Chris and Andre

Ollie wanted to attend his mother’s funeral. Elizabeth had used her contacts and was able to provide us with details of where and when the service would take place. Elizabeth and Ronald were concerned about Oliver attending the funeral, but Ollie insisted he wanted to attend. His psychologist agreed, and pointed out that funerals are important in providing closure. Elizabeth and Ronald even considered being there in case there was “an incident”. We assured them that we would OK.

Logan and Ashley decided to attend the funeral. They had known Chrissie as neighbours for seven years before Dan was shot.

The Rose Chapel is a smaller one at Palmdale Cemetery and Memorial Gardens. We parked and approached the entrance to the chapel. There were some people, including Logan and Ashley, scattered around waiting, along with a group of about ten adults and children close to the entrance.

One of the women in that group saw us and nudged another and said something that had the whole group look towards us. If looks were capable of killing, we would not have survived.

“Obviously you are, like me, as welcome here as roast pork at Bar Mitzvah festivities.”

The three of us turned. Andre smiled, “Mrs Patterson. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Ollie smiled, “Aunty Margaret!” He quickly moved to her and gave her a hug.

Obviously confused, I looked from Andre to Ollie and back to Andre. Andre shrugged, ‘Mrs Patterson is one of my clients.” To which Ollie added, “And my favourite aunty.”

Margaret Patterson was a slim, distinguished looking, woman in her mid-sixties with neatly styled grey hair. She was expensively dressed in clothes fashionably age appropriate.

She was aware I wanted to know more about her but instead she commented, “I’m not actually Oliver’s Aunt. His father, Dan, was my nephew so I saw Oliver regularly when he was younger.” She gestured towards people entering the chapel. “I’ll explain more later. I see people are moving so maybe we should join them.”

As we were collecting copies of the order of service from a small table inside the door, we were confronted by a woman who quietly warned, “We can’t stop you attending, but we don’t want you here. You are not welcome,” before turning and walking to the front pew.

Ollie whispered, “That’s Aunty Ruby. I don’t like her. She’s nasty.”

We moved into a pew at the back of the chapel. Logan and Ashley sat in the pew across the aisle from us. I looked around. The front row was full and there were other mourners scattered around the chapel.

A man in his mid-forties, wearing a dark suit and looking suitably lugubrious introduced himself as the celebrant for this service. The simple service started.

After giving a brief description of Christine’s life he moved on to asking people by name to come forward and speak about Christine. First was Christine’s mother who was understandably grieving at losing her daughter and spoke about Christine growing up and her marriage to Dan and son Oliver. She was followed by Christine’s two sisters. I gently restrained Ollie when Ruby referred to “Christine’s wonderful boyfriend Jeff”. Ruby was followed by a couple of Christine’s women friends.

The celebrant checked at his notes and looked up from the lectern. He was working from a list. “As there are no more people wishing to speak, I’ll . .”

Ollie leapt to his feet and made sure he could be heard, “I want to say something.” In the front row Ollie’s grandmother and a boy about Ollie’s age turned around to watch. “I’m her son and she was my mother. My mother. I know she wasn’t the world’s best mother and sometimes she wasn’t a good mum. But, she was my mother. She was my mum and I didn’t want her to die. She shouldn’t have had to die. Why did she have to die? Why?” Emotionally drained he softly added “And I love her,” and slumped back onto the pew. We wrapped our arms around him.

Ollie’s grandmother used a tissue to wipe her eyes as she turned back to the front. A slightly rattled celebrant brought the service to a close with a moment of silent prayer, and the coffin slid silently through the curtains. He finished by issuing a general invitation to refreshments next door.

On her way out Ruby paused long enough to let us know the invitation to refreshments did not include us. Ollie’s grandmother and the boy stopped. “I’m sorry for everything that’s happened to you Ollie and for your mum’s death.”

“Thanks Nona.” He hugged her.

She looked at us, “Please take care of him. He’s a good boy.”

Ollie and the boy fist bumped. “Good seeing ya Ollie.”

“You too Toby.”

“Come on Mum. Toby. We’re all waiting for you.” It was Ruby calling out, loudly. Ollie’s Nona shook her head and slowly joined the others.

We introduced Margaret to Logan and Ashley. Shortly after that, they hugged each of us (especially Ollie) and left to head back to their work. The four of us agreed to have coffee together at a cafe in Lisarow.

The café was a bakery and had a selection of pies, pastries and slices that helped lift Ollie’s spirits. I ordered three coffees and one hot chocolate. Ollie added a fruit flan with ice cream to his order. The rest of us weren’t very hungry so I ordered sandwiches to share.

Ollie sat next to his Aunty Margaret with Andre and I sitting opposite. Margaret put her arm across Ollie’s shoulders. He moved closer. “I suppose I should explain what I’m doing here. I can understand that especially you, Chris, would be wondering about my motive for turning up at this time.”

I nodded, “Yes. Being related to Ollie and then becoming one of Andre’s clients does has me wondering.”

“Of course, and I can assure you that it is all innocent. You need to know that as much as I want to be back in Oliver’s life I want just as much for him to stay with both of you.”

