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Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 3
It was a day before the first concert.
The stadium was surrounded by broadcasting trucks, just about every major network was present, and yet, a sort of calm reigned, these were professionals, they knew exactly what was required.
Only one professional camera crew would be operating inside the stadium, a crew appointed by TF Management, they would feed live to all of the networks, how the networks edited and streamed that footage to their audiences was their choice, they would each have anchor personnel with cameras outside, capturing the fans arriving, interviewing, feeding the excitement further.
Inside the stadium the various performers had been running sound checks for several days, today was exclusive to None Missing, Pil, and Van.
Ary had reached out to Van, who had agreed immediately, he would do anything they asked, on both days, but he'd had one request which Ary and Trevor were unsure of until they'd witnessed his rehearsal performance at sound check.
Van had sung a live duet with Bobby in concert many years before, it had been received so well they'd recorded it, but for some unexplained reason it had never made it onto a published album.
Each had recorded their track separately, Van in the studio at Gregous, Bobby in Chicago, their technicians had then blended them expertly, because time didn't allow them to get together.
Van had brought Bobby's recording with him, he intended to sing live alongside Bobby's recorded track.
Ary admitted later, Vans rehearsal performance had brought him to tears, with his eyes closed he could see Bobby on stage alongside Van all those years before.
Pil was doing a solo set of his own music on each day but, he was also performing with Ary and Trevor on None Missing's numbers.
They had initial forecasts of what the two day event would realise in the way of cash, it was truly staggering.
Every seat had raised cash, there were no freebies, without exception.
Family, friends, dignitaries, celebrities, everyone paid at least basic seat price, with a request to add a charitable donation if able.
Ticket sales, limited to an affordable twenty dollars each for the bulk of seating, had already realised a little over three million dollars.
VIP restricted areas, of which there were two, each accommodating one hundred fifty guests, at one thousand dollars per guest had realised three hundred thousand dollars.
Broadcasting revenue had realised a further sixty million dollars.
On top of those already fantastic amounts, there would be sales proceeds from a video and live album of the concert, plus general merchandise sales, and advertising revenue from some of the biggest corporate names.
Ary had worked hard to set up a charity in Bobby's name, to operate as Bobby did, in his eclectic pattern of working, supporting causes of all natures, as he'd explained.
"Bobby bounced around all over the place with charitable donations, it didn't matter to him whether it would stir up trouble, his only measure was to do good, in many cases helping where no one else would, he was never constrained by politics, religion, or race, that's how I want his charity to work, I want it's board to be fearless, to trample right over adversity and red tape, just as Bobby would have".
Concertgoers were urged to arrive early, the venue would open its doors for check in at ten in the morning, allowing three hours to get everyone inside before the curtain up time of one in the afternoon.
Security was being provided by Guardian.
Entrants would be issued with a security pass which held personal details, and linked to fingerprint ID taken at checkin, the later, because the concerts would each span some eight hours, guests would be allowed to leave and reenter if they wished, hence why the fingerprint ID, to guard against entry passes being traded once a guest was outside the venue.
At one in the afternoon on the day of the first concert lights in the stadium dipped, a head and shoulders picture of Bobby filled the stage backdrop as Ary, Trevor, and Pil came out onto stage.
A medley of None Missing music was playing as background when Ary took to the mic, his voice booming out into the stadium.
"Hello Chicago".
A massive roar came back at him.
"From wherever you've traveled, we want to thank you, and say sorry, so many of you asked why we disappeared, it's a simple answer, the grief after losing Bobby was so great, but we all, every one of us, we owe our thanks to a wonderful girl, it took me a while to track her down, her name is Stephanie and she's here today, she doesn't want me to point her out, but this is what she said to an interviewer on TV, and it was this one message that brought me out of my dark place".
On the backdrop, and on screens everywhere, the interview played again.
When it finished Ary continued.
"A big thank you Stephanie, you're the reason we put this concert together, you achieved what so many others had failed to do".
They'd launched into several None Missing numbers before Ary and Trevor again spoke to the audience, Pil remained standing alone behind them.
Trevor took up the mic first.
