Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 13:55:52 +0100 (BST) From: ukwriter12@yahoo.com Subject: Lord Aquamaine - Chapters 14 Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental and no slanderous intent is implied. This is a story about a son of Duke from a fictious kingdom and the life and experiences that he has when he ends up in America. During this story we discover two fictious nations and principalities and their royal families ... These are completely the product of my imagination and bear no resemblance to anyone living or dead. I know that I hinted that Lord Aquamaine would be Part 2 of the Moonside Manor story line. However when I started writing, it took on a life of it's own and when I tried to tie the two together they would not let me and I had to do major rewrites in Lord Aquamaine as we result. There will be more of CJ and more or LJ, but they are stand alone at the monment. Currently working on a story set in 1880s in the Ridings of Yorkshire about a boy from the coal mines. This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission. If you are too young to be here or it is illegal in your state then please leave; finally if you are looking for hot sex scenes then look again as you'll not find any here. Email me - Kev (UK) with your comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an effort to help you follow what is happening the characters are listed below, but in addition since Lord Aquamaine is a very rich young man other things are listed as well, such as his businesses to help you follow. Characters ----------- Lord Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI - Lord Aquamaine Charles Edward Bravender - LJ's adopted son - Lord Lyonaisse Troy Jordan Bravender (TJ)- LJ's adopted son Jame Ross Bravender (JR)- LJ's adopted son Ezekiel DeLuca Nelson Bravender - LJ's adopted son Annabelle Margaret Bravender - LJ's adopted daughter - Lady Ravenswood Colt Nelson Vravender - LJ's adopted son - Lord Caderis Baron - LJ's Horse Anna Hemmings - Nanny Mr Jake - Master of the Prince's stables Dotty Walters - Mr Jakes wife - Main housekeeper Johan - Dotty's son - Caretaker of LJ's estates. Ryan Crow - LJs PA Andrew Collins - TJ special friend. Rupert Devereaux - LJ's Interior Designer Brodie Reid McGregor - Clothes Designer Nicole DuBois - Opera singer Josh Connors - Country Singer King David – Heir to the throne of Aquamaine. Queen Christine - Wife of King David. King Myles - King of Lizondia Prince Steven - Prince of Lizondia Princess Zorina - Daughter of Myles. Governor Walt Simms - Texas rancher / Belle's husband (x Governor) Belinda Tremaine Davison - LJ's guardian (x Vice President) William Tremaine - Belle's father (retired) Arnold Tremaine - Attorney / Belle's brother Peter Tremaine - Belle's oldest son Bobby Tremaine - Belle's son Richard Tremaine - Belle's twin son Barnaby Tremaine - Belle's twin son Nonna DeLuca - Wife of the Prime Minister Carl Masterson - Foster son on Nonna Ian Masters - CEO of Aquamaine LLC and former President Professor Phillip Masters - President Masters father and LJs mentor Professor Bryan Masters -President Masters brother and LJs tutor Dean Reynolds - Dean of university and LJs mentor Judge Reynolds - The deans brother Professor Absom - Class tutor Martin Japp - PI Cornell Anderson Sr - President of USA Cornell Anderson Jr - Son Maria Gonzalez - Spanish speaking - Colt's mother Lincoln Struthers - LJ's friend - Partner in law firm Colt Nelson - Cace's Pa Thomas – LJ's Major-Domo Edward - LJ's security guard Mickael Russo - Mike's nephew Dave - LJ's security guard Gunny Wilks - LJ's security guard Todd Wilks - LJs Friend and Security guard General Nathaniel Wilks - LJs chief of Security ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Titles ------- Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden Viscount Ravenswood Earl of Lizonby Earl of Aylsgart Baron Rooksfeld Viscount Aeden Viscount of Kingsmere Viscount of Reymire Viscount of Rooksfeld Marquess of Reymire Earl of Kirkowen Lord Mallamtap Baron of Crogdun Lord Aquamaine Duke of Rookfort Marquess of Conroy Baron of Kingsmere 17th Duke of Valkland Marquess of Reyesford Baron of Lizonby Viscount of Iddlesworth 12th Duke of Vauxland Prince Of Bowland Countess of Aylsgart Marquis of Vauxland 8th Duke of Caderis 15th Earl of Perisand 19th Marquis of Ironsea 5th Duke of Shadehaven 12th Duke of Lyonaisse 16th Marquis of Stoneacre ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Locations ---------- Chrysland (Nation) Lizondia (Neighbouring nation) Towns and areas in Chrysland ----------------------------- Lizonby Aylsgart Valtland Jusland Sifton Park - Aquamaine Aquamaine Properties ----------- Rooksfeld Manor (Near Lizonby) Aquamaine Palace (Home to the kings of Chrysland) Aquamaine House Florida Ocean Front House Oklahoma Ranch Stoneacre Estate - Boston Thousand Oaks Estate - California Texas Ranch (Main Home) Aquamaine