Rhythm

by

John Terry Moore
 

CHAPTER 37

Andrew made sure he was properly attired for his meeting with Uncle Sin. 

A navy-blue suit, blue shirt and matching tie, with shiny patent-leather shoes.  He kissed the girls and Linda goodbye, noticing Claire was inclined to be tearful.  He quickly felt her forehead, noticing she was a little flushed.  “Have you got a sore throat, possum?” he asked.  She shook her head.  He took her temperature.  Slightly elevated.  Linda looked fearful.  “It’s all right,” he said.  “I think she may have picked up a cold.”  Claire sniffled to confirm his diagnosis.  “If she’d had a sore throat it may have been tonsillitis; I brought some antibiotics from home just in case.  If she complains of a sore throat give me a call.”  He found the medication and handed it to Linda.  Now Elizabeth was looking sooky.  He cuddled her again and she made it obvious she didn’t want him to leave.  ‘Time for some responsibility,’ he thought.  “Lizzie dear?” 

“Yes daddy-mum?” 

“I need you to help Gran to look after your sister, OK?”  She nodded and smiled sweetly.  He realised she understood his strategy almost before the words left his mouth!  Linda laughed and shook her head.  In just over a week, they had made enormous progress as a family group.  Linda, a lonely figure for years, even when her husband was alive, had been effectively segregated from her own son.  Now she was suddenly involved with the immediate family group and was so enjoying herself that she looked back forlornly on those years as time wasted.  She and Andrew had become close very quickly; there was a mutual trust because he insisted they were part of a future together with Stephen and the girls.  Andrew was the person who persuaded her to put the past where it belonged.  He reminded her that she wasn’t the only person who had stuffed up in past history.  If he and Stephen had acted earlier, then they may have spared themselves some heartache, but then the girls wouldn’t have happened!  So some things were meant to be, he reminded her, and other things were better left where they should be, in the past. 

Arvind pulled into the executive car park and then escorted Andrew to the correct elevator and the correct floor.  He bowed deeply as he held the doors open for him to step out into the reception area.  “There are many of us here, now,” he said to Andrew, making a sweeping gesture with his hand.  “We think you and the boss are wonderful.  You inspire us.  Many would like to meet you.  It has been very hard for those of us in Asia who reject what is expected by their families and take the path that their heart has chosen for them.  It helps us feel better about ourselves when we see a happy couple like you, sir.  And your children are just wonderful.”  Andrew thanked him and walked into the reception area in a thoughtful mood.  Almost immediately, Uncle Sin was there and ushered him into the boardroom.  He saw organisational charts first, and started taking notes.  “Don’t bother,” Uncle Sin smiled, “I have a hard copy of everything for you.” 

Uncle Sin walked him around the office facility.  In the executive area, timber panelling took over from vinyl and laminate.  There was an open door that he knew had to be his.  His personal assistant was about to stop him when she saw Uncle Sin behind him.  She suddenly realised who Andrew was, smiled brightly, and ushered him into Stephen’s office.  He stood up, wrapped his arms around him and nuzzled into his neck as if it had been years not a few hours since they had seen each other.  “You feelin’ a bit sore today?” he whispered. 

“Just a little, I know you’ve been visiting if that’s what you mean.”  Even Uncle Sin blushed, Andrew noticed.  “Oh to be your age again and to have your freedom,” he smiled. 

Now he knew why he had been invited at 10.00am instead of 12 noon, Andrew realised.  Because it was back into the boardroom and a run down on profitability, division by division.  The parts they thought they should sell off if they decided to form a new company with themselves and Chin Constructions as the major shareholders.  “This is all very kind of you, Uncle Sin,” Andrew smiled, his head reeling with facts and figures.  “I appreciate the information very much.  But why would you want to fill me with knowledge about what is predominantly a family business and none of my affair?” 

“But it is your business, dear boy,” Uncle Sin replied.  “As of the first week of last month when Stephen and you became a couple.  If you study the bank statements from your joint account, you will see a deposit in your name.  Our partners all have drawings; Linda and Harry are each paid directors’ fees every month, like you.” 

“But I’m not a director,” protested Andrew, shaken. 

“Oh, silly me, did I neglect to tell you?” Uncle Sin said, like a cat playing with a mouse.  “I need you to sign some papers, they are here somewhere,” he said, rummaging through his in tray. 

“But you know absolutely nothing about me,” Andrew wailed.  “I could be a bloody axe murderer for all you know.”  The immaculate little Chinaman moved gracefully to the office door and closed it gently, returning to his desk, looking somewhat agitated.  “I really have to apologise Andrew.”  Uncle Sin was serious for once.  “I conducted checks without your permission.  Some years ago.  Financial and character.  I needed to know who Stephen was associating with in Australia.  When Annette was at her worst.  I needed to know who this person was giving his free time to my nephew and his children, so unselfishly and for no apparent reason other than friendship.  Stephen was under so much pressure from his father and Annette’s family that I was terrified he might harm himself.  Yet you gave of yourself without expecting anything in return.  Elizabeth and Claire have basically been brought up by you and Stephen anyway.  You had significant problems with your marriage to Amanda and yet you still found time for Stephen and the girls.  I think I realised very early on that you and Stephen were meant to be together.” 

