Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2012 07:20:23 +1100
From: Marcus McNally <marcusis32@live.com.au>
Subject: Love On The Rocks - 31

This story contains sexual situations between males. If material of this
nature offends you then you should not read this story.  If you are under
18 years of age you are probably not legally allowed to read this story.
This story is purely a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons
living or dead, or to events that may have occurred, is purely
coincidental. The author claims all copyrights in this story and no
duplication or publication of this story is allowed (except by the web
sites to which it has been posted) without the consent of the author.

*************

It had been a while since I'd seen Ty so distressed.  The last time was the
night we heard that Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan had detonated a
roadside bomb and that his brother Lachlan was possibly one of the
fatalities.

He was grappling with Daniel's empty hospital room and what that might
possibly mean, and I knew he was trying not to fear the worst.  He lifted
his head from his hands and said to me, "We have to find out what's
happened."

"Just ring Mandy, mate," I suggested.

"I haven't got her number in my mobile yet, or Daniel's.  They're in my
notebook back at the hotel."

"Then let's go."

We started down the corridor to the lifts, but Ty swung left to the nurse's
station to try his luck again.  He asked a different nurse about Daniel but
got the same response.  He asked for Mandy's telephone number but was told
they couldn't give out telephone numbers without permission.

"Can I speak to Rachel?" he asked.

"She was on the night shift," he was told.

He was in danger of losing his cool when I steered him towards the lift,
and all the way down to the ground floor he grizzled about `stupid bloody
hospital rules', oblivious to the fact the people sharing the lift with us
knew who he was.

As we walked through the foyer of the hospital he turned and faced me,
suggesting perhaps he might ask at reception to speak to Daniel's
oncologist in the hope he could shed some light.  As he spoke, I looked
past him and thought I saw Mandy disappearing into the Pharmacy.

"Stay right here!" I commanded as I moved quickly in the direction of the
crowded Pharmacy.  I looked around and was about to put it down to wishing
thinking, when I spotted Mandy sitting in a chair with her back to me.

"Mandy!" I called, and she turned.  The relief I felt when she smiled back
was overwhelming.  "Where's Daniel?" I asked as I sat down next to her.

"He's in the car," she replied.  "He's allowed to come home today.  I'm
just picking up some of his medication."

"Thank God," I sighed.  "Ty and I dropped in to see him just now and his
room had been cleared out.  The nurses couldn't tell us anything, and Ty's
been really worried."

"I'm so sorry, Mike," she apologised.  "Everything happened so quickly.
Daniel was going to text Tyson but his phone is out of charge."

Her name was called and she collected what appeared to be a crate of
assorted drugs.

"So Daniel's alright?" I asked.

"The oncologist is really pleased with him," she smiled.  "He's finished
this round of treatment, and the doctor thinks his positive attitude is
really helping with his recovery.  That's all because of Tyson."

"Well, Ty, and some excellent medical care," I replied.

"You have no idea how excited he was seeing Tyson on TV, singing that song
for him," Mandy said, momentarily tearing up.  "His smile lit up the whole
room.  He was like he was ... before he got sick."

As we walked through the foyer, it was Ty's turn to smile when he saw Mandy
and slumped with relief before rushing to greet her.  Mandy explained what
had happened and apologised profusely for leaving Ty out of the loop.

"No worries," Ty assured her.  "Just as long as Dan's OK.  Can I see him?"

"Yes, of course," Mandy assured Ty and she led us to the lifts to the
basement car park.  When Mandy pointed out her car, Ty fastened his pace.
He was spotted by Daniel who got out of the car and headed towards him.
Their hug was genuine and touching, and Daniel's face was a picture of
happiness.

"Mate, you had me worried there for a moment!" Ty laughed.  "But you're
looking great!"

"Thanks Tyson!" Daniel beamed.  "The doc says I'm doing good.  I've got to
take the medication and I'm not allowed to do anything stressful for a
while, but otherwise, I'm feeling great!"

Mandy and I caught up to them and Daniel, still in Ty's embrace, turned to
me.  "Hey Mike!" he enthused.

"G'day mate!" I smiled, squeezing his shoulder.  "You look terrific.  It's
great to see you out of that hospital bed!"

"We were dropping in to let you know I'm in the middle of a promo tour at
the moment," Ty said.  "I'll be away from Sydney for a few days.  It's for
my new DVD.  I've got a copy for you at the hotel."

"I've already got it!"  Daniel grinned.  "Mum bought it for me.  The first
thing I'm going to do when I get home is watch it!"

"Mate, send me a text and let me know what you think," Ty replied.  "Text
me whenever you like.  And as soon as I get back, we'll catch up and do
something, hey?"

"That'd be awesome.  Thanks Tyson!"

Ty helped Daniel back into the car while I walked around to open the
driver's side door for Mandy.  Before she climbed in, she walked away from
the car with Ty and spoke to him quietly.

"I just want to thank you again Tyson," she said sincerely.  "You have no
idea what this means to Danny.  You've made him the happiest boy on the
planet.  He talks about you constantly.  He wants to be just like you!"

"Like I said before, Mandy, this is such a privilege," Ty replied, giving
her a hug.  "He's a great kid and if turning up and saying `hi' can help
him in any way, I'm there!"

Ty and I watched and waved as they drove off, before heading back to my
car.  I dropped Ty at the hotel and, in view of porters and the concierge,
our farewell was sedate.

"Wish you were coming with me Mike," Ty sighed.

"So do I," I laughed.  "But one of us has to have a real job so the other
one can gallivant around the country kissing people and shaking hands!"

"I'd rather be kissing you!" he smiled.

"Piss off mate.  I've gotta get back to work.  Love you."

"Love you too, mate," Ty sighed before jumping out of the car.  He stood to
watch me drive off and in the rear vision mirror I saw two girls approach
him with paper and a pen.  "Tyson Hill Inc." was officially `back on duty'!

**********

Tyson Hill was also `back on the road' which meant for the next few days, I
was on my own again.  Strange to think of it that way with a house full of
people; even though I was surrounded by these people I loved, I really
missed not having Ty to turn to in the middle of the night, and to wake up
and hold each morning.

Fortunately, those few days were hectic.  I had a lot of work that needed
to be finished before the Christmas break, and the household was focused on
its own pursuits.  While Lachlan and Ellie arranged for more furniture to
be shipped to their new home in Stanthorpe, Steve checked out of his
backpacker's accommodation and moved in with us ahead of his relocation to
Queensland.  And Scott spent time poring over university directories,
trying to find a course that would not only interest him but show Lachlan
that he had a "plan".

We were all together for dinner some evenings, and others it was just
George and me, eating antipasto.  My days were busy, but my nights were
lonely.  I realised that it was difficult for me to sleep properly without
Ty by my side, and now that he was back on track, I didn't even have the
small comfort of Scott to wake up with.

I had several quick conversations with Ty, but his schedule was gruelling
and our calls were limited to quick updates, and reassurances that we loved
one another.  It was only on the night of his final in-store signing that
we managed a long conversation, both of us glad that he'd be back home the
following afternoon.

We talked through our plans for the next few weeks and it was Ty who
brought up the fact that with Christmas fast approaching, we were heading
towards our first `anniversary'.  We chuckled at the notion of
acknowledging it.  We had already agreed not to bother with Christmas gifts
for each other; what more could we possibly need?  But perhaps we'd
celebrate a year of perfect happiness in some small way.

"I might get you a voucher for a tattoo parlour," I laughed.  "You can have
my name tattooed on your cock!"

Ty chuckled.  "The good thing is he'd be able to tattoo `Michael Stewart'
and your date of birth!"

I'd only just disconnected my call from Ty when the phone rang again.  This
time is was Frank, who was ringing to check that was all on track for the
family migration to the Stanthorpe for the festive season.  We discussed
the logistics of Lachlan, Ellie, Scott and Steve arriving first, with Ty
and me arriving last, just before Christmas.

"Will George be with you?"

Embarrassingly, the thought hadn't crossed my mind.  "I don't know, Frank,"
I admitted.  "We haven't talked about it.  I imagine he will be, he's got
nowhere else to go.  Is that OK with you and Dot?"