Mansion - Washington DC Penrise Hall Iddlesworth Hall Ironbay Hall Stoneacre Castle Blackswale Castle Grande Vista Palazzo - Ezekiel and Colt's inherited home Italy Giardino di Fiore - Ezekiel and Colt's inherited home Italy All businesses controlled by "The office of the Prince" Aquamaine LLC ------------- Aquamaine Fruit and Vegetables - Florida Aquamaine Horse and Cattle Company - Oklahoma and Texas Aquamaine Wineries - Califormia and Texas Aquamaine Hotel Several Shopping Malls in differnet States Two Theme Parks Aquamaine Men (Menswear) Aquamaine Retail (departmental stores) Aquamaine Real Estate - Various Rental properties Aquamaine Dude Ranch - Montana Bravender LLC -------------------- Bravender Gallery Bravender Art Bravender, Struthers and Tremaine - Aquamaine Law Roksfeld Accounting and Auditing Co. Bravender - Freedom Bank Bravender - Florris Investments Bravender - Lazy T Mall Bravender - Boston Properties At Home with Aquamaine LLC - Company created by the Bravender kids. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lord Aquamaine -------------- Chapter 14 - Life Now we come to what for me was the most important time in my life, Family time. I was placed at the head of the Boston Office of the Prince and each of the children had their own projects. When the children started attending school the numbers had not decreased by any significant number and yet the feeling around the school was much more relaxed and you could tell people enjoyed being there. Each child reported that his classes were fun and enjoyable. They were soon making friends. TJ had his Andy back in his life as well. Andy had still been in Texas recovering when the battle of Stoneacre took place. It was interesting watching them since the attack at the Mall, Annabelle was always there for Colt. Even when they grew he was always her baby boy. The first day back at school TJ came home with Andy. They had called during lunch and his mother had delivered clothing for the next day as he was staying over. He was sharing the suite with TJ and none of us asked if they would be using the pull out bed. We knew they would sleep together. It was clear how they felt about each other, but one thing was special they were being sensible about it. As we settled into everyday life we still travelled around at the weekend and took vacations when school was out especially our sailing holidays at Stoneacre, only Andy joined us and so did Carl as he was now the adopted son of Nonna. The General and Nonna seemed to be getting rather close. They were both alone and needed companionship as they grew older. We rejoiced with them when the General asked Nonna if she would marry him and she accepted. The only thing that both of them insisted was that no matter where I was with the business that they remain with Anna to look after the daily needs for the kids. The General sorted my security, but he was the kids security. General insisted that Edward travel with me no matter where I was as my personal guard. Eddy was quite a man and over time we became really good friends, just like Mike and I had been. Knowing now that the kids had a settled life I started travelling again with the business and every weekend would review the Aquamaine brand with the kids and agree where I was needed most and also where needed the auditing was needed next. We had been in the area for about a year when everything finally settled down and life returned to normal. I was now twenty eight and possibly the richest man in America. Mind you the kids were close behind. Even without the fortune that they were earning with their shares in Aquamaine they were independently wealthy with the income that they were making from the Aquamaine at Home catalogue ranges. TJ especially had expanded the range of clothes that he designed and now many ladies cried out for his new season ranges. With the Italian business that Ezekiel and Colt had and now the Boston businesses it was decided that I did not need anymore and the Boston businesses were given to the children in equal share. When Ezekiel and Colt heard this they also donated the Italian businesses and with the At Home range created the At Home International LLC incorporating all of their businesses. Six children each with 15% share. That left 10% and they knew just who they all wanted to have it. Lincoln was shocked as Charles instructed him to sign it over to his children so that it secured their future. Linc had a son a daughter so they each had 5% and Ezekiel asked Mary and Linc to sit on the board to represent their interests. I was the Legal director. Andy worked with TJ in his design house and throughout life would be seen at his side as his Major-Domo in life and love. It was he who would organise the fashion shows and it was his artistic flare that would design the layout of the fashion catalogues and the way the stores merchandised his designs. Young Colt made really good friends