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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter
Juan was in a deep sleep, what was it, the noise, the shouting?.
He suddenly became very awake.
Berto was stood in the doorway to his bedroom, crying, shouting.
"What did you do Poppa, they've gone, they said you were going to put them into care, why Poppa, why?".
Berto was now sobbing.
Juan felt a sudden jolt, his children, he'd gone too far, he'd frightened them, too the point they thought running away was the only answer.
He sprang out of bed, pulling Berto to him.
"Where are they son, tell me, we need to go and get to them, I didn't mean it, I was angry, tell me where they are, I'll go get them".
Berto was sobbing, between sobs he said.
"It's too late, they're on the train to Paris, they've gone".
Juan grabbed him by the shoulders, looking directly into his eyes.
"I would never put any of you into care, you mean the world to me, now are you sure they're on the Paris train".
Berto nodded.
"I tried to stop them but they said you were going to put them in an orphanage, I saw Junior buy the tickets, the train's already left Montclair".
With his arm still around Berto, Juan was frantically dialling on his cell phone.
"Guardian, this is Number two, code word, Alphonso, I need immediate connection to the control room".
There were a few clicks before the night controller came on the line.
"Control Manager speaking, what is your emergency number two?".
Juan went straight into his explanation.
"Two of my children are on the run, they took the last train this evening from Montclair, France, they're heading for Paris, I want eyes on them all the way, I need as many agents as you can muster to watch them along the way, and to contain them in Paris if I can't get there before they arrive, I'm heading for my plane now, I'll fly up to Paris, if anyone has to convince them to wait for me, tell them to use this phrase, 'ask yourselves, what Poppa Pierre would say, would he agree with you that Poppa Juan was serious about putting you into care', be very word specific, hopefully that will make them think, I'll be there as soon as I can, don't let me down, these are my children, my life".
The controller had tears running down his face, he had to exercise extreme restraint to show no emotion when he answered.
"Understood, you have priority, instigating now, trust us, number two, we're on it".
Within seconds of Juan ending the call, a host of cell phones were ringing, and not one single agent refused the assignment.
Junior and Gabby were tired, the train stopped at every station, unbeknown to them, it was labeled, 'The Milk Train', because it collected the country's harvest from every town along the way, destined for the Paris markets in the early hours of the morning.
Also unbeknown to them, before they had reached even the halfway stage of their journey, several Guardian agents had boarded the train at Stations along its route, they were sat discreetly watching, reporting back to Central Control periodically.
Juan was wheels up, out of Nice Airport with Berto before Junior and Gabby had completed even a quarter of their journey.
During the flight Berto asked him a question, it wasn't meant to be harsh, it was just Berto asking, but to Juan it hurt.
"How are you going to put this right, you really hurt them, I heard them, you frightened them, they think you don't love them?".
Juan answered in the only way he could.
"I'm going to tell them I'm sorry, I love them, I love all of you, I was angry, I didn't mean what I said, I only said it because Junior riled me, but I have to make them understand, they did things which were wrong, they behaved badly, they have to pay for that, just as you have to pay for shouting at your grandparents, none of this will be excused, part of growing up is learning that there is a code of conduct by which we live, choosing to flout that code comes with serious penalties".
Juan paused, then he went on.
"But you're right, I have penalties to pay as well, I shouldn't have frightened them, that was so wrong of me, I shouldn't have got angry".
Juan paused again.
"But first I need to hug them, because they're not the only ones who've been frightened tonight, they've frightened me too, right now I'm terrified, my children have run away, anyone could harm them, and it's all my fault".
Berto chuckled, the first bit of humour since Juan had arrived home.
"No it's not Poppa, they know they've done wrong, they understand there will be a penance to pay, but don't be too hard on them Poppa, they're only children".
There was a car waiting for them when they landed in Paris, it whisked them to Gare de Lyon Station, where the train from Montclair would arrive, they were twenty minutes ahead of the train carrying Junior and Gabby.
When the it arrived, Juan could pick out Guardian's agents easily, then his eyes settled on two nervous figures, heading towards him and Berto, they hadn't seen him yet, but he watched their expressions as they caught sight of him, and then Berto, they looked defeated.
Juan was like an eagle, swooping in, dragging them both into a hug.
"I'm sorry, I never meant to frighten you, I was angry, but you've made your point, you terrified me, come home, we can talk about this".
