Date: Thu, 4 Jul 2019 13:14:14 +0100 From: Clive Westwood Subject: Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 19 Relationships Please remember to donate to Nifty, it gives so much to all of us. Any amount, large or small, is welcome in order to keep this free site available. Thank you, donations to the address below. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 19 It was morning, Vinny had been locked away in Baz's suite since the previous afternoon, Baz was finally sleeping peacefully. He pulled out his cell phone and sent a text to Paulette. 'Bring a tray, leave it outside the door, knock once and go, I love you'. Baz was still sleeping when Vinny heard the single knock, he waited a couple of minutes then opened the door to collect the tray. Paulette had exceeded his expectations, his stomach actually growled at the thought of food. He'd set the tray on the low table in the sitting area then gently shook Baz awake. "Morning Bro, I don't know about you but I'm starving, come on, I got us some breakfast sent in". Baz looked confused, then sounded amazed as he stretched saying. "You're here, I thought I dreamt it, you really came". Vinny smiled. "I made all of you a promise, Poppa said you needed me, that's all it took". They sat side by side on a sofa, scoffing the food Paulette had delivered. "We talked a lot last night Baz, and believe me, I understand, there's a solution I think, but I'm not clever enough to do what needs to be done to help you properly, my solution will need you to spend some quality time discussing your troubles with a professional who's qualified to really help you, will you do that for me?". He didn't reply at first. "You think I'm mad". Vinny actually giggled. "Baz that's not up for debate, you've always been a little off your trolley, most of us are, well, except for Gracie, she blew the wheels off her bloody trolley years ago, but seriously, this is what I think they call a sort of trauma, you learnt some really heavy stuff which your mind is doing weird things with, it doesn't mean you're mad, it just means you need some professional help in sorting it, dealing with it". He'd carried on eating, then. "What if I refuse?". Vinny put his fork down and turned to him. "You really want to go there?, I'm your big brother, repeat the pledge I made to you". Baz started reciting. 'I don't know how I will do it, but I pledge to you all, I will solve and make right any problem that befalls you, don't ever doubt me, call and I will come running'. Vinny now spoke firmly. "Where in that pledge does it mention you have a choice?". Baz half smiled. "What if they can't sort my head out Vinny?, and even if they can, it doesn't alter how much I hurt Annie, how will it change anything?". He was crying again and Vinny pulled him into a hug. "One problem at a time Bro, let's get you to a better place, then I give you my promise, I'll work on the situation between you and Annie, if I have to make it my life's ambition so be it, I need to see my little Bro happy again". Vinny only just heard it, he was talking so quietly. "Okay I'll do it, what do I have to do?". Vinny actually heard himself sigh, felt a tear rolling down his cheek. "Absolutely nothing, I'll arrange everything, now I need a shower, how about you?". Baz shook his head. "I'm really tired, I think I'll sleep a little longer, you go see Paulette, but Vinny, thanks for coming, really, I think I was going mad". Vinny just stuck his thumb up, collected the tray and left Baz to sleep. Far from showering, Vinny headed straight to his Poppas office, where he called Guardian's Control Room. "Hi it's Vinny, can you connect me with HR please, ....... Oh hi, it's Vinny, I have a problem and I'm not sure if anyone would be able to help me, I need the name and number of a really good therapist for a close family member, it's all to do with learning something that the mind seems unable to deal with, whoever we use has to be damned good, ....... really?, and you found her okay?, .... well that's reassuring, and thanks for sharing, it won't go any further I promise, would you be able to send the details to my Poppas home office, I'm hoping we could try to get an immediate consultation, .......... you would?, I don't know what to say, except thanks, call me on my cell, control will connect you, and seriously, thank you". It was now eleven in the morning, Vinny hadn't slept in nearly two days, but he didn't intend to now, the girl he'd spoken to at Guardian had recommended a therapist she'd personally used, and could vouch for, she was also going to call and try for an immediate consultation, Vinny was determined. Entering the lounge he stopped dead, he'd expected to find his Poppas, Paulette, Jez, and Gracie, but Pil and DJ were there as well. "Wow, when did you guys get in?". They both got up to hug with him, Pil replied. "A little after you last night, I can't believe you've been in there nearly fifteen hours with him, how's he