Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2015 13:59:44 -0400
From: Eff Del <nolitimere156@gmail.com>
Subject: Green Grow the Rushes O chapter 5

*Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 5*

*By Eff Del*



*For as long as men have been thinking, there have been those who have
speculated on the meaning of life.*

*What a ridiculous enterprise when the answer is so obvious and simple;*

*The meaning of life is that it is to be lived and enjoyed as much and as
long as possible. There is no mystery in that. *



"Dad...what just happened? Why is Jack crying and why are you so angry?"

Sean was confused as I urged him out of the pool.



I couldn't answer him because I was so personally shocked at my outburst
against Jack. Was this how I was going to react to every teenaged attempt
at independence? Perhaps I was too young to be the parent of these boys
after all and I'd just been kidding myself.



As we entered the shower room, Jack was already dressed and he looked back
at me with such a sorrowful countenance that it broke my heart. We didn't
exchange a single word as he left.

As we entered under separate showerheads, I said to Sean;



"We'll talk about it later little man. I have to check on some things very
urgently. You can find something to do...maybe practice your song? Is that OK
Sean?"



"Sure Dad that's OK." He sounded so sad as he said it that I felt I was
suddenly failing at a task I'd been so happy with.

I knew where I had to go for my answers.

*******



I'd tracked him down quickly and we were now seated in the library with
drinks in hand. I'd told him openly about the incident and he looked at me
intently.



He ran his index finger around the rim of his tumbler and typically, he
absently pushed his glasses back up from the tip of his nose.



"Well Eric, do I need to tell you that was a total over reaction? Frankly,
if I didn't know you so well I'd consider it bi-polar.

Let's think about the situation:

First, you have been raising these two boys rather liberally and the rules
have been ephemeral at best. That of course, is mostly because you've been
so much a consistent part of their lives. You've constantly been there to
say what was and what wasn't all right. You've denied them nothing and
while you haven't been overindulgent by your standards, they are leading
very comfortable lives.



Jack is sixteen and you've never denied him anything, how can you be angry
over the fact that he just assumed inviting a young lady to spend the night
was within the parameters of permission?

You've never laid down a set of rules so how can you be angry with him for
breaking a tenet he wasn't even aware of?



To further compound that by telling him you could never trust him
again...Eric, think about that.  Could you have said anything more
devastating to a boy at such a fragile point in life?

Furthermore, you imply that by using Daniel to set up the liaison...which is
exactly what you'd have done had Jack come to you with the request...he will
be responsible for the man losing his job...my Lord Eric! That's a big kettle
of fish to dump on a wonderful sixteen-year-old boy who's never done a bad
thing in his life! Don't you agree?"



"Yes Doc. I think I knew it as it was happening but I just couldn't stop...I
couldn't take a breath and pause to think. It just came out. So, what do I
do now?"



"If I were you, I'd go to him and I'd apologize for everything I'd said
especially about the trust issues. I'd explain that I was under a great
deal of stress...which you are certainly under...and that you were taken aback
by the fact that he'd made his arrangements without consulting you. You
might even explain that you're pretty new at being a parent and you'll make
many mistakes but hopefully never again one as hurtful as this.



Jack's a sweet boy and all he wants is for you to love him Eric. If you act
quickly, there will be little or no harm done.



Later, you need to meet with Daniel who most certainly acted based upon the
liberal way you treat the boys and just assumed your permission had been
obtained. You need to firmly but politely explain the rules of permission
to him so he'll never again inadvertently do something like this without
your knowledge.



Daniel is a true professional Eric, but he also needs more substantial
parameters to work within. He's trying to anticipate and to make your life
less complicated but he needs some ground rules to work with."



"What do I do about Sean Doc? He was there and witnessed the whole thing. I
know he's upset and confused."



"Frankly Eric, if you can, I'd have him there when you talk to Jack. He's
not a baby, he's a very bright boy. A shared conversation might be a tonic
for the three of you."



*******

I found Sean in his room playing a lovely melody on his new guitar.



