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Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 17
It had been something of a strain for JJ, despite sleeping in one of the bedrooms for part of the flight, sitting for so long had left him sore and stiff, so much so that when they landed in Dubai he was having great difficulty even standing, let alone walking, so Jem requested a wheelchair to make it easier for him.
Jem called ahead to their hotel whilst they waited for the wheelchair, explaining JJ's recent injuries and requesting a physio be available as soon as they arrived.
He was regretting agreeing with JJ and his doctor, when they'd decided his condition had improved enough that he could fly without a medical professional accompanying him.
But Jem later admitted, his fears were eased slightly when their limo arrived at the hotel, the Burj Al Arab staff had pulled out all the stops, a team of four physio's were waiting out front, they took charge immediately, physically lifting JJ from the vehicle, transferring him to a specialist wheelchair, which massaged him with varying vibration patterns as they delivered him directly to their suite.
Jem and the children were left to complete the check in requirements before they were also escorted to their suite, where they found JJ already immersed in a bubbling jacuzzi bath in the master bathroom, still accompanied by two of the physio's.
As Jem appeared one of them was addressing JJ.
"This will make you feel much better but it's effects are relatively short lived, the real benefit is that it gives us around a thirty minute window once we take you out, to administer a massage whilst your muscles are still relaxed from the warmth, that is when you will feel real and lasting relief, we'll be back in approximately thirty minutes to lift you out".
Turning to Jem he said.
"Please monitor him regularly sir, it's not uncommon to fall asleep because of the warmth".
Whilst waiting for them to return, Jem stayed in the master bathroom with JJ, completely afraid to leave in case JJ dozed off and slipped under the water.
On their return the physio's set up a portable massage table.
After lifting JJ out of the tub and towelling him dry they laid him face down on the massage table, one concentrated mainly on his mid to lower back, whilst the other worked his thigh to knee area of both legs, JJ was moaning constantly, so much so they thought they might be hurting him, but when asked he was quick to correct them.
"No, no, not at all, it actually feels wonderful, please keep doing exactly what you're doing".
They'd worked on him for nearly forty minutes, then lifted him back into a freshly run tub of warm water, only slightly above body temperature, with some lavender based bath salts which were designed to relax the bather, the same physio again addressed JJ.
"Fifteen minutes only whilst we clear everything away, then I want to see you walk around the suite sir".
JJ responded in jest.
"Firstly, it's JJ not sir, and I don't think I'm going to be able to satisfy your request to walk around the suite, I couldn't even get up from my seat when our plane landed".
As they were packing things away the physio's laughed at his reply, which perplexed JJ.
But true to their word, around fifteen minutes later, JJ was being lifted out, dried, then wrapped in a soft, fluffy, white robe.
He'd been standing unaided without realising it until the Physio said.
"So JJ, since we lifted you from the tub, we haven't been supporting you, you are standing unaided, now please, your family are waiting to see that you are well, do you think you could give it a try?".
JJ smiled, saying.
"You're a sneaky little devil aren't you, but yes, I'll most definitely try it, if you think I'm up for it".
He took several steps toward the physio's, and realised immediately, he could not only do it, he was almost pain free, and his exclamation said it all.
"Bloody hell guys, you're miracle workers, thank you, oh bloody hell thank you".
The physio's shadowed him as he left the master bathroom, walked slowly across the master bedroom, and out into the main lounge, where Jem, Caden, Peverell, and Gisella were waiting for him.
His beaming smile as he entered the lounge had all three children almost besieging him until the physio's voice boomed out.
"Gently please, he's partly restored, but not quite ready for Olympic wrestling".
The children laughed, as did JJ and Jem.
The physio now addressed JJ, giving him a small digital device.
"This is programmed to sound an alarm every thirty minutes, when it sounds I would ask that you stand up immediately, walk slowly, gently around for exactly five minutes, do not stop until the alarm sounds again, then you should sit comfortably and relax, when you retire for the night, press the lower button it will deactivate the device, press it again next morning to restore the process, we will visit again at ten thirty tomorrow morning, and we will continue your rehabilitation if it pleases you, now we wish you a pleasant evening".
And they were gone.
Later that night JJ said to Jem.
