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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 31
It was strange, he could hear them, but he couldn't respond, he wanted to, but he couldn't, he could hear Piers, almost like he was a long way off, talking to him, it was as if he was in a bubble, was this it, was this all there was ever going to be, had he made the wrong decision?, it was all too much, he slept.
It had been over five weeks since that morning, that breakfast, that momentous decision.
Pierre had woken with his little brother snuggled tightly in his arms, not entirely sure his decision was the right one, but it was done, he was determined, he wouldn't second guess it.
Breakfast had been the usual fun time, French Toast was guessed as Mickey Mouse, the distinctive ears easily giving it away, and Pluto with his thin hands waving wildly in the air, with everyone laughing uproariously until he'd said loudly.
"I've decided".
He'd known they were waiting, but he hadn't been prepared for the silence, the complete silence, the faces, staring at him, expressions of fear, plainly showing they were frightened of whatever he would say next, just waiting for him to go on.
"I'm going to do it, if there's any chance I can maybe walk one day, then I don't care how limited that chance might be, and I want you all to understand, the doctors have been honest, I might not get any benefit, I might come back exactly the same as I go, but I think I have to try, I think I have a duty to try, I owe it to Uncle Pauly and I owe it to myself, so let's contact the doctor, tell him I'm good to go".
As they all congratulated him, he saw the worried look on Piers' face, and he added something else.
"I have a condition, it's not negotiable, it's a deal breaker, Piers has to come with me, I won't be separated from him, we've been a team since before our parents were killed, we've endured everything together, he comes with me, or I don't go".
Aly replied.
"We had thought Piers would stay here, carry on with school until you were over the operation, but I think we all understand you, we'll arrange a private tutor who can liaise with your teachers here, that way you won't be falling behind with your class work".
Pierre groaned.
"And here was me thinking we'd snagged a break from school work".
Bo laughed.
"No chance buster, and I know you don't mean that anyway, Mr Star Pupil".
It was no secret that, on entering the main reception area of their school, one wall was known as the 'Star Pupil Wall', or as it was now dubbed, because of Pierre's frequent wins, 'The Pierre Alonso Bowles-Cruz, Wall of Fame', it held an impressive eleven successive certificates dedicated to Pierre and the twelfth certificate was already confirmed and about to be mounted.
They'd flown out to Chicago two weeks after Pierre's announcement.
In the two weeks before their departure Aly and Bo had thrown a party for the boys, all their friends had been invited, including every child at the orphanage, a total of seventy six young guests, no adults, except three exceptions no one had been expecting".
By the time the party ended Pierre had spoken with every guest, some, mainly the older guests, had clapped him on the back and wished him well, some of the younger guests, and many of the girls had openly cried, with Pierre reassuring them it was a safe procedure, a walk in the park.
He addressed them all before they left.
"I just wanted to say a few words, firstly, thank you for coming to wish me well, most of you know it's been a dream of mine all my life to be able to walk, there's a chance when I return, I'll have my wish, it's not guaranteed, the doctors might not be able to pull it off, so I'm asking, please, keep your fingers crossed for me".
He paused, thrown for a minute because of the the three faces he saw in the doorway, two of them he'd only ever seen on a computer screen.
"A man I met only a few times is the one I owe my thanks to for giving me the chance to have this operation, he made it his mission to track down the doctors who had the ability to help me".
His guests were now stunned, riveted on hearing his every word, the room was silent as he went on.
"I can't tell him how grateful I am, grateful for the chance, even without knowing the outcome, I can't tell him because he died before he could give me the news that he'd found the doctors who could do the operation, I knew when I met him he was special, he always will be special to me, that man was, is, my late uncle, Pauly Caswel-Thorn, so if you're listening, thank you uncle Pauly, I will always be grateful".
He paused a moment.
"I've listened to you all this evening, I know there are some of you worried about not having a place to get help from whilst I'm away, so I'm asking you to help each other, seniors, it's time for you to pick up the baton, help the younger guys, and remember, Piers is at the end of a phone or Skype link whilst I'm out of it, he's a genius, even if he won't admit it, so you're not alone, I don't expect anyone to drop their grades, and remember, like Arnie said in the Terminator film, 'I'll be back', thanks everyone for coming".
