Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2015 13:59:44 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Green Grow the Rushes O chapter 5 *Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 5* *By Eff Del* *For as long as men have been thinking, there have been those who have speculated on the meaning of life.* *What a ridiculous enterprise when the answer is so obvious and simple;* *The meaning of life is that it is to be lived and enjoyed as much and as long as possible. There is no mystery in that. * "Dad...what just happened? Why is Jack crying and why are you so angry?" Sean was confused as I urged him out of the pool. I couldn't answer him because I was so personally shocked at my outburst against Jack. Was this how I was going to react to every teenaged attempt at independence? Perhaps I was too young to be the parent of these boys after all and I'd just been kidding myself. As we entered the shower room, Jack was already dressed and he looked back at me with such a sorrowful countenance that it broke my heart. We didn't exchange a single word as he left. As we entered under separate showerheads, I said to Sean; "We'll talk about it later little man. I have to check on some things very urgently. You can find something to do...maybe practice your song? Is that OK Sean?" "Sure Dad that's OK." He sounded so sad as he said it that I felt I was suddenly failing at a task I'd been so happy with. I knew where I had to go for my answers. ******* I'd tracked him down quickly and we were now seated in the library with drinks in hand. I'd told him openly about the incident and he looked at me intently. He ran his index finger around the rim of his tumbler and typically, he absently pushed his glasses back up from the tip of his nose. "Well Eric, do I need to tell you that was a total over reaction? Frankly, if I didn't know you so well I'd consider it bi-polar. Let's think about the situation: First, you have been raising these two boys rather liberally and the rules have been ephemeral at best. That of course, is mostly because you've been so much a consistent part of their lives. You've constantly been there to say what was and what wasn't all right. You've denied them nothing and while you haven't been overindulgent by your standards, they are leading very comfortable lives. Jack is sixteen and you've never denied him anything, how can you be angry over the fact that he just assumed inviting a young lady to spend the night was within the parameters of permission? You've never laid down a set of rules so how can you be angry with him for breaking a tenet he wasn't even aware of? To further compound that by telling him you could never trust him again...Eric, think about that. Could you have said anything more devastating to a boy at such a fragile point in life? Furthermore, you imply that by using Daniel to set up the liaison...which is exactly what you'd have done had Jack come to you with the request...he will be responsible for the man losing his job...my Lord Eric! That's a big kettle of fish to dump on a wonderful sixteen-year-old boy who's never done a bad thing in his life! Don't you agree?" "Yes Doc. I think I knew it as it was happening but I just couldn't stop...I couldn't take a breath and pause to think. It just came out. So, what do I do now?" "If I were you, I'd go to him and I'd apologize for everything I'd said especially about the trust issues. I'd explain that I was under a great deal of stress...which you are certainly under...and that you were taken aback by the fact that he'd made his arrangements without consulting you. You might even explain that you're pretty new at being a parent and you'll make many mistakes but hopefully never again one as hurtful as this. Jack's a sweet boy and all he wants is for you to love him Eric. If you act quickly, there will be little or no harm done. Later, you need to meet with Daniel who most certainly acted based upon the liberal way you treat the boys and just assumed your permission had been obtained. You need to firmly but politely explain the rules of permission to him so he'll never again inadvertently do something like this without your knowledge. Daniel is a true professional Eric, but he also needs more substantial parameters to work within. He's trying to anticipate and to make your life less complicated but he needs some ground rules to work with." "What do I do about Sean Doc? He was there and witnessed the whole thing. I know he's upset and confused." "Frankly Eric, if you can, I'd have him there when you talk to Jack. He's not a baby, he's a very bright boy. A shared conversation might be a tonic for the three of you." ******* I found Sean in his room playing a lovely melody on his new guitar. "Hi Champ, how long ago did Jack leave?" He looked up at me puzzled for a moment and then said; "Oh, he didn't go anywhere Dad. He's in his room." I nodded my head and said; "Could you come with my please Sean?" He looked at me with apprehension and his eyes were watery. "Dad...you're not gonna kick Jack out are you?" I smiled what I knew was a sad smile. "No Sean. You'll see. Would you come with me please?" He got off the bed and just like when I'd first brought him home, he reached out and took my hand and we walked across the hall together. Jack's door was ajar but I knocked anyway. He was sitting at his desk typing at his computer. He turned at my knock and his eyes were glassy and his cheeks tear stained. "I-I'm just trying to write an email to the guys on the ship telling them I won't be back after all and I'm trying to word it so they won't be ashamed of me. I really want to be a named participant on this voyage." "Don't write anything Jack. Come sit with Sean and me." He