doing?". Vinny noticed the coffee pot and poured himself a cup, grimacing at the unfamiliar bitter taste. "He's sleeping again, I don't think he'd slept for days, I was worried at first that he was using something to give him energy because he was completely hyped, he kept touching me, he didn't believe I was really here, he actually thought he was hallucinating, we talked non stop until about eight o'clock this morning, then he went to sleep muttering Vinny's coming, Vinny's coming, over and over again, anyway, to cut a long story short, he's agreed to see a therapist, to try and work through what happened, I'm waiting for a call back anytime now". At just that point his cell signalled an incoming call. "Hello, yes please, connect her, hi this is Vinny, .................. okay, ............ it's my brother Baz, ............. yes we can make that, .............. no problem, he's not on any medication, ............. how much do you want to know?, ................ okay, in a nutshell, he and his wife had a stupid spat, which was made worse by them both becoming annoyed, he asked if she was seeing someone else, she was annoyed that he asked so she lied and said possibly, he went completely to pieces, refused to speak to her for several months, in the period where he wasn't speaking to her, she suffered several really bad events, I'd rather not say what they were, I think Baz needs to admit them to you, anyway, he now blames himself for not being there with her, I'm worried he might be losing his grip on the real world, I've just spent fifteen hours talking to him, throughout that time he kept touching me, to confirm I was real, when he woke up this morning he was genuinely surprised to see me, he thought he'd been dreaming, ......... three o'clock, okay, and thank you". He closed his cell and realised they were all staring at him. "That was the therapist, she'll see him for a first consultation at three o'clock this afternoon, would you guys mind keeping an eye on him, I need sleep, make sure I'm awake by two o'clock". With that Vinny lay down on a sofa and was asleep in seconds. He was conscious of someone gently shaking him. "Vinny luv, it's two o'clock, you need to shower". He'd opened his eyes to the sight of Paulette above him, stretching he'd said. "And what a beautiful sight to be woken up by, I swear that's what angels look like". She was giggling. "Less of the blarney Mr, get moving". He'd gone to Baz's suite, and found him still asleep, with both of his Poppas sitting on the sofa watching him. "Okay Poppas, thanks for that, I'm going to wake him now and get him cleaned up". Twenty minutes later, a much better presented Baz and Vinny emerged into the lounge. Baz was visibly nervous at seeing everybody, until Gracie threw her arms around him. "Don't be embarrassed Bro, Vinny's going to get you sorted". Before he knew it a joint hug was in session, until Vinny broke it up. "Okay let's go". Baz looked relieved as he said to Vinny. "You're coming with me?, really". Vinny just smiled. "You bet I'm coming with you, I'll never be more than a few feet away from you, maybe not in the room, but close enough to hear you shout if you need me". Their driver pulled up outside a pretty house in the Sydney suburbs. The door opened to reveal a woman of about fifty, smart but casually dressed. "Wow, it must be my luck day, two handsome men at my door, please stand there a couple of minutes longer just to get the neighbors talking". They both laughed and she invited them in. Vinny introduced them. "Thank you so much for making time for us this afternoon, I'm Vinny, we spoke earlier, this is my younger brother Baz, I promised Baz I wouldn't be more than a few feet away from him this afternoon, so would you mind if I wait somewhere close by whilst you talk?". She shook hands with both of them. "I'm Clara, there's a reception seating area right outside my study, there are magazines to keep you occupied, Baz and I will be somewhere between an hour and two hours, make yourself comfortable Vinny, shall we go into my study Baz?". He nodded, Vinny could easily see the nerves showing. Around an hour and a half later the door to the study opened, and Vinny was completely amazed, a smiling Baz emerged, with Clara saying to him. "So, the same time tomorrow Baz, enjoy being with family this evening, I hope the BBQ goes alright". Vinny asked. "How do we pay you Clara?". She turned from Baz to Vinny. "You don't Vinny, Baz has his medical benefits package with TF Management, he's given me the details, they'll settle his account, I work with them often, but thank you for being concerned enough to ask". In bidding them goodbye she slipped a note into Vinny's hand, which he didn't get a chance to read until they got home. As they traveled home in the car Vinny could tell there was an improvement already. "Was it okay Baz, you weren't uncomfortable?". Baz answered after a few seconds. "Uncomfortable no, but Jesus Vinny, I was absolutely bricking it when I went in, then before I knew it she said it was an hour and a half, I don't know where the time went, I seemed to be talking non stop, but it's not like I pictured it would be, I don't remember us talking about me and Annie, we talked about you, about the Poppas, about Daddy, but all the while it was like a weight was being lifted off me, I don't really know how to describe it, I can't wait for tomorrow". Back at the Harbourside House Jez, Pil, and Gracie had everything set up for the BBQ, and everyone was gobsmacked when a seemingly old Baz fitted right in with them. Vinny slipped into his and Paulettes bedroom suite to read the note Clara had passed to him as they left, he couldn't say he was surprised. 