He smiled gently at Andrew.  “I didn’t know whether you were gay, bisexual, or whatever classification you or society put on you.  I knew you were surrounded by free-thinking people, many lovely gay couples, and many good families who supported you all.  Except your own family.  With maybe the exception of your dear mother.  When I see what you have overcome Andrew, it makes me feel that I am in the presence of someone quite special.  Because in spite of extreme familial duress, you were able to grow yourself as a person, complete your education, and then start a successful business without allowing bitterness or resentment to alter your loving personality.  Then your wife left and Stephen correctly took responsibility for you.  By this time I had to take Harry into my confidence.  We lit incense and prayed for you.  Of course it did nothing except to keep us focussed on you both.  Perhaps it was the power of thought!  Then you almost had a nervous breakdown and we were sad for you but we were still hopeful you would recover.  When Stephen rang to say you two were finally a couple, we were overjoyed and we actually went back to the temple and gave thanks to the friendly spirits, as Harry calls them.  So I prepared the appointment papers right away.  Under Singapore company law of course, we all have to undergo probity checks.  Harry has been through a similar process.  With the information which was already in my possession, I was able to process your appointment without intruding on your beautiful love affair with Stephen.  You would do me a great honour if you would sign here,” he said, buzzing his secretary to witness Andrew’s signature. 

At Andrew’s request there was no fancy restaurant for lunch even though Raffles was mentioned.  Instead, Andrew asked if they could go to Maxwell Food Centre, a quite famous place, but very relaxed.  With an iron roof, concrete floor and steel tables, but lined with dozens of little stalls, all cooking many variations of Asian cuisine.  There were tourists there as well, but the place was full of local people from offices and from the apartment complexes nearby.  Andrew explained that this was his favourite way to dine overseas, with the locals, eating what they eat.  Uncle Sin’s eyes smiled merrily at him.  “You should have been Chinese,” he said, watching Andrew devour several small dishes with obvious relish. 

“Then Stephen might not have liked me,” he said. 

“I think Stephen would have liked you no matter what you looked like.” 

“Gee thanks, that gives him a lot of scope.” 

“Andrew,” said Sin patiently, “as with many people blessed with superior physical attributes, you seem completely unaware of the effect you have on people.  Stephen certainly understands how lucky he is to have you.” 

“I know he does, Uncle Sin,” Andrew replied.  He hesitated momentarily, then decided he needed Sin‘s wise counsel more than he needed privacy.  “But here in Singapore I’ve noticed something about him.”  Sin raised his eyebrows and said nothing, allowing Andrew to continue at his own pace, verbalising his thoughts as he went along.  “Uncle Sin,” Andrew continued, “I would never complain, never, he is just the most beautiful human being I’ve ever known.  But I wonder if Singapore holds bad memories for him?  Whether he uses Australia as an escape from his previous life here.  It’s like he is holding a part of himself back; like he is scared to give everything in case he gets emotionally hurt.  Am I making sense?” 

Sin held his hand, knowing he had been trusted with information no one else had been privy to.  “As you are aware Andrew, Harry, Sylvia and I helped raise Stephen behind my brother’s back.  Albert was impossible to deal with as far as Stephen was concerned.  Poor Linda was threatened daily, and therefore, she only spent minimal time with Stephen and that was so hard for her.  She would meet Stephen at our house secretly so she could spend time with her own child!  If he is a little withdrawn it is not surprising, we all lived on a knife edge with Albert.  Stephen simply needs reassurance Andrew, that he is loved and appreciated the way you love and appreciate him.  This may take some time; he has to grow accustomed to the fact that you are there for him every day, now and in the future as you are.  No one has done that for him in the past.  Your love for him is an emotion that he has never experienced before.  If he has difficulty handling it, I am not surprised!  When was the last time you told him you loved him?” 

Andrew looked at Sin with his mouth open.  “I don’t think I ever have,” he whispered.  “Never.  It’s always been a given with us.  We never talked about stuff like that because we, I mean I, felt it was unnecessary.”  He looked at the little Chinaman, smiling benignly across the table.  “We’re both damaged goods, Uncle Sin,” Andrew said quietly. 

“I know, but you have managed to reinvent your life despite all that.  So has Stephen.  But you are the stronger one, Andrew.  Partnerships are just that.  Each partner brings an individual contribution which makes up the whole package.  Your partnership has been on display for the last week or so and everyone is impressed beyond belief.  You only have to do some fine-tuning, that is all.” 

Arvind appeared as if from nowhere, and Uncle Sin requested to be dropped back at the office.  “Where to now, Mr Andrew?” Arvind asked. 

“I need a stationery supplies shop please Arvind,” describing the materials he needed to purchase.  Arvind parked the car and walked him to the shop.  “Please stay, Arvind,” Andrew smiled, “I think I may need your assistance.”  Ten minutes later and loaded up, they were on the way home, with Arvind shaking his head.  “Sir,” he said, “you have enough supplies to start a small school!” 

