Rhythm

by

John Terry Moore
 

CHAPTER 29

At 9.00am the group put together by the Dean, assembled in the boardroom of the ICHP.  Alain Le Maitre and Kenneth Osborne, the founders and Peter’s immediate superiors were there, as were Gerry Hansen and Wayne.  Michael Mitchell, still rowing coach and an active same-sex advocate, was determined to support Richard and Peter as he had had with all of the now quite famous rowing group of 2018 through to 2022.  He continued to be amazed as Margaret Reeve’s predictions about the Eight progressively came to pass.  Next to him was the youngest member of the management group, Jared Henry, in charge of the Health Centre including the pool and gymnasium.  The Dean had briefed him, and after a preliminary  ‘attitude reassignment’, he now understood why a former graduate was to have priority over all other customers in the gym!  Angelo Rossetti was there alone because Lance was on duty at the pharmacy.  Matthew Drummond, now for several years head of university security, was there.  He was also alone; Philippe was working in his job close by as an art teacher at a high school, but had offered to help at any time.  Matthew and Philippe had been very much part of the rowing group, and as a former hetero married man, Matthew understood a little of Richard’s mindset at this time.  Their kids had grown up beautifully; Susan was dating a nice boy, and was due to start university the following year.  And Jon; well Jon, much to their pride had the courage to announce he was same-sex attracted!  And he was now an undergraduate, on campus at the School of Law.  And he had joined the rowing group; another eight boys who were great mates and according to Jon, just as camp as the 2018-2022 crew!  So this was a mission for Matthew, given his own background and his family situation, that he and Philippe felt drawn to, and they simply had to get Richard well again.  Merle, the Dean’s executive assistant was also there, as was Viktor, the Dean’s husband.  He had retired from his academic duties and was a  ‘home husband’ for Margaret Reeve as she began winding down her own career. 

The Dean chaired the meeting.  Not far from retirement but still very much on the ball she was focussed on the task ahead ----- saving a precious life an (secretly) trying to put a partnership together of two of her most precious boys from the original Eight. 

“We cannot fail,” Margaret said.  Failure was not an option, because the healthcare system had already failed Richard and they had to convince him, (undemocratically if necessary) to seek the best help available.  Then Kenneth unusually took the lead and assured Peter that his job and his income were guaranteed, and so far as the ICHP was concerned, Richard Nation was just another deserving case.  So everything he did for Richard came under his job description. 

“Oh, thank you both so much,” said Peter.  “I’m amazed at your generosity.’’ 

“As we have always been amazed by yours,” confirmed Alain. 

“This guy was a boyfriend once, yes?” 

“We’ve always been close; but as teenagers we were forced to be so discreet because of the family stance on religion.” 

“Oh,” said Alain, obviously looking for more information. 

“Well,” continued Peter, “I brought it to an end; outed myself and to an extent outed him, during our time here as undergrads.  You see, he started going out with a girl after pressure from his family, and I wasn’t prepared to share him with anybody.  And the whole secrecy thing was quite awful; I also didn’t want to live a double life anymore, particularly with couples like Adam and Patrick, Lance and Angelo, and Darcy and Jacob, all out and proud, wonderful role models, living successful and fulfilling lives.  So I split, moved home with mum and dad, and you basically know the rest.  But I told him then, as I’ve said to him when he arrived on Saturday, I’m still his friend.” 

Peter looked with pleading eyes around the room. 

“He’s got no one; his wife walked out on him and his parents have totally disowned him.  But the good news is that he’s formally resigned from the church and told his family to put their religion where the monkey puts the nuts.  So I think he’s on the right track.  What we have to be aware of is the potential for him to suicide as we get him down from the stuff that he’s on.” 

Angelo spoke for the first time. 

“Guys, Pete’s exactly correct.  Someone has prescribed the stuff he’s on when they had no real knowledge of what lay underneath.  But you should be careful here,” he emphasized, “as a practising pharmacist we can only fill what a GP or specialist prescribes.  Sometimes all of us are in the dark because the patient doesn’t want to admit they have a mental disorder, let alone admit that sexual or emotional orientation has anything to do with it.  They quite often become withdrawn from society; almost hermit-like and they usually have difficulty readjusting to normal human relationships again because their solitary lifestyle doesn’t allow them to use their social skills.  So the information we get is almost always incomplete.  But getting them off this stuff is quite often more the most dangerous exercise of all.” 