at his school and with the other boys wanted to go camping. There were six friends, and all of them were used to going camping with their fathers. Colt wanted to join them. I met with the fathers and was impressed. All were professional men, but made time for the boys. The General felt that we should give him freedom but that his guards had to go with them so that he was protected. Charlie came up with a solution and that was that they go to Lake Caderis which wasn't that far away. He would supply a bus for all of them to travel on and Colt would have his own tent. It would be an eight berth tent with three sleeping compartments. One for the guards, one for Charlie who would go with him and one for Colt and his friends if they wanted sleepovers while they were camping. The fathers felt it was a great idea and I could see especially from the look of them that there was more to it than just best buds. I had gotten to know all of them and felt I could talk freely. "Would I be wrong if I said it gave you fathers some freedom to have fun while the kids are asleep?" Gerry was the hunk, real heart throb, "What the hell are you saying LJ? I'm sure..." I laughed, "Yes I am sure you are. I can tell looking at you that I'd say at night you have three tents as the kids share and to save space you all share a tent as well; Gerry and Jim, Dale and Pete, Rob and Huey. Guys I can tell just looking at you that you are friends ... with benefits." They were all looking down as I spoke, "Can it! The only partner I have ever had was a gay lover and he betrayed me so I know what to look for. It's called gaydar, but of course you wouldn't have that would you. Just be careful. We could start a card evening if you want time together. The kids wouldn't mind. Just remember when you are out there the kids come first and are out of bounds." They looked at me, "We would never..." "I know. Just be careful. The guards that will be with you are a couple and Colt loves them. Just look after my boy for me. His Uncle Matt runs the operation as ranch manager and his Aunt Sue runs the B&B and cabins. They work for me, but treat him as if he were their own." So it was that my youngest went on his first holiday away from the family. There was a house full of glum faces all weekend as the boys pined for their best friend and Annabelle pined for her baby boy. It was a time that we learnt to be a family and trust others. It was also a weekend when the boys became men with what they had to deal with. The next few paragraphs are written from what Charlie explained. The boys were having a wonderful time swimming and fishing and spending the day in the sun. Lying down in the afternoon and having a doze, then cooking the fish they caught for tea. Charlie and Colt loved it, Uncle Matt thoroughly loved spending time with them and loved teaching the kids what ranch life was like. Colt's friends liked being independent and while Charlie went to the bathroom and showers with Colt they told their dads that they were big boys now. After a little argument the fathers agreed that if the boys went together in twos then they would be okay. On the Sunday morning Charlie was woken up with a very tearful Colt. "Zeb and Sean aren't here. What do we do?" "Colt what do you mean they aren't here?" "Charlie, Zeb woke in the night and rather than wake anyone Sean went to the bathroom with him, but they've not come back. I fell back to sleep. Charlie help!" "Ok let's go look for them maybe they're scared somewhere." As they got up and ran to the bathrooms and shower block Charlie was worried. When they got to the block he started shouting, "Zeb where are you mate? Zeb we're not mad. Sean if you can hear me make a noise." Nothing ... "If you can hear me guys make a noise so we know where you are." Nothing. At that he ran to the tents and woke the fathers. Without thinking he popped his head in Zeb's father's tent. There in front of him was Sean's dad with his cock very firmly in the arse of Jim. Without batting an eye lid Charlie said, "Put your cock away and get dressed you sons are missing and I would hate your wives to find out what you were doing." He was faced with similar scenes in each tent and made sure each father knew that he did not approve in being left to look after the kids while they... As the father's were getting up he left Colt with the guards and his friends and ran to the B&B. Aunt Sue was serving breakfast as he ran in. "Charlie love what's the hurry?" "Sue two of our boys went to the bathroom in the night and the other boys fell back to sleep. They still haven't come back. I'm scared something must have happened to them." "God lord! Greg take over serving!" She ran to the reception and pressed the panic button and the entire ranch and all of the workers were soon milling in the reception. At that moment the father's, guards and kids walked in. Charlie looked at the fathers and they had been crying. "Oh Charlie