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Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 1
It was fast approaching the fifth anniversary of Bobby's death.
Mel was lay on the bed in his old room, the place she came to whenever grief threatened to overwhelm her.
It was where Jace found her when he returned home that evening.
His mother (Jolly) had seen him pulling into the driveway and met him as he parked in the underground garage.
"I'm sorry to waylay you son but, I went to have a word with Mel earlier, I could hear her crying in Bobby's old room, I didn't disturb her, I just wanted you to know where she is, let me know if I can help in any way".
Jace hugged his Momma.
"Thanks Momma, I think I know what will have caused it, I heard the end of one of Bobby's songs on the radio as I started the car to come home, Mel would have heard the full song.
Her day had been fairly normal until the drive home.
Then that song playing on the radio had caused her to pull off the road into a rest area, where she'd sat and cried for over half an hour.
The song had been one of the last he would work on with Ary in their music studio, it hadn't been intended for release, Bobby added lyrics to a music score Ary had written, then recorded himself singing it as a demo for Ary and Trevor to play around with, he wasn't sure if it was any good, but as soon as they'd heard it, both agreed, leave it exactly as it was, it was a beautiful but poignantly sad song, about dealing with the loss of a loved one.
It was released only three weeks before his accident, on what would become their last ever album.
After Bobby's death, it became the most played song in a multitude of countries around the world for ten weeks or more, even now, over four years on, it was still announced as a song by, and in memory of, the beautiful late Bobby Thorn.
All of the children's old rooms were maintained as if they were still in constant use, though for years they'd only seen most of the original inhabitants at family gatherings where there was a need to stay over.
Ary and Bobby had bought a house to share several years before the tragic accident which claimed Bobby's life, still in Barrington Hills, only a few miles from Thorn House.
The property they'd bought was a sprawling, single story building boasting ten bedroom suites, but most importantly, there was a large music studio attached, with a vaulted ceiling.
Ary vividly remembered Bobby excitedly running back out to his 4x4 on the day they'd viewed the property, he wanted a guitar, to test the studios acoustic qualities, and they'd both been elated, the sound was nothing short of magical.
Two singles from their new album had been released, becoming instant hits.
None Missing were riding high in the charts, due to start a promotional tour of concerts around North America and Canada three weeks later, when suddenly one of their support singers had pulled out due to an injury.
Sam their manager had a replacement lined up, but he'd wanted the boys approval, Ary had said he would go with Sam, but he'd been called into TF at the last minute to iron out queries relating to the tour, so Bobby had volunteered to make the trip to New York with Sam to hear the girl live.
It was the day before Bobby's thirtieth birthday and the family had planned a massive party for him at Thorn House.
They'd been delayed in New York, held back by seriously bad weather, having to stay overnight with Danny and Petre at the Thorn Family apartment overlooking Central Park.
Next morning, Saturday, the day of Bobby's birthday, he'd been determined to get home for his party, so for speed they took a helicopter shuttle transfer from Manhattan's East 34th Street Heliport to Teterboro, but the aircraft suffered a catastrophic loss of power as it came in to land.
Six people lost their lives in the crash, amongst them Bobby and Sam.
The Steward from their Jet, which was already warming up ready to take off from Teterboro, bound for Chicago, had witnessed the crash, in shock he'd called their pilots, who in turn called Carry, she controlled the fleet of aircraft which most of the family used.
At Thorn House preparations were well underway for Bobby's birthday lunch, and the following party.
A marquee had been erected on the rear lawn to accommodate the huge number of guests attending.
It was a little after ten o'clock that morning when Jace took the call which had devastated him, he'd answered what he always described as the worst call of his life, it was from a sobbing Carry, telling him Bobby wasn't coming home, their wonderful boy had died on the very morning of his 30th birthday.
Bobby's death affected everyone in different ways.
For Mel, Bobby was her 1st born, it quite literally tore her world apart.
Ary closed down, physically and mentally, he withdrew from everyone, leaving Thorn House as soon as the news broke, retreating to the house he and Bobby shared, locking himself away in the days before, and the many years after Bobby's funeral.
Dillon and Trevor experienced a double blow, only a few months earlier Dillon had found Albert dead in bed after suffering a fatal heart attack during his sleep, that had pushed him deep into a depression which Trevor had battled hard to help him out of, but amazingly, the sight of Trevor now suffering such grief at Bobby's death gave him a purpose, despite losing his own dear brother, he stepped up to support Trevor in the days and weeks after the tragedy.
