Andre and Chris - 16. Chapter 16

Chris and Andre

Where we left off before:

As we all stood, I smiled and said, “Yes, you do that. We have to go shopping and get ready for tonight.”

Andre asked, “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.

I grabbed a trolley and Andre and I headed into the supermarket.

Andre commented, “I suspect these won’t be ordinary burgers.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because I’ve become used to your cooking.” We both laughed and headed down the meat aisle.

“My idea is that we make our own beef patties for the beef burgers and also grill some marinated chicken thigh fillets for the chicken burgers. We’ve got all the herbs, spices and sauces we need.”

“Sounds excellent. Let’s go shopping.”

We picked up some meat, frozen potato chips to cook in the oven and ingredients for salads including tomatoes, lettuce and beetroot to go on the burgers.

“What would you like for dessert?”

“Can we do Tiramisu? That went down well last time.”

“I agree so we’ll pick up those ingredients as well. How many burger buns should we get.”

“With your good cooking, at least two each.”

I laughed. “Yes we don’t want anyone going hungry. We’ll also get some cheese, dips and biscuits for starters.”

We took our loaded trolley to the checkout and then to the car.

Back home we started getting the food ready. I used my own recipes to make the beef mixture for the beef patties and the marinade for the chicken. Together we made the tiramisu and put it in the fridge. With everything as ready as they needed to be we decided to have a shower. A shower without Jamie almost felt lonely, but only almost. We quickly aroused each other and enjoyed a very climatically sexy shower.

First to arrive were Beau, Skye and William along with his paraphernalia. They went straight into the bedroom to unload and settle the, for now, sleeping William. Beau and Skye emerged from the bedroom at the same time as Michael and Jamie entered the front door. There was a round of greetings and warm hugs. Jamie and Beau watched closely as Michael and Skye hugged and kissed each other on the cheek.

Skye sighed and looked around. “You gay guys give such awesome hugs. How come I’ve been missing out on awesome hugs?”

“Darling, I’m right here.”

“Don’t get your knickers in a knot Sweetheart. You know I love your hugs and your cuddles and everything about you.” She passionately kissed Beau to prove her point.

“Get a room you two.” Andre couldn’t resist and we all laughed.

Michael scanned the room. “Did you bring William?”

Skye answered, “Yes he’s in the bedroom.”

Proud dad Beau led everyone into the bedroom, where Michael quietly commented on how healthy William looked. No one wanted to wake William, so we didn’t stay and quietly left.

I decided to ask what people wanted to drink. I knew Skye was still breast feeding so wouldn’t have alcohol. I looked across at Michael and Andre and asked, “Who’s the designated driver?”

Michael answered, “Neither. We used an Uber coming here and will use the same one back home.” He looked towards me. “When we arrived here, he said he knew you and to say hello.”

I said, “Calvin.” And started laughing with Beau and Andre.

Michael and Jamie looked confused, but Skye was determined to find out what the three of us thought was so funny. “OK you lot. Spill!”

Beau and Andre didn’t volunteer so it was left to me. “He was our Uber driver the night of Beau’s bucks party. He had the hots for the three of us.”

Skye looked at Beau. Her eyes asked the question.

He put his hands up in surrender, “Hey, You know I’m not into guys. Nothing happened.”

She looked at me and I nodded.

Jamie commented, “We’ll have to be more observant on the way home.”

That brought another round of laughs.

I poured wine for everyone except Skye who opted for Lemon Lime and Bitters. Andre wanted to tell everyone first thing, so we stayed in the living area and I brought out a tray of crackers, dips and cheese.

I sat next to Andre and took hold of his hand and squeezed. He squeezed back. He started simply and softly. “I’ve got something I need to tell you.”

Andre began by telling them about us finding Ollie in the apartment, what had happened to Ollie and us taking him to the police. Everyone was concerned about Ollie and expressed those concerns.

I kept holding Andre’s hand as he then revealed his own history of sexual abuse involving the same offender. I watched as the shock and worry registered on the faces of Beau, Skye and Michael.

When he finished what he wanted to say, including that he had made a statement and will probably have to give evidence in court, Andre looked at me and I pulled him into a hug and a kiss. I whispered, “You did good.” He managed a smile.