"If I were British Royalty, not from a defunct French Royalty, I'd ensure they were Knighted, all I wanted to do when that plane landed today was cry, the pain was unbelievable, they've worked non stop to give me a pain free existence, they really are miracle workers".
It was then, right there, that Jem decided, he would seek an audience with the Burj Al Arab management next morning.
JJ followed their instructions, saying to Jem as they prepared for bed that night.
"The kids were whacked bless them, putting up with a cripple on the flight, and my constant moaning, take them off tomorrow and blow their minds Jem, and you enjoy it too, I'll be in capable hands, it's time for you to relax as well, I've been dominating your every waking moment since I stupidly walked out in front of that car, it's not been fair for you".
Jem had settled him comfortably, then kissed him on the lips.
"One of these days you'll understand, I have a need to ensure you survive, because it is the only reason I survive, I love you so much more than life itself, now sleep, shake me if there's anything, and I mean anything that you need".
JJ giggled.
"Saint Jem, that of course would be if I had any pull in the Catholic Church, but you certainly deserve it".
JJ had slept, a sleep like he couldn't remember having since the accident, waking a little after eight the next morning, and realising, Jem was missing.
He was sat up, about to get out of bed when Jem appeared with the children, all four were carrying different things.
Jem had a tray with his breakfast on, Cade placed a beautiful flowering pot plant next to his bed, Pev had a separate tray with his tea pot and tea cup, he poured, and delivered the cup to the tray Jem had placed in front of JJ, Gis meanwhile shook open a napkin, laying it gently across his mid section.
Jem then said.
"Eat, that's an order, you haven't done anything except nibble since we left Sydney, we're scheduled to leave in fifteen minutes but that's on hold because these three have informed me, until they see you eat breakfast, they're going nowhere, so our day is in your hands".
JJ giggled, a sound all three children found infectious, they couldn't help it, they giggled with him as he attacked his breakfast, realising quickly that he was actually starving.
In approximately ten minutes his plate was empty, and he burped, loudly, rudely, and was embarrassed, then he giggled, and it was the signal, they all started laughing, and it turned into uproarious laughter.
As they calmed down JJ said.
I need to start this device again, could you guys maybe help me out of bed, then stick around for a couple of minutes, just to make sure I'm stable?".
Five minutes later JJ was walking, not pain free, he had to admit, it wasn't what he remembered from the evening before, but he could manage it, as he told them.
"Now go, I know what fun awaits you, and believe me I'm green with envy, but I'm going to have more treatment, and believe me, if yesterday's results are anything to go by, I'll be turning cartwheels by the time you return, now get gone".
Jed and the children had only been gone a few minutes when the physio team, all four of them turned up again.
JJ was walking slowly around the lounge as they let themselves in, and the lead guy from yesterday looked at JJ's expression and asked.
"How long have you been walking?".
JJ struggled with the pain he was experiencing to reply.
"About twenty minutes, but I don't want to stop, I think I might seize up again".
The physio smiled.
"It doesn't work like that, I gave you specific instructions for a reason, going past what I told you can undo the good work, and I think you might be at that point right now, but no matter, let's get you into a bath of hot water, we'll correct that first, get you back to pain free, then we can get you to Olympic wrestling standard before your family return, I will make you a promise, you will walk unaided and pain free from the Burj Al Arab".
An hour later JJ was walking around the suite pain free, and he couldn't believe it, saying.
"You are a complete master, you should have your own clinic, I can't believe what you've done for me, the pain is gone, I can't thank you enough, but I need to know, what did I do wrong?".
The physio smiled.
"You didn't trust me, you did far more than I said, believing more is better, that's not the case, my rehabilitation program is based on a gentle return to mobility, you opted to engage in forced mobility, it's at cross purposes with my method and doesn't work, I hope I've proven that to you".
Jem and the kids had arrived a little late to start their adventure.
When Jem had announced he needed to stop off in reception to speak with the concierge they'd groaned, until he'd told them why he needed to do it, to help Poppa JJ, then they agreed, and didn't raise any further objections when a senior manager took Jem into an office and he was gone for nearly half an hour, a few minutes after he'd gone into the office Ahmed, JJ's physio entered the office as well, leaving at the same time as their Poppa Jem.
