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rohansonThere's a family album being pulled together for these chats to let you know how we see them. I'll post a linky when it's done :)
Dad's face when he walked in to applause and cheers was amazing. He scanned the room, his eyes resting on me and Steve standing together at the back, a huge grin growing on his face as he shook his head, and we happily grinned back at him. Then he was swamped by people all wishing him the best, and telling him he really didn't look his age, as people do on these occasions. It had been arranged that he open his presents before dinner, and his eyes glowed when he tore the silvery paper off the horse, and he pulled me into a huge hug. "Thanks son. That you made it with your own hands ... that means a lot."
I don't ever think I've seen my Dad tear up before.
When there was finally a little breathing space, I spotted him leaning against the bar, and tugged you towards him. My Mom was passing, so I introduced you, and she smiled, and said she would love to talk to you later, but had to deal with a slight seating problem right now. Sooooo that means she wants to talk to you alone. I squeeze your hand as she heads off towards a disgruntled looking Auntie Dorrie, and finally, we reach my Dad. He turns around, and smiles. "Dad, this is Dave. Dave, this is my Dad."
Dave: I can't help but tense a little, after all, this is your dad I'm meeting for the first time. But he's got a gentle face, and I can see a little of you in his features. That helps. I stick out my hand, and smile. "It's good to meet you, Sir. Happy Birthday."
Paris' Dad: Taking your hand I give it a firm shake. "Good to meet you too, Dave, and please, drop the sir. You're making me feel 70, not 50!!" I smile to let him know I'm teasing. This guy means a lot to my son, and I haven't seen him as happy as this since ... well, since he was with Jason. That's old history now, I know, but it's good to see him looking like that again. "Call me Danny."
Dave: "All, right, then... Danny." I test the name out, and it does suit you. "This is a wonderful party! Quite a turnout - I'm honored to be here."
Paris' Dad: *laughing* "Yeah, well, I'm not really one for parties, but if it keeps them happy, celebrating my great age, that's fine by me." Glancing over your shoulder, I can see Eileen almost hopping around in the background, and can't resist driving her a little crazier than she already is. So I lean back against the bar as if I'm getting comfortable for the long haul. "So Dave, Steve tells me you and Paris met when you were filming that movie ... I forget what it was called ..." She makes a face at me and rolls her eyes.
Dave: I can see you're glancing at someone behind me, and if there's one thing I recognize, it's a smartarse taunt - I've made plenty of them myself! "Ah, right! That was The Crocodile Hunter. Paris had a bit part as a crocodile. Broke my heart to have to put him down, but well, I needed new boots and he had such a lovely hide." I turn to the bartender for a fresh drink, and steal a glance at whoever it is behind me. I see a woman with an expression on her face I'm not soon going to forget.
Paris' Dad: I do try to stop the grin spreading on my face as you play along beautifully, but end up breaking down into fits of laughter. Yeah, you're okay. "Dave, it was a pleasure to meet you, and if you happen to find a quiet corner with bottle of single malt later, I'd be happy to share it with you, but I apparently have to go." I let out a little sigh. "My wife is gesticulating elegantly from the corner, where I think she is about to fire a waiter, and my sister in law is about to explode in a haze of tie dyed cheesecloth if she doesn't get to meet you soon." I motion for her to join us and she rushes forward. "Eileen, this is Dave, Dave this is Eileen." I get up from the bar, and let her have my seat. "Don't hog the lad, he has to eat sometime tonight." I give you and Paris a wink, and set off to see if I can avert a crisis.
Dave: Paris' dad's sister in law.... I make a quick calculation and realize this is the Aunt I've been told about. "Eileen, I'm so happy to meet you! Paris mentions his favourite aunt so often, I've looked forward to this!" I figure why not, it's a party and from what I've heard about you, you're not likely to mind, so I slide off my barstool and give you a warm hug.
Mad Auntie Eileen: I smile across at Paris. "He's a sweet boy." And before I know it, you've swept me up into a hug, and I can't help letting out a little squeak. David Wenham .... Faramir is giving me a hug. You let me go with a grin, and I just know I'm blushing madly, but really don't care. "It's good to meet you too, David ... er Dave ... which do you prefer?" I can't quite believe I'm sitting here with you!! "And you have to tell me all about the movies ... is Sean Bean really that good looking in real life?"