"Of course it is, son," he assured me.  "We've got plenty of room,
especially now Lachlan and Ellie and your brother Steve will be staying at
the Shaw place."

I chuckled.  "It's the Hill place now, Frank!" I reminded him.

"You let me know what day and time you'll be flying into Brisbane and I'll
come and collect you," Frank offered.

"Thanks Frank," I replied.  "But Ty and I talked about it and there's a bus
from the airport that goes through Tenterfield and then to Stanthorpe, so
we thought we'd do that this time."

"A bus??" Frank said.  "It'll be Boxing Day before you get here!"

"Nah, I checked," I laughed.  "It's three hours, twenty minutes by bus, and
three hours by car.  So we figured we'd do the bus and you'll have that
time to get on with whatever has to be done at the farm."

"Well, Dot won't be happy," Frank mused.  "But you boys do what you think
is best."

We discussed the `favour' I'd asked Frank to do for Ty and me, which had
clearly been playing on his mind.

"Are you sure about this Mike?" Frank asked cautiously.  "Ty always seems
to be spending money and this seems excessive."

"It's good of you to be concerned, Frank," I reassured him.  "But we're
really only talking about using the money Ty had already given Scott for
his trip, and that was refunded.  And Lachlan donated the money Ty gave him
to the trust fund.  So Ty's just doing what he intended doing all along."

"But Dot and I are worried that he's just going to give all his money away,
and he'll have nothing left," Frank said.

"No chance of that, Frank," I assured him.  "Ty's doing very well
financially.  He's got very good accountants who keep everything on track."

"Thanks for the reassurance, son," Frank sighed.  "Now, there are a couple
of things I need to discuss with you confidentially."

"Shoot," I said.

"These are kind of personal things, all to do with the boys."

"And you're asking me?" I was surprised.

"They're things that would make all of them fly off the handle," he
explained.  "Besides, they'd just close ranks around each other, as you
know.  But I just need to know these things, to put my mind at rest."

"OK," I replied hesitantly.  "I'll answer as best I can."

"Well first, Lachlan," Frank said quietly.  "Don't get me wrong, Dot and I
love Ellie -- she's a really lovely girl - and Dot is over the moon about
the twins.  But it's just it was all so ... sudden.  I just need to be sure
that Ellie's ... well, that they really want to be together."

I laughed.  "That's a no-brainer Frank, believe me.  They're head over
heels in love.  And they're perfect for each other.  Lachlan can't wait to
be a dad, so you have no worries on that score."

"But how did they meet?" he asked.  "They never did say."

I chose my words carefully.  "Ellie was part of Lachlan's therapy team," I
said vaguely.  "They met a few times and they fell for each other.  Classic
love story really, mate!"  I chose to leave out that bit about the therapy
being a massage with happy ending.

"Well, that's a weight off my mind," Frank sighed.  "I had to ask.  Now,
about Scott.  He couldn't wait to go off travelling and he was barely gone
a week and suddenly he's back in Sydney because he's homesick.  I think I'm
missing a part of the story?"

Again I had to think carefully; no way was he going to know about the
mushrooms.  "This is just between you and me Frank, OK?" I asked.

"Of course, son," Frank replied.

"Simon, the guy Scott was travelling with?"

"Yes?"

"He and Scott were more than friends."

"Oh.  Scott's having sex with other men?"

I fought the urge to laugh.  "Simon was Scott's first relationship, Frank,"
I replied delicately.  "And he waited until he was legally an adult."

"So what happened?"

"They had a big bust-up and Scott was pretty upset by it so he came home."

"What was the bust-up about?"

"I don't know, Frank.  These things happen, whether it's straight or gay
couples."

"Why didn't he tell us?"

"He wanted to be with his brothers."

"Yeah, that figures!" Frank sighed.  "Is he alright now?"

"He's getting there Frank," I reassured him.  "He's pretty much back to
being himself."

"He's Dot's baby, you know.  She worries about him the most."

"I know, Frank," I replied.  "But when there's a problem, Ty and Lachlan
always get him sorted."

"Nothing's changed," Frank said.  "Now, about Tyson and this sick lad."

"Daniel?"

"Yes.  Now I hope this doesn't sound harsh, but I just need to know that
this kid isn't just trying to get money out of Tyson.  You know what an
easy touch he can be."

"Frank, you couldn't be more wrong mate," I stressed.  "What happened was,
Daniel's mother wrote a letter to Ty and told him about how sick her son is
with cancer.  Daniel's a huge fan of Ty's, just like Ty was with Jimmy
Barnes at that age.  All she was hoping for was an autographed photo for
Daniel, to lift his spirits."

"Does Tyson know for sure that the boy's really sick?"

"It was Ty's idea to drop in and visit him in the hospital and believe me
Frank, he's a very sick kid.  Meeting Ty has been like this dream come true
for him.  And Ty really likes him and wants to help."

Frank chuckled.  "Well, that certainly sounds like Tyson.  He's always been
like that.  I suppose you know about all the injured animals?"

"Yeah, Lachlan told me," I laughed.  "Even the rat!"

Frank guffawed at the memory.  "Sorry about the questions, son," he said
seriously.  "It's just that our boys aren't with us any more and we don't
always know exactly what's happening in their lives.  I hope you don't
think I'm being nosy."

"Not at all, Frank," I said.  "You're just being the great Dad you've
always been."

Frank chuckled.  "Yeah, tell that to the boys!

"Don't you worry, Frank.  They know ..."

**********

I was just taking a quick coffee break after another draining mid-afternoon
meeting when my mobile rang and I smiled when I saw it was Ty.

"Hey fella!" I greeted him.  "Been thinking about you today."

"Yeah?  Whatcha been thinking?"

"It's X-rated," I replied.  "Can't discuss it on the phone."

Ty chuckled.  "Do you need to see a doctor?"

"Probably," I agreed.  "Hopefully he'll be able to prescribe something to
make the swelling go down."

"Right!  Take one hot rock star and go straight to bed!"

"Sounds like a plan!"

"Ah, actually it's not quite the plan," Ty sighed.  "Sorry to drop this on
you but Vince and I are about to fly into Sydney and Vince wants Monique to
meet us to go through some media requests."

"Oh," I said.  "Why don't you ask them over for dinner?  You'll probably be
there before me and I'll look like I've `dropped in' to hear what's being
proposed?"

"You don't mind?"

"Nah, course not.  I'll ring George and get something organised."

"Thanks mate.  I love you.'

I grinned and couldn't resist breaking into song; "He loves me, yeah! yeah!
yeah!  He loves me, yeah! yeah!  yeah!"

Ty giggled.  "Jesus!  I've told you before.  Don't ever sing ..."

**********

I pulled up in the street outside our home, unable to park in the driveway
because Vince and Monique's cars were blocking the entrance.

I rang the doorbell and was ushered inside by George.  I was shown into the
lounge room and greeted warmly by everyone.  I shook hands with the guys
and gave Monique a kiss before handing Ty a large sealed envelope.  "These
are some papers to sign for the Stanthorpe property," I said.

"Thanks mate," Ty smiled.  "You wanna stay and have a bite to eat?"

"Looks like you guys have business to discuss ..."

Vince jumped in.  "Stay and eat," he suggested.  "You might be able to make
Ty see some sense in some of these offers."

"Well, OK, if that's OK with you?" I asked, looking at George.

"Of course Mr Hill," George replied.  "Ellie and I have made plenty."

"Thanks George," I said, before turning to Monique.  "So what's up?"

"We've had some great approaches from major media, and they're all
fantastic opportunities to plug the album and the DVD."

"This oughta be good," Ty smirked.

"At least let her put them to you Ty," I suggested.  "Let's hear them Mon."

As George poured wine, Monique opened her folder and started from the top.
"GQ would like to do a six- page colour fashion spread with you.  You'll be
dressed by Hugo Boss, shoes by Ferragamo, you'll have your choice of
stylist, and you'll get to keep one of the suits."

"Nope," said Ty.  "Nothing to do with my music.  Next!"

Monique sighed.  So early.

"OK, the producers of `My Generation' want you to be a panellist.  You'll
be answering questions specific to your generation.  They've agreed to show
a clip from the DVD."

