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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 31
There had been a buzz around the school all day, but it grew more intense as the afternoon wore on.
After the final bell rang, signalling the end of the school day, there should have been a tidal wave of bodies surging out through the gates, as there was on a normal afternoon, but not this afternoon, it was a mere trickle.
They'd stayed on, students, staff, the Headmaster even, their numbers increased, instead of dropping, swelled by parents who turned up.
At five in the evening, the school Gym was at almost bursting point, with not a seat empty.
The main Gym floor had been set up with two boxing rings at either end, six thick practice mats were laid out between them.
The head of Phys Ed brought order to the assembled guests from a small raised stage before facing the guests.
"Thank you all for attending this evening, though I have to say, it's a rather unprecedented turnout, possibly something to do with the 'Grudge Match', I've been hearing about all day, well I'm really sorry if that's why you're here, because this is my Gym, nothing like that happens here".
He paused, looked around, then continued.
"There will be boxing practice, and Judo self defence lessons, we invite any of our spectators to have a go, if you feel brave".
Turning to Junior, Gary, and Gabby, who was almost as good at Judo as Junior, and their group of friends, all of whom had come to them during the day volunteering to help out once the true nature of the evening had leaked out, their Phys Ed teacher winked before turning back to address the assembled guests.
"Tonight is the brainchild of two of our own, students who despite suffering adversity, want to give something, a sense of security, of wellbeing, of safety, to each and every one of their fellow students, tonight we launch their 'Defend, don't Strike', class".
As he paused, many heads could clearly be seen nodding in agreement.
"I introduce to you the Champions of this movement, Junior, Gary, and Gabby, with their friends who have kindly agreed to help out".
Indicating, and directing his words to a group of five boys standing in front of the stage, the boys who'd plagued Junior and Gary, he said.
"This evening we have five volunteers, led by Rioux Claremont, who have graciously agreed to be Guinea pigs, for your enjoyment, by the way boys, there is a special message to you from Gabby, she said you're not to worry about hitting a girl for the next hour, she promises not to hurt you too badly, but that guarantee only lasts for one hour".
The assembled guest roared with laughter at what they thought was a joke, none of them realised, Gabby was deadly serious.
The next hour was entertaining for the spectators, though not so much for the poor volunteers.
At the end of the evening the Principle took to the stage.
"I know what you all heard, I know what you were thinking, what you were expecting this evening to be, and I may be an old man, but I'm not fooled by a hypothetical answer".
The spectators were puzzled by his remarks, as he turned and winked at Junior.
"I know what has been going on in my school, I didn't at the time, and that very fact will serve to make me extra vigilant in the future, but I have to say a massive heartfelt thank you to our students, who have given their time, and considerable effort to stage this demonstration for you tonight".
There followed a massive round of applause, with whistling, and calls of congratulations before he could go on.
"Bullying is the work of an insecure person, it can start out as a joke, but it can be as lethal as a knife, or a gun, it can kill, it is a lethal and evil practice which I will not have in my school, which is why I'm pleased to endorse this project, one where all who want to gain an insight into self protection can do so in a safe environment".
When he paused this time they were hanging on his every word.
"But make no mistake, Junior, Gary and Gabby are teaching Defence, their message, with my endorsement, is exactly that, 'Defence, don't Strike', they can show you a myriad of ways to fend off an attack, I trust them never to show you, or support you in launching one".
The evening was an eye opener for students and parents alike as the differing displays were laid out for the spectators.
Mostly, Rioux Claremont and his four friends took their battering, being thrown and punched, with stoical grace.
As the Principal finished his speech, the spectators were surprised to see Junior take to the microphone.
He was hesitant, almost timid in his opening words, but he was determined.
"We err..... well we haven't mentioned the guys who really put themselves in the firing line.... look, whatever you heard, whatever you think, it takes real guts to do what Rioux Claremont and his guys did this evening, they'll be plenty sore tomorrow, I can guarantee that, I've been there, done that, so I want you to welcome them up here onto the stage, and give them a round of applause".
Rioux was shocked, so we're his friends, and their families, Junior could have left them out in the cold, he hadn't he'd brought them back in.
As they climbed the steps onto the stage the spectators gave them a roaring round of applause.
Later as everyone was leaving, Rioux Claremont pulled Junior aside.
"You didn't have to do that".
Junior wasn't smiling, he was deadpan as he answered.
"I know I didn't, but you see, I believe in giving credit where credit is due, you could have said no, refused to go through with tonight's performance, no one could have forced you to do it, but you did it, that deserves some recognition, it's all I wanted them to understand, you're not really as bad as you'd like people to think you are".
