Published: 6 Nov 2023

After viewing Alun’s small part in the day’s filming, Simon decided to leave it in production, as what he considered to be wooden lasted for only a number of seconds and with the camera angle he believed it would not distract from the scene. Even so Simon was concerned towards Alun’s lacking in concentration, so he made an impromptus visit to the production’s psychologist who recently had a session with Alun.

“Then Lora what do you think is worrying the lad, as we don’t want a repeat of the problem they had after shooting Madness, when Cabe Reynolds went loopy.”

“Reynolds was disturbed from the start, also a bad choice for the psychopathic part he was given. I don’t believe Alun is likely to have similar problems.”

“Then what do you think is troubling the lad?”

“I believe Alun has a problem with his sexuality.”

“Are you suggesting he is gay?”

“That is something only Alun knows and if so I doubt if he even realizes. I believe it leads back to his father. What I have ascertain from the few sessions I’ve had with Alun, it appears his father is somewhat domineering.”

“Wouldn’t being gay be a bonus to his part in the film?”

“Not when a large part of Alun is fighting to prove he isn’t. I shouldn’t be breaking his confidence but Alun’s father avidly stressed in no uncertain terms only gay men do acting and in doing so has called Alun out as gay. Also there is the problem with the nude photos being posted on the internet. I don’t think he has come to terms with it as yet.”

“We have already challenged Michael Long about the photographs. I also suggested we report Michael Long to the police but Alun said not to as it would only bring about more exposure.”

“Did you know someone has been harassing him further by making suggestions about Alun and Taylor by telephone to Alun’s father?”

“That I didn’t know Could Michael Long be responsible for the calls as well as the photographs?”

“Alun believes it is possible.”

“What does Alun say about his father’s lack of support?”

“He seems to simply laugh it away, yet I believe it concerns him.”

“Possibly I should I have a word with him?” Simon suggests.

“I wouldn’t. Alun is quite capable of working through any difficulties by his own means and if he has given you guarantee it won’t further hinder his acting, it is my advice to leave well enough alone.”

“What about Taylor, is Alun’s problem affecting him?”

“Not Taylor, he appears unflappable. I will be having a session with both at the same time on Wednesday.”

“Together, I’ve heard of such with marriage guidance, is it common practice in cases like this?”

“Normally I wouldn’t but having Taylor in on the session could be advantageous for Alun.”

“Then keep me posted.”

“Unofficially of course, you do realise I am breaking the lad’s confidentiality.”

“I won’t repeat anything.”

“I’ll hold you to that Simon.”

It is past ten in the evening, with Taylor returning from his almost nightly walk about the property and enjoying a quiet moment at the creek to view the platypus at play. Entering into the cottage Taylor finds Alun reading; “scoring up on your lines?” he asks and drops down onto a kitchen chair.

“No, I was trying to get some understanding of Logan’s attitude towards Tom, as a new kid is about to be introduced into the part.”

“They have found a new Tom,” Taylor shares.

“I know, Simon told me but I don’t know anything about him.”

“He has been on Television in some kids programme.”

“I suppose we’ll meet with him soon enough, as they will need to reshoot the footage when he meets up with Logan and Chance.”

“Simon said they won’t need to reshoot all of it and much can be done without us by incorporating old footage with the new.”

“When did you hear all that?” Alun asks.

“Earlier this evening I met Simon on my way to the shower block. I have some other news as well.”

“Go on.”

“As we won’t be needed for much of the shooting of Tom’s earlier part, Simon suggested we could take a few days off.”

“That could be handy. Mum is already giving me grief for not visiting, although I’m not looking forward in doing so.”

“Why would that be?”

“Peter gave me a bell, he said dad is still going on about that call he got saying you and I were at it and mum keeps bursting into tears.”

“At it you say.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Who do you think would have made the call?”

Alun simply shrugs his shoulders.

“Oh well,” Taylor says having noting constructive that may help Alun’s situation, although both have suspicion it would have been Michael Long.