it's all my fault." "Stop that and stop that now. It is no one's fault. Though I do not think what you were doing is right when your kids are in the next tent. I never want to see that again, do you hear me? Uncle Matt has anyone checked out since last night?" "Charlie, one camper van left in a hurry this morning and it seemed wrong so we contacted Sue's brother and asked him to tail them as Sue managed to get their vehicle number when they booked in." "Good while we organise a search party get him to stop and search to see if they have them. Something must have happened. Marcus?" "Yes Your Grace?" "You and Colin do not leave Colt's side do you hear? You stay with him no matter what?" "What about you sire?" "Lord Lyonaisse will be guarded by me and my son Greg. We're guards that his father allowed to retire and work here for him." "Okay now we know all of that we need to get the horses saddled and have two teams searching long distance for the boys and the other search around the lake and the lake itself. Sue we need access to all rooms and to all cabins to make sure that they are not being held in any of the rooms first. We'll also need the walkie-talkies to keep contact." Sue along with Matt searched the B&B and Charlie and Greg and their team went and searched all of the cabins and land around them. There was nothing out of the usual. When they entered the cabin furthest away there seemed to be a whimpering coming from the wardrobe. Greg opened it. "Charlie call a doctor I've found one of the boys. Call a doctor! Oh god call a doctor." When the police and the doctor arrived Sean had been untied and cleaned and had regained consciousness. He was babbling about being hit on the back of his head as he waited for Zeb as he took a crap. As he came to he heard screaming and could see Zeb being held and dragged away. He then pretended to pass out and hoped they would take him as well so that he could help Zeb. They did pick him up and carried him, but it was to this room where they covered his face with weird smelling stuff and he passed out. The next he knew Greg was there. His father just took him to the bed in the room and hugged him until he stopped crying. Matt looked at the police, "There was a camper van leave this morning ... I don't know why, but when they left there just seemed something out of place so I called officer Adams, Sue's brother. It's his day off and he has been tailing them since as we got the license plate." The Police Detective went out to his car and made a call on the radio. When he came back he said, "We have an address. Which of you is the father? Ok come with us, we'll bring him back as soon as we're sure he's Ok." With that Charlie and everyone was left alone to wait for news. Colt got Mr Matt to take everyone out on horses for the afternoon to take people minds off everything. Aunt Sue insisted that they all eat supper at the B&B and stay there that night. That night also a sobbing Colt called the General to tell him what his weekend away was like. That was it the General left immediately and before we had heard anything else had arrived with four other guards in case they were needed. As they were settling down for the night with the General and his men on duty the front doors opened and in hobbled Zeb and everyone else followed him. It was clear for all to see what had happened as he was bruised and beaten and most likely the guards and police had saved his life. Aunt Sue took him to one of the rooms that had a large shower area and Colt and the boys stripped off and got into the shower with him to prove that they were all in this together. The General stood at the door on guard. Colt proved to be a born leader that weekend. As they were in the shower one of the police officers, a detective tried to enter it. "I think not sir. You can wait until the boys are cleaned up." The size of the General did not leave any doubt and the detective wandered back to the entrance to wait. As the boys came out of the shower Colt stepped forward wrapped in just a towel and noticed that the police officer in charge spent just a little too much time looking at him. "Detective see what you like? You seem to be a little flustered there. Never seen a naked boy before? Here have a bloody good look why don't you? You perverted bastard." With that he took off his towel and turned around. All of the fathers were shocked by his action and Charlie was pleased to see that they looked away. The police detective however involuntarily put his hand to his cock and rubbed slowly. He was the senior and the junior officer had called in for help as he felt that he did not want to apprehend the kidnapper. It was lucky that he did because as the Police Captain arrived the kidnapper was just getting out of the car that had been left open by the detective. "Going somewhere sir are we sonny? Come on I think you might like my car better the doors don't open in that one and