Rhythm
by
John Terry Moore
CHAPTER 25
Two weeks before Christmas; it rushed up at them like an out-of-control train; Darcy and Jacob would be a married couple in just a few days. As usual, the only two people who weren’t stressed were Darcy and Jacob! Darcy never stressed because he knew Jacob always had things under control! And Jacob just delegated and let other people worry!
They had arrived a few days ago and Jacob had simply taken over. Jack had been a bundle of nerves, but with Leticia’s help and Jacob’s organisation, he was fine. The truth was, that Jack Sullivan was reborn! Now with a same-sex attracted son and a wonderful soon-to-be son-in-law, Jack was the local advocate for gay rights on the North Coast! Jack and Leticia had volunteered to help with a series of discos for underage gay kids that gave the kids a safe place to socialise without being threatened by violence; amazingly still a problem in the less populated areas of Australia, despite ‘hate crimes’ legislation. Always well-known on the coast as a builder, boating enthusiast and fisherman, Jack became even better known as a human rights activist! And at the Olympics, as a practical and generous benefactor of the ‘cause’ of same-sex attracted people through his shared sponsorship of the university contingent that supported Adam and Patrick so well and so successfully. And he was a legend at the Angling and Motor Yacht Club. Always had been, always had an opinion. But when his best mate, Bernie Mc Gregor, made a little camp joke down on the jetty, it was too much for Jack. With a roar like a bull, he picked Bernie up by the scruff of the neck (no minor task given Bernie’s size) and unceremoniously dumped him in the water! It was a Saturday morning and people were everywhere. Feeling chastened immediately, Jack flew down the nearest set of steps and helped Bernie from the water.
“Shit, I’m sorry mate, I shouldn’t have done that,” an upset Jack apologised. Bernie roared with laughter, as he tipped water out of his canvas sailing shoes. “No,” said Bernie, “I should apologise. I had a vision of you in one of those tutus, and I couldn’t help meself!”
Jack thought for a moment and laughed, and it was all over. Later that day after a change of clothes and copious quantities of beer, Jack ‘educated’ Bernie on same-sex attraction and couples using the same process and facts that Jacob had used on him. Suddenly Jack had a new disciple. Bernie! When Jack and Leticia did the underage discos, it was Bernie and his wife Denise helping them. When Darcy and Jacob decided to have their wedding at the club, it was Bernie who smoothed the way for them. Bernie who introduced them to the directors and who was their ‘man’ for every bit of organisation. So, between Bernie and Jacob, everything got done.
And Jack who was a nervous wreck, almost relaxed, ‘but something wasn’t quite right’, Jacob decided.
*****
Max and Iris were due in on the next plane and Darcy was dispatched to meet them. Leticia decided at the last moment to go with him, leaving Jack and Jacob alone at the bar.
“Now father-in-law to-be, tell me what this is all about,” smiled Jacob benignly. “There’s nothin to tell,” replied Jack, trying to bluff his way out of it.
Jacob slipped off his bar stool and put his arm around his big mate’s shoulders. To his amazement, Jack’s chest started to heave and he burst into tears!
“In all my life,” Jack sobbed, “I have never been so happy. Our life changed profoundly since you and Darce became a couple; we’ve become so involved in same-sex issues through yourselves and the university! And of course, the Olympics and Adam and Patrick. I’ve never been so proud. And you and I are best mates, aren’t we? And I know having the wedding up here was for my sake, wasn’t it?”
Jacob nodded in agreement, not saying anything so Jack would spit out what was really on his mind.
“I feel so guilty,” he said. “We‘re havin’ a great time and there’s others that will never have any joy at all.” He continued, sniffling a little; “You know we’ve had a lot of contact with kids up here, trying to give the same-sex attracted ones and their mates some protection and social interaction through the discos. Well instead of doing that, we did the opposite last week,” he said bitterly. “One of the kids got home from the disco and his father, who supposedly gave permission for him to attend, turned on him and belted him up. The kid, Jeremy,” he sobbed, “found enough prescription drugs and suicided.”
“Jack,” snapped Jacob in full flight, “you know bloody well that nothing you could have done would have prevented that tragedy, nothing,” he thundered. Jack looked like a little school kid and Jacob’s heart melted.
“But I can understand how upset you must feel,” he said, rubbing Jack’s hands, a Leticia trick when Jack was stressed. “Nothing you can say or do will bring that kid back,” Jacob said, “it’s over.”
