Rhythm

by

John Terry Moore
 

CHAPTER 27

Graduation loomed close; the academic year had never seemed to fly by as quickly as this bloody one, Margaret Reeve thought to herself.  She felt a sense of dread; ‘almost as if someone had walked over her grave’ was the old expression.  She shivered in her office chair even though the day was warm; summer was just a few days away.  She would lose her ‘family’ this year, she realised.  In fact she had been dreading it.  ‘She knew now, she mused, ‘how a mother feels when their child or children leave home.’  She sniffled a little through her nose, and Merle, her assistant, picked up on the body language instantly.  After all, she was a woman, and her natural intuition was working overtime!  She walked behind the Dean’s desk, slipping her arm around her shoulders.  “Madam,” she said, “of course you will miss them all.  We all will, not just staff members like ourselves, but the other students in this place, from all faculties.  There is no doubt the dynamics of everyday life will be quite different, but it’s not the end of the world!  Adam and Patrick have lecture commitments here once a month, Lance and Angelo will be nearby working, Peter Finche will be the new Admin. Executive at the ICHP, Matthew, Philippe and their children are welded into the infrastructure, along with Gerry, Wayne and Bronwyn.  Richard, Andrew and Stephen will all be living locally with their wives and families, so try to look on the positive side of things.  I know Darcy and Jacob will be living on the North Coast, but I have a feeling they’ll be more regular visitors than some of the boys who live locally.”  The Dean nodded her head, but there was still a film of tears there. 

“Madam,” said Merle gently, “drink your tea.  I’ve given you a good shot of Ballantine’s in it to settle you down!” 

“You think of everything, Merle,” she smiled.  “I must say I feel better already!” 

*****

It had been another eventful year, the Dean decided, the highlight most certainly the quiet but meaningful marriage ceremony of Matthew and Philippe in October.  Philippe’s parents arrived from Paris in a whirl of Gallic fervour, assuming that Australia was just another European outpost, but leaving a month or so later, with a totally different mindset.  They had taken news of their son’s impending nuptials with a degree of scepticism, basing their judgement on his previous lovers and were totally ignorant of the sophisticated little international society Australia had become.  The first shock was Matthew.  Probably expecting a flaring, screaming queen, they were greeted by a handsome, well -groomed man in his mid-thirties with two children!  A good man, loving, kind and gentle.  Around thirteen years older than Philippe, instead of forty years his senior as was the case in the past!  And their son was almost unrecognisable!!  Gone was the technicolour hair and most of the piercings!  So much so they found they actually missed the visual spectacle that once was part of their son’s persona!  Replaced by an urbane, handsome creature who turned heads everywhere because of his natural good looks, not outlandish dress or behaviour.  Now they had to reconcile themselves to a young man who had embraced adulthood in an instant, and who was co-parenting two children! 

It was the children who perhaps astonished them the most.  Jon and Susie were mature, confident, well-presented kids who had an opinion on most things but who also were beautifully mannered and thoughtful.  And they were learning French; so fluent had they become that Henri and Claudette Dubois were flabbergasted.  Even Matthew had grasped the essentials of the language!  So this little place on the other side of the world suddenly appeared moderately sophisticated; not like Paris, certainly, but it was charming in its own way! 

Henri and Claudette were stunned, because the next surprise was to be the ceremony itself.  They were dumfounded to find that this was no civil commitment ceremony, but a full-on marriage ceremony!  With no religion!  Unthinkable!  So Henri demanded some changes.  And was politely told by Matthew that changes were not possible.  Henri screamed and shrieked until Matthew reminded him that it was his son’s specific request that religion in any way, shape or form was banned in their ceremony.  That this was the way of modern Australia anyway.  And he was sorry that Henri didn’t approve, but if he felt uncomfortable with the ceremony he could exercise whatever options he thought appropriate!  Claudette smiled; she knew her husband had been out-manoeuvred, that it was none of their business anyway, and she gleefully prepared to enjoy her son’s wedding day! 

*****

They had a rehearsal, which everyone except Henri attended.  Claudette promised she would school Henri in his duties, and she did so, her husband nodding in sullen agreement.  But none of it prepared Henri for the real thing. 

