Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:14:22 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Jason Adonis 36

Jason Adonis
by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)


36: Chaos and Normality

In the beginning the earth was without form and void.  That is how, more or
less, the Christians translate it anyway.  You know the rest of the story,
thank you Mr. Paul Harvey.

I'm here to tell you those early Hebrew story tellers got it all wrong.
The Greeks and Norse talked about Chaos, with the gods making order out of
it.  They were about as good as the Hebrews at getting it right.  The
Physics, Chemistry, Geology and Biology of the universe has been trying to
get some understanding of order into the mess since day one.  Now on a
scale of one to ten, if day one, that's the big bang, was one, the place
has got to maybe four or five.  The big bang was highly ordered and things
have been getting worst since. That's my story and I sticking to it.

Chaos theory in relation to the natural world and by extrapolation human
dynamics is a useful explanatory model.  I will also admit that it may just
be a useful or perhaps cathartic excuse.  Be that as it may, if that
mythical butterfly in the jungle of Brazil can flap its wings and span a
hurricane in the Atlantic; think for a moment what some simple phrase like,
just name your time and place Eva dear, does to the not all that well
ordered to start with life, of yours truly, Jason Adonis.

No sooner had we settled into our routine, about two days worth, when the
Faits of Chaos struck.  Sounds very dramatic, doesn't it, high drama, I
must sadly report it was not.  Jason, that's me the over-sexed, virile 27
year old, soon to be married, bon vivant and caudillo, chief operating
officer and big brother extraordinary, was laid low.  Brought down by a
humble and rather small, little creature, if creature is even a worthy
title.  I got the flu or a cold, I don't know if it was bacterial or viral
and frankly I didn't give a damn what it was.  I cared not what name they
might give it; all I know is, I sure had it and I didn't like it one bit.
After expelling fluids from every bodily fluid exit point, Stan assisted me
into bed, tucked the blanket under my chin, kissed my forehead and turned
out the lights.  I did what I always do, when on those rare occasions I do
become ill, sleep.

My sleep was sound in the beginning but fitful and frequently interrupted
after the first few hours.  I had difficulty breathing and I ached in just
about every possible location.  I also had absolutely no interest in sex.
I was sick!

My family took care of me to the best of their ability.  I know that, I
have no memory of them doing it, only vague and fleeting images of one
brother or another checking on my condition.  The ice bucket and water jug
were always full and some how I managed to get to and from the toilet.  I
know this because the jug was always full and I consumed great quantities
of its contains and I managed to do so without pissing in my bed.

Under normal conditions I am healthy, fit, trim, athletic, active and so
full of energy most people wish I would craw into a hole.  I managed to
lose 4.5 kg (10 lbs.) and did absolutely nothing but sleep.  Perhaps not
eating had some influence, I'll admit that.  Hold it, vague memories of
brothers but what of my future bride, the female love of my life?

I assumed someone had canceled my appointments and rescheduled them.  I
assumed Klass or a brother was providing direction where it was needed.  I
assumed, perhaps I assumed just a little to much here.  I snapped to
attention exiting from that dream I was enjoying, not.  Glanced at my watch
which told me I had been in la-la land for about 36 hours, gulped more
water and looked around.  Everything looked more or less as I had left it.
Everything looked more or less normal.  The house was very quiet, my head
did not ache, I was not hot, I was not cold, I could breath normally.  As
fast as this thing had come, it seams to have gone.  I stretched to my left
and spotted a small ball on the other side of the bed, down toward the
foot.  I could see a dark skinned hand sticking out of it.  Listening
closely I could hear the slow shallow breathing of sleep.

David must have come in during the night.  He should be in his own room, in
his bed not curled up on mine sheltering under an old afghan.  I eased out
of bed very slowly, not wishing to disturb him and shot into the bathroom.
"My bladder still works, that is for sure," I thought.  I pulled on some
undies and a long wool bathrobe and stealthily exited for the kitchen.  I
was hungry and needed a strong cup of tea.

The security people, baker and morning cook were busy getting their day
started.  I looked at the clock it was 5:30 am.  I am never up at this
hour.  I quietly slipped in a chair and waited to be noticed.  I wondered
how long it would take.  This is something I had not done since I was a
young teen, probably Drew's age.  I don't think any of these people worked
here that long ago.

