Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2016 20:09:12 +0000 From: Clive Westwood <cfgw2000@aol.com> Subject: Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 25 Relationships Please remember to donate to Nifty, it gives so much to all of us. Any amount, large or small, is welcome in order to keep this free site available. Thank you, donations to the address below. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 25 Whilst Bo was visiting Maddy and Will, Aly had made a decision on the future of the remaining stable block. When Bo returned he was surprised to see the amount of activity surrounding the old building. Aly had been apprehensive, worried even, he hadn't discussed the project with Bo, but he was determined, this was something he was prepared to fight for. "I'm sorry, no, that's not strictly true, I apologise, I do, I should have discussed it with you before just forging ahead, I didn't and that's what I'm apologising for, not because I went ahead, and I'm not sorry". Bo was almost laughing. "Aly we're not going to fall out over this, why don't you tell me what you have in mind and see if I agree". Aly was staggered. "You're not mad?, I thought you would be". Bo was still smiling. "I might become irritated if you don't start making sense, now explain this monumental decision that you're not sorry about". Aly had looked at him, really looked at him, then blurted out. "It's our home, our house, it's going to have four bedrooms, room for children". The silence was deafening. When Bo's reply came it really shocked Aly. "Four bedrooms, bloody hell, how many kids are we having?". Bo was beaming, Aly just stared at him, stunned. "You're okay with having kids?, we never talked about it, I was worried I might be pressuring you into a decision". Bo was still smiling. "I'll admit I never considered it, it's not something that ever figured in my plans in the past, but I'm not in the past, and they're no longer just my plans, I'm in a relationship with you, I see how much love you have to give, when you laid that little revelation on me I actually felt pleased enough to burst, so I guess my reply is yes, I'm okay with it" Aly made a lunge for Bo, wrapping him in a hug so tight it told Bo how worried he'd been about having this conversation. "You have to trust me Aly, tell me what you're thinking, we both have to be open, and it's okay if we disagree, it just means we have to explain, put our case forward, I love you Aly, more than anything else in this world, if there's something you want to do, then I'll be with you, we do it together, now that's your opportunity to tell me what you have in mind". At Montclair later that afternoon Woody and Jacqueline were sitting out on the terrace with Pete and Jaque, all were pleasantly surprised to be informed Aly and Bo had arrived. Woody went out to greet them. "Guys, this is an unexpected pleasure, come through, Jacqueline's organising drinks, we're out on the terrace". Bo and Aly both looked a little sheepish as Bo answered. "Woody we were hoping to catch JJ, Marcel and Fleur, there's something we wanted to discuss with them". By now they were out on the terrace. Seeing the group exchange puzzled looks, Aly explained. "You're the first to know, we want to adopt, we thought with their background knowledge, JJ, Marcel and Fleur might be able to help us". Jacqueline was the first across the room to hug them, followed closely by the rest of the group. The afternoon rolled on with the children, including Roslyn and Paul, almost grilling Aly and Bo on their expectations, but in the end Aly summed it up. "We want to provide a safe home and our love, all we ask is that the love is returned, we don't have any other requirements, age, sex or health wouldn't rule out the right person, or persons". As Aly was speaking, Fleur looked at the others with tears running down her face. Jaque saw it immediately and pulled Fleur into a hug whispering, "What is it sweetie, what's upset you?". Fleur didn't get a chance to answer as JJ's voice answered his father. "She has someone in mind that's all, Pierre and Piers would be perfect, they're our friends, they've been in the orphanage for so long, Pierre is nearly twelve, Piers is nine". Marcel now followed JJ's lead by addressing Aly and Bo. "They're coming here after school tomorrow to help us with our maths homework, Pierre helps everyone, you should come for tea and meet them". Bo and Aly both picked up on the looks being exchanged by the other adults, but a look from Woody told them not to raise any questions. They'd been chatting for several hours and the light was beginning to fade when Aly and Bo left. Woody walked out to their car with them. "I know you wanted to ask about Pierre and Piers, why we all