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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 9
At two o'clock the following afternoon, Jace, his brothers and Ary left for the hospital in Rome.
Shortly afterwards Van, Reece, Myron, Gregor and Brenda also left.
At four o'clock Jolly answered a call from the gatehouse, it was too advise there was a car heading up to the main house containing Mr and Mrs Woody Montclair-Thorn, Jolly sighed, this had Jace written all over it, with a resigned shrug of her shoulders she headed toward the enormous front doors.
As Woody and Jacqueline's car pulled up Jolly was waiting to greet them.
"What a surprise, why didn't you say you were coming, let's get you settled with some tea first, then I'll find Billy and Jay".
After exchanging hugs and kisses they went inside.
Once tea was served Woody made his excuses.
"I'll leave you girls to catch up whilst I search out Billy and Jay".
As soon as he'd left the room Jolly turned to Jacqueline.
"Okay, sister in law, who summoned you?, let me guess, was it Jace by any chance?".
Jacqueline smiled.
"Spot on my dear, I have no idea why, he wouldn't tell me, but it's really worrying to have a nephew I love so dearly, on the phone actually crying whilst he's asking me to come urgently because there's a problem, so, are you going to enlighten me, or should I work my way slowly through the whole family?".
For the first time in days Jolly actually smiled, then in a split second her expression turned to sorrow, the tears following momentarily, as she realised it wasn't just Billy and Jay she'd upset, it was the whole family.
" They just didn't understand why I would do it, he's my son Jacqueline, I would have willingly killed anyone who threatened him with serious harm, nothing would have, or could have stood in my way, I don't know why they can't see that, it's a natural maternal instinct, I don't understand why they don't seem to have paternal instincts as strong as mine".
Jolly was silent for a moment.
"We've had trivial spats over the years, the sort every relationship endures, but never anything like this, we've never before been so opposed, this time, we were so far apart, they were trying to forbid me from going to Jace, what makes it worse is that now I keep thinking if I hadn't been there, if I hadn't gone when I did, would Jace, Juan and David be dead, could she have somehow got as far as the house, would she have harmed Ary, I had to break away, I quite literally blew up, it's almost as if I totally destroyed the bridge, and now, I don't know how to get back, it's as if too much has happened, too much has been said to take it back".
Again a silence.
"I would do it again Jacqueline, she threatened my child, I have absolutely no regret or remorse about killing her, nor would I have about doing the same to anyone else who threatened any of my brood, but right now I feel dirty, it's like they're disappointed in me, I think maybe they don't love me anymore".
Jolly dissolved into a sobbing mess and Jacqueline took her into her arms speaking softly.
"I take it the, 'they', you are referring to are Billy and Jay?".
Without looking up, Jolly nodded her head in agreement.
Still hugging Jolly, Jacqueline went on.
"Well thank goodness it's not something terrible, I imagined all sorts of things when Jace wouldn't explain".
Jolly did look up then, and she was indignant, almost angry.
"You don't think this is terrible, I'm on the verge of leaving them, our family is disintegrating before my eyes, I've never felt so alone, so hurt, my feelings are all over the place, but I won't apologise, and they won't speak with me, I don't know what's happening to me Jacqueline, it's as if no one even likes me let alone loves me anymore".
Jolly disintegrated into sobbing again in Jacqueline's arms.
Whilst Jacqueline had been speaking to Jolly, Woody had found Billy and Jay in the garden, they were surprised to see him, Billy was the first to pull him into a welcoming hug.
"Woody, no one said you were coming, it's so good to see you, but why are you here?".
Woody was pulled into a hug by Jay before he answered.
"I don't know, all I do know is that your youngest son was crying down the phone line to Jacqueline, telling her there was a problem, begging her to come urgently, would either of you care to enlighten me?, I've left Jacqueline talking with Jolly".
Billy and Jay had sat back down, now they just stared at each other, it was plain to see they wanted to speak but neither said anything, so Woody continued.