"Um, no," Ty said.  "It's one of those rent-a-star shows.  I'm not a
celebrity, Mon.  I'm a musician."

"Jesus!" hissed Vince.

"Problem Vince?" Ty ventured.

"Come on, Ty," he replied.  "GQ, `My Generation' ... this is high profile
media.  People kill to get this sort of coverage, and they're offering it
to you."

"Vince," Ty sighed.  "I'm a singer and songwriter.  I'm not going to turn
up and be cheesy for the camera, just to get my name up in lights.  We've
had this discussion ..."

"OK," Monique continued.  "`Men's Health' magazine wants to do a spread on
how you manage to stay so fit.  It's not titillation.  It's a legitimate
health magazine."

"What do I have to wear?"

Monique's shoulders slumped.  "A Speedo," she sighed.

"Next!"

"OK, `Weekender' is running a series on `Celebrity Siblings' and they want
to do a photo and a piece on you, Lachie and Scott."

"Oh fuck off!" Ty spluttered.  "My family is off limits."

Vince jumped in.  "This isn't an interview Ty, it's a feel-good piece on
you and your brothers.  With a nice photo."

"I'm not putting my family through this kind of stuff."

"How do you feel, Scott?" Monique asked.

"You mean I'd get my photo in a magazine?" Scott replied.

"Yep.  And because it's Tyson, you'd probably get a full page."

"That'd be so cool!"

"Really?" said Ty, looking at Scott in amazement.  "You'd like that?"

"I've never been in a magazine before!"

Ty shook his head.  "Lach?" he asked.

Lachlan laughed.  "I don't mind if you use my good looks to further your
career, Ty!".

"Seriously, Lach," Ty groaned.

"Yeah mate, I'll do it.  It's harmless.  Tyson Hill and his
even-better-looking-brothers.  It'll give us a photo to appreciate when
we're old and gray."

"OK Mon," Ty chuckled.  "You've had a win.  We'll do the brothers spread!"

"Seeing we're on a roll, `Playgirl' pitched again for you to do a nude
centrefold for their April issue?"

"Yeah right, that's gonna happen!" Ty guffawed.  "I've told you before Mon,
my penis is for my eyes only!"

Lachlan snorted.  "I've seen it a million times!" he guffawed.

"So have I!" giggled Scott.

"I've seen it too," Vince volunteered.  "I mean, I wasn't looking or
anything, but you didn't try to hide it."

"Guys!" said Ty, exasperated.

"Come on Ty, even I've seen it!" chuckled Monique.

Ty's eyes narrowed.  "When have you seen my penis?" he asked.

"When you got drunk after you signed the record deal!" she laughed.  "You
needed to pee but you couldn't stand up!"

"Yeah, but it was Vince who helped me to the toilet!" Ty protested.

"Correct!" said Monique. "But he drew the line at holding your penis, so I
had to take over.  And with my help, you peed all over the floor!"

Ty sighed.  When George walked into the room with a platter of cheeses,
biscuits and dried fruit Ty groaned, "Help me, George.  Tell them you
haven't seen my penis?"

"I've seen it more times that I care to think about, sir," George
responded.

"Should I let a magazine show it to the world?" Ty asked.

"My advice would be no, sir.  The little things in life should be held
dear."

"You're fired, George!"

"Very good, sir.  Of course, dinner won't be served ..."

"Oh.  You're rehired until 8p.m."

While George and Ellie prepared a pasta dinner for eight, Lachlan and Scott
disappeared to shoot some pool.  Vince, Ty, Monique and I talked about how
Ty and Daniel writing a song together might benefit Daniel and his mum.
Vince and Monique pushed the publicity angle, but Ty wouldn't buy it.

"I will not use a sick kid to get my name in the papers," he said firmly.

Vince grizzled, while Monique took a different tack.  "It's not exploiting
Daniel, Ty," she said.  "With some carefully placed media spots, you'd
maximize sales, and that can only benefit Daniel.  Never underestimate the
way the Australian public rallies for a good cause."

"I know, Mon," Ty sighed.  "But he's sick.  He doesn't need to be in the
media spotlight, and there'll be the cynics who think I've jumped on a
bandwagon.  I just want to help his mum financially, and give him something
positive to focus on.  Can't I just have this to myself?"

Monique knew when to drop the subject.  "Any chance you'll do the Nine
Network Carols telecast this year?  National, prime time, choice of carol
..."

"Nah," said Ty.  "Pass."

Vince finally cracked it.  "For fuck's sake Ty!" he said between gritted
teeth.  "Out of all those opportunities, you're only agreeing to a magazine
spread, and only then because your brothers want to do it."

Ty was instantly defensive.  "We've had this conversation before Vince," he
hit back.  "I am not a celebrity.  I'll be a good client and promote my
albums and DVDs, as per my contract, but I am never going to be a
`rent-a-celebrity'."

Vince was riled.  "You could go from 4-times platinum to 6-times platinum
just by turning up at some of these things for an hour!"

"Or I could spend that time at the hospital with Daniel.  It's 60 minutes
better spent, mate."

Ellie showed me once and for all she was really now a part of the family
when she got her timing right.  "Dinner!" she announced as she walked
through from the kitchen holding two big bowls of pasta.  Ty and his
brothers were goners and Vince, being the good Italian boy he is, was
sniffing, trying to identify the smells.

"Garlic," he said matter-of-factly.  "Parsley and onion.  Bacon, egg.  That
would be Carbonara!"

Ellie smirked, and held out the second bowl.  Vince sniffed, and rattled
off the ingredients.  "Napoli!  Broccoli, eggplant and pumpkin.  Freshly
shaved reggiano!"

Ellie giggled.  "I'd applaud, but I can't!" she laughed.  "You get the only
a second helping of George's tiramisu!  And believe me, George's tiramisu
is worth a second go!"

Mealtime meant conflict was a no-go zone for the Hills and apparently too
for Vince, so dinner was an enjoyable experience, especially when Scott
showed us some of the poses he'd created in his head for the photo shoot
with his brothers.

Even funnier was Scott being hit in the head by a flying bread roll after
he asked, "What if people see the photo and realise I'm actually cuter than
you, Ty?"

We talked about Ty's `meet and greet' DVD signing tour, Lachlan and Ellie's
progress in shipping furniture to their new country home, and Steve's
updates on tradesmen he'd set in place to start work on the renovations
just after Christmas.  As we ate dessert (surprise - ice cream and
chocolate sauce!) Ty seemed pensive.

"What's up, Ty?" Vince asked.

"Nothing," he mused.  "Just thinking about the Carols ..."

Vince perked up.  "You'll do it?" he asked hopefully.

"Nah, not the televised show," Ty replied.  "I'll be back home.  But I
might see if I can get a gig at the Stanthorpe Carols In The Park.  We went
every year when we were growing up."

"Mum and Dad still go," Scott piped up.  "That'd be way cool."

"Yeah, but don't say anything to them.  It'd be a nice surprise."

Things wound up fairly quickly after coffee was served.  Vince and Monique
left after wishing us all a happy Christmas, and Ellie helped George with
the clean-up.  Ty let it be known that he was hanging out for a good sleep
in his own bed and with knowing nods from Lachlan and Steve, and a snicker
from Scott, we said goodnight and retired.

As soon as our doors closed, I suggested we have a shower before hitting
the sack, and Ty looked at me apologetically.

"Mate," he sighed.  "Much as I want a bit of legal lovin', I really need a
good sleep.  I just can't sleep properly in hotel beds on my own.  I just
want my own pillow and your chest."

I smiled as we stripped off our clothes and slid between the sheets.
Within seconds, I was on my back and the man I loved had snuggled in. He
leaned up and kissed me on the lips, before resting his head on my chest.
In less than three minutes, his even breathing told me he was out like a
light.

**********

I woke the next morning to the exquisite feel of Ty's lips wrapped around
my rampant cock; he'd finished the night with his head resting on my chest,
but was starting the morning a little further south.  He employed all the
moves he knew pushed my buttons. and as my fingers raked through his curly
hair, it didn't take long before I flooded his mouth with man mayonnaise.

