Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2015 00:06:50 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 23 Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 23 By Eff Del Nolitimere156@gmail.com Examine every day for opportunities. Each day should be lived in such a way that you can find cause for liberation, transformation and celebration. These are the keys unlocking the doors to growth, fulfilment and happiness. Look for them constantly. Don't let them pass you by. The greatest sadness is in not recognizing the value of something until it has become a memory. I was sipping a cup of coffee and talking with Barry as the door to the conference room opened. I admitted to myself that I was very curious as to how Jack handled his first formal meeting. I'd made it quite clear that he needed to establish himself as my son and formal representative. Therefore, he needed to become the dominant presence in these meetings. He'd responded by telling me that he felt so strongly about this issue that it wouldn't be a problem. As he self-assuredly escorted the twelve `experts' out of the room and down the hall while carrying on relaxed conversations, I realized that he had done that with total self-confidence and complete control. I looked forward to talking to him later. Though he wasn't born a Tucker, he was certainly acting as one. I realized that knowing great wealth and power were behind them gave my boys strength but their NEST upbringing gave them wisdom and a sense of personal worth. The idea of being arrogant or self-centered was a concept far beyond anything they might consider. Having said that though, they were never going to allow themselves to be bull shitteded or manipulated. They would listen and they would consider but they would not be bulldozed or conned into making a decision. It was their nature and I hoped that if things worked out, some of those attributes would rub off on Brian as well. I could tell from the expression on his face that the meeting had gone quite well from Jack's perspective. I waved him over and pulled him into a quick hug. "Well son, did you put them on the right track?" He didn't even smile he looked me in the eye and said; "Absolutely Dad... I didn't give them the chance to begin to waltz me around. If they were here for some sweet meeting `hosted' by some innocent little kid who didn't have a clue, I think I took them by surprise. I looked them each in the eye and described the horror, the fear, and the confusion for all of us out on those life rafts and I told them clearly that none of that needed to have happened. Even if we'd received no training (which of course, we hadn't), a life raft is a simple enough contraption that it's operation and the operation of the amenities on board should be well explained and obvious. Hell Dad, it took us a whole day to locate the emergency rations and water and I only figured out how to use the GPS device by accident. The raft had a motor that none of us knew how to use and if it had rained, we wouldn't have known how to erect the shelter that was contained right in the raft. Actually the raft was perfect it's interface with the traumatized occupants was miserable. Dad, it was as if we were starving men in the desert, who had a full carton of canned food and no can opener or any other way to open the cans. That shouldn't have happened. We should have known how to operate the GPS and been rescued that first day. These guys are going to fix all that Dad or I'm not signing off on this project and I'll tell you that NOTHING with Dr. Chambers' name will ever be less than perfect." Richard entered the room while this discussion was going on and he smiled at us both as he gripped Jack's arm. "Jack it's really too bad that you've made up your mind to be `Johnny Ocean' because you'd have made one hell of a Skuggor." Jack smiled and said; "Don't rule that out yet guys. You know how us teenagers are. We can always change our minds." I looked quickly at Richard and we exchanged glances. We didn't say a word but the surprise was certainly there for both of us. "Well now Jacamo, it seems to me that you've done a great day's work. We don't keep beer up here but my study isn't such a long walk. Join us Richard. I'll bet Barry can handle the COM. Richard and Barry exchanged glances and Barry smiled over at me. "Wolfman and Brutus are relieving me in an hour and Chris will be waiting over at our pool to continue my diving lessons." Richard slapped his hand onto the table and grinned. "I hate to admit it but with Chris' help, this long drink of water is getting pretty damned good. One of these days, we'll have to have a contest. Are you in for it Jack?" The red headed boy smiled a bit forlornly. "Nah, that's Sean and Chris and now' it would seem Barry's thing. Even if I was into it, this ear situation would rule it out." "I