"Guys, if you don't want to tell me it's okay, but be warned, I'm betting Jacqueline won't be so gentle in her request, from what I could tell Jolly is pretty upset, so if you're responsible for that situation maybe I can help you resolve the problem without Jacqueline declaring all out war on you"
Finally Jay spoke.
"In truth, we don't know what we've done Woody, it's as simple as that, Jolly's cut us off, she won't communicate, we're completely in the dark, she's been getting worse of late, it started quite suddenly a couple of months ago, before the problem with Abby and Jace cropped up, sometimes she throws a temper tantrum at the most minute of things, it can be as insignificant as the butter knife on her side plate being placed crooked, she turns into a screaming shrew in moments, we're worried, really worried, we've always been a close unit, we've always thought as one, yet suddenly Jolly reacts almost violently to anything and everything we suggest then refuses to discuss it, it's become almost impossible to get business decisions so we've all but stopped asking her anything anymore".
Woody couldn't help it, he almost giggled.
"Are you guys stupid, or are you completely and utterly dumb?, I know it's been a long time but, have you never thought about the biology classes you attended in school?, and I don't mean the boy meets girl bongo bongo bit we were all transfixed by, I'm referring to the faces of change section, where you heard about how our bodies age, the changes we should expect".
Billy and Jay just looked blank.
"So you don't remember the bit where 'the change', was discussed?".
Still blank looks.
Woody now dissolved into full blown laughter.
"You idiots, she's not going mad, she's hormonal, her body's changing, and you chumps would have recognised that, if you'd listened a long time ago".
Back in the lounge Jacqueline was just then reaching exactly the same conclusion Woody had.
"Okay, I have an idea which will help, I just need to call my office at Montclair, they should be able to locate the nearest private doctor to us here who can deal with these issues, hopefully tomorrow you and I will be able to see someone locally, I reckon in about three, or maybe four days, we should have an entirely new, or possibly better still, the old Jolly to present to the family".
Jolly just stared at Jacqueline.
"How Jacqueline, I don't understand?".
Jacqueline smiled.
"No great mystery Jolly, you're going through the change, didn't you realise?, you're menopausal, all you need is some medical help, but it should be easily managed, right now your hormone levels are bouncing around like crazy, it's why you're acting irrationally, we can fix it, don't worry, you're not going mad, if it helps, just ask Woody why we had to have the panelling in the small dining room at Montclair repaired, he'll tell you I threw a handful of steak knives at him, I scared the shit out of him, that's when he took me to the doctor, we still laugh about it now".
Jolly still looked mystified.
"But I still get my periods, though when I think about it, they're almost nonexistent, I hadn't even considered I might be experiencing the change, thank goodness you came Jacqueline, another day and I might have put us in a position we wouldn't ever have got back from, that's if I hadn't killed another member of my family".
As they hugged Jacqueline said.
"Hey, it's all about family, you would have done the same for me, so let's hear no more on the subject".
Later that evening when everyone returned Jace found his Poppas waiting for him in the foyer, with arms folded.
He immediately started to stammer out an apology, thinking they were displeased with his interference, his summoning Jacqueline, but he didn't get more than a couple of words out before Billy held up his hand to silence him.
"If you're intending to apologise, don't even think about it, you are the most thoughtful son we could ever have the fortune to be blessed with, without you and your actions we, your silly, stupid, dumb parents, could have lost so much, we know now what the problem is, and we can deal with it, restore the loving relationship we all crave, so thank you son, I'm guessing your Momma will be having the same conversation with you, take the praise Jace, you deserve it".
As Billy finished speaking, he and Jay pulled their son into a hug.
Later that evening Jolly found Billy and Jay in the smallest lounge, Reece's favourite room, where Pauly's portrait looked down from above the fireplace.