Peter hung his head, remembering a few cases over the years where Lance, Angelo and himself had been involved. 

“Don’t worry sweetheart” said Angelo to Peter; “Richard has the advantage where he’s a relatively new patient, and he’s lucky to have a team like this behind him.  But we have to get that mountainous weight off his frame, because that is weighing him down physically and mentally.  My recommendation is to get him down to the minimum dose of Zedril and keep him on it until we can get his body weight stabilised and he starts feeling better about himself.” 

Jared Henry shifted uncomfortably in his seat as all eyes turned to him. 

“We’ll need to see a full work up of diet and exercise as soon as possible, Jared,” said the Dean, a little more kindly than their last conversation. 

“Would next week be OK, Madam?” he said.  “I’ve got a huge workload at the moment.” 

The senior group who knew from experience how the Dean operated, cast their eyes downward and waited for the explosion.  And it happened as they knew it would. 

“Next week?”  she whispered, her voice rising until she was shouting.  “Next fucking week?  What fucking planet are you on?  This young man could die whilst you preen yourself in front of the female undergraduates, taking them through their useless fitness programs as you cultivate them for your next root!  We are talking about life and death here, and I would have thought by now you may have grasped the fact that this is an errand of mercy, and that it requires urgent, immediate action!”  She turned to the others at the table, a little calmer.  “Thank you all for your support; I would ask that we meet again at twelve noon tomorrow when Mr Henry will hopefully present us with an acceptable health plan which will help save dear Richard’s life.” 

She took Viktor’s hand and they left the room, followed by Alain and Kenneth. 

*****

Michael Mitchell patted Jared Henry’s hand. 

“Don’t worry, Jared,” he smiled, “we’ve all been there before.  She’s great because she doesn’t hold a grudge.” 

“Probably just as well,” he replied.  “I reckon my next appraisal is already fucked though; I just didn’t bloody think it through.” 

“So how are you going to handle this presentation?” Michael asked. 

“Oh, I’ll just go back to the text books and give her chapter and verse on the basics.” 

‘Christ,’ Michael thought, ‘maybe he is just the dumb jock that Margaret thinks he is.’ 

“Jared,” said Michael kindly.  “I think that approach will guarantee not only a poor appraisal, but get you fired from what could be a promising career.  I think you should come over to my office and allow me to brief you on some of the salient facts.” 

In his office in the old campus, Jared looked across the desk at Michael Mitchell.  He seemed such a nice old guy; ‘mid-to-late 50s’ he thought; quite balding on top but with a good growth of steely grey hair over his ears, and a lovely nature.  He felt comfortable with older guys, he reflected; perhaps not this old, but Michael was a gentleman and really seemed quite concerned about the presentation tomorrow morning. 

“Jared,” said Michael, “how long have you been here at the university?” 

“Only a year or so Michael,” he said, “just finding my way as it were.” 

“Yes,” Michael replied, remembering he was recruited from another university.  “Have you ever really been properly briefed on our recent history; you know, the university’s attitude to sexual and emotional orientation; the Olympics and our sporting heroes, Adam Church and Patrick Benson?” 

“Oh yes,” Jared replied, a broad smile on his face; “those guys were so brave and so together, I don’t think that lesson will ever be forgotten easily, for many years to come.  Actually, they’ve become part of the culture; that’s one of the reasons I came here.  Everyone wants to work here because of that!  My bloody family teased the shit outta me because of the gayness of it all, but I told ’em to grow up!” 

“But did you realise that the Eight I coached alongside of them over those years were almost all same-sex attracted as well?” 

Michael told the whole story; how after two years there were three married couples; two of them from the Eight.  Jared looked at Michael as if he were a creature from outer space. 

“I had no idea,” he began.  “So this fella with the problems is one of them?”  Michael smiled, nodded his head and told Peter and Richard’s story.  How even he had thought the Dean was mad, but that time had proven her correct.  How the Eight were all precious, and how much they all meant both to the Dean and to him. 

“She was wrong about one thing, Michael,” Jared responded quietly.  “I do try to look after everyone at the gym, including the female students, but you know yourself; you don’t play around with the undergrads; that’s an easy way to get fired.” 