forgot Jack. I'm so sorry." "It's no big deal Richard. I truly wasn't into diving. I'd sure like to be able to play water polo but even that's ok. Now...Dad, were you joking about that beer?" I smiled and laughed as did Richard and we got up from our chairs and marched the red haired wonder to the elevator. "Happy diving Barry. I'm sorry you can't join us." I called out. He grinned and waved. "No worries Boss. Cracking open a few cold ones is a very important part of Chris' teaching method." ********************** "I'm very proud of you Jack." He smiled as he sipped his Stone IPA and walked over to the fireplace. We'd decided to go to the library instead of my study and he turned around and faced me. He reached into the collar of his white long sleeved oxford cloth shirt and he retrieved his two pendants. First, he held his blazing green emerald. "Richard, this is how Dad first told me that he cared about me...loved me. Later when he'd asked me to become his son, Professor Swaim gave me this gold pendant. It's identical to Dad's and Sean's. It's the symbol of our love and our family. What's engraved into this golden oval is also carved into the mantel of this fireplace. They are words chosen by the great-grandfather that I've inherited by adoption but who I truly somehow hope knows about me and who is proud of me. I don't know, I just hope so...I believe so Richard. `Noli Timere' it's Latin and it means; `Do Not be Afraid'. I'm a Tucker Richard and I'm not afraid of anything. If you guys think I should be a Skuggor...well, we'll talk about that and if I choose to do that, get ready for the idea that I'll be your replacement Richard. We know that Sean is the future `Launcelot' but who knows? I just may be the future `Galahad'. Once again, Richard and I exchanged glances. I tipped my glass as the amber sunlight slipped through the blinds covering the big windows. I realized that I was content with how things were growing in my household and my extended `family'. I raised my almost empty glass to Jack and then the Richard. "I've got a rather long meeting scheduled with Uncle Phil. Why don't you two go play some pool in the game room until the little guys are out of school? Later you can have fun at the pool but...Richard I suppose I should let you know that these boys swim completely natural so...if you choose to join them, you'll be faced with a dilemma." Richard's smile was as wide as his face. "So then Eric, what kind of Director of Security do you suppose I'd be if I didn't know that you and the boys skinny dip in your pool? Of course, I also know that so do Chris, Garry Sellers and his son Bobby. Is there anyone else you'd like to add to your list before I add myself? I love swimming naked and I've done it for most of my life. After I beat Jack's ass at a game or two of nine-ball, I'll be happy to join him in the swimming pool and I'll be glad to be buck-naked. The only reason we don't swim naked all of the time at the new pool down by the condominiums, is Phil. He's a bit of an old-fashioned prude and we don't want to offend him. Therefore, we all only drop our trow after Phil has gone to sleep. Don't worry, it all works out." ************** Uncle Phil and I finished our meeting and we'd laid out a plan for an exciting new financial enterprise in Belize that was certain to be profitable to us but also very beneficial to that small and very third world country. We sat at the end of our deliberations sipping our drinks. "You miss Walter a great deal don't you?" He gave a sad little smile and replied; "Eric, you're too young to understand what Walter, your father and I did. Everything that is now `Magnus Veritas" is based upon what we built originally and now that you are expanding it so successfully and so capably; well yes, I'm sad that I haven't got someone to share it all with. Don't get me wrong though, I'm happy and content. I feel that the young hands you've brought onboard will more than capably move you into the future. The fact is that I'm lonely Eric. I miss Walter and I miss your Father. Only time will heal that wound. "I certainly wish I could do something to make that better. Is the fact that all of the others in residence at the Condo are so much younger a problem for you?" He broke into a broad grin. "Fact is Eric; I wish they wouldn't think of me as so old. I watch them swimming naked after they think I've gone to bed and I would like it a hell of a lot better if they felt comfortable doing that in front of me." I giggled and said; "Well shit Uncle Phil, why don't you just tell them or better yet, why don't you just jump bare assed into the poll? I suspect that they'll get the idea." He flashed me a wonderful smile. "Walter has visited you hasn't he?" I shot straight up in my chair. "What...?" He smiled warmly. "Don't worry Son, he visits me a lot and he told me he was going