Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2015 21:29:47 +0100
From: Clive Westwood <cfgw2000@aol.com>
Subject: Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 10 Relationships

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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 10


It was two weeks before Christmas and Max was excited, Christmas Eve was
his eighteenth birthday, he would officially attain the age of majority, he
would be out of his fathers reach.

They were due to spend Christmas in Lanzarote at PJ and Lenny's home, the
first Christmas since his mother died that he'd be spending with what he
now called family.

His mother had died when Max was ten years old and his father had stopped
caring about anything except his political career, they rarely met, perhaps
six or seven times a year, on those occasions Max was summoned to attend
when his father wanted to promote a happy family facade for the press at
rallies or official engagements.

For the last seven Christmas's Max had been the typical 'Home Alone' kid,
the nearest he'd ever got to seeing his father was on news coverage of
events in Washington or New York, no Happy Birthday greetings, no Christmas
wishes.

Chris would finish up in the office at lunchtime on 22nd December they were
due to fly out from Teterboro that same afternoon along with Josh and
Bryan, Billy, Julia and Will Fielding, plus Billy, Jay and Jolly who would
be picked up first from Chicago.

Max had spent hours debating on suitable presents for Chris, he'd saved as
much of his allowance as possible over the last three months plus what he'd
earned from the sale of canvasses painted in the small studio at his
fathers apartment.

Of the presents, one was a portrait sized canvas which he was really unsure
of, would Chris like it or find it spooky, Max didn't know, he'd been drawn
to paint it, he couldn't explain why.

He'd ordered a Conway Stewart 'Gatsby' fountain pen and he was due to
collect it that day, made of Sterling Silver and decorated in coloured
enamel the 'Gatsby' had cost him two thousand four hundred dollars and
wiped out the last of his funds, he had to get it, again he didn't know why
it was so important, it just was, it was the same one Chris's father had
owned, max had seen a portrait at Woodruff Corporate, Chris's father was
holding that same pen, when he'd mentioned it Chris had been misty eyed,
he'd given it to his father as a present several years before he died, his
father was never without it, his mother joked that pen was more important
than they were, but Chris knew better, his father cherished the present
from the son he adored, it was amongst the things he'd received back in his
parents personal possessions after the accident which killed them, it had
been mangled beyond repair, he'd wanted so many times to replace it, he
just couldn't bring himself to go back to the store where he'd had such a
difficult time choosing the right pen in the first place.

Leaving Chris's apartment building Max had been deep in thought, he was
shocked out of his daze by a strong familiar voice which sent a chill down
his spine.

"Maxwell, where have you been staying?, the housekeeper tells me you
haven't been home in days, that apartment you just came from, it's the
apartment of Christopher Farley, he's a bloody queer, if he's touched you
I'll destroy him, get in the car now".

Max was mortified, his father was speaking loudly and in the street where
everyone passing could hear.

"Father this is not something to discuss in the street, I will see you at
home this evening, I have somewhere to be and who I have as a friend is not
your business".

Max walked away but he didn't get more than twenty yards before his fathers
secret service agents grabbed him with guns drawn and marched him to his
fathers car.

In the car he was furious, "You think it's okay to have me abducted off the
street in broad daylight at gunpoint, have you lost your mind?".

Max didn't expect the punch which smashed into his face splitting his lips
and dazing him.

"Shut up you dirty little pervert, I'm taking you home, tomorrow you're
going to a facility that will cure you of this filthy perversion, you
disgust me".

At home his fathers secret service agents, wrestled him out of the car,
into the lift and into the apartment with no care of who might see them.

In the apartment the agents attempted to bundle him into his bedroom, when
he resisted one of them punched him several times in the face and body
until he was curled in a ball on the floor where he received several kicks
to his legs and ribs the pain almost causing him to pass out, "Keep
resisting and there won't be any need to send you to the queers place,
you'll suffer an unfortunate accident, now stay in your room till it's time
to go or you'll regret it".

With one last kick in the ribs which produced a loud crack they were gone.

Max was in awful pain, he was pretty sure his nose and at least one rib
were broken, breathing was painful, his left eye was so swollen it was
almost closed, he was covered in blood.

When they'd been gone for some time he dragged himself to the bed but
getting up onto it proved too painful, he sat against it on the floor,
they'd frisked him before bundling him into his bedroom but they hadn't
found his phone, he'd pushed it down into his briefs while he was in the
car.

