written by CATHAL McCEALLACHAN for Christmas.TyRain.com
November 5, 2000
PART TWO
The story of Christian and Savvas continues
I was shocked out of my fond memories of Cees by the anxious voice of a young man, “Are you okay, Sir?” I nodded and wondered just how long I had been staring into this same shop window. “But are you not the Ballet Dancer, Christian?” I just smiled and nodded again.
“I’m glad you are well Mister Christian,” he said and walked away. I looked at my watch and decided it best that I rush back to Java Square No. 7, since the Baroness would be waiting on me for tea.
When I arrived, Tineke was in the lounge. There was a table sagging under the weight of all the cakes and goodies she knew I liked and a pot of steaming fresh tea. Such a beautiful room this was to me, she fondly calling it the Blue Salon. Lovely blue Delft porcelain all over, blue and white wallpaper, pale blue wall to wall carpeting with oriental rugs in complimenting hues of blue, red and many other colors. A huge Christmas tree with trimmings of gold, silver and red. In the hearth a fire roared, warm and cozy, framed by huge Ming vases filled with white, blue and red flowers. In one corner stood a baby grand piano, with photos of the whole family and all the friends arranged on top. I looked around me. Yes - such a warm, friendly and wonderful room.
“You are late!” she said accusingly, “but never mind, I can see you are in a black mood. Cheer up Chris, the world is not coming to an end. Savvas will be here before Christmas! I can feel it in my weary old bones.”
She pushed her bejeweled fingers through her outrageously curled and dyed red hair - her cheerful laughter filling the room and clearing away my gloomy mood. “Suppose you’re right,” I giggled. I grabbed her by the hands, pulled her from the chair, gave her a strong hug and a kiss, and then waltzed around the room with her in my arms. This woman is eight-six years old? She felt like a coquettish girl of 16 in my arms. “Let me go,” she screamed with delight, “this will cause my death!”
We laughed and spoke about days gone by. When I had first come to her home, I was but a shy and moody young man. Over time, without being forced, I was taught about social graces, art, history and how to be happy and fully enjoy life.
After the hardships of the second world war, Tineke had started taking in deserving youngsters, to help them to be established in a life of their own. Many became doctors, teachers, writers, and even ballet dancers, as you know. We were never officially adopted, but in our hearts and lives, we made this very vivacious and life-loving woman our mother. She not only took us into her home, but into her heart.
With a glance at my watch, I stood up, preparing to collect my things to depart for Amsterdam, where I would meet Savvas at the airport. She said, “Wait… Anton can take you there by car.”
I shook my head. “I would rather go by train, like I used to. You spoil that boy too much.”
As I turned, he stood there - tall, blond, blue-eyed - with his usual commanding presence. “Who is spoilt, big brother”, he asked.
“You”, I responded.
“Come on Christian, be nice to me, you know I like driving that Porsche.” He stood there with his eyes begging.
“Okay!” I said, “but no antics.” He rushed forward, grabbed me around the waist and twirled me, giving me a kiss at the same time. “Look Mamma!” I shouted, “Anton is kissing a man.”
He let go of me. “But you are not another man, you are my brother!” he said softly. I hugged him and fondly said, “I’m just teasing, silly. Lets go.”
Two hours later he dropped me at the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky on the Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam, where I spent the night.
Tag: christmas|Tag: gay|Tag: young|Tag: tyrain|Posted in Gay Christmas