to start visiting you. I don't know if it's real or just a dream but the conversations certainly seem to be real. Just last night he told me, that Jack was going to change his life's direction and become involved in the SKUGGOR. Doesn't that sound strange? I'm going to keep believing that it's real. It feels better that way. We both stood and I embraced him. I of course remembered Jack's earlier comments. "So, perhaps he was teasing me about Jack becoming a scientist because he knows Jack will become involved something else? The SKUGGOR perhaps?" "Perhaps." "Thanks Uncle Phil." "No, thank YOU Eric." He said softly. We both left the room and went separate ways. **************************** I slept very well cuddled closely by Sean and Brian. We'd simply snuggled and enjoyed being close to each other. I slid into wakefulness blinking at the wheat gold morning sun as it peaked between the blinds. Pissing became an almost instant prerogative and I carefully climbed out of the cage of little boy limbs that encased me. "Hi Dad, soon as you're finished can I use the toilet?" I smiled down at Brian. "Well, you're a pretty regular feller aren't you?" "I can't help it." "Well of course you can't Brian. That's how your body works. Seems like you're scheduled to poo in the morning just as I'm scheduled to pee. I just think that pooing is a very personal thing. I think you need some privacy and I need a cup of coffee. See you in a little bit." He gave me a happy smile as I left the bathroom. My baby boy was rolling into wakefulness and so. I entered the little kitchen area and got the coffee maker fired up. By the time I had three cups ready; one black and two with milk and sugar, I heard happy little voices bantering about in the main bedroom. "Do you suppose there could be a more wonderful way to start the day then to share a cup of coffee with two naked boys?" I asked as I handed them their mugs. They stared at me for a second as what I'd said sunk in and then broke out into delightful fits of giggles and drank their morning coffee. After a very enjoyable shower, we dressed and came down to hug Martha and eat a wonderful breakfast. Jack looked at me from his side of the table. "Dad, I haven't gone behind your back or anything I've only checked with Daniel first to make certain it's all right; so now, I'm asking you if you'd mind if I invite Amanda to Sean's party and yes...she would be spending the night." I couldn't help but smile and feel regretful at the same time. I'd acted so badly the last time he attempted this liaison. "Jack, if her parents are all right with that, then your parent is as well." "Thanks Dad." Breakfast finished, I scooted the boys off to class and then walked out to the carport for a ride in the newly refurbished Morgan. John was standing next to the beautiful little machine and his smile glowed so strongly that the dimples in his chin almost looked panful. "Eric, it purrs like a little kitten. I just love it. Hop in and let's go." I looked at him quite seriously. "John, you've done all the work on this little girl so, you are the one to take it out for its first long drive. I'm just the passenger." With a big Grin he said; "Well I'm not going to argue Eric. Hop in and let's see what this old girl can do." In less than fifteen minutes, we were both grinning from ear to ear and nodding and waving appreciatively at passing cars and pedestrians who smiled and waved in complimentary fashion at our vehicle. "Let's stop at Deegan's for a beer and a burger John." "I'm all for that Eric." the dimples on his cheeks showed like bright pennies. "There's actually something I want to talk to you about anyway." I got a sudden sick feeling in my stomach. "Oh John, please don't tell me that you guys are going to leave me." My big friend burst out laughing. "No Eric you jerk! How or why could I ever leave Joyous Gaurde? The fact is that we're going to be populating the estate. Let me pull over and I'll tell you." He found a wide space in the road and brought the little car to a halt, He turned to me with a gigantic grin. "We weren't going to tell anyone but my parents until after Sean's birthday party but the fact is, it turns out we're pregnant." I felt a rush of excitement and then I leaned over and pulled him into a hug. "John, what wonderful news! Are your parents excited?" He grinned. "They're just going nuts Eric. I'll never be able to thank you for everything you and your father before you have done for my family but you better know that I'll always be here for you." "Thanks John. God bless you guys. I can't wait for the little munchkin to arrive. That will certainly be exciting for all of us Joyous Guardians." He smiled and patted my arm. "That's great Eric because you might as well know that we're going to ask you to be the Godfather." I smiled back at him and said; "I'd be delighted