Dialling Chris's number he prayed for help, but none was coming, Chris's
answer message kicked in, all Max could manage was, "Help, he's got me, I'm
hurt bad, at home".

Max's mind was whirling, who could he call, who would be able to help, his
fathers secret service agents could pull rank over any police officer, he
looked through his phone directory and saw Lenny's number, pushing the dial
button he was praying.

"Hi Max, how are you, what a lovely surprise".

Max was having trouble breathing, "Lenny please help me, he's got me at
home, I'm hurt real bad, tell Chris, it's Secret Service Agents, I can't
breathe, I think they want to kill me, they're moving me to some
institution tomorrow, Lenny I'm frightened, can't talk anymore".

Lenny was freaking out, she could hear max struggling to breathe, "Max, Max
are you still there.......... ".

No answer then the phone went to a disconnected tone.

Lenny rang PJ but the call went to answer phone, Chris's phone did the
same, she dialled Woodruff Corporate, "This is Lenny Thorn, I have an
emergency, find my husband and get him on the line now please".

Lenny only held for a few moments before a panicking PJ came on the line on
speaker.

"Lenny what's wrong?, are you hurt?".

Lenny quickly calmed him and related what had happened with the call from
Max, Chris had been in conference with PJ, Lenny could hear him freaking
out in the background as PJ gave Lenny instructions.

"Go and grab Leo, tell him I need at least six of his best to make a forced
entry into Max's fathers apartment, tell him to ring me when he has them
assembled".

After breaking the connection to Lenny, PJ dialled a number and waited,
"Connect me to Director Bernstein please, this is PJ Thorn at Woodruff
Corporate".

PJ waited and tried to calm Chris who was terrified Max was injured and
they weren't with him.

The secretary who had answered the call came back on the line, "I'm sorry
Mr Thorn, it would appear Director Bernstein has just entered a meeting and
cannot be disturbed, you may leave a message if you wish".

PJ was incensed, "Yes, I'll leave a message, please pass on to your
unavailable prick of a Director that in approximately 30 minutes I will be
taking my personal security detail and breaking down the front door of a
U.S. Senator.  This I will be doing in order to rescue the Senators son who
has been badly beaten by Secret Service Agents on the instruction of the
Senator, I will of course have a battery of press reporters with me to
document in both photographic and written version for public record, the
injuries inflicted by Director Bernstein's Agents, of course if he could
perhaps not be in a meeting and call me personally, within 5 minutes no
more, I would be willing to discuss the matter".

The secretary spluttered then asked for PJs number, but he was not inclined
to be helpful.

"You're the Secret Service for Christ sake, use your bloody brains".

PJ cut the call, he could imagine the frantic activity within Bernstein's
office at the thought of the following days headlines involving a
U.S. Senator and Secret Service Agents beating a minor.

It was exactly four minutes later when PJs phone rang, "Albert, how good of
you to delay your meeting in the interest of saving face".

There was some obvious threat issued from the other end of the line because
PJs tone became dark and serious, "No, you listen to me you pompous prick,
it's your Agents doing the bidding of Senator Spence, therefore it's you
who bears the blame and I'll make sure the press know we had this
conversation, that you knew what your agents were doing and chose not to
intervene, of course you could try to stop me, despatch NYPD or more of
your puppet Agents, that would be fun, why don't you try having me arrested
that would be even more fun, now if you'll excuse me I have The White House
on the other line goodbye".

PJ had not been joking, he did indeed have the Presidents Chief of Staff on
the other Line.

"Phil, good morning, I'm just giving you a heads up of tomorrow's press
headlines............................".

PJ explained the situation, relayed his conversation with Director
Bernstein and outlined his intended action before disconnecting the call.

Within minutes Leo called to tell PJ he had his guys assembled and they
arranged to meet at the Senators apartment.

Before they left PJ called The New York Times and ABC News to alert them to
the impending raid on Senator Spence's apartment.

When PJ and Chris arrived they were surprised to see Lenny there talking to
the press.

Leo told them to follow on and they all, press included, trooped into the
reception area.

Leo's men made short work of the apartment buildings security detail,
before they took several elevators up to the Senators floor.

On the tenth floor they were met by a Secret Service Agent who drew his gun
and was rendered immobile in seconds, (punched senseless), on Leo's
instruction the door was forced and two further Secret Service Agents
offered no resistance, they turned to face the wall and placed their hands
behind their heads, the lead Agent spoke for them, "We have instructions
from Director Bernstein to cooperate with you Mr Thorn but Senator Spence
is holding his son hostage in the boy's bedroom".