During the following morning’s breakfast, Simon brings the replacement for Tom Burns to the front for introduction. He is a lad of seventeen with ginger hair, appearing younger than his years and of slight frame. The lad has a fresh healthy appearance, while the role he is to play is that of a mistreated lad by his father, therefore should appear at least bruised and undernourished.

“Could I have everybody’s attention please,” Simon calls across the room. The clatter of cutlery on plates ceases.

“I would like you all to meet Keith Bradshaw, who will be the replacement for Tom. Keith has been studying his part for close on a week now, so filming will commence almost immediately. Has anyone any questions?”

“I have,” Alun calls from the back of the dining room.”

“What would that be Alun?” Simon answers then explains Alun’s association with the film to Keith.

“Keith has ginger hair; Tom’s hair should be as black as midnight.”

“Have you ever heard of hair dye Alun?”

Alun continues, “I have.”

“Even so there isn’t anything in the script that says Tom should have back hair.”

“What about during the miner’s revolt. In one scene comment is made by Peter Lalor about Tom’s hair. The suggestion being Lalor’s hair was once Tom’s colour.”

“I hope you remember your lines during a take as well as you obviously do the script Alun.”

“Touche,” Alun laughs.

“Ginger will be black on the day Alun, Keith has already agreed to the change.”Simon then brings Keith to the boys table to introduce him further.

“So Keith what do you think of playing the role of Tommy Burns?” Alun asks after a short exchange of pleasantries.

The lad thought for a moment before proving he wasn’t short on banter, “at least I’m not playing a gay role, like you and Taylor.”

“Have you a problem with that Keith?” Taylor asks.

“No, not me but my old man has.”

“Yet he has given permission for you to work on the film.”

“He likes the money.”

“I hope that attitude doesn’t influence your ability to play the role of Tommy Burns” Alun warns.

“Don’t worry it won’t, I am a professional.”

Alun laughs loudly, “at your age I doubt if you even know the meaning of the word.”

“You and Taylor aren’t much older.”

“Three years at our time in life is almost a lifetime kid.”

“Whatever,” the lad dismisses.

Before the banter could develop beyond friendly, Simon directs Keith to make-up for the afternoon’s shooting. Firstly it would be to turn his ginger hair to black and his eyebrows to match and somehow take the freshness from his appearance.

“Get the attitude,” Alun huffs once the lad had departed.

“He’ll soon learn. Give him time.”

“That I will Simon but remembering the trouble we had with the last Tom and his family, I hope it doesn’t reoccur.”

“I should think not as he comes well recommended.”

“Simon you sound as if you are trying to convince yourself?”

“Not at all as I sat in on his audition, although by your body language I don’t think you are convinced. As I said give him a little time and I believe you will see Keith’s qualities.

“As I would Simon.”

“One more thing – did Taylor tell you that you can both take a few days off?”

“He did.”

“You can use the spare vehicle and let’s say; be back here by the weekend but keep your mobiles powered as things are starting to move at pace.”

Once back in their cottage Alun contacts Jillian receiving disappointment, she would be on set for most of the week although suggesting Alun could use her apartment and if Taylor was coming down he was also welcome to stay. Alun made the offer to Taylor but he declined believing it was time to visit his mother.

Soon after contacting Jillian, Alun gives Peter a call advising he would visit on Friday, while ascertaining the mood within the house. By Peter’s account the mood had not improved, although Sylvia longed for Alun to visit, believing she could sweet talk her wayward son from his path of sin. Therefore it would be lunch on Friday with hope David would be away on business, although as David conducted much of his business from his home office the chances for absence would be minimal.

“Another thing,” Peter says as Alun is about to disconnect.

“That sounds ominous go on.”

“Dad wants to know when you are going to shift your stuff.”

“I wondered when that would become topic.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much you have mum on side with that one. You be sure to be at home on Friday okay.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for quid’s.”

Alun finishes his call.

“More trouble?” Taylor asks.

“Same – If you are staying at your mother’s do you want the car?”

“No it’s your turn I’m okay using transport. Has your father calmed any since the prank telephone call?”

“Not according to Peter. This is one trip home I am not looking forward to. It will be like walking blindfold through a field of landmines, expecting one to go off at any moment.”