neither will the cuffs when you give me back the key." With that he quite roughly moved the guy to the cruiser and hand cuffed him to the grill between the front and back to ensure that he did not escape. He stood at the door silently and watched as Colt did his little strip to entice him out into the open. He watch as the man pulled his gun and pointed it at Colt. "You into the car now...! You think you can escape us well we have you now! You're mine" he said with a maniacal laugh. The Police Captain stepped up to the man held his gun against his head and clicked the trigger, "No you are mine and by god you are going to pay for what you've been doing." With that the young officer cuffed the man. The chief led him to the car reading him his rights and Officer Russo spoke to the kids. What impressed Charlie was that he knelt and held out the towel. "Your Grace you need to be covered" and he held out the open the towel. As Colt wrapped himself in the towel he suddenly got very self conscious and started to cry. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that, but he was eating me with his eyes even before he left to join the arrest with you." Officer held him close and let him sob on to his shoulder. "Do not cry little one you were so brave. You did just what was needed and you called his bluff as I know that you and your brother can fend for yourselves if it comes to it. Uncle Mike told me you were a feisty one." "Uncle Mike? You knew Mr Mike?" Colt had his head slanted looking at the man. "He was my mother's brother and because mom lives with my other mom his family turned against her and she moved to America with Mom Stephanie. Sad thing was she was raped and nearly died and Mike was the only one that looked after her and Steph. "He never went home, joined the army of Chrysland and served in the Special Forces with Dave. He was the one that kept in touch and when he and Dave had a holiday they came and stay with us." With tears in his eyes he said, "I loved him so much, he was like a dad to me." Colt looked into his eyes and said, "I want you to join our family Russo." The officer looked at him with a question and Charlie took over. "He means he wants you to join as one of our guards. Dave still lives on the estate, but in the new Police Deputy Superintendant's house we've built. I agree with Colt. Join us. What was your first name sir?" The police chief smiled, "Mickael Luc Russo the French spelling of his Uncle Mike's name. Hi I am Lucas Koch, his uncle and Stephanie's brother. Mike's mother was from Chrysland, his father Italian hence the name Russo." "Mickael you do not have to answer now, but think about it please." Colt just hugged him again. "Well the two moms have moved to teach at Bravender schools. I think you know them. My birth Mom, Mia Russo teaches in the high school in American history and modern languages and Mom Stephanie in Music, Drama and French at the middle school. They would love it if I accepted. Uncle Luc?" "I think that it's a great idea. I'll hate to lose you, but well I can now announce I interviewed with Dave for a position on his police staff and as a result I am moving in a month to take up position working for him as Captain. We'll even be sharing a house as Uncle Mark has accepted the job as headmaster of the middle school. Dave has six bedrooms and he knows Mark from his college days and it will save us money. Answers a prayer as I hate to be apart from your moms, I have always been there for them." Mickael smiled, "That's it then guys I guess you are stuck with me." Lucas looked and smiled, "Tell you what you are due some vacation and I accept your notice as of three weeks time so with the time you are due off you can head home with these guys. Does that suit you Lord Lyonaisse?" "Mick go home and pack. You are one of us now." Two hours later everything was organised and what wasn't Lucas would sort for him. Charlie hugged Matt and Sue and Colt hugged them and cried as he said goodbye. The fathers and sons had all climbed in the bus and the General was driving this time with the rest of the guards in the vehicles behind. As the fathers got off the bus Charlie and Colt got off as well. Colt wished his friends goodbye and made sure Zeb would be ok. At the same time Charlie had the fathers on the other side of the bus with the General. "I may be only sixteen, but I realise when a man is getting fucked. If you ever put your children in danger again because of your thoughtless actions I will personally make sure that your wives find out and that you never see your children again. Do we understand each other?" "Your father knew about us..." "Yes I know he did and I did too, but he also told you to be safe and look after your children and that is where you failed because all you had time for was your fuck buddy and no one else. Your kids did not exist; I saw that from the start. Never let me see that again or you will not have