Andrew smiled like a small child.  “You could say that, Arvind and perhaps I’m a child myself.  Tomorrow when you take Mr Stephen to the office, ask him if he liked the artwork.” 

Claire met him at the door; obviously feeling much better.  He felt her forehead, which was cool to touch.  Then Linda and Elizabeth were there, curious to see what was in the parcels that littered the foyer.  “We have work to do,” Andrew smiled.  “I need your help, ladies.”  He spread the sheets of paper on the floor, taping their edges together and then stapling them on to some really firm cardboard.  Next came the tins of colour and the narrow brushes to put the message together.  Linda ordered some icy-cold lemonade from the kitchen, and as the maid turned to leave, her artistic nature was also called upon!  It took an hour or so to construct and nearly another hour to display it in their bedroom.  Linda shook her head, smiling.  “You are very strange people, you Australians.  But I think he will be very pleased.”  The maid giggled and Andrew made sure he thanked her for her hard work and artistic creativity.  The girls were quiet for once, taking in all the unusual activity.  Naturally, being children, they wanted to know why.  “Well, Andrew began, “it’s always good to tell people you love them.  Always.  You can never have too much of that stuff.” 

“You always told us you loved us, daddy-mum,” Lizzie said. 

“Yes,” Andrew replied, “dad and I do love you both very much.  But sometimes when you have a special person, such as your partner, like your dad and I, then that’s a very personal sort of love.  And I want to make sure that dad knows that I love him.”  There was silence as they digested the information.  “Can we tell dad, too?” asked Claire. 

“Yes,” that would be a very good idea.  And Gran, too.  So let’s make up your messages.”  Finally they all stood back and surveyed their handiwork.  Above the bed head were the mandarin characters:

我爱你

The smaller messages from Linda and the children were in English and to one side.  The room was hung with the red and gold decorations left over from the Chinese New Year celebrations from a storage room just off the kitchen.  “Perfect,” Andrew announced.  Just then a car door slammed.  Stephen had decided to come home early so they fled to the conservatory where the maid had thoughtfully laid out some cold drinks.  He came in, a tired smile on his face, and kissed Andrew hello.  “How’s the newest company director in Singapore?”  “Wonderful, Uncle Sin is full of surprises!” 

Stephen grinned and nodded.  “Think I’ll have a shower and change.” 

He was sitting on the bed with his coat removed.  Some of the paper lanterns hung only a few inches from his head.  But he was staring at the magnificent placard over the bed, nearly two metres long, with the mandarin characters spelling out the message.  Andrew leant against the door frame, watching. 

“Wo ài ni,” he said, hoping he had the pronunciation somewhere near correct. 

“I love you too,” Stephen smiled.  “Why did you do all this for?” he asked, sweeping his hand around the display, aware that a-not-insignificant effort had been required to produce such a remarkable transformation to their sleeping quarters. 

“It occurred to me that after all we’ve been through I’d never really told you that I loved you.  We haven’t had time to scratch ourselves,” Andrew laughed.  “So much happened so quickly, and suddenly we were living together as a couple.  We both had baggage from our previous lives but we seem to have thrived in spite of it.  I had a former lifestyle that I wasn’t proud of.  The married bisexual guy.  I want you to know I simply don‘t have to hide behind that description any longer.  Finally I’m a one person person, because I know I’ve found what I was looking for.  Back in the bad old days, I wondered why I could never develop feelings for guys when I loved men so much sexually.  After Amanda left and I moved in with you for the first time, I realised I’d had the most intense feelings for you for a very long time.  That’s why I felt nothing for other guys!  And then, finally having got myself sorted out, everything just fell into place so naturally, and I just relaxed.  What I didn’t think about were your feelings.  At least in my case I had people around me who replaced my dysfunctional family; you in particular.  I never gave a thought to how much you must have suffered as a kid, brought up like a monk, forced into a marriage, for Christ’s sake!”  Andrew waved his hand at the room.  “Some things are just too important not to say out loud. 

Or even put in writing!” 

Stephen pointed to the sign above the bed.  “That’s the first time anyone has ever said that to me.” 

“You’re joking!” 

“No, first time ever.” 

“But what about your mum?” 

“No, because dad was such a maniac about showing me any affection at all, either at home or in public, I think mum had to train herself to be on her guard at all times, so she didn’t drop the magic ‘L’ word in front of dad.  Even when we met secretly over at Uncle Sin’s house.”  Stephen looked thoughtful.  “It was hard on mum,” he said, “probably more than me.  I think it upsets her to this day.” 

“Of course it does,” Andrew continued, “what woman would ever want to deny her maternal instinct?” 

Stephen fell silent.  “You know me better than anyone, including mum,” he grinned.  “I’m a creature of my own environment!  I come to Singapore and I’m secretive and reserved, just like the other bloody Asians!  Home in Australia I’m normal!  Tell people what’s on your mind and get on with it!  Don’t internalise anything, spit it out, how many times have I talked like that?”