By now Berto had joined in the hug and they were all crying.
One of the agents tapped Juan on the shoulder.
"Apologies for interrupting, but is everything okay, will you need us further, if not we can get the next train south?".
Juan answered gratefully.
"Everything is more than okay, thank you for keeping an eye on them, I have my plane ready to depart for Nice, you're all welcome to travel back with us, it will be a lot quicker than waiting for the next train".
It was a tired, bedraggled bunch who arrived back at Avenue Montclair a little before lunchtime that day.
Juan insisted, breakfast, then bed, they'd talk later, and he emphasised, this time they would talk.
By four in the afternoon they were all seated in the lounge at Avenue Montclair.
It was a completely sombre mood, no one was saying anything, so Juan kicked it off.
"Okay, this is no good, we have to talk so I'll tell you how I feel".
He seemed to be thinking, before he almost blurted out.
"Before I left for Australia we were a family, a close family, one that cared for each other, we had principles and values".
He paused to let them think about what he'd said.
"I said were, because somewhere over the last month whilst I was away, you guys stopped being my family, ditched the values, the principles, and decided anything goes, that doesn't just worry me, it hurts me deeply, okay I've had my say it's someone else's turn".
They saw the tears in Juan's eyes, knew he wasn't spinning them a line, he was genuinely hurt.
No one else said anything so Berto spoke.
"We didn't mean to hurt you Poppa, don't be upset".
Juan couldn't understand why Junior and Gabby weren't participating, they didn't seem to want to tell him why he'd failed.
"Not meaning to is a far cry from actually doing it Berto, I failed your Poppa Pierre, right now I need some time out, excuse me, I'm sorry".
Juan got up and walked out to the garden, to Pierre's rose garden, a place that usually gave him strength.
"I failed my love, but I guess you've seen that, I know you're watching, I have no idea what to do, how to remedy it, right now I don't think they even like me, how can I compete with you".
Berto had followed his Poppa out into the garden, he'd heard his Poppas words, now when he returned to the lounge there were guaranteed to be fireworks.
"He's breaking his heart out there, he doesn't know what, or how to make this right, he doesn't know what he's done wrong, it's ripping him apart, and you two sit here silent, well get this, I might be the slow one, but I've got your numbers, get yourselves out there and help him or I will personally kick you both into oblivion, he needs you now".
Berto's words had an immediate effect on both Junior and Gabby.
Juan was sobbing, head in hands, when he felt them, two sets of arms engulfing him, and Juniors words.
"We're sorry Poppa, don't cry, you didn't do anything wrong, we did, and our only excuse is, because we could".
After a little while, Gabby quietly said.
"Come back inside Poppa, you're right, we have to talk about this".
When they were back in the lounge, Juan realised immediately, things had changed, Gabby was sat with Berto, his arms around her, almost protectively, Junior had snuggled up next to his Poppa, actually pulling Juan's arms around him.
Juan spoke again, not with anger, just calmly, factually.
"I'm lost, I don't understand, I thought I was doing the right thing, when I had to go to Australia, I gave you the option, come with me, or stay here, I genuinely felt it was the fair thing to do, I didn't want to upset your lives, but now I feel like I was stupid, I should have taken you with me, but part of me still thinks it was the right thing to do".
Junior answered him.
"It was the right thing to do Poppa, we were the stupid ones, we didn't see what you were giving us, we only saw the freedom to make our own decisions, and look what a mess we made of that, we'll make it up to you, we promise".
Juan felt bad now, he'd been so angry, he'd had Juniors car crushed, he'd let them think he was going to put them into care.
"I'm sorry too, I overreacted, your grandparents were upset, I found you with alcohol, it all got too much for me, I'll get you another car Junior".
Juniors reply caught him off guard, completely surprising him.
"With respect Poppa, no, you won't, if and when I get another car, it will be with money I've earned, until then we'll be hoofing it, seriously, you were right on that point, my friends will rib me, but I can live with that, I got it wrong, I'm going to be paying for it, I'll appreciate my next car that much more".
They'd talked for a long time, laughing finally, but Juan felt, when they went to bed that night, they really were a family again.
He didn't reinstate their credit cards, he didn't get Junior another car, and they remained grounded for a month, but it was at their insistence.
In Chicago, things had been going from strength to strength.
JD had now been incorporated into JBJ, the house in Barrington Hills had grown considerably in size and David was getting restless.