He and Claudette, together with Philippe waited in the anteroom next to the chapel.  At precisely 11.00am, the door was opened and Advance Australia Fair rang out, the guests stood and Matthew, Jon and Susie walked in from the room opposite, accompanied by his parents.  Then it was their turn as La Marseillaise began and Henri’s eyes nearly popped out of his head!  Philippe led his parents into the ceremonial area, and ‘parked’ them next to him.  The ceremony was all about the blending together of new and old traditions and cultures and how in about seven months or so, Matthew and Philippe had harmoniously and successfully done exactly that.  And he told the story of how the children refused to give up on Matthew and Philippe, and how they locked them in the bedroom to settle their differences!  So in the final analysis, it was Jon and Susie who were involved in the process from the moment Philippe came into their lives!  And therefore, it was appropriate that they formally and officially gave their father in marriage to Philippe!  Then Henri and Claudette were asked if they gave Philippe in marriage to Matthew.  Amazed beyond belief, they nodded in agreement.  Henri was blown away.  Never had anything ever moved him as much as his son’s wedding.  The whole experience had caused him to look at Philippe in a new light; realising how quickly and competently Philippe had taken over his parenting role, helping create a new family.  The son he thought was a wastrel and who he had almost disowned, was a loving, kind, hardworking partner and parent.  And how Matthew must love Philippe so!  To recover from the disloyalty of an uncaring wife and embrace such a different lifestyle in a comparatively short period, spoke volumes of their love for each other!  Suddenly Henri knew he had some apologising to do.  Firstly to his wife, because he had no doubt embarrassed her with his various outbursts.  Then he wept as he told Matthew and Philippe how he was an arrogant French ‘porcine’ and begged their forgiveness. 

At the reception, he was the epitome of the French gentleman; very gallant with the ladies and friendly to the gentlemen.  Then the final piece of information finally fell into place, and he had to sit down in one of the armchairs scattered around the reception area.  Philippe went over to him and sat on the arm of the chair. 

“Are you; ahem, are you going to ’ave anymore family?” Henri said in English.  “Mais non, Papa,” smiled Philippe.  “We ’ave two beautiful kids, I love them so much I do not think we should bring anymore into the world.  It is an expensive business to bring up children; Jon and Susie ’ave already suffered enough, they share with each other so well; I do not think they should ’ave to share with any others.  Much better we do a good job with these so they reach their full potential, n’cest pas?” 

His father smiled, understanding. 

“So Jonathon and Susan are our grandchildren, are they not?” 

“Oui, Papa, they are.” 

Henri wept, his very French way of expressing emotion.  Claudette walked across, sitting on the other arm of the chair and held his hand.  Henri wept for his stupidity, his arrogance, but above all, his lack of any real interest in his son.  He had missed a large part of his son’s upbringing because he thought Philippe and he were poles apart.  And now time had proven him wrong; so wrong in fact he wondered where his mind had been all along.  He kissed Philippe on both cheeks and wandered away. 

Claudette looked at her son. 

“’e needs some time to think it through,” she said.  “Look at ’im.” 

Henri had begun talking animatedly with Susie, whose eyes twinkled with merriment.  Jon came over, just in case his sister needed some protecting.  Old Man Henri didn’t have much of a track record to judge him on at this stage, but up until now they had been treated with indifference, which was probably worse than verbal abuse anyway!  But he was being really cool with Susie and he joined in the conversation politely, just as Philippe had trained them to.  Henri apologised to them both; and ruefully admitted that he and Claudette had just realised they were officially grandparents!  Then he amazed the kids because he actually asked them what they expected of their new grand pere and grand mere!  “Well,” said Susie, “you have to be around!  Like Pa and Gran Drummond!  Then you have to be able to cook, at least as good as Philippe!  Then you have to be able to tell stories at bedtime, even when we’re big kids, because we love Philippe’s stories.  And Pa and Gran Drummond take us to the movies every time we’re in Melbourne and we go out for a nice meal afterward.”  Susie stopped to draw breath and a delighted Claudette asked Jon to comment.  Jon was going through a ‘serious’ stage in his development, but he made his point very well.  “We know our parents love us,” he said.  “But if they should have a terrible accident before we are fully grown up, we would need someone to care for us.  And Gran and Pa Drummond are getting pretty old now, so it would be very hard for them to raise us.  Frankly,” he said with a hint of melodrama, “we could even end up back with our mother’s family and that would be unacceptable.” 