It was mid afternoon when they returned to the hotel, and they were all clearly running on pure adrenalin, it had been better even than Jem had expected from Milo's description.
As they entered the entrance lobby, they stopped dead, JJ was stood waiting for them, his smile matching theirs, as they approached him he said.
"So how was your day guys, did you enjoy it?".
Jem answered him.
"It was way better than anything I expected, Milos description didn't even come close to doing it justice, but what about you, has it improved that much?, what about the pain?".
JJ started to walk slowly with them toward the elevators.
"It's not completely gone but it's bearable, apparently I caused it to get worse this morning by doing too much, I have to stick with only walking for five minutes at a time on a strictly regulated schedule, I have to rest now but I wanted to be here to welcome you back".
Once back in their suite JJ settled on a comfortable sofa listening as each of them described the days events, with Cade admitting he'd been really scared when they'd gone over the top of the first dune at speed, he'd been convinced they were going to turn over as they powered down the other side.
Gis and Pev were nodding in unison, agreeing with Caden's description.
Jem summed it up.
"It's an absolute blast, I really wish you could have been there, I know you would have loved it".
JJ smiled.
"Well I'm glad you enjoyed it, and who knows, maybe I'll get to sample it on the return journey".
Jem was curious as to what treatment had got JJ to this fantastic pain free point and JJ explained.
"They started me off with another hot bath, that was to correct the damage I'd done by overdoing it, then a massage of my lower back and legs, and hey presto, this is the result, but listen guys, you have to make sure I don't overdo it again, it's thirty minutes rest then five minutes of exercise, no more, apparently doing ten minutes of exercise will strain the muscles again, that's what I did this morning".
Jem asked.
"Did you get the same physio guys?".
JJ looked puzzled as to why Jem was asking, but he answered anyway.
"Yes, the main one Ahmed, he was called away for about fifteen or twenty minutes, not long after you left, when he came back he told me we needed to change tomorrow's treatment session to fit our flight departure time, he wants to administer the massage treatment just before we're due to leave, the funniest thing though, when I asked what I have to do on the flight he said not to worry, that will be taken care of, I'm assuming he's going to give me instructions tomorrow before we leave".
Jem turned away from JJ, towards the children, and gave a wink which they didn't acknowledge, but they knew exactly what it was for.
They'd taken a poll of who wanted to do what for dinner, the consensus was Italian, Jem, and Gis opting for pasta, whilst JJ, Cade, and Pev wanted pizza, and the youngsters asked if it could be delivered in, as Pev pointed out to JJ.
"You've made really good progress, it would be silly to mess that up by going to a restaurant when we have a dining table here and we can order in".
JJ smiled as he answered.
"Well thank you, that's very thoughtful of you, and if no one minds staying in, I agree, it means I can keep to my exercise routine".
Just as he said that his gadget gave out several beeps, and they helped him to his feet for five minutes of walking.
They were all in bed early that night, with plans for who was doing what the following morning.
Ahmed was coming at ten o'clock to administer JJ's physio before they were due to leave the hotel at eleven.
Caden had suggested that he and Pev draw JJ's bath then help him into it at nine thirty, he'd reasoned that Jem would have enough to do with packing up their stuff.
Jem had looked to JJ, unsure if he would be okay with the idea, he needn't have been concerned, a smiling JJ nodded his acceptance.
Both JJ and Jem were awake when there was a knock on their door at nine twenty next morning, they heard a young voice say.
"Just going to run your bath Poppa, we'll come and get you when it's ready".
A little under ten minutes later, they returned to help JJ out of bed, then shadowed him as he walked stiffly to the bathroom.
JJ was quite surprised that the pain and stiffness were both considerably less than he'd expected, a sure sign that things were heading in the right direction.
He climbed into the tub with minimal help, before Cade went out leaving Pev to supervise.
Cade came back a few minutes later with a tray.
"Breakfast Poppa, I remembered this morning, with your physio and then leaving straight away, you won't get time to eat, so I ordered room service for you to eat breakfast before Ahmed gets here".
