Andre and Chris - 15. Chapter 15

We finished cooking and plated the meal. With a glass of wine each we sat at the table and continued to chat while eating.

Jamie casually asked, “Have you told Beau and Skye.”

Andre fell silent and that silence spread to Jamie and me. Telling about Ollie was easy, but it led ultimately to telling about his own history. Was Andre ready to tell Beau and Skye and then, how about his mum and dad?

I reached over for Andre’s hand. I held and squeezed it, letting him know he was not alone. He squeezed back showing that he knew he had our support.

“Basically, it’s just that I didn’t expect that telling about the abuse is something I’m probably going to be doing over and over.”

“You don’t know this Jamie, but the first time I told someone, it was someone I thought would understand. It was a disaster and left me feeling even more guilty. I told Chris when we went to the Hunter. With his love and support I've come to understand that I hadn’t done anything wrong and didn’t have to feel guilty for what had happened to me.”

“Until Ollie I could still convince myself that he was just having sex with a couple of young gay guys and would marry his girlfriend and . . . . . and disappear. His attack on Ollie told me I was wrong, and I had to tell the police what I knew. Doing that was easier than when I told you Chris.”

I went to speak but Andre stopped me. “Please Chris, just listen. Next, after the police, I told you Jamie and that was easier. It was easier, not just because I’d already told Chris and the police, but because I knew you would understand and not judge me. And thanks Jamie, for not judging me. I knew that coming out as gay is something you keep doing. I now know that admitting to being sexually abused is also something you keep doing. Or should I say, something I will keep doing when there is a need to do it? I’m comfortable telling Beau and Skye, and there’s also Michael.”

I added, “You don’t have to tell anyone. You just tell the people you want to tell. They’re the ones you are comfortable telling and you believe should know.”

Jamie and I stood and rapped our arms around Andre in a group hug. Jamie hadn’t told Michael, so it made sense to tell the three of them together.

We finished eating and were cleaning up when Michael called. Jamie answered. “Hey Babe, we’ve just finished eating. I’ll put you on speaker.” He put the phone on the table and Andre and I said, “Hi Michael”.

“I’m really missing you guys and Babe I’m so looking forward to being back with you Saturday.”

“You and me both. How’s Mamma?”

“She’s doing fine. She needs follow up, but she should be discharged Saturday. Sandra wants to be sure there will be someone at home to look after her. She’s worried they’ll all be at the restaurant.”

“That family know their priorities and family comes before everything. She’ll have plenty of help at home. Have you enjoyed working there?”

“I agree Chris, Mamma will be looked after, probably more than she wants! Working here has been unbelievable. I’ve been in theatre every day. Usually with Sandra but also with other surgeons. I’ve learnt so much and Sandra has made some suggestions for my future. I’ll tell you when I’m back with you.”

Andre responded, “Looking forward to hearing your news and we’ll share our news with you. How about we all have dinner together on Saturday night?”

“Sounds good to me. I won’t be organized to cook Saturday night.”

Jamie joined in. “No, you won’t. I plan to keep you busy all Saturday afternoon.”

Andre and I chuckled. “On that note we’ll clear up the dishes and leave you two to have a private conversation.”

Jamie smiled, picked up the phone, took it off speaker and headed for the bedroom. We cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher.

I contacted Tyron and explained about editing Bradley’s video. He would be here to help.

We sat close together and watched TV until we were ready for bed.

Jamie stood. “You two have had a shower. I’ll have one and join you in bed.”

Andre responded, “We’ll be waiting for you and I’m in the middle. I want to be surrounded by both of you again.”

“You deserve that, and I won’t be long. Showering my myself is quicker than showering with you two.” His face was gleeful and just before he entered the bathroom he added “but not nearly as much fun.”

He slipped into bed naked and kissed both of us. Andre and I had already kissed. We all fell asleep in a group hug.

Friday morning we again woke snuggled together. We didn’t need to shower but we all enjoyed joint showers, so why not. Over coffee and breakfast we discussed our day. It was basically back to what was once “normal”, in that we were all going to be working. One difference was that Andre was going to hand in his resignation. He had to give a month’s notice.

