Listen to Your Heart

Chapter 2

Debbie stood outside the door of Michael’s room at the hospital.  She looked in through the small window.  Michael lay on his bed not moving, not asleep, but barely breathing.  She had spent many days at his bedside talking to him, encouraging him, but he remained mostly unresponsive.  She was sure he heard her, but he refused to engage.  He wanted to be left alone - to die, she had to wonder?  He never said that but it seemed like that would suit him better than any other thing in this world.  She was just about at her wit’s end as to what she could do to get him back to the world he seemed to have chosen to leave.

“Mrs. Horvath,” a voice from behind her said.

“Yes?” Debbie said as she turned to see who was talking to her.

“I’d like to talk to you about your son, if you have some time.  I’m Marella Burton, with hospital administration.”

“Administration?”

“Yes, your son has been here for quite a long time and he doesn’t seem to be improving, even though he isn’t getting any worse.”

“I … I can’t seem to get through to him,” Debbie admitted holding back tears.

“No one seems to be able to do that,” Marella conceded.  “That’s why I need to discuss with you about moving your son to long term care.”

“Long term care?  Does that mean that you’re giving up on him?”

“No, no, but I think there are better places to care for your son.  Places where he would get more attention all day long.  It would also give you more of a break from having to be here day after day.”

“I don’t mind being here.  He’s my son.  I want to help him.”

“I fully understand, but perhaps there are other people, caregivers, who might provide Michael with different perspectives than what you are doing.”

“You want to get rid of him,” Debbie declared.

“We certainly could use the hospital bed for other patients, but that’s not my motive for telling you this.  I think Michael would be better off in a different facility.”

“Well I don’t agree,” Debbie stated.  “His room is being paid for and he needs care.”

“I understand that,” Marella said with all the patience she could muster.  “I’m merely presenting you with an alternative that might be better for Michael.  Please give it some thought,” she said before walking off down the hall.

“I’ll fucking give you some thought, as to how to get rid of you!” Debbie said to the disappearing backside of Marella Burton.

“What are you muttering about?” Carl asked as he came up behind his wife.  He had been parking the car.

“I’m not muttering,” Debbie disputed.  “I just had a fucking unpleasant ‘chat’ with hospital administration.”

“Hospital administration?  What about?”

“They want us to send Michael to long term care.”

“Why?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Come over here and sit down, and tell me what this is all about,” Carl said as he guided his wife to a small seating area near one of the windows.

Debbie dropped into a chair and wiped her eyes.  “They don’t think Michael’s getting any better, and they want to send him away.”

“Send him away?”

“Yes, to long term care.  They’re giving up on him,” Debbie said with a sob.

Carl pulled his wife into a hug.  “Did they actually say that?” he asked.

“Not exactly,” Debbie said blowing her nose as Carl released her from the hug.

“What exactly did they say?”

“That he doesn’t seem to be getting any better and maybe he would do better in long term care.”

“Maybe they’re right,” Carl stated softly.

“You fucking agree with them that Michael isn’t going to get better?” Debbie asked in disbelief.

“I didn’t say that, Debbie.  I meant that maybe Michael needs a different environment because he really isn’t thriving here.”

“How can you fucking agree with them?”

“I do think they might have a point.  We’ve talked about the fact that Michael is not responding to anything that we do with him.  He won’t talk and he barely eats.  Maybe new surroundings would give him a new perspective on things.  Hospitals are not the happiest places to try to get well.”

Debbie stared at her husband.  Deep down inside she knew he was right.  She had been thinking about how unresponsive Michael was when that woman accosted her.  Maybe Michael did need a new place to recover.

Carl waited knowing his wife so well.  He had said his piece and now he had to let Debbie mull it over and decide if he was right.  If he interrupted too soon, she would merely be angry and stop thinking about the ramifications of her decision.

After a few minutes Debbie turned in her chair to face her husband.  “If, and I mean only if, we decided to move Michael, where would he go?”

“We would need to look into that,” Carl admitted not having any clear idea of what options might be available to someone in Michael’s condition.

“You’re a big help.”

“I know there have to be facilities where someone like Michael could be helped.  We’ll have to research it.”

“I don’t know how to research something like that.”

“Maybe the hospital has a list of places that would be able to help Michael.”

“That woman I was talking to sure wasn’t any help.  They better fucking have some good ideas or Michael stays right where he is,” Debbie declared.

“Stay calm,” Carl admonished.  “I don’t want you to have a stroke over this.  We’ll figure it out, and nothing has to happen right away.”

“We should talk to JR about this,” Debbie said.

“You’re right. And she would know how to find out about the best places that Michael could go,” Carl agreed.

“Yeah, she’s much better on the computer than either of us.”

“That’s for sure.”

“Do you think we should contact Brian about this?” Carl asked.  “He is footing the bill for Michael being here.  He may have some ideas about what to do.”