“I’m sure you will manage. If you get beyond endurance give me a call.”

After dropping Taylor at the closest train station, Alun drives to Brighton and his parent’s residence. As his father’s Lexus isn’t about he parked in the drive as Peter comes from the house to greet him.

“Where is dad?” Alun asks.

“Who knows?”

“What’s his mood like?”

“It hasn’t improved but mum is quit buoyant about your visit, as far as cooking a roast in your honour.”

Both enter into the house with Alun feeling comfortable with his father’s absence. “Is that you Alun?” Sylvia calls from the kitchen, her tone more vibrant than it had been for some time.

“Yes it is mum.”

“Your father isn’t home at present.” Sylvia says sounding more as relief than an obvious statement.

“Where is dad?”

Peter releases a gurgling giggle as if it was a cryptic warning not to enquire as departs company.

“He has returned to his office, he said it is something to do with a problem with one of his reps being caught stealing,” Sylvia explains.

“Will he be returning this afternoon?”

“He said he’d be back in time for Dinner.”

“Would you like a hand with something?”

“No I have everything under control, I would like to hear all your news but it can wait until later.”

“Then I’ll talk with Peter for a while.”

Soft music is heard through a partly open door as Alun approaches Peter’s room, “knock – knock,” Alun says and enters without invitation.

The brothers are quite unalike in character. Alun is tidy with a place for everything and everything in its place, Peter discards clothing about the floor while treating his bed as a table or shelf, simply moving everything aside to make room for sleep. Alun smirks and gives an obvious nod towards his brother’s untidiness.

“Easier that way, I don’t have to search for things,” Peter answers Alun’s unspoken question.

“Then what’s the gossip?” Alun asks.

Peter is smiling, “it is mostly about you.”

“I guess it would be.”

“You are still topic and non-grata.”

“Did dad believe what he was told about me?”

“It isn’t that he believes or not, it is how it appears with his cronies down at the club.”

“How would they know about the mystery caller?”

“They wouldn’t but dad is still getting ribbed about your role.”

“What are they saying?”

“In the main, how’s your poofter son, with suggestion the Hughes’ family has two daughters.”

Alun takes a deep breath and quickly releases, “I wish I never took on the part.”

“Does it pay well?”

“Actually it does.”

“Do you like acting?”

“It was always my dreaming.”

“Then Alun fuck the world, it’s your life – live it. Did you ever find out who made the call?”

“No, in the industry there is a lot of jealousy among those who feel they should have had some role or other, also others who think if you are acting in a role, you are of that character.”

“Then you stick to it bro’.”

“I intend to.”

“I’ve got a job.” Peter says as a diversion from Alun’s problem with their father.

“Good for you, what is it.”

“It will mean relocating to Yeppoon in Queensland. It is managing a tourist resort.”

“How did you get the offer?”

“Do you remember my school cadets mate Vic Davis? His old man owns the resort and Vic suggested me.”

“When will you be leaving?”

“In the New Year as I have promised to look after the house while the olds’ are travelling over Christmas.”

“Have you told dad yet?”

“Not yet. I was thinking of leaving without saying.”

“It would teach him a lesson.”

“I doubt it; if anything he would be pleased to see the back of me. In his opinion I’m all but useless and you’re a fag; I don’t know why he bothered having kids.”

“What about Dianne?” Alun asks of their older sister.

“At least she’s married with two kids and she hardly ever visits, besides Dianne has her own problem with Michael, I’m sure he and dad came from the same mould.”

“Do you really think that of me Peter?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you think I’m gay?”

“Of course not and even if you were it wouldn’t faze me.” As Peter speaks there is a slamming of the front door. “Seems the old man is home, so you better go say hello and for Christ’s sake try and be civil.”

“I’ll try.”

David had hardly entered before the attitude commenced, “who owns that heap of shit in the driveway?” he demands as Alun comes to meet his father.

“It’s mine dad.”

“You say you are on good money, can’t you afford a proper car?”

“It belongs to the studio; I’ve borrowed it for the visit.”

“Then move it so I can get my Lexus into the garage.”