Rioux smiled, holding out his hand.
"I'd like to shake your hand, and if there's a chance, I'd like to call you a friend".
Junior reached out for the hand, taking it in a firm grip, not letting go.
"Friends with a queer, I can't wait to see how you justify that one, accepted".
Rioux was as quick to respond.
"A queer who's proved himself more of a man than I am my friend".
No one could ever have predicted they would be friends for life, but that moment sealed it.
In Sydney, Guardian's launch was now less than a month away, and Joseph had been right in his initial prediction, though he and Juan had been sadly lacking when it came to the promised support Milo and Piers desperately needed.
It wasn't just clients beating a path to their door, Gregor had been inundated with requests for employment, he'd almost sat on the edge of the pond and fished out the best of the best.
Initially Milo had been worried, they had far too many employed agents, until the enquiries started piling in.
Then they'd had to balance everything, the setting up of their control room, taking on operators to man it twenty four hours a day, appointing supervisors, Piers needed to know about all of the complicated pieces of equipment they would need besides the fleet of vehicles he had to order, both standard and armour protected, they also had to liaise with Gregor to set up the agent levels, appoint managing agents, plus recruit techies to man their investigations and traffic monitoring department, then there were the client requests, he'd spent every spare waking minute pouring over complicated protection scenarios, until Piers called a halt.
"This is beyond us, it's too much, we can't do this, I don't want to do it, call Josef, tell him I quit, you can make your own choice, but I didn't sign up for this".
Milo wanted desperately to oppose Piers, but he couldn't deny it, he was worn out, it was way beyond what he could do, there was just too much.
Josef was enjoying a relaxed, leisurely chat with Juan in their Torremolinas HQ, when his PA interrupted them.
"I have a call on line one, you need to take it, Milo and Piers have tended their resignations, I have Gregor on the line".
Despite both being in shock, Juan hit the button for line one and speaker at the same time.
"Greg, what's going on, is it true about Milo and Piers, what the hell prompted it".
Gregor's reply didn't pull any punches, it surprised both of them.
"It not a matter of what prompted it, that's simple, the sheer amount of work involved in setting up a business like this, more importantly, the question is who caused it, that would be you two".
Almost in unison they shouted.
"Us, how?".
Gregor almost laughed at how indignant they sounded.
"They've been asking for weeks that one, or both of you, spare them some time to help with the set up, it's what you promised them, they've been completely inundated with the amount of work involved, they're both exhausted, well it's finally come to a head, they've had enough, so you need to pull your thumbs out of your bloody arses and get over here, because it's rapidly getting to look like Guardian Australia is not going to commence operations on time, if at all".
As soon as the call completed Josef called Milo who wasn't a happy bunny.
"Oh, so we finally got your attention, about fuckin time, it's just a shame you're too late, Piers is listening, we've had enough, we've been begging you for help, there's so much still to do, we can't do it alone, so we quit, find someone else to do it".
Josef was taken aback, Milo was usually so mild mannered.
"Milo, please, I'm asking for forty eight hours, carry on for the next two days and one of us will be with you, please, don't quit, you're the best two to be running it, and we apologise, we've been sorting out Europe, we took our eyes off the bigger picture, please will you do that for me?".
There was a moments pause, Josef could imagine Milo looking at Piers for confirmation.
"Okay, two days, but if one of you isn't here in two days to relieve the pressure, we're gone".
Josef cut the call and turned to Juan at the same time he was dialling Carry on his cell phone.
"I'll go, you manage here".
As he heard Carry answer he said.
"Problems in Oz, we need to go help out, Milo and Piers quit, the pressure is too much, I've convinced them to hang in there for forty eight hours and one of us will be with them, my plan is for Juan to hold the fort here, we go help out in Oz".
Carry assured him she would start packing.
When he came off the call to Carry, Josef was surprised to see Rick coming into his office, he was even more surprised by Ricks question.
"Okay, I'm here as requested, what's so important you needed me to run up here right now?".
Josef looked puzzled until Juan spoke, directing his words at Josef.
"I called Rick, because, if he's agreeable, you're going to appoint him Managing CEO, we can look for a more accurate title later, for now it will do".
Both Josef and Rick looked stunned, so Juan carried on.
"Bro, we both know I'd just be a disaster waiting to happen in your seat, it needs someone who can do it without causing chaos, that's Rick not me, and besides, I'm coming with you, Milo was right, we've not been fair on him and Piers, we'll both go pull our weight".