My business had been plugging along quietly, but I still had requests that had been logged and that I needed to deal with. Tyron had been a tremendous help and was, because of his skill and personality, fast becoming a hit with most of my clients. He was also getting good marks in his university subjects.

I took a break from work to do some shopping. I needed to buy something for dinner but also needed to stock up on drinks and snacks for Bradley and Tyron. Dinner would be Beef Carbonnade served with mashed potato and steamed vegetables.

I started the Beef Carbonnade and was back working when the doorbell rang. It was almost four o’clock so I knew who it would be. I opened the door and ushered Bradley and his mum into the house. His mother introduced herself as Chelsea and commented on how excited Bradley was about the video. Bradley headed straight into my workroom asking, “Can I start straight away?”

“Would you like a drink and something to eat first?”

The teenage dilemma! He was torn, having to choose between food and video editing. Food won, along with a can of Coke. I asked Chelsea and she opted for coffee. I handed Bradley the Coke and put out a packet of Tim Tams and packets of potato chips and corn chops. I started the coffees.

The doorbell rang and the door opened. Tyron joined us and I introduced him. He decided to have a Coke and joined Bradley eating the Tim Tams. I handed Chelsea a Coffee and went to close what I was working on and open the video editing software.

The boys followed me with the, now half empty, packet of Tim Tams. “This is the latest version and has some enhancements over the last version. Have a play and get used to it. I’ve only just received it, so I don’t know much about the new features.”

“Thanks Chris. I’m sure we’ll cope. Isn’t that right Bradley?”

“Yeah. This is just so cool.”

I left them and went to join Chelsea. I opened another packet of Tim Tams and we took one each.

“Chris, I want to thank you for what you are doing for Bradley. His brother and sister are into competitive team sport and get a lot of attention because of it. Bradley is interested in computers and academic stuff. He has been left out of things. Doing this video has really lifted his confidence. He’s just so excited you’ll show it on your channel.”

“I have to admit it wasn’t planned but seemed a good idea. I’m thrilled it’s helped him because I’d like to use him for some more videos. You do know he’s got the makings of a really excellent presenter.”

I heard some whispering and giggling coming from my workroom but nothing to worry about. We continued to chat while the boys worked. It didn’t seem long before they both joined us. It appeared Tyron had been delegated to ask, “Uncle Chris are there any more snacks and another Coke?”

He looked at the table before waiting for a reply. “Yes there are more Tim Tams and packets of chips and stuff. Can we have these? Is there more Coke? We’re nearly finished.”

I looked at Chelsea who didn’t object to Bradley having more. “Yes you can take them and there’s Coke in the fridge.”

Bradley scooped up the biscuits and packets while Tyron retrieved the drinks from the fridge. They headed back to my computer setup and this time closed the door. Chelsea was friendly and easy to talk with, so we continued to chat. I also checked that the beef was cooking nicely. I assumed it was when Chelsea made complimentary comments about the aroma.

The door to my workroom opened and the boys, looking triumphant, joined us again.

Bradley did the talking this time. “We’re finished. Can you have a look to see if it’s OK.”

“Sure. Let’s all go in and have a look.”

The editing was very slick. They had done an excellent job and had even included some voice over where there was no commentary. The surprise was at the end. They did a joint wrap where they introduced themselves, thanked viewers for watching along with the reminder to click like and subscribe. They also thanked me and their “mystery cameraman” and expressed the hope they would all work on another video soon. They did this with humour and easy rapport as they switched from one to the other like TV news anchors. I was so impressed. I looked at Chelsea who was smiling admiringly at Bradley.

“Guys, it’s my pleasure to post this on my Channel.”

“Can we do it now?”

“No time like the present. I’ll logon and post it.” I posted the video and was about to screen it through YouTube.

“Please Chris, don’t start it. I want to first see it on YouTube it at home with everyone.”

I closed YouTube. “Not a problem, Bradley.”

“Thanks Chris. Mum, can we go home now?”