"I'm sorry boys, it took Jacqueline to open my eyes, it's my hormones, I'm starting to experience the change, I really am sorry, I know I've been hell on earth to deal with these last few months, I may still be a little fractious until I get the right medical treatment but at least I'm not frightened anymore, it's a relief I know what's happening now, you won't believe the things I've imagined, I thought maybe I was going mad, or else there was something seriously wrong inside me, please don't hate me for the hell I've put you through".
She could see the glistening in their eyes as Jay replied.
"We love you Jol, we could never hate you, Woody educated us, called us dumb idiots, berated us for not listening in biology classes all those years ago, and all the while he was laughing his socks off, he knew as soon as we described your mood swings, we're sorry Jol, we should have known what was going on, got you to the doctor, it seems we're all guilty of neglect".
Billy now chipped in.
"Can we maybe have some us time when you feel more comfortable Jol?, I think it's about time we have a rest, the boys can do everything we do, I reckon it's time to let them fly solo, and I don't know about you two but I'm desperate for some exclusive Jolly and Jay time".
Woody and Jacqueline stayed on for several days.
Four days later Jolly was busy with Brenda planning a dinner party for that evening when Jo arrived home with David who had been discharged from hospital, and they had a stranger with them, it had been nearly two weeks since that awful night.
David was immediately dragged into hugs by everyone.
The stranger turned out to be Abby's security detail, an American by the name of Justin Graham, whom she'd knocked unconscious when he tried to stop her firing at Jace and David's limousine.
He'd been fired by his employers by email whilst he was still unconscious, prompting Jace to take pity on him.
Jace needn't have worried, as soon as he arrived with Jace and David, Gregor took him aside, offering him the chance to join Guardian, all he had to do was undertake Gregor and Drews training course at Gregous and as Gregor put it.
"You took a hit to protect a family member, you're already half way through, you've proved your worth, show us you can interact on all levels with a principal and you've got it in the bag".
Later that afternoon everyone was surprised to receive a formal invitation to dinner, with strict instructions it would be a black tie affair.
This in itself presented something of a problem for Justin, he'd been advised by Gregor to be available that evening as security, not in a participating role, purely as an observer.
With his nerves fraying, because he'd heard stories of Jolly's unpredictability, he'd approached Jolly and apologised for having to decline her kind invitation.
Jolly shocked him totally by dissolving into laughter.
"Justin I'm sorry, and thank you, I know my reaction looks quite strange to you, but to explain, a few days ago I would probably have ripped your head off your shoulders and stomped on it without a second thought, you just validated my doctors course of treatment, and I couldn't be happier".
Although not entirely understanding what Jolly was saying he laughed with her before she went on.
"Now, about dinner this evening, let's find Gregor, because I can tell you, I won't accept that you can't be at my table this evening, you went out on a limb to safeguard my son, so I want you there, and as Gregor doesn't know I have my hormones under control this should be a doddle".
They found Gregor in the security office and he visibly shivered as soon as he saw Jolly enter, much to Jolly's amusement.
"Gregor, it seems someone is trying to upset my day, it would not be a sensible move, I invited Justin to dine with us this evening, he tells me he is on duty, solve the problem, he will be at my table, as will you, Brenda and Drew, that is not a request, that is an instruction, don't disappoint me Gregor".
At that Jolly turned and left, leaving a shocked Gregor staring at Justin.
Dinner that evening started in the first drawing room, or, The Red Room, it's walls decorated with Red Damask Wallpaper, some original, some lovingly restored by Van, it was a truly beautiful room.
When everyone was assembled and each had a pre dinner cocktail in their hand Woody called for order.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, pray silence for my wife".
Jacqueline stood up from where she'd been chatting with Jolly.
"Family, I extend that description to anyone here tonight who, quite possibly right now is thinking, I'm not family, you are, everyone here this evening gives me reason to call them family, so enjoy dinner, I have nothing more to say, I'm handing you over to someone who wants to explain, apologise, and thank several people, I only hope we get to dinner before my stomach starts rumbling, I give you my sister in law Jolly Thorn".
