Robby and Ryan

Still from your POV:

The next day we left early dropping the car in a park by the White House and walked the mall to the Capital. “You met, Bill Clinton?” I asked.

“In the mid-nineties, Service Employees International Union, tried to organize the Lake House. My guys made it clear that they wanted NO part of it. I was better to them than any union contract could be. It caused me to think.

I got involved with the Labor Council. I was introduced to the then President of SEIU, and we became fast friends. He invited me to DC for their International conference and I met The President.

I stayed with Andy and his family for the long weekend upstate then flew back home. It was hard not seeing our Willows, but I flew home. Andy later became President of the AFL, after Sweeney retired.”

We walked the mall to stand at the steps of Lincoln’s Memorial. We strolled through the Korean Memorial and then over to the wall. We walked in front of the White House and Ryan came to a stop in front of a camera looking right at it. Both hands came up in a double bird and he said, “Suck my Dick.”

When we got in the car he looked at me, “We are so… fucked, Derion. Read Hitler’s playbook; it’s happening again. Remember, D; first they came for the brown man then the ones of color. I was neither and did nothing. Then they came for those with different lifestyles, and I still did nothing. Now they’re coming for me and there’s nobody left. This can’t be the new normal. It just can’t.”

We drove past the things of yesterday arriving back around nine. Everything was in full swing. Ryan stopped at the gate and smiled as I sat with my mouth open. All the trees lining the driveway had white lights hanging from each willow whip. Ryan was still smiling.

“I’m glad I got to see this, D. Kind of magical isn’t it? Shannon told me what she wanted to do five years ago and this is perfect; its part lights, fiber optics, and laser.”

The driveway was bathed in white, raining, light; not bright but enough to seem like a winter wonderland. I noticed the field on the other side of the trees was filled with cars and we pulled up to the front steps.

A young man walked up asking if he could help us and Ryan said no as we reached the top of the stairs.

“Sir, Nobody, uses the front door and your car can’t sit here. This space is reserved,” The kid said with a puffed chest.

Ryan turned. His posture changed like a porcupine ready to launch a hundred barbs into this kid. I couldn’t wait to see how this was going to play out. The punk was now on a radio talking and a few more pimpled faced kids came walking up in reflective vests as a show of force with their flashlights in hand. It was comical. It really was.

“Look, Buddy, No, one goes in the front door and you need to either move your car; or we will park it for you.” The kid said rocking his head back and forth with confidence now.

“Really???” came out of his mouth like a dragon spitting fire. Ryan could be his grandfather; or however many ago who built this house. With such grace, he slowly swaggered down the stairs and right into the kids’ personal space.

I was sure he was going to hit him or slap him at the very least. There was a moment and then Ryan pulled the keys from his pocket dropping them on the ground at the kid’s feet.

“Where is everybody?” he asked so calmly.

“Everyone is around back, Sir. Follow the lights,” the kid said. Ryan motioned to me and that’s what we did; followed the lights around back.

‘I know this will sound strange. The cobblestone path was lined in soft light with roses on both sides along and around to the back of the house. As Ryan moved; roses bloomed and the path lights got brighter. Believe me or not.’

“I thought you were going to smack him,” I stated. “I would have!”

“The kid was just doing his job, Derion. Who am I to fuck with that?” He replied.

“Would you rather I tell him who I am just to make him feel like shit for talking to us like that?” And he stopped turning to me.

“Few people use the front door. It pisses her off. And the fact I’m here now; well.” And he looked up the three stories.

“When that kid tried to give me a ticket for the keys I told him to find Shannon and give it to her. It’s her fuckin car.” I had to laugh.

We rounded the corner and there were hundreds of people mingling, dancing, and talking in small groups. “Let’s change and then we can blend in,” he said heading for the back door.

I had freshened and stopped at his room. The door was open and he was watching from the upper porch down on the festivities below. I walked up next to him. He was smiling and would give a nod or a wave to anyone who looked his way.

“This is kind of what you wrote about; Isn’t it?” I asked. And he nodded.

“I so… wish that could have happened, Derion. Granted, we couldn’t have fit thousands into the back yard; but yes; I would have loved to tell it to each and every one of you personally.” And he shook his head.

“I can’t remember what chapter it was that I tried so hard for my blind readers. My audience was so much more diverse than I ever expected.” And he shook his head again.

“I was so naïve, Derion. I didn’t understand the global part. Didn’t understand the web,” and I could see he was struggling.

“So many people who have emailed me could be put in jail for logging onto this site. And they emailed me. I never expected any of this. When I started I never expected to be here with you tonight.”

The crowd was being calmed for a toast or something and I heard Shannon’s voice. “Good evening everybody. My name is Shannon and on behalf of ‘The Willows’ I want to welcome you.” She was on the deck below us and there was applause as a spot shined down on her.