“Before you go buddy, we have to ask Uncle Chris if we can do a video on the editing package, especially the new features.”

I answered, “Thanks Tyron. That will be great. Plan and we can organize a time.”

“Wow! Wait until I tell everyone.” He was on top of the world.

Chelsea thanked me again and took a very excited Bradly home.

Tyron and I talked for a bit. It was mainly me thanking him for all his work this week. I also told him about moving to the new shop. I would need to ensure there would be a workspace for him and a video studio. I finished by commenting, “So Jackson is cool with you calling me uncle?”

“Yeah, no probs.”

As he was leaving, his phone pinged. He looked at the message and laughed. “You should expect a call from Jackson. He’s seen the video. He could be a bit pissed off. See ya.”

I watched him walk through the door grinning, and on cue my phone rang.

“Hi Jackson. Tyron just told me to expect a call. How are you?”

“Uncle Chris, what’s going on? How come you’ve got Tyron and some young guy I’ve never heard of, doing a video for your channel?”

“Are you annoyed?”

“A bit . . . . No, basically a lot, but mainly because they were fucking good. But what’s going on?”

“A situation came up where it seemed like a good idea to get Bradley to video what he was doing and get Tyron to edit. What you saw was all their own work with a couple of suggestions from me. Now, when you’re up here would you like to make some videos for the channel? It could be just you or with one or both of Bradley and Tyron.”

“Fuck yeah That would be awesome.”

“I gather your parents aren’t around to hear you swearing like that?”

“Oh yeah, sorry. No they’re not.”

“It’s OK Jackson. I can cope. Talk to Tyron about what you would like to do and toss some ideas around.”

“Thanks. I’d love to work with both of them. They’re awesome. Uncle Chris, what’s with the mystery cameraman?”

Yes, a good question but I didn’t want to disclose information about Ollie.

“He’s a young guy that the police are currently protecting and don’t want his name published.”

“Hmm Intriguing. I won’t ask any more.”

“Good! I’m looking forward to having you visit during mid-year break.”

“Of course you are. I’m your favourite nephew.”

“And if I told you I don’t play favourites?”

“I’d pout dramatically.”

I burst out laughing.

“It’s not funny.” A pause and then, as he started laughing, “OK it was funny.”

“Uncle Chris I can’t wait to be up there with you and all the others. I’ve got YouTube up now. Have you seen the comments?”

“No. I haven’t.”

“They love it and a lot of the comments are from girls. You know that with us three chick magnets the channel will attract heaps of girls.”

I was giggling. “Chick magnets? Seriously?”

Suppressing a laugh he responded, “Don’t be a doubting Thomas. Just join us for the ride.”

I shook my head and sighed. “What have I created?”

“The Awesome Foursome of you count the mystery cameraman. Sorry Uncle Chris. Mum’s home and calling me. I better go. Bye”

“Bye Awesome One.” The call ended. I reflected on the conversation and laughed to myself.

I was still in a cheerful mood when Andre, followed closely by Jamie entered.

Andre kissed me. “You look particularly happy. Does that mean you’re pleased to see me?”

I returned the kiss. “I’m always pleased to see you, and you too Jamie.” I hugged and kissed him.”

“What is that wonderful smell? I hope it’s dinner.”

“Sure is and it’s almost ready.”

“So nothing for us to contribute?” Observed Andre.

“There’s still mashed potato and salad to do.”

Jamie said, “I can do salad and Andre can do the potato. I assume whatever you cooked Chris, can stay in the oven while we all have a shower. Then we can eat and enjoy TGIF.”

Jamie was right so we piled into the shower and jointly and jovially washed away all the troubles of the week.

By the time we finished our Gin and Tonics, all the food was ready so we moved everything to the table so we could serve ourselves. The oven was still warm so I slipped an apple crumble in to heat up for dessert.

While we were eating, Andre told us about handing in his resignation. It was a surprise for his boss and for his team but they all wished him well in his new venture. They wanted to organize a farewell party, but closer to when he is leaving.