John and you and Jenny should know I'd take that duty seriously." John reached over and took my right wrist. "We know that Eric. There's no man in the world we'd trust more." After a few moments of happy chatter, he put the little roadster into gear and rather shortly, we were doing some serious damage to large bacon cheeseburgers, stacks of thick cut fries and onion rings enhanced by a couple of ice cold beers. I think we spent as much time giggling as we did eating but we certainly did eat. Deegan's is perched at the top of a steep hill with a little dirt path out back that leads down to the river. I purchased two six packs of cold beer and John and I walked down to the riverbank and found ourselves a couple of comfortable seats on an old fallen tree. We spent our first two beers reminiscing about my Dad, my mother and my brother. Our third beer was a slow examination of the entry of Sean, Jack and now (seemingly) Brian into the life of the estate. Our fourth beer was in joyful conversation about the new prince or princess he and Jenny would be bringing into our lives and (being slightly loopy) I kept wondering if I could keep Doc Swaim on duty to educate the new little kid. Turned out that the due date was sometime around the middle of March. Finishing that, we both wandered casually off to piss off the hill. We were both giggling heavily by then and as I cracked open our fifth beer; I pulled out my cell phone and called Daniel. My big butler very quickly confirmed that Arlen could work the gearshift on the Morgan and that they would both be arriving to rescue us in about twenty minutes. With a grin, I turned to John and offered him his last beer. We sort of slouched into a friendly hug and sat against each other looking down at the river. I suppose we'd both fallen asleep quickly because the next thing I knew, Daniel was there gently raising me to my feet. Arlen was helping John into the Lexus as well though I don't know how he was managing it. "Thanks Daniel. I guess we got carried away and..." "Eric, the important thing is that you were smart enough to call me. John, your wife is going to be really pissed off at you." ******************** I woke up groggily sometime in the middle of the night. It didn't take me long to realize Sean was sharing my bed. The fact was he was entwined around my body like a little kudzu vine. It was the night before his birthday party and I was suddenly sad I'd not been there for him although I didn't regret my celebration with John over his wonderful news. I got up from the bed so as not to wake him and walked over looking out of the big window. It seemed as if the moonlight was particularly bright this night and the large lawn and deep forest had a glitter that was almost artificial...like something from Disneyworld. As I gazed upon the beautiful landscape, I felt his little arms wrap themselves around my chest. "Sean, I didn't mean to wake you up son." He snaked himself around my body and smiled up at me. "We should go down for a swim Dad." "We should go down and enjoy this almost silver moonlight little man as long as you're up for it but remember today is your party and I don't want you to be too tired." He took me by the hand. Sometimes Sean expressed his feelings physically more than he did with words. Naked, he led me down the dark hall, to the elevator and eventually out the back door. We made our way around the garden and the hedge and quietly slipped into the pool. Once we were in, we paddled to the middle and I pulled him toward me and kissed him deeply. "You are my world little man. If it weren't for you, nothing that I value would exist. Every day I wake up I'm so thankful that you came into my life and today is the party celebrating your birthday and the day you became my wonderful son." He looked up at me. The droplets of water on his long dark lashes were almost as if they were tiny diamonds or perhaps upside down tears but there was certainly no sadness on his countenance; it was pure happiness. Eric...Dad, nothing that will ever happen in my life will be more important than the day you picked me, brought me home, and taught me to love. I'm happy for my party today but the truth is, every day with you is a party an' I love you so much. I smiled deeply at him. "Well Sean, as much as I'm enjoying the silver moonlight interlude, we can't have you being too tired for your party so, I'm going to do something I love to do and then it's back to bed." I'd slowly been guiding him to the edge of the pool and now, I grasped his waist, raised him up, and sat him on the edge. I took ahold of his knees, spread his legs, and hungrily took his little rod in between my lips. He was like silk... almost like caramel as I worked him into pleasure. He bucked and writhed as he exploded trying so hard not to make too much noise. When he'd finished, I kissed him and