"Hi Champ, how long ago did Jack leave?"

He looked up at me puzzled for a moment and then said;



"Oh, he didn't go anywhere Dad. He's in his room."



I nodded my head and said;



"Could you come with my please Sean?"



He looked at me with apprehension and his eyes were watery.



"Dad...you're not gonna kick Jack out are you?"



I smiled what I knew was a sad smile.



"No Sean. You'll see. Would you come with me please?"



He got off the bed and just like when I'd first brought him home, he
reached out and took my hand and we walked across the hall together.



Jack's door was ajar but I knocked anyway. He was sitting at his desk
typing at his computer.

He turned at my knock and his eyes were glassy and his cheeks tear stained.



"I-I'm just trying to write an email to the guys on the ship telling them I
won't be back after all and I'm trying to word it so they won't be ashamed
of me. I really want to be a named participant on this voyage."



"Don't write anything Jack. Come sit with Sean and me."

He got up from his chair and the three of us sat side by side on the edge
of his bed.



"Jack, first off, I'm speaking to you about what happened in the pool
today, but I'm really speaking to both of you. Try to listen and understand.



When I was a boy, there were certain rules and guidelines for what was OK
and not OK to do. I was raised with those rules and for the most part, I
obeyed them. Those rules are still so ingrained in my head that I forgot
they are not a part of your upbringing and therefore, you can't be expected
to be constrained by them.



Jack, I got unreasonably angry at you for something you didn't even
understand was wrong. I'll offer up as an explanation that I'm under a lot
of stress right now and I hope you realize that I'm awful young to be the
parent of a teenager and a soon to be teenaged boy.



Up until now, neither of you has done anything without talking to me first.
Jack, this was the first time you did something like that and my initial
reaction was that you were going behind my back and that made me feel
betrayed and very angry.

 I now realize that based upon your experience here with me, you had every
right to assume it would be OK. The failure...the shortcoming... was in my not
establishing guidelines for both of you. We'll do that the day you return
from your voyage Jack."



His eyes were wide opened and he almost smiled.



"So you're really going to let me finish the voyage before you send me back
to the NEST?"



"Who said anything about sending you back to the NEST? You two have to get
over that crap. You're my sons and you live HERE.

 I'm going to put down a list of basic and simple rules that will be easy
to understand and not very strict so nothing like this should ever happen
again.



I seriously over reacted Jack but that was because I felt you'd violated a
rule that you didn't know existed. This ugly incident was my entire fault
not yours.

I will of course, be speaking to Daniel and he'll have his own set of new
rules so nothing like this can ever happen again even accidentally.



Finally Jack, I hope you can forget and forgive everything I said about
trust issues. What I said was ugly and completely unjustified. You've never
done anything to violate my trust and I believe you never will. I was
stupidly angry but I've happily come to my senses and I hope you can
forgive me.



I love you Jack and I'm very sorry for what I said downstairs."



He was wrapping his arms around me and crying.



"I was so sad. I couldn't figure out what I'd done so wrong to make you so
mad. I've tried so hard to be what you wanted me to be...I love you so much
Dad...thanks for being so honest with me...us."



As I wiped my eyes, I suddenly realized that Jack shouldn't be here.



"I thought you were supposed to be picking up Amanda Jack."



"I called her and told her I was sick. It was OK with her since she didn't
know most of the people anyway."



I looked at my Rolex.



"Still two and a half hours before the ceremony guys. What about a nap in
my bed?"



They greeted that suggestion with enthusiasm.



As we stripped down, I proclaimed;



"Underpants stay on. We're napping not playing."



"Dad, you're becoming a grouch." Sean was grinning as he said it.

 Jack just beamed as we formed a pile of arms and legs. I remembered to set
the alarm on the bedside table.



*******

I woke up long before the alarm sounded and gently nudged my two sleeping
tiger cubs. They looked up me a bit groggy eyed but I urged them out of bed
and into the shower. They complied leaving a short trail of underpants
behind them. I contributed my own to the little line.



