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Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 12
Thorn House in Barrington Hills Chicago was bursting at the seams after the arrival of so many family, but they'd all been accommodated.
Sunday morning Pil and DJ had been too groggy from Jet lag to attend the morning open workshop sessions, but they'd made a concerted effort to be there for the afternoon sessions which started around two o'clock.
They'd slipped quietly into the sports hall which had been kindly offered free of charge for the entire week by its management.
With beanies pulled low and dark glasses on, it was almost impossible to distinguish them from anyone else at the venue.
Bypassing the queuing artists waiting in line to register for an audition slot, they'd headed directly to the registration tables.
A few feet from the tables a voice had stopped them.
"What exactly do you two not get about the principle of queuing?, back of the queue now, that's if you don't want to be ejected".
Pil's wicked grin was picked up easily by DJ, and in unison they turned back to join the queue.
Fifteen minutes later they were standing together at the registration desk, answering a guy who never looked up.
"Names".
"Philip Grant" "Douglas James".
"Your number is 186 don't be missing when your number is called, there's no second chance, miss the slot, you're out".
The numbering system had started the previous day and Pil calculated, being early afternoon, there were around 10 artists in front of them, about a 50 minute wait until their number would be called.
Once away from the other artists DJ couldn't resist.
"You are so naughty Pil, we're taking up valuable audition time".
But Pil was giggling.
"Oh heck it's only a five or ten minute slot, and you never know, they might not like us".
DJ was now laughing along with him.
"Okay, so what are we going to sing?, it has to be without music".
As a duo, the second single released from their first joint album was currently sitting at the top of both the Australian and US charts.
"Ear phones in, we'll do 'Mystery', let's hope we sound like ourselves".
Soon enough their number was being called.
As they walked onto stage their names were announced to the judging panel by the stage manager.
"Philip Grant and Douglas James, singing 'Mystery', good luck guys".
Pil watched Ary's expression change to that of someone searching his mind to understand why what he'd just heard should mean something.
As Pil and DJ launched into the song it took almost two minutes before Ary jumped up banging the desk in front of him, and shouting.
"You little bastards, I'm gonna rip your fucking nuts off".
Then he was running for the stage, much to the shock of everyone except Trevor who'd twigged the artists identities at about the same time as Ary and was laughing uproariously.
On stage instead of what he'd threatened, Ary threw himself into a joint hug with both artists, before breaking off and announcing to the room.
"Let this be a lesson to everyone here today, whoever you are, you're never too big or famous to audition, this pair should know that song off by heart since it's their own song, and it's currently sitting at number one in the charts of Australia, The US, and several European Countries".
He pulled off their beanies as they removed dark glasses and the rest of the room gasped.
"Yes guys, I give you my sneaky little cousins, Pil and DJ".
Ary then turned to Trevor at the judging table.
"So what do you reckon Trev, they gonna be any good, or not?".
Trevor raised his fist, thumb down.
"Absolute crap, they'll never make it, best put them here with us on the judging panel".
Everyone laughed as Pil stuck his middle finger up to Trevor.
Ary remarked later, their arrival and stunt had raised the atmosphere in the hall tremendously, artists were really giving their all.
By late afternoon when Ary called a halt, 15 of the 60 who'd auditioned had been given a guaranteed performance slot.
DJ was heading toward the restroom when he heard a young guy telling the stage manager.
"I'm sorry, I can't come back tomorrow, I can't afford to take another day off, I'll get sacked".
DJ pulled the guy to one side.
"You must think you're good enough or you wouldn't have turned up today, why give in now?".
The boy hardly looked old enough to be the nineteen years shown on his identity tag.
"I asked for two days off incase this happened, I was refused, it's a shame but it can't be helped, I was going to be next up, I can't afford to lose my job, I have my mother to look after, she's ill".
DJ realised, his and Pil's stunt had caused this, he shouted to the boy as he started running back toward the judging table where Ary and Trev were preparing to leave.
"Get ready your going on now".
As he neared the table he shouted to Pil, Ary, and Trevor.
"Sorry guys, we need to do one more, the guy can't come back tomorrow, and I've got a feeling we were meant to hear him".
All three smiled, sitting back down as DJ shouted to the stage manager.