“That’s true, but I hate to bother him when he’s so far away in London.  I wish he was here.”

“We’ll talk to JR first and see how she feels about all this.  Then if it’s necessary, we can get in touch with Brian.  I know he’ll help us.”

“Okay,” Debbie agreed.  “Right now I’m going in to sit with my son and try to get him to talk to me.  It’s time he came around.”

“Don’t put pressure on him.  You know the doctors said that wasn’t good for him,” Carl warned her.

Debbie stood up and gave her face a wipe with another tissue from her purse.  She straightened her shoulders as she started down the hall to Michael’s room.  Carl followed behind her.

As Debbie reached the door, she stopped.  “I just remembered that there is a place that Michael might be able to go.”

“Yeah, where?”

“Grassi House.”

“Isn’t that palliative care?” Carl asked.

“They do that, but they have other care rooms as well.”

“Then that’s something we should look into.  And it’s not far from Michael’s house.”

“It’s a possibility,” Debbie said, suddenly feeling a little better about the proposed move.  She pushed open the door to Michael’s room.

*****

“It’s so quiet,” commented Susanna as they entered the park and looked around.

“I don’t hear any birds,” added Ashley with a frown.  “No bees either.”

The park was neat, tidy, the lawn perfectly manicured.  The pencil conifers were all the same height lining the ten-foot fence, standing shoulder to shoulder like troops guarding the palace.

“The trees could be muffling the noise,” said Peter.  The family looked around, nodding in agreement.

“Dada, it’s so…” Bree began.

“Green,” Brian finished her thought.  He handed Peter his phone.  “You and Ashley explore, film everything.  The kids nodded then scurried down the park.  “It’s so…”

“Symmetrical,” Justin said with his artistic eyes.

They slowly walked the park, pointing out certain features such as amusing topiaries shaped like peacocks, hares, and deer.  And small replica statues of classical Greek and Roman gods.  Brian surmised that they had walked about a quarter of the way through when they came upon an ivy covered arch that spanned the width of the park.

“I imagine we’ll see another one of these either in the middle or a quarter of the way from the end,” said Brian.   

Justin “hmmed.”

“How long is this?” Susanna asked with awe.

“Not sure but the garage at the other end spits out our cars onto another street,” said Brian.  “I think I need a map,” he quipped.

They were about halfway through when they saw a long sturdy looking bench along the right side of the lawn in front of the trees.  Brian, Justin, and Susanna sat trying to take it all in when Bree shouted.

“Dada, heads up!”  Brian raised his head just in time to see a soccer ball hurtling its way toward them.  He jumped up, hitting it with his head, directing it towards Bree.  “Dada, play with us,” said Bree with enthusiasm.

“Go on, you know you want to,” said Justin knowingly.  “A little exercise won’t hurt and it’ll make Bree happy,” he said with a bright smile.

Justin caught the gleam in Brian’s eyes as he stripped off his outer shirt, tossed it at Justin then ran toward Bree.  She was holding the ball and was facing off against Stuart and Nathan.

“Two against one, now that’s not fair,” Brian purred as he stretched his long legs then took a stance.  “Go Bree,” he said.

Bree bounced the ball on her knees a few times, then kicked it toward an imaginary goal post startling the two men who weren’t expecting such speed and power from the petite teen.  As Stuart and Nathan tried to keep up with Bree, Brian outflanked the men.  Bree kicked the ball up high toward her father.  Brian hit it with his head, making the first goal.

After about twenty minutes, Stuart and Nathan called time, acknowledging the winners of their impromptu match.  They dramatically collapsed on the lawn, seemingly writhing in pain and wondering if there was a protocol for playing football against one’s employer.  Brian marched over to the two guys on the lawn, hands on hips.  He smirked then “tsked tsked” at them extending out his hands to pull them up.

“Thank you, sir, and well played,” said Stuart with admiration of Brian’s skills.

“Was the young miss playing football in her nappies?” Nathan asked still trying to catch his breath.  Brian burst out laughing.

“Something like that,” he said.  “Thank you for the game,” Brian politely added.

“Dada, look at this.”  Bree called her father over to what looked like a decorative pile of rocks just opposite the long bench.  Between the layers of rock, there were ferns and moss.  At the bottom of the rocks it looked like a raised bed with small green bushes.

“What is this?” Brian asked out loud to no one in particular. 

“A rockery, sir,” said Nathan.

“A rockery?  Justin, tell me what this reminds you of,” Brian called out as he and Bree stared at the uniquely styled rocks.  They all gathered around examining the feature.  Peter handed back Brian’s phone.  “Any flowers?” Brian asked.  Peter shook his head.

“All green,” Peter confirmed.

“It kind of reminds me of our waterfall and pond,” Justin murmured.