As we were under the spray of the multiple showerheads, I ran my hand down
Jack's cheek. It was smooth and I smiled at him.



"Good job shaving this morning Jack. You don't need to do a touch-up."

Thinking quickly, I ran my hand down Sean's cheek and said;

"Neither do you little man." He giggled but I knew he was happy to be
included in this ritual.



After we'd toweled off, I send them to their rooms to get dressed.

Before he left, Jack turned and hugged me.



"Dad, thank you so much. You're the best person I know in this whole world.
I want to be just like you."

I rubbed my hand down his strong young back and withheld a sob.



"Jack, you're as fine a son as a man could ask for. I only wish we'd all
been a family long ago. I hope and wish that you'll grow into a much better
man than me. I love you Jack. Always know that."



He kissed me and smiled and then he was out the door.



*******



I stood before the full-length mirror frankly admiring myself. Since Sean
came into my life, I'd gotten myself back into shape and, I had no qualms
admitting that I looked damned good.

I tweaked my bow tie and turned at the sound of someone entering the room.



Tall, tanned and glowing with youthful beauty, Jack was magnificent in his
formal attire. I signaled him over to me and adjusted his bow tie. Even
clip-ons can get askew.



"Wow Jack, you look wonderful."



"Oh yeah? Well so do you Dad. You're incredible."



"Get outta here...I bet you say that to all the almost thirty year old guys
who've adopted you."

He scrunched his nose and looked at me confused. Neither of my boys fully
understood my weird sense of humor yet.

"Never mind Jack that was just a stupid joke."



"Dad I need you to help me with this stupid cucumber!"

Sean had stormed into my room.



"What Sean?"



"This cucumber. I don't unnerstand it an' I don't know what it's for an' I
don't know how to put it on."



I smiled when I saw he was waving the formal waist sash. I reached out and
took it from him. I noted happily that he seemed to have managed all of the
shirt studs by himself. I took it from him smiling. Sometimes, despite my
need to correct him, I loved "Seanisms."



"First off little man, it's a cummerbund not a cucumber. Way back in the
nineteenth century when the British army was in India, they adopted the
local custom of wearing sashes around their wastes on formal occasions.
Those were called `kamarbands'. Later, when tuxedoes came into fashion,
cummerbunds were used instead of vests. You put it around your waist with
the pleats facing up which is why they're sometimes called `crumb
catchers'. They make a guy look slimmer and taller and just set things off
when you are wearing formal attire. Take off your jacket and I'll fix you
right up."



I wrapped the garment around his waist and fastened it.

"Put your jacket back on Sean."



My heart did a flip flop as I looked at him. He was stunningly beautiful
...not handsome...lots of boys were handsome...Sean was beautiful. I had a flash
of a thought that I might cry but he took care of that when he made a
pretend pistol with his hands and did his `Sean Bond' bit again.

I adjusted his tie and gestured to the door.



"OK guys, let's go get John married." I couldn't get over how wonderful
they both looked.



*******



John and I watched from the solarium as Sean and Jack escorted the guests
to their seats. It wasn't a large wedding...many staff and a small grouping
of friends. Except for John's parents, there was no family.



Sean escorted Tim and Alice to their prominent seat with a very formal look
on his face. He took responsibilities very seriously.



Doc Swaim walked out, stood under the arbor, and nodded in our direction.

"Time to pony up cowboy." I said as I guided him out onto the garden.



The boys were already standing at the right side of the arbor and John and
I walked out and stood beside them.



At a nod from Doc, the stringed quartet began to play Pachelbel's Canon in
D.



Martha walked elegantly toward the arbor followed by the two other girls.
After a short space of time, Jenny; escorted by Uncle Phil, walked down
between the chairs.



She was beautiful in a simple white dress and a small veil. If I was
straight, I know I'd have popped wood she was so stunning.



Uncle Phil was beaming as if he'd been waiting to do this his entire life
and Jenny was glowing with joy. There was no other way to describe it
except `glowing with joy'.



Doc Swaim was leaning down with a big toothy smile.