"Send him out Mike".
The stage manager announced him.
"Rory, singing a medley of eighties and nineties classics, with a twist".
Five minutes later all four of them were standing applauding, absolutely mesmerised, the boy had a voice that was just beautiful, and he'd put his own twist on a bunch of old songs that worked like magic.
DJ went up onto stage to shake his hand.
"That was fantastic, you have most definitely got yourself a spot, where do you work?, we need to make sure your employer gives you the time you'll need to rehearse the concert dates".
The boy was dazed but replied.
"Dates?, I thought it would be a ten minute spot on one day".
Ary, who'd followed DJ onto stage, answered him.
"For everyone else it is, but not for you, you're good, better than good, you're going to be a star, you'll be doing two sets every day, and I predict by day four you will be a hit, just mark my words".
DJ asked again.
"So where do you work?
The boy nodded, almost in a daze.
"JBJ, I deal with FNOL calls".
DJ looked puzzled.
"What does that mean?".
But it was Ary once again who answered.
"First Notice Of Loss".
DJ now looked quizzically at Ary.
"How in hell would you know that?".
Ary was giggling.
"It's something I ought to know when you consider the fact that my Poppa is CEO of JBJ, consider the leave time approved Rory, we'll speak to Poppa this evening, and what's wrong with your Momma, is there any way we can be of help".
The boy looked about to cry.
"She had a car accident, she's house bound until her injuries heal, it just puts a strain on our finances, she doesn't get any sick pay, I'm busking to make ends meet, the medical bills are crippling, but I'll manage thanks".
Ary told him they'd be in touch about his spots at the concert and Rory went off almost walking on air.
After dinner that evening, as the family were relaxing and catching up, Ary slipped into a seat next to his Poppa.
"Poppa, I need to ask a favour".
Jace smiled.
"Shoot son, if it's possible you know I'll say yes".
Ary explained about Rory, how fantastic he was, and how they'd nearly missed him, plus the problems he was currently facing whilst his Momma was laid up, but the real problem was the amount of time he'd need to rehearse for the concert.
Jace put an arm around his son.
"Time off I can wave a magic wand over, that's not a problem, I'll make sure he knows it tomorrow, it's for a good cause, if he's willing to wear himself out for Bobby's charity with everything else he's got going on, then I'm prepared to authorise paid leave, but what about his Momma, is there anything we can do there?".
Ary smiled.
"Thanks Poppa but I have a thought on that, leave it to me".
He sought out his brother and sister, Marty and Becky.
"Guys, I need your help, well, to be specific, I have someone who I think would benefit from your help, but I doubt he would ask, can I run it by you?".
Half an hour later Ary got up to leave them, with Becky saying.
"Don't worry Ary, we'll take care of it, he's exactly what we're here for, we'll speak with him".
When he arrived for work the following morning Rory was on an absolute euphoric high, until he saw an email message requesting that he report to HR at exactly ten o'clock, suddenly his euphoria collapsed, he was going to be sacked, he was sure of it, all the dread of how would he pay the bills hit him, by the time he appeared at HR he was shaking, on the verge of crying.
His first words upon entering the room were.
"Please don't sack me, I need this job, I have to pay for Momma's medicine, please I'm begging you, yesterday was authorised, honest it was".
Unbeknown to Rory, Jace was waiting in HR and witnessed his outburst, it really shocked Jace, he stood and reached out, taking the boy gently by his shoulders.
"Rory, calm down, you're not being sacked, just the opposite, I wanted to reassure you, any time you need for rehearsal before the concert will be covered with pay, everyone at JBJ is so proud of you for getting through the audition, you're helping to raise funds for my late son's charity, I'm so grateful".
Rory was just staring, hardly able to believe what he was hearing.
"Really, you're serious?".
Jace guided him to a chair.
"Yes I'm serious, please be assured, you'll have every help we can give to make your efforts to perform in that concert possible, now don't be alarmed, there are two of my other children waiting to speak with you if you agree, my son Marty and my daughter Becky, they have something to suggest which could help you, they're not connected to JBJ, they're on the board of the Bobby and Sam Charitable Trust, you don't have to speak with them unless you want to, but I'd urge you to give them a few minutes".
He nodded.
"Okay, if you think I should".