Pierre manoeuvred his buggy off the stage at the end of his speech heading for the three faces who'd appeared midway and thrown him.
"Josef?".
"Yep little cousin, couldn't have you going off into battle without we met in person now could we".
Josef engulfed Pierre in a complete hug.
"This dorky hulk beside me is your cousin Juan, who normally is second to me in everything, but this time, I hold my hands up, he pulled off a complete victory, a tear jerker of a plea to our commanding officer for compassionate leave to come see you, of course Sofia you already know".
Pierre was thrilled.
"Wow, you came to see me, you could have Skyped".
Josef laughed.
"Oh no, this needed a real hug cousin, talking of which I believe the little fella hiding behind you is another cousin I haven't had a hug from yet so excuse me while I fix that problem"".
With that Josef scooped a giggling Piers into a hug.
Juan was now hugging Pierre, but this hug went on a lot longer than any of the others, before they parted he whispered.
"Our backgrounds are the same, we all know what it's like to have nothing, too be found, too be loved by wonderful parents, but you remember this, if you need us, if you need me, it only takes a phone call, don't you ever hesitate, Josef won't, and I know for sure I won't, if you need help".
Josef deposited a still giggling Piers back on the ground before adding.
" I hear your staying with the Chicago nutters, you'll have fun there, they are crazy, Jo, Billy and Jace, they'll look after you, I already spoke to them, they are so looking forward to meeting you, but most importantly, they'll look after you Piers, until Pierre is up and running again, excuse the pun, you can trust them, they're mad scary, but they're really genuine guys".
Billy, Jay and Jolly's home in Chicago was massive, it had been Jolly's suggestion to invite Leo and Rosa to stay as well, at least until Pierre was on the mend, she knew they would be be just as concerned as Aly and Bo were about their grandsons operation.
Pierre's operation was scheduled three days after they arrived in Chicago, that had been three weeks earlier.
Pierre had been kept in a controlled coma since the day of the operation.
It had been nearly eleven hours of hell that day for everyone waiting to hear the outcome.
When Cal (Dr Carlton Jordan) came to see them in Pierre's room after the operation was over he was mobbed.
"Quiet down everyone, I can't answer everyone at once, if you let me speak I'm certain I can give you a full explanation that will deal with all of your questions".
There was an immediate silence.
"Okay, I'm not going to give you any bull, we couldn't get everything attached, there wasn't enough freedom in the connections to allow us that luxury".
Rosa was crying, so was Piers, but Aly asked.
"Tell us your take on how it went Cal, we won't hold you to anything, please".
Cal could see the worry in their faces.
"My guys and I have improved his lifestyle, of that I can be sure, I just don't know right now what measure we can put on that, we've attached around eighty five percent of the inoperative pathways, the remainder were either too badly degraded or not well enough developed".
Cal paused, looking to see if they were understanding him.
"From the pathways we've attached or connected, I would expect around seventy five percent to be successful, it could be more, we won't know for quite some time".
Cal took another breather.
"Be clear on this, Pierre will not be in a worse position after this procedure, he will have a positive increase in his abilities, we just cannot say right now what improvement or abilities he will gain".
He paused again, realising everyone was riveted on his explanation.
"What we've done is a bit like taking a whole bunch of cables and reconnecting them, but we don't know what we've reconnected, we can be sure he will have benefits, but until we revive him we won't have the answers you want, to make it worse, we will be keeping him in a controlled comatose condition for around three weeks, we need the newly attached pathways to heal, to strengthen without him moving about and damaging them".
The only sound came from Rosa and Piers who were both crying, he addressed them directly.
"Don't be sad, please, I promise, Pierre will benefit from today's operation".
Next he placed his hands gently on Piers shoulders pulling him towards him.