Leo's men had the door of its hinges in seconds and in front of them was
Senator Spence strangling a struggling Max.

He was dragged backwards and Chris cradled Max while they waited for the
paramedics to arrive.

The Senator was mouthing a host of obscenities including the fact that PJ
had pervert sons and friends, he didn't get any further as Lenny stepped
forward and her fist smashed hard into his face breaking his nose which
spurted blood like a fountain, "You choose a dangerous path in attacking my
children Senator, but feel free to sue me, I'll look forward to it".

Turning to the press photographers and news cameramen Lenny asked, "Did you
get that guys, or would you like a re run, I'm game, in fact I rather
enjoyed it".

The following morning in a private suite at Cedars, Chris was recovering
from surgery, his nose had been reconstructed, his face was heavily
bandaged, there was strapping around his chest to help him breathe
initially whilst the three broken ribs healed.

Wearing shorts he looked more like a car crash victim, both legs were badly
bruised from hip to ankle where they'd taken the brunt of the Secret
Service Agents kicks, one arm was in a sling after his shoulder had been
repositioned back into its socket.

Chris was sitting on the bed holding him while he dozed.

Senator Spence was appearing before a Judge at that moment, and he wasn't
going to like the outcome, it was Judge Margaret Watson, renowned for her
campaign to protect the young, the old and the downtrodden, she had visited
Max in his hospital room the evening before and was shocked at his
injuries, after spending over an hour with Max and her court recorder,
listening to Max tell what happened and his fears for what would happen
when his father was free again, statements were prepared and she asked
Max's doctors to witness the papers.

Judge Watson decided to sweep the board and deal with several items in one
go.

After examining the medical evidence and having seen first hand Max's
injuries she sentenced Senator Spence to Ninety days in prison with no
remission starting immediately, also imposing a compensation payment of two
hundred fifty thousand dollars payable to max, if the compensation wasn't
paid before ninety days there would be an additional one week of prison
time added for every day the compensation was outstanding.

As an additional ruling she declared emancipation for Max, effectively
making him an adult immediately, he didn't have to wait until his birthday
to be free of his father.

In the matter of Max's trust funds, of which his father was guardian until
Max attained the age of twenty five, she removed Max's father from the
guardianship and appointed Lenny's law firm to administer the trusts,
naming PJ and Lenny as joint guardians of the trusts until max reached the
age of twenty five years or until he became legally married.

Referring to Max's statement and the senseless beating he received at the
hands of the Senators Secret Service Detail, she issued instructions for
all three agents and Director Bernstein to appear before her by 3pm that
day, if they failed to appear she would find them in contempt and issue
arrest warrants for all of them.

Later that afternoon two of the agents received twelve month jail
sentences, the third was dismissed, Director Bernstein was found guilty of
aiding the aggregated assault of a minor, he was sentenced to one month
jail term without parole commencing immediately, he was apparently hoisted
out of the courtroom protesting the judge couldn't do this, but do it she
did to almost unanimous public applause.

The morning papers and TV News reports concentrated on three topics :

'US Senator Jailed after ordering His Secret Service Detail to inflict
horrendous injuries on his own son'.  This was accompanied by pictures of
Max at the scene covered in blood, his nose obviously broken, his left eye
swollen and almost closed.

'Secret Service Thugs beat minor to a pulp at Senators bidding, is this
what we pay our taxes for?'.  Again pictures of Max's injuries accompanied
the heading and storyline.

'Judge jails Director of Secret Service and his Thug Agents, telling them
Let this be a lesson, your Agency status won't protect you'.

'Leonora Thorn administers swift and painful justice on US Senator Spence
after his verbal attack on her children'.  This featured a series of
pictures capturing Lenny as her fist connected with the Senators nose and
the after effects as he rolled on the floor in a daze.

Watching the TV News PJ commented, "Lenny I have to say I'm shocked, you
broke his nose".

Lenny very dryly responded, "I know PJ, I didn't intend to break his nose,
I was aiming to break his jaw to shut him up but the little weasel moved to
quick".

Leo and Rosa laughed out loud at the thought she had intended to break his
jaw.

Several high profile figures appeared on talk shows during the coming days
and all agreed, although they found violence abhorrent, not one of them
could in all conscience condemn Lenny, admitting, given the circumstances,
they would most likely have acted the same or worse.