Henri and Claudette looked at the kids with compassion. 

“You really love your parents, don’t you?” smiled Claudette, looking across the room at their son and Matthew holding hands and chatting to the famous rowers, Adam and Patrick. 

“Oh yes,” they chorused.  “We chose them, you know!” 

After two nights at the same little hotel Adam and Patrick had so enjoyed after their wedding, they returned home.  There was a cooked meal on the table, a good red wine and a two overfed and happy children.  After the children had excused themselves Henri spoke. 

“We are so ’appy for you all,” he said.  “Maman and I we want to ’elp you as much as possible.”  Henri studied his hands, not wanting to be seen as the arrogant Frenchman, who didn’t consult.  He raised his eyes and looked at Matthew and Philippe. 

“With your permission,” he said, “we would like to pay for the children’s education.  All of it, beginning from now.  We will create a trust fund for them, so even if some accident ’appen with you, they still ’ave their schooling and university.” 

Matthew looked at Philippe whose eyes had nearly fallen out of their head. 

“That is very kind, Henri,” said Matthew, “but that is in the tens of thousands of dollars, we could not accept that!” 

“You must please,” said Claudette.  “Henri ’as set ’is mind on it.  Don’t think of it as a gift, think of it as an investment in the children.  They ’ave ’ad such a sad start to their lives, now they are ’appy, anyone can see that.  You are the wonderful parents, they ’ave beautiful manners, and already so grown up.  We do this,” she said, “not because we are guilty, but because we are proud of you all.  It is our way to be what do you say; practical!” 

“We are aware,” Henri said, “that to be good grandparents, we should be ’ere,” he said, pointing to the ground.  “’ere in Australia.  This is what Miss Susie she tells us after we ask them!” 

Matthew looked horrified, but Philippe laughed, his beautiful warm laugh that Matthew loved so much about him. 

“Matt-Hew,” he said, “remember we train them to speak the truth, say what is on their mind, and no bullshit, correct?  Then that is what they ’ave done!  So they tell their new grandparents what they expect of them!  That is good.  So Papa,” he said to Henri, “how are you going to accomplish this?” 

“Move to Australia as soon as the Immigration people will allow us.” 

There were few times in Philippe’s life when he was lost for words but this was one of them.  He finally found his voice again. 

“But you will miss Paris, Papa!” 

“Maybe so, maybe not, so Maman and I will keep a small apartment there.  In the meantime, with your approval, we ’ave you all in Paris at Christmas.  It will be cold, but think how Jon and Susie will enjoy all the galleries and museums, all the culture.  They will love it, yes?” 

*****

Graduation was, as usual, a colourful affair; families and friends gathered for nearly two full days of ceremony.  The Dean was exhausted; the university enrolments were at an all-time high in all faculties; many students transferring from other universities and from around the world because the combination of sporting prowess and socially progressive policies.  So this was the single largest number of graduations in any one year and the Dean had been determined she would attend each and every degree or diploma presentation.  She wanted no remoteness, no echelons of management like the corporate world; she wanted students to feel as if they were part of a family.  And it looked like she had succeeded.  But she also broke with tradition; insisting those married couples who graduated from the same faculty could receive their degrees together.  There were six couples in that criteria; three hetero and three same-sex couples.  The hetero couples were first, followed by the same-sex couples.  Firstly Lance and Angelo; then Darcy and Jacob, and finally Adam and Patrick.  Pharmacy, Accountancy and Agriculture.  Each of them had managed sporting commitments, family and business commitments and had still graduated at the very top of their class. 

“And to top it all off,” she said, ‘Adam and Patrick had brought great honour to the university, as sportsmen and as international role models.” 