'Expect a miraculous recovery and no need of further sessions, it's a common reaction, I access six sessions, but it can't be forced, I can work with Baz but he has to be willing to work with me, if he's completely against returning, it may be a mistrust of me, don't challenge that, change therapists, you are right, he does need help, but it has to be help, not force'. Vinny took charge of grilling whilst Piers and Milo looked on in wonderment. As the boys were cleaning up afterwards, Piers commented. "It's like a miracle transition, what exactly happened, is that it, is he okay?". Vinny hated doing it, but he had to burst their bubble. "No Poppa, it's completely false, he's acting, looking for exactly the reaction you just gave, I suspect tomorrow will be crunch time". Vinny was right, Baz was up for breakfast bright and early next morning, and much to the surprise of everyone, he was dressed for the office. Milo had said. "You're going in to work Baz?". Baz's response set them all to worrying. "I am Poppa, I feel fantastic for the first time in years, I think yesterday did exactly what I needed, I can get back to normal now". Vinny locked eyes with everyone individually around the table, and with a quick flick of his eyes he slowly cleared the room, he did it so subtly that it was a few minutes after the last one left that Baz realised it was just him and Vinny left in the room. He sounded a little bewildered, not at all the confident Baz he'd been projecting. "Where did every one go?". Vinny just looked at him for several moments. "They left to give us space to talk". He didn't reply, just looked down, dejectedly, so Vinny continued. "It's not happening Baz, you're not sacking the therapy off, you can go into the office if it's what you want to do, but I'll be collecting you a little before two o'clock, don't fight me on this Baz, you gave me your word, I'm going to hold you too it". Vinny saw the teardrops falling onto the table as his brother sat with head bowed. "I need you to trust me Baz, so let's strike a bargain, six sessions, you've already done one, so five more, if you can tell me in all honesty that it's not doing you any good after the sixth session, I'll back off, but not before, agreed?". Vinny saw the nodding head. "Say it Baz". "Yes Vinny I agree, and I know you're right, but I'm frightened, there'll come a point when I have to talk about Annie, but I'll do six sessions". Vinny sighed. "Thanks Bro, I'm proud of you". Baz did look up at that. "Why?". Vinny smiled, reaching out to take his hand. "Because it takes a lot of guts to admit you're frightened of something, even more to meet it head on". Piers had been stood in the lounge wrapped in Milo's arms, watching, but the sight of Baz's tears dropping to the table had started him sobbing, it was Paulette who'd calmed him. "Don't be upset, Vinny will make it right, he's promised Baz he'll help him get better, you know Vinny, a promise is a promise, there is no other scenario". Baz didn't go to work, but he did still manage to surprise Vinny, who found him sitting, dressed and ready to leave, in the lounge a little before two o'clock that afternoon. "I'm ready Vinny". Vinny was thrown for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Give me five minutes Baz, I'll just throw on a clean shirt". Clara had welcomed them into her home at exactly three o'clock. "Hello boys, how did your BBQ go, I kept thinking about you whilst eating my salad". Baz didn't respond so Vinny chipped in. "It was good, you would be welcome to join us sometime, we always cook enough for the entire neighbourhood". She looked at Baz. "Would you like to go in and get settled Baz, I just need to speak with your brother about something, I'll only be a moment". As soon as Baz left them she asked if her note had been helpful. "You were spot on, thank you for preparing me, and I know he has no issues with you, he's frightened of the point where you will bring up Annie, his ex wife". She nodded. "Thank you for that Vinny, enjoy the magazines, I got a couple of IT ones for you". Vinny looked at his watch and noticed it was now over two hours that Baz had been in there, and it concerned him, it was either good or bad, but he had no way of