Their apartment, above Will and Tame's, had five bedrooms, and they were the only two people occupying it, the same situation existed below them.
It had been Ary and Bobby's joint birthday party which had been the catalyst for what happened.
When Jace had suggested the boys could come up with suggestions for their birthday party, they'd been united, they wanted a party in the garden that they could invite their school friends to".
Jolly and Mel had been ecstatic, a kids party, what mother wouldn't go to town on that one.
They'd arranged for a mini circus, complete with big top, a fun fair with Ferris Wheel, bumper cars, and side stalls.
It was a day that changed everyone's lives.
Ary and Bobby invited around thirty of their school friends, amongst them, their best friend Jermain, nicknamed Jem, and his sister Leticia, with them came two more of their best friends, Liam and Luke.
Jermain, Leticia, Liam and Luke, lived in the orphanage, close to the school Ary and Bobby attended, they'd been nervous, stuck together, not sure what to make of the house, the grandeur, the entertainment, but Ary and Bobby were cool, kept them close, and they had a plan.
It had been an, 'All hands on deck', agreement, Jace and Mel had everyone's assurance, they would all pitch in.
The party was on Saturday afternoon, every member of the family was available, for supervision, entertainment.
Jo and David, Will and Tame, had no idea they were being set up, but Ary and Bobby had their plan rehearsed, perfected, even Dillon was in on it, and between them, they were determined to succeed.
They'd split their friends between them, it was necessary for their plan to work.
Ary took Jermain and Letecia, Bobby took Liam and Luke.
Dillon became sole entertainer of the gremlins, allowing Ary and Bobby the freedom to put their plan into action.
Approaching David and Jo, Ary said.
Uncles, could you do me a big, big favour, would you look after my best friends Jermain and Leticia while I go to the toilet?".
The same request was being made to Will and Tame by Bobby.
Uncles, could you do me a big favour, would you look after my best friends Liam and Luke while I go to the toilet?".
Ary and Bobby had met up, they were clearly nervous, it was a gamble, but the boys figured it was worth it, spying on how things were going from the first floor landing window which looked out over the garden.
They'd sat on the big window seat, watching as David and Jo laughed with Jermain and Leticia, riding with them on the Ferris wheel.
Seeing Will and Tame chatting animatedly with Liam and Luke, the natural laughter and cuddling.
But, unbeknown to them, they were busted, Jace spotted them, saying to Mel.
"Our eldest two are up to something, they have this wonderful party, and yet, they've been in that first floor window for the last half hour, just watching, and unless I'm mistaken, they're watching my brothers with their friends, I get a feeling they're setting up their uncles".
Mel looked up, Ary and Bobby were so intent on watching their uncles and friends, they didn't notice, their Momma and Poppa staring at them.
Mel took Jace's hand.
"I think we need to ask our eldest what they're up to, come on".
Ary and Bobby were giggling, Ary said.
"It's working, I didn't think it would, you're a genius Bobby".
But they both nearly jumped out of their skins when a voice behind them, added to that, it was an easily recognisable voice, that of their Momma, who said.
"And what exactly is it that's working, and why is Bobby a genius?".
The boys spun around to face their parents, Ary stumbling over his words.
"Nothing........it's just us.........we're joking,,,,...........people watching".
But Jace's answer caused the smile to fade from Ary's face.
"Son, since you were knee high to a grasshopper, I've been able to read you, I know when you're telling the truth, and right now it's not just that you're not telling us the truth, in my head there are big flashing lights, sirens even, and they're screaming, don't listen to him, he's lying, now suppose you tell us what this is really all about".
Ary and Bobby looked completely defeated.
But it was Bobby who took the lead and answered them, he beckoned his parents toward the window, looking down to where the two couples were happily enjoying the company of the children in their care.
"We were just helping things along".
Jace and Mel looked down at Jace's brothers, and their partners, then, looking back at each other realisation struck, Mel said.
"Well I never, you clever little devils".
Bobby and Ary were beaming.
In the garden, the four adults and four children had settled on two sofa's in the shade, Tame and David had collected burgers from the grill whilst Jo and Will entertained their respective charges.
The adults watched in amusement as four little mouths concentrated on the the task in hand, demolishing two massive burgers each, it was obvious, eating, for these kids, was a serious business, carried out with military precision.
Around four thirty in the afternoon, parents started turning up to collect their clearly tired out children.