JJ had to admit he was actually hungry, and Cade had ordered his favourite, scrambled eggs with toast, he'd also ordered orange juice, and tea, it was a lovely gesture.
"Thank you, that's really thoughtful, and I am hungry".
A few minutes before ten o'clock Cade said.
"Okay Poppa, times up, let's get you out and dried off, Ahmed should be here in the next few minutes".
In fact Ahmed was a couple of minutes late and apologising profusely when he arrived, lugging a heavy bag.
"It's just me this morning, I don't anticipate you'll need as intense a massage as previously, am I right in thinking that you're not nearly so sore this morning?".
JJ agreed.
"I was really surprised, I could get out of bed almost unaided, and I actually climbed into the tub with my sons only steadying me, it's a wonderful feeling".
What Ahmed said next confused JJ, but he didn't comment.
"That's exactly as I expected, if we continue the same patter for another three days you should be completely restored".
JJ had dwelt on Ahmed's words, and that bag, it was far too big for a few work related items, it had to be a travel bag.
After thirty minutes Ahmed covered him completely.
"Ten minutes to relax, then I'll help you bathe again and get you dressed ready to travel".
True to his words, ten minutes later he was lifting JJ back into the tub of warm water and washing away the oils he'd used in the massage.
JJ had walked back into their master bedroom to be surprised that his clothes were laid out neatly on the bed.
Ahmed helped him dress, despite JJ's objecting.
"Remember what I said about not straining, a simple thing like reaching to far to put socks on can set you back, be patient a few more days JJ, and you'll be able to do it on your own without there being consequences".
They were ready, all packed and JJ dressed by ten forty five, so Milo called the concierge desk and requested a Bell boy to collect their luggage, which happened like clockwork.
They were ready to leave a few minutes before eleven, when Milo answered the ringing telephone in their suite.
Turning to them he said.
"That was to say our ride is ready, make sure that you have everything, and let's roll".
JJ was wondering why Ahmed was walking with them, then reasoning, he would be returning to the ground floor gym, they were headed down to their car, it made sense.
But that theory went out of the window when two things happened, in the elevator, Jem pressed the button for the top floor, not the lobby, and JJ suddenly realised, Ahmed no longer had that heavy bag, it had been loaded onto the Bell boys luggage cart, and it suddenly became clear.
"Nice one Jem, you nearly got away with it, but I've got you sussed".
Jem was laughing.
"Okay Mr Clever Clogs, what do you think you know?".
JJ was giggling, hence the children were giggling with him.
"Well unless the Burj Al Arab has flying cars, I reckon we're heading for the helipad".
Jem was still smiling.
"Okay you got me, I arranged a helicopter transfer, I thought it would be better for you, and I'm guessing these three urchins have never been in one".
Jem was looking smug, until JJ said.
"I wasn't finished actually, when were you going to tell me that Ahmed is traveling with us?".
Jem actually laughed now.
"Damn you're good, I'd hoped the elevator ride would distract you, he very kindly agreed to coming with us to complete your treatment, the Burj management will pay his salary as normal and Bill me for the cost once they've worked out what it costs them".
Ahmed was smiling broadly now as JJ turned to him.
"Thank you Ahmed, I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to have you along, and a relief to know I'm still in good hands".
As their elevator arrived on the top floor they could see their transport outside on the helipad.
The three youngsters were excited, and understandably nervous as they were escorted by staff out onto the helipad and into their helicopter.
The boys were almost bouncing in their seats as it rose slowly up into the sky, but Gis, sitting between JJ and Jem was visibly trembling, JJ noticed and put an arm around her.
"Relax sweetie, we'll only be up for a few minutes, look at the views".
But she wasn't impressed and kept her eyes tightly shut until they were back safely on the ground.
The pilot landed a few yards away from their jet, which already had its engines turning over ready to depart.
Onboard and strapped in, they began the taxi journey to the runway, it was no more than a few minutes before they were soaring up once again into the sky, bound for Sydney.
JJ marvelled as they were coming in to land at Sydney that he was still almost pain free, unlike when they'd arrived in Dubai where he could have cried at the level of pain he'd been experiencing.