"Piers we need your help now, it's really important, we need you to keep talking to him over the next few weeks, he needs to be calm, knowing you are close by is really essential, he'll be able to hear you, he just can't answer you, let him know you're there, talk about anything, everything, just one rule, it's very important, nothing sad, make it happy, make him think, give him questions, that's your mission".
Turning to the others in the room he continued.
The same applies to everyone else, keep talking, he'll feel lonely, possibly frightened at first, make sure he knows you're all here".
Piers had taken his role seriously, he'd been constantly talking to Pierre, chattering non stop about everything he could think of, including a few very personal things which he'd been confused about but was too embarrassed to ask Pierre about before, right then he desperately needed Pierre to wake up, he was becoming more afraid each day that there was something terribly wrong with his own body, it was doing things he didn't understand.
That had been a little over three weeks before, they'd reduced the medication two days ago, but Pierre hadn't responded, he was still in a coma.
Cal had kept Aly and Bo informed, they were naturally worried, but he reassured them, it was okay, nothing to worry about at this point, sometimes it happened, sometimes it took a little longer to wake someone from a controlled coma.
It would have been okay if Aly and Bo's conversations had not been overheard by Piers, he couldn't apply rational thinking where his Pierre was concerned, he'd listened as Aly said.
"He's not responding, he's not waking up, I'm worried Bo".
If they'd known Piers had been listening they'd have kept quiet, but they hadn't and to Piers it was a crushing blow, he went back to Pierre's room with tears flooding from his eyes, sobbing, he'd climbed into bed with his beloved brother.
"Pierre, I can't do this alone, why won't you come back to me, if you don't come back, I'm coming to you".
Once again no one had been concentrating on Piers, no one had realised, he hadn't eaten in days, he'd been constantly at Pierre's bedside talking, chattering away, everyone assumed he'd taken the breaks they'd agreed, Aly and Bo alternated both days and nights, Piers was a constant, neither thought to question the other, to ask if Piers had taken a break.
On the third morning after reducing Pierre's medication the doctors came to Aly and Bo with a more pressing problem, Piers was unresponsive.
During the night they'd tried to rouse Piers, they couldn't, only then had they realised, he was unconscious, clinging to his brother, he'd slipped away.
This wasn't a situation anyone had thought about, it wasn't one the medical team had thought about, without Piers, they'd already noticed a definite increase in Pierre's brain activity, he'd sensed his little brother was missing, this was not good.
The medical team had placed Piers in a bed beside Pierre, he was hooked up to medication, he would be okay in time but right then he was silent.
Pierre was still deep in his previously drug induced sleep, but every hour that passed saw him becoming more agitated, he was slowly rising to the surface, to wakefulness, he was searching for Piers, there was a definite danger he would awaken in a frantic state, with the possibility he could cause himself some damage.
The doctors suggested putting Pierre back into his comatose state, extending it, giving them time to work on Piers.
It was Bo who took the lead.
"No, you will not, Aly and I will take Piers place, we'll guide Pierre back to the world of the living, we'll explain what happened, we'll reassure him everything is alright, we owe it to both of them, it's our fault yet again for not keeping our eyes on the ball".
Aly took over.
"Bo's right, you guys concentrate on getting Piers back and we'll take care of Pierre".
And so they took on a combined role alternating between the boys beds.
Aly talked gently to Pierre, explaining the situation.
"Pierre, it's Poppa, I hope you can hear me, and I hope you'll forgive me, Piers did his thing again, he fooled us all, he didn't eat, he's passed out, but he's going to be okay, he's in a bed right next to you, the doctors are looking after him and Poppa Bo's with him so don't worry, we need you to stay calm, you're slowly waking up son, just let it happen, I'll be right here beside you when you do, I love you son and I want the first hug and kiss".
Meanwhile Bo was whispering to an unconscious Piers.
"Piers, it's Poppa, you did it again you numpty, you forgot to eat, Poppa Aly and I feel so stupid, we didn't think to check on you, you can hear me, I know that, we're not angry with you, we just want you to get better, the doctors are giving you medication to help you, just relax and let it work, Pierre is slowly waking up, but he seems to know your missing, it's making him agitated, so if you could make a quick recovery it would be really good, I'm hugging you son and I won't stop until you open your eyes, I may not stop even then, I love you Piers, we all do, now hurry up because I'm getting the first kiss when you wake up".