By five o'clock all of the guests had left, with the exception of the four from the orphanage.
The whole family were now relaxing in the garden when Dillon appeared with two nannies and his five toddler siblings.
As he plopped himself down between Ary and Bobby, he touched fists with Jermain, Luke and Liam, nodding a shy hello to Letecia, turning to Ary he said.
"You guys owe me big style, my back is aching, my knees are sore, I don't know where I ache the most".
Ary giggled.
"Horsey rides by any chance?".
Dillon nodded.
"Non stop, all afternoon".
Dillon had insisted, he would entertain the five younger siblings, they all knew, if they'd been allowed to attend the festivities in the garden, Bobby and Ary wouldn't have had any time with their friends, whenever they were together, the youngsters demanded the full attention of Ary, Bobby and Dillon.
Bobby reached down behind the sofa they were sitting on, using both hands he lifted a heavy box covered in birthday wrapping.
Dillon was surprised when Bobby dropped the parcel in his lap.
"What's this?".
Ary answered him.
"It's our present to you, a thank you for taking care of the gremlins today".
Dillon started to say they shouldn't have as he was frantically ripping away at the wrappings, then he almost screamed with delight.
"The 4x4 Roadster, oh guys, I love you, thanks".
Bobby added.
"We'll keep the gremlins occupied tomorrow, you can have some 'me time', to put it though it's paces on the driveway".
The next hour was devoted to the five toddlers, with rides on the Ferris wheel and bumper cars.
Around six thirty, David asked Jermain what time they had to be home, his question was straightforward, until Jermain replied, that brought four heads upright with a snap.
"Ary, Bobby and Dillon asked us to stay overnight, their Momma came and spoke with the Warden, he gave us all a pass, we don't have to be back at the orphanage until five o'clock tomorrow afternoon".
Four heads turned directly to Mel, the questions obvious, but her look told them, they'd have to wait until later.
Jolly joined them at that point announcing.
"I hope you all agree, I've given most of the staff the night off, there's no point in them cooking dinner when we have the grills running, and they have to start clearing all this stuff away early in the morning, so you guys are cooking dinner, I vote we go freshen up then meet back here around eight o'clock".
Almost before Jolly had finished speaking Will said.
We'll take Liam and Luke, they can freshen up at ours".
Jo almost over spoke him.
"We'll take Jermain and Leticia, they can freshen up at ours".
Dillon stared with wonder at his big brothers, the look on his face said, 'you have got to be kidding me, it actually worked'.
Bobby and Ary nodded furtively, Dillon just giggled.
Before they all went their separate ways, Jace handed Dillon a slip of paper, saying.
'You earned this today, it's an 'IOU one day', voucher, Ary and Bobby will explain what it is, what you can use it for, just know your Momma and I are so grateful for the way you help look after your younger brothers and sisters'.
Dillon hadn't heard about the IOU voucher before and he was questioning Ary and Bobby as they showered before dinner.
The boys rooms had been relocated in the new wing to the second floor, on the same landing as the nursery, it made sense, if the nannies had problems, the boys were close by, and their junior siblings were inclined to follow how Dillon was in his early years, demonstrative, demanding, sometimes it needed Ary, Bobby, or Dillon, to bark a command before order could be restored.
The boy's rooms were all connected by a bathroom, three rooms with two interconnecting bathrooms, Ary in the middle with Bobby and Dillon either side of him, but their rooms were open, they didn't close doors, didn't knock for entry, for any outsider looking in, it would have been typical to find one bathroom in multiple use, one using the shower, one using the toilet, one brushing teeth at the sink, they were inseparable.
So it was no surprise to find them all in one bathroom when Dillon asked.
"What is this IOU thingy Poppa gave me?".
Ary was in the shower, so Bobby answered him.
"It's a fantastic thing, you can pick a day, and say what you want to do, go to the zoo, the aerial zip wire park, the trampoline park, anything really, if you can do it in a day, you can nominate that as your prize".
Dillon was thinking, he only said one thing.
"Cool".
Then he suddenly remembered.
"So your plan worked, the uncles fell for it, I'm impressed, you guy's are bloody geniuses".
In unison two voices shouted.
"Dillon, language, swearing".
Dillon just giggled, they were so easy to wind up.
In the respective residences things were happening almost the same.