The house is remarkably quiet at this time of the morning.  I held my
finger to my lips so security would not say anything when he saw me.
Suddenly the cook let out a cry of surprise gaining the attention of the
baker, who had been rolling out something.  " Oh, Mijnheer Jason, u schrok
me op."  (Oh, Mister Jason, you startled me.)  I sat there with my shit
eating grin.  She rushed over to feel my face, it was normal.  I asked for
tea.  Everyone expressed their concern for my well being and I gave
assurances I was recovered and ready to party.  The guard asked about the
adventures on Traders Island.  The ladies expressed their liking for David
and his off handed brand of politeness.  I assured them it would not last,
and suggested they enjoy it until his brothers teach him all their bad
habits.  Everyone laughed a bit and refocussed on their duties.  My duty
was to get this tea down.

In the relative quiet of the early morning I became aware of a soft but
persistent sound from my youth.  It was more muffled than I remember it but
that only makes sense.  In those days I was making the noise, now I am some
distance away and listening to it.  It is the sound of little boy feet,
bare feet, running along the polished floors of the up stairs hall and down
the grand staircase.  I smiled and eased my chair back from the table.  The
kitchen door burst open and David came storming in.  He was dressed only in
tight white boxer briefs which contrasted against the darkness of his slim
body.  His eyes were wide as he wildly looked around the room.  I spread my
arms wide as he ran toward me, leaping on to my lap.  "Are you all better
now?"

"Yes, little man, I seam to have rebounded.  Thanks for keeping me company
last night."  He pressed his face against my neck.  "You are always welcome
to sleep under my covers."

"Zou u van wat melk David houden?" Frau Stult ask. (Would you like some
milk, David?)

"Ja, tevreden" He responded. (Yes, please)

"Ik zie u leert om het Nederlands te spreken."  (I see you are learning to
speak Dutch.)  He nodded his head as he was gulping down a tall glass of
milk.

We then headed back upstairs to get dressed.  I needed to get my day
started.  Perhaps I can get updated from the others at breakfast.  David
bounded up the stairs ahead of me.  His cute little white covered bubble
butt bounced with each leap.

"De papa, Papa, niet zieke Jason meer, u was juist."  (Dad, Dad, Jason not
sick anymore, you were right.)  David shouted as he ran into Klass'
bedroom.  Well if the old man is not up, he will be now, I thought.  I'll
bet Klass put him up to his visit, probably telling him his company would
make me feel better.

I showered and returned to the kitchen, this time dressed.  Klass, David, a
man I did not recognize, Herman, Geoff and Eric were the only ones present.
No Eva, Drew, Sandra, Stan, Will or Ziggy.  I slipped into a chair at their
end of the table.  David rushed to get me a Dutch coffee.

"Dank u kleine." (Thank you little one.)

"Uw welkome grote." (Your welcome big one.)  He replied with a toss of his
head and that devilish twinkle in his eye.

Turning to Klass and our guest.  "I'm Jason," I said sticking out my hand.
David was starting to giggle.

"I'm Mats Gunther," He replied taking my hand firmly.  Now David was out
and out laughing.  What the hell was so funny.  I was supposed to have had
an interview with Mats two days ago.

Klass, intervened. "Since you were so ill I interviewed Mats for you and
hired him."  Well that explains David's mirth.  "David is spending the
morning with the Stienhouer grand children, Herman is taking Geoff, Eric
and I to the diamond company and Mats will try and get you organized ..."

"Dare I ask where Eva et al. are?"

"Ziggy, Stan and Will are in Bern; Eva, Drew and Sandra are in Paris
looking for dresses, Sir."  Mats interjected.

"What bribe was applied to Drew for that duty?"  Hell you couldn't get me
to go with two women on a dress buying mission to the local mall let alone
to Paris.

"None on my part, Sandra fluttered her eyes and squeezed his hand, he
caved," Klass offered.

"Caved, no way, My brother didn't cave he sucked it up and did his duty."
David proudly stated, realizing he slipped back into English.  Which was
probably OK since I doubted Mats spoke Dutch and his own command of the
idiom in Dutch was still limited.  Both Klass and Mats chuckled along with
me.  David would defend his brother's honor to the last, I was sure of
that.  Being only 10 he knew little of the power love has on a boy when
applied by his girl.  I also wondered just why Herman and the others were
so quiet.  They were hiding something I was sure of it.  Here I was sick in
bed and my woman and my boy go shopping in another country.