“I spoke to Beau this afternoon and invited them to dinner tomorrow night. Of course, he spoke to Skye first and called back to say they will be with us. I didn’t say what the dinner was about.” After saying this, Andre looked pensive.

“How are you feeling about telling them?”

“Fine. I know each of them, I know what I’m telling them, and I think I know how they’ll respond.”

Jamie added, “They all know you and their love for you will not change. Trust me.”

“I do. I trust both of you.” This was followed by group hugs and kisses.

Jamie asked, “Do you mind if I have a private conversation with Michael tonight.”

I glanced at Andre and answered, “Of course not. You go and make your call while we clean up the dishes.”

Jamie disappeared into the bedroom while we cleared up and loaded the dishwasher. We then settled on the couch to watch something superficial, fun and relaxing.

Jamie returned smiling.

“Everything OK?” I asked even though it all looked good.

“Yeah, very OK. I was worried Sandra was wanting him to move back to Melbourne.”

“You mean that comment about Sandra making suggestions about his future.”

“Exactly. He’s keeping the suggestions to himself, but I asked about Melbourne. He told me, quote, ‘Now we’re all together I’ve not ever going to break us up’. Now how about dessert and another glass of that Shiraz to recognize TGIF and my last night here.” He smiled. “This time.”

I laughed and went to get the apple crumble and the bottle and fresh glasses. I heard Andre respond. “You know you’re welcome to stay with us whenever you want.”

I served dessert and poured three glasses as I started telling them about Bradley and Tyron editing the video and posting it on YouTube. I added comments about my call from Jackson. They enjoyed the way I told them and laughed about me having ‘chick magnets’ on my channel. Of course, they wanted to see the video so I pulled YouTube up on the TV and then the video. It finished and there was a moment of silence which was broken by Jamie. “I’m so impressed. That was much, much better than I expected and Tyron and Bradley were amazing together.”

“I agree. Chris your spontaneous idea has certainly paid off. I wonder where it will go next?”

It was a good question and as I wondered where it will go, I thought about Ollie and how he was an unseen part of the video but hopefully soon would become a very visible part of our lives.

It wasn’t long before we were all in bed with Jamie in the middle. We were all quickly asleep.

Saturday morning we all woke later than usual with Jamie in the middle. We exchanged the morning kisses that had become usual each morning we had woken together.

I knew we had cancelled the alarms on our phones, so I reached and picked up my phone to check the time. “Hmm 8:30. Time for us to get up and start the day.”

Jamie protested, “No this is too comfortable, and Michael won’t arrive until this afternoon. Can’t we all just stay like this?”

I ran my hand down Jamie’s right side tickling him. He squirmed and moved away towards Andre who understood what I was doing. He ran his fingers lightly down Jamie’s left side so, giggling more, Jamie moved back towards me. I was ready and found more ticklish spots and exploited them. Between the two of us Jamie was soon laughing uncontrollably and surrendering.

When he gained control of his breathing, he pulled us into a hug. “Thanks guys. That was great fun. I really love you guys.”

I suggested, “Come on. Let’s have a joint shower to wake us up.”

Jamie added, “Yes, my last shower with you two for a while. After that we can have brunch. It’s my shout.”

Even though it was late autumn, the day was warm and sunny. It wasn’t difficult to find a café with outside seating that allowed us to enjoy the sunshine. We discussed the menu but in the end we all ordered the “full all day breakfast” which consisted of eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown, mushrooms, tomato and toast.

We enjoyed our meal and were finishing our second cup of coffee when Jamie’s phone announced a message. He looked at and grinned ear to ear. “He’s back in Sydney and on his way home. I better go and be ready for him.”

I had a good idea that what he meant by “being ready” also involved a certain brand of underpants with little if anything else. As we all stood, I smiled and said, “Yes, you do that. We have to go shopping and get ready for tonight.”

Andre commented, “We haven’t discussed that. What are you planning for tonight?”

“Burgers.”

Andre spun around to look directly at me. “There are times when I hate you in the most lovable way.” He pulled me into a hug and kissed me. No one in the café took any notice.