knowing which, in fact he realised he had been on the verge of dropping off to sleep when the study door opened, his head snapped up with a start. There wasn't the bubbly confident Baz exiting that he'd seen yesterday, he was seeing an almost relieved looking Baz coming out today. Clara saw them to the door. "Same time tomorrow Baz, and remember, up front and honest, goodbye lads". It had been silence in the car for about five minutes when Baz blurted out. "I'm sorry Vinny, I tried to fool you yesterday, we talked about Annie today, a lot". Vinny asked. "So tomorrow, you're okay with going again?". Baz sighed. "Yeh, and I doubt I'll be holding you to the six sessions we agreed, today taught me a lot, oh don't get me wrong, I'm not trying the miraculously cured routine, I learnt that talking about your fears doesn't get rid of them, but afterwards they don't seem quite so frightening somehow, that probably sounds completely nuts, but after all, I am, that's why I'm going there right?". Vinny giggled. "So, if you're a nut job anyway, how the fuck are we going to know when you're cured?". At that they both burst into uproarious laughter. Baz's sixth session was Saturday and Clara's last question was about continuing his therapy. "Do you feel you've got anything out of our sessions Baz?". He answered almost immediately. "Yes, definitely, but the trouble I'm having is knowing what, I mean, I'm not the almost schizophrenic terrified person my brother led here trembling a week ago, so one thing I can definitely claim as a victory is the fact that it's no longer frightening to think about, or talk about things that were taboo in the past, but I still don't know if I can accept the things I did, I can admit I did them, but I can't forgive myself for them, I don't know if that makes sense, I know sometimes it doesn't make sense to me". Clara smiled. "I think you're progressing well toward being able to see how to properly deal with the issues that brought you here, I feel you have a way to go yet, so the question for you is, do you feel you want to continue?". Baz shot back quickly. "What if I said no?". Clara was still smiling. "Then this would be our last session". He was surprised, and he had to admit, a little disappointed. "Aren't you supposed to encourage me to go on?". She took a drink of water before answering. "I've made it quite plain to you all along, I can only work with you if you want to work with me, if that's not the case then so be it". He again responded quite quickly. "I want to go on, I don't know how you did it but you got me to talk about, and admit what I felt about things I haven't dared let into my mind for over three years, I need to do more, I just don't know what, so yes, I want to continue the sessions". She looked down at her diary. "How would you feel about doing three sessions next week, two sessions the week after, and a single session the week after that?, it's still six sessions, but split over a longer period, it would mean you could try going back to work". Ho pondered on it for a couple of minutes. "Yes, I like that idea, could we make the first session on Tuesday?, I'll go back to work Monday, I can tell you how it went on Tuesday, the rest of the sessions can be whatever is convenient for you". She agreed and booked him in for Tuesday, before seeing him and a half awake Vinny out of the building. In the car Baz looked at Vinny. "We've got the next set of sessions pegged, over three weeks, a three, then a two, then a one, and I'm going back to work Monday, my first session next week is Tuesday so we can talk about how it went on the work front, you really are a life saver Vinny, it's not solved all my problems, but it's brought me back from the edge, I considered suicide you know, I was considering it when you came I think, I don't really know for sure because I can't tell what was real and what wasn't about that time, I suppose what I'm saying is you don't have to babysit me now, I understand why it's important to carry this therapy on, I've got a long way to go yet, but I'll do it, if only because I owe it to you". Vinny responded, he wasn't smiling. "You owe me nothing, be very clear on that point, the only person who you owe is yourself, you have robbed you of something, and you have to find a way of making that good with you, work toward that goal and I'll be happy, but know how proud I am of you Bro, and not just for this, for gaining your Masters, and being admitted to the Barr as a Barrister, I'm as proud as fucking punch of you". On the Gold Coast they were having a wonderful time, they'd only eaten out two nights of the six they'd been there. Whilst in Sydney, Jez had showed Cade and Pev how to use the massive Grill Vinny had installed at the Harbourside house, telling them the one at the Gold Coast apartment was an exact replica, and by day two on the Gold Coast they were itching to try it, shopping for meat and fish, veg and salads in the daytime at various