“I never ever felt like murdering anyone before, but Jeremy’s father would be the closest. He’s a religious nut, Jacob, pure and simple,” said Jack, a little more calmly.
“Jack, how do you communicate with all those kids at the discos, do you have a database?”
“Yep we do, all contactable by email.”
“Then how would you like to turn Jeremy’s death into a positive?” smiled Jacob. “Why don’t you invite all those kids to our wedding!” Jack’s jaw dropped. “That way they are exposed to Darcy and I as role models and all the work you, Leticia, Bernie and Denise have done isn’t wasted! Darce and I would be happy to spend some time with them and just be there! As would Adam and Patrick, Lance and Angelo, what do you think?”
“But how would we keep them away from the alcohol and out of harm’s way?” asked Jack looking bewildered. “We’d never fit them in, anyway.”
“What’s wrong with a tent outside, their own bar with soft drinks, some food and a closed television circuit so they can watch the ceremony?”
“No wonder my son’s marryin’ you,” said Jack. “He’d be bloody mad not to,” he declared as he stomped off to ring Bernie.
*****
That night in bed, Darcy was at his best. ‘Not that there were ever any failures,’ thought Jacob, but Darcy was like his father in one respect; instead of constantly verbalising his love, he put it all into action! It was a warm summer night; so much so they had the windows open to catch as much breeze as possible from the ocean, only a block away. With just a sheet covering them. Before Jacob knew it Darcy was there, his head between his legs.
“You’ve got the prettiest dick I’ve ever seen,” said Darcy, stroking him with the bedside light on its lowest setting.
“Why do you say that?” Jacob responded, amused, having heard the same line from Darcy many times before.
“Is it because I’m circumcised?” he asked as Darcy continued to roll him around in his fingers.
“Oh, I dunno, maybe that’s part of it, but you’re so smooth an’ long, an’ straight, where I’ve got a twisted ol’ hoodie!”
Jacob chortled to himself. All this loving nonsense from his partner was what helped make them unique, he guessed. Darcy picked up the pace and deep throated him and Jacob’s breath caught. “You like me making love to your dick, don’tcha?” he grinned, his smile flashing in the lamplight.
Jacob just nodded his head; he couldn’t speak, he was in a state of ecstasy. They had tried every position known to humanity, swapped roles so Darcy got himself fucked now and then and yet their lovemaking was always fresh and beautiful. The key to Darcy had always been his family; Jacob had known that from day one. And Darcy tonight was thanking him for resolving the issue that had given Jack Sullivan so much agony when he should have been enjoying himself at his son’s wedding.
His mum had tried, but it was Jacob who truly had the ability to heal; the whole family knew that. So Leticia had gone to the airport with Darcy, and Jacob had quietly and quickly got to the nub of Jack’s agony and fixed it! Darcy slid off the bed, opened the drawer at the bedside, and took out the KY tube. The light caught his wiry frame; tall, well-muscled ‘and so fucking strong,’ thought Jacob as he watched him. With the ease of familiarity that a solid partnership bespoke, Jacob gently took the tube from his hand and in one fluid motion, swallowed Darcy’s length so his face buried itself in his pubic hair. He pleasured Darcy until he started to fidget and Jacob knew he was too close. So he ran his tongue over and over his balls, Darcy moaning and very nearly out of control. And then Darcy reasserted himself; he wanted to say, ‘Thank you Jake, my mum and dad love you, my brother and sister and their kids in Sydney love you, and because of all that, I love you more than ever.’ And he did so, gently rolling Jacob’s nipples between his fingers, so that he arched his back in sheer pleasure. It was Jacob that then reached for the lubricant, coating Darcy thoroughly. Darcy gently rolled Jacob partly on to his side and found an already lubricated entrance waiting for him!
“I did it after I had a shower,” purred Jacob, “just in case I had to help myself!” “No chance,” growled Darcy as he thrust into him in one progressive motion, causing Jacob to catch his breath again.
“I’m not hurtin’ ya am I darlin?” he smiled.
“Nice hurt, Darce, just nice hurt, I like to feel where you’ve been!” Then Darcy had him on his back; he had no idea how he suddenly got there, except that Darcy had found his prostate and the feelings of passion were driving his own orgasm closer. Darcy looked strangely vulnerable in the half-light; finding Jacob’s mouth they kissed deeply, as Darcy’s orgasm began to build. Suddenly, the friction of his body on Jacob became acute, and they exploded together, within a millisecond of each other. They clung to each other; the feeling of emotional closeness between them had advanced even further tonight; only a few days before their wedding.