Ollie neglected his hot chocolate long enough to look at Margaret, “I like having you here Aunty, but I want to stay with my dads.”

“I understand that Oliver, and I’ll do what I can to ensure you stay with them.”

“I er, we appreciate what you’re saying but I’d still like to know why you are back here.”  

“Short version. My husband was British so we used to spend about equal time here and in England, so I saw Oliver regularly while he was growing up. That was until Dan’s death.”

“Yeah, I haven’t seen you since Dad’s funeral.”

“I’m sorry about that Oliver. Shortly after that my husband, Alistair, had his first stroke. Travel just wasn’t possible. Alistair died three months ago and I’m in the process of moving back here.”

“Uncle Alistair died? I’m sorry Aunty Margaret.” He hugged her.

She hugged him back, “Thank you, Oliver. He was very sick, and in the end, we expected it.”

“He was always nice to me.”

“Yes he was, wasn’t he. I think you were his favourite great nephew. I’m really sorry Oliver, I didn’t mean to talk about Alistair’s death straight after your mother’s funeral.”

“I get that Aunty but, it’s weird, it sorta helps. It means we're sharing something.”

“Are you feeling OK, Ollie?”

“Sorta, Dad. Better than I did at the funeral.”  

“Do you mind if Aunty Margaret tells us a bit more about being back here.”

“I’d like that. I hope she’ll visit us.”

“Chris, there’s not much more to tell. I’ve bought an apartment in Gosford with lovely water views and Andre, your wonderful partner, is helping me with my money and investments. And, Oliver, when I’m settled, I want to spend a lot of my time seeing you and your cousins in Melbourne growing up. That’s as long as you don’t mind being with your ancient aunt.”

He giggled, “You’re not ancient. I like being with you.” He was smiling. She hugged him.

“Oliver, did you know you have cousins in Melbourne?” I looked at Margaret, “They’d be second cousins?”

“No dad I didn’t.”

“They are Alistair’s great nephews and niece. The family was living in Southampton and moved out here to Melbourne about five years ago.”

“Would Ollie be able to meet these cousins? Ollie, would you like to meet your cousins?”

Margaret smiled, “I would love Ollie to meet his cousins if you can arrange it.”

Ollie beamed, “Yes Dad. Can I meet them?”

Andre looked at me, “Looks like another reason to visit Melbourne.”

 

Back home we wanted to be sure Ollie was coping, allowed him to talk about how he felt and assured him we would keep supporting him. We also booked an appointment for him with his psychologist.  

We were not the only people concerned about Ollie. We had only just arrived back home when Elizabeth rang and then soon afterwards Donald rang. Both wanted to know how Ollie was and wanted to know if he needed their help. Both times we answered on speaker, so Ollie was party to the conversation.

Next Riley rushed into my shop straight off the school bus. “Uncle Chris is Ollie OK. He wasn’t at school today.”

“He’s not sick if that’s what you were thinking. It was his mother’s funeral today, so he missed school to attend the funeral.”

“Oh! I forgot about that. Is he upstairs? Can I go up to him?”

“Sure. He’s either doing homework or playing games. You’re his friend so I reckon he’s like to see you, but if he wants to be alone come back down.”

“I understand Uncle Chris. I won’t stay if he wants to be by himself.” He left and went upstairs.

I continued working until Beau, Skye and William walked in through the back of my shop. William was growing rapidly and now very aware of the world around him. He was vocalizing and clearly saying “mum mum” and “dada”, much to the delight of his parents. He was also developmentally very close to being mobile. That would be the next parenting challenge.

They were concerned about Ollie and had visited to check how he was and to help if needed. I let Andre know and as we were about to head up stairs, we met Logan and Ashley who were also checking on Ollie as well as collecting Riley.

Once inside the apartment we followed the sound of a computer game to Ollie’s room where he and Riley were completely engrossed in cooperatively eliminating aliens. They looked up and asked if they could finish the game. Ollie was smiling more than he had all day. We agreed to let them finish the game.

We moved back to the living area and were met by Michael and Jamie who had just arrived and were also checking how Ollie was. We quickly filled Skye, Beau, Michael and Jamie in about the funeral, what Ollie said at the funeral and meeting his Aunty Margaret. Everyone was curious about Margaret Patterson.

Ollie and Riley walked down the hall and joined us. Ollie was very happy to see everyone there and to discover they cared about him.

After chatting with Ollie, Riley’s parents said they needed to take Riley home and feed the family. There was a meal cooking in the oven.

Michael couldn’t resist playing with William and talking to Skye about his development and milestones. This no longer concerned Beau who was now listening intently to the conversation.

I looked towards Jamie, “Would you like a drink while they talk?”

“Sure. I’ll help you.”

I called out who would like a drink, and everyone indicated “yes” along with their preference, including Ollie. Skye added that after one drink (she had lemon, lime and bitters) they would have to go home to feed William.

Jamie and Ollie helped me prepare the drinks in the kitchen and take them out to the living room. Everyone chatted easily and made sure they gave Ollie a warm hug and some word of sympathy and support.