markets, spending time marinating in the afternoon, and thoroughly enjoying producing dinner for everyone in the evening. JJ was almost back to normal, he would say he was definitely pain free, ache free was another thing, he was constantly aware of the danger of overdoing it, pushing himself too much, not exercising at the right intervals, but he was grateful for the improvement Ahmed had produced. As they were sat relaxing after dinner on Saturday, watching the boys cleaning the grill, whilst Gis packed away the left overs and carried china and glassware to the dishwasher, Jem asked. "So Ahmed, have you given any more thought to setting up on your own?". He'd looked at Jem and JJ, both had inquisitive expressions. "It's a most appealing thought, but still an extremely expensive undertaking, I have a little in the way of saving, but nowhere near what would be required, it's a nice dream, but nothing more I'm afraid". JJ asked. "So let's talk theoretically, humour us, if you had the finance, if money were not an obstacle, would you do it?, and where would you choose to set up?". He smiled, thinking it was a game, nothing more. "Yes, most definitely, if I had the money, and as for where, here, or rather Sydney, it's a wonderfully captivating city, I think I've fallen in love with it". The boys had rejoined them to hear his answer and agreed, with Cade saying. "I agree, it's nice here, but this is a holiday place, Sydney is the business, it has just about everything, who wouldn't want to live there". JJ looked at Jem, then directed a question to Gis and Pev. "What about you Pev, and you Gis, do you agree with Cade, would you like to live in Sydney?". Both looked as if he'd asked something really stupid, in fact Gis went further. "Duh, as if that is even a question, of course we'd choose here". Jem's response had all of their heads snapping to attention. "So if we decided to move back here you'd all be agreeable?". The response came as a shouted 'Yes' in unison, and JJ's next comment was greeted with equal enthusiasm. "It looks like we have a new mission, to find a house to call home, and get you guys into a good school". Jem looked at JJ and nodded toward Ahmed who was laughing with the kids, he didn't see JJ nod back at Jem who said. "And Ahmed, we have a mission for you as well, find your clinic space, you are going to set up in Sydney, we'll finance you, we can go over the details later, but be assured, it's happening". JJ had been calling Piers every day to check on Baz's progress, his call on Saturday had Piers almost screaming down the line at hearing they'd decided to come back to Sydney, and would be starting a house hunting exercise in the next week, but Piers surprised JJ when he told him. "The owners of the house next door would consider a sale, you must remember how fantastic it is". JJ almost screamed back. "Bloody hell Piers, get us in to look around, but from memory it's perfect, Jem always said he couldn't make his mind up which he liked best Harbourside House or, isn't that one called Harbour House?, we're planning on returning Wednesday if that doesn't inconvenience you, and Ahmed's definitely setting up a clinic in Sydney, so he'll be looking for suitable premises too". Piers was almost jumping but he suddenly remembered something. "Jez mentioned that the building next to TF is coming on the market, from memory I think he said it has fifteen floors and eight are let, that leaves seven floors he could pick from, would you think about Milo and I sharing the risk on that venture with you, if we bought the building, we almost negate any possibility of loss, discuss it with Jem and Ahmed, I'll make sure you can look around next door when you're back, I can't wait to see you". JJ mentioned Piers suggestion of their sharing the risk on financing Ahmed's venture and Jem typically bowed to JJ's preferences, as for the news that Harbour House was a possibility he was ecstatic, questioning whether they ought to go back right away before it sold but JJ dismissed that idea. "Piers said they know the owners, he'll make sure we don't lose out". They'd supposedly gone back to enjoying their holiday, but no one was fooled, everyone was itching to get back to Sydney. Everyone that was, except Ahmed, who asked to talk with them on Monday. "I'm nervous, I know you mean well, but what if I make a mess of it, don't charge enough, don't get enough clients to cover costs, there are so many things that could go wrong, I haven't slept since you made your decision, I think I have to say no". Jem physically deferred to JJ with a wave of his hand. "Okay, here's how we see it, we've learnt of a building that's coming onto the market in the business district, a rare event, so we've already put a retainer on it, it's fifteen floors, eight are occupied, that leaves seven floors for you to pick from, personally I'd advise you to pick the floors immediately above the street entry reception floor, purely because we can