Paris: I've been through all this before, and much as I love you both, I think I'm out of here for a bit. "I need to find Steve, I forgot to tell him ... something." I grin happily at both of you, and plant a kiss on Dave's hair on the way past, winking at Eileen. "See you guys later."
Dave: Oh, great, don't think you won't be teased later for abandoning me, Paris! I pick up my drink and take a pretty large swig, then turn back to Auntie Eileen, who's beaming happily at me. "Oh, you like Sean, do you? He's a handsome bloke, there's no denying that, and quite talented. You know why they chose us to play the brothers, right? We've both got these wonderfully big noses." I was tempted to tell her about Sean's horrid taste in home decorating, but I think he'd kill me if the gossip ever made it back round to Wellington that Sean Bean favors pink bedrooms.
Mad Auntie Eileen: Nodding enthusiastically, I examine your profile. I knew of course, that was why you were chosen, but it's different to hear it directly from someone involved with the movies. "Were you a fan of the books yourself, before you were cast? And if you could have picked a role yourself, would you have picked Faramir? Or was he someone you were drawn to? Did the character speak to you, this troubled son of Gondor?" I've always been fascinated by him, so I'm curious to know exactly how you feel about my favourite character, and wait intently for your answers.
Dave: I give you my best ‘hope you’ll still like me’ smile, wondering if I’ll shatter your illusions with my answer, but you aren’t just a fan, you’re family. I’m a little startled when I realize I thought that… not ‘Paris’ family’, just ‘family’. “Actually, no, I hadn’t read the books before Peter Jackson looked me up. I did read them since, though, of course! And, well, I guess Pete knew what he was doing. I can’t see myself having played anyone but him in the movies. He was… and he still is, though I can’t tell you that a good man, though very troubled, as you say.”
Mad Auntie Eileen: Again, I nod enthusiastically. "Yes, and noble too." You're a pleasant boy, and I can see why Paris was drawn to you, and I think there will be plenty of opportunity to talk to you about my little obsession, especially since I did a little last minute alteration of the seating plan and will be sitting between you and my nephew at dinner, but right now, I have you to myself, and it's him I'm thinking about. "So you must have had a lot of job offers after the movies, Dave. Have you never been tempted by the bright lights of Hollywood?" I may be thought of as the family fruit cake, but Paris has always been special to me. I can see how much he loves you, and would hate to see him hurt.
Dave: You really are endearing, and even though you’re in fangirl mode, I really don’t mind. You’ve got a genuine quality to you, and that’s accented by your rather wild mode of dress. I wonder if Paris would think I was crazy if I suggested inviting you down to visit us sometime. “Those Hollywood lights have to be bright to cut through the smog. I’ve been out there for premieres, but that’s not the place for me. I’m finding plenty of work in Australia and New Zealand, and that makes me happy. Besides, do you think Paris would be content anywhere else? I wouldn’t ask that of him, and I wouldn’t go anywhere without him.”
Mad Auntie Eileen: Your answers make me smile, seeing that you care deeply for my nephew. After signalling the barman for another glass of chardonnay, I lay my hand on yours which is resting on the bar. "No, I don't think he would be. It's good to see him settling down after all those restless years, and settling down with someone who cares about him." I squeeze your hand. "He's always been an independent soul, rather like me ... apart from his dress sense. But he needs love in his life, and I can see you give him that."
Dave: “He’s still independent, I’ll never ask him to be anything but himself. Somehow he’s made room in his life for me, and well… maybe you’d understand what that means more than most. I’m proud of what he’s doing with his life and I won’t stand between him and any dream he has.” I give you a warm smile and squeeze your hand in return. “I do love him. I think I’m amazed every day that he loves me right back.” I notice Paris’ dad across the room giving me a quirky grin, he’s probably thinking I’m suffering through the Spanish Inquisition over here, but really, I’m not. “Hey, enough about me and that blond bombshell of a nephew of yours. How about I get us another round of drinks and you tell me about your life? I’d really like that!”
Mad Auntie Eileen: Yes, a very pleasant boy indeed! The drinks arrive, and I clink my glass against yours. But where to start? It's not often someone asks such an open question, and it takes me a moment to think on what might actually interest you. "Has Paris ever told you about his grandmother?" You nod in a way that tells me it was more in passing than in detail, and I smile. "Lizzy McEwan was her name, and she arrived on these shores when she was two years old. Her family emigrated from Scotland, and last year, I finally made it over there to track down the family roots, and what a trip it was ..."
