Please remember to donate to Nifty, it gives so much to all of us.
Any amount, large or small, is welcome in order to keep this free site available.
Thank you, donations to the address below. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 26
Petre had been sentenced to a prison term, though a deal worked out with State Prosecutors, in exchange for the considerable amount of information he was able to provide.
It meant he would only serve around seven years, possibly less if he kept his nose clean, with a firm promise which served to give him hope, at the end of it Daniel would be waiting for him.
In Montclair relations were still severely strained.
Daniel's return home should have been a cause for celebrations, but it didn't happen, where could they hold a party, there was no neutral ground in Montclair, it was akin to a war zone.
Woody and Jacqueline hugged him, the tears flowing freely, he was home safe, nothing else mattered.
Roslyn and Paul hugged him, both with tears flowing.
Daniel hadn't known there was anything wrong.
But Roslyn was determined he should know what was going on beneath the surface, what was being hidden from him.
Daniel was gutted, and furious, his beloved cousin Pierre treated so badly, just about anyone within a mile of Chateau Montclair quite possibly heard his rants, when he confronted his parents.
"How could you, of all the people in this family, this village, answer me honestly, who would give the most to protect you at all cost from heartbreak?, it must have hurt him so badly to come here with that news, but it's Pierre we're talking about, his own heartbreak would be pushed aside, for the sake of family, and you did that to him, how the hell could you be so vile?".
Daniel had made a beeline for the house on Avenue Montclair.
When Pierre opened the door, they'd flung themselves sobbing into each other's arms, Daniel saying.
"I'm so sorry Pierre, Roslyn told me, I've bollocked them, I know they'll put it right, they won't be able to live with what they've done, you didn't deserve that".
Pierre held him at arms length eventually, his words typical for Pierre.
"That's a problem for your parents and me to resolve, I'm just happy you're here, that was the worst hurt I've ever felt, the thought that you were gone, I don't ever want to experience that again, now come in, I need to know all about this bad boy you found yourself".
Daniel laughed.
"I told him to expect a visit from you, I said you'd demand to know his intentions, he thought I was joking, he'll realise I was serious when you do it, and I know you will".
Pierre laughed.
"You know me so well".
Daniel stopped laughing, in a serious tone he said.
"I really am sorry Pierre, this was all my fault, you knew didn't you?, maybe not what, but you sensed there was something amiss, it wasn't your burden to shoulder Pierre, I think now, deep down I knew as well, but I was in love, the bits that didn't fall into a bliss factor, well I just threw them out, looking back, that's the really irritating part, he gave me a multitude of clues, I ignored them, all of them, he would have told me, confessed to me, at any stage, I believe that now".
Pierre was the serious cousin when he asked.
"You're going to wait for him?".
Daniel smiled, he knew Pierre would have grilled Juan, he wasn't just fishing in the dark.
"Drop the pretence cousin, I'm guessing you've wheedled every last bit of Intel out of Juan by now, and he won't even know he's given it, you should be a spy".
Daniel paused, Pierre didn't disturb him, he knew there was more to come.
"I fell in love Pierre, he finally told me everything, I made him a promise, and I made him promise me, I know it wasn't what he wanted to hear, but tough, I don't just want him, I need him Pierre, if he's not alive, I don't want to be either, I know you'll understand how I feel, it's what you have, that complete, absolute love".
Pierre looked him in the eyes.
"Okay, so I need a visitation order, he definitely needs a talking to".
And then they lapsed into laughter, for the first time in a long time since either had found any reason to laugh".
When he left, Daniel said.
Thanks Pierre, you've given me my perspective back, I was floundering for a while, not now, I know what I need to do, I have to stay strong".
Pierre also knew what else he had to do, this state of affairs in Montclair couldn't go on, but it seemed no one was prepared to break the stalemate.
When Juan arrived home later that evening, he wasn't as convinced.
"I want to be there".
Pierre was adamant.
"That would be a no, I'll thank you to keep your nose firmly out, this could possibly involve a lot of issues that you would lose your cool with, I can weather whatever happens, I don't know what will come of it, but at the very least, whatever the outcome, I'll know I've tried".