Just as we finished eating Klass' cell rang.  He was holding a conversation
with some old friend I was sure.  Who ever it was asked about us, and
Apollo's group after learning our latest family news.  He then described
me, I guess it was his saying not since I was a baby.  Then I heard "ja uw
majesties" (yes your majesty) so he was talking to some royal or another,
probably the Queen.  I knew she was a distant cousin but I did not know she
and Klass were on friendly terms.  "Ja, hij juist hier u zou willen is aan
hem spreken?" (Yes, he is right here would you like to speak to him?).  He
handed the phone to Mats.  He greeted her like an old friend, well I guess
he was, she would have certainly know his former boss.  I felt left out, I
didn't know her I'll admit.

"You know David, when Jason was a baby, still in dippers, the Queen was
visiting and his dipper let go, pee all over her dress, right in this very
kitchen, she was only a princess then."  I was a bit taken aback but David
was beside himself with laughter, so were all the others.  Leave it to my
uncle to put my ego into prospective.  I guess that's why I never met her
again and sure didn't remember meeting her the first time.  That first
impression must have been lasting one on her part.

"Jason, the Queen is expecting Jonas and Shelley at Koninklijk Paleis op
den Dam (the official royal residence in Amsterdam) at 1300 hours tomorrow.
I assured her personal secretary you would be with them.  From my
conversations with the secretary I got the impression she held you in some
regard, I guess we now know why.  I have it all organized."

Mats arrived for our interview which Klass conducted.  He judged that Mats
and I would get along.  Mats' resume spoke for his experience and ability.
He was willing to spend lots of time in Calgary and did not mind traveling.
I guess it took him about 45 minutes to get my calendar and appointment
book under control, by the second day he had gained control over the
wedding stuff.  Yesterday he took charge of Apollo's flying circus' agenda
and using his contacts smoothed out the entire thing, including qualified
ASL/DSL translation for ASL to what ever national language group the
children were to interact with.

Mats is a short man about 5' 4" (+1.6 M) mostly bald, and what hair he has
is white.  He is light complicated and slightly built but very fit.  I
think dapper would be an apt description.  He is a life long bachelor who
has worked as a personal secretary for several rich and powerful people,
mostly the late King Olav and also the former Prime Minister Gro Harlem
Brundland and several of her successors.  Mats tried to retire but was just
to energetic for that.

.....................

"Apollo would you play chess with me."

"Of course but I must warn you I'm not very good at it."

"Neither am I, but at least it will be a quiet respite."

"I had no idea you planed all these activities for us.  Not that I'm
complaining, it is all so wonderful and so interesting.  I never thought we
would meet the Queen and her family."

"Watch your bishop.  I hope Jonas doesn't mind spending time with David.  I
see that Shelley seems completely tied up with the other women."  Just them
David and Jonas came storming into the library.  I don't think 10 year old
boys ever move much under the speed of sound; when they saw us at the chess
board both came up to an abrupt halt.  They looked at us, looked at each
other, some how communicating and slowly but deliberately walked over to
our chairs.  David stood next to me placing his hand on my shoulder while
Jonas just climbed into Apollo's lap.  I gestured an invitation to David,
he smiled and climbed on me.

I told Apollo, Klass' story about him and my dad sitting on my grandfather
while he played chess.  Both boys beamed to be included with the big guys
and to know they were wanted, not just tolerated.

"If you boys are going to sit with us and I hope you want to, you must
promise to keep what ever is said in this room confidential."  David nodded
and Apollo signed a few of the words Jonas had trouble with, he nodded too.

Both the boys snuggled in against our chests as we talked.  I outlined a
bit about our coming diamond factory visit.  Telling him about the rings I
had ordered for the ladies and why I had done it.  I also asked him if I
could give Jonas and Shelley ear studs as David would be getting his.
Jonas' eyes opened up and he pointed to his ear and Apollo's.  Apollo of
course had no choice but to agree.  He jumped down and in an instant was at
my side kissing my cheek.  I ruffed his hair and signed "your welcome".
David kissed my other cheek.