Dad's face when he walked in to applause and cheers was amazing. He scanned the room, his eyes resting on me and Steve standing together at the back, a huge grin growing on his face as he shook his head, and we happily grinned back at him. Then he was swamped by people all wishing him the best, and telling him he really didn't look his age, as people do on these occasions. It had been arranged that he open his presents before dinner, and his eyes glowed when he tore the silvery paper off the horse, and he pulled me into a huge hug. "Thanks son. That you made it with your own hands ... that means a lot."
I don't ever think I've seen my Dad tear up before.
When there was finally a little breathing space, I spotted him leaning against the bar, and tugged you towards him. My Mom was passing, so I introduced you, and she smiled, and said she would love to talk to you later, but had to deal with a slight seating problem right now. Sooooo that means she wants to talk to you alone. I squeeze your hand as she heads off towards a disgruntled looking Auntie Dorrie, and finally, we reach my Dad. He turns around, and smiles. "Dad, this is Dave. Dave, this is my Dad."
Dave: I can't help but tense a little, after all, this is your dad I'm meeting for the first time. But he's got a gentle face, and I can see a little of you in his features. That helps. I stick out my hand, and smile. "It's good to meet you, Sir. Happy Birthday."
Paris' Dad: Taking your hand I give it a firm shake. "Good to meet you too, Dave, and please, drop the sir. You're making me feel 70, not 50!!" I smile to let him know I'm teasing. This guy means a lot to my son, and I haven't seen him as happy as this since ... well, since he was with Jason. That's old history now, I know, but it's good to see him looking like that again. "Call me Danny."
Dave: "All, right, then... Danny." I test the name out, and it does suit you. "This is a wonderful party! Quite a turnout - I'm honored to be here."
Paris' Dad: *laughing* "Yeah, well, I'm not really one for parties, but if it keeps them happy, celebrating my great age, that's fine by me." Glancing over your shoulder, I can see Eileen almost hopping around in the background, and can't resist driving her a little crazier than she already is. So I lean back against the bar as if I'm getting comfortable for the long haul. "So Dave, Steve tells me you and Paris met when you were filming that movie ... I forget what it was called ..." She makes a face at me and rolls her eyes.
Dave: I can see you're glancing at someone behind me, and if there's one thing I recognize, it's a smartarse taunt - I've made plenty of them myself! "Ah, right! That was The Crocodile Hunter. Paris had a bit part as a crocodile. Broke my heart to have to put him down, but well, I needed new boots and he had such a lovely hide." I turn to the bartender for a fresh drink, and steal a glance at whoever it is behind me. I see a woman with an expression on her face I'm not soon going to forget.
Paris' Dad: I do try to stop the grin spreading on my face as you play along beautifully, but end up breaking down into fits of laughter. Yeah, you're okay. "Dave, it was a pleasure to meet you, and if you happen to find a quiet corner with bottle of single malt later, I'd be happy to share it with you, but I apparently have to go." I let out a little sigh. "My wife is gesticulating elegantly from the corner, where I think she is about to fire a waiter, and my sister in law is about to explode in a haze of tie dyed cheesecloth if she doesn't get to meet you soon." I motion for her to join us and she rushes forward. "Eileen, this is Dave, Dave this is Eileen." I get up from the bar, and let her have my seat. "Don't hog the lad, he has to eat sometime tonight." I give you and Paris a wink, and set off to see if I can avert a crisis.
Dave: Paris' dad's sister in law.... I make a quick calculation and realize this is the Aunt I've been told about. "Eileen, I'm so happy to meet you! Paris mentions his favourite aunt so often, I've looked forward to this!" I figure why not, it's a party and from what I've heard about you, you're not likely to mind, so I slide off my barstool and give you a warm hug.
Mad Auntie Eileen: I smile across at Paris. "He's a sweet boy." And before I know it, you've swept me up into a hug, and I can't help letting out a little squeak. David Wenham .... Faramir is giving me a hug. You let me go with a grin, and I just know I'm blushing madly, but really don't care. "It's good to meet you too, David ... er Dave ... which do you prefer?" I can't quite believe I'm sitting here with you!! "And you have to tell me all about the movies ... is Sean Bean really that good looking in real life?"