Ahmed had been religious in his attention to keeping JJ moving throughout the flight, refusing the opportunity to use one of the bedrooms for sleep, he'd monitored and motivated him almost non stop, as well as entertaining the children by showing them the major pressure points and areas to focus on for relaxation.
Although not exactly sprinting, JJ walked unaided behind everyone except Ahmed through the FBO Offices.
Emerging into the executive arrivals lounge, Jem spotted the familiar faces of, Piers, Milo, Gracie, Baz, Jez, Dale, Fleur, Jimmy, Franky, and Rosie.
The usual greetings ensued, with the waiting family descending on the arriving family for hugs, all except JJ, who was being protected, blocked behind Ahmed who announced.
"Very gently please, he is extremely fragile right now and in pain".
Fortunately Piers was listening and chivied everyone along, cutting short the usual Thorn family greetings.
"Okay, wrap it up folks, we need to get JJ home".
Turning to Ahmed Piers said.
"You must be the one who's responsible for helping my cousin, you have all of our gratitude, thank you, now tell us what's best for him?".
Ahmed nodded.
"He's had far more exercise than I would have liked already just coming off the flight, how far is it to your vehicle?".
Milo answered.
"About two hundred yards".
Ahmed looked at JJ.
"In that case I'm going to carry you, that's beyond you right now, we haven't come this far to have it all wrecked".
As the full party moved out, heading toward the car parking zone, Ahmed scooped JJ up into his arms and followed behind.
"Tell me if it gets painful, or uncomfortable, it's not too far".
JJ could be seen wincing, Ahmed had been right, the walk from the plane and through customs into the FBO Office had been further than he remembered, and a bit of an ordeal.
Pretty soon Ahmed was depositing him into the first limo, Andy, their Head Driver was in charge.
Milo shouted out.
"Ahmed, you go in with JJ, Jem, and the youngsters, Piers and I will jump into one of the other cars".
When they arrived at the Harbourside House, Jem said.
"This is where JJ and I used to live before we moved back to Europe, as we enter we are on the top floor, the wall in front of you will be all glass, take a moment to appreciate the unrestricted view out over Sydney Harbour, you'll see the famous Opera House directly ahead, and to the right is the equally famous Harbour Bridge, it's an amazing place".
As they entered the upper floor lobby the gasps were audible, the youngsters were completely transfixed, as was Ahmed who said.
"It's truly magnificent, a beautiful sight, but why only enjoy it from up here?".
JJ giggled.
"Because as beautiful as the view is, it's also very noisy, hence the screening to reduce the noise, and afford a certain amount of privacy".
Most of the party took the staircase down to the lounge area, JJ and Ahmed took the glass lift, carefully hidden behind the staircase.
Once they were all assembled in the lounge Milo had the staff bring out champagne for the adults, and soft drinks for the younger ones.
The complete lounge wall of glass on the lower lounge level had been opened up allowing a warm breeze to drift in.
Piers raised his glass saying.
"I give you a toast, to welcome Caden, Peverell, and Gisella to the family, and special thanks to whatever force protected our dear cousin JJ The Vicomte de Montclair recently".
Everyone toasted, then there descended a mad gabbling as adults began to catch up.
Ahmed moved to be near JJ and Jem.
"I hate to put a break on your family catch up but you must have treatment soon, we would be risking you regressing otherwise".
Jem caught Piers eye and called him over.
"Sorry Piers, can we get rooms sorted, JJ needs to have treatment soon".
Piers looked mortified.
"Oh god I'm so sorry, I was so excited to see you my brain has deserted me, right, well I'm sure you can find your own way, Milo and I have vacated the master suite, it's yours, and Ahmed is right next to you, I'll get Baz, Jezz, and Gracie to show their cousins to their rooms, off you go".
JJ was objecting.
"Piers you can't do that, we'll be okay in any room".
Piers was just grinning.
"We can, and we have, I'm hoping it will remind you of the wonderful life you had here, and encourage you to come home".
JJ looked immediately at Jem, which didn't go unnoticed by either Piers or Milo.
An hour later JJ walked unaided back into the lounge, then out to the garden where everyone was sitting in the shade.