looked as we did, but I'm asking you not to, meet the boys, form your own opinions, they won't know why you're here, if you decide they're not the ones then there's no harm done, but I will tell you this, Jacqueline and I have talked about adopting them, they really are that adorable". At around 4pm the following afternoon Aly and Bo arrived back at Chateau Montclair. The youngsters had been deep into homework on the far side of the terrace when they arrived, Jacqueline had led them out to a seating area on the opposite edge of the terrace with a shushing motion. "We don't interrupt them at this time, Pierre is helping them understand the equations they have to solve, but watch how he goes about it, he won't give them the answers". Aly and Bo watched as Pierre worked with his school friends, they could only see his face, he was mostly hidden by the large rustic patio table they were sitting at, next to him, looking at him with an adoring gaze was a younger version of Pierre. Jacqueline saw their looks and explained. "That's Piers, Pierre's little brother, they're both at the orphanage". They listened as Pierre asked Marcel if he had solved the equation. "I don't understand the question, I must be an idiot, don't know how to do it". Pierre didn't answer he just turned to the others. "Do any of you have an answer?. There was no reply. "Does anyone understand the question?". Again no one answered him. "Work with me here guys, it doesn't mater if you don't understand the question, no that's not right, it does matter, but only because telling me you don't understand means I can show you how to understand it, if you don't tell me I'm just working in the dark". "Piers do you understand, can you solve it?". The boy nodded and spoke. "But it's not easy Pierre, it took me a long time to work it out". JJ was first to admit he didn't understand followed by Fleur and Paul. "And what about you Roslyn?". Roslyn looked up at him. "I think I understand how to work out the answer but I'm just not getting there, I must be stupid as well, Piers can do it but I can't". Turning to Marcel. "What about you Marcel, can you see how to work out the answer?". Marcel didn't look up, his answer was almost a whisper. "I don't understand how to do it, I'm another stupid fool". Pierre slapped his hand down on the desk, they all jumped. "Let's get something straight, JJ, Marcel and Paul, all three of you excel at sport, Fleur, you are a fantastic artist, and Roslyn, you've won prizes in both literature and music, I'm good at mathematics but I can't run, does that make me stupid?". As one they all shook their heads. Then don't ever again tell me you're stupid, you are not, this is simply something you haven't yet grasped, and that's my job, to find a way of getting you to understand the problem, Piers can do it because we study together, and we will do it, together, all agreed?". As if in unison they all nodded. "Okay, I think we've done enough for today, we'll meet again on Wednesday after school, we have to do laundry tomorrow". Fleur immediately answered him. "I'll come and help". The others all chipped in that they would too, but Pierre was having none of it. "Thanks but no, they're our chores, not yours". This time both Pierre and Piers jumped when Roslyn slammed her hand down on the table. "And this homework, this impossible to understand equation, this is one of our chores, but you both help us, you never let us down, that's called friendship, so when we say we're coming to help, it isn't a request it's a statement, we're coming to help, agreed?". Pierre and Piers were grinning along with all of them as they both raised their hands in a mock salute answering in unison. "Yes Mam". Even Roslyn laughed. Watching from the other side of the terrace Bo and Aly were fascinated, Bo turned to Woody and whispered. "I gather he's not an athlete then?". Woody's answer puzzled both Bo and Aly because they could see the sadness in his expression. "No he's not, but not by choice Bo, not by choice". As the children stood up to move away from the table it became clear to Aly and Bo why there had been such sadness in Woody's reply. Pierre didn't stand, he manoeuvred his wheelchair, which until now had been hidden from view, away from the table, with Piers never loosing contact Pierre headed across the patio, keeping pace with the others, toward the adults until the Montclair family members took turns hugging Aly, Bo, Woody and Jacqueline, Pierre and Piers hung back. After the hugs and greetings were completed Woody stood up. "Guys, Ally and Bo are joining us for dinner this evening, Pierre, Piers, I think you will be the only ones who haven't met them before, Alejandro Cruz, Roger Bowles please meet Pierre and Piers Alonso, Pierre and Piers