Jo and David had sent a request to Jace and Mel for spare clothes for Jermain but there was nowhere to get spares clothes for Leticia, so a member of staff had been dispatched to the nearest Mall, with instructions to buy several different outfits, in case Leticia didn't like the choices bought.
Will and Tame had sent the same request for clothes for Liam and Luke.
Mel had asked her boys, then called both Jo and Will with their answer.
"Ary and Bobby said to send the boys over, they'll kit them out".
At eight o'clock everyone met again in the garden.
Jermain tried to thank Ary and Bobby for the fresh clothes, but Ary stopped him.
"Don't, you're our friends, we are so pleased you're here, just enjoy yourselves, we've had a wonderful day".
Dillon, in typical Dillon fashion had seated himself between two of his uncles, as instructed by his big brothers, it was his turn to work their plan, he'd expected to be quizzed, and he wasn't disappointed.
Will said tentatively.
"Dillon, we didn't realise that Luke and Liam were orphans".
Dillon had rehearsed his reply, over and over, until Ary and Bobby were satisfied, now he rolled it out.
"They're the unwanted, too old, they're devoted to each other, so they can't be split up, they'll be in care for all their lives".
And then on cue, he produced tears.
Will and Tame scooped him into a hug.
Dillon was thinking, 'gotcha'.
The same scenario played out with Jo and David.
Around Ten thirty that evening Ary and Bobby would willingly admit they were tired, but there remained one thing to do, if today was going be a success.
Ary and Bobby split off to their respective friends.
Ary sat with Jermain and Leticia.
"Look, I know you're as tired as I am, but I need to know something, it's really important, if you had the chance to be adopted would you take it?, I have to know the answer, I can't tell you why, please, I'm asking you to trust me, believe me, I have your best interest at heart".
Jermain smiled and yawned before answering.
"I don't think I've ever trusted anyone more than I trust you Ary, and the answer is yes, to be actually wanted, to have family, to be loved, yes, we would choose that, but I'm no fool, it's not on the horizon for us, no one has ever wanted us, we're black, we're not babies, we have nothing going for us".
Ary smiled, he had his answer, they wanted it, that was enough for Ary.
Again, the same scenario was being played out between Bobby, Luke and Liam.
One wing of the house was unusually quiet that night, it didn't resonate with the usual carnal rutting of horny males, instead, the adult males were talking in hushed whispers.
Jo was saying to David.
"I can't believe no one wants them, I just want to put my arms around them, protect them from everything the world could throw at them, but you tell me, am I off on a tangent, what do you think?".
David was tearful as he answered.
"You're not off on any tangent, we're perfectly aligned, I don't ever want to let them go, I'm smitten, I admit it, I've fallen in love all over again, but we don't know how they might feel, we're white, we're gay, it will present problems in the future, we can't just ignore it, they have to be the ones to decide if they want us, not the other way around".
Without the racial element, Will and Tame were having exactly the same debate, Luke and Liam had gripped their hearts.
Before breakfast next morning, Ary and Bobby, with Dillon in tow, approached their parents, Ary was spokesman.
"Momma, Poppa, we need your help, we think you know what we've done, but we're worried now, our friends could get hurt, they might be frightened, we need to be with them if they have difficult decisions to make".
Jace and Mel were glowing with pride, their children were so wonderful in their eyes, Mel answered Ary.
"What do you need munchkin?".
Ary sighed in relief as he answered.
"Bobby and I need to be included if our uncles want to talk to our friends, and we think they will, can you do that for us?".
Jace answered his son's question.
"I'll guarantee you that son, in fact I'll go speak to them now".
Jace understood where Ary and Bobby's biggest concerns lay, he chose to visit Jo and David first.
When he knocked on their door, he would admit, his nerves were jangling.
David answered the door, welcoming him inside, but it was clear, both David and Jo didn't understand why he was there, Jo said it out loud.
"It's nice to see you Bro, but right now we're trying to sort out how to do something which is both sensitive and difficult, and we don't need any distractions".
Jace didn't smile, in fact he showed absolutely no emotion, saying.
"And it seems my boys know what you're about to do, they're worried, that either you, or their friends will get it wrong, so Ary and Bobby are asking to be included, if you make any offer to Jermain and Leticia, please, it's not a demand, it's a genuine request, Ary and Bobby think it's a way to guarantee everyone's happiness".
Jo didn't hesitate.
"Get them here now, if Ary and Bobby are the council that Jermain and Leticia need, then we're all for it".