As JJ sat down next to Jem, Gracie moved over, making space on the sofa she'd been deliberately hogging, saving space for Ahmed, and Piers noticed immediately that she'd opened the top button of her blouse, offering a much improved view of her ample cleavage, which Ahmed seemed to fixate on as he looked down at her before sitting next to her.
Gracie was quietly congratulating herself that her plan to get him next to her had worked, she was so relaxed as she looked around the group, until she got to her Poppa Piers, his expression was completely deadpan, but his eyes were like lasers, flicking from her face to her cleavage and back several times, Gracie's face went immediately red, and she quickly refastened the top button.
Milo broached the subject of what had been going on in Europe.
"We heard a lot of it but some of it didn't make sense".
JJ recounted the full story, causing as much surprise in them as he'd felt when finding out what led to the rift between Daniel and Marcel.
Milo predictably was concerned about the situation with Junior refusing to return to Guardian.
JJ agreed, telling them Daniel had made him a promise to do everything he could to change Juniors mind, but he agreed, the situation between Josef, Juan, and Junior was a worry.
As they were chatting, JJ's alarm sounded and he got up to take a short walk, when he was out of earshot Ahmed asked.
"Excuse me please if this sounds rude, but Piers, when you toasted earlier, you addressed JJ as JJ Vicomte de Montclair, does that mean he's of the aristocracy?".
Jem answered.
"Yes, his father is Jaque Comte de Montclair, or The Count of Montclair, JJ is a Vicount".
"Can I ask why you didn't make it known when you were at the Burj Al Arab, they would have fallen over themselves to do things for you".
Everyone was smiling, including Jem as he answered.
"And that's the reason, JJ hates it, all of the false attention, he never uses his title, he's JJ to everyone, you do realise you're sitting opposite his sister Fleur, who by default, because there is no mother, is The Countess of Montclair, she's exactly the same, doesn't like using the title".
Ahmed looked directly at Fleur.
"I'm sorry, that must have sounded pretty crass, I hope I didn't offend you".
Fleur laughed.
"Not at all, it's a question we both get all the time, there are times when we have to stand up and be counted, but for the most part, we prefer to remain anonymous".
When he returned JJ asked.
"So what have I missed?".
Piers giggled as he answered devilishly.
"We were just discussing what a complete dipshit you are, for walking in front of a bloody car".
JJ countered.
"I believe we've already had this conversation recently, when I reminded you I won't take criticism from a dickhead who pulled out in front of a Semi and Trailer, getting his car squashed to a third of its size and almost dying in the process".
Piers was laughing loudly as he replied.
"Touche my friend, touche".
Milo made them all laugh again when he pointed to Jez saying.
"And that was the price we had to pay for Piers not being prosecuted".
Jez was laughing as much as everyone else as he replied.
"Yeh, yeh, you adopted me for a quiet life, because you knew Baz and Pil would have given you hell if you hadn't, and I've always been a saint".
Turning to Gracie Ahmed asked.
"They don't mention you, does that mean you're the favourite?".
Piers had been just taking a drink, and coughed loudly, spitting it all over the table.
Gracie giggled saying.
"You might have guessed from my Poppas reaction, that would be a no, I'm most definitely the black sheep of the family, but let's not go there".
Baz rescued the conversation.
"Talking of Pil, you know he and DJ are doing a two day concert and TV documentary, they arrive the day after tomorrow".
Ahmed blurted out.
"Pil and DJ, the singers, you know them?".
Piers was laughing now.
"Pil is our youngest son, Gracie, Baz, and Jez's brother".
All Ahmed could think to reply was.
"Wow".
Jez chipped in with.
"We have a book running on Vinny finding an excuse to fly out whilst Pil's here".
JJ said.
"I can't wait, I haven't seen him and DJ since Bobby and Sam's concert in Chicago, which brings me to another point where's Ferdie?".
Jez laughed.
"He's had to go into the office, some quite complicated schematics he needed to go over, he knew he'd get distracted here, and I'm definitely telling him it took you two hours to realise he wasn't here".
Everyone slowly drifted off to various locations, leaving just Milo, Piers, Jem, and JJ, and Piers couldn't resist.
"So tell us about your plans to move back out here".
JJ and Jem's expressions looked like rabbits caught in the headlights.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.