Jonas was studying his new friend trying to determine why he was crying.
He reached out touching David's cheek to wipe the tears away.  Apollo did
not fail to capture all this on film.  Damn is he fast.  David signed he
was happy and Jonas smiled, his eyes wide and bright signing to Apollo he
is just so happy he is crying.  I kissed his forehead.

.......................

One whole end of the show room was now devoted to Apollo's book.  The
display had a huge version of the kissing picture with the captain:
Vrienden voor altijd (Friends Forever).  Sales were very good.  I suspect
the entire staff had purchased at least one copy and many customers were
buying them, often several at a time.  Troops of deaf children were being
taken through on tours.  I thought this was a master stroke on someone's
part.  It turned out to be Klass' idea.  Eric informed me of that, saying,
"Klass just wanted you to discover his handiwork by yourself."

Okay, but if I know my uncle that is not the real reason for not saying
anything, it is a ruse, he has something else up his preverbal sleeve.

Mats had things organized to the second.  Several limos pulled up and out
piled Apollo's flying circus, Eva and her entourage, followed by Herman
with David, Jonas, Shelley and the Stienhouer grand children.

After everyone got their tour we all assembled in the show room again.  A
number of customers came in, at least I thought they were customers at
first, but I soon realized this was the cream of of the Amsterdam social
elite.  Translate that to money, power and position.  I figured they were
here about Jonas and Shelley, which it turned out was partly true.

Evelin Van Hute one of the richest women in the Netherlands, had been a
friend of my mother.  She and mother had worked on many charitable
endeavors together.  I always had difficulty taking the woman for more than
a few minutes at a time.  I remembered her girls too, three of them as I
recall.  Mother had tried to get me interested in them as a teenager.  I
thought they were far to full of themselves.  In fact, air heads, more
interested in my bank account than my manhood.  Not that what is between
one's legs is the most important thing but it should be at least as
important as my money.

To be fair I'm sure they are well educated and responsible adults and I
hope they found partners rich enough to keep them in the style they
desired.  Mrs. Van Hute was just a bit to, oh I don't know, class conches I
guess, for my taste.  I never understood how my father could put up with
her attitude.  Just as she was heading for me Mats intercepted her,
steering the woman toward Klass.

Eva appeared at my side literally out of nowhere.  "Jason, you must be nice
to all these people, even Mrs. Van Hute."  Now I know how dad managed, this
was Eva standing next to me but it was my mother's voice and words.  "Yes
dear, I will be nice," I could hear myself saying.  It turned out Evelin
was the honorary chairperson of the a major Dutch charitable foundation for
the deaf.  Once we got the children to settle down Klass made a nice
statement about assisting the deaf children and everyone met everyone.  I
could see the glint in Klass' eye as he introduced Drew and David as his
son's.  Drew's Dutch is educated but spoken with a definite Canadian
English accent.  David is still learning and speaks with a definite
Bahamian drawl.  He is obviously not a native Netherlander.  I'm not
suggesting that Mrs. Van Hute is raciest, I have no way of knowing, she is
a bit of a snob and ten year old black boys from away, lack "snob appeal",
big time.

When she asked David how he came to be in the Netherlands he simply
responded, "De papa en Drew gevonden me als onwillige gast op het Eiland
van de Schat en Drew sloeg omhoog de man die me kwetst.  Papa vertelde
Jason kon ik niet op het eiland blijven en ik had geen huis om te gaan aan.
Hij wilde me zijn zoon zijn en in Calgary leven.  Maak het gebeuren Jason.
Hier ben ik."  ("Dad and Drew found me as an unwilling guest on Trader's
Island and Drew beat up the man that hurt me.  Dad told Jason I could not
stay on the island and I had no home to go to.  He wanted me to be his son
and live in Calgary.  Make it happen Jason.  Here I am.")  David responded
in a rather off hand manor like this sort of thing happens on a regular
basis.  Well for him it kind of does, I guess.

Just then Jonas and Shelley came running over to drag David away.  Time for
the ear piercing.  That would mean that Klass was the only one of us that
did not have diamond ear studs.  Drew stayed firmly at Klass' side as if
protecting him.  Trevor and Brad were taking pictures, recording every
detail.