"Who presents this man to be engaged in marriage?"



Tim stood up and with his arm on Alice's shoulder said;



"His mother and I do."



Smile never fading Doc asked;



"Who gives this woman to be engaged in marriage?"



Uncle Phil teary eyed responded;



"I do as do all of us who love her."

He kissed her and took a seat.



Doc Swaim smiled again and said;

"This couple had chosen to light a unity candle. Two flames will become one
signifying their own union. As they do this, they've asked Sean Tucker to
perform the `Wedding Song'.



Sean quickly moved aside and took up his guitar. His fingers ran amongst
the strings and the arpeggio  was magnificent...typical Sean.



John and Jenny took two lighted candles and together lit a large one
placed on the table that served as the alter for this service



As Sean's youthful voice filled the air, I thought that I would weep.



`He is now to be among us at the joining of your hearts.

Rest Assured this troubadour is acting out his part.

The union of your spirits here have caused him to remain.

Whenever two or more of you are gathered in his name...

There is love."



Doc Swaim then pulled the couple together and said;



"John and Jenny, will you now profess your vows before all of these here
assembled and exchange rings as a symbol of those vows."



That was my cue to produce John's ring for Jenny while Martha played her
part on the other side.

I handed John the ring and he spoke the words that they had created
together:



"Jenny, I take you to be my wife lover and friend. I swear to cherish you
for as long as the rivers flow, as long as the grass still grows...for that
long and one day longer."



Jenny smiled and replied;



"John, I take you to be my husband lover and friend. I swear to cherish you
for as long as the rivers flow, as long as the grass still grows...for that
long and one day longer."



Beaming a large toothy smile, Doc Swaim then said;

"You've chosen to seal your vows by exchanging rings. Do so now.



My heart pumped wildly as he slipped the plain golden band onto Jenny's
finger, he recited the ritual;

"By this ring I thee wed."



Jenny repeated the ceremony and then Doc Swaim proclaimed:



"By the power invested in me by the state, I now pronounce you man and
wife."



Everyone in attendance burst into a round of applause. The blushing but
happy couple stepped down from the arbor.



As everyone moved to the big lawn where the reception was being held, I
walked over to Sean as he was putting his guitar into the case.



"That was so wonderful  Sean. You brought tears to my eyes."



His smile warmed my heart as he beamed up at me.

"Thanks Dad. I wanted it to be good for them."



"When you sing and play Sean, it's always good...it's better than good."



*******

The reception party was wonderful although I didn't particularly enjoy the
DJ, I noticed that most of the guests did and therefore he was doing his
job properly. I remembered the very old slogan; different strokes for
different folks



At some point during the celebration, I turned John's mother;



"My Mother's name was Alice so I loved you at once." She smiled at me
warmly.



"I've loved you ever since Johnny told me about you all those years ago
Erick."



"Well, it's been a long road Alice but John's been there for me the whole
way."



"He loves you so much Erick and you've been wonderful to him."



"No more than he has been to me Alice."



After the fine meal, it was time for the couple to leave which of course
meant the traditional tossing of the garter.

As it flew through the air I thought to myself `please no' but slick as
snot, it landed in Jack's hand.



"Well that's one tradition that isn't going to be fulfilled." I said to no
one in particular.



Arlen had the limo waiting and I'd made certain there was Champaign for the
newlyweds. It was almost an hour's drive to the big airport.



Everyone was there to cheer them off.



The party continued but I pulled Daniel aside.



"You and I will have a serious discussion tomorrow." He looked surprised
but he acknowledged my command at once.



I hadn't kept track of Jack's beers but I sensed he was a bit loopy. I
rounded up Sean and with my arm around Jack I said;

"Time for bed boys" I guided them into the house and down the hall to the
elevator.



Without even asking, they walked into my bedroom and began undressing.



"Get into bed and sleep guys. I'm going back down and making certain that
the party winds down properly."



*******



Tim and Alice were engaged in a conversation with Martha as I walked back
into the party. They smiled as I approached.