Jolly stood up smiling.
"Jacqueline Montclair-Thorn, if I didn't love you so much I swear I could easily hate you, and this is not the time to test my emotions, the medication is not a miracle cure, but I digress, I want to thank you, each and every one of you for being here this evening, and yes Jacqueline, it's a long list I'm working through, so your tummy might grumble a little".
Everyone laughed as she touched glasses with Jacqueline in a toast before she continued.
A couple of weeks ago we experienced something horrific, a once family member tried to kill someone I would willingly die defending".
Jolly stopped to let that register.
"I know that's a really explosive statement but believe me I mean it, as it turned out, although I was the one to bring an end to the awful happenings of that night, so many of you came to our aid, I couldn't let this go without thanking you".
She paused again.
It's a long list so I'll press on, Van, Reece, thank you for giving us the sanctuary we so desperately needed here at Gregous, Pierre, Juan and Josef who I'll be calling tomorrow, David, I know how frightened you were before you accompanied Jace that night, with good cause, I'm thankful you're now recovered, and I hope to hear more news concerning you soon that I can assure you will be received positively, Gregor, Drew, for engineering a safe passage for my son that night, but I leave till last my close family, Billy, Jay, my boys, I'm sorry, I've been hell to live with, I hope you can forgive me, the penultimate tribute goes to our son Jace, for calling in the cavalry, and that means lastly, I offer up thanks to my dear sister in law, I don't know how she does it, floating around this family, solving problems, but she has my undying love and admiration, Jacqueline Montclair-Thorn you saved us, so I'm asking everyone to raise a glass to, The Saviour, Jacqueline".
They all toasted with a drink before Jacqueline was heard to reply.
"Yeh, yeh whatever, can we eat now".
And Woody was heard to say.
"Oh god, I married my Momma".
At that everyone dissolved into uproarious laughter.
After a wonderful dinner Billy asked their sons to join them in the smaller lounge.
Jo, Will and Jace were apprehensive until Billy spoke.
"Before we start, can I ask you Jo, what is your intention with David?".
Jolly, Jay and Billy watched as his brothers closed ranks, putting their arms around him, and they heard the whispers.
"Tell the truth".
Jo looked up, red faced, and in a less than confident voice said.
"I love him Poppa, I'm going to be with him forever".
Jo, and his brothers were completely surprised when Billy replied.
"Well in that case, shouldn't he be here?, go get him Jo".
A few minutes later Jo returned with a clearly embarrassed David and Billy continued.
"Okay, I asked a question earlier, I'm going to ask it again now that David's here, Jo, what is your intention with David?".
Poor David looked completely panic stricken.
This time Jo's answer was clear and strong as he moved to put an arm around David's shoulder.
"I love him Poppa, I'm going to be with him forever".
To everyone watching it appeared David was on the point of passing out, until Jolly spoke.
"We're overjoyed Son, welcome to the family David, though I don't think you need any introductions, and stop holding your breath before you pass out".
Everyone laughed as David breathed deeply.
Jay now spoke to them.
"We wanted to talk to you because we feel we need to take a break, so starting when we get home, we'll do a handover then we're going on vacation, we need a rest, your Momma needs some serious cosseting and we intend for her to get it, we're at the end of a phone if you need us, but I somehow doubt you will".
The boys were overjoyed, their parents approval meant more than all the qualifications they'd earned.
True to her word the following day Jolly called Pierre, Juan and Josef on conference from Reece's office.
"You can't possibly know how grateful I am to all of you, what you did for us as a family, you Pierre, you flew so far because you felt it needed to be said face to face with Jace, only a true friend is that considerate, and you Juan, selflessly putting yourself in danger to protect our son, and then you Josef, not seen but I know the part you played in the background, I love each and every one of you so much, I have so much admiration for you I can hardly explain or stop myself from crying as I tell you".
It stunned Jolly to hear Pierre's reply.