We kissed and caressed until George arrived with a tray, and over breakfast
we refined our plans for the next few days.  Ty knew that today was my last
day at the office before the Christmas break and I tentatively mentioned
that work's Christmas party was late in the afternoon.

"I have to go, mate," I sighed.  "You've been invited too, of course, as
well as our other big clients.  But you don't have to."

Ty mulled it over for a short while.  "I don't mind making an appearance,"
he said.  "What's say we go to the party for a while and then split?  We
could drop in and see Dan for Christmas?"

"Great idea!" I replied.  Ty grabbed his phone and called Daniel while I
shaved and showered, and I enjoyed hearing Ty and his teenage mate catching
up.  As I dressed, Ty explained that Daniel was excited at the thought of
seeing him, but had been apologetic about their home, a rent-subsidised
flat in Woolloomooloo.  Christmas, Ty reflected sadly, would probably be a
lean one for Dan and his Mum.

I had time for a coffee on the balcony before work and as we sipped, Ty
phoned the David Jones city store and organised for a huge Christmas hamper
to be prepared for Mandy.  He made sure it had all the trimmings; breast of
turkey, leg of ham, gourmet gravy, fresh vegetables and fruit, plum
pudding, brandy cream, cranberry jelly, mince pies, paper bon bons,
napkins, chocolates, champagne and wine.

With his hand over the mouthpiece he asked, "Is it OK if I have it
delivered to your office?  We can take it with us when we leave."

"Of course," I nodded.  "We should get something for Daniel too."

"Yeah," Ty grinned.  "Got that covered already."

Lachlan joined us, wearing his boxers and a tee shirt and a few minutes
later, Scott wandered out, dressed as always in Lachlan's army boxers, tee
shirt and tags.  Before he sat down, he kissed Ty on the cheek and then
Lachlan.

"What's that for?" Lachlan asked.

"I dunno," Scott shrugged.  "Just `cos."

"No kiss for me?" I pouted.

"Not in front of Ty," Scott giggled.  "You know how he gets ..."

Ty looked at his younger brother through narrow eyes.  "I told you before,
asshole," he smirked.  "Hands off the cute lawyer.  He belongs to me!"

I reluctantly stood and grabbed my briefcase.  "Gotta go, boys!" I said.
"Office party starts at five, Ty.  If you get there at 5.30, we can
probably sneak away about 6.30."

"A party?" Scott enthused.  "Can I come?"

"Afraid not, mate!" I chuckled.  "It's an asshole-free zone!"

"What?  A roomful of lawyers?" Scott shot back.  "Yeah right!"

**********

My working day was pretty much a non-event.  There was an office lunch at a
local restaurant and very little work was done in the afternoon as everyone
prepared for the onslaught.  I'd much rather have been at home with the
guys, getting ready for our trip.  I had a mental image of Ty wandering
around the house, not sure how to pack for a few days away, and could only
remain hopeful that George would -- as always -- get everything
organised.

I managed to slip away for an hour mid-afternoon and went shopping for the
gift I'd planned to celebrate one deliriously happy year with Ty.  Carrying
my purchase in its carefully packaged box, I smiled all the way back to the
office as I envisaged Ty's face when he opened it.

The company's most valued clients started arriving spot on 5.30 and I shook
hands and mingled for 45 minutes before Ty was shown into the boardroom
with one of the country's most famous female singers, and the buff soapie
star I'd managed to keep out of the papers when he was caught earlier in
the year with drugs.

I shook hands with all three and introduced them around to the other
partners, and then mingled some more while Ty charmed the office girls
who'd managed to corner him.  I smiled at the thought that he could have
had any one of them, if he wanted.  But he didn't.  He wanted me!

The chairman of the company made a pleasant speech at six, before expensive
bottles of Grange Hermitage were gifted to our high-profile clients.  At
6.30, I made eye contact with Ty, who immediately took himself off in the
direction of the toilet.  Instead, he detoured to my office and I met him
there a few minutes later.

"Party's in full swing now," I said.  "We can just disappear down the back
stairs to the car park."

I was surprised to see that Ty had put his guitar in my office before
making his entrance, but I assumed he was going to sing something for
Daniel.  He took the guitar and wine while I carried the food hamper he'd
ordered downstairs and we placed everything on the back seat of the car.
Five minutes later we were on our way to Woolloomooloo, Ty with a road
directory on his lap directing me.

We pulled up outside a dismal looking council apartment block, its drab
exterior and overgrown lawn and garden beds serving only to highlight the
sorry circumstances of the residents.  Looking up we noticed wet washing
handing from modest balconies and in one or two windows, flickering lights
from scantily-dressed plastic Christmas trees.

Ty and I looked at one another as he turned his collar up and pulled down
his beanie.  Slinging his guitar over his shoulder, he said, "Come on."

After finding no elevator, we made our way up three flights of stairs, me
struggling with the weight of the hamper.  We finally got there and made
our way to Apartment 303.  Ty knocked, and the door was quickly answered by
Mandy who looked delighted to see us.  We both kissed her cheek as we
stepped inside and she immediately apologised for the lack of room.

"I'll just go and wake Daniel" she said.

"No, let him sleep," Ty quickly replied.

"But I promised I'd wake him as soon as you arrived," she said.

"Let him sleep a little longer," Ty smiled.

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

"That would be great, Mandy.  Thanks."

We sat down on the threadbare lounge while Mandy disappeared into the
narrow kitchenette.  I placed the hamper on the coffee table and we
listened to a loud argument going on in the apartment next door.

"I'm sorry about the noise," Mandy apologised as she carried mugs of tea on
a tray.  "Those two argue day and night."

As she sat her eyes fell to the hamper and she looked at me.  "It's for you
and Daniel," I smiled.

Mandy leaned forward and looked in the hamper before cradling her head in
her hands and crying.  Ty was quick to move to her side and put his arm
around her.

"Hey, no tears!" he said gently.  "It's Christmas!"

"Oh Tyson," she snivelled, "You and Mike have been so, so kind to Daniel.
And to me.  I just don't know how I can even begin to repay you both ..."

"Repay us?" said Ty, raising his eyebrows.  "You don't have to repay us.
This is just something for you to share at Christmas, Mandy.  Like I keep
saying to you, this is a privilege."

"Mum?  Is that Tyson?" came Daniel's voice from the bedroom.

"Yes, Danny," she called back, wiping her eyes.  "He and Mike are here.
Would you like some help getting up?"

"No, I'm good!  Hey Tyson!  Hey Mike!" he chirped.

A minute or two later, Daniel shuffled from his tiny bedroom in well worn
pyjamas.  He looked frail but his face was a picture of excitement.

"You need a hand mate?" I asked.

"No, I'm okay."

Daniel made his way to the couch and as Ty stood, he threw himself into
Ty's embrace.  "Hey sport!" Ty "You're lookin' good!"

"Yeah, it's just the tablets make me sleepy," he replied, as he moved to
give me a hug.  He spied the hamper and said "what's this?"

"Tyson and Mike brought us a hamper for Christmas!" Mandy beamed.  "There's
ham and turkey and plum pudding and ... everything!  Real Christmas food!"

"Holy shit!" said Daniel, his face lighting up.

"Danny!  Language!"

"Man, last year we had party pies for Christmas lunch!  This is awesome!
Thanks Tyson.  Thanks Mike."

"There's enough food for 10 people!" Mandy said, wide-eyed.

"Maybe you and Mike could come and have Christmas lunch with us?" Daniel
asked hopefully.

Ty replied as gently as he could.  "We're going home to see my parents in
Stanthorpe for Christmas, mate," he said.  "We won't be back until the
first week of January ..."

Daniel did his best to hide his disappointment as he sat in an armchair.
"But," Ty continued, "there's a couple of things I want to talk to you both
about."

Daniel and his Mum looked at Ty expectantly.

"I've spoken to my manager and he thinks it's a great idea if you and I
write a song together!"

"You're shitting me?"

"Daniel!"

"Like, we'd write a song and you'd record it?"

"That's the idea, Dan!  We haven't worked out whether it'll be an album
track or a single yet, but the best part is, we've cleared it with the
publisher and whatever songwriting royalties come in from it will go to
you!"

"Really?" Daniel asked.  "Um, what does that mean?"

