Empirical Son FSOG
Chp04 Friday Obscurity La Familia
Friday morning: Grey manor.
Sipping a strong dark roast, waiting for Elliot's arrival. Grace's busy in the kitchen, making a Shepards pie for dinner. I try to be happy, put a brave face on the worries. But several things are going on. I do not know why? The most pressing is an old friend in the FBI, tells me someone as pulled a deep background on me and everyone in the family. Nor why the Grand Canyon Resort has a record of Elliot's superintendent Clint, but no one has seen Elliot. Or why Mia has retained a lawyer to break her trust funds loose.
"dink" The gate alarm, he is here. Standing, heading to the Kitchen. "Grace?"
We wait on the couch. Last time, four years ago, Elliot saw us on the stoop and left for ten hours. We somehow freaked him out standing there. He complained; he felt rushed to come and talk to us. We did not let him have time to calm himself. We now wait.
He enters with a blond girl; they both look stressed. "Elliot?" Grace asks.
"I don't know how to say this." Elliot looks around for an exit. The girl, strokes his back. Whispers something in his ear. He steadies. Takes a deep breath "I did not go to Santa Fe. I went to rehab. For the last four months."
"Elliot, rehab?" Grace is shocked, turning into Doctor Grace.
"Alcohol, drugs, sex. I was a mess. Clint's wife Stacy staged an intervention. I have been in Albuquerque."
"Drugs? How Elliot?"
"Prescription pain killers, I was hooked the first time from my knee surgeries, got clean. And then last year, my fall when the front loader clipped the scaffolding, on the construction site in San Diego. I got hooked again and did not care anymore. My life was going nowhere. One-night stands, alcohol fueled lost weekends. Everything was crashing."
Taking another deep breath, the girl curls into his arms. "On the Antikyreos building topping ceremony. I stood there on the top girder with the flag and decided to jump. Luck for me, Clint stopped me. His wife took me to a friend of her's; Did they whole sweat lodge, mushroom trip. Cured the depression. But the addictions were still raging. Decided once the built was at a good point; to go to rehab."
"The mushroom fueled trip?" I ask.
"Cary?" Grace asks.
"I did the same thing as a teenager one summer; right before I when to law school. Family strife."
"I can relate; I realized that I was not to blame for Christian. And I could never be you dad. The Renaissance man, the athlete, scholar, perfect father." Elliot looks broken.
"Elliot! I have never been the perfect father; at best, I just get by. I have made massive mistakes with all my children. Never wanted you to put me on pedestal. Or think you did not measure up. You are all I could hope for you kids to be."
"See I told you." The girl says.
"Who are you my dear?" Grace asks
"This is Madsion; We met in Rehab a month ago. We are a couple. Deal with it." Elliot challenges his mother. I feel her tiger coil. Must defuse this.
"Same things?" I ask, taking Grace in my arms.
"No, Alcohol and sex and lousy parents." The girl barks; readying to come to blows. She is hair triggered. Why?
"Mad! Stop they are not your parents. They have not f*&^^%$ you over. Ok?" Elliot sooths her. We watch her uncoil and shiver at the stress chemicals unload in her body.
"Elliot please, both of you take a seat. Relax; let us talk this out." Grace says calm and caring.
"Beer mad?" he asks. She nods and he leave temporary to get them, he returns with four, handing them out.
"Is this ok with your Rehab?" Grace asks.
"Yea, we just have to limit it, and not use it as crutch or excuse." Elliot says, taking a draw.
"So, Madison what are your plans?" I ask, unsure if this is a mine field or a good opening to discourse.
"I am working right now as Elliot's Personal assistant; I have a year of school to make up and correct."
"Your major?" Grace asks.
"I have decided to switch to an Information Management and Technology degree. As I only need three semesters of specific classes. WSU in Seattle offers them starting this mid-summer semester. With my previous credits. It is all a matter of money right now." Madison says. Lost and broken like Elliot, how can we make them whole?
"Baby, Money I got. Time, we have. And a future together is where we are working to."
"Elliot?" I start, he looks angry
"Dad! It's my money and my life!"