And so, here they were, sitting in Jo and David's apartment.
Ary, Bobby, Jermain, and Leticia, seated together on a huge sofa, waiting, for what seemed like a lifetime, until Jo spoke, looking directly at Jermain and Leticia.
You guys are amazing, I, no, we, don't understand how you aren't already part of a loving family, because you've captured our hearts".
Jo paused, the children were all looking at him with anticipation as he went on.
"We, that's David and I, want to ask you something, but you have to understand, we want you to know all of the pitfalls, everything, before you make your decision, and yes, we understand this is quite possibly the wrong way around, but we feel, it's the right thing to do".
He paused again, and Ary sighed loudly.
Jo looked at Ary, seeing his nephews impatience.
"Yes Ary, I'm getting there".
Looking directly at Jermain and Leticia, he said.
"We want to adopt you, there you have it, but there are important things you should consider, we're white, gay, and extremely rich, you're black, all of those things will pull you into the spotlight throughout your lives, we promise to love and protect you as much as we can, but make no mistake, there will be times when there is nothing we can do but wrap you in our arms, talk to Ary and Bobby, they can guide you".
At that Jo and David got up and left the room.
Ary was ecstatic, but Bobby countered him.
"It's right what uncle Jo said, because we're rich people don't always treat you the same, sometimes it's hard".
Jermain was looking quizzically at Bobby, he didn't understand, and he said as much.
"I don't know what you mean, how can it be hard, we've never had a family?".
Ary answered him.
"Bobby's not talking about family, he's talking about everyone else, remember when we first met, you weren't like you are now with us, you sort of kept your distance, you know what I mean because you admitted it to me after we got to be good friends, you thought we'd be stuck up, that happens a lot, it's a lot harder to make good friends".
Bobby jumped back in.
"What uncle Jo said about black and white, and them being gay, you have to think about those things, people can be really cruel at times, don't think Ary and me are trying to put you off, we'd be over the moon if you were our cousins as well as our friends, we just need you to understand, it's sometimes hard to be us, but I'll tell you what you will get, you'll get love, by the bucket full, this family is nothing like you would imagine, being part of it makes you want to burst with pride, and I know what I'm talking about, my Momma and I were poor once".
Ary was stunned hearing this from Bobby, he knew they'd have to talk about it later.
Leticia had been quiet, just listening, then she whispered something to Jermain, he smiled.
"Say it out loud Sis, go on, I agree.
"I want to be adopted, Jo and David don't see us as black, they only see us as their children, I believe in them".
Jermain was absolutely beaming as he said.
"Everyone thinks I'm the one who makes the decisions, I'm not, Tish might be the quiet one, but she's the one who weighs people up, if she says it's good then it's good".
Jermain hesitated for a few moments before he went on.
"I understand what you guys are saying, but our answer would be yes, we'll take the good with the bad, we know we'll have you guys standing with us, guiding us, bye the way, is Dillon okay with this, he's our friend too?".
Ary and Bobby actually burst out laughing before Ary answered.
"Are you kidding, he's spitting feathers because we wouldn't let him join us, he threatened us, if we messed this up, we'd have to look after the gremlins for a whole month without his help".
They all laughed at that thought.
Ary went to find his uncle's.
When Jo and David came back into the lounge they looked to have aged ten years, the strain visible on their faces.
David asked the question which they both were dreading hearing the answer to.
"So, I'm guessing Ary and Bobby have helped you come to a decision, can you tell us what you decided, because we are as nervous as heck".
Jermain nodded to his sister.
Leticia, or Tish as she would become known, got up from the couch and went pointedly to David, climbing onto his lap as he welcomed her with open arms.
"We want you to be our Daddies, nothing else matters, can we do that?".
Jermain moved from his spot on the couch to be drawn into a hug by Jo, as both David and Jo nodded a tearful yes, unable to speak they were so happy.
Ary broke into their joy by saying.
"Sorry, guys but you don't need us right now, and we have another place we need to be, wish us luck".
A few minutes later, Ary and Bobby were seated on the couch in Will and Tame's apartment either side of a worried looking Luke and Liam, where a similar scenario played out, with thankfully the same happy ending as a tearful Tame hugged Luke, and an equally tearful Will hugged Liam.
TBC ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to Allan at : cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.
I'm really sorry but the next posting will be in two weeks time as I'm away on a small vacation to London next week.
Kind regards Allan xxx