Jace went to the door and beckoned Marty and Becky in, but before leaving he turned to Rory.
"I'm going to leave because you will be discussing things I'm not privileged to know, but remember, it's your choice to speak with Marty and Becky, it's also your choice to end this discussion at any time you want, you can have someone from HR, or anyone you choose, to sit in with you if you would like".
Jace was surprised, but he didn't show it, by Rory's answer.
"Would you stay sir?, if you have time that is".
Jace patted his shoulder.
"Of course I'll stay, I can't interact unless you ask for my input, just look at me and nod if you need my opinion or support, now Marty, Becky, this is Rory, go ahead".
They'd agreed beforehand, Marty would lead.
"Rory, what you're doing for the charity, it's unbelievably great, as we understand it, you have your own troubles right now, troubles that would wear down most people, and yet you're out there struggling to gain permission by auditioning, to perform in a major concert which will gain an enormous amount of funds for the charity which we represent, I really don't know how to thank you, other than to just say it".
Marty paused as Rory nodded, and Becky took up the response.
"But we're concerned Rory, as a charity, we see need and we want to help, let us take your Momma's medical costs on board, it's what we're here for, to ease the path for genuine souls in distress, please, we're begging you, let us help you, just like you're helping us, it's only fair, if you give help, you should be prepared to accept it as well, when the circumstances warrant it, and yours do",
Jace looked to his children, marvelling at how well they'd presented their case, but he was shocked to see a look of horror on their faces, they were looking at Rory, he was crying, shaking, sobbing.
Jace leaned over enveloping the boy, signalling his children to exit the room.
"Hey, you want to tell me what you're upset about, and before you ask, I've got all the time in the world".
Rory had calmed a little, but the tears were still flowing.
"It's difficult, my Momma and I, we had a perfect life, both earning enough for a good life, then something so simple, a drunk driver hit her car at an intersection, how can your whole life go to hell because of some idiot?".
Jace didn't speak, he knew there was more to come.
"Suddenly we have Momma in hospital, no car, so it's a struggle to visit, then there's the medical bills that just keep piling up, and we lose one wage, it's impossible, we're good people, we did everything right, it's just not fair, our insurance company have been weeks investigating the claim but the other driver wasn't insured, we have nowhere to claim from, sometimes you feel like just giving up, life's so shit, then there's a day like this, when you realise there are actually people who care, I'm sorry, it's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride for me today".
Jace really felt for him, he pulled him in close.
"Don't apologise Rory, it makes me so proud to be able to say I know you, your like a mirror of my son Bobby, he ran into stumbling blocks all the time, it never mattered to him, he just pushed ahead, my boy Ary tells me that you're going to be a star, and he's never wrong, life's going to get better for you, and for your Momma, but I'm asking, let Marty and Becky ease your burden for now, you deserve it".
He nodded.
"Thank you sir, I will, it's a relief".
Jace smiled.
"Rory, I'm Jace, not sir, now, I'm going to get Marty and Becky back in, they'll look after you, and when you're finished with them, come up to my office".
An hour later Becky brought Rory to Jace's office.
"Well hi again, have my son and daughter managed to ease your burden a little?".
Becky just smiled, Jace knew she wouldn't divulge any detail of their discussion, but Rory was a lot more forthcoming.
"They've solved just about everything, I'll never be able to thank all of you enough, they're taking care of my Momma's medical bills, giving her an allowance until she's able to work again, and they've put me in touch with a company of lawyers here in Chicago that have assured me they'll get compensation for our car, Momma's injuries, and Momma's lost earnings, I can't tell you how much of a relief that is, I just wanted to come and say thank you for everything, I'll get out of your way now".
Jace surprised him.
"Hey, you're staying with me, my wife wants to meet you, and your Momma, she'll be here in a minute or two so have a seat, but tell me, why you were so keen to play in this concert?, because it's a heck of a commitment with everything you have going on in your life right now".
Rory's reply was matter of fact, and genuine.
"I met Bobby when I was about fourteen, at a Buskers Convention here in Chicago, he turned up to give a talk, then stayed on chatting to us afterwards, giving us tips on how to lighten the mood of songs to make people feel good, he actually spent about ten minutes with me, showing me how to put a different spin on an established song, that's always stayed with me, how he gave his time to me, I just feel it's important to pay back something like that".