got up out of the pool and together we made our way back to the bedroom. I hugged him to me fiercely and we both fell asleep quickly. ************************** It almost didn't seem fair but it was Sean's turn. I ran my hand down his wet little ass as the music began. He thought he had me but he hadn't. Before the singing even began, I recognized the piano styling of Vince Dooley. "Are you still going to be a great kid as time goes by?" He grinned up at me because he knew I'd gotten it. Soon the shower was filled with the vocals. You must remember this A kiss is just a kiss A sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply As time goes by. He grinned up at me and said; "Member what comes next? `Moonlight and love songs never out of date.' Didn't we kina do that?" I nuzzled his hair as I drew him into a hug. "Yes, we certainly did that my Sean. We certainly did that." ****************** The guest began arriving around one o'clock and Sean was the perfect host greeting each one happily and accepting his gifts with gratitude. In the end, Sean had decided to invite all of the original `Seven Swimming Samurai' as well as a few members from his baseball team. All of our Joyous Gaurde `family' was here as were Ricky and Many flown up from Houston by Captain Lucas. I exchanged pleasantries with the families of Sean's teammates and introduced them to other guests and by about two thirty we had quite a lively gathering going on. The kids and even some of the adults spent most of the time horsing around in the pool. At some times, even an Olympic sized pool doesn't seem large enough. Daniel's staff did a fantastic job of circulating and keeping everyone's glass filled. Although my big butler never stopped keeping a watchful eye on the staff, I'd insisted that he was a guest at this party and I expected him to behave as one. I'd once again hired the wonderful Santa Rosa Barbeque caterer to handle the food and by around three o'clock, the enticing smells were getting everyone's attention. Soon, we were all sitting at tables out on the big lawn with fingers and chins sticky from the wonderful sauce that made the tri-tip beef so wonderful and the ribs so tangy. Just as I'd finished my second helping, Captain Lucas came over to me. "Will is here Eric. Do you want to introduce him to Sean?" "No, let's both do it." I rose from the table and recognized the sandy haired young man standing by the pool. As we walked over, I extended my hand. "Hello Will. I'm happy to see you again. Would you like to meet the birthday boy or would you rather have something to eat first?" He grinned and said; "Mr. Tucker, I think I should meet my new student and then frankly, I wouldn't mind a beer and a plate of those great looking ribs." I clapped him on the shoulder and Captain Lucas and I escorted him to the table where Sean sat surrounded by all of the other boys. "Sean, would you come with us so that you can meet the man who's going to teach you to fly?" I suddenly realized that he must not have told any of his sports friends because their big table became completely silent and all the young men looked at Sean, then me then Captain Lucas and finally at Will Fletcher before looking at Sean again. "Teach you to FLY Sean?" Bulldog said it. Sean giggled. "Like in an airplane dummy. I'm not getting super powers." I guided the boy away from the other guests and Will Fletcher smiled and extended his hand. "Hello Sean. I'm Will and I guess we're going to get to know each other pretty well. Don't be nervous about anything, I actually started flying at about your age and if I say so myself, I'm a darned good instructor." Captain Lucas smiled and said; "I can vouch for that Sean, I've known Will for a long time and besides, I'll be going up with you a lot just so that you can log your hours. The three of us are going to have a lot of fun." "Thanks Captain Lucas...thanks Will...by the way, I'm glad to meetcha...I'm so excited I can't hardly wait!" Will looked at me and Captain Lucas. "Does he know?" I shook my head. "No not yet. It will come later. Let's get you fed Will. Sean, why don't you excuse yourself from your friends for a while and come sit with us and get to know Will...ask him any questions you have but PLEASE let the man eat." We three adults laughed and Sean just looked puzzled. Little boys don't understand how disruptive their constant chatter can sometimes be. Before the birthday cake was presented and cut, Sean was called to the front to open his presents. They were all thoughtful and well appreciated. There were some video games, lots of sports related equipment and for the few who were aware, aviation related gifts. Gary and Bobby gave him six wonderful aviator shirts with double pockets and epaulets. Doc Swaim gave him a high quality pair of aviator style sunglasses and Jack and Brian had (with my help), purchased