None Missing's complete tour schedule was cancelled.
Ary and Trevor announced, through their Management Company, TF Management, on the day before Bobby's funeral, that they would never perform again.
The marquee which should have been the venue for Bobby's 30th birthday party was extended significantly, it needed to now accommodate the huge number of mourners attending Bobby's funeral service and the subsequent Wake.
The list of mourners from various walks of life read like an extract from Who's Who.
Almost every A List Celebrity from the world of show business sent notice they would be attending.
Royalty and Politicians from several Countries were also attending, which in itself presented major problems, their security details alone amounted to over a hundred extra attendees.
And then there was the wider Thorn Family, from all around the world they came, heartbroken at the loss of Bobby, one of their own.
Bobby's fame, as a member of the hugely popular 'None Missing', in itself caused problems, Mel and Jace were advised that a burial plot in a cemetery would quite possibly be visited by thousands, but more alarming for them was the warning that it could become the target of looters.
It was Piers who gave them the idea of a dedicated memory garden, like at the houses on Avenue Montclair in France, and at Piers and Milo's house in Sydney, somewhere beautifully planted, where they could lay Bobby's ashes to rest, and in time, where others could join him.
It had been a beautiful service, filled with so many personal eulogies, telling of the love so many felt for Bobby, of the things he did selflessly for others, but it was Ary, or rather his written speech which reduced the whole congregation to tears.
He started to read from the page he'd spent days writing, but only got a few words in before breaking down, clearly unable to go on.
Dillon had expected it, he'd darted up to the Lectern, supporting his older brother, taking the paper from his hand, then reading Ary's words for him.
"All these years as brothers, as friends, as besties, did you ever know how much you meant to me Bobby, I didn't tell you enough times, I worry you might not have really known, you were my driving force, you alone, from the time we first met, responsible for so many of the life decisions I made, my sounding board, my validation, my brother, I don't know what to do now. They say everything has an opposite, left has right, yin has yang, light has dark, I never knew which of us was which, but now I know, you were the light, because without you there's no sunshine, there's only darkness left. I miss you, I'll miss you forever, sleep well Bro, until we meet again, I love you Bobby, I always will".
Ary had rarely been seen in public since that day.
On anniversary dates he would close the blinds, answer no one, withdrawing even further into himself.
Then something happened, and it was the catalyst for Ary's four year plus return from exile.
He'd been watching TV, it was Pil, doing a sing and chat show with a well known interviewer, when that question was asked of him.
'Why did your cousins None Missing disappear?".
It had stunned Ary, and clearly Pil was surprised by it as well.
He'd stumbled to find an answer.
"I ........ well it's ........ I can't ...... can we skip forward, that's not something I can talk about".
But the interviewer wasn't giving up.
"I get that it's painful, most of us have lost loved ones, but it's life, you have to deal with it".
Pil repeated his previous request, clearly now upset, but trying desperately to be courteous.
"I can't talk about it, now please, move on".
Then the mood changed as the interviewer persevered, disregarding Pil's request.
"It's not fair, millions of us lost Bobby, not just your cousins, pretending he didn't exist is so wrong".
If the interviewer expected a scoop, a sad explanation, a rating lifting reply, he certainly got one, but not exactly the one he was expecting.
Pil's mood changed to anger, it was clear in his reply.
"We're a really closely knit family, it was a tragedy most of us have seriously struggled with, for Ary and Trevor it was so much more, it shattered their worlds, and whether I agree they should be performing or not, that's their decision, it's not something I will ever allow some two bit interviewer to exploit for his own personal advantage, this interview is over and I'll never work with this station again".
The cameras panned around the studio as Pil was seen to rip his mic off and walk away, with the interviewer apologising profusely, to no avail.
The number one topic in the following days, for all media channels was the same.
"Should None Missing perform live to honour Bobby?".
The response was overwhelming, from all around the world, a resounding 'Yes' came back.
Ary had sat in front of his TV, listening to many of the responses, hearing the heartfelt pleas.
Then a young girl had said something quite simple, something which actually registered with Ary.
"It's coming up to five years, why not have a charity concert, like None Missing used to do every year, to honour and remember Bobby, and help the less fortunate, we should be celebrating the fact that someone as beautiful as Bobby Thorn lived, not mourning him in silence".
The whole family had been watching as the debate unfurled across the media, across the world.
In Sydney Pil was becoming more and more upset.