The following morning when Pierre arrived at the gates of Chateau Montclair, he was completely surprised, his car was waved through without even the normal checks.
As he drew up outside the Chateau, Woody had obviously been informed of Pierre's arrival, he came striding out, reaching to open his car door.
"Stand up and let me hold you Pierre, I don't know how you can do this, after I hurt you so badly, it should have been me coming to your door on my knees, begging forgiveness, I'm utterly disgusted with myself, I acted so badly, it's probably been the worst period of my life, I really am so sorry, Berto was right when he berated me, you are a truly good person, what we did to you was wrong in every way, I really hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us".
Pierre only said a few words, but they mattered so much.
"We're family Uncle Woody, sometimes we'll fall out, but love endures".
Passing them in the hallway, Roslyn hugged Pierre, then turned to her Poppa.
"Now all is right with the world".
She kissed her Poppa on the cheek, hurrying off to a meeting, as Woody said.
"Well that was a better result than the last time you were here, that time she slapped me".
They both laughed.
When he left Chateau Montclair Pierre should have been elated, but he wasn't.
Murphy's law had kicked in.
He'd healed the rift with Woody and Jacqueline, but another problem had reared its head.
Jacqueline wasn't convinced she was fit to be the one to lead the family, in her mind, she'd failed badly, she thought she should give up her position as Matriarch, keeper of the collection.
Pierre knew this was a mistake, arriving home he sent the children scurrying whilst he made a call on his cell.
"You need to get here, Jacqueline is in a complete meltdown, she's about to abdicate her position, she thinks what happened between us was so wrong she can't carry on, I only know one person who can talk frankly to her, tell her none of us gets it right every time, how we put it right is more important, so I'm asking you to come please, save the day".
The following morning, Woody and Jacqueline had just finished breakfast when they received news from the gatehouse.
A car was on its way up to the Chateau, it's passengers were Jolly, Jay and Billy Thorn.
Initially Jacqueline was ecstatic, then when she thought about it, she thought she smelled a rat, saying.
"Pierre, it has to be".
Woody and Jacqueline were out front to meet the car as it drew up.
Jolly was first out, launching herself at Jacqueline, drawing them both into a hug.
"Surprised are you sister in law?".
Woody meanwhile was enjoying a group hug from Jay and Billy.
Jacqueline drew back from Jolly's embrace, saying just the one word.
"Pierre?".
Jolly smiled as she answered.
"You should have known he'd start fretting as soon as he left you, he sounded really worried when I spoke to him, don't be angry".
Jacqueline was smiling now.
"Oh I'm not, how could I be, when my family are so concerned they summon my favourite sister in law across the pond to sort me out".
The following day Jacqueline visited the house on Avenue Montclair.
Jolly hadn't given her any advice, she'd simply asked questions, each question led Jacqueline to believe just a little more how silly she was being, until Jolly suggested she visit Pierre, after all, the fall out between the Montclair families had started with Pierre, that had been the catalyst for her indecision.
In the car on the way to Pierre's, she'd been nervous.
When he'd opened the door, his smile and the warm hug, gave Jacqueline the confidence boost she'd needed, his words confirming the joy at seeing her.
"Aunt Jacqueline, after a crap morning, you are an absolute blessing, come in, let's have some tea, you can cheer me up.
When they were seated, Jacqueline asked what or who, had made his morning crap.
His words almost brought her to tears.
"You did, I don't mean you physically did anything, but I've been worrying about what you said when I came to Montclair, then I got to worrying you'd think I was interfering, it all became terribly depressing in the end, hence my crap morning".
She asked why he was so concerned, after all, she hadn't done a very good job lately.
Pierre smiled.
"You lashed out, is it any wonder, after the news I delivered, even now the thought of what we were certain had happened gives me the shakes, and yes, it hurt, but the damage is repaired, it's as if it never happened".
He stopped to think.
"You maybe don't realise what you represent to us, I mean the wider family, in you we see stability, a firm, fair hand, it's a bit like you're the mother of mothers, when all else fails, someone will call you, because we all have confidence, you'll do your utmost to make it right".
Jacqueline said.
"If that's the case why did I get it so badly wrong with you, and why did I want to run away?".
For Pierre that was easy.