please meet Aly and Bo". It was Pierre who made the first move, rolling forward with his right hand outstretched. "I've heard lots about you both from my friends, I've always wondered what the inside of The Inn looked like, I'm sorry I can't stand up but I am really pleased to meet you both". Bo was the first to respond as he brushed Pierre's hand aside. "Hello Pierre, it's hugs not handshakes for people we're happy to see, you're definitely on the hugs list". As Bo released the boy and moved to hug Piers, Aly moved in for a hug with Pierre. "Same here, and we'll have to see what we can do about showing you the inside of The Inn". Fleur jumped into the conversation with. "It's Pierre's birthday on Saturday Uncle Aly, could we perhaps have his party at The Inn?, we would pool our allowances to pay for it". Aly and Bo were beaming, Woody and Jacqueline could see the non verbal exchange of ideas going on between them so it was no surprise when Aly spoke. "You guys spend your money on the presents you would normally give Pierre, Bo and I will provide the party, we'll use the large private dining room so you can have up to 40 attending, we'll sort the entertainment, let us know the final numbers the day before". Pierre was overwhelmed, moved to tears. "Please sir, you don't have to do that, I don't want to be any trouble". Kneeling down in front of Pierre, Aly looked him right in the eyes. "And that young man is exactly why you deserve the best party possible and why you're going to get it, or as Roslyn would say, it may have sounded like an offer, but don't be fooled, it was an instruction, you will have the best party possible, end of story". Aly's smile told Pierre he was just messing with him, the Salute from Pierre made them all laugh. "Yes sir". Bo couldn't resist. "Pierre, we're not sir's, we're Aly and Bo, plain and simple, okay?". Pierre smiled. "Yes sir.... I mean Bo, but you have to let us help, please". That last word from Pierre was drawn out, almost pleading. Bo smiled, looking around the youngsters then back to Pierre. "Okay you and the guys here are the committee, get your plans going, we'll pick you up here after homework session the day after tomorrow, you'll get to see where your party is going to be, but I'm charging you with giving us a theme, we want your wildest fantasy, are you okay with that?". As one they all nodded. As they prepared for dinner Roslyn caught Aly and Bo's attention, beckoning them away from the others. Once they were far enough removed to not be heard she whispered. "It's Frozen". When they both looked puzzled she explained. "The theme for the party, it's the film Frozen, it's Pierre's absolute favourite, we've been to see it four times, but we don't know what to suggest, how to dress up a room". Aly reassured her. "Okay now we have something to work with you can leave all of that to Uncle Bo and I, you just concentrate on costumes, if you need any help with those let us know". Roslyn skipped off happily to join the others. Much later, sitting out on the terrace in the fading evening light, Aly asked Bo what he had in mind. Bo looked around the faces, all of them waiting for his reply. "I don't think you need me to answer that do you Aly?". Aly reached out for Bo's hand. "No, I guess I don't, but don't go so far overboard you give them a heart attack, Pierre and Piers are already overwhelmed". Bo squeezed Aly's hand. "These my love are our boys, nothing is too much, and I mean nothing, unless you disagree?". There were tears rolling down the faces of all of them as Aly replied. "As if I could Bo, as if I could, I agree, they will be our boys, if it's what they want". Later that evening Aly caught some of Bo's conversation in a call he'd made. "I need you here on Saturday morning at first light, I estimate you will need a team of about twenty, you're converting the large private dining room into a scene from the film Frozen, I want you to take it from the room and continue it outside into the courtyard, I want snow, deep snow, with snow still coming down". Aly couldn't hear the other side of the conversation but he could guess the content when Bo answered. "Try and keep it below roughly six hundred and fifty million and I shouldn't need to borrow anything, oh, I nearly forgot, we want a wheelchair, the most up to date, all bells and whistles, motorised wheelchair you can get, themed on the Frozen film so it has to be electric blue and white with splashes of silver, he's twelve years old and average sized, buy it". After listening some more Bo wrapped up the call with. "You've done some amazing work for me in the past, but this is the most important thing I've ever asked you to do, it has to be super magical, it's for a very important boy, you see, if there's a