After that interview which had sparked the outcry, he'd tried to speak with Ary, wanted to explain, he hadn't known the subject was going to be raised, but his calls had gone unanswered.
Trevor had given him reassurance, no one blamed him, it would all settle down given time, but it wasn't settling down, if anything it was gaining momentum, and then one morning at home with his Poppas, he'd been completely stunned.
His cell was beeping, signalling an incoming call, But Pil was just staring at it, until his Poppa Piers shouted.
"Pil, what is it, why aren't you answering it?".
He was in shock, and sounded frightened when he answered".
"It's Ary, I think he's going to tell me he hates me".
Piers had snatched the cell phone, answering the call, only to hear.
"I'm sorry Pil, I ignored all of your calls, I won't do it again..............".
He didn't get any further, Piers stopped him.
"Ary, it's Piers, he's here but he couldn't answer you, he's so frightened he's shaking".
Ary only asked one question.
"Why?".
Piers explained it simply.
"He thought he'd caused you more heartache, he thought you were calling to tell him you hated him".
Ary's voice was trembling as he replied.
"No Piers, tell him thanks, tell him I love him, tell him he saved me, I'll call again soon, I promise".
Telling Pil what Ary had said was one of the best moments Piers could remember in so long a time, and holding his son as he sobbed with joy made it more so.
In Philadelphia Trevor was as shocked as Pil had been to see Ary's name displayed on the screen of his cell phone.
He'd answered it hesitantly.
"Ary, that you bro?".
The reply brought a beaming smile to Trevor's face, and set Dillon to worrying, from across the room he could see Trevor's smile, but it was definitely at odds with the tears rolling down his cheeks.
But Dillon couldn't hear what Trevor was hearing.
"Duh, that's the point of having caller ID dumbo, of course it's me, how you doing bro, got time for a catch up?".
Dillon had crossed the room, inquisitive to find the reason for the beaming smile and tears, but his unasked question was answered when Trevor responded.
"I'm good bro, and I've got all the time in the world, Dill's here I'm going to put you on speaker".
Dillon's tears mingled with Trevor's as they rested their heads together listening to Ary.
"Hi little brother, sorry I've been such a pain, I'm in a much better place now than I've been for a long time, listen Trev, I don't know how you're going to take this but, I want to do what they're all asking for".
Trevor didn't immediately get what Ary was saying.
"I don't understand, what do you want to do?".
Ary almost shouted the answer.
"A concert to celebrate Bobby's life".
Then there was silence, Tevor and Dillon were staring at each other in shock, until Ary, who was now fearing he'd hurt them both, spoke again.
"I'm sorry Trev, don't be upset, I thought it would be good, you don't think it's a good idea do you?".
But he couldn't see Trevor and Dillon frantically nodding heads at each other, and beaming.
"Are you kidding, we agree, it's a wonderful idea, I'm all for it, we love you bro, welcome back to the world of the living, it's going to be a truly spectacular event, but are you sure that you're strong enough, it's going to stir up some powerful memories".
Ary's reply had them again nodding in agreement.
"It's not about me bro, it'll hurt I know that, but I want to do it, a young girl on the news said we should be celebrating the fact that someone as beautiful as Bobby lived, not mourning him in silence, she's right, it's time I got my head out of my arse, I was so lucky to have had him as my brother, the whole world are giving thanks for his life, it's time I stopped hiding and joined them".
They'd chatted for over an hour before ending the call with a promise that Trevor and Dillon would fly to Chicago the following day, and they'd agreed something else which Ary promised to try and make happen.
In Sydney Pil had just finished eating dinner with his Poppas and Jez when an incoming text caused him to gasp.
Jez asked what was the matter and Pil passed his phone over.
The text read: 'Hi little cus, need to ask a favour, can we conference link in ten minutes?'
Jez didn't wait to ask any more, he sent back a reply without bothering to ask his brother for permission.
'You bet we can, I'll be waiting'
Ten minutes later in Piers and Milo's office saw Pil waiting nervously alongside his Poppas and brother.
When the video link came up on screen Ary could clearly see all four of them crying.
"Hey Sydney, what's with all the tears?".
Pil's answer saw Ary nodding his head.
"None of us ever thought we'd see this day, we thought we'd lost you after Bobby died".
His reply was initially sad, but he brightened.