"The proceeds from these concerts, from both days, will go to a charity set up in Bobby and Sams names, Ary has worked hard to set it up, it will operate exactly as Bobby would have had it, without thought to colour, creed, race, religion, sexuality, or politics, it's single objective will be to ease suffering in any way possible, and it's name will be simple, the Bobby and Sam Charitable Trust".
Ary now took over.
"Several have asked why Sam is included, though I'm guessing most of you already know, Sam was our manager, our friend, someone we considered to be the fourth member of None Missing, we boys had the time of our lives, performing was all we ever wanted to do, so it wasn't really work to us, but Sam, he worked so hard to keep everything together, we loved him like a brother, and he died alongside Bobby that day, if there can be any comfort to be had, it's knowing they didn't die alone".
After a brief pause he continued.
"Trevor's already told you about the charity we've set up in both of their names, that's all down to you and your donations, you'll see lots and lots of photos on the screens throughout the day, we have literally thousands, so they'll be appearing quite randomly, pictures supplied by family, friends, media archives, beautiful memories, but now I have the pleasure of introducing the next song, it's one that none of us could do, I tried, Trev tried, Pil tried, none of us could sing it without the grief crashing down on us, so we decided, let the man himself sing it to you, I give you the late, the beautiful, Bobby Thorn".
As the boys left the stage, a stage hand brought out a single microphone stand setting it down mid stage, in a pin spot of light, and bowing his head to it before leaving the stage empty.
A picture of Bobby filled the backdrop and screens as his song started, his beautiful voice filling the stadium.
Looking out from backstage they watched as thousands upon thousands of lights shone back towards the stage, cell phone lights waving slowly side to side as Bobby sang.
Returning to stage alone Ary shouted out.
Thank you, for honouring a beautiful song, from a beautiful man, now it's my pleasure to introduce someone we first brought to stage many years ago, we told you then how good he was going to be, and now as a many times platinum artist, I give you my little cousin, Pil".
The applause was ear splitting when Pil ran out, embracing Ary, who promptly left the stage as Pil launched into a thirty minute roller coaster ride of his music.
There were twenty spots on each day, some only a couple of songs, some roaring their way through thirty or forty minutes of music.
Van did four songs each day, the last being his duet with Bobby, which the crowd raved over.
Ary, Trevor and Pil came on between most of the artists, doing one of None Missing's past hits.
As they came off stage somewhere around midday on the first day, Pil noticed a young guy in the wings.
He'd listened to him at the showcase auditions and agreed with Ary and Trevor, the guy had something really special, but at sound check he'd noticed how nerves had gotten the better of him, and looking at him now, Pil was convinced he was going to mess up if he went on stage in his present state.
Pil walked up to him holding out a hand in greeting.
"DJ isn't it, I'm Pil, how you doing, and I have to ask, what does DJ stand for?".
DJ looked completely shell shocked, and in truth he was, by the fact that Pil even knew his name, his answer came out slowly, almost stumbled.
"Wow, Pil, it's an honour, er ... It's the initials of my first and second name, Douglas James, I'm totally amazed that you know who I am".
Pil was grinning.
"You Douglas James are bloody good, but you need to grab some confidence, don't take this the wrong way, I saw your showcase performance and I was blown away, then yesterday you fluffed it, now today you're looking seriously nervous, how would you like a little moral support?".
DJ looked completely dejected.
"I've never performed on stage, I'm used to busking, I'm literally craping myself, but what do you mean about moral support?, because I'll take any help I can get right now".
Pil grabbed his copy of the running order, scanning down it quickly, then spoke into the head mic he was wearing.
"Toby it's Pil, can we do a little jiggle to the running order?, ........ take DJ out of his slot, we have a slight technical problem I'm working on with him, I'll get back to you shortly about slotting him back in ....... Yeh, ......... that'd be great, thanks pal".
Turning back to DJ he said.
"Okay come with me, bring your sheets, I'll need to study your music".
DJ was confused, but he trotted along behind Pil without question, until they got to Pil's dressing room, once inside Pil said.
"Okay we've got exactly thirty minutes, I have to be back on stage with the boys in thirty five, so let's get this down".
It was twenty eight minutes later before DJ understood why Pil was learning his music, and he just stood open mouthed when Pil said.
