LOVE, LOSS, LEYSIN LOOKING

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Chapter15

It was a moment of pure joy as two lovers finally admitted to one another exactly what they wanted and both had suspected the other felt too. After sharing tender kisses and a loving embrace, both found they needed to wipe tears from their eyes, Bjorn smiled as he did so "Look at me. Blubbing away like a teenage school girl! You, young lady move me in ways I'd never have believed before I met you" Agnetha smiled warmly, tears had been running from her eyes and as she wiped them away she couldn't help but laugh at her beloved "I always knew you were a big softy Ulvaeus. And it's one of the many things I love about you. I cannot wait to go home again!" he smiled and stroked her face "I feel the same way. But we have some people to tell first" he raised his eyebrows in the general direction of upstairs, Agnetha gasped and covered her mouth "Oh my God! In all the excitement I clean forgot the kids! We have to tell them, even before we pack whatever we're taking now!" Quickly they raced upstairs, hearts pounding, they searched for them both and found them in the bathroom, with a little water in the bath, playing with Christian's toy submarine. Christian giggled as he faced his Sister proudly "I'm giving it a new name" he smiled wickedly, Linda was curious instantly "What is it Christian?" her question was innocent yet leading, Christian giggled again "The S.S. Fart!" both laughed in sheer glee, he was delightfully naughty! Bjorn and Agnetha suppressed their laughter as their young Son then followed his announcement by producing a loud and frankly stinky fart of his very own! "Christian your bum's really stinky!" Linda held her nose as the noxious odour reached her nostrils. At this moment they were interrupted by their Parents who sat on the floor with them, taking one onto each lap. Linda sat on her Mother whilst Christian sat on his Dad, all the while straining to produce more flatulence on his Dad's leg. Agnetha began softly "Listen you two, Pappa and I have something to tell you both. So please listen very closely" she fixed them both with a loving look, a look so tender that Christian even ceased his efforts to blow out another fart! Bjorn had noticed his antics and smiled in relief, he didn't like the idea of inhaling something so vile! he smiled gently as he looked them both in the eye "Mamma and I have been talking. And we know that you've just moved here, still settling in. But, we've decided, if you both agree, that we'd like all of us to be living together, in our house, just like we did before. Would you like that? or would you prefer to stay here?" he loaded the question purposely, knowing it would provoke an avalanche of emotions. Linda smiled in joy "Does that mean you and Mamma will still be married? That we all live in our home together? Like before?" she was mentally and physically crossing her fingers, she remembered all too well the happy life they had, how she'd loved it and wanted it so badly again. Bjorn nodded gently "Yes it does. Exactly like before, only better. Not so much work, more time together, more fun!" Linda looked to her Mother who nodded with a smile and suddenly she let out a scream of joy! her dreams had come true and she could not be happier. Christian thought for a moment, like his Sister he was overjoyed and bounced excitedly on Bjorn's lap "I have my bedroom again?" practical as ever he was thinking of comfort! Agnetha smiled and reached to ruffle his hair "Yes! You're old bedroom, all for you" he giggled "Goodie! I do farts in there!" They both ran off screaming, racing around as their Parents quickly began packing the essentials, everything else could be collected another day, but for now some stuff needed to make the journey with them. It was a happy family that climbed into the car and drove the few short minutes back to their home, Bjorn pulled into the garage and as the children eagerly climbed out of the car and headed towards the snow and the front door, he smiled as he saw the beaming smile on Agnetha's gorgeous face. They joined the children at the front door and Bjorn quickly unlocked and opened it, gesturing for the youngest members of the Ulvaeus family to head inside, which they did at breakneck speed, screaming, squealing with joy as they raced upstairs. For Agnetha he had an alternative plan "Now young lady, as tradition insists" he scooped her up in his arms with a smile "Time to carry you over the threshold!" she laughed happily "That's for newly weds. Not those who've been married best part of 8 years!" he shook his head "Don't care! This is a new start, so you're my very new wife and I'm carrying you over the threshold. Protest and I'll drop you in the snow on your gorgeous, sexy bottom!" laughing at his sheer nerve and sweetness Agnetha allowed him to carry her inside, shutting the door as they did. he popped her down and watched as her face was wreathed in smiles, for her part Agnetha felt an instant warmth that had nothing to do with the central heating, but instead was a feeling of being home, of joy, of love. The evening was spent unpacking and then making phone calls to share the news with those closest to them. Aina and Gunnar, Birgit and Ingvar were told first, both Parents were both overjoyed and emotional as were Eva and Mona, a family get together was planned instantly. benny and Frida naturally came next, Frida placed the 'phone on speaker allowing Benny to hear and join in. Agnetha could barely contain her joy as she told them the good news, Frida smiled in delight, as did Benny, they both knew this was the right choice for their best friends "We're so happy for you. We've been praying and wishing for this moment" Frida was emotional yet managed