Sibling Rivalry

by E A Harvey

  His thoughts drifted back to Francisca. They had met in Toronto one evening after Bruno and he had watched a Blue Jays game. As they sat at a bar failing to agree how good or how bad the team had been or who was responsible for yet another loss, a voice from behind said "You’re both wrong" Turning around to face this stranger Pierre looked into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.

  "Oh yes and what do you think is the problem young lady”

  The rest of the evening was spent with Bruno and Pierre sitting at a table chatting to Francisca and her friend Mina about baseball and who the team should sign, a pitcher-first baseman maybe, a new manager whatever.

  After the first night Francesca and Pierre became lovers spending endless days and glorious nights in a whirlwind romance.

  On one particular evening, many months into their relationship, they had arranged to meet for dinner where he would ask her to marry him. As he sat at the table opening and closing the small box containing the ring the waiter handed him a letter which would break his heart.

  My dearest darling Pierre

  The past weeks and months have been the best of my life and I will love you until my dying day. This romance was never meant to happen and I should never have allowed it to but I fell I love with you at first sight. Now I have been informed that my husband who has been serving overseas has been wounded and is being flown home and will almost certainly need me. Please do not look for me or try to find me my love. All I hope is that you find it in your heart to forgive me one day.

  Yours forever, Francisca xx

  After this experience women became taboo. He was not going to venture down that path ever again. But that was before he met Miss Penny Scott.

  This latest deal in Singapore would only take a few more weeks to complete, but well worth the effort. This latest portfolio would eventually make him able to get his life back more to normality. Spending his life in Paris with his new wife, being nearer to his sister Gabby who he adored, and making sure that his parents would be taken care of comfortably for the rest of their lives seemed a dream come true.

  He boarded the plane. Business class makes flying bearable especially on long-haul flights and a few hours of sleep would certainly help.

  But today his mind was taken up by this fantastic new woman in his life who he never thought that he would find. Sleep did not come easy.

  “Penny”. Even her name seemed magical to him. From the first sight of her, before even a word had been spoken, she cast a spell on him. Maybe she was his soul mate; a kindred spirit and everything which he could ever desire. When they had danced he could feel her heart beating while his own heart was racing.

  In the lift going back to their apartment, there had not been a lot of room so the three of them were all bunched together which pressed their bodies too close for comfort. Penny's subtle perfume made him go heady with desire. His body craved to be closer to her if that was possible. “Pull yourself together before you get too carried away” he almost said out loud.

  He was going to marry this girl, as soon as he returned to Paris.

  Fourteen and a half hours later his aircraft landed at Singapore Changi Airport. He was using the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was most convenient for the meetings he would be attending over the next few days and weeks. That apart it was a very comfortable hotel and central to everywhere he needed to visit.

  He tipped the bellboy well to ensure he would be looked after during his stay. He would give himself a little time to get over his jet lag and then maybe wander around this large city looking for a ring as lovely as Penny.

  This is actually where it had all started years ago while he was on a gap year from University with his good friend Bruno. Bruno was the only son of a wealthy businessman from Toronto They was staying a couple of days in Singapore, on-route to Sydney, Australia. Back packing trying to cover as many countries as possible in twelve months before starting, in earnest, their respective careers. Bruno would be carrying on with his father's highly successful property development company. As yet, Pierre had not made his mind up about where his career would lead. It seemed that all Pierre had in his favour were his looks and personality.

  They had been standing outside a food bar in the rundown part of Changi and talking to an old man who had owned and worked there for many years just like his father before him. The old man was getting far too old to continue doing the job and for so many hours each day. All the money he had earned in his life he had put aside for his grandson’s education. He was determined his grandson would have a better life and not end up doing what he himself had devoted his whole life to doing.

  On the spur of the moment, Bruno said to the old man, “Tell me sir, do you own the land your bar stands on"?

  “Yes I do it's been in my family for generations“

  "Would you be prepared to sell your business and the land if we could agree a price”? Much to the amazement of the two young men, the old man agreed.

  Pierre was amazed at how quickly and effortlessly the deal was done. Bruno had told Pierre to stay with the elderly gentleman while he went to telephone his father. If Bruno thought there was a quality business deal for both parties then, his father urged him, he should go ahead.

  Pierre was delighted and amazed at being a first-hand witness to a real-life business transaction, all that was left was for lawyers to complete the paperwork and the funds to be transferred. Ten days later, the boys flew onto Sydney.

  Sometime later the boys were visiting Bondi Beach. As they sat in the sunshine with a beer, they talked about their futures. Bruno's life was already planned out for him. He would head for Toronto from Australia where he would, with his father's help get the Singapore development underway. Then he hoped to finish University. His father was talking retiring in a couple of years’ time and, while he was still young enough he planned to enjoy his hard-earned money and leave Bruno to take over his business empire.