The Dean then reminded everyone that this was indeed a sad year for the university; not only were Adam and Patrick graduating, but so were the entire University Eight.  But she pointed out that their legacy was an on-going one; that like the rowing group, graduates should consider some ongoing relationship with the university.  That Adam and Patrick would be lecturing in the Social Sciences Forum once a month, that Peter Finche was joining the ICHP as Executive Administrator, and that other career opportunities existed within the university structure, both full-time and part-time.  And Lance and Angelo had tirelessly given their time and energy to help same-sex attracted individuals and couples adjust to their societal status, both within the university and outside in the local community.  She acknowledged she sounded like an ex-American President, but she continued, anyway! 

“Think not what the university can do for you, but for what you can do for the university.  Sooner rather than later,” she added, “in about twenty years or so, your children will most likely be students at this place.  Time moves so quickly, so don’t waste a minute, but I beg you to keep in touch and help grow this place so we continue to offer academic excellence against the background of a free spirit. 

But now, dear friends,” she said, “the final presentation of graduation is upon us.  Some years ago, as many of you realise, two wonderful people from the United States, Alain Le Maitre and his partner Kenneth Osborne, arrived at this campus searching for a progressive environment in which to set up a philanthropic organisation.  An organisation dedicated to the defence and the support of same-sex attracted people and couples around the world.  The International Centre for Human Partnerships has since become annexed to the university and is known around the world for its very direct involvement in same-sex politics.  It has created dialogue with governments around the world; has funded protest marches, Internet campaigns and advertising programs which have changed cultural attitudes, and helped outlaw homophobia.  It has led the way to ensure that same-sex couples and their children enjoy the same rights, privileges and responsibilities that hetero couples and their children have always taken for granted.  The ICHP has become one of the largest service providers of surrogate services for same-sex and hetero couples globally, and a significant player in international adoption services business. 

Whilst I hate to commercialise something as precious as children,” said the Dean, “it is a fact that Australia’s surrogacy and adoption industry now has a turnover in the hundreds of millions annually, courtesy of the expertise and financial leadership of the ICHP.  In addition, each year, the ICHP have also publicly rewarded individuals who have demonstrated a capacity to give of themselves to the cause of same-sex attracted people with the emphasis on practical and effective results.  These annual awards have become quite prestigious in their own right; I prefer to think of them as the Nobel Peace Prize for the same-sex families around the world,” she smiled. 

“The first ever Australian recipients of these awards were of course, Adam Church and Patrick Benson in 2020 for their example as a same-sex couple in a global sporting situation and their subsequent hard work and media publicity.  No one could ever dispute, that through their efforts, same-sex couples and individuals all over the world, even in societies where such partnerships are frowned upon, can now rest just a little easier.  The following year the award, of course, went to Yan Sheng in China, who tirelessly worked from his office in Beijing for some twenty years, fighting for our same-sex colleagues there, almost single-handed creating history by gradually turning Chinese public opinion from total non-acceptance to where most modern Chinese people actually understand that same-sex couples can actually strengthen the ancient Chinese family model!

Which brings me to this year,” said the Dean, her eyes twinkling.  “The Directors have decided that for the second time, Australia is the worthy recipient of the annual award.  In doing so, they have created a precedent; splitting the award into two parts; the first for honourable mention, and the second part the Humanitarian Award itself.  The first part is awarded to the University Eight of the last four years; Stephen Wu, Lance Hasan, Darcy Sullivan, Jacob Kaplan, Andrew Price, Richard Nation, Peter Finche and Angelo Rossetti. 

But the 2022 Humanitarian Award goes to the very first same-sex couple to be married here in the ICHP chapel, Lance Hasan and Angelo Rossetti!” 

The remainder of the Eight jumped to their feet, pumping the air as a dazed Lance and Angelo walked to the stage, to thunderous applause from their peers. 

Alain Le Maitre and Kenneth Osborne, founders of the ICHP, welcomed them on stage.  Alain read the citation:

“Lance and Angelo,” he began.  “It is with great pride that we welcome the Annual ICHP Humanitarian prize back to Australia, our adopted country and now of course the international headquarters for the ICHP.  In making our decision, the Directors naturally reviewed all of the background and history of the nominees.” 