Michael nodded, understanding exactly.  ‘Maybe the bloke isn’t as dumb as I think he is,’ he wondered, ‘even though he’s so blond!  So vague!’  Something rang bells in Michael‘s sub-consciousness.  He studied the young man’s face opposite; unable to put into words whatever concerned him. 

“Michael,” continued Jared, obviously trusting the father-figure that was Michael and wanting to unburden himself; “you know how the gym is open to the public as well, in limited numbers?”  Michael understood and nodded. 

“Quite a few alumni who live locally also use us as well,” Jared said.  “Well the Dean’s out of order to accuse me of racing off the young undergrads because I’ve met someone a bit older who is an ex-graduate.  And don’t worry, he wasn’t a rower, he was a footballer.” 

Michael looked Jared in the eye. 

“He,” Michael croaked. 

“Oh yes, a lovely guy, Martin.  But Madam, the Dean, she seemed to think that you, ah, were definitely into the ladies, right?” 

“Well I was, when I first arrived, but I did the right thing and didn’t get involved with the undergraduates, even though I had many invitations.  But shortly after that Martin became a regular at the gym and we started talking to each other.  And well, one thing led to the other and he asked me to go out with him.  On a date,” Jared laughed.  “And I thought to myself, listen here, sunshine, you know who you are, tell him you’re straight and just make a good night of it.  So we did.”  He looked at Michael, whose mouth was hanging open. 

Jared laughed.  “Yeah, I know, but I really liked this guy and he was a real gentleman.  He made me feel special just by being himself.  And I could just be myself.  He liked me the way I am."  He looked at Michael.  “Big, fit and a bit dizzy!  And the university here, well the environment is just so lovely and relaxed.  You get the feeling that you can be anything you want to.  So we went out a few more times, and yes, I started to really develop feelings for this guy.”  He looked at Michael.  “I mean I fell in love with him, simple as that!  He was separated; we were just in the right place at the right time!  Well, we’re moving in together this weekend, so we obviously decided to get on with it!  You probably think I’m mad,” Jared grinned.  “Actually you’re the only other person I’ve told, my family would be cool about it, I know, but they would torment the shit outta me!” 

He stopped talking for a moment and laughed at the expression on Michael’s face. 

“Didn’t shock you did I Michael?” 

“No, Jared, of course not, not with all my background here at this university!  So where do you see yourself fitting into society in the future?” Michael asked, just a fraction puzzled, despite his knowledge and work amongst same-sex attracted people. 

“I’m just a person, Michael, a very gay person, enjoying my new life immensely!  With a lovely man who worships the ground I walk on!”  He stopped, his brow wrinkled in thought.  “Michael, I suppose I bring something unique to this exercise, don’t I?  

I mean I’m gay, and so’s poor Richard.  So maybe I should talk to him before I do any work with him, to find out what motivates him in particular?  And Peter, he should be involved too; there’s obviously a lot of shared history there.  And perhaps a future as well?” 

Michael nodded his understanding. 

“And I should take my scales along to determine how much we’ve got to get off him.” 

‘Thank Christ,’ Michael thought, ‘at last the show’s on the road.’ 

*****

Jared had spent an uneasy ten minutes or so trying to draw a monosyllabic Richard into conversation without much success.  Sensing he needed support from Peter, he asked if he could possibly join them. 

“So again Richard,” he said, “remembering I have to take responsibility for your future health and well-being, what particular event will make all the hard work ahead of you seem worthwhile?” 

Finally, through Jared’s persistence, Richard focussed on his question. 

“If I thought I had a chance of getting Peter back because I looked better and got my shit together, then I suppose I’d try harder.  But then, you wouldn’t understand that,” he said a little rudely. 

Jared grinned at him.  “I don’t see why not, I’d fight like hell to keep my husband, make no mistake about it!” 

And that was the first time since Richard arrived Peter had heard him laugh.  Richard literally roared with laughter. 