It was a full day before Piers regained consciousness, he was groggy but coherent when he spoke to Bo.
"I was frightened, I heard Poppa Aly say he was worried, I thought Pierre wasn't coming back".
By then Bo was holding a sobbing child.
"Pierre is doing alright, you took the conversation the wrong way again son but don't worry, we just want you to get strong, Pierre needs to know you're alright, now I do believe I can claim that first kiss I told you I was having when you woke up".
The following morning Bo lifted an almost fully recovered Piers out of his bed and placed him in bed with Pierre, he immediately clung to his brother and went back to sleep.
As if on cue, Pierre opened his eyes, it took him a moment before he realised he was looking into the tearful eyes of both his Poppas and snuggled up sleeping next to him was his precious Piers.
Aly was first to speak.
"Welcome back son, I believe I get to claim the first kiss and hug, and Poppa Bo's right behind me".
Not long after a sleepy Piers roused himself and realised his brother was awake, crying tears of joy he hugged Pierre even tighter as Pierre whispered in his ear.
"It's alright Piers, and that question you asked me, it's all perfectly normal, there's nothing wrong with you, they're called erections, or stiffies, or boners, I'll explain properly when we're alone okay?".
Piers had nodded, not expecting a rollicking from Pierre at this stage, he was surprised when Pierre's expression turned serious.
"You did it again didn't you?, you didn't eat, you made yourself ill, you frightened our Poppas, we have to find a way to stop that happening again, you can't keep doing it, it's dangerous for you and it's not fair to the people who love you".
Piers knew he'd gotten off lightly and just nodded with a sheepish grin.
The next week was a blur of activity, a constant stream of visitors kept Pierre occupied, along with the constant tests by doctors and physiotherapists.
At the end of the week Aly, Bo and Piers were sat with Pierre when the test results were delivered.
For Pierre it was nerve wracking, he knew he had sensation, feeling in both legs, something he'd never known, he'd put everything into responding to the doctors and physiotherapists all week, but so far they'd given nothing away, maybe that's all there was, just feelings, now he was about to find out, right then he was frightened they would say he would never walk, never stand on his own two feet.
Doctor Cal, looked directly at Pierre.
"Sad looks are banned young man, you have no reason to be sad, every test result points to a positive outcome".
Pierre looked quizzical.
"You won't be running anytime soon, but with the right physio program and the determination I know you already have, I see no reason why you shouldn't walk out of this hospital, by Christmas I expect you to be walking with only the aid of walking sticks, you start physio in earnest tomorrow, initially that will concentrate on building muscle into your legs, gradually you'll be encouraged to stand, take the weight of your body on those newly commissioned legs, after that comes learning to walk, I hasten to add, at your Poppas request, it will all be fitted in alongside your school lessons".
The mood in the room was euphoric, Pierre was crying, Piers was hugging him, Bo and Aly had launched themselves at Cal and were thanking him profusely for his work.
Six weeks later, almost three months since his announcement at the breakfast table, Pierre was officially discharged from the hospital.
He didn't walk out, he rode in a wheelchair with Piers pushing him, but he couldn't resist grandstanding as the got to the limousine which would take them back to the house.
Instructing Piers to stop about ten feet from the limo, he positioned his crutches and heaved himself upright, conscious that this was the first time in his life he'd ever stood unaided on a public sidewalk, he looked at the nervous faces of Aly, Bo and Piers, smiled, then walked, unevenly, slightly faltering, but to Pierre it didn't matter, he walked to the limo before saying.
"Okay guys, now I'm in need of some help, I don't think I can get inside".
It took only seconds before Piers took charge of the crutches and Aly swept his precious son up into his arms saying.
"Good call son, every soldier knows his limits, anytime you need help call out, it's not a weakness, it's a sensible action, your strength is building faster than we ever believed possible, but right now those never before used muscles will tire easily".