"I'm your backing singer, I've got you, when you look out front think of the people you normally sing for, think of it as singing to one person, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, if you have one, your mum, dad, brother, sister, it doesn't matter, because you only need one song under your belt and you'll be hooked, trust me".
Pil spoke into his head mic again.
"Toby, DJ's sorted now, I'm going on with the boys for the next slot, can you put him in straight after our slot?, ........ you can, ....... stage left, got it, ........ you are a star man, thanks I'll tell him, he's with me now, I owe you pal".
Turning back to DJ he nodded.
"You got that?, you're coming on from stage left at the end of our slot, the boys will exit stage right, I'll exit stage left join up with you and we run out together, I'll introduce you, see you in a few minutes, gotta run, I'm late".
Pil opened the dressing room door and started running towards the stage, he knew he would be pushed to make it.
DJ was left just standing there, in total amazement.
Ary and Trevor saw him running toward them and started out onto stage with Pil only seconds behind them.
As they came to the end of their number the boys bowed and headed off to stage right, as Pil headed to stage left where DJ was waiting.
"Okay Pretty boy, let's get that cute little butt on stage, follow me".
As they came out Pil addressed the audience.
"Guys, don't panic, I'm not going to bore you with more of my music, but this guy here, now he's someone you are going to fall in love with, he had a minor issue so, for one night only I'm his backing singer, and believe me, it's a real privilege, just wait until you hear him then you'll know I'm right, he's sensational, I give you the very talented, DJ".
As Pil finished the introduction he melted back ready to join DJ who bowed nervously to the audience and started strumming the intro for his first song.
Pil moved forward and put a hand on DJs shoulder, it was all the encouragement he needed, his voice came out strong and clear.
Pil only chipped in a couple of times on the first song and as that came to an end he whispered whilst smiling.
"Seems like you have it in the bag, I'll retire, but I'm only over there in the wings if you need me".
As soon as he came off stage Ary and Trevor were all over him with Trevor saying.
"You are bloody amazing, Toby told us you pulled DJ to correct a technical hitch, it was stage fright wasn't it?, not many established artists would take the time to hand hold a newbie, I'm proud of you Pil".
But it was DJ who surprised everyone with what he said to the audience at the end of his spot.
"Thanks for being so nice to me, I had stage fright, I've never done this before, I didn't think I'd be able to come out here and sing for you, but Pil saw me and new what to do, he gave me the confidence I needed, he's a truly amazing person, so if you don't mind I'd like you to give a big thank you to Pil, who it so happens is still waiting in the wings to make sure I'm okay".
Pil walked out beaming at the audience and saying.
"All he needed was a little boost folks, was I right, is he damned good?".
The roars of yes were deafening, as Pil threw an arm around DJ's shoulder and guided him off stage.
In the wings Pil was about to walk away with Ary and Trevor when DJ asked.
"If a pretty boy with a cute little butt asked you out for dinner, would you accept?".
Pil stopped dead, turning from his chuckling cousins back to face DJ.
"Are you asking?"
DJ was now bright red in the face but he answered stutteringly.
"Yes, ... err ...... Yeh I guess I am".
Pil was beaming now.
"Okay then, I guess you got yourself a date, meet me at my dressing room straight after the final song".
Pil now turned around to walk away with a giggling Ary and Trevor, and DJ could be heard behind them letting out a whoop.
All too soon the boys were on stage winding up the days concert, thanking, then calling forward each artist or group to a final round of applause, then leading all of the artists in a joint finale number.
DJ was waiting nervously outside Pil's dressing room when he returned.
"Come inside, I just need to change, do a few meet and greets, then we can be on our way, I forgot to ask, do you have anyone here with you, family or friends, girlfriend, boyfriend?".
DJ shook his head.
"I don't have any family, not any more, I would never have a girlfriend, and I've never yet had a boyfriend, I'm here alone".
Pil was changing, and at the point he asked the next question, he was peeling off his tight jeans, to reveal he didn't favour underwear, DJ had a perfect full on view of his beautiful naked bubble butt.
"So where are you based, where do you live?".
When no reply came he turned to check DJ was still there, and was amused to find him transfixed by the sight of his arse, except by turning, he'd exposed something even more appealing, his meaty cock.