"Do you remember what Lenny said in her will, if I remember rightly, she said something about there being times that would try you, times when you'd want to run away, she urged you not to give in, implored you to stick with it, because a lot of people would be relying on you, well it's true, we all rely on the knowledge that you're there if we need you, don't take that away from us, please".
As she left him that afternoon she hugged him.
"Thank you Pierre, it seems ironic, after how badly I treated you, it should be you who gives me back my self confidence".
Pierre was beaming a grin that said it all.
His happiness was short lived.
As he waved his Aunt Jacqueline off, he'd felt unusually tired, but his cell phone rang, it was Piers, his words causing Pierre a real sadness.
"Pierre, it's Grampa Leo, he's passed away, the Poppas are really upset, but I'm worried about telling Berto, can you come?"
He was in his car heading for The Inn in a couple of minutes.
On the way he'd called Juan.
"Pierre, is everything alright?".
Pierre's reply had stunned him.
"No my love, Grampa Leo has passed away, I'm on my way to The Inn, you need to get some information out to the Guardian workforce before they hear it on the news channels, and prepare a press release, I'll call Aunt Jacqueline shortly, she'll take care of informing the family, I'm just about to pull in so I'll speak to you later".
Before Pierre terminated the call Juan told him he was coming home, he'd be back in a few hours.
As he was leaving home Pierre had sent texts to Junior and Gabby, Berto was working at The Inn, Pierre's first objective was to find him and tell him gently about his Great Grampa's death.
Berto had been close to Leo, Pierre wanted to try and lessen the sadness he knew Berto would feel, but walking through the door he knew Berto had already heard the news, he was in reception crying.
Pierre made a beeline for him, scooping him into a hug.
"Come on son, let's go find Grampa's Aly and Bo, they'll both need hugs as well, they'll be feeling just as sad right now".
Once they'd found Aly and Bo, Pierre called Jacqueline.
"Aunt Jacqueline, Grandpa Leo passed away a short while ago, would you let the family know, yes I'll do that for you, thank you, we'll speak again later".
Pierre passed on Jacqueline and Woody's condolences to Aly and Bo.
The following days had been a blur of activity for Aly and Bo, arranging the funeral and dealing with Leo's urgent estate matters.
Reya arrived with Raul from Tokyo, where Raul was now CEO of Saitama Hospitality and Leisure, an international high class hotel chain.
A large number of family flew in from around the world.
Billy, Jolly and Jay arrived because, as Billy put it.
"Uncle Leo was a big part of my childhood, until I went away to college and university, we all lived together in the same apartment, he's always been as important to me as my own Poppa PJ".
Josef struck a particularly sad note in what he said to Aly, but for Aly it was good to hear.
"We didn't always see eye to eye, but the day Pierre called to tell us about his passing, I remember I felt really vulnerable, the same way I felt when Poppa Pauly passed away, he helped me so much, just by being there, I might not have needed him, but it was like having a security blanket, he was so hugely knowledgeable, I could bounce ideas off him, sometimes he wouldn't know I was doing it, though I suspect, mostly he knew, I feel like I've lost my sage".
Aly's response made a lot of sense to Josef.
"I remember saying much the same thing to Poppa after we lost Momma, his reply has always worked for me, he said, think of her as still here, find a quiet place, then have the conversation you would have had, you'll know what the reply would have been, so really she can still give you guidance".
The reading of the will was arranged for the day after Leo's funeral.
Leo and Rosa had had two children Aly and Reya.
Reya, with Raul had two children, no grandchildren.
Aly with Bo had two children, and three grandchildren by Pierre and Juan.
Leo's will dealt with a multitude of minor bequests before it got to family and the bulk of his estate.
Woody and Jacqueline had offered to host the will reading at Montclair, it was poignantly held in the white dining room, the same room where PJ and Lenny's Will's had been read.
When it finally got to family bequests, there were no great surprises, but it still caused Gabby and Junior to draw breath, Berto didn't quite understand until Junior explained it to him, then even he was surprised.