Within seconds Beau was next to Andre and pulled him up into a strong loving hug. “I heard rumours about that place and that guy but the last thing I expected was that you would be caught up in what was happening. I’m so churned up about that happening to you and I know it wasn’t your fault. I love you Andre. I’m here for you. Just know you can rely on me one hundred percent.” Beau eyes were watery.

Beau was quickly replaced by Michael who pulled Andre into a hug and a kiss. “Andre, you are very important to Jamie and me and we won’t let you down. You have our full support and help in whatever you need. I’m distraught that you have gone through this and carried it with you for so long. Jamie just quickly told me he has already expressed his support for you. Rest assured we will never leave you. Let’s all work towards getting this bastard behind bars.”

Andre was overwhelmed and was about to fall back into my arms when Skye put her arms around him and pulled him into a hug and kissed him. “Andre, I love you. You are a wonderful person and someone I love having in my life. I’ve known you since we were all in school. I can imagine just how hard all this is for you but Andre I know you’re strong and with all of us behind you, you’re even stronger. You’ll get through this and we’ll be with you all the way.”

Andre took hold of my hand again. With deep emotion in his voice he responded, “I don’t know how to thank you enough. In my head I worried about what you would think of me. In my heart I knew you all loved and cared about me, but would that be enough? I already knew Chris and Jamie were supporting me and now I know I also have three more of my favourite people supporting me. Thank you. As Skye said, with all of you beside me I’m sure I’ll win through.”

Andre finished and we all sat quietly in our own thoughts for a moment. Skye interrupted our personal thoughts, “What’s happening with this young boy, Ollie? Is he being cared for?”

I answered, “In the time that we were with Ollie the three of us seemed to form a strong bond. We wanted Ollie to become part of our lives and at the police station he asked if he could stay with us. That wasn’t possible and he’s in short term foster care.” I put my arm around Andre. “We’ve applied to be foster parents so Ollie can be with us. Well, we hope he can be with us and we’ll do all we can to make it happen.”

This news resulted in a room full of hopeful smiles.

Beau asked, “Are you going to tell Mum and Dad?”

Skye responded before Andre was able to.

“It depends on what you’re going to tell them. If you are going to tell them you found Ollie in the apartment and what happened to him and your desire to foster him, then yes. If it’s about telling them what happened to yourself then I don’t think you should. Well at least unless it becomes necessary.”

We all looked at her. She looked back at each of us.

“I know you’re all thinking about how hard it’s going to be for Andre to tell his parents but Andre, I’m also thinking of the effect on your parents.”

Beau asked, “What do you mean by the effect on our parents.”

“Think about it Beau. How would you feel if something happened to William that you thought you should have protected him from?”

Beau dropped his eyes. “Yeah, I get it. I’d feel like I’d failed as a parent.”

“That’s why I’m suggesting not telling your parents. At least not yet. What if he pleads guilty and you put them through this, and then Andre doesn’t have to give evidence? Is that worth it?”

“I agree with Skye.” It was Michael. “As a doctor I have young people, not just kids, who need serious surgery. All too often they have parents who incorrectly feel guilty that there’s something wrong with their child and believe it’s their fault.” He put his right arm around Andre. “Andre if you really want to tell your parents, then tell them. Otherwise, I’d say, tell them when they need to know.”

Andre nodded. “Thank you. Thanks all of you for your love and comfort. It means more to me than I can say. Skye, you’ve made me think and yes, I totally want to tell Mum and Dad about Ollie and our hopes for him. I also don’t want to hide what happened to me.” He looked around at us and smiled. “That is, I don’t want to hide it anymore. I understand what Skye and Michael said. I certainly don’t want to cause hurt to Mum and Dad so if or when I decide to tell them I want all of you with me to support them.”

We all surrounded Andre in a group hug with him in the middle. It was a moment to release the emotion that we all experienced.

We broke the hug and thought about eating, or more immediately about cooking. Everybody wanted to help. Beau and Michael volunteered to go out the back to grill the beef patties, chicken fillets, bacon and onion. The chips went into the oven. Skye and Jamie said they would prepare the salad and slice the lettuce, tomatoes and beetroot to go on the burgers.