DJ realised he'd been busted and immediately turned away.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been looking, I'll wait outside".
But Pil grabbed him just as he got to the door.
"Don't be daft, I'll take it as a compliment, after all, I perved on yours, how else would I be able to call you the pretty boy with a cute butt, stay here, I'll only be a minute or so now, but you didn't answer my question, where do you live?".
The answer threw Pil completely.
"Mostly at the homeless shelter on Arcadia, or any other one I can get into, though tonight will probably be a shop doorway, it's late, I've already passed curfew, and there are no exceptions".
Pil had pulled on jogger bottoms and swapped his Tshirt for a clean one, he'd been in the process of donning his hoodie when he heard DJs answer, there'd been no quest for sympathy in the reply, Pil could tell, it was a straightforward matter of fact answer.
"Well tonight you're coming home with me, expect to stay over, don't worry, no monkey business, you'll have your own room, I'm staying with my Chicago cousins, we'll talk about your circumstances tomorrow, in fact, I want you on that stage again tomorrow if you'll agree, sharing my spot, you do one, I'll do one, and we'll duet on the third song, how does that sound?".
DJ looked completely overawed.
"You're an international, many times platinum selling superstar, why would you want me on stage with you, I'm a nobody".
Pil laughed as he replied.
"Hmm, let's think now, a pretty boy with a cute butt and a voice to die for, why wouldn't I want you on stage with me?, come on now we can talk about it later, let's get to the greeting room".
DJ was mesmerised watching all of the famous artists greeting specially invited fans, some disabled, some winners of contests, it didn't seem to matter, all of them greeted every fan with the same genuine enthusiasm, posing for photos, taking selfies, until their managers signalled it was time to leave.
Soon he was climbing into a 4x4 with Pil, Ary, and Trevor, and they were babbling non stop with each other.
DJ was completely in awe of them, and he was caught completely off guard when Ary asked him.
"So how was your first taste of stardom DJ, did you get the buzz, are you hooked?".
He nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh Yes, I got it all, I didn't think I could do it, but thanks to Pil I did, I still can't believe he'd come on stage with me as my backing singer, I can't tell you how grateful I am, that you guys would do so much for someone who's a nobody, for all of us nobody's who got a chance today, it's just incredible".
Trevor was smiling as he answered.
"It's what life's all about, helping others less fortunate, it's partly what these concerts are about, getting exposure for untapped talent, and making money for the charities, so they can do their bit towards helping the less fortunate in other areas, you're going to be a star, you don't believe it yet, but believe me you will be, and when that time comes, never forget how you got started, remember to pay it on, help whenever, wherever, and whomever you can".
DJ was nodding enthusiastically.
"I promise, whatever becomes of me, I'll always do my best to help anyone who needs it".
Then Ary said something which puzzled DJ.
"I'm right Pil, a definite keeper, your Poppas are going to bloody love him"
At Thorn house the family had all arrived home nearly an hour before the boys and DJ got there.
Pil was slightly surprised that DJ showed no nervousness entering what to some would be a palatial home, nor did his manners match that expected of a rough living street kid, but he put it aside.
The family swarmed all over the boys, congratulating them on a fantastic first day, welcoming DJ as if he'd always been there, something he found strange, warm and welcoming, but strange all the same, and sad as well, but for an entirely different reason.
Mel had arranged for the staff to leave a prepared buffet, which was being attacked from all sides.
Ary laughed as he prodded DJ.
"Don't hesitate, get in there quick, the gremlins will see us all starve if they get half a chance".
It was nearly midnight when Pil walked DJ to his room, opening the door to a suite he entered with him.
"This is yours, put anything you want laundered into the bag over there and hang it on the outside of the door, it'll be washed pressed and hanging in your closet before you wake in the morning".
Then Pil surprised him.
"Do you trust me DJ?".
The reply came without any need for thought".
Yes, of course I do, why?".
Pil nodded toward DJ's backpack.
"Give it to me".
Unsure why Pil wanted it, DJ handed it over.
Pil unzipped it and started pulling out clothing, dirty, unwashed clothing, which he proceeded to stuff into the laundry bag, when he'd got everything from the backpack, he'd turned to DJ.