Mrs. Van Hute now turned her attention to Sandra.  "Mijn zoon heeft een zo
goede smaak in vrouwen zoals mijn broer." ("My son has as good a taste in
women as my brother.")  "Sandra Johnson, this is Mrs. Van Hute, Evelin was
a great friend of Jason's mother."  Sandra chatted with Evelin for a few
minutes until we were called to the main display cases by Van Loon.  "Our
craftsman are ready for Jason to make some presentations."

"As you all know Eva and I have already announced our engagement.  The
master craftsman at Adonis diamonds have created engagement rings for all
the engaged couples here this afternoon.  We..."

"Jason" Eva sang out.

"I ... though it would be a good way for Eva and I to celebrate our
happiness by having our friends who have like intentions to announce their
engagements this afternoon.  This was the first time since I thought this
little surprise up that we are all in Amsterdam at the same time."  I took
my box and placed the ring in it on Eva's finger.  She kissed me and looked
very happy.  Our guests were still a bit puzzled.

Then I called up Shelley and Jonas.  They came forward and I presented each
one with a special diamond and emerald neckless a very feminine one for
Shelley and a more streamlined masculine one for Jonas.  "Jonas and Shelley
will be our maiden of honor and best man.  These tokens are the badge of
office.  We and it is we this time, could think of no better symbol of our
union than having the "Friends Forever" standing at our sides."  Bob was
signing for them.  They were both jumping up and down with excitement and
pride, I had trouble fixing the things on.  Eva to the rescue.  We stood,
Jones on my right and Shelley on Eva's left for pictures then Jonas, with
his flare for showmanship signed and gestured for us to be applauded.
Everyone did as requested, I know we would get kisses of thanks later.

"Now I need Margaret Trend and Bob Law, Apollo Bidis and Veronica Newfeld,
Brad Sumewalt and Linda Newfeld to step forward.  When you were taking your
tour of the plant the setters were putting the final stones in each of your
settings.  You each helped place those final stones in your own rings.
Each ring has been designed uniquely for you."  I handed the boxes to the
appropriate male.  "When I first met these young people they impressed me,
not only their dedication to each other but to their artistic project.
They put their personal lives on hold for the duration because they
believed in the project's value and like Eva and I were totally charmed by
these two children.  Do your duty boys."  They each did.  I think Linda was
the most thrilled.  I know Bob and Brad were more than a bit surprised.
Apollo at least had some idea of what was to happen but he just played his
part or at least seemed to.  Trevor made sure everything was properly
recorded.  Everyone was congratulating everyone else.

Evelyn came up to Eva and I to offer her congratulations.  She expressed
her surprise and appreciation of my apparent romantic gustier.  The
designers then brought out the neckless, pin and tiara combination they
were designing for Eva.  They had large sketches.  Eva was quite taken
aback, although I had told her it was a tradition.  I could see Klass
pointing out one of the craftsman to David.  He ran over to thank him.
When I looked up again they were both gone.  I learned later David had been
so impressed he ask the craftsman if he could become his apprentice.  Well
that would be a first as far as I knew but this generation is one of
firsts, isn't it.

"Jason, your mother would be so proud of you.  She was proud of you anyway
but adopting those fine boys and finding such a delightful person as Eva,
and those rings for your friends.  It is so romantic.  I know you think I
am snobbish and when I first met Nancy I was; she changed that, she changed
me and you are your mother's son."

"I think some credit must go to Klass you know, I don't operate in a
vacuum.  I think he found a couple of those adoptees all on his own, for
example."  I reached out and pulled Drew, who's attention was focused on
something else, close to me.

"You are right I am sure but you do operate in a kind of vacuum, the kind
that pulls others into your sphere of influence, the kind that inspires
others to be their best."

"Jason has a hidden talent Mrs. Van Hute, when you are sucked into that
sphere of influence you talked about, he touches your life and you are
never the same after.  He may be uncomfortable with that recognition but
just about everyone in this room will say the same thing.  Look how red his
gets when his secret gets out," Drew told her.

......................

When we arrived home all the ladies made such a fuss over the children with
their earrings that David began to blush.  Jonas just took it in stride but
he likes it when anyone makes him the center of attention.  For Shelley who
already had earrings it was just something new.  I though about it a bit,
if he is embarrassed by the ladies here making a fuss over him, what will
he do when he meets Helga?