him a Swiss made aviator's chronometer. As the last of the gifts were opened, I felt a rumble in my stomach and I rose to my feet. "Well, I suppose it's time for my present Sean. Captain Lucas are going to help me give it to you." The two men presented Sean with a relatively large box. After a bit of effort the wrapping was removed and my little boy held up a wonderfully crafted model airplane. The kid was obviously surprised especially since it soon became obvious, it wasn't a remote control flyable model. Will Fletcher leaned down and said; "That's a Cessna 182T Sean. It's exactly like the one that you'll be learning to fly right down to the blue over white paint job." Sean's eyes grew wide. "So you've even picked out the plane I'm gonna learn on?" Captain Lucas was grinning as he said; "More than that Sean, you're going to learn to fly on your own plane and this is a scale model of the one your father has bought you." It took a few moments for this to register with the boy though most of the guests picked up on it quicker. Finally, though, his little body shook and his shoulders began to heave. Realizing what was happening, Captain Lucas gently took the model plane from his hand and the little boy rushed over and threw his arms around me. "D-Dad...you're giving me an airplane for my birthday?" He buried his face into my chest and as his shoulders heaved, he was making little squeaking noises as he tried not to embarrass himself. I rubbed his back and whispered softly; "It's at the airport. We'll go there tomorrow and Will has agreed to take us up for a spin. He even says you'll take the controls for a while. It only seats four so until you're old enough to get your license, as long as Brian is with us you can't take us all up at the same time. That means it will be a while before you fly us up to the cabin at Osso Largo." I squeezed him and he squealed. "After you see it tomorrow, you've got to name it and it's yours. Sorry that it's blue and white instead of red and white but I wanted to make sure I had it here in time." He pulled me close and whispered; "D-Dad, I think I got snot all over your shirt." Laughing, I picked him up and carried him over to my chair. "Sit on my lap for a while and hide it." Suddenly Chris was standing up in front of everyone with his banjo. "Ladies and gentlemen, how about instead of `Happy Birthday' we greet the future aviator with a different anthem? If you don't know this song, you'll catch on quickly..." He began a quick folky finger picking and sang; "Up in the air Junior Bird Man. Up in the air upside down. Up in the air Junior Bird Man. With your feet both planted firmly on the ground. Whenever you hear Bird Men calling. Blowing on their whistles made of tin. That is how you know that Junior Bird Men have been mailing all their box tops in." Doc Swaim and then Tim (John's father) quickly jumped in with their own versions of the song but they all joined together with a crazy harmonic sign off; "It only takes five box tops, three labels, two wrappers and one thin dime. D-I-M-E dime." Martha had insisted that she and Jenny were going to make the cake and when they wheeled it out, it was nothing short of spectacular. I helped him stand up on the stool that was required for him to blow out his candles and he took the first cut into it. As the afternoon progressed, I gathered that his friends considered him one lucky guy while he acted nonchalant and stunned at the pleasure of his life. He found numerous occasions to find me, embrace and kiss me and then scamper off to enjoy his friends. Will left early but assured me that he'd meet us at the airport at eleven tomorrow so that Sean could get his first pleasure from his plane. Chris was encouraged to keep playing his banjo, Jack (with Amanda sitting close by) brought out his violin, and we were entertained musically. As the evening wore on, the emotion of everything got to Sean and I found him sound asleep on one of the benches. I carried him into the house and down to the elevator. I laid him onto the bed and carefully undressed him. He never moved. My boy was out like a light. I realized that I needed to return to our guests so I softly pulled the covers over him and bent over to administer a soft sweet kiss. "Up in the air Junior Bird Man. Sweet dreams." He hadn't moved when I returned to the bedroom hours later. I thought about Chris' song and thought to myself that is was a shame because I'd liked to have blown on Sean's little whistle which certainly wasn't made of tin. (to be continued) Sorry for the delay my health is not what you might call optimum. I'll try to get chapters out quicker but I no longer can promise that will happen. Thanks for understanding and thanks for your in-put. I just love hearing from readers especially those of you who enjoy this story. It's one of life's pleasures these days.