“Mr. Brian, there’s an old electrical cord back here,” Ashley said as she explored just behind the feature.

“Don’t touch,” called out three parental units making Susanna smile, confirming that the boys truly loved her daughter.

“I’m not but it looks like there’s outlets every few feet,” she said.  The kids started exploring both sides of the park along the fence line and noting the outdoor outlets.

“Could this be an old waterfall,” Brian asked Nathan.

“Could be, sir; the current plans of the garden have this listed as a rockery,” said Nathan.  “But we haven’t checked the old gardener’s records.”

“There might be a way to find out if this was a pond,” Brian mumbled.

“What are you thinking?” asked Justin, seeing the wheels turn in Brian’s head.

“I’m thinking there’s nothing stopping me from sticking my arm down the side of this thing.  If it stops about ten to twelve inches down then I guess it’s a rockery but if I can’t touch the bottom…”

“Then it could be a pond,” Justin said.  Brian smiled at him.  “I’ve never seen a garden you couldn’t figure out, so have fun with dirt,” Justin teased.

As Brian got close to nature, Peter and Bree joined Ashley toward the back of the feature.  “That looks like a very old pump,” mumbled Peter as he pointed out the ancient contraption.

Slowly Brian wriggled his arm through the loosely compacted soil.  “Well,” asked Justin.

“Not feeling the bottom,” replied Brian.  “No pun intended,” he whispered.  Justin narrowed his eyes at his incorrigible spouse.  “Guys, see if you can find any old records and bring them up to the house.  I’d like to look them over after dinner,” Brian said to Stuart and Nathan.  They nodded, then hustled toward the garage.

“I think I’ve seen enough,” said Brian as he brushed the dirt from his arm then draped the other over Justin’s shoulder.  “I stink,” said Brian with a suggestive leer at his spouse.  “I think I need a shower, Sunshine.”

“I’ll go with you,” Justin casually announced.  Brian smiled as he waggled his eyebrows.

“Men,” Bree grumbled.  “Dada, we’re hungry,” she announced.

“Of course you are.  Check with Hudson, I believe she was planning a light lunch in the drawing room.  You can explore the library while you’re at it.  We’ll see you later at dinner,” said Brian.  “And remember the dress code.”

“We will,” said Bree. 

As the kids were munching on finger sandwiches and enjoying other snacks provided by the ever present and helpful Hudson, Susanna explored the extensive library.  With Hudson’s assistance, they also found the computer niche and an old fashioned TV room as it was once called.  The equipment was all state of the art while neatly tucked away to maintain the drawing room and library esthetics.

They spent the next several hours enjoying conversations and examining beautifully bound books while the boys found other ways of amusing themselves.

*****

As Brian stood under the shower washing away the dirt and sweat, Justin helped by drawing a soapy puff across Brian’s shoulders and down his back.  Brian turned then whispered, “I want you.”  Justin kissed his man then slowly turned.  Brian stopped him.  “In me,” he murmured into Justin’s ear.

Justin looked up into Brian’s eyes for confirmation.  Brian smiled, kissed his mate then turned, carefully spreading his legs to compensate for their height difference.  Justin made love to Brian, pouring out his heart and soul with every stroke.  They came together.  When they could they dried off, set an alarm, then crawled into their large bed.  As they snuggled, Justin threw a proprietary leg over Brian’s thighs before they both drifted off to sleep.

*****

It was just before seven when the family gathered in the smaller dining room.  Brian, not really liking that head of the table thing, made himself comfortable at the middle of the table with Justin by his side.  Susanna sat near Justin across from the kids.  Ben and Armand were shown in by Hudson who smiled as she checked her watch.  Brian caught her eye and winked; he swore that Hudson smirked before she slipped from the room.

“Right on time, Professor, Armand,” Brian commented. “And looking fine too,” he stated, again making the men blush.

Everyone was making polite conversation until they heard the last tone of the gong fade away.  Bree stopped mid conversation, her head slightly tilted.

“Bree, what’s wrong?” Susanna asked.  Justin nudged Brian and they exchanged smiles.

“Gus-dar,” Brian murmured as Bree sprang up from her chair and flung herself toward the dining room door just as Gus stepped inside.  Fortunately, he was prepared to catch her.  They hugged for several moments.

“What am I, chopped liver?” Ray complained.  Bree released her brother then went to hug Ray.  “That’s better,” Ray said with a big smile.

“Come on, bring it on in,” Gus encouraged Ashley and Peter.  The group hug would have carried on longer if not for Hudson discreetly clearing her throat.  “Whoops, sorry Hudson; to be continued guys,” Gus said as they all went to sit down.