God in heaven, he's going to be our son, see you on Saturday". Bo wasn't the only one who was busy, as soon as they'd arrived back at The Inn, Aly spotted Renee, the forman of their builders sitting supping a beer in the bar. Almost dragging the bewildered man to the new house conversion he'd explained exactly what he had in mind. After scratching his head he'd agreed it could all be done but would take extra time. When Aly shook his head the man threw his hands up in the air whilst walking away muttering loudly about bloody clients who always wanted more and always wanted it yesterday, but Aly knew he'd get exactly what he wanted, and he'd get it on time, Renee had been smiling as he'd ranted. Bo was surprised next morning, his innocent comment to Renee that the conversions were coming along nicely received a truly grumpy response. "They would progress better if someone didn't keep adding things, now I have lifts and ramps to install, but of course no extra time to do it, what am I, a builder, or a miracle worker?". Bo was quick to work out what Aly had done. "I don't know about miracle worker but master of your craft would definitely apply, what you've done so far is stunning, I'm guessing Aly didn't share with you the reason for needing lifts and ramps?". When Renee finally left Bo he had been almost in tears, sworn to secrecy, he'd promised everything would be ready exactly to the original schedule, or as he put it, "How could it not be for such a noble and worthy cause". On Thursday afternoon a ragtag bunch of excited children arrived at The Inn. Aly had been sitting outside at the front of The Inn enjoying a coffee when he saw them approaching. Fleur was pushing Pierre's wheelchair, Piers was hanging on for grim death and trotting alongside. As they came to a stop in front of him Aly held up a hand. "Before we go any further there is a price to be paid, now pay up or take your leave. Pierre and Piers looked worried but they needn't have been, As JJ explained. It's a tradition Pierre, either Uncle Aly gets hugs or we get sent away, we've never tested him but I suspect he's a pushover anyway, he wouldn't send us away". Surprisingly it was Little quiet Piers who was first to respond. "I'm not taking any chances". At that he launched himself at Aly who scooped him up into a hug. As Aly finished getting his dues in the form of hugs from everyone Bo appeared. "Whoa there, if he gets hugs what am I chopped liver?, either I get hugs or I lock the doors". Again Piers was first to launch himself at Bo. "You're funny, I like getting hugs from you". Bo was taken aback, as we're all of the children, Piers had never been upfront, he was always a nervous, withdrawn, quiet individual, content for Pierre to take the lead, but here he was, a Piers none of them had ever seen before with confidence. Bo was quick to reply. "And in your case little one, I love giving them". By the time Aly and Bo had received their hugs from everyone Pete had turned up and he got hugs too. Bo took the lead. "Okay gang are you ready for this?". As one they all shouted yes. Pete was laughing as he spoke to Aly and Bo. "I hope you realise what you're unleashing here, it's unbridled child mischief in its most dangerous form, good luck with that". Aly and Bo led the way into The Inn followed by Pierre and Piers ahead of the others. Pierre and Piers were the only ones who'd never been inside The Inn before, their heads were swivelling in all directions as Aly led them through the ground floor to the larger of the two private dinning rooms. As the doors opened they got their first look at the room with its raised stage area and the tables all set with white linen. Pierre was first to speak. "It's beautiful, I can't believe you're doing this for me, you don't have to you know". Whilst Bo gave them a run down on how the room would be decorated Aly felt a tug on his hand from Fleur who beckoned him to bend down so she could whisper in his ear. "Ask Pierre about his costume, he won't let us help, I think we need you to step in". As Bo finished describing how the room and courtyard would be set out Aly chipped in. "So tell me how are you all doing on costumes, have you picked something out from the store we gave you details for?". Mostly there was a collective agreement but Aly and Bo could see them all looking at Pierre and Piers, until finally Fleur spoke. "Pierre and Piers don't have anything yet, Pierre wouldn't let us help and he doesn't have the money to pay for two costumes so he's trying to make something for them both, I think he's being silly". Both Pierre and Piers had tears running down their faces as Pierre replied. "That wasn't very nice Fleur, that's private, it's not something you just go blabbing out, yes we're penniless