redesign the reception floor to be the entrance into your new clinic as well as the reception for the rest of the building, Piers and Milo are buying the building with us, we'll rent however much space you need to you, and they have asked to share the risk of setting up your business, so, unless you plan on losing more than four or five million in the first year we have no risk, because the building value will rise above that level I can assure you, now stop worrying, by the time we've finished networking you around the city, if someone sprains a finger, yours will be the first name on their lips". Wednesday morning finally arrived and JJ was almost laughing to be greeted by their children sitting patiently in the lounge after breakfast, with bags packed by their sides. "Okay I give in, ten minutes, I'll be ready". And he was ready, just as he'd said. They arrived back at Harbourside house a little after two in the afternoon, and Jem was chomping at the bit. "When can we look at next door Piers, we need to make a decision before someone else pips us to the post". Piers was grinning. "I have the keys, so how about now, would that suit you?". Jem was hugging him. "Yes now, let's go, we can get into the garden across the boat jetty". They'd all trouped around the linked boat jetty into the garden of next door, where they passed the outdoor pool which was net protected to prevent rubbish collecting in the pool. The kids were in absolute awe, the house looked massive from that elevation, bigger even than the orphanage they'd been brought up in. JJ opened the garden room door, that led them into a room where the whole wall facing the harbour folded back from the middle to the extremities on either side, next was another wall of glass into the main house which again slid back to leave the lounge looking like it just flowed seamlessly from inside to outside. The kids literally scattered once inside, investigating the various rooms on the ground floor and then the bedrooms, well, bedroom suites, over two upper floors. The main difference from Harbourside house was that the roadside entrance was at the lower level, purely because the road and terrain out front sloped downhill away from Piers and Milo's property. They hadn't been inside for five minutes when Jem said loudly. "I want it, we have to have it JJ, it's fantastic, the neighbours are shit but what the hell, there's always a risk you'll get hillbilly hicks next door". Piers was just close enough to administer a slap to the back of his head. JJ was almost shouting. "Piers can we put an offer in, we'll pay whatever they want, we have to have it". Piers was laughing. "Stop panicking, the owners will be at dinner with you this evening, they're as anxious that you have it as you are, it's a done deal". JJ and Jem grabbed each other into a hug, with the kids clinging all around them. As they broke apart Jem thought of something else. Ahmed, I don't know how you'd feel about it, but if my memory serves me correctly, there's a two bedroom guest apartment with totally private entrance over the garage block, you'd be welcome to take it. Ahmed was completely blown away. All afternoon they were talking about the house next door, it was almost as if someone had slowed down the clocks just to make them suffer. Finally, JJ and Jem came out of the lounge into the outside room, where the large table was set for dinner, but Jem was the first to notice. Piers there aren't any extra places set, couldn't they make it?". Milo and Piers were grinning like Cheshire cats, as Piers replied. "I told you they'd be here at dinner and they are, I told you they wanted you to have it and we do, oops, did I say we?". It was almost comical to watch JJ and Jem working through what Piers had said, but the grins on his and Milo's faces finally made the penny drop. JJ almost screamed. "You own it, you're the owners of next door, oh my god, can we really buy it?". Milo reached under himself for the large folder he'd been sitting on, handing it to Jem he'd said. "It's all in there, just needs your signatures neighbours". Jem scrabbled to pull the paperwork out of the folder, scanning it rapidly, then looking again several times at one sheet. "Guys, this can't be right, this is the value from around a year ago, you need to get it reappraised, it's probably worth four or five million more now". Piers, egged on by Milo's laughing said. "Now where have we heard that before, oh yes, I think perhaps you're paraphrasing Milo and I when we bought this little cracker from you guys, ain't karma just a bitch you can love sometimes?". JJ was hugging Jem, then they were all hugging, and laughing as Cade asked. "So did we get it?, I don't understand". JJ grabbed him into a hug. "Yes son, we've got our home, it's sorting out schools for you guys next, then back to Montclair to pack up". TBC Allan Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com. Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.