Ty looked at me.  "I'll let the lawyer explain!"

"What that means is you'll take 100% of the songwriting royalties.  If the
song does as well as Ty's previous singles, you could potentially make tens
of thousands of dollars."

"Oh God," gasped Mandy, who started to cry again.

"Don't cry Mum!" Daniel pleaded, moving to the couch to embrace his mother.

"This just can't be happening.  It's like a dream and I keep thinking I'm
going to wake up."

"I'm going to write with Tyson Hill!" Daniel whooped.  "When?"

"Well, that's the other thing," Ty grinned.  "I'm thinking when we get back
from Queensland, you can come and stay at my place in Point Piper for a
weekend and we'll get stuck into then.  I've got a music room with a piano
and we can work on a lyric.  If your Mum says that's alright?"

"Of course it's alright!" Mandy smiled as tears slid down her cheeks.  "Are
you sure?"

"You bet I'm sure!" Ty replied.  "I have a housekeeper who's looked after
people with medical needs before so that's not a problem.  You're welcome
to come too Mandy, there's plenty of room."

Daniel looked at his Mum.  "Maybe Mum would like to have a break?" he asked
cautiously.  "She spends all her time looking after me and never has any
time for herself."

"It depends on how well you're doing, Danny," Mandy replied.  "This is so
kind of you.  Really."

"Unbelievable!" Daniel whistled.  "I get to hang out at Tyson Hill's
place!"

"Why don't you show Tyson and Mike your room, Danny?"

"Sure," said Daniel as he stood and shuffled back to his room with us in
tow.  Ty and I were both taken aback as we stood in the doorway.  The room
was small -- minute in fact -- but almost all of three walls were
covered with pin-up posters of Ty from various music magazines over the
past couple of years.

"Man, this is amazing!" Ty whispered, as his eyes fell to the dressing
table and the pile of discs -- his CDs and DVDs, and every single the
record company had released.  From the bottom drawer, Daniel retrieved
several scrapbooks which bulged with newspaper and magazine clippings
tracing Ty's career, virtually from the start.

"Mate," whistled Ty.  "I reckon you've got more stuff than my Mum!  And
she's really on to it!"

"Would it be OK if you signed them for me?"

"Of course, mate!  Get me a pen!"

Ty sat and inscribed everything Daniel had collected, while the teenager
looked on with the world's biggest smile. When he'd finished we stood and
Ty said, "We've gotta get going, mate.  We'll talk while I'm away and work
out when you can come and stay, yeah?"

"You bet!" Daniel said excitedly, as we walked back through the lounge room
to the front door.  Daniel's eyes fell to Ty's guitar.  "You got a gig?" he
asked.

Ty looked puzzled for a moment and then he twigged.  "Oh, almost forgot,"
he laughed, as he picked up the guitar and handed it to Daniel.  "This is
for you!  Merry Christmas!"

Daniel's eyes immediately filled with tears.  "Your guitar?  For me?  Are
you fuckin' kidding?"

"It's one of the ones I played on the tour you came to.  I want you to have
it."

The look on Daniel's face defies description.  He couldn't have been
happier if Ty had handed him a million dollars.

Ty tried hard to disguise the fact he was welling up as he hugged his young
mate and reiterated, "No tears!  It's Christmas!  We'll see you guys in
2012!"

After a heartfelt goodbye, we made our way back through the litter-strewn
hallways to the car.  As I started the engine, Ty leaned back in his seat
with his hands on top of his head and expelled air.

"Jesus Christ, party pies for Christmas lunch," he groaned.  "I really need
to step outside our little bubble sometimes Mike ..."

**********

The next day we bade farewell to Lachlan, Ellie and Scott who flew to
Brisbane a day ahead of us, while Ty spent the day doing TV commercial
voice-overs for his `in concert' DVD.  I was fascinated by how long it took
for the advertising agency to be happy with Ty simply saying "this is my
2011 concert tour, up close and personal" and "out now, while stocks last".

Of course, Ty grumbled his way through the whole process.  "Jesus," he
hissed at me between takes.  "It sounds like I'm gagging for money.  I hate
this shit."

By the time the session was finished, he was brooding, so I phoned George
and picked him up at the house before taking the two of them out to dinner
at Pink Salt, and after a beer and a watermelon and rose petal martini, Ty
was once again relaxed and looking forward to Christmas.  We had a light
meal and Ty teased George about how good the restaurant's food presentation
and service was.

"Yes, you're right," he sighed.  "But take a look around.  Nobody here is
eating with their fingers.  Or throwing bread rolls.  Or passing wind.
It's a whole new world for me."

Ty chuckled.  "Speaking of a whole new world, I've invited Daniel to spend
a weekend with us in the new year," he said.  "You're okay with that,
George?"

"Of course sir," George replied.  "I'll set up the spare room for him."

"He's quite a sick boy, mate," Ty ventured.  "It might be a challenge."

"Sir, I've dealt with a crabby old woman who had a stroke, discovered her
inner Tourettes and lost control of her bodily functions.  Lymphoblastic
leukaemia will be a stroll in the park."

Ty smiled.  "But there's all sorts of medication he has to take ..."

"Just put me in touch with his mother sir, and I'll draw up a chart.  He'll
get what he needs, when he needs it.  And I'm sure he'll get from you two
more than he might ever hope for."

Ty slumped.  "That's beautiful George. Thank you!"

"You're welcome sir," George smiled back before offering as an aside, "Just
sucking up ..."

Back home, George started the packing process while Ty and I went over the
list of things we needed to do to ensure that Christmas was one to remember
for the people we loved.

Later in the evening, bags almost packed, George joined us on the balcony
for a glass of wine, some cheese and some olives.  We took a moment to
toast him, and Ty thanked him for keeping the household rolling along and
the whole family functioning.

"It's been a privilege sir, quite honestly," George said quietly.  "I'm
very grateful for the way you've both helped me and made me a part of your
lives.  Feeling a part of this whole family has made this the best time of
my life."

"Really?" Ty marvelled.

"Certainly sir," George smiled back.  "I'd do it for nothing, gladly."

Ty laughed.  "So, we can stop paying you?"

"If you wish, sir," he chuckled as he stood up.  "I'll make your breakfast
in the morning and then I'll call the news crews and invite them around for
a cup of tea ..."

Ty and I looked at one another.

"I'm off to bed now, gentlemen.  And you're both probably overdue for a
`nap'.  Please don't worry about the film crews tomorrow.  I'll ask them to
take off their shoes."

Ty started to laugh and was still giggling when I steered him into the
bedroom.  I closed the door and grabbed him before he had time to slip into
the bathroom.  "I checked out the entertainment news online today," I
smirked, "and according to famous.com, you've been voted the `Greatest Ass
In Rock'."

"Yeah?  Is that a surprise?" Ty grinned back.

"Don't know," I shrugged.  "I'd need to be convinced."

Ty stripped off his clothes and paraded `rock's greatest ass' before me as
he cleaned his teeth.

And between 11.10pm and midnight, he convinced me ...

**********

Ty and I nearly fell out of bed with fright when George cleared his
throat. We'd woken and got busy, oblivious to the fact that it was almost
time for breakfast.  Ty lay on his back while I lay further down the bed,
my head only just covered by the top sheet as I polished his pulsating cock
with my mouth.

George had knocked and we hadn't heard, so he'd opened the door and found
us `in flagrante'.  Granted, he couldn't actually see what I was doing, but
it was pretty obvious I wasn't cleaning the lint out of Ty's belly button.

I hastily rearranged the bedding and settled against the pillows, while Ty
lifted his knees to disguise the obscene tent in the sheet.  He gave a
frustrated sigh; he'd been so close ...

"Sorry to interrupt your meal with a meal, sir," George deadpanned.

"Not very funny, George," Ty harrumphed.

"Come on Ty!" I chided, tickling his ribs.  "We'll have breakfast and then
we can have a shower!  I'll lock the door!"

Ty smirked.  "Is there much packing left to do George?" he asked.

"It's practically done, sir," George replied.  "Just your toiletries to go.
Henri will be around in an hour to collect Scruffy and Floppy and then
we'll be ready to go."

