless, affected seriously by the run off from the surrounding hillsides, it is not land that can grow crops, but it can sustain a winery business, hence my low valuation, it was not fit for the purpose the owners were trying to sell it as".
Roslyn hugged him saying.
"Piers, I'm so happy we asked you to look it over, you've saved us the equivalent of building the winery, our first vintage I pledge to call after you".
The following week was a nightmare of times for dinner, which ranged from their normal six thirty, until as late as eight o'clock, all set around Pil's rehearsal times.
The concert was Saturday late afternoon.
They'd reserved fifteen seats in the VIP section, several family members were flying in.
On Saturday morning Pil had been feeling sick at breakfast, until Piers took him aside, with Milo listening.
"Okay, it's an important day, we expect you to do your best, that's all, but I'm asking you to remember our conversation, you only agree to whatever you're comfortable with, and your Poppa and I will need to review that decision before it becomes final, but there is something else, I'm making you a promise, hand on heart, your Poppa Milo and I will block anything, and everything, which goes against what you want, so calm yourself, concentrate on giving us the best of you musically, have absolutely no worries, enjoy yourself, just be our wonderful boy".
Pil was absolutely gobsmacked when he came out on stage and saw the faces of extra family members sitting in the VIP section reserved for performers family and friends.
His Uncle Van, and his cousins 'None Missing', were grinning at him, with thumbs up.
He'd known they were due to perform at Sydney's Opera House, but he never thought they might turn up to his school concert.
It was an evening you couldn't have put a price on, the choir were exceptional, but it was an evening with Pil, that was the press description, 'An Evening With Pil', remember you read it here, this boy is a sensation'.
After his spots, three in all, he'd been harassed continually by university spotters, to the point he almost hid behind his Poppas as another two made a beeline for him.
Milo body checked the advancing pair in their tracks.
"My son is tired of this continual harassment, now I would suggest that you leave him in peace, because, as a very pissed off parent, I have to warn you, the alternative could be painful, and it won't be me feeling the pain".
The Dean had tried to calm matters but Milo was in no mood to listen.
"You're responsible for this debacle, how dare you and his tutors set him up as some piece of merchandise for scavengers to pursue, I'm disgusted and angry that you would treat him in this way, now I suggest you leave us, my legal team will be contacting your Governors tomorrow".
They'd left then, with The Dean begging Milo to reconsider his threat of complaining, telling them he was only interested in furthering Pil's musical future, they'd ignored him, Pil was protected, with the boys, and more importantly, Gracie, surrounding him.
Vans words summed it up.
"He's family, we'll launch him, if and when he's ready, and not before".
Back at the house everyone was excited about how the concert had gone, with Baz saying to his Poppas.
"Didn't I tell you how good he is, I knew you'd be proud of him, I could listen to him non stop".
Pil was shaking his head, he just didn't believe he was that good.
Van then said to Ary.
"What do you think about asking our audience for their opinion?".
Ary turned to Bobby and Trevor, his eyes asking for an answer, and it came from Bobby.
"What do you say Pil, do a spot with us tomorrow night, let our audience tell you how good you really are, let them convince you what your future holds, but don't be rushed to get there, enjoy growing up, it will still be there whenever you're ready".
Pil was beaming, he absolutely loved being on a stage, but he loved being at home with his family more.
He nodded but asked.
"What will I sing?, I haven't rehearsed anything".
Ary answered him.
"Those three numbers tonight, the Rock Classic, not many people could pull that off, duet that with Van, then do the fast paced pop one with us, and the Country and Western one, you do that the way you did tonight, it was perfect, we'll be your backing singers".
Pil was decidedly nervous, but he nodded his agreement.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.