Lance shook his head in disbelief and said quietly to Angelo, “Didn’t even know we were nominees!” 

Alain overheard him and smiled broadly. 

“You have so many friends in this place; just think of two other couples close to you!” 

Adam, Patrick, Darcy and Jacob smiled proudly back. 

Alain continued, “We realised, Lance, that your work with same-sex attracted kids started when you were a teenager yourself, particularly with the local Sudanese population.  Then you came to this place and relaxed.” 

Lance grinned back and nodded his head in agreement. 

“Then you and Angelo became a couple, and as is the case with all successful partnerships, you improved each other as a result, welding yourselves into a formidable partnership.  Immediately you set about, in a most unselfish manner, and donated several thousand dollars from your media earnings to ensure the entire University Eight travelled to the Olympic Games, setting the stage for Adam and Patrick’s victory and ensuring the university and the ICHP were promoted like never before, satisfying the key criteria that the contribution of nominees must be practical and effective. 

On your return home, you continued to support young people with drug and alcohol problems here on the main campus, and particularly those kids who were struggling with their sexual and emotional identities.  Suddenly, the university was overrun with kids from all around the world, sent here to study by their parents because of its enhanced reputation as an ‘alternative lifestyle’ outpost of academia.  But many of those kids needed help, counselling and friendship, away from their families and their support groups. 

Lance and Angelo, you have provided all of that and more.  Who can forget the smell of lasagne wafting through these corridors of learning?”  There was a roar of laughter from everyone as Alain continued. 

“Working closely with Gerry Hansen, you have turned many negatives into positives.  There is no doubt you have saved lives by making people feel comfortable with themselves, and by feeding them until they were too full to harm themselves further!  Your generosity over the last two years has been legendary.  From your own personal resources you have created a family type structure around lonely and sometimes confused kids, all of whom will remember your kindness and unselfish behaviour. 

Along with Adam and Patrick and the other members of the University Eight, you have set an international example, and have done so whilst maintaining the highest possible personal academic achievement as joint dux of the School of Pharmacy.”   There was a pause while the audience reflected on his words.

“Boys,” he said, “we congratulate you both on your magnificent achievement and wish you well in your new business venture.” 

He shook their hands, handing them a rather large envelope, and they left the stage to further applause.  Then they were back again to receive their Honourable Mention medallions, along with the other members of the Eight, eventually returning to their seats.  They finally walked outside, and there were hugs and handshakes from everyone. 

“What’s in the envelope?” said Darcy, lifting his eyebrows. 

“Haven’t looked yet,” said Lance, handing it to Angelo to open.  Angelo’s eyes nearly fell out of his head. 

“Jesus Christ!” he said.  “How did they ever know about this stuff?” trying to look both grim and delighted all at once.  Lance took the documents and was equally floored.  But his gratitude showed through.  In over two years of marriage, their only difficulty as a couple had been Angelo’s independent nature.  They had struggled financially which upset the others, particularly given their amazing generosity and community service.  But Angelo was a proud little person and point blank refused anything more from their families than support for their education.  And now it was resolved.  Lance found a seat, sat down and cried with relief. 

The run-down old pharmacy near the university on which they had unsuccessfully tried to negotiate a lease was now theirs.  Freehold and business together.  With a mortgage of course, but the first repayments were scheduled for nearly eight months away, when they would have established an income stream.  It was the closest pharmacy to the university; had a ramshackle residence upstairs and importantly, a partially covered-in barbeque area in the backyard where they could continue their work with young people in trouble.  Angelo came over and cuddled his big partner; he couldn’t object to this; they had after all, won a prestigious award, but there was no doubt from where the ICHP Directors had gleaned their information; Adam, Patrick, Darcy and Jacob!  Jacob was the first to wish them well. 

“So you’re finally getting back some of what you’ve both put in,” he said.  “About bloody time!”