but we don't need charity and we don't need you shouting it out in public, we survive". Clearly upset now he turned to Aly and Bo. "I'm sorry, I don't want this party". At that point he spun his wheelchair around and with an equally upset Piers hanging on, sped towards, then out of, the main doors. To say they were all shocked and saddened would have been an understatement, but most of all it was apparent they were all agreed in one thing, they all wanted to strangle Fleur for her stupid lack of tact. Bo was the first to snap out of his daze. "Aly you deal with with this lot, I'll deal with Pierre, we may be gone for a while, but we'll be back for tea". Outside Bo could see Pierre in the distance rolling slowly down the long road towards the Orphanage, Piers could clearly be heard crying. Getting into Aly's 4x4 which was blocking his Jeep, he set off after them, after passing them he pulled up a short distance in front of them and jumped out. Standing in front of them with his hands raised he stopped them in their tracks. "You cannot go any further". Pierre was really upset, there were still tears running down his face. "We're going home, please let us get past". Bo was smiling now. "No, you're being kidnapped, I'm taking you somewhere, you can object all you like, it won't do you any good, I have decided to do it and I always get what I want, end of story". Bo lifted a protesting Pierre out of his wheelchair and headed towards the 4x4 whilst instructing a puzzled Piers to open the front passenger door. After strapping them both in he folded and stowed the wheelchair in the back. "Now, no arguments, we are going to get you both a costume for this party, which apparently you're not having, but we'll get them anyway, just in case you change your mind and decide you do want to attend your own party". Pierre made to object but Bo cut him off. "I said no arguments, end of". Pierre sat with his arms folded clearly frustrated, Piers was grinning, amused by the exchanges between his brother and Bo. At the costume store Bo approached the owner who he knew well from her visits to The Inn. "I have two youngsters I need kitted out in Frozen costumes, the eldest I think as Hans the handsome Royal Prince, the younger one I believe wants to be Olaf the snowman, can you accommodate us?". The owner chuckled. "Well now, if I'm looking at Pierre and Piers I most certainly can accommodate you, mainly because I have been advised many times this last week, I'm not to rent out certain costumes if I value my shop windows". Within half an hour both boys had been kitted out and were changing back into their own clothes. Bo had waited outside the changing room which they shared until they were dressed, as Pierre made to leave Bo ushered him back inside and closed the curtain. Sitting down on a large stuffed chair he lifted Pierre out of his wheelchair and pulled the boys, one onto each knee, before addressing Pierre. "I know what Fleur said came out as a bit harsh, but you have to know she didn't mean it to be that way, she was really upset when you shouted at her then left, I think she was panicking that you wouldn't go to the party, and she so wants you to have a good birthday, so I suppose I'm asking, can you forgive her and come to your party, please?" Piers was nodding his head to Pierre, almost begging. Pierre looked up at Bo. "I'm sorry I wasn't very nice was I, to you or to Fleur, sometimes it hurts to be so poor, I try everything I can think of to earn money for us, just to give us a little pocket money, but no one wants to take on a wheelchair bound assistant". Bo could see the frustration in Pierre's face. "Well actually there is someone, or rather, there are some people, i.e. Aly and myself, how are you with accounts?". Pierre perked up, his interest definitely noticeable. "I can keep accounts, run a ledger on purchase and sale, and I've run an employee salary system". Bo smiled. "In that case you're hired, hours to suit yourself but everything must be completed on a weekly basis by Tuesday morning, that's when the figures are handed to our accountants, do you accept?". Pierre couldn't speak he just nodded, Bo held out his hand. "Okay, shake on it, it's a deal, oh and you really should ask about wages". Pierre shook his hand. "I don't need to ask, I know you'll be fair, probably more than fair, and I'm not proud, anything is better than nothing if it gives Piers and I a little pocket money". Bo hugged them both. "Come on now let's get back to The Inn, they'll be holding tea for us and there must be some rumbling tummies back there by now". As soon as they arrived at The Inn, Pierre rolled over to where an apprehensive Fleur sat. "I'm sorry I shouted at you, I know you only meant well, I was upset because I