*****
Within a flash it was Friday night; and Jack Sullivan was in his element with everyone important gathered around, ready for the big event on the morrow. Max and Iris were there; and Jacob spent as much time with them as possible. As an only child, he had always felt responsible for them rather than himself! They were in their sixties and their vulnerability was obvious to him. They were not gregarious people; they preferred quiet times at home, (just like he and Darcy!) and if one should falter, he understood how hard it would be on the other partner. He had been raised an independent little boy, partially, he thought, because his parents realised they may not always be there for him. Recently, his mother told him that there was always something in his personality that she thought was special, even as a baby. Not different, but special. She could see wisdom there, she said, as a little kid, as well as intelligence. An ability to think past his age group, even his parents! ‘The wisdom of the ancients,’ she had called it. But from time to time she also saw a neediness there, particularly around puberty. Max was also aware of Jacob’s emotional development, but took little notice because it came from a woman, ‘and a woman knows about these things!’ But when Jacob rang and said he had a partner, and he would like to introduce him to them, Iris just spread her hands at Max and said, “I told you so!”
Max shrugged his shoulders; ‘intuition’ he smiled, gently patting his wife’s hand. “You women have intuition as a birthright. We men have to develop it!”
“Except if you are a man like our son,” replied Iris. “Intuition and a lovely kind heart are what makes our son so special; we cannot let him down, Max.”
And of course the moment they met Darcy they were besotted; he had beautiful manners, he was thoughtful and kind and Max finally had a close friend he could enjoy. Importantly, they guessed immediately that Jacob had found his life partner, and they made no secret of their admiration and support of them as a couple. Through the interaction with Darcy’s parents they had managed to weld themselves together into a family group that worked; so much so, that the generational boundaries seemed to have disappeared! And Darcy and Jacob’s friends at university were also impressive to say the least. Max and Iris, Jack and Leticia, had been drawn into the extraordinary spectacle of the Olympics and through their involvement; the families and friends of Adam and Patrick and the Eight, had become a further extension of their own family group.
Jacob had worried that his quiet, unsophisticated parents wouldn’t cope with the one thousand per cent increase in their friendships and lifestyle! Yet here they were, the centre of a combined family group, each with a glass of wine, giving every impression of thoroughly enjoying themselves! He shook his head in disbelief. Thanks to university, and in particular to Lance, Angelo, Adam and Patrick, then to the Sullivan family, his life had changed to an extraordinary degree.
*****
Ben Sullivan, Darcy’s elder brother was in awe of Jacob. As was their sister, Sally. Darcy, as the youngest kid, seemed to have copped all the flack; because Jack didn’t want to appear as if he was favouring Darcy over his siblings. Ben had fled to Sydney early because he and Jack were too much alike and they fought epic battles both mental and physical. Soon after, Ben met Christine on a football trip and married her within six months. Ben eventually made partner in a suburban legal firm just after their second child, and then opted for a vasectomy rather than spend the rest of his life without sexual intercourse! They had two kids; Roger and Janelle. Sally was a brilliant theatre sister, working as assistant to many of Sydney’s famous surgeons. Her husband Manfred had been a German backpacker on holiday in Australia and proposed to Sally on their first date. Like her two brothers, she knew when her life partner came along and she and Manfred were married within a few months. They had a daughter, Cassandra, or Cassie as she was better known in the Australian tradition of shortening names. Sally certainly wasn’t daddy’s girl; she was too much like her mother; calm, independent and focussed on what she saw as her priorities in life. Now Sally, for the first time ever, was seriously considering moving back to the town of her birth. Because she loved the more relaxed lifestyle of the coast and thought the influences there would give her daughter a healthier grasp on reality. Always a great observer, she had watched Jacob and Darcy together and they amazed her with their natural closeness. And how they had turned their homophobic father into a fiercely driven advocate for same-sex attracted youngsters!
‘If it wasn’t such a serious subject, it would be laughable,’ thought Sally; ‘dad running discos for underage gay kids!’ But she and Ben and their families were spending a lot more time with the family group because of Darcy and Jacob! Suddenly, the three generations seemed to melt into each other; the grandchildren were actually learning stuff from Jack and Leticia because they now enjoyed being there! And Max and Iris were sought out because they were both very patient story tellers, particularly at bedtime! The house slept thirteen people comfortably; and there were still beds to spare. It was designed and built by Jack and Leticia for this very reason; so the family could all gather together at the one time and enjoy each other’s company. “Bloody amazing, isn’t it Sis?” Ben said to Sally. “No one liked each other enough to get together like this until Darce brought Jacob home!”