to add some typically cheeky humour "No prizes for guessing what you'll be up to later!" Benny smirked at her sheer cheek "You guys that is the news we've been waiting for.So happy for you both. And yes, we'll come around this weekend for a get together, much to celebrate. And Stig to deal with!" After a night of joy, of love, of passion Bjorn and Agnetha met with Frida, Benny and Gorel, who'd also been told the news. Eventually after personal matters had been spoken of the subject of Stig reared it's head. Gorel had arranged a meeting with him for them "He's in a foul mood. You should se his black eye. What a shiner!" Bjorn smiled to himself, Stig had indeed had that coming to him, the four friends discussed their plan of attack, Frida was all for kicking Stig in the nether regions, Benny persuaded her otherwise! So it was that they casually strolled into Stig's office, greeted by his sour, snarling face staring grumpily at them "Look at me, just fucking look at me! Black eye, swollen lip, sore nose, bruises. I look like a fucking Panda! You did this Ulvaeus you cunt! Want another go? I'm ready this time!" he stood and removed his jacket, squaring up to Bjorn who sighed "Sit down before I take you up on that offer" Stig swung at him, Bjorn ducked as the girls gasped and then thumped Stig in the stomach, doubling him over before punching his jaw, sending him slumping back to his seat. he sighed "Now that's done with, we need to talk" Stig groaned theatrically, he was in pain from another thumping and felt humiliated "Get on with it and then fuck off" was his only reply. Benny shook his head "Charming! We've been talking, the four of us. We've made a decision, we'll tour this year, just like you want, even do Japan next year too" he paused as Stig smiled at last, money signs flashing in his mind "My dear old friends. I knew you'd see sense. The World is our oyster. We can then plan Australia, New Zealand.Sun City in South Africa is offering so much cash. The there's the TV special in front of the pyramids, we'll make such a killing! Money will flow in, we.." Bjorn cut him off "Just wait there, if you don't mind. We haven't finished laying out our terms" Stig stopped in mid flow, eyeing Bjorn and Benny watchfully. Bjorn continued "We'll do the tours under certain conditions. Meet them all or we don't go. Simple as that" Stig frowned, curious as to their demands. Benny picked up the baton "We'll go, do the tours, but we'll only be away for three weeks at a time. family will travel with us, we get time off to relax. And japan will be the last one..EVER! No more tours, not much travel. Linda starts school next year, we all want to support her and our respective families. And by the way, we're planning to finish in '82. 10 years is enough, we can write a musical, the girls can take it easy, relax. We can live easily on the interest from our earnings, royalties from songs. And keep an eye on the books!" Stig gulped, he did not want them seeing the books, all four stood as Bjorn produced a document, passing it to Stig "Here's a formal contract, agreeing to all of the things we've discussed. Sign it now, or we'll quit, this instant!" Cornered Stig sheepishly signed the document and watched Bjorn whisk it away, suddenly he felt bad, feeling every bruise, watching as they turned and walked away. Now he was in deep trouble! back at home the Ulvaeus family relaxed happy in the knowledge that a new life was about to begin, was within reach. Agnetha smiled as she sat on the sofa, snuggled up to Bjorn "I cana't believe we got away with the demands, the contract. This means we can start to plan our life, our future, away from ABBA and the circus around it" Bjorn gently kissed her cheek "Yep, a new life starts now. Stig has no leg to stand on, we have him over a barrel and Benny and I are sure he's embezzling money from all of us, so we'll be checking no matter how long it takes. And from our point of view I've set a couple of plans in motion, things I had up my sleeve ready for this moment" Agnetha studied him, her eyebrows raised in curiosity "Care to let me in on these plans?" she smiled wondering what he'd been up to. A smile crossed his handsome face "If you like. I asked John and Carole to find a house, a secluded house in England, somewhere we could go, live in peace away from the papparazzi here and their lies. They're looking in Henley On Thames, if they find something we're going to take a look, maybe start again there. meantime Gorel has been working on part two. There's an abandoned, derelict farmhouse, set in acres of land in Ekero. We've looked around, checked on planning permission, Benny and I can decorate, we'll get builders, architects in to make plans and hat could be our future home. maybe come back here in the early 90's when everyone has long forgotten us. if you're agreeable to all of this naturally" Agnetha kissed his lips, this was music to her ears, a life of their own, ABBA behind them, just a normal life "Oh I agree, in fact let's ask John and Carole how they're doing. I want to go, NOW!!" This was the beginning of a new life, a life of love, happiness and joy. An extended and growing family that nourished them in the many decades to come. All thanks to a trip to Leysin.....

The End

January 18th marks the 33rd anniversary of my Mum's passing, as she lost her second, brave fight against cancer. This chapter and this story are dedicated to her memory. May she rest in eternal peace, free from pain, illness and enjoy her reunion with my Dad, who rejoined her 18 months ago as we speak after over 3 decades apart. May they enjoy eternity together in a far better place

Thanks for reading. You are greatly appreciated. be back with a new story soon. Now that'll spoil your New Year!!! Regards, Gareth