"Are you sure they'll be OK there, George?" Ty asked.

"Of course, sir," George assured him.  "They'll be spoilt rotten.  On
Christmas Day, Scruffy will get pork, ham and turkey.  And Henri walks the
full block every day, sir.  The last time we did that walk, I counted more
than 30 lampposts and trees."

"He'll be fine, Ty," I chuckled.  "We're only gone for a few days ..."

As George closed our door behind him, Ty threw the covers back and headed
for the bathroom, his penis no longer quite as distended as it was.  I was
right behind him and as I maneuvered him into the shower and turned on the
jet, he grabbed me and kissed me so hard I ran out of breath.

"Steady Tyger!" I grinned as I sank to my knees.

I nuzzled my face against his tummy before licking the dark treasure trail
that led to the swollen goods.  He was three quarters hard when I sucked
his cock into my wet mouth, and as he held my head in his hands he swelled
to full erection.

I gave Ty the full treatment and his soft moans told me I was doing a
sterling job.  The moans quickly turned to groans and suddenly Ty was on
the tips of his toes, his stomach clenched tight, as he tried to draw out
those exquisite moments before he busted his nut.

In those final seconds, I stepped up the pace and held his tightening balls
in my hand, and with a long, deep growl he unloaded in my mouth.  I held
his hips as I pulled off him, lest his knees give way, and I gazed up and
caught the look of sheer bliss that washed across his handsome face.

"Man!" he panted.  "Forget two front teeth.  THAT'S all I want for
Christmas!"

We dressed and presented ourselves to George, who poured us both an
espresso before he wandered around the house, double-checking that all the
windows and doors were securely locked.

As our cab pulled up promptly at ten, I checked that we had wallets, keys
and flight documentation.  We helped load the baggage into the cab and
within minutes we were zipping through traffic on our way to the airport.
When we arrived, Ty sat in a corner trying not to look famous while George
and I checked in.  Our boarding passes were issued and George started to
make his way to the departure lounge.

"Where are you going, old man?" I laughed.

"To the departure lounge to wait," he replied.  "I'll see you when it's
time to board."

"We're all flying business class, George," I chuckled.  "The business
lounge in this way!"

"Really sir?" George asked as he caught up to me.  "I've never flown
business class before."

"Well you're in for a treat, mate!" I smiled as I herded Ty towards the
double sliding doors that led to a fan- free zone.  Well, mostly a fan-free
zone.

We had literally just sat down with our flat white coffees and a plate a
sliced fruit when a smartly dressed businessman sidled up.  Looking
slightly embarrassed, he shuffled from foot to foot until he caught Ty's
eye.  Ty looked at him questioningly.

"I'm really sorry," he apologised, "but you're Tyson Hill aren't you?"

"Yes, I am," Ty replied with a smile, shaking the man's hand.

"I hate to ask this, but my twin daughters are your biggest fans.  Would
you mind signing an autograph for them?  It would make their Christmas!"

"You're flying off to see them?" Ty asked.

"No, they're sitting just around the corner.  We're having Christmas in
Melbourne this year."

"If they're here, why not bring them around to say hello?" Ty suggested
kindly.  "You can take a photo."

"Really?  You'd do that?" the man asked in amazement.  "I'll be right
back."

Ty looked at me and said, "Sorry.  Just seemed like a nice thing to do."

"It is a nice thing to do!" I smiled, as Dad and two completely gob-smacked
teenage girls rounded the corner and came face to face with their idol.

Ty stood and shook their hands and as their faces flushed, they were
introduced as Melody and Chloe.  Ty stood between them, put his arms around
their shoulders and flashed his celebrity smile while Dad took his snaps.

The father thanked Ty again and shook his hand and just as they were about
the return to their seats, Ty leaned over and kissed each girl on the cheek
and wished them both a happy Christmas.  They disappeared in a flurry of
girly squeals and immediately started texting.

**********

Our flight to Brisbane was smooth and uneventful, and we amused ourselves
by watching George take advantage of every little `extra' that business
class travel afforded him; free gin and tonic, a light meal, a bottle of
water, a blanket to put over his legs, and several bags of nuts which we
noticed he kept slipping into his hand luggage `for later'.

As usual we remained in our seats until the plane had emptied, and even
then we were further delayed by the flight crew who all wanted to speak to
Ty and wish him a happy Christmas.  I collected our luggage while George
positioned himself so that Ty was hidden from view, and we stayed in a
huddle for 30 minutes until our bus to Stanthorpe arrived.

Before we boarded George thoughtfully bought some salad wraps, chocolate
chip cookies and bottled water, no doubt aware that a Hill brother who had
to ensure almost three and a half hours without food would likely end up
very grumpy.

Fortunately, there were only four other passengers on board, and the three
of us were able to spread out at the back of the bus.  George settled
himself and immediately started reading one of his many Doris Lessing
novels, while eating complimentary airline nuts and sipping complimentary
water.

Ty and I talked through the logistics of Christmas and his plans to
surprise his family by singing at the Stanthorpe Carols In The Park.  After
we'd establish a final itinerary in our heads, Ty lay back and snoozed with
his head in my lap.  I soon tired of watching scenery roll by and managed
to nod off for a while, before we both woke when the driver called out that
we were an hour from our destination.

Ty sat up and George was ready with food, which Ty devoured like a man
who'd not eaten for days.  He chatted with George while I called my Mum and
sister Lyn, and then spoke to my Dad in New Zealand.  By the time we'd
finished the food we were pulling in to the bus terminal in Stanthorpe and,
surprisingly, Frank waiting for us.

Ty raced from the bus and scooped his father up off the ground, squeezing
him half to death in a bear hug.  George and I followed and were greeted
warmly by the Hill patriarch.

"How did you know what time we'd be arriving Dad?" Ty asked.

"Only one bus a day at this time of year, son!" Frank grinned.  "You don't
have to be Einstein!"

We piled the luggage into Frank's Merc and headed for the farm.  Before the
rest of us had unfastened our seatbelts, Ty was out of the car and bounding
up the porch steps where he picked Dorothy up and smothered her with
kisses.

"You put me down, Tyson!" she giggled.  "You'll hurt your back!"

"Gee it's good to see you Mama!" Ty said excitedly.  "You look great!  And
I'm thinking I can smell a roast?"

"Yes son!" she smiled.  "All your favourites."

I helped Frank with the baggage while George made his way up the stairs and
gave Dorothy a kiss.  Frank and I dropped the suitcases on the porch and
Dorothy reached up and gave me a hug.

"Hello Michael!" she beamed.  "It's so wonderful to have you and Tyson back
so soon, and for the whole family to be together for Christmas.  And Tyson
looks so happy, dear!"

Before I could reply, Scott bounded out through the front door and jumped
all over us.  "Now let Tyson and Michael alone, Scott!" Dorothy admonished.
"You're behaving like an excited puppy!"

"I'm just glad to see them Mum," Scott grinned.

"Hey asshole!" Ty chuckled as he gave his brother a hug.

"Tyson!"

"Sorry Mum!"

**********

That night we enjoyed a full-on Hill family dinner.  Lachlan, Ellie and
Steve joined us at the farm and everyone pitched in to help Dot feed the
throng.  It was -- as always -- a superb roast and George was generous
in his praise of Dot's cooking.  The noise level was intense with everyone
sharing news and opinions -- and I enjoyed being reminded that this was a
family who spent a lot of time laughing.

Ellie was dressed in a simple white shirt and smock, and for the first time
we all realised she really was getting bigger.  Lachlan, ever the
gentleman, kept checking she was feeling alright, and as the conversation
flowed he would lean in every now and again and kiss her gently, or stroke
her hair.  None of us missed the loving glances that passed between them
throughout the evening, or the occasions when Lachlan mouthed `I love you'
to the woman he so obviously adored.

Indeed, it was Lachlan who wound things up on the early side that night,
telling his Mum that Ellie needed her rest.  I was pleased to see that
Steve was the first on his feet clearing plates and stacking dishes to be
washed, giving George a well-deserved break.

Once they'd left, Ty, Scott and I washed, dried and put away the dishes
while George made a protesting Dot a cup of tea and settled her in the
lounge.  We joined them in time, and talked about how the next few days
would be handled.