a Wednesday evening card game with my father." He looked at them, the General laughed. "Room 1, 2 and 3 on the top floor are yours whenever you want them. We will not use them for anything else. Do not repeat this." the General walked back to the bus as the fathers walked to the kids and Charlie collected Colt. There were hugs all round when we got home and Annabelle fussed over her baby boy like there was no tomorrow. "Daddy I want you to meet one of your new guards, Mickael Russo. Mickael this is our daddy ..." "Lord Aquamaine." Mickael knelt and bowed his head. "My Lord I have known you all my life, but have only met in passing during some exams you sat." I looked at him and held out my ring he kissed it and remained knelt whilst holding my hand to his cheek. I felt tears flowing on to my hand. "Please stand sir. How do we know each other?" "Remember Stuart Watts and the running on the track followed by the challenge and all of those exams. Damn you were good. I knew you when you first moved to Texas and had watched you from a distance. I loved you then ... I'm sorry sire I'll get my things and go." Gunny looked at him, "Now I know who you are! You stood guard for almost three days with us guarding the Prince. It was you who defended him and sorted out that whole mess with the comments that you made." I looked at him, "That's right you stood there watching me and being there letting me know that someone believed in me at a time when I felt life was ending and no one believed. Whatever happened to you?" "I went to the University of Texas in Austin and passed all courses with flying colours and ended up with a BA in criminology and criminal science. Ended up in the police force working with my uncle, he's going to be the new Police Captain here." "Ahhh ... Lucas Koch." "Yes Sir, he has been like a father to me. I am sorry I should not have come." With that he went to leave, but I put my hand on his shoulder and held him. "Please stay. I do not promise anything, but I would like to get to know you. The General's old room is free. It is just across from mine. I'd like to give us a chance to get to know each other." So I met my Italian stallion that in my mind would stay in my life for of eternity. From that day we loved each other and were never separate for even a night. Or at least that is the ending that I would choose in happily ever after stories. My PA stayed is in Texas with the board of Aquamaine and I needed someone closer and that was close to me so I asked Mick if he would work with me as my PA and help organise my calendar. He jumped at the chance. It was the middle of October and we had a call from the middle school. It was Mick's other mother Stephanie Koch. "Mickael, its mom here. Can you let me talk to Lord Aquamaine please?" "Sure thing mom... Your Grace, my other mother needs to talk to you. She is the deputy head of the boy's middle school." "Lord Aquamaine I was just calling to enlist your help in the Christmas concert at the school this year. The children have told me how good you are and they even intimated that if I asked nicely you would organise it. We would like to use it to raise funds for extracurricular activities for the coming year." I smiled, "I think that we can organise something. One proviso though I want tickets set aside for King David and his family and King Myles and his family. They are both coming over for Christmas with us and a few charity galas Aquamaine are planning and I would love them to see what the kids are doing." We talked on speaker phone for some time with Mick listening in and making notes for me. As we hung up the phone we were both so excited that we hugged so tight it felt wonderful. As we released our hold our eyes met and his were begging me to kiss him. I let down my guard and several minutes later looked at him in all seriousness. "Mickael if things develop as they seem to be doing do you think you can accept being partners with the richest man in America and Chrysland?" He had tears rolling down his face. "Sire I have been in love with you ever since the first time I saw you years ago. I would gladly die for you, but I would rather make love to you for hours and die exhausted." That is exactly what we did as well he gently undressed me and then worshipped every inch of my body. We both knew full well that we were possibly making a big mistake, but at that moment all I wanted was to have this Italian Stallion inside me. I fell in love that afternoon though we never said and there was never any agreement between us. We accepted that we shared a lot and then had fun together. It was obvious to the family what was happening. Even an untrained eye could tell we always slept together now and his room was empty. A week before the Christmas Charlie called out to Mick, "We're moving your things into dad's bedroom uncle Mickael since you are never in your own." He looked like a deer trapped in headlights, "No don't