  "How wonderful is that", said Pierre. "I certainly haven't got that kind of a kick-start. It will probably take me years to earn enough money to get my career underway. My father never earned a great deal of money so it's my ambition to be able to look after my parents and little sister, they certainly deserve it”

  Bruno listened intently, then turned to Pierre and said. “Pierre come to Toronto. Work with my Father and me for a time; serve an apprenticeship and learn the ropes. I will need someone I can trust by my side in Singapore. Who better than you”

  It didn’t take Pierre long to reply to the offer. “Oh my God, Yes”.

  Even today Pierre still checked the results of the Blue Jays and the Argonauts and years later all he had learned in Toronto still held him in good stead. He had been partly involved in his friend's development in Singapore and had shared in other deals there which, over the years, had made him a great deal of money.

  This latest venture was, by far, their biggest. A large consortium had been purchased and split into smaller companies with some being used for development.

  Chapter 16 Lawrence

  Being high in the sky is magical when you are in love. Even the white fluffy clouds underneath the aircraft have new meaning. Penny was winging her way back to see her parents. Sadly her poor Daddy hardly knew his family now. The Alzheimer's had taken a firm grip, and it was only on his better days that her father was lucid enough to recognize his caring family.

  “Please be a good day when I see him tomorrow “she thought to herself. She so wanted to tell him herself about her upcoming marriage to Pierre and all about Gabrielle and her new life in Paris.

  Stanstead Airport was its usual nightmare. The so-called “easy and speedy” new passport machines were causing longer queues then necessary.

  “Push the document down, further in, remove your spectacles, and try again, the other way round”.

  Finally through customs with her luggage recovered Penny headed for the taxi rank.

  “Why don't I use the train" she said out loud which invited a few strange l
ooks.

  It wasn’t long before the taxi arrived outside the house and Justine came out smiling and almost clapping her hands at the sight of her beautiful daughter returning home.

  Thank God that Janet was not around. That at least was a blessing. Peter wandered up and planted a sloppy kiss on both her cheeks and then picked up her bag and carried it to the bottom of the stairs until later.

  Peter was very interested in hearing all the latest news.

  “Mummy, Peter I have some wonderful news, Pierre has asked me to marry him and I have said yes.

  “Oh darling that’s absolutely lovely, I am sure he will make you very very happy” Said Justine

  “That’s great, now I get a brother in-law, and you do make a great couple “said Peter

  What about the wedding dress, where are you going shopping for it, Sis"? He asked eagerly

  "Harrods’s and possibly a few quality designers around Chelsea, whatever I choose it must be something wonderful”

  “Can I come with you and Mother please, I would love to put my input into choosing the dress and be a part of what my sister looks like on her special day"

  "Peter that would be wonderful, I am so pleased that you are interested “answered Penny.

  After a good night's sleep, Penny awoke in her own bedroom thinking to herself, “How lucky have I been? Yes I was devastated when my jealous bitch of a sister wrecked it all for me with Bob, but thinking about it, what a massive favour she did for me. Pierre for me is a dream which actually came true”.

  Penny and her mother and brother breakfasted together; their mood was excited and upbeat. When the black cab hooted twice outside they scuttled out and they piled in giggling about nothing at all

  Next stop Harrods. They were shown into a private room and served coffee, champagne was on offer but decided coffee was the more sensible choice. “After all, it’s could be a long day” thought Penny.

  The dress which she finally chose was breathtakingly beautiful and everything she had dreamed of. It was made of a very fine, almost transparent, fabric like a spider’s web. It was encrusted with crystals and pearls which made it shimmer as she moved. It had a heart shaped neck with long sleeves and clung to her perfect figure as if she had been poured into it. She looked very tall and slim. The dress fanned out at the bottom making her look sophisticated and feminine.

  “Oh my God Sis, you couldn’t look more amazing if you tried” said Peter.

  Justine, tears running down her cheeks uncontrollably. Found it difficult to speak but managed to utter "You look so very beautiful. You look like a Princess darling and so romantic. When your Daddy sees you I just know he will be so happy and proud of you. It may be best if we don't tell him the price though”.

  They all laughed

  Lawrence Scott was living in a high quality nursing home in Maida Vale which he now thought of as home. Surrounded by manicured lawns, the paths led to an avenue of trees with massive rhododendron shrubs. The grand entrance porch, with large imposing white Georgian columns, opened out into a very plush interior. Chrysanthemums in shades of yellow, white and burnt orange looked splendid in hand-painted Chinese vases around the impressive visitors’ lounge.