That left Andre and me to make sure everyone had something to drink and to slice and toast the buns. I protested that we had invited everyone and should be doing the cooking. Skye and Jamie both told us that it was more fun if everyone participated and besides we had prepared everything, and where were their drinks.

I put my hands up in surrender. “OK drinks coming up. Skye, you still OK with Lemon Lime and Bitters?” She indicated yes. The rest of us were drinking wine. Andre and I topped up everyone’s glasses. When I went out the back, I found Beau and Michael chatting and joking as they grilled the food.

I topped up their glasses and asked, “How long before everything is ready?”

Beau tested a beef patty. “Very soon. Give us five minutes and then get the buns ready.”

I returned to the kitchen, set out the plates and cutlery along with a collection of sauces and mayo to go on the burgers. It was then time to toast the buns. Beau and Michael returned with platters of cooked meat and caramelized onion.

Everyone wanted to assemble their own burgers and load up their plates with hot chips and salad. We all sat and then heard William. Beau went and checked and then announced he needed a change of nappy. Beau brought out the changed and still sleepy boy. Skye took him and started to feed him, but he wasn’t hungry and quickly fell asleep again.

With William back in the bedroom the conversation flowed around the table. I asked Michael, “What suggestions did Sandra have for you career wise?”

“Nothing dramatic like moving to Melbourne.” Jamie, Andre and I were happy about that. “While I was in Melbourne, she made sure I assisted with operations I don’t normally experience. She was firm that I should do some more study in those areas. I’ve been looking up where I can do that. What surprised me was when she told me I should apply for a teaching position at Newcastle University. I work in a teaching hospital, but I’d never thought of teaching. I’ll talk to our Director of Surgery on Monday.”

Beau smiled, “Wow, that’s impressive. She must have a high opinion of you and your skills.”

Michael smiled back. “Thanks Beau. It’s all exciting and I’ll just have to work on having things happen.” He stopped and turned to me. “By the way Bruno phoned this afternoon to say Mamma’s home and everyone’s happy.”

I looked at Jamie and wondered what that call from Bruno may have interrupted this afternoon. My thoughts were broken by Michael directing a question to me.

“Chris, have you and Andre thought about how big your place will have to be if you take in Ollie and possibly other foster kids.”

“Yes, we have thought about that and now we’re buying both apartments we want to combine them into one big apartment.” I paused briefly and added, “We just need to find someone who can do the work for us.”

Beau nearly choked on his bite of burger. He recovered. “What the fuck! Have I suddenly become invisible? What do you mean find someone who can do the work? I’m right here.”

Andre was having great difficulty not laughing. “Cool it mate. When we talked about renovations Chris forgot what our family business is. When I reminded him, he wondered if you’d even be interested in doing the job.”

By this time everyone was seeing the joke, so I added, “That’s when Andre told me ‘Once they find out, you just try to stop them’.”

Beau burst out laughing. “You’re not wrong Bro. When can we start?”

Everyone was now in a cheerful mood and the conversation flowed back and forth including a lot about the two shops and our new adventures. We finished the burgers, put the few leftovers in the fridge and packed the dishwasher. Andre started serving the Tiramisu and I poured more drinks. The conversation picked up again while Beau and Michael had a second serve of dessert.

William had slept well but when he did stir Skye and Beau decided it was time to head home with him. We all hugged Beau, and Skye received a hug and a cheek kiss from four of us. They collected William’s paraphernalia and moved to the door. It all felt like a family gathering and as far as we were concerned it was.

I followed them to Skye’s car. While she was putting William, in his baby capsule, into the back seat and fastening the seat belts I spoke quietly to Beau. “When I heard Andre disclosing tonight, I thought we should tell him, you know, about us.”

“Yeah I had the same thought.” He looked over at Skye still adjusting the seat belt. “And telling Skye. I want to be there when you tell Andre.”

Skye stood up and walked around to where we were standing, “Chris, thank you for looking after Andre. We love him and will support him but, I know that the most important thing for getting him through this is your love.” She wrapped her arms around me and kissed my cheek. I hugged her back. I looked at Beau. He was smiling happily.