"That was not what I was asking, asshole. Get your head out of your ass. We are not the enemies" I bark. Letting my temper flare. Must calm down, and work the problems not take a stand and defy everyone to challenging me. That is how I lost Christian.
"Cary?" Grace looks into my eyes.
"Elliot, what can we do to help you both?" I simmer down. Elliot looks dejected at jumping to what he thought I was going to say. I must work harder to make my kids see me better, more approachable. Less hard-ass unfeeling lawyer robot.
"My family is the biggest problem; My mother really screwed me up and f*^%%$ked me over. My trust fund is frozen till I am thirty. My reputation is mud. And all my friends have disowned me." Madison curls into Elliott chest.
"What happened?"
"My mother demanded I attend a business party. Dad was expanding into a new market. The dutiful prized heifer on display to the highest bidder was required. Dad screw over a major investor in the deal. Daddy jack his ego off to his face at the party."
She takes a deep breath "He took offense, with a posse and bunch of roofies. I woke up a week later, in a private tourist hospital at Mabini city on Mindanao. Recovering from a gang rape and beatings. After two weeks, I was supposed to be shipped to a private nut house outside Wellington, New Zealand. My trust fund lawyer, with my brother pulled some strings, diverting me to a rehab in Albuquerque. Hiding me from my family. Met Elliott and the rest is history."
"Do you think you have any recourse? Legal?"
"No. My mother covered it up very well, she has lots of experience from her life and my fathers. Everything legal is showing me spoiled trust fund party-whore, the more the merrier gang bang slut, alcoholic soused, recreational druggie. Even my college credits are now suspect. My mother got my former BFF and roommate to write the college; claiming she wrote all my papers and took most of my test. Elliot has a lawyer at Portland, working on WSU Vancouver rebuilding the credits. Several Proctors have confirmed I took the test, unaided." Madison is near tears as she finishes.
"Well; that solves having your in-laws over Elliott. Let's get your stuff to your room, and have lunch at the gazebo." Grace smiles
"We're in my room."
"Elliott, You're an adult now. Your relationship is your affairs. This is our house. Our rules. And if you are in a committed relationship, your room is fine; if either of you has any doubts, two rooms." I say, throwing down the gauntlet. They look at each other, smile, and kiss. Like us old folks are not here.
"My room?" Elliott purrs. "Why sir? You doubt my evil attentions" Madsion curls her imaginary mustaches.
"Oh God not another one like your mother Grace!" I tease.
"Told you that class clown routine rubbed off on the boys. My sainted mother indeed?" Grace tickles me.
When we look up the kids have gone. Ten minutes later the animalistic screams drive us out to the gazabo. Forty minutes later, they arrive with pizza.
We find Madison to be a bright, well read, knowledgeable and level headed. She credits most of her good points to her former roommate and BFF. She is convinced that her mother paid off the poor girl. Who was barely making ends meet with scholarships and two jobs. But the roommates disappeared; another mystery down the road. We eat wondering how and when Mia will arrive; What strife she will bring.
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Near five pm: eve of the gala:
The gate alarm goes off. The clock chimes bang loudly, that should be the last of the caterers and setup crew leaving. The backyard is ready, the tents are up, tables layout placed. Just the finishing touches tomorrow. Grace's Limey friend will roll in around ten am, to get a feel for the setup, and layouts.
"MOM?" Grace says. I look up from the piano. Grace's parents are here. Theo walks over, looks at me strangely. "Carrick? Are you ok?" He knows my thoughts this week are on my lost son and all the mistakes I made and regret.
"Yea. It's been a hard week." I need to not talk about it anymore "Elliott, help me move your grandparent's luggage into their room." Getting up, we go outside and move bags. I see the last of the crew loading up to leave. I wonder where Mia is. She should be here soon?
Walking into the great room. Theressa is sitting with Grace. As Madison and Elliott walk in. "T, this is Madsion, Elliott's girlfriend." I say innocently enough.
"How the hell did Elliott" she breaks the tone before Elliott has a meltdown.
"Did you get a girlfriend in Rehab?" Grandma T demands more calmly.
"Theressa! They are a couple. Have been for weeks. Can it!" Theo barks. How the hell does he know? Apparently, Elliott still trusts him more than us.