"Eric, Johnny told us about the wonderful honeymoon you gave them. I'm so
happy for them. We had a weekend at a Holiday Inn in Atlantic City, New
Jersey."



"Well Tim, I hope you and Alice have considered my offer that you stay here
for a while and treat it as a vacation. Arlen will be available to drive
you anywhere you'd like or, if you prefer, I have many cars you can select
if you choose to drive yourself. They're in great shape...I've got a first
class mechanic." We all laughed together.



"Assuming that you're serious Eric, we'd like to stay a bit. Alice and I
were talking last night and we've decided that now that John and I are back
on track with each other, we'd like to be closer than a continent away.
Marriage quite often leads to children and if we're going to be
grandparents, we want to be familiar grandparents. Jenny's folks are sadly
gone so we'd be the only `Grans' the kids would have.



If you seriously don't mind us mooching on you, we'd like to look around
for a home. I've already had three offers to buy the Dew Drop Inn so, I
think we could retire comfortably."



"What's the Dew Drop Inn Tim?"



"It's our restaurant/bar in Philadelphia. I've owned and managed it for
twenty seven years. I used to think it would be Johnny's someday but as you
know, he had other plans. The poolroom is very popular and very
competitive. That's where John cut his teeth so to speak. It's very well
thought of and relatively profitable but I'm ready for a change and I'm
ready to be nearer to my son and new daughter-in-law. The income from the
sale of the business and our house should allow us a comfortable
retirement."



I quickly thought about the condominiums being built on the newly acquired
property at the north of the estate.



"You know Tim; I might be in a position to make you the proverbial offer
you can't refuse. Let's get together tomorrow we can talk about this after
breakfast...oh and as to `mooching', John's parents are my parents please
feel comfortable about staying as long as you like. It's not as if we don't
have room."



Richard, Barry and Chris were standing together laughing over something. I
approached them and it was obvious that they'd all had a bit to drink. They
were all so intensely involved in their jobs that I was glad they were
allowing themselves to get so loose. I was also happy that they'd accepted
Chris into their inner circle. I supposed his heroics during the invasion
of the estate had earned him credentials in the eyes of the trained Skuggor
agents who were his neighbors.



"Well guys, did we get them properly hitched?"



"I'd say so Boss, you certainly throw a helluva party."



I smiled and replied;

"Thanks Barry, I hope you don't wake up with a helluva headache."



I found Uncle Phil sitting in a corner away from the music. I sat down next
to him and put my arm around his shoulder to comfort him just as he'd done
for me so many times, as I grew up.



"You miss him don't you?"



He shrugged and spoke without looking at me;



"He was my last tie to my past. We were two smart young kids fresh from the
service though Walter had done shit I never knew about, I'd learned shit
that Walt wouldn't have thought about. We met your father and together we
forged an empire. We were gloriously paid for our efforts and we loved
every minute of it. It was wonderful Eric. Now, I've got no one to share it
with. Those wonderful young men you've moved in with me try very hard to
make me a part of things but, I'm older and therefore less energetic. They
don't understand the crazy and dangerous stuff we did with your father...Hell
Eric, you don't know or understand that stuff"



"Your little speech giving Jenny away was pretty nice."



"She's a sweet girl and they deserve to be happy. I've always liked John."



He took a long pull on his drink and turned to me.



"Chris can do this Erick. He can do this right now. He's smarter than me
and quicker than me and has new ideas. You're in good hands kid."



He stood up and kissed me on the head and walked off.



After the DJ packed up and left, the party closed down, the bar was shut
off and the incentive to stay was seriously inhibited.



I walked into the room and found them asleep but entwined. They'd obviously
been engaged in more than getting comfortable. They loved each other and
had been so close for most of their lives.

I realized that I'd had that same relationship with Kyle.



I undressed and lay down alongside of them and pulled the comforter over us
all. Instinctively they moved and squirmed up against me. Suddenly I was in
the middle of two boys who were totally asleep. What the hell could be
better than that?



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



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