Four days after the attack max was released into Chris's care.

Arriving at Chris's apartment Max saw the piles of stuff Chris had
collected from his fathers apartment and was amazed Chris had been so
thoughtful.

Chris saw him looking at the boxes.

"I hope I did right, I collected everything I thought you'd want, you can
collect anything I missed whenever you're ready, you don't live there
anymore, you and I live wherever we are together, if that's what you want,
and for now that's here, I know this is a little cramped so when we get
back after Christmas we'll look for something larger, I already have an
agent looking for us, you don't have to leave to go home anymore, you're
already home".

Max dissolved into tears and Chris had him in a hug within seconds, "I know
it's all been horrible for you but you're safe now".

Max couldn't believe how lucky he was to have met this man.

"Please stop saying, 'If that's what you want', I want you, nothing more,
nothing less, as long as we're together I'll be happy, now help me get into
bed I'm so tired".

When Lenny and PJ visited later that day, Max had just dressed and was
sitting on a sofa whilst Chris made tea in the small kitchen.

Whilst Chris was out of earshot max whispered a plea to Lenny, who nodded
her agreement, she would collect the present he'd been stopped from
collecting.

When the time came for them to travel to Teterboro for their flight out to
Lanzarote, Chris produced a wheelchair, although not Max's choice it proved
useful, Max could still only move slowly, the ribs were mending, the
bandages and strapping removed, but he was still a long way from being able
to run.

The colour of bruising on his face and legs had mellowed from black/blue to
a sickly yellow, in order to ease the pain he walked crouched forward with
his arms crossed to protect his ribs.

Aboard the plane he was seated gently until they were airborne and then
helped into bed in one of the two bedrooms, once into bed he took his
sleeping meds and zonked out for the duration of the flight.

In Lanzarotte everyone was shocked seeing Max's injuries, Max was helped
each day onto a lounger on the terrace and with his meds dozed on and off
for most of the day.

On the morning of December 24th he was surprised in bed at around 9am by
the whole family visiting with birthday wishes and presents, it was all too
much, he broke down in tears confessing he hadn't had a birthday greeting,
card or present since his mother died eight years earlier.

Josef true to form took on his second patient, just as he had with PJ,
issuing Max with a little bell which he was instructed to ring if he needed
anything and spending hours sat by Max's lounger chatting away.

When Josef discovered Max was an artist he asked Max if he would paint
something for him and Sofia, something special and he explained what they
wanted, Max agreed but warned Josef it might be a few more days before he
was able to produce what he'd asked for, in truth he would willingly have
done anything for the little guy who so far had run himself ragged without
complaint fetching drinks, snacks and anything else Max needed.

On Christmas morning as presents were exchanged the sight of the children
oohing and aahing as they unwrapped each gift was a wonderful experience.

When it came time for Chris and Max to exchange gifts Max asked Josef to
help him get the gifts to give to Chris all four of them.

Chris looked at the pile of presents in amazement as he started opening
them one by one as Max passed each one to him, first a cashmere sweater in
a soft rich blue colour which he loved, second a pair of silk ties in
shades of blue which Max knew was his favourite colour, third the large
package which Max held back, he felt he needed to explain, "I'm hoping this
won't upset you, I don't know why it happened, but it did, I can't explain
it".

Max's explanation hadn't made any sense to Chris, he took the offered
present and tore way the wrapping, gasping in shock before bursting out in
laughter and looking up at the skies he shouted 'Thank you', in front of
him was a portrait of Chris's parents with Chris and Max kneeling and
looking up at them as they gazed down on the boys, their sons.

Chris explained he'd made a decision after Max's fathers outburst and he'd
visited his parents grave to talk it through, he'd asked them for a sign if
possible that they were happy for him, this was just that.

Max agreed it was weird, he hadn't known he was painting it until it was
nearly finished.

Chris loved it and vowed it would take pride of place above their fireplace
when they got home.

After unwrapping the last present Chris was looking at a slim, oblong,
cream leather case, tooled into the leather was the word 'Gatsby'.

His hands were shaking and tears were forming as he eased open the case and
his breathe caught in his throat, he stroked the pen lovingly then put his
arms around Max, "I love you, thank you, you have no idea how much this
means too me, I've tried so many times to go back into that store but I
couldn't, this is like a part of me coming home".

In front of everyone he planted a kiss on a blushing Max's lips.