*****
Margaret Reeve and her husband Viktor slipped into the big room at the Anglers and Motor Yacht Club, finding their seats with the help of a most efficient and polite usher. The Dean smiled to herself. ‘Near enough was certainly not good enough for Jacob!’ She saw the hand of Jacob all around her; the things that looked casual were, she knew, well organised and rehearsed. This was a defining moment for her, she realised. She loved all of ‘her boys’ but Darcy and Jacob were just a little special because in both cases their original mindset and orientation, physical and emotional was definitely heterosexual. Not that she expected anything else; she had grouped all of the eight together in the same-sex attracted classification ever since she had met them. Even though everyone, including her husband disagreed strongly with her. So their eventual partnerships were no surprise to her, but the journey certainly was. Because she had a curiosity and a vested interest as a social researcher in tracking them. She diligently sought their permission to probe their private affairs and domestic life with the promise that they would all read what she had written and approve her words before publication. So here she was, attending the wedding of the third same-sex couple in her rowing group, all in the same year! All of them with two years of their university education to complete, and yet they had chosen to formalise their partnerships without hesitation, logically and lovingly, and in their early twenties, when their financial status was theoretically zero because they were SWI’s (Students Without Income). The very last thing that hetero couples would contemplate; marriage before their education was complete and before they had some assets around them, like a house and a career.
The three couples, she noted, shared certain characteristics. Adam and Patrick had no doubt thrown down the gauntlet by setting a wonderful example and certainly that helped define the boundaries of where all partnerships should be headed, hetero and same-sex included. The ‘halo’ effect. At least that part could be attributed to environment. But the other two couples had run almost in tandem, reminding everyone what the true reason for any couple forming a potentially lifelong partnership should be; simply falling in love and wanting to stay that way!
But what fascinated Margaret Reeve were the traits that were common across the group and which were completely unique to them and quite different to the usual run of undergraduates. Firstly, they were mature. As individuals, on arrival they were mature; noticeably more so than the average. And when they became partnerships they suddenly grew up completely, overnight. So much so, that they outgrew the other students around them. Where the three couples became even closer and they sought the company of families, siblings and people more senior in age like herself and Viktor, Gerry and Wayne, and others. The remainder of the Eight; were loyal to a man; Stephen, Andrew, Richard and Peter were as close to the three couples as ever! Next, thought the Dean, they were old-fashioned and had lovely manners. All of them. Treated women well; no wonder the girls flocked around them, only to be mostly disappointed in the end! Yet another reason why they found so many of their fellow undergraduates boring and uninteresting. And whilst they had all partied hard they really weren’t interested in the club scene anymore. Whilst all of them had obviously experimented with drugs, they had, to a man, decided to walk away from chemical enhancement; mainly due to Angelo’s experiences and example. To a man the rowing group were family orientated; they understood how important their family structure was to their future, but there was a genuine mutuality also; the generations seemed to blend into each other.
*****
There was a capacity crowd in the room; actually the main restaurant area, cleared of furniture, with row upon row of seating. The Dean was pleasantly surprised at the attendance from the university. As promised, all the directors were there; sitting in the two rows immediately behind the families. She and Viktor sat across the aisle from them; they tolerated the Dean, but she knew that the moment the university’s income faltered, she was in trouble because her progressive thinking on social issues was in contrast to the majority of board members. But there was hope she decided; she had demonstrated without doubt that diversity was marketable in the business of academia and also highly profitable. So she had nearly half the board on side, which was a great comfort; she just wanted to have some social interaction without them for one day! She knew that today was going to be special, just like the other two wedding days. She noted with interest that the ‘carrion’ were also there; ----- the press. Only in small numbers but Adam and Patrick’s attendance and participation was still a great drawcard. And so were Lance and Angelo; they were the first of the group married and were quite media savvy, thanks to Lance’s intelligence and Angelo’s commonsense. And then, almost as if they materialised from nowhere, the Prime Minister and Praveen filled two of the seats in the family section. No fuss, no fanfare, just Tim and Praveen being the stunning role models they were famous for. ‘Nothing like a same-sex wedding,’ she decided, ‘the queens know how to throw a great party. And they can upstage everyone, when the country’s leader and his partner quietly join in the celebration!’