Walking to the shaking girl. "Madsion, call me Grandpa T, the rude woman, my wife, call Grandma T or crazy. Whichever you prefer." Taking and kissing her hand. She smiles, calming down from the scowl Theressa caused.
"Well, grandma T: I was in Rehab too. I am sure even in your dotage you could use a month or three of intense therapy." Madsion smirks as Elliott laughs. Watching T's face. Within seconds the room is filled with laughter; even Grace's mother.
"OH MY GOD! what is that?" Screams Grace!
As we all turn to a huge dog, long shaggy coat in red, and black with light spots above the eyes. Looking fierce and menacing in the hallway.
In walks Mia. "What did I miss?" My daughter says unaware she is standing next to a massive demonic dog. "Mia? Do not move." I speak calmly and even, to not spook the beast. Wondering if I run, the dog will chase me, sparing the family.
"Troupeau de Reines sit." Mia says and the dog obeys. What is going on?
"What is that breed, Amelia, I don't recognize it." Grandma T ask.
"Bankhar, Buryat's landrace livestock guarding dog."
"Say What Mia?" Elliott says holding Madsion. Ready to turn his back to the dog to protect his girl. I am proud of him, finally finding a woman to care for, and be care for in return.
"Mongolian sheep dog." Amelia says, turning to the entry way.
"Clark put those in my room, top of the stair, second right, the pink palace décor." Turning back to us. "Dad could you and Elliott help Clark unload the car. The dog food locker goes in the pantry closet."
We men leave, helping Mia's driver unload his hummer. Returning to the great room. I find the dog laid out before the hearth; eyes never leave me. Everyone sipping tea. Getting a cup Elliott, sits with Madison on his lap, as I sit on the piano seat. "Mia, how long have you had the dog and is he safe?"
"Troupeau de Reines, is her name. I've had her since she was weaned, about year and half."
"That a strange name Amelia" Grandma T asks, Graces nods. I must agree.
"French, Queen of the Herd. I thought it was appropriate. Give her heritage, and the hopes of her breed."
"Hope of the breed?" Madsion asks. We are all intrigued by that line. My daughter is showing how little we know about her life. I can feel Grace's misery.
"Queen is one of only two breeding pureblooded female Bankhar in North America. The breed was nearly extinct from the Stalinist and Russia coat industry. Bad breeding has mixed in a lot of other dogs. That are bad for her and the future. Committed conservationist are working hard to preserve these rare breeds and their genetic uniqueness. The Bankhar is just one breed of several being saved. I feel proud to do my part." Amelia looks like her mother. Grace perks up as her daughter has grown to the woman, she always wanted her to be. Grandma T nods.
"So, you are breeding the girl. Puppies soon, spotted carpet, dog pee smelling apartment?" Elliott jokes. Madison fakes punching his arm. "Ouch! MAD"
"Behave Elliott or no smooching later" Madsion coos, Way too much information Guys. I hope they don't keep us up all night.
"No. In a few months, she goes to a ranch north of Quebec. Where a nice couple will host her sister and her. A breed and raise the puppies there."
"They have a male?" Madsion asks.
"NO. IVF or Artificial insemination from several males in Mongolian, Siberia and England." Mia seems upset about something?
"Troupeau de Reines, up let's stroll." Mia says and walks out the French door into the crowded backyard. I get up and follow her, we need to talk. We need to make a new start; how I have no clue. But I must try. If not for me than Grace and Elliott.
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fifteen minutes later:
Walking along the shoreline, the dog meanders about the tents and shrubs. I try several times to start the conversation, but Mia just ignores me. I have reached my limit. Nearing the boat dock. Picking up my spoiled daughter and jump in the lake.
"YOU ASSHOLE!" Mia screams; I just shove her head under. Count to three and release. She sputters up, the water is near my chest. About her nose. She swings for me; I block and repeat the dunk. The third time, with the dog growling and Grace pleading. Mia finally has had enough.
She looks lost and hurt. Well young lady gets used to being an adult. Wait till you are a parent and you have no hope but to dunk the mulish child in a frigging cold lake.
"Amelia Grey; I am your father, not the enemy. Now what is your problem with your parents? With us!" Trying to be the father she needs and wants. But I suspect: I'm too jaded by my father and grandfather to really understand and achieve a détente.