Whilst Josef was talking to Rick, who, by the way, had accepted the position, Juan rang Aly and Bo in Montclair.
When Aly answered he said.
"I need to ask a favour, it may not be needed but I have to ask, I need to go back to Oz, Milo and Piers are threatening to quit, the pressure's too much, Josef and I need to go help them, I'm going to offer to take the kids with me, but with everything that's going on in their lives, they deserve the option to say no if they want to, so I'm asking you to step in".
Aly's reply was typical.
"Not a problem, we'll move into yours, it keeps everything regular for the kids, how long do you think it will be for?".
Juan had to be honest.
"I don't know Aly, it could be a few weeks, or it could be a couple of months, I thought we use Josef's plane and I'll leave mine at Nice, if you want to, you could bring them out to see us for a week, it would give you a chance to catch up with Piers and Milo as well".
Aly wasn't fazed by Juan's answer.
"Juan, I wasn't worried about how long you might be away, it was a general question that's all, but the idea of coming out to see you certainly does appeal to me, when are you leaving?".
Juan was relieved.
"As soon as possible, I'm leaving the offices shortly to get back to Montclair and pack, Josef will pick me up at Nice this evening, sorry it's such short notice".
Again Aly, scolded him in a good way.
"Stop apologising, these are our grandkids, let us know when you get home, we'll be over to your place before you leave".
Juan knew exactly what Aly was doing, he and Bo wouldn't turn up before Juan got home, because that would make the kids suspicious something was afoot before Juan got there.
"Thanks Aly, you guys are absolutely god sent, I've no idea what I would do without you".
Josef had been listening, and as Juan finished the call, he said.
"You get off Bro, I'll call you when we leave Malaga, that should give you time to get to Nice, see you later, and thanks for the move with Rick, that was a genius idea".
Juan smiled, they touched fists and he was on his way.
Berto, Gabby and Junior were all home when he entered the house on Avenue Montclair, Juan was surprised to find them entertaining Woody and Jacqueline.
After they'd said their hello's, Juan told them he had to go away for a while to Australia, he asked if they wanted to go with him or stay in Montclair, they all opted to stay in Montclair with their grandparents.
Surprisingly, Woody asked if he and Jacqueline could offer any help by traveling to Australia with him.
Juan's reply was genuine.
"Are you kidding me, that would be a definite yes, if you're up for it".
So Woody and Jacqueline left for home, with the agreement Juan would call them as soon as he received word Josef had lifted off from Malaga, Juan would collect them on the way to Nice.
After rushing through his packing, Juan beckoned to Junior to meet him outside.
Out in the garden with Junior he put an arm around his son.
"Yesterday evening you made me so incredibly proud, the way you handled yourself, and the situation in general, how you thought to bring in for praise, the very people who had been conducting the bullying, it made my heart burst with pride, but I have to ask, are you okay son, I need to know before I go so far away, if there's any doubt, either I don't go, or you come with me".
Junior hugged his Poppa tight.
"Everything's okay Poppa, I'm on top of it now, I'm even friends with Rioux, genuinely, we talked a lot today, he recognises his way of being top dog was not a nice way to be, I understand now, some people have a need to be important, and that's not a bad thing, but how you choose to get the recognition, that's were people like Rioux get it wrong, he's agreed to join our self defence classes, to show less confident students how to repel unwanted advances".
Junior paused for a moment.
"I don't want you to go, but I know you have to, come back as soon as you can Poppa, we'll be waiting, we love you".
Juan hugged his son tight, unable to speak.
When the call came, telling him Josef's plane had lifted out of Malaga, Aly and Bo had arrived, he hugged all of them in turn before he shouted to the kids.
"Group hug, I need to remember this until I get back".
He'd collected Woody and Jacqueline from Chateau Montclair, where a similar farewell was playing out as he drew up outside the Chateau.
The journey had taken it's toll on all of them, they'd arrived at Milo and Piers house late afternoon local time the following day.
It was Friday evening, after they'd shared greetings, Josef completely surprised Milo and Piers.
"My plane will be refuelled and ready by now, we brought extra pilots with us, you two are going to the Gold Coast, get yourselves gone, unwind, we'll see you Monday evening, on Tuesday we'll start on whatever you tell us you need done".
Milo started to object.
"That's not necessary, we can get started this weekend..............".
He didn't get any further, Juan cut him off.
"It is necessary, we treated you badly, you deserve a break, now do as you're told, go spend some quality time together, we'll start again Tuesday, no objections, go".
As they traveled to the airport Piers said to Milo.