It was nearly time for the ceremony to begin and her colleague, David Canning, the celebrant was already in place at the front of the room, overlooking a great view of the ocean. As she watched, the entire wall of windows lifted, and slowly ascended into the ceiling, leaving an uninterrupted view out to sea. In the middle distance there was a vessel; seemingly just hanging in space but slowly making its way towards them. As it drew closer, the guests were able to make out more detail; to the keen maritime observer she was obviously from the local club, because she flew both the Australian flag and the club flag. The celebrant stood to one side and beckoned the crowd to move closer. Margaret and Viktor left their seats and moved to where they could clearly see the dramatic event taking place. Maurie tapped Margaret on the shoulder, kissing both her and Viktor on the cheek.
“There’s no doubt about it, you girls know to put on a good show,” she laughed. Maurie was pensive for once; and couldn’t be encouraged to make his normal vitriolic outburst. Margaret wondered if he was ill.
“There you are Margaret,” he smiled, “a really interesting social conundrum! Two originally straight boys and already they are just so gay! Fancy arriving by sea for your bloody wedding! My deah,” he grinned. He was serious again. “Back when I was their age,” he said, “people would say, usually rather nastily, ‘oh, there are so many gays in the theatre.’ And the standard response was; ‘but there is just so much theatre in the gays.’ Because we all spent our lives acting out a charade, living double lives and theatre was a natural by-product of our existence.”
Margaret nodded silently in agreement.
“My point is this, Margaret, that those days are long gone where kids had to hide their sexuality completely, and yet here is Jacob, organising this function like a ringmaster or mistress, at a bloody circus. To my knowledge there are no theatrical people in either family, so Margaret, it has to be the environment created by Adam and Patrick!”
The vessel drew closer; the teak decks gleamed with fresh varnish, the wheelhouse had a new coat of paint, the mast and rigging had everything in place and were spotless. The metal fittings in either brass or chrome were shining in the sunlight. It was a perfect morning.
“I wonder if Jacob organised the weather as well,” whispered Margaret.
“Mother nature wouldn’t dare get it wrong,” laughed Maurie; “but I’m sure there was a backup plan, just in case.”
She was only a hundred metres away; and the name could be seen clearly above the wheelhouse; Viator.
“What’s that mean Margaret?” asked Maurie.
Viktor smiled at them both; “It’s Latin for traveller or messenger, actually.”
The air horns sounded through the warm still air, adding to the spectacle.
The Viator had created a slight swell from her own wake, and she gently rode the rise and fall without losing way. Through the screen, a head of purple hair could be seen, very much in control.
“That’s Leticia at the wheel,” cried Margaret delightedly. “I heard she was a good skipper!”
A small puff of black smoke belched from the stern as Leticia gunned the twin GM diesels to bring the Viator into line. Within two minutes she had slipped in gracefully next to the wharf, the grandchildren throwing out the mooring lines as Leticia reversed the engines momentarily, then shut them down.
“Look at them,” whispered the Dean, “have you ever seen anything so spectacular?”
Darcy and Jacob stood together in the bow of the Viator, smiling broadly whilst cameras flashed everywhere. They both wore naval whites; with AMYC blazers. Along the wharf was a guard of honour; the entire club membership led by Bernie McGregor (who was Commodore this year), were lined up as Darcy and Jacob slowly walked past, shaking hands with everyone and thanking them for their participation. The family followed behind them, and well rehearsed, they took their places in the front rows as the guests returned to theirs. And finally, there they were, framed in the window opening together with Lance and Angelo; Adam and Patrick. They stood facing each other with Lance and Adam as Darcy’s men and Angelo and Patrick on Jacob’s side.
The celebrant introduced the ceremony by talking about the inevitability of Darcy and Jacob’s partnership. How it was so obviously meant to be. How Darcy, the matchmaker, through his kindness to other people, had met his own match! How their partnership was so loving and natural from the very beginning and how they had drawn family and friends together by the sheer force of their love for each other. How they both knew instantly they were a partnership for life; and even back then they had begun planning for the future.
“Darcy and Jacob,” said David Canning, “you have taken an already strong partnership and you have improved on it! You have brought the best out in each other, working together, supporting each other, maximising the individual strengths you each bring to the partnership with a most unselfish attitude.