"Let me go!"
"Go where and why?" I demand. She wants to abandon us. I will never let that happen. Theressa holds a desolate crying Grace, T looks worried.
"I'm no one's fool, or doormat. Daddy's girl is gone. Gone the day Christian left. Don't you get it! We chased him away. We tried to turn him into something he never was." She weeps in frustration and angry.
"Like you tried to turn me into the spoiled princess Mia; Fashionistas, shopaholic, airhead. I have ten million dollars in my stock accounts; Three farms, two dairy's, four restaurants and a custom raw wool & goat fur company. To say nothing about my nonprofit firefighting goat herds and their new portable Creameries. I paid close to two million dollars in corporate taxes last year; here and in France. But all you see is your spoiled airhead daughter."
At a loss for words, or understanding how to move beyond this point. I do what any father, renaissance man, caveman would do; I dunk her again.
"You are going nowhere, young lady. You are our daughter: yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Now if you would civilly like to discuss where you're at in your life, and the family. Fine. Let's go in, change, and talk. If not, I will continue to dunk until common sense returns to your airhead brain. Princess Mia, Frigging indeed!" She is seeing me in a new light. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. But right now; I'll take all I get from my very determined daughter.
"Fine, let's talk." She says; I see my little girl in her eyes. And know she is hurt and wants the families love to heal her. Carrying her into the shallow and up the boat pier ladder.
Once inside the house and changed. We lounge about the great room as she lectures about her business and plans. When she stops; Wow my daughter has done a lot and independently of us. But we are proud of her and will support her.
"I think you have done fantastic Amelia. A few tax code things might help. But I see no holes or blind spots."
"When Clarks comes tomorrow, He's my tax lawyer, CPA and my man Friday." She starts.
"I thought he was your Uber driver."
"No, he is mostly my Chief Operating Officer in the states. Grandma Lorretta in Paris runs my European businesses."
"Grandma Lorretta?" Grandma T asks pained about her status downgrading. We've never heard of her.
"Grandma Lorretta: How do I explain her. She was born in cusp of the sixties, raised in the wanderlust of the eighties. She has been, possible still sometimes indulges the wild side. As a professional call girl, roller derby princess, professional wrestling heel. I do not think she has gone back to being the top priced London brothel madam. Those she will tell you; are her good point. Her bad points, as she lectures me; are Harvard educated lawyer, Warton trained MBA, Sorbonne University Sociology fellow's researcher in human sexuality. Injuries ended her winter Olympic downhill dreams. Part time; She has been my mentor, friend and run my affairs in Europe for nearly four years."
"Why is she called Grandma; is she one?" Grandma T has a bone to gnaw.
"She has no kids other than the ones like me she adopted. Her teachers at Warton, though she acted like she was forty-years older than her birthdate. No fun, all work, and no play. She graduated Warton at twenty-two. Not till she crashed at twenty-three, ending her Olympic dreams. Did she become her three flamboyant extrovert professional sports as she calls them; later a madam. She resurfaced in her late-thirties to being a normal self-made millionaire restaurateur, as normal as she gets. She has an untouched twenty-million trust fund from her wealthy, upper classed family in Dallas; which she has not spoken too since she left for Harvard Yards at sixteen. We are very similar." Amelia
"Amelia, have you?" Grace asks afraid of the answers.
"No Mom, I have not indulgenced in those sports; although I have gone around the roller derby track once. I treasure my face, so that was a no go. Unlike Man Whore Champion of Washington state, gigolo Elliott 'third leg' Grey."
"Hey! Mimi! That was then, this is me now, monogamous, and happy." Elliott defends as Madsion curls on his lap like a giant cat. It took a bit for him to find Miss Right. I am happy and Grace is coming around to the girl.
"Enough! Amelia, Elliott, Theressa arranges Pizza. We are all to spent and to wore to cook." I command. This set off the always simmering battle of the best pizza pies toppings; the three have waged since Elliott was old enough to swallow pies whole.
The rest of us retire to the movie room and watch some television. A Monkey marathon; something to release the tension and strife. Grandpa T sings most of the songs from memory, as does Grace.