Peter arrives. “Alun chuck me the keys, and I’ll do it for you.”

Alun hands Peter the keys.”

“While I’m on the subject when are you going to move your junk from the garage?”

“I was hoping I could leave it there until after the filming.”

David pours a drink and takes to the couch, “you can afford to put it in storage.”

“We have already had this conversation, I could but I was under the impression family did thing for one another.” There was a sting in Alun’s remark that went unnoticed by David.

Peter returns; “not a bad unit,” he says about Alun’s vehicle, “I’d have it.”

“Dad, I’ll arrange storage as soon as possible,” Alun suggest hoping his proposal would bring on agreement for it to remain.

“Good,” David agrees.

“Dinner is ready for serving,” Sylvia calls as she arrives carrying a large bowl of salad.

“How’s you faggot mate?” David says as he helps himself to a second scotch without offering to either of his sons.”

“Are your referring to Taylor?”

“That’s about right, you do realise I received a call from some fellow who told me all about what is going on and it put your mother on medication.”

Sylvia comes to the door, “are you ready, dinner is on the table.” Her call brings David to his feet.

“Dad that was only someone trying to make trouble, you shouldn’t believe crap like that.”

“Well if you work in a fag industry some of it is bound to rub off.” David is sarcastically grinning and enjoying his torment so much it takes Alun’s temperament to boiling and he then reacts in a way totally adverse to his belief and character.

“Yes dad I’m a fag; a handbag swing, cock-sucking fag. What are you gonna’ to do about it?”

For the first time in his life David appeared stunned and he stands motionless at centre room, he opened his mouth to speak, to rage, to pour scorn on his youngest, instead he departed without a word. Moments later he could be heard revving the guts out of the Lexus and he was gone.

“Alun!” Sylvia loudly protests.

Peter is laughing.

Sylvia leaves the room and can be heard crying in the kitchen.

Peter remains laughing, “Alun is it true what you just said?”

“Of course it isn’t true.”

“I love it but what made you say it?”

“If the old bugger wants to believe I’m gay, I thought I’d let him.” Alun is about to comfort his mother but instead he approaches his brother, “I think it would be better if I left.”

“What about mum?”

“No I should leave. I’m in too much of a mood, so would you explain to her.”

“Aren’t you going to tell her the truth?”

“You can do that for me, as for dad you can tell him or not, I’m beyond caring what he thinks.”

Peter walks with Alun to his vehicle, “when will I see you again?”

“That is a good question. I was going to stay here with you when they are travelling over Christmas but I think I’ll give it a miss. Next time I’m in town I’ll give you a bell and we can go for a meal or something, possibly we could take a cabin down at Bells Beach like we did in the old days.”

“Make sure you do.”

Alun fires up the motor.

“What do you want me to say to mum?”

“Tell her it was only a show of anger.”

“And dad.”

“Dad I will leave to you, I’m beyond caring what he thinks.”

“Alun,” Peter softy utters.

“Yes.”

“Don’t let this get the better of you. I’m on your side and only ever a phone call away.”

“I appreciate that Peter. More than you can imagine.”

On reaching the corner of the street Alun pulls into the kerb and turns of the motor.

‘Shit I’ve really done it now,’ he thinks.

‘What the fuck made me say that?’

As Alun quietly sits contemplating his future in the Hughes’ family a vehicle passes him at speed.

‘That was dad.’

Alun uses the rearview mirror and sees David pull into the drive.

Moments later David slams the car door and enters into the house.

Alun waits.

It is more than ten minutes before David again returns to his car. Peter is close by; his arms are folded across his chest. Sylvia appears to be pleading with David while leaning into the passenger side window.

Sylvia steps away from the car.

‘Let it go mum, he isn’t worth it.’ Alun thinks as David quickly reverses out of the drive. Moments later he is passing Alun at speed.

‘I should go back and see if mum is alright.’

Instead Alun restarts the motor and drives on.

Gary’s stories are about life for gay men in Australia’s past and present. Your emails to him are the only payment he receives. Email Gary to let him know you are reading: Conder 333 at Hotmail dot Com

16,521 views