Because of that attitude, your partnership continues to have unlimited potential, and you should both be very proud of what you have achieved together.
Your expectation of today’s ceremony is correct; you understand it is not a safety net, but a formalisation of what you already have, a wonderfully warm and affectionate partnership that sets a stunning example to those around you!”
The Sullivan and Kaplan clan applauded, followed quickly by the guests. Not raucous university type applause, but warmer, more mature and meaningful, because at this ceremony, the university contingent was evenly balanced by local identities. Local people who had taken ownership of Darcy and Jacob and treated them as their own. Because Darcy and Jacob had chosen them as friends and the North Coast as a future place to live. All over, game set and match. Decision made. Homophobia sunk without a trace on the North Coast!
David Canning didn’t stuff around; he promised Jacob it would be similar in length to Adam and Patrick’s ceremony, and it was.
But it was the final reading that brought the house down; presented jointly by their two mothers, Leticia and Iris. It was partly the focus on the nautical theme, and partly because it was just so much Darcy and Jacob:
“Time does not stand still
But one moment in time can stretch to eternity.
One moment when eyes meet and sparkle in a place known only to two,
Where warm sands and salt in the air are perfect,
But would not be so, without the presence of the other,
Hands entwined and ocean air breathed as one.
This moment is your love.
It is in this moment that you commit.
In this moment that you trust you will spend your lives
As lovers, partners and friends.
The nights where the breath of one
Lulls the other into shared dreams, has just begun.
A lifetime stretches before you
But you are not daunted.
For you will live each day together.
Together in the moment,
Together in love.”
Silence fell on the gathering; as everyone focussed on the guests of honour. The old celebrant produced his giant handkerchief, and wiping his eyes, he pronounced Darcy and Jacob to be partners for life, and if Jacob was willing, he indicated Darcy could claim his first kiss as a married man! To everyone watching it seemed Darcy would never wipe the huge grin from his face, as he drew Jacob to him, planting a most sensuous, sloppy kiss on Jacob’s ample lips. The noise from the young kids outside in their tent was deafening, followed by a roar from family and friends. They signed the documents at the little table provided for the purpose, and their fathers were their witnesses. Max Kaplan was Darcy’s witness and a deeply moved Jack Sullivan witnessed Jacob’s signature. David Canning presented the Certificate of Marriage and everyone stood as Darcy and Jacob, Lance, Angelo, Adam and Patrick made their way to ‘Jack’s Kids’ in the marquee. The other members of the Eight followed them in and they were all greeted with loud cheering. Autographs were signed and the three same-sex couples circulated, working the room, making sure they spoke to everyone.
It was nearly time to return to their guests in the reception area when the two man of the Eight, Peter Finche, asked if he could use the microphone thoughtfully put in place by Jack Sullivan.
“I want to congratulate you all,” he said smiling kindly at the room of young people. “You have so much courage,” he said, “and you make me feel ashamed of myself. Here we are, in a progressive society surrounded by wonderful role models, and only now, through your public statement, have I finally been encouraged to proudly and openly confirm that I too am also a proud gay man. I know the death of your friend Jeremy must depress you and sadden you. But don’t allow it to frighten you! I too come from a regional centre and have suffered the same bullshit that has been heaped on you guys. Don’t let the arrogance of ignorance get to you! Don’t let Jeremy’s passing be in vain! You are amazing young people and I wish you much happiness and love in your lives.”
Lance and Angelo moved to his side quickly, followed by the two other couples.
Richard Nation, the three man in the Eight and Peter’s childhood friend, stood motionless with his eyes downcast. Everyone suspected Richard and Peter had been having a secret affair for a long time, but they also knew of his family’s religious stance which strictly forbade such unions. So it was obvious their relationship was over, and Stephanie Henning, his girlfriend would be his only focus. Complicated because everyone, including Peter, thought Steph was lovely, and she was. And Richard was a quiet guy with a loving nature, everyone understood the family pressure to conform had the potential to ruin his life. But that was his business after all and he must take responsibility for it. And as they had done with their own in the past, Adam and Patrick first, then Angelo and Lance, and finally Darcy and Jacob, they gathered around, sensing there was a need for comfort, support and love more than ever in their little group.
“I’m sorry,” said Peter to Richard, “but I have to move on and I need to feel proud of what and who I am, the same as you do. But I want you to know I’ll always be your friend, OK?”