Ty managed to sneak away long enough to ring the organisers of the Carols
and was happy to report back to me that they were delighted to have him as
a surprise guest.  He would however, need to rehearse with the band in the
morning, so we devised a plan that would get him away from the house.

"Will you boys be joining us for the Carols?" Dot asked hopefully.

"Of course, Mum," Ty smiled.  "Wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"I'll be picking apples in the morning for your Mother's apple sauce and
for the apple pies," Frank announced.  "You boys up to giving me a hand?"

"Um, I need to see Lachie and Steve and talk about some of the renovation
details," Ty said.

"What, on Christmas Eve?" Frank asked.

"Scott and I will help you Frank," I offered.  "Ty can do his thing and
we'll catch up later in the day."

Dot disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a tray of her famous hot
chocolate ("I use real melted chocolate dear, that's the secret") and a
plate of biscuits.  Once that was finished, we all headed for bed.

Ty and I were once again sharing his old bed and as I'd come to expect,
there was no sex.  But he certainly didn't rule out kissing and cuddling,
and after much of both we fell asleep in each other's arms.

Morning came soon enough, with the Hill household kicking into gear around
5.30a.m.  We weren't physically woken then, but there was no avoiding
Frank's early morning exuberance and the sound of his singing in the shower
just down the hallway.

Ty woke first and stretched.  He wrapped himself around my body momentarily
and kissed me.  I tried to shrug him off but he quite rightly pointed out
that the house noise was only going to increase, so I may as well give up
any thought of sleeping in.  The decision was made when our bedroom door
opened and Scott scuttled in, and hopped in bed next to me.

"Morning men!" he giggled.  "I have a little wind I'd like to share ..."

"Don't your dare, you dirty little fucker!" Ty threatened, but it was too
late.

I sang softly, "I can hear the distant drums and sounds of bugle calls were
coming from afar ..."

"Don't sing," Ty sighed.

"Don't be disgusting Scott," Frank bellowed as he appeared in the doorway
with a towel wrapped around his waist.  "You boys need to get up and
dressed.  There's work to be done."

"Remember I'm meeting Lachie this morning Dad," Ty reminded his father.
"Mike and the asshole are gonna pick apples."

"Hit the showers guys!" Frank instructed.  "You've got 15 minutes before
breakfast is ready."

The three of us filed into the bathroom and in rote we showered, shaved,
dressed and turned up in the kitchen just in time for pancakes and maple
syrup, bacon, eggs, fresh apple juice and toast with Dorothy's homemade
marmalade. Ty cleaned up, kissed his mother, hugged his father and
disappeared into town.

Scott and I pulled on our gumboots and followed Frank outside.  For the
next hour, I was schooled in the different varieties of apples grown in the
Granite Belt - Delicious Striped Red, Royal Gala, Granny Smith and Cripps
Pink (marketed under the trade mark name Pink Lady, FYI).

It was Granny Smiths we picked for the sauce and the pies.  The pie is
designed to be sweet, according to Frank, but Grannys give it a hint of
tartness.  Ty's Dad enthralled me with the history of the Granny Smith; it
originated in Australia in the late 1860s and is believed to be a hybrid of
the European Wild Apple.  Each one contains on average 0.17 grams of fat.
I had two immediate thoughts.  Frank knows his apples.  And how did I get
to be a lawyer without knowing this stuff?

We picked enough apples for a dozen pies but apparently, the ones we picked
were the premiums.  And long after we returned to Sydney, there would be
more apple pies ...

I offered to help Dot peel the apples, but she had George on hand and I was
politely shooed from the kitchen.  I sat in the lounge with Scott, who
showed me some of Dot's early scrapbooks of Ty's career, before he`d met
Vince and been signed by a major record company.

The first thing he handed me was a photo of himself on stage singing with a
band, and fairly recently by my estimation.

"I didn't know you were doing some singing, mate!" I said, surprised.

Scott giggled.  "It's not me!" he said.  "That's Ty when he was 19!"

"My God!" I exclaimed.  "It's like looking at you!"

"Yeah, I know.  Whenever I'm here and I go to the shops, all the old ladies
who've gone crazy keep calling me Tyson!"

Frank had wandered in and was tying the shoelaces on his indoor
shoes. "I've woken up in my chair some nights," Frank smiled, "with Scott
sitting opposite me.  More than once I've almost called him Tyson!"

"Lachlan's the odd one out!" I laughed.

"Yeah, his dad is the milkman!" Scott giggled.

"Scott Hill!" Dorothy chided as she walked into the room.  "What a terrible
thing to say about your Mother!"

"Sorry Mum!" Scott smirked.

"Your Mother has never looked at another man. Why would she?" Frank
grinned.  "Besides, she's always been fond of the old Frank-furter!" he
guffawed.

"Frank!"

"Sorry Dot!"

***********

The afternoon went quickly enough.  Ty called and let me know he was
rehearsing with the band and backing singers at a local motel and that
things had gone very well.  I asked what he'd be singing but Ty wanted to
keep it as a surprise.  He was driving back to Sugarloaf Road to pick up
Lachlan, Ellie and Steve and would be back at the farm within an hour for
the trip to the Carols.

There were kisses and hugs all around when the Sugarloaf crew arrived, and
we chatted for a while as Frank and Dot pulled together the blankets and
picnic hampers we'd be taking to the park.  Dot seemed momentarily taken
aback that Ty was so sloppily dressed with a beanie pulled down over his
head to hide his trademark curls.  It was Lachlan who reminded her that if
we all wanted to enjoy the Carols in peace, Ty would need to be incognito.

To drive to Weeroona Park, Lachie, Ellie and Steve piled into the Merc with
the folks, while Ty, Scott, George and I took Ty's car.  We did several
laps of the block around the park until Frank was satisfied that our
parking spots were safe.

We found a comfortable spot on the lawn with a great view of the stage, and
as dusk settled a beautiful little community carols service began.  It had
a homely feel to it, but the stage was lavishly decorated and both the
sound system and lighting were top notch; I wondered whether my guy had had
anything to do with upping the ante?

Choirs sang and some excellent local singers did a carol, sometimes two.
Between times we saw local dancing classes strut the Christmas routine
they'd been learning for months, and pre-school choirs dressed up as elves
prancing about to the delight of parents and grandparents.

Between times, a jovial MC did introductions, and kept referring to a very
special guest coming up later in the evening.

"He means Santa, of course," Dot whispered to us.  "Santa always appears!"

We got stuck into the delicious food Dot and George had prepared and,
because Dorothy believes Carols -- like Church -- should be an
alcohol-free experience, we sipped on hot chocolate from a thermos.  I knew
that Ty was avoiding most of the food, and the milk, because he was trying
not to eat anything that might affect his singing, but Dorothy was none the
wiser and kept fussing about why he wasn't eating.

"I think Tyson's coming down with something, Frank!" she announced.  "Maybe
he should go home to bed?"

"I'm fine, Mum," Ty assured her.  "I'm just not hungry.  I, er, ate quite a
lot at Lachie and Ellie's."

"But you're always hungry, son," Dot insisted.  "You're probably getting a
cold.  You should have an early night.  Frank, you should drive Tyson
home."

"If Tyson says he's fine, Dorothy, he's fine!" Frank replied.  "End of
story."

"Well don't blame me when he spends New Years in bed," Dot grumbled, as she
continued to fuss through a few more carols.  When the MC announced a local
church choir as presenters of three uplifting Christmas songs, I knew Ty
had heard his cue.  He started to get up when Dorothy pulled him back down.

"Where are you going, son?" she asked anxiously.  "You're not sick are you?
See Frank, I knew you should have taken him home."

"I'm fine Mum!" Ty whispered in exasperation.  "I saw Cameron over the
other side of the park, and I'm just going to say hello."

"You mean that chubby boy you used to play with at school?"

"He wasn't chubby, Mum!  And we didn't `play', we `hung out'."

"Well say hello to his parents, but don't stay long.  We'll be going home
right after Santa arrives."

Ty promised his Mother he wouldn't be long, before circuitously weaving his
way backstage.  We listened to the choir singing "Joy To The World", "Good
King Wenceslas" and "Silent Night" before the MC once more took centre
stage to thank them.