Jace was beaming.
"Thank you for sharing that, it's not a surprise that he would do it, but I still feel immensely proud to say he was my son".
Jace and Mel stopped of at a Deli where they picked up a selection of lunch food, then drove to his home to meet his Momma.
Rory opened the door into a lovely apartment, it was small, but nicely furnished and extremely clean.
He showed them into the cosy lounge, asking them to make themselves comfortable whilst he spoke with his Momma, then disappeared.
When he came back he was smiling.
"She wants to meet you, would you follow me please".
He led them back into the narrow hallway, then into a room where a pretty woman in her mid forties was propped up in bed.
She'd obviously been crying, her eyes were still wet with tears, her left arm was in plaster and there were the remnants of bruising on her chin and the other arm, which she reached out to them in greeting.
"Please come closer, I want to thank you, what you've done, it's nothing short of a miracle, Rory's been working and busking all hours to keep us afloat, I'm Dora, Rory's Momma".
They shook hands, then Mel sat on the bed next to Dora.
"You have an extraordinary son Dora, and he loves you so much".
Dora nodded, she could see how genuine Mel was.
"You're children are the ones who are arranging for the charity to pay my medical bills, but you look too young to have children that old".
Mel laughed.
"Oh thank you Dora, that's done wonders for my self esteem, but Marty and Becky aren't my eldest, and I have quite a few more, Bobby was my eldest, then there's Ary, Dillon, Marty, Becky, Lilly, Gary, and Stevie".
Dora heard the sadness when Mel mentioned Bobby.
"Bobby Thorn, of course, I hadn't realised, I'm so sorry Mrs Thorn, I don't even know how to imagine what it's like to lose a child, I don't think I'd get past it".
She could see the glistening in Mel's eyes as she answered.
"I haven't Dora, and it's Mel, I doubt I ever will get past it, he was my first born, there are still times when it just overwhelms me, I hear one of his songs on the radio and smile proudly, then it hits me like a wave, the sudden realisation that he's gone, I can't control it, but in truth I don't want to, I need to remember for my own sanity".
Jace jumped in to help Mel.
"Okay you two, gossip later, we brought food, Rory show me to the kitchen, I'll plate up, you serve".
Rory tried to object saying he would manage, but Jace was having none of it.
Pretty soon they were all sitting in Dora's bedroom eating lunch and laughing non stop, with Dora occasionally groaning that they were killing her by making her laugh, but in truth she hadn't been that happy since before her accident.
Mel hesitated, then blurted out.
"Dora, tell me if I'm overstepping here, but would you consider coming to stay with us for a while?, I'm thinking it would give Rory a break, he'd have a lift to work each morning with Jace, I'd be on hand to help you out, and you'd be great company for me, plus Rory would be on hand for the boys to organise what he's doing at the concert".
Dora was just staring, so was Rory, nether said anything, until Jace broke the spell.
"Say yes Dora, we've got loads of room, it makes perfect sense until you're up and about again".
She spoke, but so quietly they had to strain almost to hear her.
"Wouldn't it be an imposition?, I'm quite a burden you know".
Mel was beaming.
"Rubbish, it's settled, I'll arrange a medical transfer unit, Rory, get packing for both of you".
Jace was in the little kitchen washing dishes when Rory walked in, almost having a heart attack.
"You shouldn't be doing that, you're a guest".
Jace laughed.
"Don't worry, I wasn't brought up to be a spoiled brat, nor are our kids, they work for their allowances, and they're happy doing it".
Rory really surprised Jace.
"You do stints on the floor at work, I'd heard about it but I'm ashamed to admit I didn't believe it, until I saw you across the room one day, answering calls".
Jace was still laughing.
"And why not, you're FNOL aren't you?".
Rory nodded.
Jace continued.
"No easy job, we represent policy holders who always believe they are innocent, however crazy the circumstances, I like to keep up to date, so I do a stint in every department during the year".
Rory's next statement was factual, not meant to gain favour, just a statement.
"You probably don't even know how many brownie points that earns you, but I can tell you, it's a lot".
Jace just smiled.