Jamie and Michael stayed longer but not much longer. They both thanked us for allowing Jamie to stay with us while Michael was in Melbourne. We replied truthfully that we had enjoyed having Jamie stay with us and he was welcome anytime. I cheekily added that the same applied to Michael if Jamie was away.

Michael grinned. “What can I say except that each of you are welcome to stay with us when the other is away.”

Michael’s phone announced that the Uber had arrived but before we walked outside Jamie commented, “I got the impression that there’s more to the Uber driver story than you were prepared to tell in front of Skye”.

Andre answered, “Chris had a short affair with Calvin before we started together”.

“What! And you knew and didn’t tell me. I think it’s time you and I had a night out to catch on what’s been happening.”

Michael and I laughed and looked at each other. “Looks like we’re going to be let loose to have a wild night.”

“Sure but, you two have to behave.”

Laughing we all walked outside. Andre and I exchanged greetings with Calvin, who smiled broadly.

The four of us gave each other our usual farewell hugs and kisses. I watched Calvin from the corner of my eye. He was watching intently. As I hugged Jamie he whispered, “I noticed as well. I think I’ll flirt with him a bit on the way home.” Jamie is so playful, and we so love him for it.

It was only the two of us when we woke on Sunday morning. I wrapped my arms around Andre and then gently played with his right nipple. He moaned appreciatively so I continued until he rolled over and kissed me. We kissed passionately until we moved our mouths to each other’s hard cocks. It may not have lasted long but it was immensely enjoyable. We started again in the shower. We enjoyed three of us showering together but we did enjoy it so much more when it was just the two of us.

It was a quiet Sunday. Just us doing us things. In the afternoon Michael phoned and we went to speaker phone.

Michael was serious, “Just calling to say thank you for having us over last night. We really felt like we were all family getting together. Andre, thanks for sharing. I know that was hard to do. I hope we showed you that we love you and you have our total support. We’ll have to organize to have you all over here.”

Andre responded “Thank you, both of you and yes I know you are supporting me. We’d like to have a relaxed lunch or dinner at your place. Pity it’s getting too cold to use the pool. Don’t forget we’re all invited to Ettalong next Saturday.”

Jamie answered. “We haven’t forgotten. Some potential eye candy tradies and my chance to get up close to Beau again. Speaking of which our Uber ride was interesting. Calvin asked about you two and about Beau. You three certainly left an impression. Because he talked about you, I decided I would flirt a bit and when we arrived home we both gave him a hug and a quick kiss.”

“And how did he react to that?”

“He loved it. Said to call him anytime we wanted an Uber.”

Michael added, “We booked him for next Saturday. We’ll pick you up on the way to Ettalong.”

Monday was routine as both Andre and I went about our work. I spent the morning visiting clients and discussing upgrades and customizing. Good for business and going to keep me busy getting it all done.

It was about three thirty when David arrived and rang the doorbell.

I invited him in. “I’m sorry you’ve missed Andre. He’s still at work.”

“I can understand why you would think I’ve come to see Andre but that’s not why I’m here. I’ve come to see you.”

I was trying desperately to think why I would be getting a formal police visit. I couldn’t come up with a reason, so I assumed the visit was social.

“Right. What’s it about and would you like something to drink?”

“I’m still on duty so a coffee would be good.”

Hmm so official. “Easy. How do you like it?”

“White with one.”

“White with one coming up. Please have a seat.”

I made coffee for each of us and took the two mugs to the living room.

I sat opposite David. “Now how can I help you?”

David took a sip of his coffee. “Hmm. Nice coffee.” He put the coffee mug down. “Your request for a police check went into the system. It’s very routine. Everyone who works with children, like teachers, doctors, nurses and youth workers as well as foster parents need to have a regular police check. Thousands of them go through the system every week. As I said, they are very routine.”

I felt a ‘but’ coming,

“Except yours.” He paused, “Yours is the first time we have been asked by the CIA why we were doing a police check on someone. The call about you went to our State Intelligence Unit then to our Superintendent who called me in. I explained that it was just because you applied to be a foster parent. We talked with the CIA agent a bit more. He seemed to be concerned that you might have been arrested and we were checking for other criminal offenses. He was satisfied when we explained and when we went to finish the call he said to tell you that this doesn’t change your security clearance. Whatever that is. Half an hour later we had a similar call from ASIO.”