couldn't afford to rent costumes for us, I shouldn't have taken that out on you". Fleur was out of her chair in a flash and hugging him. "I was tactless, I don't think before my mouth blurts it out, I'm sorry too, friends?". Pierre nodded. Aly and Bo led them all into the restaurant where there were a number of early diners already eating. After tea, out in the courtyard, several of the gang wanted to see the progress on the new house. When they got to what they'd last seen, which were wide stone steps leading up to the front door, they were now surprised to see two slopes in a semicircle on either side obviously meant for wheelchair access. JJ commented without being specific. "An interesting little change Uncles!!". Unseen by Pierre who they thought hadn't caught the comment, Aly put his finger to his lips to stave off any further comment, JJ immediately caught his drift and said no more. After touring the ground floor of the house they came back to the central hallway with its large oak staircase leading upward. Pierre spoke as they all gazed upwards, wanting to explore the upper floors, but not wanting to be obvious, knowing Pierre couldn't accompany them. "Go on guys, I'll wait here". As they climbed the stairs Pierre looked on enviously, then he was startled as Aly suddenly turned his wheelchair and headed them both to the rear of the staircase. "Come on let's see if we can beat them up to the first floor". Pierre was puzzled until Aly opened a glass door to reveal a lift. As the gang arrived on the first floor landing a door opened and a beaming Pierre scooted his wheelchair out in front of them. "Surprise". JJ looked at Aly, smiled, then raised his thumb in an act of congratulation. At around seven o'clock Bo loaded the Montclair gang into Aly's 4x4 which was larger and able to accommodate them all, while Aly got Pierre and Piers settled in Bo's jeep, they'd deliberately swapped vehicles so that Aly could talk to Pierre. As they were driving back towards the orphanage Aly surprised both boys. "Bo told me he offered you a job with us Pierre, I just want you to know how pleased I am that you accepted his offer, but there's something else he didn't say, he wanted me to ask you, it concerns both of you, he was too nervous, he told me he chickened out at the last minute, he was afraid you wouldn't agree". Pierre looked puzzled. "I don't understand, what else did he want to ask us, you've both been so kind to us already, we'd do anything we could to show how grateful we are". Aly had to think how he could phrase this next part of what he and Bo wanted. "That was the problem, Bo and I don't want you to answer what I'm about to ask you out of a sense of gratefulness, we want you to answer honestly, if you agree, we want you to be agreeing because you genuinely want it, it can't be for any other reason, there's absolutely no room for sentiment in this decision, it has to be a cold, hard, well thought out decision". Pierre and Piers were now looking totally befuddled, and Pierre had to ask. "I still don't understand, what is it you want?". Aly pulled the Jeep into a parking slot at the Orphanage before turning in his seat to face both boys. "I'll ask you, but you must not answer now, we want you to go away and discuss it, it's something that affects you both, you should discuss it, decide together, give us your answer after your party on Saturday, we insist, not before, will you agree to those terms?". Pierre looked at Piers who nodded his agreement. "Yes, but I still don't understand, what is it you want to ask us?". Aly could understand why Bo chickened out, right now he was terrified that he might get an immediate rejection. "We want you to be our boys, our sons, we want to adopt you, please consider it, think about it, talk about it, it's not something you can easily change once it's done, you have to be sure before you answer, but we want you to know we would be so proud to call you both our sons, it's our dearest wish". Both boys were staring, mouths agape, Pierre had tears running down his cheeks, Piers just looked stunned, as if he couldn't quite understand what Aly had said. Pierre started to speak but Aly shushed him. "No, we want you to go and talk about this, don't answer now, be sure, tell us your answer on Saturday, not before, if you say yes, we'll be the happiest parents alive, if you decide no, it's okay, you can still be sure we'll help you in any way we can, and the job offer is a sealed deal, you shook Bo's hand, that's him giving his word, you will earn your wages, you owe us nothing, remember that when you make your decision, it has to be because you want it, not for any other reason, do you understand?". Pierre nodded his understanding and Aly concluded. "Good, now hugs, I want