"Okay, time to strip pretty boy, oh don't look so terrified, there's a robe in the bathroom, go in there and chuck your kecks out, it's laundry time".
DJ blushed, but he was giggling, and as he walked toward the bathroom Pil heard.
"Damn, and I thought you were perving on me again".
Pil stuffed the extra items into the bulging bag then stood it on the floor in the hallway.
DJ was now stood before him in a silk robe.
"Okay, job done, I'll leave you to your beauty sleep, not that a pretty boy like you needs much of it, I'm two down on the right if you need me for anything, sleep tight DJ".
As Pil was facing the door about to leave he heard DJ say his name.
Turning back, he found himself in a lip lock, a kiss he didn't want to end, it started as a peck, but it took on a life of its own, until tongues were duelling, and something hard was poking Pil in the crotch.
Lack of breath was the only thing which parted their gasping lips, and a red faced DJ immediately went into panic mode.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that, sorry".
Pil was staring at the bulbous head of DJ's cock, standing out from the front of his robe, when DJ realised what he was staring at.
"Oh shit, could this get any worse, I'm sorry, I'll leave in the morning, unless you'd prefer me to leave now, it's okay, I can slip out quietly".
Pil enveloped him in his arms.
"Shush, calm down, I'm not offended, I like you, and it seems the other pretty boy down there might like me too, go to bed, get a good nights sleep, I'll see you in the morning, you'll get tea, coffee and juice delivered around six thirty, breakfast is at eight o'clock, sleep tight".
Then Pil had kissed him, not a peck, not passionate, a loving kiss, before heading out of the door.
He'd slept, a sleep like he hadn't experienced in a long time, waking around six as the tea, coffee, and juice were delivered.
He'd enjoyed the luxury of a shower with actual hot water and shower gel, something he hadn't had for so long, shaved, neatening up the little goatee on his chin, then completed an urgent hedge trimming job on the downstairs shrubbery.
Exiting the bathroom stark bollock naked he'd come face to face with Pil, who was dressed in running shorts and now completely red faced with embarrassment, his hands palms up in front of him.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry, I panicked, I knocked and you didn't answer, I thought maybe you'd skipped out, I'll get out, let you dress".
This time DJ was chuckling.
"Hey, you've seen everything, and vice versa, there's nothing left to be modest about, stay, I'll get dressed and we can go get some air, do you run, is that where you were going?".
Pil immediately recovered.
"Yeh, so do Ary and Trev, they'll be out there somewhere, I'll wait if you want to join me".
DJ was quick to reply.
"Great, give me a couple of minutes".
They'd run for almost an hour before returning to the house, as soon as they passed the gatehouse DJ blurted out.
"There's someone following us Pill".
Pil looked unfazed as he stretched.
"Security detail, it'll be Mike, he's the only one who doesn't mind keeping up with me, he normally runs by my side so we can chat".
DJ sounded deflated.
"Oh, of course, I should have realised".
Pil deftly changed the subject.
"Okay we've got about fifteen minutes to shower and dress for breakfast, and I'm hoping my family got in whilst we were running, it's been weeks since I've seen them, you'll like them".
When they arrived in the breakfast room, Pil's family hadn't yet arrived, but it was pandemonium, until Jace shouted.
"Okay, Gremlins be gone, it's the big people's time to feast, out in ten seconds or allowances will be cut, I'm counting".
There followed a general flurry of activity as five teenagers exited the room.
Mel brought her breakfast plate and sat down next to DJ, on the other side of him and Pil, she wanted to talk to DJ.
It was something one of the younger Thorns said earlier which had sparked Mel's interest, about DJ being a rich kid once, now living in hostels.
"What's your surname DJ".
He'd been surprised, but he answered candidly.
"Stresham, and yes, that would be THE Stresham's, of finance, building, etc, etc".
She'd nodded, then carried on.
"So why, as if I needed to ask, are you living on the streets?".
He sighed, thinking, this is the point where she'll throw me out as well, but he still answered.
"My parents disinherited me, threw me out, I'm gay, they think it's a crime".
Mel's next statement shocked him, but she was right.
"And you'd forgive them, welcome them back into your life with open arms, and without question wouldn't you?