As the first course was being served, Brian stood and indicated that Hudson should remain for a few minutes.  “Not making a speech,” he began, “just wanted to say that I’m happy we’re all here together.  This house is for our family, whether by blood or by love.  Gus, Ray, you can’t imagine how grateful we are that you two took the lead on the renovations.  From what little we’ve seen so far, it’s magnificent.  Hudson, please accept our sincerest thanks to you, Cook, and the staff for taking a chance on our crazy family.  This could not have been possible without you."  Gus beamed at his father.  Ray blushed at the praise.  Hudson nodded then slipped out to supervise the rest of the meal.

“Let’s enjoy this wonderful dinner,” Brian announced as he sat.  Justin kissed his cheek then dinner commenced in earnest.

“I’m stuffed,” Justin later pronounced when dinner was waning.  “I don’t think I can eat another bite,” he said patting his full belly.

“Dessert in the drawing room,” Hudson announced.  They all laughed when Justin was the first one up and heading for the door.

In the large drawing room, on a sideboard, stood an offering of delicate treats and a selection of fruit.  Coffee, tea, milk, and other beverages were available.  Everyone helped themselves.

Brian noticed Ben and Armand wandering the room in awe.

“Brian, all of this was left here?” Ben asked.

“Most of it,” Brian replied as he fixed his perfect cup of coffee.  “The sellers were really downsizing and apparently had no emotional attachment to most of the pieces.  Some of them are a bit over the top but you can’t beat the quality and many were custom made for each room,” Brian explained.

Armand examined several of the pieces, mumbling to himself in French.  “He’s right, some are Victorian, most are Edwardian, beautiful craftmanship,” Armand agreed.

“If you like this room, you should see the library,” said Gus as he walked over to what looked like a heavy paneled wall.

“What library?” Ben asked.

Bree joined him, they each took a panel then slid them open to reveal the large opulent library.

Ben was in raptures, Armand, speechless.

“We may never see them again,” Gus teased.  He followed the men into the library, explaining about the furniture and other pieces.

While Ben and Armand explored, Hudson brought a folder to Brian.  Brian smiled up at the capable woman, accepting the folder with reverence.

“What is it?” Justin asked as he nibbled on some fruit.

“The rockery did start out life as a water feature complete with water loving plants and koi in the pond,” said Brian.

“You’re thinking you want to restore it for the fete,” said Justin.

“Maybe, if possible.  That garden needs a little color,” Brian said as he took out his phone.  He emailed several files then waited for a response.  About ten minutes later Brian’s phone buzzed.

“Hey Todd, how’s it going?” Brian said.  The grin on his face widened when he received the expected response.

“Brian!” came a scolding from Ben and Justin.

“I’m putting you on speaker,” Brian said.

“Hi, Uncle Todd,” Bree called out.

“Hi, Princess, are you having fun?”

“Yup.  Did Dada send you the pictures of the rockery and the garden?”

“Yes, he did.  It looks very green,” Todd commented.

“Can you help?” Bree asked.

“I’m a bit too far away, Honey,” said Todd.

“I bet you can help,” Bree said sweetly.

“Did your Dada put you up to this?” Todd asked with suspicion in his voice.

“Nope,” replied Bree and Brian.

“Great minds think alike,” Brian crowed.  “Todd, just do a little research for me, for us.  We might be having a, mm…”

“A fete,” Justin supplied.“Sort of a big block party; to which you and Tom are invited, if we can pull this off.”

“What’s the timeline?” asked Todd.

“About six weeks,” Brian answered.  “I sent the same info to John; he has some contacts here.  Todd, I trust you.  You know our style; we just want a little color.  Perhaps, some small native flowering perennials; ones that like pretty pots.”

“Doable,” said Todd.  “And the rockery?  You want to turn it back into a water feature?”

“That’s the goal,” replied Brian.

“Okay, then I need you to do two things while I do some research.  First, get an electrician in to check the circuits and the wiring of the garden.  Secondly, have a plumber check the water access.  There must be hidden pipes.  You’re not going to have someone standing out in the middle of all that with a hose.  You fill the pond; the pump will recycle the water but you’re going to have to top it off now and then.  No crude remarks, Brian, I’m warning you,” Todd said sharply.

Brian giggled.

“I swear, Brian, sometimes you’re a big goofball,” said Todd.  Everyone laughed, including Brian.  “I’ll call John later and send you suggestions regarding flower pot friendly blooming plants.”

“Thank you, Todd, and I’m serious about the invitation.”

“Brian, you know I’m in the middle of our busy season,” Todd began.

“Todd, we’ll make it a long weekend, fly you and Tom in then out after the fete.  You have good people working for you.  They can take over for a few days,” said Brian.

“I’ll talk to you soon,” said Todd.

“Bye, Todd,” came a choir of voices. 

Brian rang the bell for Hudson as he concluded his call.  They talked for a few minutes then she left the room.

As the night was winding down, Gus’ phone rang.  When he answered, he became very quiet.

“Dad,” Gus began, “it’s JR,” Gus said holding out his phone toward Brian.

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