Paris: I've been through all this before, and much as I love you both, I think I'm out of here for a bit. "I need to find Steve, I forgot to tell him ... something." I grin happily at both of you, and plant a kiss on Dave's hair on the way past, winking at Eileen. "See you guys later."
Dave: Oh, great, don't think you won't be teased later for abandoning me, Paris! I pick up my drink and take a pretty large swig, then turn back to Auntie Eileen, who's beaming happily at me. "Oh, you like Sean, do you? He's a handsome bloke, there's no denying that, and quite talented. You know why they chose us to play the brothers, right? We've both got these wonderfully big noses." I was tempted to tell her about Sean's horrid taste in home decorating, but I think he'd kill me if the gossip ever made it back round to Wellington that Sean Bean favors pink bedrooms.
Mad Auntie Eileen: Nodding enthusiastically, I examine your profile. I knew of course, that was why you were chosen, but it's different to hear it directly from someone involved with the movies. "Were you a fan of the books yourself, before you were cast? And if you could have picked a role yourself, would you have picked Faramir? Or was he someone you were drawn to? Did the character speak to you, this troubled son of Gondor?" I've always been fascinated by him, so I'm curious to know exactly how you feel about my favourite character, and wait intently for your answers.
Dave: I give you my best ‘hope you’ll still like me’ smile, wondering if I’ll shatter your illusions with my answer, but you aren’t just a fan, you’re family. I’m a little startled when I realize I thought that… not ‘Paris’ family’, just ‘family’. “Actually, no, I hadn’t read the books before Peter Jackson looked me up. I did read them since, though, of course! And, well, I guess Pete knew what he was doing. I can’t see myself having played anyone but him in the movies. He was… and he still is, though I can’t tell you that a good man, though very troubled, as you say.”
Mad Auntie Eileen: Again, I nod enthusiastically. "Yes, and noble too." You're a pleasant boy, and I can see why Paris was drawn to you, and I think there will be plenty of opportunity to talk to you about my little obsession, especially since I did a little last minute alteration of the seating plan and will be sitting between you and my nephew at dinner, but right now, I have you to myself, and it's him I'm thinking about. "So you must have had a lot of job offers after the movies, Dave. Have you never been tempted by the bright lights of Hollywood?" I may be thought of as the family fruit cake, but Paris has always been special to me. I can see how much he loves you, and would hate to see him hurt.
Dave: You really are endearing, and even though you’re in fangirl mode, I really don’t mind. You’ve got a genuine quality to you, and that’s accented by your rather wild mode of dress. I wonder if Paris would think I was crazy if I suggested inviting you down to visit us sometime. “Those Hollywood lights have to be bright to cut through the smog. I’ve been out there for premieres, but that’s not the place for me. I’m finding plenty of work in Australia and New Zealand, and that makes me happy. Besides, do you think Paris would be content anywhere else? I wouldn’t ask that of him, and I wouldn’t go anywhere without him.”
Mad Auntie Eileen: Your answers make me smile, seeing that you care deeply for my nephew. After signalling the barman for another glass of chardonnay, I lay my hand on yours which is resting on the bar. "No, I don't think he would be. It's good to see him settling down after all those restless years, and settling down with someone who cares about him." I squeeze your hand. "He's always been an independent soul, rather like me ... apart from his dress sense. But he needs love in his life, and I can see you give him that."
Dave: “He’s still independent, I’ll never ask him to be anything but himself. Somehow he’s made room in his life for me, and well… maybe you’d understand what that means more than most. I’m proud of what he’s doing with his life and I won’t stand between him and any dream he has.” I give you a warm smile and squeeze your hand in return. “I do love him. I think I’m amazed every day that he loves me right back.” I notice Paris’ dad across the room giving me a quirky grin, he’s probably thinking I’m suffering through the Spanish Inquisition over here, but really, I’m not. “Hey, enough about me and that blond bombshell of a nephew of yours. How about I get us another round of drinks and you tell me about your life? I’d really like that!”
Mad Auntie Eileen: Yes, a very pleasant boy indeed! The drinks arrive, and I clink my glass against yours. But where to start? It's not often someone asks such an open question, and it takes me a moment to think on what might actually interest you. "Has Paris ever told you about his grandmother?" You nod in a way that tells me it was more in passing than in detail, and I smile. "Lizzy McEwan was her name, and she arrived on these shores when she was two years old. Her family emigrated from Scotland, and last year, I finally made it over there to track down the family roots, and what a trip it was ..."