*****

Cardboard boxes stood everywhere.  Adam and Patrick’s personal possessions, including some furniture, stood waiting for Tom Church the following day with the little one tonne truck from the farm. 

The other units were in a similar state of flux. 

It was over; the sadness they all felt at leaving balanced by the excitement of the future stretching ahead.  The units had been sold to the university; giving Darcy and Jacob their seed money to start their business on the North Coast  

Matthew and Philippe would stay on, of course.  Matthew had planned some extra study; preparing himself for later life as an academic administrator, and Philippe would complete his Diploma of Education in a few months.  They were busy winding up their year in preparation for their trip to Paris.  Jon and Susie were on countdown for their holiday and were beyond excitement. 

*****

The final day was a blast.  From quite early, there was a substantial crowd gathered at the boat sheds as planned.  There was a barbeque funded by the university, and even some ex-alumni were there, including both Praveen and the Prime Minister.  Praveen walked around, a handshake here, a kiss on the cheek there.  He spent time with as many graduates as possible, as did the Prime Minister.  But they both made it perfectly clear that their main reason for attending was to congratulate the winners of the ICHP humanitarian awards.  And the press were there, the Dean never missing an opportunity.  A photographer, with Gerry Hansen’s help, rounded up the Eight, Adam and Patrick, Michael Mitchell and the Dean for a group shot. 

The Dean watched as they crowded in together, arms around waists and shoulders, all physically close to each other, noting that Peter and Richard, Stephen and Andrew naturally stood close together.  She thought it was rather lovely that even though some had gone their separate ways, that the bonds of friendship were perhaps stronger than ever.  She dreamed of eventually publishing her observations of these young people and of other group photographs in the future, when their children started arriving.  ‘Yes’ she thought, ‘no description of this group can be complete until the next generation begins to arrive.’  Patrick wanted four children, she remembered with a smile, and there was no doubt they would have them!  And Lance and Angelo, Darcy and Jacob were just waiting to establish themselves before they had families.  She sighed and wondered if her predictions would ever come to pass.  She and Viktor had teased each other over the remainder of the Eight.  Viktor said she was dreaming; Stephen Wu was married with one child already, and another about to arrive.  Richard and Stephanie would marry in just a few months, as would Andrew and Amanda.  The Dean didn’t care for the obvious, and she told her husband so.  She had the strongest feeling, only reinforced by time, that certain young people had chosen a path that only spelled future trouble and anxiety, even in this most progressive of societies.  She felt a sense of doom, but also, somewhere in the back of her mind there was optimism.  Because love, she decided, would always find a way.  The one human emotion that had the capacity to heal and move on.

Around 10.30am Adam and Patrick put their little craft in the water, slipped their paddles into place and pushed off.  They had kept in touch; about twice a month they would take about an hour away from a busy schedule and just have a row for exercise.  And it showed; Michael Mitchell beaming proudly as they scooted out into mid-river, followed by the ponderous Eight, still strapping in and arguing amongst themselves. 

“Just listen to those bloody bitches,” laughed Patrick.  “Like a bloody lot of old women!” 

Both craft turned up river and settled into an easy rhythm; all of them putting their minds to the task ahead, a social row where they didn’t have to be competitive, just enjoy being together, with Adam and Patrick swinging along beside them.  The coxswain, Michael Mitchell’s son, Julian, called them to a halt, and they rested on their oars.  He turned them around and they set off down river for the photographic and video opportunity the Dean had promised the press.  They swung into sight again, the boat sheds looming closer. 

Adam and Patrick were on the inside with the Eight as a backdrop. 

Almost magically, their rhythm appeared to have transferred to the Eight. 

Michael Mitchell stood there, his mouth open.  The Dean moved next to him, smiling. 

“So beautiful to watch,” she said.  “I know nothing about the sport, but it’s quite perfection, is it not, Michael?” 

“Why couldn’t those buggers row like that in races?” he wailed.  “Look at them, in complete harmony, just like Adam and Patrick!” 

Michael turned and looked at the Dean, who was smiling in her knowing way. 

“Yes Michael,” she replied, “just like Adam and Patrick, the rhythm of life.”