"I know, I've been a dick, I couldn't shake it off, but I need to thank you Pil, I know you didn't deliberately instigate this whole resurgence of talk about Bobby, but it made me look, made me listen, and I agree, Bobby was too beautiful for me to deny him being celebrated just because I couldn't cope with the grief, so like I said, I need a favour, you don't have to say anything now, you can think about it if you're uncomfortable, we, that's Trev and I, want you to help us out by taking Bobby's role in the concert we're going to stage in his honour".
Pil could feel them all staring at him.
They saw the smile starting to form, and they knew in that instant what his reply was going to be.
"I would be honoured to stand alongside you guys for Bobby, count me in".
At Thorn House in Barrington Hills Mel was coming down the staircase as the front door opened, then there he was, Ary, with beaming smile, stood directly in front of her.
In over four years Ary hadn't been home, Mel had tried so many times to speak with him.
Going to his house had proved useless, after the many visits when gate security had waved her through, but he didn't even acknowledge he'd heard her knocking, calling his cell phone received the same response, she'd finally resolved herself to believing that when Bobby died, they'd lost Ary as well.
He could see the shock, disbelief and tears in his Momma's eyes, she was stood still, as if not daring to move in case this were just a dream, one where he might suddenly vanish.
He'd walked toward her saying.
"It's really me Momma, I'm sorry, I need a hug".
That's where Jace and the rest of the family found them, hugging in the hallway, with Mel sobbing in her son's arms.
The concert had been planned for the very day that was the fifth anniversary of Bobby's death, on what would have been his 35th birthday.
Media interest rose to almost fever pitch as the date drew nearer.
Initially, Ary and Trevor had chosen Oprah to reveal their intention, appearing on her show as surprise guests.
There had been teases for several days beforehand, hints that something spectacular was about to be revealed.
Audience figures for the night revealed record numbers tuning in to discover what the mystery was.
Just thirty seconds before the mid program break, Oprah faced the cameras and said.
"I promised you a spectacular, stay with me for a couple of very special guests after the break, see you in five, but here's a little hint.
Bobby's voice could be heard, singing the song that had become synonymous with his name since his death.
The number crunchers estimated it was at that point where audience figures almost doubled, borne out by cell phone service providers who confirmed a massive spike in calls and messages over that three minute period.
Viewers were calling, texting, and messaging friends and family, telling them to tune in.
As Oprah returned after the break she was sat alone, but a couch had been placed opposite her armchair on set.
"Thank you for coming back, as promised I have two very special guests this evening, I've missed them greatly for over four years, but I understand completely why they felt it necessary to walk away from the spotlight, I know you all will join with me in saying a huge welcome to the boys of None Missing".
As Ary and Bobby appeared from the wings it was almost impossible to hear oneself think, the applause was so loud.
They'd each hugged with Oprah before settling together on the couch opposite her.
"Boys, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to have you here tonight, well, actually I could but I'd probably cry, I'm really that emotional right now, so I'm going to try and steel myself to stay professional".
The applause every time she stopped talking was tumultuous.
"So boys, the inevitable questions, we all understand why you stopped appearing, Bobby was loved, still is loved by so many of us, but why disappear for so long, why reappear now, and what is this announcement that you have to make?".
It was Ary who answered.
"It's true, the reason we stopped appearing was because we lost Bobby, it came at us like a bolt of lightning, initially I think we, Trevor and I, and indeed our whole family, were just numb, we couldn't handle what had happened, so we withdrew, but it's my fault we were away for so long, I couldn't accept his loss, it was like a deep open wound that refused to heal, and I couldn't talk about it, I retreated, cut myself off from everyone".
He paused for a sip of water, then went on.
"Most people will be aware, Bobby and I shared a home, we bought it because of the recording studio it had, on the morning before the day he died, I was supposed to be traveling to New York but, at the last minute I had tour and band business so I couldn't go, Bobby took my place, as he left I remember him shouting out a 'Bye Bro', but I was engrossed in my music, I didn't reply, I didn't say goodbye, and he never came home".
This time the cameras picked up on the tears rolling down his cheeks.
"I should have been in that helicopter not Bobby but, I've had one recurring dream, nightmare, whatever you want to call it, every time I closed my eyes for over a year after he died, even now four years or more on, I hear him shout 'Bye Bro', but when I try to answer he's already gone, I always wake up shouting his name".
Oprah hadn't interrupted him, something she was famed for, her companionate style of interview, but now as he rested, looking down at his hands she passed him a tissue, and she asked Trev a question to allow Ary time to compose himself.
"Did this self imposed exile of Ary's extend to you as well Trevor?".
Trevor looked at Ary before answering, then looking back at Oprah.