got up from his chair and the three of us sat side by side on the edge of his bed. "Jack, first off, I'm speaking to you about what happened in the pool today, but I'm really speaking to both of you. Try to listen and understand. When I was a boy, there were certain rules and guidelines for what was OK and not OK to do. I was raised with those rules and for the most part, I obeyed them. Those rules are still so ingrained in my head that I forgot they are not a part of your upbringing and therefore, you can't be expected to be constrained by them. Jack, I got unreasonably angry at you for something you didn't even understand was wrong. I'll offer up as an explanation that I'm under a lot of stress right now and I hope you realize that I'm awful young to be the parent of a teenager and a soon to be teenaged boy. Up until now, neither of you has done anything without talking to me first. Jack, this was the first time you did something like that and my initial reaction was that you were going behind my back and that made me feel betrayed and very angry. I now realize that based upon your experience here with me, you had every right to assume it would be OK. The failure...the shortcoming... was in my not establishing guidelines for both of you. We'll do that the day you return from your voyage Jack." His eyes were wide opened and he almost smiled. "So you're really going to let me finish the voyage before you send me back to the NEST?" "Who said anything about sending you back to the NEST? You two have to get over that crap. You're my sons and you live HERE. I'm going to put down a list of basic and simple rules that will be easy to understand and not very strict so nothing like this should ever happen again. I seriously over reacted Jack but that was because I felt you'd violated a rule that you didn't know existed. This ugly incident was my entire fault not yours. I will of course, be speaking to Daniel and he'll have his own set of new rules so nothing like this can ever happen again even accidentally. Finally Jack, I hope you can forget and forgive everything I said about trust issues. What I said was ugly and completely unjustified. You've never done anything to violate my trust and I believe you never will. I was stupidly angry but I've happily come to my senses and I hope you can forgive me. I love you Jack and I'm very sorry for what I said downstairs." He was wrapping his arms around me and crying. "I was so sad. I couldn't figure out what I'd done so wrong to make you so mad. I've tried so hard to be what you wanted me to be...I love you so much Dad...thanks for being so honest with me...us." As I wiped my eyes, I suddenly realized that Jack shouldn't be here. "I thought you were supposed to be picking up Amanda Jack." "I called her and told her I was sick. It was OK with her since she didn't know most of the people anyway." I looked at my Rolex. "Still two and a half hours before the ceremony guys. What about a nap in my bed?" They greeted that suggestion with enthusiasm. As we stripped down, I proclaimed; "Underpants stay on. We're napping not playing." "Dad, you're becoming a grouch." Sean was grinning as he said it. Jack just beamed as we formed a pile of arms and legs. I remembered to set the alarm on the bedside table. ******* I woke up long before the alarm sounded and gently nudged my two sleeping tiger cubs. They looked up me a bit groggy eyed but I urged them out of bed and into the shower. They complied leaving a short trail of underpants behind them. I contributed my own to the little line. As we were under the spray of the multiple showerheads, I ran my hand down Jack's cheek. It was smooth and I smiled at him. "Good job shaving this morning Jack. You don't need to do a touch-up." Thinking quickly, I ran my hand down Sean's cheek and said; "Neither do you little man." He giggled but I knew he was happy to be included in this ritual. After we'd toweled off, I send them to their rooms to get dressed. Before he left, Jack turned and hugged me. "Dad, thank you so much. You're the best person I know in this whole world. I want to be just like you." I rubbed my hand down his strong young back and withheld a sob. "Jack, you're as fine a son as a man could ask for. I only wish we'd all been a family long ago. I hope and wish that you'll grow into a much better man than me. I love you Jack. Always know that." He kissed me and smiled and then he was out the door. ******* I stood before the full-length mirror frankly admiring myself. Since Sean came into my life, I'd gotten myself back into shape and, I had no qualms admitting that I looked damned good. I tweaked my bow tie and turned at the sound of someone entering the room. Tall, tanned and glowing with youthful beauty, Jack was magnificent in his formal attire. I signaled him over to me and adjusted his bow tie. Even clip-ons can get askew. "Wow Jack, you look wonderful." "Oh yeah? Well so do you Dad. You're incredible." "Get outta here...I bet you say that to all the almost thirty year old guys who've adopted you." He scrunched his nose and looked at me confused. Neither of my boys fully understood my weird sense of humor yet. "Never mind Jack that was just a stupid joke." "Dad I need you to help me with this stupid cucumber!" Sean had stormed into my room. "What Sean?" "This cucumber. I don't unnerstand it an' I don't know what it's for an' I don't know how to put it on." I smiled when I saw he was waving the formal waist sash. I reached out and took it from him. I noted happily that he seemed to have managed all of the shirt studs by himself. I took it from him smiling. Sometimes, despite my need to correct him, I loved "Seanisms." "First off little man, it's a cummerbund not a cucumber. Way