"I feel guilty now, they're being so nice".
Milo pulled him in close in the back of the limousine.
"Don't question what we did Piers, you were right to call a halt, it was too much, we would have crumbled, it could have hurt us, they needed to sit up and take notice, I'm so glad you did it, I would probably have carried on, becoming more and more stressed, you've done that ever since we first met, looked out for me, stepped in when you see me heading for a crash, I love you Piers, don't ever stop looking out for me".
Piers pulled him in tighter.
"I love you Milo, I'll always look out for you".
Their weekend at Milo's penthouse apartment on the Gold Coast had been the break they'd needed, never leaving the apartment, they'd made love countless times until they finally slept stress free entwined in each other's arms.
Late on Monday evening they'd arrived back at the house in Sydney expecting to start on what needed to be done.
Josef had greeted them with.
"It's not yet Tuesday morning, so tonight we drink and relax, tomorrow it's all systems go.
Over the next three weeks they'd all put one hundred and fifty percent into making sure every area was ready for the launch day, and it was.
Twenty four hours before their planned launch, they were all slumped on the patio of Milo and Piers home, totally shattered.
Seven of the ten floors at Guardian House were occupied, the remaining floors would accommodate growth, the occupied floors were fully staffed, running like clockwork, Milo's duties now calmed slightly to overseeing the business.
For Piers, the frantic sourcing of equipment had eased off, he could now focus on the revenue stream which had already become a major income, retainers from prominent clients were rolling in daily, and from tomorrow morning, protection fees would start to be generated.
Josef stayed in Sydney for a further three weeks after the company commenced operations, Juan had left for Montclair two weeks earlier, on a commercial flight, he'd been away for a month, he was missing his brood desperately.
After the gruelling flight home, Juan walked into the house on Avenue Montclair to the sound of Berto shouting loudly at his grandparents.
Juan dropped his bags and headed straight to the lounge, the source of the shouting.
Berto was in full flow as Juan entered.
"It's not fair, you let them get away with anything, why should I listen to you, you're not my Poppas, I'm going................".
He stopped dead, mid sentence as Juan walked through the door.
Juan didn't say a word for a couple of minutes, he just stood looking furiously at Berto, his arms folded across his chest, then he spoke.
"Go to your room, I'll discuss your behaviour with you later".
Berto started to speak.
"Poppa, it's not fair...........".
Juan didn't let him get any further.
"I said go to your room".
Berto stomped off, slamming the lounge door behind him.
Juan now turned to Aly and Bo, his expression asking, what was that all about.
Bo sighed before explaining.
"It seems we're a little out of touch with teenagers, they wouldn't listen to us, except Berto, he's been good, it's unfortunate he chose this evening to stomp his feet, he's not been like that while you've been away, it's Junior and Gabby, they do exactly as they please".
It was nine thirty in the evening, they should have been home thirty minutes ago, it had always been the rule on school nights, Juan asked.
"Are Junior and Gabby not home yet?".
Aly answered this time.
"No, sorry, they've been coming home at whatever time they want to, Junior comes home any time up to one in the morning, Gabby's usually in by midnight, we failed Juan, we're sorry, it's nearly worn us out, I know they're our grandchildren, but I don't really like them at the moment".
Juan was furious, he said very little except.
"I am so sorry you've been treated in this way, I promise you will have an apology, from the persons concerned, if you would just stay a little longer, I'll be back shortly, it seems I need to remind a couple of youngsters, who makes the rules, and who obeys them".
Juan drove into the village, it didn't take him long to spot Juniors car parked outside the village park.
He spotted them as he entered the park, there were around ten youngsters, he could see them swigging from bottles, which several of them, including Junior, threw off into the distance when they saw him approaching.
Juan walked straight past them, stooping to pick up the bottle he'd watched Junior discard, sniffing it, he smelled cider.
Turning he walked back towards them, he could see the look of terror on all of the faces, but it was most noticeable on the faces of Junior and Gabby.
He walked directly to Junior, holding out his hand.
"Car keys, now".
Junior didn't hesitate, he pulled the keys from his pocket, dropping them into his Poppas outstretched palm.
Juan looked around the group before returning his gaze to Junior and Gabby.
"You have exactly fifteen minutes to walk home, make no mistake, if you are not on the right side of the front door when I lock it, you will never be inside my house again, as for the rest of you, I suggest you consider confessing your wrongdoings, I'll be speaking with all of your parents tomorrow".
Juan strode off.
Junior and Gabby chased after him, Gabby was crying as Junior shouted.
"Poppa, you could give us a lift".