He started to tear up.
"Yes Mam, without a moments hesitation, I miss them".
What she told him next took him completely by surprise.
"I was the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Chicago and they threw me out because I chose to give birth to Bobby, my first born, with no father in the picture".
He could tell she hadn't finished.
"I held out a hope they would relent and we could reconcile, right up to the day they each passed away, even now if I could go back I wouldn't change my stance, it's not in our nature to stop loving someone because they choose not to love us, but you my boy have a home here for as long as you want it, no more living rough, no more hostels, you understand me".
Pil leaned in from his other side and whispered.
"She means it, we'll go shopping later, your room needs pimping up, so do your closets".
While they were eating there was a general commotion in the main hallway before Pil leapt up with arms outstretched to greet his Poppas coming into the room.
DJ sat watching the greetings play out, marvelling at the hugging that accompanied every hello, this family really cared for each other, and they didn't hold back from showing it.
Pil had moved back to stand by his chair, next to where DJ was sitting, he'd placed a hand on DJ's shoulder as his Poppas Piers approached them.
"Poppa, this is DJ, Douglas James Stresham, he's going to share my spot today, wait till you hear him, you'll be blown away, DJ this is my Poppa Piers, and over there attacking the buffet is my Poppa Milo, next to him is my older brother Vinny, and my brother Jezz, Baz you already know, Vinny's wife Paulette is talking to my aunt Mel".
Piers laughed at DJ's expression.
"Don't worry DJ, just think yourself lucky you didn't get the whole family landing all at once, now that is like a circus, it's good to meet you, I'm looking forward to seeing your performance later".
DJ was blushing.
"Please don't expect too much sir, it will only be my second time on a stage, I'll be shaking like a leaf".
Piers leaned in to whisper.
"If my son says you're good, it usually means you are destined for stardom, and unless I'm losing my touch, I see much more than that in your future, welcome to the family".
Then Piers enveloped him into a hug as Pil looked on with a dreamy look on his face.
Pil sat through breakfast chatting non stop with DJ, and at one point DJ's food almost went down the wrong way, threatening to choke him after Pil said.
"My Poppas love you, I knew they would, but stand by for some ribbing from Baz and Jezz, they've sensed I like you, it means we're both fair game for their antics".
When he stopped choking, his croaky voice came out as amazement.
"You like me?".
Pil looked puzzled.
"Oh yes, I definitely like you...... oh ...... I'm being too forward...... I'm sorry....... I didn't ask if you liked me ......... wow, ......... sorry ........ stupid me ......... someone as cute as you could have anyone. ..... sorry".
Then Pil got up abruptly and walked out of the room.
DJ was stunned, it took him a few moments to realise what had just happened, before he pushed his chair back and followed Pil's path.
Pil was about to open his bedroom door when a hand on his arm stopped him.
Turning, he was face to face with DJ and then they were kissing.
When they finally broke apart DJ pulled him into a tight hug.
"Sorry, I was just surprised, you see, what you said, that's exactly what I was thinking, someone as cute as you could have anyone, why me, not that I'm not thanking my lucky stars you like me, I'm just questioning my good fortune, please don't be upset, I like you, well, more than just like you actually, but for now like will do".
He put his head down on Pil's shoulder still talking softly, but Pil could feel the warmth of tears soaking through his shirt.
"It's been quite a while since anyone cared about me, or wanted to help me, I guess I'm just not used to the feeling".
Pil's reply was genuine as he eased DJ's head gently up until their eyes met.
"Get used to it pretty boy, because I definitely like you, and I'll destroy anyone who tries to hurt you, now how about we get you cleaned up and head to the stadium, I want to go over what we're doing this afternoon".
Downstairs unbeknown to them Mel was talking to Piers, Milo, Vinny, Paulette, Baz, and Jez, explaining what DJ had been through, how his family had tossed him out onto the streets.
When she finished speaking Piers was predictably in tears whilst, everyone else was angry, but Baz summed it up.
Pil's in love, I don't think he realises it yet, he just knows he likes the guy, but I'm telling you, he's in love, ask Ary and Trev, they agree with me, I'll stake my life on it, this one might be Pil's first love, but he's also going to be the keeper.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.