back in the nineteenth century when the British army was in India, they adopted the local custom of wearing sashes around their wastes on formal occasions. Those were called `kamarbands'. Later, when tuxedoes came into fashion, cummerbunds were used instead of vests. You put it around your waist with the pleats facing up which is why they're sometimes called `crumb catchers'. They make a guy look slimmer and taller and just set things off when you are wearing formal attire. Take off your jacket and I'll fix you right up." I wrapped the garment around his waist and fastened it. "Put your jacket back on Sean." My heart did a flip flop as I looked at him. He was stunningly beautiful ...not handsome...lots of boys were handsome...Sean was beautiful. I had a flash of a thought that I might cry but he took care of that when he made a pretend pistol with his hands and did his `Sean Bond' bit again. I adjusted his tie and gestured to the door. "OK guys, let's go get John married." I couldn't get over how wonderful they both looked. ******* John and I watched from the solarium as Sean and Jack escorted the guests to their seats. It wasn't a large wedding...many staff and a small grouping of friends. Except for John's parents, there was no family. Sean escorted Tim and Alice to their prominent seat with a very formal look on his face. He took responsibilities very seriously. Doc Swaim walked out, stood under the arbor, and nodded in our direction. "Time to pony up cowboy." I said as I guided him out onto the garden. The boys were already standing at the right side of the arbor and John and I walked out and stood beside them. At a nod from Doc, the stringed quartet began to play Pachelbel's Canon in D. Martha walked elegantly toward the arbor followed by the two other girls. After a short space of time, Jenny; escorted by Uncle Phil, walked down between the chairs. She was beautiful in a simple white dress and a small veil. If I was straight, I know I'd have popped wood she was so stunning. Uncle Phil was beaming as if he'd been waiting to do this his entire life and Jenny was glowing with joy. There was no other way to describe it except `glowing with joy'. Doc Swaim was leaning down with a big toothy smile. "Who presents this man to be engaged in marriage?" Tim stood up and with his arm on Alice's shoulder said; "His mother and I do." Smile never fading Doc asked; "Who gives this woman to be engaged in marriage?" Uncle Phil teary eyed responded; "I do as do all of us who love her." He kissed her and took a seat. Doc Swaim smiled again and said; "This couple had chosen to light a unity candle. Two flames will become one signifying their own union. As they do this, they've asked Sean Tucker to perform the `Wedding Song'. Sean quickly moved aside and took up his guitar. His fingers ran amongst the strings and the arpeggio was magnificent...typical Sean. John and Jenny took two lighted candles and together lit a large one placed on the table that served as the alter for this service As Sean's youthful voice filled the air, I thought that I would weep. `He is now to be among us at the joining of your hearts. Rest Assured this troubadour is acting out his part. The union of your spirits here have caused him to remain. Whenever two or more of you are gathered in his name... There is love." Doc Swaim then pulled the couple together and said; "John and Jenny, will you now profess your vows before all of these here assembled and exchange rings as a symbol of those vows." That was my cue to produce John's ring for Jenny while Martha played her part on the other side. I handed John the ring and he spoke the words that they had created together: "Jenny, I take you to be my wife lover and friend. I swear to cherish you for as long as the rivers flow, as long as the grass still grows...for that long and one day longer." Jenny smiled and replied; "John, I take you to be my husband lover and friend. I swear to cherish you for as long as the rivers flow, as long as the grass still grows...for that long and one day longer." Beaming a large toothy smile, Doc Swaim then said; "You've chosen to seal your vows by exchanging rings. Do so now. My heart pumped wildly as he slipped the plain golden band onto Jenny's finger, he recited the ritual; "By this ring I thee wed." Jenny repeated the ceremony and then Doc Swaim proclaimed: "By the power invested in me by the state, I now pronounce you man and wife." Everyone in attendance burst into a round of applause. The blushing but happy couple stepped down from the arbor. As everyone moved to the big lawn where the reception was being held, I walked over to Sean as he was putting his guitar into the case. "That was so wonderful Sean. You brought tears to my eyes." His smile warmed my heart as he beamed up at me. "Thanks Dad. I wanted it to be good for them." "When you sing and play Sean, it's always good...it's better than good." ******* The reception party was wonderful although I didn't particularly enjoy the DJ, I noticed that most of the guests did and therefore he was doing his job properly. I remembered the very old slogan; different strokes for different folks At some point during the celebration, I turned John's mother; "My Mother's name was Alice so I loved you at once." She smiled at me warmly. "I've loved you ever since Johnny told me about you all those years ago Erick." "Well, it's been a long road Alice but John's been there for me the whole way." "He loves you so much Erick and you've been wonderful to him." "No more than he has been to me Alice." After the fine meal, it was time for the couple to leave which of course meant the traditional tossing of the garter. As it flew through the air I thought to myself `please no' but