'To my grandchildren, Pierre and Piers, the sons of Aly and Bo, I leave ten million euros each, I would have left you the whole world if I thought you needed it, because that's what you gave to me and your grandma over the years, since the day you first came into our lives you provided so much love, remember to pay it on, there will be a time when you have grandchildren, appreciate them better than I did, and always know that I loved you so very much'.
Pierre and Piers were by now crying.
To my grandchildren Freya and Frederick, the son and daughter of Raul and Reya, I leave ten million euros each, I blame myself for the lack of closeness in our relationship, I should have made more effort, I wish you love'.
'To my great grandchildren, I have a quandary, you have quite possibly given me the most happiness in these my last years, Gabby and Junior you made me laugh, when there were times I really didn't want to, I leave to each of you Twenty million Euros'.
'But then there's my great grandson Berto, if a heart could be measured in value, yours is pure gold, emblazoned in diamonds, I always knew, every time you came to spend time with me, telling me you'd worked a short shift, so you had time to waste, it was a white lie, most times you'd worked eight or ten hours, then came to see me before one of your Poppas, or your Brother picked you up, I looked forward to your visits so much, you are an inspirational person with a wonderful outlook on life, an incredible individual, this world is so lucky to have you, to you I leave one hundred million euros, with a rider that your Great Uncle Pete Montclair's company will administer it in trust for you'.
'To my children, my beloved children, you can't know how proud I am of you both. Aly, my boy, I seriously don't know how you managed to deal with the heartbreak you've experienced, Stevie was the one I always thought would be your soulmate, years before I heard you tell me your sexual orientation, that really was my fault, I know now, I should have somehow talked to you, made you understand, it didn't figure, or matter in my mind who you chose, but I didn't tell you, until, in the end, I berated myself for that failure, and you bottled it up'.
The lawyer paused for a drink of water.
'I'd given you an additional pressure, one you didn't need, you cannot know the relief I felt when Bo came along, you guys are so made for each other, I remember, as I dictate this document, your Momma told me Bo was like your guardian angel, and you know it was only a brave man who argued with your Momma, but I agreed with her anyway, I still remember the day she came back as Pierre, that was scary, anyway, I realise I'm rambling, I love you so much son, more than you will probably ever know, unless of course you look at your own children, then you'll know, that's how much I love you, to you Aly, I leave fifty percent of my share of Guardian'.
'Reya, my sweet beautiful daughter, I've loved you since the day I saw you enter this world, you've given me love and heartbreak in equal measure, I thought you would never grab the reigns, but that night in Lanzarote when we rounded the corner and saw Raul proposing to you I knew, you'd finally found your place, I wouldn't change you my child, I want you to be happy, and I'm content, with Raul, you are, to you I leave fifty percent of my share of Guardian'.
'To clarify, the last two bequests do not include the four percent of my shares held by another impartial party, those shares will remain where they currently reside until that independent party decides the instructions I have given are met, those instructions are a separate codicil to this will, they will only come into play if the conditions I have set, are right'.
It was Berto who was the most vocal after the will reading, not about how much he'd been bequeathed, but about how his Great Gramps had known Berto wasn't quite telling the truth.
Junior had silenced him by saying.
"Berto he saw through you, he saw the real Berto, just as we do, if I could design my perfect brother, it would be you, that's exactly what Great grandpa saw the real Berto, a great big lump of love".
Berto was actually sobbing on Juniors shoulder as he said.
"I only fibbed about how long I'd worked, I really liked visiting him, he was so nice, I'm going to miss him so much".
Junior didn't let go of Berto, he just held him until he'd got it together again, saying.
"One of these days, we'll all find someone we want to spend our lives with, but whoever we choose, it won't make a difference to us, you will always be our big brother, the guy we love, now wipe your eyes, we need to help the Poppas and circulate, chat with people, you're good at that".
The ride home that evening was the point where Berto's life changed.
Junior and Gabby had gone off separately in Juniors car to meet friends, Berto was with his Poppas.
Juan had suggested they stop in the village for a coffee and maybe some cake, at the tea rooms which formed part of the Bakery.
The Bakers daughter had served them, and Both Aly and Bo would always be convinced, Berto came in his pants that night".
He was completely flustered, he didn't understand what had happened, until he asked Junior that night, not knowing his Poppas had dragged Junior into a selective family meeting, with Pierre saying.