"Yes, he wasn't selective, for over four years, he kept us all at bay, and too be honest, as much as we would want to help him, we couldn't because we were all trying desperately to save our own sanity, even now I'm questioning if I can actually cope with what we're here to do".
Oprah was nodding, before asking gently.
"So why me boys, and why now?".
Ary looked up again, but this time, despite his glistening eyes, he was actually grinning.
"You are kidding with that question right?, you now damned well if we didn't come to you, your pal Bobby would probably have struck us down with lightning, but seriously, why would we go elsewhere, we'd rather talk with a friend".
She'd smiled affectionately before saying.
"Thank you boys, and back at ya, but to the other point, why now?"
Ary answered again.
"Because of something someone said, it actually got to me like nothing else ever has over these four plus years, it finally made me realise how wrong I've been to hide away".
Oprah took over again.
"I understand you brought in a snippet of newsreel, I have to say viewers, I have no idea what we are about to see or hear, but I can only say, if it's responsible for bringing our boys back to us then I'll applaud it, so let's see it".
The interview with the young girl appeared on the screens around the studio, and on TV screens everywhere.
When it finished the applause in the studio was again loud, as it died down Oprah said to the studio audience.
"I so agree, we should be celebrating the fact that someone as beautiful as Bobby Thorn lived amongst us, and gave us so much pleasure".
To the cameras she said.
"It's no great secret I was a friend of Bobby's, as I am with Ary and Trevor, and a lot of other artists, but Bobby, he was a favourite, the sort of friend you would drop everything for, and I was sure he would do the same for me".
She paused a moment, and the cameras caught the glisten of moisture in her eyes, everyone knew, she was actually on the verge of crying.
"I know it's a really random memory, but I remember it so vividly, at his funeral, I was crying so much my handkerchief was stained with eye makeup, I knew I must look a mess, and I remember thinking something which completely broke me, that Bobby would give me hell for looking like this in public, it's something I can smile about now, but at the time I remember how much it hurt".
Turning back to the boys she asked.
"I don't want to probe, so this next question, answer only with as much as you are happy to share, no more, how are you doing now boys?".
Ary reached for Trevor's hand before answering.
"I think we're in a better place than we have been, not a good place, I don't think we'll ever get fully past losing Bobby, but we're in a place where we can, and have, started planning a benefit concert to celebrate Bobby's life, we want it to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the day he died, on the day that would have been his 35th birthday, none of us thinks it will be easy, but we need to do it, because as that young girl said, someone as beautiful as Bobby deserves to be celebrated".
As Oprah closed her show she hugged the boys, whilst the applause again rang out.
Prior to the show, the only family members aware of what the boys were planning were the Chicago, Sydney, and Gregous family members, but before the show aired, Carry had sent out a message to the wider family.
'Just a hint, you might want to tune in to Oprah this evening. Ary and Trevor will be revealing some important news'.
Within minutes of the show finishing the boys were receiving texts of congratulations and support from family all around the world.
Offers to perform flooded in from almost every current and past music name.
They'd announced a workshop for unpublished artists to select unknowns, that had always been one of Bobby's most passionate pursuits, helping young artists to get recognition.
The media hyped the upcoming concert constantly as an event not to be missed.
Broadcasting networks around the world were lining up to buy the rights to broadcast it live.
TF Management signed a deal to publish a live album after the event with all proceeds going to a charity specially set up in Bobby's name.
Tickets for the concert sold out within minutes of going on sale, causing the boys to announce a further day of performance.
Because a lot of the artists giving their time couldn't do two dates, extra names were brought in to fill the second date, the boys and their management decided, programs would include the name of every artist appearing, but would stress it was random as to who would appear on which date.
And they made another decision, it would be called a concert in memory of Bobby and Sam.
When questioned about including Sam, Ary was truthful in his reply.
"None Missing wasn't a three member group, it had four members, Sam was the one people rarely saw, but he was no less important to the success of the group, in fact he probably worked the hardest to bring us the success we achieved, and we miss him greatly".
Rehearsals proved difficult initially, Ary and Trevor had major meltdowns, leading to speculation about whether they were still capable of pulling off a performance.
But their adoring fans never wavered, when asked by reporters in the street if they thought the concert would be a success, or if they thought it would actually go ahead, they'd all responded with a resounding, confident yes, on both counts.
On the day of the first concert there were predictions of some fifty, or sixty million viewers around the world tuning in, in fact the final figures showed that to have been a seriously low estimate.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.