David stopped and looked directly at me. “Chris, is there anything you can tell me that I can tell the Superintendent? At the moment he’s pretty pissed off that someone with an obviously high American security clearance and known to ASIO is in his patch without him knowing.”

He stopped and looked at me. He obviously wanted me to say something. What could I say? OK use the minimal information approach, which is basically tell them what they already know. “During the few years I lived in America I did some work on a project that required a security clearance. I finished working on that project and didn’t know I still had that clearance. I didn't know about ASIO.”

David looked directly at me, the way that police can and wrote in is notebook. “OK that will do for my official report to the Superintendent.” He closed his notebook. “I’m off duty now. Any chance of a beer or something?”

I smiled, “Sure. Beer, wine or scotch?”

“Wouldn’t mind a scotch if you’ll join me.”

“Deal. I’ll get the bottle, glasses and some ice.”

I returned with everything on a tray. I handed David his scotch and he added some ice. I did the same.

“Now I’m off duty I’ll bring you up to date with what’s happening in the case. We’ve got all the forensics back on Oliver. It’s included the offenders DNA in semen we got from Oliver. It’s a solid case but he still says he’s pleading ‘not guilty’. We’re not sure what games his lawyer is playing. She’s young and seems to believe everything he tells her. She’s now even claiming the police have faked the evidence. She appealed the decision to refuse bail, but the judge was not impressed so he’s still locked up on remand.”

He stopped and took a sip of his drink.

“What about the historic cases, like Andre’s?”

“Well that’s getting stronger. We now have statements from seven men. A couple more have contacted and said they’ll come in and make statements.”

I nodded that I understood and then asked, “How’s Ollie?”

“He’s doing well considering. His mother is still angry with him. The foster parents are lovely. He is asking when he can see you and Andre.”

“Is that even possible before the trial?”

“Unfortunately, not including Andre, but there is still a way you could see him.”

This sounded good. “Really! How?”

“What I didn’t tell you earlier, is that the Superintendent would like me to, as he put it, ‘keep an eye on you’. When he found out about Bradley and Oliver making that video for your channel, he thought that was the perfect cover. I wasn’t supposed to tell you that bit, so you don’t know.”

“OK I don’t know, just like I don’t know why he wants anyone checking on me.”

“Don’t worry about it. He’s just pissed that he didn’t know and wants to make sure you aren’t hacking computers and spying for the Americans or something equally stupid like that.”

“I know George Lazenby who played James Bond was Australian, but really!”

He laughed. “I understand that, and I would prefer our relationship to be friendly rather than official. My idea is that Oliver and Bradley can come here to video and edit with me, Elizabeth or a youth worker supervising to make sure you don’t talk about the trial. I get to keep an eye on you, and you get to see Oliver. It’s a win win.”

“Would Tyron be involved?”

“Certainly. Those three boys have bonded and Bradley tells me they are planning another video for your channel so it sort of falls into place. He’s also been chatting to your nephew.”

I smiled and decided to set the record straight. “Jackson calls me uncle but, he’s not really my nephew. He’s one of my best friend’s nephews.”

“Doesn’t matter. He admires you too. Look Chris, Chelsea and I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for Bradley. It’s really brought him out of the shadow of his siblings.”

“David, I really didn’t do any of that. I may have been a catalyst when I provided an opportunity that Bradley grasped and with Ollie and Tyron produced a great video. And now they’re planning another, which I expect to be even better.”

“Yes I saw the video. More times than I really needed to! I’m really impressed with what they did. And the four of them keep in contact over social media. They have become very close. Chris, I don’t want to offend you, but should I be concerned about them and Bradley.”

I chuckled. “I’m not offended David, I understand. Tyron and Jackson are about three to four years older than Bradley and that can be a lot at their age. However, you should know that after Jackson saw the number of girls leaving comments about the video and the presenters, he described them as ‘chick magnets’.”

“Hmm ‘chick magnets’. Bradley, a fifteen year old chick magnet. Now I’m really worried.”

We both burst out laughing.