Juan didn't even acknowledge his son, getting into his car he pulled away.
Junior and Gabby arrived home exactly eleven minutes after Juan, who was sitting in the lounge with Aly and Bo.
As they entered they attempted to speak to their Poppa, but Juan was having none of it.
"Go to your rooms, I don't want to hear from you, I'll speak to you in the morning".
After they left Juan asked Aly and Bo to describe what they'd experienced.
Aly summed it up.
"Indifference, cheek, rudeness, bad language, a complete disregard for any rules or requests, Junior driving after he's obviously been drinking, what more can I say, it's been a nightmare".
"I have to say though, none of that applies to Berto, until this evening he has not given us any trouble, tonight he wanted to stay out until midnight, we told him no, he needed to be home by nine thirty because he has work tomorrow, in fairness to Berto he came home at the time he was told to, he was just voicing his annoyance, rather loudly, but that was his worst crime".
Aly and Bo left to return to The Inn, Juan went to Berto's room, knocking softly, in case his son was already asleep.
Berto opened his bedroom door immediately, and Juan saw the tears.
They sat on the bed together, Juan's arm around his son's shoulder.
"When I came home this evening I was shocked to hear you shouting at your grandfathers, initially I was very angry, I had intended to ground you for an unlimited period".
Berto blurted out between sobs.
"It's not fair, I've been good, I didn't do anything wrong, I told Junior and Gabby they were wrong, all I wanted to do was take Meriel to a party, now she's there on her own".
Juan jumped up.
"Come on, you've only missed forty five minutes, I'll drop you off, do you want me to pick you up at midnight, or will that cramp your style?".
Berto just stared at his Poppa, until Juan clapped his hands.
"Come on son, move yourself, there's a girl waiting for you".
When Juan came back from dropping off Berto, Junior and Gabby were waiting for him.
As soon as he saw them he was angry, but he held his tongue as Junior spoke.
"We're sorry Poppa, we missed you, we know we did wrong, but can we have a hug, it's been a long time without one".
Juan pulled both of them to him, savouring the contact, he didn't say anything, Junior went on.
"I'll get up early in the morning and walk to the park to fetch my car".
That sent Juan over the edge.
"You don't have a car Junior, I had it towed from the park and crushed, you'll both walk to school from now on, and you'll walk directly back here after school, you're both grounded for the foreseeable future".
Junior started to object, he didn't get a full word out before Juan launched into both of them.
"Indifference, cheek, rudeness, bad language, a complete disregard for any rules or requests, Junior driving after he's obviously been drinking, it's been a nightmare".
There was silence until Juan continued.
"Those words came from your grandparents, I'm appalled, I left what I believed were two poster children, children I was so proud of, and I come back to find you've made your grandparents lives hell, I'm ashamed of you, it's as simple as that, so, from tomorrow we start over learning the basics, your allowances are withdrawn, you're cards are cancelled, you'll have school lunch money, nothing more, now go to bed, I'm tired, I don't need this, I rushed home early because I missed you, what a fool I am".
Both were crying by now, as they left Junior shouted.
"You don't ever ask how we feel, Poppa died, it hurts, you don't really care, you leave us, just go away, I think you just want to be rid of us, why not just call the authorities, have us put in care, it would solve your problem".
Juan would always regret his shouted answer.
"You seem to be able to read my mind child, so tread very carefully, now go".
In Juniors room, Gabby was curled up on the bed crying, Junior had been thinking, finally he spoke.
"I'm not going into care, I'm leaving, come with me Gabby, or stay here and take your chance, I'm heading for Paris".
Between tears she agreed, she'd never seen their Poppa so angry, even she was convinced, he was going to put them into care, so she'd agreed, leaving was the only way.
Berto was walking on clouds, he'd spent the evening, admitted it had been delayed, but it didn't matter, with Meriel at her family's party for her grandparents anniversary, and he'd walked her home, and then, the ultimate, he'd kissed her, twice, before she'd gone indoors, now he was walking home, floating on air.
Until he saw Junior and Gabby, going into Montclair Railway Station.
It took him a few seconds to realise what he'd seen, then he was running, chasing after them.
"What are you doing, Poppa will be furious, you should be in bed, it's school tomorrow".
Junior answered him.
"He's going to put us into care, he told us, shouted it at us, we're running away, come with us Berto, we'll manage, we're going to Paris".
Berto was devastated.
He was torn, should he go with them or not, he wanted to, but there was Meriel, he couldn't just leave, without a word, or could he?.
TBC ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to Allan at : cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.