Josef and Sofia who had again disappeared, came out of the lounge
struggling to support a large oblong present which they carried to Reece
and Pauly, "Pops, Poppa, this is from me and Sofia to you, we had a little
help from Max, we think it's beautiful we hope you do too".

Reece and Pauly stripped away the wrapping to reveal a portrait of them as
a family with Josef on Pauly's knee and Sofia on Reece's knee, they were
both blown away and hugged not only the children but Max as well.

As all of the presents had been opened everyone assumed it was time to
clear up until Lenny called for order.

"Okay we've done the presents but there is just one more thing we are all
required to witness, Josef, Sofia, if you're ready".

At that point Josef and Sofia who had slipped away yet again without being
noticed, came out onto the terrace each carrying a cushion on which was a
small box, they approached their fathers and taking their hands moved,
still carrying their cushions, to stand either side of Chris and Max.

Max looked puzzled until Chris moved from the seat next to him and went
down on one knee, then as Chris spoke Max's hands flew to cover his mouth
in shock.

"Maxwell David Spence II, I love you, I have from that first moment on the
subway, I can't be without you, you mean more to me than anything else in
this world so please will you marry me?".

Max sat still, hands over his mouth, tears pouring down his face, no one
said anything and then Josef nudged him.

Max turned his head towards Josef as the child said, "You have to say yes
dummy, that's how it goes, then we can party".

As if shocked out of his daze Max looked up at an apprehensive Chris, "Oh,
err, yes, I will, I mean, yes, oh god yes please".

And they were hugging, Chris took the ring box offered by Pauly and placed
the ring on Max's finger, Reece offered the other box to Max who took the
ring and placed it on Chris's finger and they kissed as pandemonium rained
around them, mostly, apart from offering congratulations, everyone was
laughing at Josef's little outburst.

As was now traditional at Christmas in Lanzarotte, the staff were given
Christmas Day off and the family fended for themselves.

This was no longer a difficult day as Anna the family's traveling cook for
over ten years now used the days after they arrived prior to Christmas Day
to roast, boil, poach and glaze anything that didn't move, she also ensured
a constant supply of jellies, cakes, trifles and biscuits.

The only meal which they all chipped in to cook was breakfast.

Again on Boxing Day it was a short morning for staff and they were then
instructed to change into street clothes and be waited on for the
afternoon.

Cesar and Allis who ran the house had arranged four gas barbecues on the
first terrace, along with a wet bar stocked to the gills with every kind of
alcoholic and soft drink, several trestle tables groaned under the weight
of food, the barbecues were maned at different times by the men, children
who were old enough dispensed or delivered drinks and food to the staff and
their guests.

Each staff member was allowed four guests and spare places could be traded
if it was agreeable between both parties.

There were ten full and part time staff so potentially forty guests plus
the family which now numbered in excess of thirty made it a fun party
atmosphere.

One surprise guest was the shy priest from the local church who introduced
himself to Woody as he entered alone.

Woody pointed him out to his parents, when he encountered him a little
later sitting alone he sat down next to him and they chatted for what
seemed like an hour or so, Jacqueline eventually came to find Woody telling
him several guests were leaving, only then did Woody realise they'd been
deep in conversation for over two hours.

The priest had explained he was facing a predicament, he administered the
local orphanage and the building was falling apart, he'd done all the usual
things to raise cash but it hadn't been as successful as he'd hoped and
they were still way short of their target, they owned a parcel of land on
which he'd hoped to build a new modern orphanage but now it looked as
though he might have to recommend selling the land to keep the old building
going.

Woody had listened and before excusing himself to wish the departing guests
farewell he asked the priest to stay on for a little while.

After making sure all of the departing guests had taxis which would be
charged to Lenny and PJs account, Woody sought out his parents, "Momma,
Poppa, there's someone I want you to meet, it's the priest I pointed out to
you earlier".

Leading the priest up to the top terrace Woody introduced his parents and
most of the other family members to Father Sanchez before asking the priest
if it was alright to share what they'd talked about earlier, Father Sanchez
agreed.

Lenny and PJ along with Ramon, Pip, Leo and Rosa looked shocked at one
another before PJ spoke, "Sanchez is not a common name, do you have any
connection to Louis Sanches who was once the Priest in Torremolinas?".

Father Sanches smiled warmly, my uncle Louis who is now Bishop Sanchez, I'm
Rafael".

Once the coincidence was passed Woody outlined what he and the priest had
been discussing, the priests fears that he would have to sell the land on
which he'd hoped to build his modern orphanage then he handed over to his
parents.