Richard looked visibly shaken, and they embraced. And no more was said. Stephen Wu, the stroke looked upset and pensive, as did Andrew Price, even though his fiancée Amanda was on his arm.
*****
The time flew away; the afternoon disappeared with frequent servings of finger food, and some fine wines. Even the Dean found a red she was happy with and proceeded to ‘hold court’ with a cadre of fellow good conversationalists. Darcy and Jacob spoke to everyone; no mean task at such a function, and in common with many couples on their wedding day, were mentally exhausted after a few hours. They collected Adam and Patrick, Lance and Angelo, and left quietly for their hotel in a waiting stretch limousine. Darcy and Jacob had intimated that they needed to talk to them about some business over a glass of wine, and in private.
“Look at the view,” breathed Angelo. The others nodded; Darcy and Jacob’s room had floor to ceiling glass and the view was breathtaking. There was real money in both families, everyone knew, and this was simply further evidence. But Darcy and Jacob were like the two other couples in the room; totally unaffected and unpretentious. As Jacob once explained; ‘pretentious people usually create so much artificiality in their lifestyles they are unable to distinguish real from the imaginary and when hard economic times arrive, they are the first to jump out the windows!’ He had held forth on the subject with the Dean and other senior lecturers and they couldn’t help but marvel at his balance between essential economics and commonsense, for one so young. And it didn’t stop there.
The day following Darcy’s proposal, Jacob had sat his partner down and reviewed their finances. Jacob had done well. Very well for a kid who had started an investment portfolio from his pocket money! Darcy’s eyes nearly fell out of his head when he looked at the numbers.
“How?” was all he could manage.
“Dad and mum rewarded me by matching my monthly profits and I reinvested the lot,” he smiled. “That, plus I did a few deals margin trading until I decided it was too risky. Not my investment profile at all; too much greed to be safe, so I quit whilst I was ahead. And just in time because the market went pear-shaped!” Darcy just shook his head.
“Well I don’t bring as much as that to the table,” he said, “but dad matched me two for one with my savings account from when I was a little tacker and I bought blocks of land and paid them off slowly.”
Jacob stared, shaking his head as he studied the documents.
“If our parents keep their part of the agreement and pay for all our education, then we’re worth about half a million dollars, Darce.”
Darcy shook his head and grinned. “Bit of a team, aren’t we?” he smiled. “This is where everyone gets fair dinkum, isn’t it! Like it’s all ours now instead of yours an’ mine!”
*****
“Here’s to us all,” said Darcy, raising his glass, and the six mates raised their glasses in a tribute to gay marriage.
“So,” Jacob grinned, “we have some news. My dad and mum have given us some real estate for a wedding present. A group of four units, just outside the university grounds. All paid for, all we have to find are the utilities. We were wondering if you guys would like to take a unit each.”
“Oh we couldn’t swing it for anymore money,” said Angelo; “we’re a bit strapped as it is. Lance’s grandparents are wonderful but we can’t keep on holding our hand out forever.”
It was Darcy who replied quietly and gently. “You won’t need to put in anything more than a token amount to cover the utilities,” he smiled. “None of us have forgotten how you guys literally gave away thousands of dollars to get the Eight to the Olympics. Our parents were amazed how unselfish you guys were. That’s why they topped up the fund. Adam and Patrick reckon much of their victory came from the fact that the university ‘family’ was there all around them. That unit is yours even after university if you need it, just say the word.”
“And you need a kitchen so you can cook for your man, don’t you Ange?” smiled Jacob. “The smell of lasagne in the dorm has been driving everyone mad with hunger for months!”
He turned to Adam and Patrick who were sitting open-mouthed next to the window.
“And we know you guys wanted extra space so your security mate, what’s his name; Matthew, could be close by?”
They nodded, speechless. Matthew had indeed accepted an offer from the Dean to be the permanent head of university security, and he needed somewhere to hang his hat and raise his kids. Because his marriage had broken down, and he had decided to move away from Sydney. And so it was settled; the logistical details to be covered later; the trust between the three couples never an issue. Matthew would have the three-bedroom unit so his kids could have their privacy, Adam and Patrick had the corner unit with a fenced in yard for Jack, Darcy and Jacob and Lance and Angelo had the two street level units at the front. Patrick quickly rang a surprised Matthew, who simply couldn’t believe his good fortune. A new career and a new home within two days, all happening so his kids could transfer with the least amount of interruption to their studies and to new schools in late January.