Mel had arranged a medical transfer and a private ambulance turned up about an hour later, with two orderlies who carefully helped Dora into a sort of chair come bed, then carried her easily to the waiting ambulance.
A little more than a two hours later Dora was being settled into bed in a suite overlooking the gardens at Barrington Hills, Rory was in his own suite next door to her.
The suites were in Jace's parents house, but after Mel had spoken to Jolly, she'd agreed with Mel immediately.
Ary and Trevor arrived at Thorn House after dinner looking for Baz, and he could see immediately they were troubled.
"What is it guys, something's troubling you, I can see that?".
Ary bit the bullet, blurting out.
"I swear Baz, we had no idea, it came as a complete surprise seeing her".
Baz knew immediately who they were referring to, Annie.
Trevor continued.
"She's using her own name, neither of us picked up on it when we went through the artist lists, it was a shock seeing her at the rehearsal".
Baz didn't reply at first, then.
"It's okay guys, thanks for giving me a heads up, it was bound to happen sooner or later".
He'd been quiet for most of the evening after they left, deep in thought, in fact he jumped noticeably when Piers sat down next to him on the sofa.
"Will you be alright?, with seeing her I mean".
He hesitated.
"I don't know, I think it's going to hurt, but it's a fact, we're not together any more, I'm going to have to get used to it".
Piers could see the effect it was having on him.
"You still love her don't you?".
He answered easily.
"Yes, I wish I didn't, I wish I could hate her, but I know that's never going to happen".
He looked down at the wedding ring on his finger.
"She's my soulmate, I can't imagine being with someone else, when any girl starts to get too close I physically back away, it just feels so wrong".
What Piers asked next threw him for a moment.
"I know what you said about there being no chance of you getting back together, but I always believed that was said in anger, do you still feel that way?".
He was about to answer, then he stopped himself, before turning to face his Poppa.
"You're right, I was angry at first, that's sort of changed I think, I'm still angry that she trashed what we had, but mostly now I'm sad, I believed in her, trusted her, I don't know if I could do that again, I think I could forgive, but I don't know how I would be able to forget, it would always be there, doubt, worry, mistrust".
Piers could see he was still struggling to find the right words.
"I must sound like such an idiot, at work I confront the most complex legal arguments head on, and here I am, unable to give her an answer on something which should be so simple".
Something he'd just said, surprised Piers.
"She's asked you to take her back?, I didn't know you'd been talking".
He looked down as he answered.
"We haven't, she emails me, every week, since the week after she said she wasn't coming home, that was when she told me she'd made a mistake, begged me to take her back, it's been the same theme in every email, every week since then, I've never replied, I don't know how to answer her".
Unbeknown to either of them, Pil had entered the lounge behind them, hearing most of their conversation, then melted silently back out of the door.
The following evening Baz left a message that he wouldn't be in for dinner, he'd wanted some time alone, opting instead to eat at a new rooftop restaurant which Ary had recommended.
He'd been sat, deep in thought after the waiter had taken his order.
The sound of her voice startled him.
"You can't avoid me forever Baz, I'll understand if you don't love me anymore, but please, don't cut me off, you mean so much to me".
She'd sat down opposite him, the look in her eyes almost begging him to reply.
He looked at her, then rising from his seat he'd said.
"I could never stop loving you, as for cutting you off, it's the only way I know of protecting my sanity, I don't think you understand how deeply you hurt me, are still hurting me".
She saw the tears sliding down his face as he spoke, before he walked slowly away, leaving her sitting alone, her tears falling in sympathy for his.
He'd apologised at the reception desk, saying something had come up and he needed to leave urgently, they'd waived any charges, and he was gone, out into the night.
Pil approached Annie the following day, it was the day of the first concert, she was doing a spot in both the afternoon and evening.
"Hi stranger, I'm missing our hugs, come here and let me get a fix, and why aren't you staying with us?"
She'd been surprised, and said as much.
"I didn't think any of the family would want to speak to me, so I booked into the Presidential, I'm in 1821 it's a great view of the city".
Pil looked quizzical.
"Why would you think that?".
He could see how difficult she was finding it to answer.
"Because of how much I hurt Baz, I met him last night, I don't know if he's told you, it was quite by chance, he was sat in a restaurant, I tried to make conversation, he told me how much I'd hurt him and walked away, until then I don't think I actually realised what I'd done".