slick as snot, it landed in Jack's hand. "Well that's one tradition that isn't going to be fulfilled." I said to no one in particular. Arlen had the limo waiting and I'd made certain there was Champaign for the newlyweds. It was almost an hour's drive to the big airport. Everyone was there to cheer them off. The party continued but I pulled Daniel aside. "You and I will have a serious discussion tomorrow." He looked surprised but he acknowledged my command at once. I hadn't kept track of Jack's beers but I sensed he was a bit loopy. I rounded up Sean and with my arm around Jack I said; "Time for bed boys" I guided them into the house and down the hall to the elevator. Without even asking, they walked into my bedroom and began undressing. "Get into bed and sleep guys. I'm going back down and making certain that the party winds down properly." ******* Tim and Alice were engaged in a conversation with Martha as I walked back into the party. They smiled as I approached. "Eric, Johnny told us about the wonderful honeymoon you gave them. I'm so happy for them. We had a weekend at a Holiday Inn in Atlantic City, New Jersey." "Well Tim, I hope you and Alice have considered my offer that you stay here for a while and treat it as a vacation. Arlen will be available to drive you anywhere you'd like or, if you prefer, I have many cars you can select if you choose to drive yourself. They're in great shape...I've got a first class mechanic." We all laughed together. "Assuming that you're serious Eric, we'd like to stay a bit. Alice and I were talking last night and we've decided that now that John and I are back on track with each other, we'd like to be closer than a continent away. Marriage quite often leads to children and if we're going to be grandparents, we want to be familiar grandparents. Jenny's folks are sadly gone so we'd be the only `Grans' the kids would have. If you seriously don't mind us mooching on you, we'd like to look around for a home. I've already had three offers to buy the Dew Drop Inn so, I think we could retire comfortably." "What's the Dew Drop Inn Tim?" "It's our restaurant/bar in Philadelphia. I've owned and managed it for twenty seven years. I used to think it would be Johnny's someday but as you know, he had other plans. The poolroom is very popular and very competitive. That's where John cut his teeth so to speak. It's very well thought of and relatively profitable but I'm ready for a change and I'm ready to be nearer to my son and new daughter-in-law. The income from the sale of the business and our house should allow us a comfortable retirement." I quickly thought about the condominiums being built on the newly acquired property at the north of the estate. "You know Tim; I might be in a position to make you the proverbial offer you can't refuse. Let's get together tomorrow we can talk about this after breakfast...oh and as to `mooching', John's parents are my parents please feel comfortable about staying as long as you like. It's not as if we don't have room." Richard, Barry and Chris were standing together laughing over something. I approached them and it was obvious that they'd all had a bit to drink. They were all so intensely involved in their jobs that I was glad they were allowing themselves to get so loose. I was also happy that they'd accepted Chris into their inner circle. I supposed his heroics during the invasion of the estate had earned him credentials in the eyes of the trained Skuggor agents who were his neighbors. "Well guys, did we get them properly hitched?" "I'd say so Boss, you certainly throw a helluva party." I smiled and replied; "Thanks Barry, I hope you don't wake up with a helluva headache." I found Uncle Phil sitting in a corner away from the music. I sat down next to him and put my arm around his shoulder to comfort him just as he'd done for me so many times, as I grew up. "You miss him don't you?" He shrugged and spoke without looking at me; "He was my last tie to my past. We were two smart young kids fresh from the service though Walter had done shit I never knew about, I'd learned shit that Walt wouldn't have thought about. We met your father and together we forged an empire. We were gloriously paid for our efforts and we loved every minute of it. It was wonderful Eric. Now, I've got no one to share it with. Those wonderful young men you've moved in with me try very hard to make me a part of things but, I'm older and therefore less energetic. They don't understand the crazy and dangerous stuff we did with your father...Hell Eric, you don't know or understand that stuff" "Your little speech giving Jenny away was pretty nice." "She's a sweet girl and they deserve to be happy. I've always liked John." He took a long pull on his drink and turned to me. "Chris can do this Erick. He can do this right now. He's smarter than me and quicker than me and has new ideas. You're in good hands kid." He stood up and kissed me on the head and walked off. After the DJ packed up and left, the party closed down, the bar was shut off and the incentive to stay was seriously inhibited. I walked into the room and found them asleep but entwined. They'd obviously been engaged in more than getting comfortable. They loved each other and had been so close for most of their lives. I realized that I'd had that same relationship with Kyle. I undressed and lay down alongside of them and pulled the comforter over us all. Instinctively they moved and squirmed up against me. Suddenly I was in the middle of two boys who were totally asleep. What the hell could be better than that? ************************* I love your comments and feedback Email me at nolitimere156@gmail.com And don't forget to donate to NIFTY or none of this is happening.