hugs before I say goodbye, you really are two remarkable boys you know, and we thank god there are so many dumb people in this world, dumb enough to not snap you up before we found you". Aly saw them both safely indoors before driving back to The Inn. At The Inn a nervous Bo was waiting for him to return. "Did you do it, did you ask them?". Bo almost didn't want to know, his mind was set that two boys wouldn't want to be labelled with gay parents. "I did, and I refused to let them make a snap decision, I insisted they talk about it first in private, give us their answer after Pierre's party on Saturday, so we have two more days to sweat it out". Bo sighed. "You did right, it's not exactly a normal thing for two boys to be the sons of a gay couple who are not even married". That statement brought both of them to a shuddering halt until an expletive from Aly summed it up. "Shit, I hadn't thought of that, we need to remedy that immediately". Within the hour, following a call to Jaque as The Comte Montclair and The Mayor in his official capacity, in the smaller private dining room at The Inn, with Woody and Jacqueline as witnesses, and Pete and Jaque as guests, Aly and Bo became The Mr's Aleandro and Roger Bowles-Alonso. None of them thought this secret ceremony was known about, but they failed to take into account the resourcefulness of JJ, who was inquisitive when both his parents and Roslyn's disappeared in a hurry, he simply eavesdropped on their conversation when they returned. JJ of course had a duty to pass his important information on to Pierre and Piers, it would be a significant detail in their deliberations. Friday was a day of mixed emotions, Aly and Bo were of no use to anyone, their emotions completely taken up with worry. At school, and again back at the orphanage, Pierre and Piers, had talked, their minds already made up, but that didn't stop their Montclair friends from trying to find out what their decision would be. Pierre was having none of it, he announced repeatedly that they would find out when Aly and Bo found out, and not before. On Saturday morning the team Bo had requested turned up at six o'clock and were working for three hours before the hammering finally roused Aly and Bo. When they walked into the large private dining room they couldn't believe what they saw. There in front of them, on what had been the stage, was the castle, set before it, the staircase which right now was just wooden. Jordy, or Jordon Heys-Foster as he was really known, the master of this fantasy build team, greeted them. "About time you showed up, we're just going to test the step lighting, this is where it all comes to life". With that the lights in the room dimmed, the steps lit one by one and the castle blazed with light. Jordan looked elated. "So what do you think, does it work?". Bo, didn't know how to tell him no in a tactful way so he just blurted it out. "No it doesn't, he's in a bloody wheelchair, what's with the steps?". Pretending to be seriously aggrieved Jordy shot back. "How many times have you challenged me Bo, have you ever been right?, no you've not, look again at the staircase before it's lit up, it's an illusion, the stairs are an optical illusion, he'll float along it, it's flat you bloody idiot, all assuming, he gets the hang of this little monster beforehand". With that last statement Jordy whipped the cover off the electric wheelchair decorated in blue, silver and white. When five o'clock arrived so did Pierre and Piers, much to the apprehension of Aly and Bo. Pierre rolled up to them. "I want to ask you something, can I do that?". As if joined at the hip, both Aly and Bo nodded, they were too frightened to speak. "Why?, I'm a cripple, I'm never going to amount to much, Piers is an unknown, he might be a genius but I doubt that, so why?". Bo found his voice. "You just don't get it do you?, cripple or not, if you see someone in need do you help or ignore?, answered me that, then I'll answer your question". Pierre considered the question. "If I can help I will, but how does that mean anything?". Bo knew he had him now. "Because there you have it, you set aside your own problems, every time you help others, you don't consider the fact you are worse off than the person you help, no, you only see the person who needs help, that sets you aside, that's the person we, Aly and I, want as our son, a boy above all others". Pierre just nodded, it didn't give them any indication of his intent. At six o'clock Pierre and Piers were dressed in their costumes, stationed by the front doors ready to greet guests, no one had seen the newly decorated large dining room. Apart from the Montclair gang there were friends from school and the orphanage, in total thirty one turned up. Aly had trouble