Pil suggested they get coffee and ten minutes later they were sat in a coffee shop.
She started talking as soon as they sat down.
"I didn't do anything Pil, I've never cheated on Baz, but he won't talk to me, last night was the nearest we've come to having a conversation, and that was only a statement before he walked away, I've been trying desperately to reach him, but he won't respond, I even flew back to Sydney, but he's sold the apartment, I don't even know where he's living".
Pil was confused.
"Hang on, didn't you tell him there was someone else, and that's why you weren't coming home, why you missed Christmas and New Year?".
She was staring out of the window.
"Yes I did, in anger, because he asked me if there was someone else, he virtually accused me of being unfaithful, so I lashed out, I lied".
Pil was staring open mouthed, but his response was an angry one.
"You stupid pair of fucking idiots, all this just because you were angry with each other, does he know that you lied?".
She shook her head.
"I figured that was something I needed to tell him face to face, I've told him countless times in emails that I made a mistake, just not what the mistake was, but after last night, I don't see him ever giving me chance to do that, I've lost him, it's time to recognise that and move on".
Pil was panicking, he'd heard something else in what she'd said.
"What do you mean, move on?".
She looked directly at him for the first time since they'd sat down.
"Divorce, why stay married?, this was my last ditch attempt, I love him more than I can say, and I truly believe he feels the same, he says he loves me, but won't communicate with me, he can't stand to be in the same room with me, there's nothing more I can do, other than to accept the inevitable, I was stupid yes, I said something out of spite and I can't take it back now, he won't let me take it back, for my own sanity I have to put an end to it and move on".
They left the coffee shop and headed back to the Concert Venue, where he left her preparing for her mid afternoon spot.
Everyone could see that Pil was in a foul mood for the rest of the day, though no one could get out of him the reason for it.
As the first days concert came to an end, Pil did something he'd never done before, he left the venue without visiting the meet and greet rooms, catching up with his family members as they exited for the drive back to Barrington Hills.
They saw him striding toward them and were shocked when he targeted Baz.
"You, with me, don't argue, I'm not in the mood".
Everyone was shocked, including Baz, who followed him to a rental car Pil had arranged.
"Get in, I want words with you, and I really don't care whether what I say upsets you, because it's time somebody did".
Baz got in saying.
"You're clearly upset about something, and it appears I'm to blame, so what is it?".
Pil ignored the question, instead asking his own".
"Tell me truthfully, how did this story of Annie having an affair start, and I want you to actually think about how it came to light, who prompted it?".
Baz was surprised to say the least, and angry that Pil would interfere in his business.
"That's really none of your business, it's between Annie and I, so why are you meddling?".
Pil had explained about meeting Annie earlier that day, and how they'd chatted for nearly an hour, but he couldn't say what Annie had told him, he had to get Baz to admit that, he knew it would be the only way his brother would understand and accept, he'd caused the lie to be told.
When they pulled into the underground garage of Thorn House they were arguing bitterly, the rest of the family were exiting their cars as Baz got out of Pil's car shouting.
"Fuck you Pil, I still say you're meddling in things that don't concern you".
But Pil was having none of it, jumping out the car to follow Baz.
"I asked you a question, answer me honestly if you dare, who brought the subject up and how".
Baz rounded angrily on him.
"Annie told me she was having an affair".
Pil shouted his reply, in front of the rest of the shocked family.
"You're a liar, that's not what happened, think about it, what did you ask her?".
Baz could be seen getting angrier.
"I asked her if there was someone else, she said possibly, there, satisfied now?, she admitted she was having an affair".
By now Pil was red in the face, he was so angry he was almost crying.
"No she didn't, she heard your question, she heard you doubt her, she lied you fucking moron, out of anger she lied and you caused it, your question said you didn't trust her, there's never been anyone else, never has, never would have, never could have been, and you're running out of time, she's talking divorce because you're not giving her any other option, if you let her go without a fight you're not the brother I know and love, you're a bloody fool who doesn't deserve her anyway".
At that Pil spun around and headed up the stairs into the house, leaving a speechless Baz standing there, with a shocked family looking on.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.