"You know, Stanthorpe has been blessed with some famous sons," he began.
"We gave the sporting world Greg Ritchie, the television world Ben Dark and
the music industry `Australia's Got Talent' finalist David de Vito, who
performed for us earlier ..."

Dorothy seemed annoyed.  "You'd think they'd mention Tyson!" he griped.
"Frank, can you believe that?"

The MC continued, "But we'd have to all agree that the man who has really
put Stanthorpe on the Australian map is our very own Tyson Hill!"

"Oh!" said Dorothy, as the crowd cheered.  "Is he going to sing?  Frank?
Michael?!"

 "We promised you a very special guest tonight folks," the MC announced as
he moved to the side, "and here he is.  Stanthorpe's Tyson Hill!"

The look on the faces around me was priceless; they all looked at each
other and then all eyes turned to me, as Ty walked on stage to tumultuous
applause.  I just grinned at the family -- my family -- and turned to
watch my guy work his magic.

Dressed in tight black pants with a burgundy silk jacket over a simple
black tee-shirt, Ty waved as the band struck up the opening chords of a
familiar favourite.

"I saw Mummy kissing Santa Claus, underneath the mistletoe last night; she
didn't see me creep down the stairs to have a peep; She thought that I was
tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep ..." Ty sang, and Dorothy immediately
started to cry.  Tears ran down her beaming face all through the song until
Ty finished: "Oh, what a laugh it would have been if Daddy had only seen,
Mummy kissing Santa Claus last night."

When the applause died down, Ty thanked the audience.  "What a buzz it is
to be here with you all tonight," he said.  "For so many years I've been
sitting out there with you, with my Mum and Dad and my brothers, and to be
on stage singing for you tonight really is something special!

"You know, funny thing about that song.  That really happened!  When I was
about six, my Dad Frank Hill was asked to fill in as Santa Claus at a local
event, so he disappeared early on Christmas Eve.  Quite early in the night,
my brother Lachie and I were bundled off to bed, but I woke up around
midnight and I just had to know whether Santa had been.

"I tiptoed out of the bedroom down the hall, and I could hear Christmas
music playing in the lounge.  I poked my head around the corner and what a
shock I got!  There was my Mother -- Dot Hill -- KISSING SANTA!  It
never occurred to me that Dad had arrived home and hadn't changed out of
his costume. I ran back to my room and woke Lachie up to tell him.  He sat
up, called me a liar, and punched me!"

Lachlan chuckled at the memory, and Dot leaned over and kissed Frank.  "I
sang that tonight for my Mum!  I've been able to sing a few songs for
family recently.  On my last tour, I sang a beautiful old country song I
learned as a kid from my Dad, and I sang for my brother Lachie at the
benefit concert for his fallen countrymen Lieutenant Matthew Burgess and
Private Rodney Maguire at their funerals in Sydney.

"Lachie's only recently found out that he and his beautiful partner Ellie
are going to parents to twins in a little while, so Ellie -- this next
song is for you ..."

"A ray of hope flickers in the sky, a tiny star lights up way up high, all
across the land dawns a brand new morn, this comes to pass when a child is
born ..." he began, and this time it was Ellie's turn to cry.

It was an awesome experience to hear Ty's crystal clear, strong voice
tackle something so gentle and beautiful, but he nailed it, and as the song
came to an end many people in the crowd stood and clapped.

Ty took his bows, before continuing, "Lachie and I used to LOVE Christmas
and opening our presents from Santa! But the BEST present we ever got
didn't come from Santa, it came from our Mum and Dad.  It was our little
brother Scotty, who came along when I was 12.  When they came home from
hospital, Lachie and I just took Scotty from Mum, and she didn't see him
again until he was 15!"

The crowded laughed and cheered, as Ty got comfortable on a stool
centre-stage and placed his mike back on its stand.

"Once Scotty was in nappies and crawling around all day, it was like Lachie
and I had a new pet!  And even when he started to walk and talk, he was our
best mate.  He's the one immediate family I've not yet sung a song for, so
I thought I'd make that right tonight.  Here's a beautiful little song from
the very early Seventies.  It's from the pen of Mac Davis, and was made a
big hit by Bobby Goldsboro ..."

"There he sits with a pen and a yellow pad, what a handsome lad, that's our
boy!; BRLFQ spells mum and dad, but that ain't too bad, that's my boy!; You
can have your TV and your nightclubs, and you can have your drive-in
picture show, we'll stay here with our little man near, we'll listen to the
radio, me and Lachie just watching Scotty grow ..."

As the crowd clapped along, it was a damp-eyed moment for the whole Hill
family.  What made me tear up was watching Lachlan put his arm around his
younger brother and ruffle his hair.  The crowd was singing along on the
chorus by the time Ty finished the song; "We'll be there in a minute or so,
think we'll stay right here and say a little prayer before we go, us and
God, watching Scotty grow."

Sustained applause from the audience and beaming smiles from the Hill
family led to Ty still on stage, and I was surprised by how eager the
audience seemed to be for more.  It looked for a moment like Ty was about
to sing again, but he turned and looked skywards as we all heard distant
bells.

Ty grinned at the audience as the bells started to get louder.  "I'd love
to stay here and sing for you all night, but I know when I've been
upstaged!" he laughed.  "It's been a pleasure to be your guest tonight, but
the REALLY special guest is about to arrive.  Merry Christmas everyone --
God bless you all!  And here's the guy you've all been waiting for --
Santa Claus!"

Ty exited stage left as Santa entered to the right, to a backdrop of the
combined choirs singing "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."

Dorothy leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek.  "You knew about this,
didn't you, you naughty boy!" she giggled.  "And I thought Tyson had a
cold!"

"He really wanted to do this," I told the family.  "He wouldn't tell me
what he was singing though, so it was as much of a surprise for me as it
was for you."

"That song for Scotty was ace, eh?" whispered Lachlan.  "I've never heard
him sing that before."

"He probably learnt it just for tonight," said Frank.  "He learns songs
very quickly."

When Santa's welcome was complete, the MC talked to Santa, who started off
by saying "I was watching tonight's show on close circuit television in my
sleigh, and I heard Tyson Hill talk about his Mum.  And I want everyone to
know ... I did not kiss that woman!"

The crowd dissolved in laughter and Santa continued, "It was that imposter
Frank Hill!  And people have been blaming me all these years!"

Santa walked up and down the stage throwing lollies to the children at the
front of the audience, while everyone -- us included -- joined in the
evening's finale, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

I sat and listened as Dot and Frank excitedly relived Ty's whole
performance, as the crowds began to disperse.  After a while, Dorothy
realised that Ty was taking a long time coming back to us.

"I think he's probably staying backstage," I assured her.  "He'll either be
waiting til almost everyone's gone, or he'll have been cornered by fans.
Let's go collect him."

We all stood and helped pack up before making our way to the backstage
tents where, sure enough, Ty was chatting with local fans and old friends,
signing autographs and posing for photographs.  We waited patiently until
they'd all had their moment, and Ty made his way over to us.  He was
immediately set up by Lachlan and Scott and then everyone hopped in with a
hug and excited banter.

Everyone -- Ty included -- was still on a high and once we were back at
the farm, George made everyone a nice cup of tea and a slice of Christmas
cake.

Lachlan and Ellie eventually said they were leaving with Steve, and after
we'd bid them goodnight Dot suggested we all turn in because it was late.

"And Frank," she said, "I think we can all sleep in tomorrow morning.  The
chickens can wait an hour for their feed!"

"Yes Dot, we'll all be up at seven," Frank smiled.  "That's when I've told
Lachlan, Ellie and Steve to be here."

Frank winked at Ty and me.  He knew as well as we did, there'd be no
sleeping in for us on Christmas morning ...

**********

Always happy to have your feedback.  marcusis32@live.com.au

FOOTNOTE:

You can hear other versions of songs referenced in this chapter via the
following links:

I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus (John Mellencamp):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsat4e8jgHA

When A Child Is Born (Johnny Mathis)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J14r535GSmg

Watching Scotty Grow (Bobby Goldsboro)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OLHevJPHR8