"Lenny led off, "Father Sanchez, you obviously don't have much contact with
your uncle Louis, if you did he would have sent you to us sooner, we
support a multitude of charitable causes and yours would be top of the list
because it involves children".

Father Sanchez was mortified, they thought he was begging for funds,
"Please, I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression, I didn't mean to seem as
if begging for funds, when I was talking to your son I was really just
thinking out loud, I apologise, you've provided me with a lovely afternoon,
beautiful refreshments and good company, I'm sorry I'll leave you now".

He made to get up but Woody set a hand on his shoulder and guided him back
into his seat, "You misunderstand Father, you could ask and in majority of
cases you would receive, but you didn't ask, this is my parents offering
because they want to, now please, relax and hear them out".

Lenny continued, "My son is right father, and once we decide to help you
may as well get out of the way or you might get bulldozed, now have you had
plans drawn up yet for your new building".

Father Sanchez nodded, "They're a bit sparse, we couldn't hope for too much
but we have the basics".

Lenny went on, "That's not really good enough, this is children we're
talking about, kids who've already been dealt a lousy hand, a home which is
barely adequate is not an option, we leave in two weeks on 7th January,
before we leave you and I will sit down with an architect, I'll arrange
that for two days from now, but in the next two days I want you to do
something for me, I want you to allow your mind to be frivolous to imagine
if there were no constraints financially what would you envisage as a
comfortable and homely building to give the children a sense of warmth and
stability, please do that and don't be shy about telling me for fear I'll
laugh, I won't you know".

PJ jumped in now, "Okay here's how we'll do it, Lenny's company
Winter-Thorn Developments, will build the new building, Chris would you
work out what size of trust donation is required to give a reasonable
annual working allowance, err on the generous rather than frugal, once the
new building is operational we'll work out what to do with the old
buildings and land.

Father Sanchez spoke up, "They're next door to one another, I don't suppose
we could keep it for a sports field, unless you need it to offset some of
the costs".

PJ was smiling now, "Excellent idea Father, figure that into your plans
Lenny, they'll need changing rooms, and what about a small community centre
with areas to interest the kids".

By the time Father Sanchez or Rafael left plans were in place to build the
new orphanage and set up a trust fund to ensure its future without the need
for scrimping and scrounging.

We had planned on leaving 7th January and it was New Years Eve, we'd walked
down to the beachfront bar/cafe owned by Anna and Allis's family, by
tradition six tables were reserved for our party, nowhere near enough for
the whole party but sufficient when most of the party were dancing the
night away on the promenade, the tables were only used for the occasional
rest, even Max managed to get onto the promenade and jiggle a sort of dance
before Chris persuaded him to stop gritting his teeth and sit down again,
but at midnight he was having none of it, he gritted his teeth and headed
for the promenade to celebrate the new year with his husband to be.

Before we headed home that night Lenny asked Anna and Allis to arrange with
their family that we would reserve the whole restaurant on the 5th January
evening for Pips birthday party, Anna would deliver the cake in the daytime
and the family would decorate the restaurant for us.

Walking back along the promenade that night we were around thirty tipsy
tourists all taking turns pushing Max in his wheelchair, that was until we
approached the headland where Raul pulled Reya ahead of the main party
until they had disappeared from our view, as we rounded the headland the
whole party stopped dead, there in front of us was Raul on one knee, no
mean feat for someone with a false leg, Ramon, Pip, Roco and Louisa along
with Leo and Rosa were almost crying, we listened as one when he spoke,
"Reya, my love, since as long as I can remember, I've loved you, my world
is and always will be your happiness, will you marry me?".

There was no pause from Reya, no screaming, just a loving, "Yes my love,
yes, and about time too".

Pandemonium as usual broke out and back home there was champagne to
celebrate, now we had two weddings.

The following morning was a fun one when we Skype linked with Ally Reya's
brother who was serving with the International Forces in Afghanistan where
he was stationed, he was the only one who screamed down the link, telling
them it was about time they took the plunge.

On the evening of the 5th we had a fantastic birthday party, many of the
locals who knew we would be there came to wish us and Pip well, Cesar had
organised a young local pop group to play for the evening and they were
pleasant listening, keeping young and old happy with a real mix of music
past and present.

On the 7th we said our farewells and all three planes lifted off, one
heading to the U.S. and two distributing passengers around Europe.

TBC

ARB Allan

Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.

Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.