do that. I like my own space." I knew then that there was something wrong. Everyone seemed so happy. We auditioned all of the actors and drama club in the ballroom and by a month before the show we knew we were ready to start rehearsals. Uncle Myles and Prince Steven arrived first and then the next day King David and Queen Christine and Prince Richard arrived. They were staying for an extended period to enjoy the holidays. We had a full house and Queen Christine bought with her the staff from the palace so that there was sufficient staff to make sure that Christmas was a good one for all. We had plenty of rooms for everyone. Before anyone arrived we had paid to have the place decorated professionally and it looked out of this world. TJ had been busy and for the evening of the show had designed all of Annabelle's and the female artist costumes. Even down to designing the evening dress that Nicole DuBois would wear. We had set him up in his own studio and he and Andy even sewed all the dresses together. As a surprise he designed the costumes for the family as well. The kids Uncle Josh Connors was last to arrive with his new fiancée, She was also a singer, but starred in Milan with Nicole in her latest opera. They were having problems so had agreed to appear in the concert with us, but by the time they were settled in she was already walking out telling him to go shove his cock in a shredder. When Dave joined us for the evening meal the night before the show he and Josh saw each other and Josh went out of his way to talk to Dave and to extend his sympathy. It turned into a drinking session and then they both left together. We didn't say anything. The next morning Josh came back to the house with a smile on his face simply stating that we might be seeing more of him in the future. He and Dave had ... well let's just say that they found the love in each other and the friendship that each had lacked in their lives and now they were together. Mick could not believe that he was rubbing shoulders with royalty then as we were leaving when President Cornell Anderson arrived, the new president of the United States, he was totally blown away. God I loved that man so much. The media was invited to the schools and had set up so that they could televise the program around the world as one of the Bravender and Connors TV specials. This was the first Christmas special, but one of many that we would hold at the school the media had called it, "At home with Bravender, Connors and family." I had to force myself to remember that this was the children's concert and it had to be them that organised it. I was so used doing things with Madam Nicole and Josh to just organising what we wanted. Well getting others to organise what you wanted, that was all part of having a team working for you. I have not mentioned this before, but Charlie had become quite a writer and had published several short stories and poems and the publisher was begging for his next input as he had promised that it would be a novel. However, when he heard about the show he went into seclusion with his laptop every night and within a week he had the others in the drama club having a read through to see if it made sense. Miss Stephanie their teacher was thrilled with what he had produced. I was reminded by the children that this was not mine and that I should be organising the charity gala for the new years. However they did say that they had invited Nicole with Josh to fill a section with me. I had made music with both of them and had albums in the charts. Charlie gave me a list of songs that he wanted my section to include. We had twenty five minutes. When I went to talk it through with them both but was shocked to hear that they already knew and that they didn't think we need rehearsals as we knew the songs as they were on our current albums. Josh and Nicole were back and forth due to commitments, but were due to arrive for our Christmas special TV show. Josh made an excuse that he had to cancel everything, but would be here for the concert. I felt like a spare cog in a cog factory so I decided to utilise my time and released a solo Christmas album and DVD of my favourite carols. I contacted Trinity Church and arranged to have an evening leading up to Christmas when we could film the DVD, but booked time with the choir and organist to actually record the album on site. Every time I travelled to rehearse and arrange things I asked Mick to go with me, but every time he had an excuse and would not. So Gunny and Todd kept up as my guard and I told Mick to sort himself out. Colt could see what was happening and hated that the kids had cut me out. He could also see what Mick was like and asked Thomas to keep an eye on him and what he was doing. We cracked rehearsals and everything in less than a week at Trinity and had all of the tracks laid down so that we could work on them over the next few days until we were happy. A