  Lawrence was sitting in the bay window overlooking the grounds; his eyes were grey and glazed. As the family drew nearer to him, Justine his wife of thirty years, started to cry silently. Penny dropped to her knees and took her Father’s bony hands in hers.

  "Daddy, it's me, Penny!"

  He looked down at her and for a fleeting moment, gave a loving look of recognition.

  Peter put his hands on his Father’s shoulders, saying “I’m here Dad, its Peter!” Lawrence did not seem too pleased happy to see his son

  Justine sat on a chair beside her husband, looking proud that almost all the family were all together again.

  None of them would know just how many times in the near future, Lawrence would he be well enough to interact with them.

  "Daddy can you understand me? I have some wonderful news" said Penny

  "Yes I am fine, of course I can understand you, what's your news darling"?

  "Daddy, I am engaged to the most wonderful man who I know you will love as I much as I, do. When we get married I will get a new sister who you will also love. I live in Paris and Daddy my life is so wonderful and I need you to get well because I need you to give me away at my wedding.” She spoke so quickly, frightened that he might drift back into his illness.

  "Darling that's all so wonderful, of course I will give you away, why wouldn't I”?

  Through all the day's enjoyment and excited chatter, Penny could not help but notice that her father was indifferent to her brother.

  They sat with him for a few hours and all talked excitedly about the wedding, Penny's life in France, who would be her bridesmaids. Gabrielle would, of course, be one, Paula, if she would agree. Where the wedding would take place, London or Paris, where they would live after they were married. Thankfully Lawrence Scott was having a really good day and enjoyed all the news and excitement.

  Back at the house spirits were really high. Everyone talked about how well Daddy had seemed and how they hoped he would have many more days like that. Later in the day Paula and Patrick arrived to see Penny.

  "Patrick. Paula. It’s really lovely to see you both. I have some very exciting news, Pierre had asked

  me to marry him and I said yes, and Paula I would love it if you would be one of my bridesmaids"

  "That's wonderful Penny. I am so pleased for you. Pierre is a great guy and I know you will be very happy"

  "Congratulations Penny that's absolutely amazing news and yes please I would love to be a

  Bridesmaid, thank you so much for asking me".

  Later in the day they sat and discussed Brian Peters, the shook of Patrick finding him. The police interviews in Paris and London. How strange it had been when he had seen Janet and run from the house. The tragedy of the whole affair and that they were sure the killer would soon be apprehended by the very pleasant police woman.

  "Mother where is Janet, does she know I am home” asked Penny.

  "No darling she doesn’t know you’re here. It was something you forgot to mention. Even I didn’t know you were coming home. Janet has a new boyfriend I believe. She is very secretive about him and said she would be staying with him over the weekend; maybe longer, I don't even know his name or anything about him"

  "Mother I do hope that she is happy with the new man in her life, I would love her to be my maid of honour, but can I trust her? I know I can forgive her. I want her to be happy for me; not jealous" "Darling, the only way you can find the answers to your questions and your doubts is to talk to your sister. I think she regrets what happened between you. Call her and arrange to get together and maybe go out for a meal or something. What do you think, I am sure she would love to hear from you again; after all it’s been a while.

  Okay Mummy but let me go back home first and sort out a date .It needs to be when Pierre is home and then maybe we can get together with Janet and her new boyfriend whoever he is.

  Chapter 17 Couple

  On Sunday morning Janet was woken up hands exploring her body. She rolled over to face and kiss the lips which had been nuzzling the back of her neck.

  "Good morning beautiful” he was able to say before her tongue explored his mouth, she climbed upon his erection and slowly moved back and forth until she felt his climax inside her.

  "What a wonderful way to be woken in the morning darling. What a lucky man you are. But now you can cook breakfast as a way of saying thank you Janet for making love to me"

  Rolling her off of him he pinned her to the bed.

  “Where are you going? Stay in bed. I want more of that delicious body. I will cook you breakfast later. All I want for breakfast is you"

  It was almost the afternoon when they stopped making love,

  "Lay there and sleep baby. I will call you when breakfast is ready. How about croissants and coffee”?


  "How very French of you, you do know Penny is in France don't you”?

  "No I didn't, I know she went there but I thought only for a few weeks. Where in France is she”?

  "Paris. She lives there permanently now. Has done for months"

  "Does she now? My family have a holiday home in Chantilly. It is about half hour from Paris. Do you think Penny would be pleased to see us”?

  "Not on your life".

  “Janet have you by any chance seen my phone? It's about somewhere I am sure but I am forever losing the bloody thing"

  "No sorry, I have not seen it, where did you have it last”?

  "I have no idea. And I don't think it's working properly anyway”

  "Bob I want to ask you a question and please answer me truthfully"

  "This sounds serious. Of course, I will tell you the truth if I can"