"You, as a family, paid your dues in advance a long time ago, just remember back to a time when I came to you as a frightened crippled teenager who couldn't walk, and returned home as a normal walking human being, that was down partly to your hospitality, but more importantly it was achieved by the sheer determination of three boys, and their refusal to accept anything but the outcome I prayed for, i.e. your sons, they got me through that almost impossible rehabilitation process, they literally dragged me, kicking and fighting through it, when I wanted to give up, begged for rest, they were having none of it, they pushed me and themselves to the limit, they put their lives, and all of their friends, on hold, I can never ever pay them back, they gave me my life, so don't go thanking me, there's no need, I love you all, anything I, we, can do for you is guaranteed to be delivered, and I know the answer would be the same from Juan and Josef".
In the background Jolly heard a 'Hear, hear', from Juan and Josef.
Jolly wasn't put off.
"Say what you like, I appreciate it, but I will be eternally grateful for what you did, if there is ever anything I, we, can do for you, you only have to ask, and expect when we meet again I will smother you all in kisses".
The following day saw everyone leaving Gregous, via a driveway which was being repaired after Abby's spectacular crash landing.
Van had already refused any financial offering toward the repair costs.
David received some quite alarming though beneficial news on the morning they were due to leave.
Abby had left almost her entire fortune to him.
Apart from a small trust fund which was to provide a monthly pension to his parents, David inherited everything else, her properties, valuables, and her quite considerable fortune of nearly twenty million dollars in investments.
He was suddenly financially independent, a fact which worried Jo no end, but he chose not to voice his worries, instead he withdrew, hardly speaking throughout the journey.
By the time they arrived at the airport in Rome David knew what was troubling Jo, it was a no brainier, and he knew how to fix it.
As they entered the FBO offices he spoke to one of the flight crew, he thought discreetly, but Jo saw him, and registered the giggle from the flight attendant when Daved said why he needed what he needed, it did nothing to improve Jo's mood, in fact he openly scowled at them.
As soon as their flight was airborne and at cruising altitude, the steward nodded to David who stood and faced everyone.
"You're all aware of the news I got this morning regarding my late sisters will, it's a shame she couldn't give me her love instead, I can't accept the bulk of the money because I know now it comes seriously tainted with blood, so apart from a small amount to see me through, I'm going to donate it mostly to charity, let it do some good, because, let's face it, she never did".
By now Jo was hanging on his every word.
"There is one other thing I wanted to do, and here you need to work with me, because I'm bricking it, you you see I'm going to publicly bollock someone you and I love dearly, and I'm going to profess my undying love at the same time".
They were all now clueless, except Jo who cringed, because he knew exactly what was coming.
"I can see that expression Jo Thorn, and yes, you should be ashamed of yourself, did you really think me that shallow?, don't answer, you get a pass this time, but be clear, it's a one time only pass, now to the second part of why I'm standing here like an idiot, Jo Thorn, you told your family you loved me, you wanted to be with me forever, well I'm taking you up on that statement, but I'm asking for more, much more, marry me Jo Thorn, be my soulmate, for all of our time on this earth, please?".
Jo was out of his seat like a rocket, smothering David in kisses.
"Yes, yes, I'm so sorry, I was an idiot, slap me if I'm that stupid in future, oh I can't believe you knew what I was thinking and still asked me to marry you, what a complete idiot I am".
The flight home became a party flight, thankfully Ary slept for most of it.
Before they'd all left Gregous, Billy, Jolly and Jay had been surprised when Woody approached them, asking if he and Jacqueline could join them on vacation, in fact it was Jolly who answered before the guys could even draw breath.
"You bet you can join us, I get female company, and not just any female, my best friend".
It was agreed that within a few weeks they would all meet up at the family's house on Shell beach, Florida.
Non of them realised then, but this would prove to be the point where responsibility passed down to the next generation in most of the family businesses and ventures, the vacationing group was set to grow considerably.
TBC ARB Allan
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Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.