week before the concert we went to Trinity church for an evening of Christmas music. The kids thought it was going to be a church service, but it was simply a Christmas music gala evening. The choir was fantastic and the organist was out of this world. I loved singing with both. There was this child soprano that we asked to sing the snowman. He was good. We rehearsed and I sang with him as the grownup version of the boy. The result was spectacular. All of the songs and hymns that we included were well known Christmas fare. The last thing that I wanted was someone getting the album and flicking through the songs because they did not know them. My favourite part was Silent Night. The choir sang in whilst I sang the hymn in Hebrew. I had learnt it years ago in Chrysland and it had always made me cry. As the night came to a close the whole congregation stood and went wild. Both CD and DVD were a hit and flew to the top of the American charts over night and stayed there all of Christmas. I didn't it do for that reason. I did it because I wanted fun so all of the profit from the CD and DVD went to the Bradley Patterson Foundation. As I was singing the closing songs when we reached Pie Jesu the choir boy faltered and then his voice broke completely and he couldn't continue. I was just about to stop the music and move on to something else when this little lad called Cornell Anderson Jr stood and started singing. He was fantastic. Because of him all went well. He was the eight year old son of President Anderson. We made sure that we spent time with the President afterwards and Cornell Jr was just like Charlie. He took control and the family accepted him as one of them. They were lovely and though President Cornell was older than me and Mick was a hunk of the first degree. I found out that Cornell Jr had never known his mother as she died when he was born. She had been Cornell's best friend and when the father turned his back on the child his family stepped in and adopted. School only had one week left before the Christmas break and the kids were full out in rehearsing. I even noticed the Prince Richard had been enrolled in a few of the rehearsals. Carl was apparently the Master of Ceremonies and would lead the evening. From all reports he was very good. On the day of the show I was told to go on a final check of the Boston Aquamaine, before Christmas really hit to make sure that it was ready for the Gala evening that we always held. The General was told to keep me away or his life would be forfeit. I felt it would be a good day to spend with Mick, but yet again he could not travel. The General and I spent a day visiting all of our businesses in the area especially the Bank, Investment Company and the Mall. I was pleased at what we saw and felt relieved that all was well. At five in the afternoon I was allowed back for our evening meal and to change for the show. I could not help it as I felt ignored and totally cut out by everyone so the meal was very quiet as I refused to speak to the kids at all. We left Stoneacre together with King David and King Myles and the President as the kids and everyone had left earlier, annoyed with me would you believe. Even Nicole and Josh had left early and I had not even had chance to see them to arrange what we would be doing. To my surprise the media was out in force and as our cars opened their doors at the same time the next day's papers had the photo and the headline was "Leaders of the World rejoice together at Christmas." As we were led through the assembly hall the audience stood and started applauding. I was shocked to see prime ministers, princes and queens from all over the world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- That's all for now folks ... Chapter 15 to follow soon was Written at christmas and we have the children having fun in a Christmas concert... Love does not bode well for LJ ... chapter 16 will follow soon and is the final one in this part. The character list has been reduced by those that do not appear again... If you enjoy reading the stories on nifty consider donating to the site to help with costs - http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html I would like to thank all of those that have written to me to say how much they are enjoying the story. Many of you have already read my other story Moonside Manor (that one is in Beginnings as well). Continue to let me know what you think it really helps to inspire me ... Write me with your feedback and comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com ... For those of you that do contact me I will always try to reply. If there are any editors out there let me know. I have reviewed it, but a second pair of eyes never hurts. A little about myself ... I'm Kev, from the UK and born in Yorkshire... Ancestors were miners. Me I'm and accountant looking for a job. so now I wrote. I have always loved writing and hope you enjoy...Let me know!!