As they approached the house Pierre addressed his Poppas and Piers.
"When we get there I want to show them, please let me do it on my own, I won't risk anything, I'll be careful, I want Gramps and Gramma to see me walk for the first time, and the guys, they've been so good, we hardly knew each other, and yet they've looked after Piers and worked in shifts to help with my physio, they deserve to see the result".
Aly and Piers looked about to object until Bo spoke.
I agree, this is Pierre's decision, just remember, be careful son, don't be tempted to undo everything you've achieved, take it easy, know your limits, agreed?".
Pierre nodded.
"Okay then, Aly, would you do the honours?, deposit our little soldier on terra firma and set him free".
As the door opened Pierre could see everyone gathered on the porch ready to mob him but a gesture from Bo stopped them.
They watched, first in fascination, then in complete awe as Aly lifted Pierre out of the limo and helped him gain his balance on his crutches.
Aly let go and stepped away from Pierre leaving him stood, a little shaky, but as proud as could be, with falteringly slow, wobbly steps, he headed towards the porch.
At the steps it was obvious he had reached his limit, his energy levels were now depleted, starting to shake whilst looking up at his almost cousins he said.
"I sure could do with a little help about now guys".
In a split second the boys were on him, a head went under each armpit drawing his arms around them whilst a third head went behind down and between his legs, lifting him into a chair position, the boys marched up the steps into the house with everyone laughing at their antics.
Aly said, "Uncle Reece would be so proud if he could see what Pauly set in motion".
That one remark would be destined to stick in Pierre's head.
In truth the boys, who classed themselves as Pierre and Piers unofficial cousins, were in awe of Pierre, they'd talked extensively and agreed, when it came to courage, positive thinking and looking out for others, he had them all beat, hands down, as for Piers, he had become their little buddy, they understood easily the bond between Pierre and Piers, the three brothers had the same bond of loyalty and protective spirit, any act of aggression towards one of them brought down a triple force on the aggressor, few would risk that wrath.
Pierre's physio continued and he saw steady, sustained improvement.
Three weeks after he was discharged from hospital they said goodbye to their Chicago hosts and boarded PJs plane for the long flight home, promising to meet up again at Christmas in Lanzarote for the annual family reunion.
But they weren't going home, not straight away.
It had been that chance remark made by Aly which had germinated like a seedling in Pierre's mind, what Aly had said casually made Pierre realise they needed to make a detour on the way home, and so, after much debating, they were headed for Malaga, Spain.
Initially, Aly, Bo and Piers had said no, emphatically, but Pierre's face had told Piers they were wrong, it didn't take much to convince Piers, then the others were a cinch, two angelic little faces won out easily, with very little effort, they would stop off in Malaga, stay with Grampa Leo and Gramma Rosa for a couple of days, but most importantly to Pierre, he would show Uncle Reece what Uncle Pauly had given him, to Pierre that was the most important thing, to honour Uncle Pauly.
Pierre's grandparents, Leo and Rosa had been tasked with somehow getting Reece and Sofia to dinner at their home that evening, which in itself had been a total fiasco.
PJ and Lenny had arrived home unexpectedly, meaning now Rosa had to include them in the plans, no small matter because Lenny almost screamed the house down when she found out Pierre was about to surprise Reece by walking in unaided.
Rosa finally had to threaten Lenny, behave and keep the secret or be banished from dinner.
Lenny, in her usual quick manner, responded.
"It's my fuckin apartment, exactly how are you going to banish me from dinner?".
Rosa was just as quick and sharp.
"Simple, I hold it elsewhere, in my new home, heed the hint lady, fuck with me on this and I'm gone, how you going to run your empire then?".
Lenny actually giggled.
"Point taken, bitch".
Still giggling, totally unfazed, Lenny had walked away to find PJ.
Rosa had shaken her head, it had always been this way, they were more like sisters than employer and employee.
No one knew what other surprises the night ahead would reveal, least of all Pierre, and certainly not Juan, but then, isn't that just 'Life's Illusions?".
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.