When they finished their drinks Beau and Skye said goodnight and took William home. Not long after that Michael and Jamie said goodnight and left. I told them they were welcome to stay for dinner, but Jamie said they had lamb shanks simmering in a slow cooker and were looking forward to having them with mashed potato and greens for dinner.

While the three of us were eating our dinner of crumbed fish, hot chips and salad we talked about our day and about Margaret Patterson. Ollie remembered that he used to see Aunty Margaret a lot. His dad used to take him to visit Aunty Margaret and Uncle Alistair at their house next to the beach. “Uncle Alistair taught me how to surf.”

“I always got a birthday and Christmas present from them. I forgot. That stopped a couple of years ago.”

That would have been around the time Dan was killed.

 

Ollie didn’t ask for his goodnight tuck in every night now.  It was just when he needed it, and we thought he would need it tonight. We weren’t wrong. After cleaning his teeth, he came down to the living room and asked.  

After we tucked him in Ollie looked up at us. “Thanks dads. I’m so lucky to have so many people who care about me. I feel safe having a big family. It really helped today.”

“Yes Champ, all of us care about you and want to look after you.”

He smiled happily as we left the bedroom. He was asleep before I turned off the light.

Back in the living room I asked Andre what he knew about Margaret.

“I know more today than I did yesterday. Chris, you know that I can’t tell you my client’s personal financial information, so all I’ll say is that she is a wealthy widow.” 

Over the next two days word of Ollie’s mother’s death and funeral spread to the other awesome4somes. Ollie received calls of sympathy and condolence from each of them.

 

We had moved everything from the townhouse to our new apartment. I decided to sell the townhouse, so a week later I phoned Noah and arranged a time for him to do an appraisal and list it for sale. The three of us met at the townhouse and started the walk through, starting with the living area and kitchen.

Noah looked around the garage and spotted the air conditioner. “I’m not sure how to market an insulated and air conditioned garage. This is the first one I’ve seen.”

“It was where I had my servers,” I explained and flippantly added, “You could always tell them it was my temperature controlled dungeon.”

He laughed, “Dungeon. There’s a thought.” And then to himself and he made some notes, “Calvin would like that idea.”

Andre turned to Noah, “Calvin! The Uber driver?”

Noah looked up from his notes surprised, “Sorry did I say that out loud? Do you know Calvin?”

“He’s our go to Uber driver, so yes we do. Chris knows him better than the rest of us.”

I wanted to deflect from me. “How do you know Calvin?”

“We’re dating.”

That caught me off guard. “Great! Calvin’s a really nice guy. I just didn’t realize you were into the Dom/sub scene.”

“You do know Calvin better than I expected. To be honest it’s always been there but more as a fantasy than in real life. That was until I met Calvin and now wow, it’s been unbelievable. But, how did you know about the interest in Dom/sub.”

Andre flashed me his ‘you got yourself into this’ grin.

“Early on, Calvin and I met up a couple of times, but it’s not my scene.”

“Even so you’re comfortable with me and Calvin.”

“Yes, I am, What I’d like to know is how serious are you?”

Andre added, “So am I. We like both of you so yeah we’re comfortable but I’m also interested in how serious you are.”

“Very serious. We want to live together. Something like this would be perfect, and not because of your dungeon comment. The place is ideal, excellent condition, modern, quality kitchen and bathroom, right size for a couple, good location, convenient to shops and services, not far from beaches” Andre and I started to laugh.

“You sound like a real estate agent. You’ve sold us. How much do you want for it?” Noah joined in laughing.

“Yeah, I’ve sold myself on it too. Chris, I can sell this for you very easily. It won’t be on the market long. I just wish Calvin and I were in a position to buy it.”

That interested the financial adviser. “Why do you say that?”

“Getting a mortgage. I’m doing well with commissions but I’m still new at it. Calvin has a good income but most of it is gig economy. Together we can pay a mortgage but getting one is the problem. No history of secure income.”

Andre was nodding that he understood what Noah was saying. “If you’re serious about buying and Chris is prepared to hold off putting it on the market then I might be able to help you.”

I immediately confirmed that I was happy to hold off selling while they see Andre.

“I want to talk to Calvin, but yes I’m serious.”

“Fantastic. You’ve already got my details. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

The walk through didn’t end up the way I expected, but I was very happy with what did happen.

It was only a few days later that Noah and Calvin met with Andre to discuss finance and a couple of days after that I agreed to sell. I would need to talk to Andre about investing.

 

The following week I was in my work area responding to logged work requests when I heard the beep that indicated that the front door had been opened. I have a camera covering the door and the monitor showed a woman entering through the door. As I stood to walk into reception to greet her, I suddenly recognized her. It was Ollie’s grandmother. What did she want? I sent Andre a text to join us.

I walked into reception at the same time as Andre. I introduced us and suggested we sit around the table. As she was sitting, she said, “I know who you are and what you’re doing with Ollie. I’m Ollie’s grandmother, Debbie Cameron.”

Andre and I shared glances, “We recognize you from the funeral, so we know you’re Ollie’s grandmother, but why are you here?”