“This Grand Willow’s Estate, along with the grounds, have been in the Chancellor family for generations and tonight; tonight; is the first time I have had the privilege to introduce the true host of the evening, Mr. Ryan, James Chancellor.” as her hand waved up to Ryan. And there was more applause.

Ryan stood tall at the rail as the crowd died down to a whisper. “I don’t think we have ever had a more beautiful bride grace these grounds.” He said to more applause.

He raised a mock glass in this hand and said, “To the Father of the Bride, Thank You, for paying the light bill.” And there was laughter.

“And to the Bride; save me a dance. Now let’s party.” He finished and sat back down next to me.

“Are you, OK? Have you slept at all?” I asked knowing the answer. Ryan just looked straight ahead and shook his head back and forth.

“It would have been forty-three years last month, Derion. How does a person live their life in the blink of an eye? Would you like to mingle, D?” he asked.

“I thought that was the plan,” I replied.

Ryan was dressed in slacks and a white shirt along with cufflinks. He hadn’t brought anything with him and was dressed like that. We broke off in separate directions when we left the stairs and I didn’t see him for an hour. I was enjoying myself. Most everyone was under thirty and looking their best. Sorry, how could I not enjoy myself drinking in their youth?

I saw Ryan standing by the band; his body was swaying, and one hand bouncing on his leg. I watched him. He seemed to be enjoying himself, too. During a break, he talked to them. There was nodding and pointing at different guitars.

When the band started again Ryan held a guitar. He stepped up to the mic and said, “Elvis, has left the building and you’re stuck with us.” And he hit the strings. ‘Johnny Be Good’

He really was a spectacle. Everybody started moving and dancing to his singing along with his screaming guitar. This was the first song he ever sang for Robby on stage; adding him in the song as he sang and it showed that he was remembering too. And he added me in a verse. When he finished everyone wanted more. He put on the show of thanks and said, “I don’t know?” all coy, like: tilting his head and showing dimples. For some unknown reason, I smiled.

Finally, he sat at the keyboard and acted like he didn’t know what it was. “Give me a minute folks. Can I warm up a bit?” And there were cheers.

He started with his left hand so casually. “You know? Back before I was a kid, I wish, they used to have a thing called, The Boogie Woogie, Aria. His left hand moved on its own. “When I was younger I used to do this to loosen my fingers. See if you can keep up.”

He added his right hand to the mix looking at the crowd and still talking. “So when I get to the end and throw my hands in the air you all yell, ‘hell yeah.’ I just need to work some bugs out.” And he threw his hands in the air and everybody yelled out.

“OK, this time, just the beautiful young ladies.” He said.

Ryan finished then threw his hands in the air with all the females screamed out. “That was pretty weak, ladies. I think you can do better,” as he started to play again. He threw his hands in the air and the place roared.

He continued playing; his smile so big, looking at the people. “When I was young and didn’t play the right note,” and he ran those fingers, “a nun would slap my knuckles with a ruler,” and the crowd moaned. “Kidding,” he yelled letting it fly.

He did seven songs than his encore, ‘Set Fire to the Rain.’ And he did. If I closed my eyes I would swear I was listening to, Adele. He did ‘Dance with my Father again’ by Luther Vandross.

Ryan was a mimic. He could sound like anyone. The bride danced with her father and Ryan concentrated on what he was doing. Seven Spanish Angles. Love Is All Around Us. Dream’in Again. Live for Today.

It was close to three and I had brushed my teeth and could hear him when I came out of the bathroom. He was sitting at the piano and I sat on the landing. He really could play. I moved to the bottom stair and listened. I would be leaving tomorrow and there was so much more I wanted to know.

I heard Shannon come in and he stopped. “We’re done for the night and I’m going to turn off the outside lights.” She told him.

Ryan thanked her and asked, “Whose guitar, Shannon?”

“You know, he respected you. And that’s saying a lot. He said you were wise beyond your years. Even beyond his years. It’s Billy’s guitar. Bruno said he wanted it to rest in this room thinking you might come back and play it for him someday.”

“You know what it’s worth??? Thank you, Shannon, for everything you do here and the way you take care of my boys when they come. Thank you for keeping the secret. They’ll need your help someday.”

“Can I get you anything?” She questioned.

“No thank you. Will you see that Derion gets to the airport?” He asked.

“Tommy will drive him. Goodbye Mr. Chancellor.” She finished.

From your Author:

Does it feel like forty-plus years and over three hundred thousand words my unknown friends? I want you to pause and think of a happy end to this. Just stop and think how you would end this love story; this soul story, given the chance. Tell the other readers or email me; just know the end has been written.

I want you to know that Derion and I have been in contact for a few years. He is real. The guy who is responding to you on this site is real. I’ve had a few email me saying that I am Derion. He is my alter ego. I don’t reply.

I want you all to know if you think I would ever do something like that; trash me. The next chapter will bring the end. I don’t want it any more than you. How can someone describe their life; two lives in such a small number of words. Each year should be volumes. RJC.