“You!” he said, pointing at the preppy jock; built like a buffed Adonis.  Jared nodded his head, reaching into his pocket.  He pulled a dog-eared photograph from his wallet, and passed it over.  Peter and Richard both looked on in astonishment; Martin was maybe ten-years older, a handsome bear of a man, with his arm protectively around Jared’s shoulder!  Peter smirked to himself; ‘this is one that’s gotten under Margaret’s radar,’ he thought to himself.  ‘She’ll be livid she missed this one, and on her own staff!’ 

But there was another issue, now, and suddenly Peter realised Richard and Jared required a commitment of sorts from him.  Richard had just said he wanted a second chance as a boyfriend, when only a few days ago Peter thought life was simple, straightforward and uncomplicated!  Richard, even though his cognitive powers were limited by his medication, realised the unreasonable nature of his request and said so.  But it had caused Peter to think.  Jared, not as dumb as he wanted everyone to think, sat there without saying anything. 

“Dicky,” Peter began, “my head is swimming with many, many mixed emotions at the moment, which you obviously understand.  But I’ll do a deal with you.  If you cooperate with Jared and agree to take on the diet and exercise program, then I promise I’ll leave the door open. 

“Limp dick and all?” 

“Limp dick and all.  As you know, there’s no one else in my life at the moment, not even a friend with benefits!  So I promise to be here for you.  When you’re back somewhere near your old rowing weight and you’re off that terrible shit you’re on, then we’ll both see how we feel.  OK?”  Richard smiled a wan smile and looked at Jared. 

“Looks like we’ve got some work to do.”

*****

Merle interrupted the Dean’s work on the annual budgets.  Margaret knew something was important, so she allowed the disruption with good grace. 

“It’s Michael Mitchell, Madam,” she said. 

“Michael you old bugger,” she grinned.  “What are you up to?” 

Michael’s eyes gleamed; he wasn’t a gossip, but ----- a juicy piece that was almost uniquely his came his way so seldom, and this was in a good cause anyway! 

“Our young Health Centre Manager, I just thought I should update you with progress.” 

“We’ve a twelve o’clock meeting haven’t we?” 

“Yes Margaret, we have, and hopefully it will be a rubber stamp and we can all get on with our lives, knowing Richard has all possible resources focussed on him.” 

“I’ll believe that when I bloody see it,” she snapped. 

“Margaret, please don’t be too hasty.  Did you realise Jared is as gay as Christmas?” 

Margaret Reeve promptly forgot about the budgets and stared uncomprehendingly at Michael. 

“Tell me, for Christ’s sake, I’m totally confused,” she said. 

And Michael, with a broad smile on his face gave her the facts, chapter and verse. 

“You’re bloody enjoying this, you old bastard,” she grinned, trying to absorb the implications. 

“The wonderful thing is, Margaret, that of his own volition he’s visited Richard and Peter last night, and somehow got Richard’s agreement to go ahead, targets, diet, exercise regime, everything.  By the time we sit down with them at midday, Richard would have already eaten his first approved meals and had his workout at the gym this morning.  You know how they all stick together,” Michael smiled.  “Once Richard realised they had one of their own looking after him, he relaxed.  There was some private horse-trading going on between Richard and Peter I think, but there’s no doubt that Richard is as highly motivated as anyone could be, given the circumstances.” 

“I’m amazed,” she responded.  “Should we call off the meeting?” 

“No Margaret, I think it’s an opportunity to praise those who’ve got us this far and to keep everyone informed.” 

“You mean apologise.” 

“Well that too, I suppose, but we both know that this is far from over; Richard may be nearly twenty-eight-years old, but he’s still one of our babies.” 

The Dean nodded, close to tears.  ‘Life can be a bitch sometimes,’ she thought.  “I’ll be there,” she said. 

She congratulated Jared on his initiative, gave the process her blessing and as the attendees were leaving, motioned Jared to her side. 

“I wanted to apologise for my outburst yesterday,” she said.  “We’re naturally overwrought by this scenario, and I must admit I lost contact with the basics.  Like missing you as another little flower in my garden!” 

Jared laughed, and she could see the gentleness there. 

“And thank you for caring Jared, so much of this exercise depends on your expertise and your humanity.” 

Jared Henry smiled to himself.  Hero to zero and back to hero; ----- all in twenty-four-hours!  But Richard and Peter were worth it.  ‘Fuck the career,’ he thought, ‘as long as those two guys have each other, and as long as I’ve got Martin; ----- that all that counts.’