making himself heard above the noise they were making, but he managed to get their attention. "Everyone attending the birthday party of Pierre should follow us now, Pierre will receive his birthday present from Aly and I outside the dining room main doors". Leaning down he scooped Pierre up and out of his wheelchair. "You won't be needing that antiquated model any longer young man". Pierre tried to protest until Aly whispered. "Trust me, you are going to love this". In front of the doors to the large private dining room there was something large covered by a silver, white and blue sheet. Aly dipped forward whispering. "Happy Birthday Pierre, this is from Bo and I, pull the sheet away". Pierre grabbed the sheet and pulled it away to reveal the electric mobility buggy, decorated in it's Frozen colours, he stared at it, then looked back at Aly, then back at the buggy, then back at Aly as if he didn't understand. "It's yours Pierre, no more struggling to wheel yourself around, twelve miles at full power, I'm going to place you into it now okay?". Pierre just nodded and he was sat on his new buggy as Fleur snapped pictures. Aly called for attention. "Today we are here to celebrate the birthday of a very special boy, Pierre, you saw this room yesterday, but another boy I love dearly decided it needed a makeover, and when Bo does a makeover you better hold your breath, so boys and girls I give you Frozen". As Aly threw open the doors there was a collective gasp, it was a magical scene, the castle sparkled, the staircase leading to it lit up step by step, with the rest of the room dressed as a winter snow scene. Through the windows and patio doors onto the balcony they could see snow falling. Pierre just looked at Aly. "You did this just for me, there will never be a better day, there couldn't be". Aly leaned down and whispered again. "Give us a chance Pierre, but don't bet on Bo not topping this, he's more of a kid than any kid you know, we want to give you the life you deserve, I know we're not ever going to be the conventional family but we will be one built on love". The party was a success in every respect, the guests would be talking about this party for a long time to come, diners from the restaurant came into the party room and handed presents of money to Pierre just for the privilege of being allowed to participate. At nine o'clock Bo took to the stage with a microphone. "Okay folks, as wonderful as this night has been, we unfortunately have to bring it to a close shortly, so without further ado I will invite your host, the birthday boy himself to come up and say a few words, but I do want to thank you for being a well behaved bunch of party people, so I give you the birthday boy Pierre". Pierre had manoeuvred his buggy onto the stage as he took the Mike from Bo. Bo made to leave the stage but Pierre called him back. "Stay here please Bo, Aly and Piers would you come up as well". Pierre waited for Aly and Piers to join them on the stage. "I don't know what I did to deserve this night, the fabulous decorations, my dream party, my friends, all of you, it's been the best day, the best night I can ever remember, I want to thank you all so much for coming and making this a wonderful memory for me, but I want to say something else, something really important". Pierre reached out for Piers hand, everyone heard him ask Piers if they were agreed. Piers nodded his head. Pierre, holding Piers hand, turned to Aly and Bo. "Here, in public, before these witnesses, we want to answer your question, we say yes, please, we want to be your sons, we would be honoured to be your sons, so it's yes, please". It must have been the worst kept secret in Montclair because the applause rolled out from that room and reverberated, gaining strength throughout every room of The Inn, in the bar they were hugging, in the restaurant they were hugging, and before long the news was going house to house throughout the town. For Aly and Bo it was Christmas all over again. As the guests left Bo and Aly took Pierre and Piers aside, Bo was gabbling he was so excited as he hugged both boys. "Boys, I'm so excited I can't tell you what I feel, but I promise, you are going to have a good life, we want you to experience everything, see the world, hopefully we can get the adoption process underway tomorrow, the house will be ready in one week, we want us all to move in together, it will be our new beginning, as a family". And it happened just as Aly and Bo said, one week after the party, not as adopted sons, as temporary foster children, but with the adoption process well under way, they all moved into the completed house. TBC ARB Allan Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com. Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.