"We need your help, well more precisely, your brother needs your help, in explaining something, you see, we think he shot his load in his pants tonight".
Junior just looked at his Poppas, his face a picture of total shock, turning bright red with embarrassment, Pierre eased the moment joking.
"Junior, neither you nor Berto is the first male in history to realise, that's a pretty nifty piece of equipment dangling between your legs, all those years you thought it was just a pee pipe, then out of the blue, you realise it's a pleasure palace as well, don't be embarrassed son, we've always been open to any questions, are you okay?".
Junior couldn't help it he started laughing, it eased the tension, when he got himself under control he said.
"Yes, I'm okay, it's just, well, my friends are all too frightened to try discussing, well, you know what, with their parents, but you still throw me a curve ball when I'm not expecting it, so how did this happen, with Berto I mean, not the, well, you know what I mean".
Juan replied, but even he was laughing.
"Junior, use the phrases and correct words, when it's right to do so, here and now it's just us guys, so we can say things like, how did Berto come in his pants, it's okay with us, but if your sister were here we wouldn't be having this conversation at all".
Junior was laughing again so Pierre took over.
"We called in at the tea room in the village, the Bakers daughter served us and Berto was smitten, then she made the mistake of dropping a spoon, which left a mark on his trouser leg, so she wiped it off, well that was it, the fuse was lit, I realised when I saw the expression on his face, so I grabbed the cloth from her and said I'd take care of it, but I couldn't do anything about Berto being at the top of the mountain, his volcano was determined to erupt, all we could do was hustle him out to the car pronto, but he was embarrassed, talking to him then would have upset him, he's not like you, so we pretended it didn't happen, hence why you are lumbered with the task of explaining".
Junior giggled.
"Gee thanks, you really know how to make my day, hey Junior, could you just explain to your brother why he just came in his pants".
Then they all dissolved into laughter.
Half an hour later Junior was knocking on Berto's bedroom door.
When Berto shouted for him to enter, Junior walked in and flounced on Berto's bed next to him.
"You okay Bro, I thought I'd see you downstairs when I got home, but the Poppas said you'd gone straight to bed when you got home".
Berto just blurted it out, with Junior trying desperately to look surprised.
"No, there's something wrong, my pee pee did something funny, well it wasn't funny, it scared me, I couldn't stop it, and I peed myself, but it wasn't like real pee, it was all sticky, I don't know what happened Junior, I think I might be ill".
Junior just wanted to hug him.
"Bro, was there a girl involved?".
Berto nodded, his face bright red, Junior asked more.
"And did you think she was nice?".
Berto nodded his agreement.
"You remember the talk we had about how your body will develop some?, well that was what happened tonight, you were attracted to someone, and you came in your pants, you're growing up Bro, you're a man now".
Berto just looked blank as Junior continued.
"I told you we'd talk about it when it came along, well there's no doubt it's come, or more precisely, you've come, it's called an orgasm Bro, and when you know what's going on it can be wonderful, don't be frightened, it's normal, but your dick might need some relief to stop this happening again".
For Junior, the next hour was a torturous time, explaining about jerking off, what to expect, how to ensure it was kept private, how to try staving it off if it happened in public, and all the time, Berto looking completely baffled.
Junior used the internet to show Berto lots of images, in the end Berto understood, and Junior left him to digest, and he suspected, try out some of the things they'd talked about.
Junior had been hardly at the bottom of the stairs when Berto locked his bedroom door.
Lying on his bed, with a porn film running on his laptop, Berto felt his penis starting to stiffen.
Easing his pyjama pants down he marvelled at the sight of what, as he would one day discover, was a little over eight inches of stiff, throbbing flesh.
For the next two or more hours, Berto experimented, until his cock was too sore to touch, but when he went to sleep that night, there was a satisfied smile on his face, though it was funny to see him walking like a bow legged cowboy next morning, grimacing as his tender boy bits rubbed against his boxers, with Junior whispering.
"Try not to wear it out Bro".
In truth, Junior giggled to himself at the memory of learning the joys of masturbation himself, and of being in the same state Berto was then, with a bloody sore cock.
TBC ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.