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Chapter 3: Lunch and More Introductions

Chapter 3: Lunch and More Introductions

I had many moments when I was little with just my older brother, Lewis. I didn’t know him well since he wasn’t in the house usually and I was just 10 when he left for Manchester to study chemistry. Ralph had been doing his GCSEs at that time so I was clearly all by myself. I did have a few friends from my year: Georgia and Christelle. Christelle had gone away to Oxford to study art; Georgia was the only one that stayed with me here in Essex. In later years, we met Dan – our third wheel to be honest.

Lewis may be 9 years older than me, but we still act as siblings. Our parents would ask Lewis to pick me up from school: which were likely before I was ten: where he left the county for university. We didn’t fight that much; it was often me whining that I can’t do the thing I wanted and Lewis told me off from doing it. He told me about some science stuff he was taught, which kind of made me somehow embarrassed.

I told my old science teacher all the complicated things Lewis said and he thought he had died and was in heaven: thinking that his class are Einstein geniuses.

I still impress some people with my fake knowledge.

“You still look the same as before,” I smiled, facing in front of him, “just without the glasses and the quiff.” As I hovered my hand above his head, I gently pat his hair, making him and myself laugh.

“Well you haven’t changed either,” Lewis replied. “But anyways, who are your friends?”

I almost forgot about Georgia and Dan if Lewis didn’t mention them. The other two were awkwardly standing beside. I pointed at Georgia first and then Dan and said, “Well, you should remember Georgia.”

“Hello Lewis,” Georgia waved. “I haven’t seen like...ages.”

I smiled and continued, “And this is Dan, my other friend.” I elbowed my rude friend of mine – who was on his phone again – to introduce to Lewis. “He went to my university.”

For a moment then, Lewis glared at down before I widened my eyes when he asked, “Are you...”

“No, no, no!” Dan and I exclaimed and my brother’s girlfriend laughed at our little entertainment we’re getting on about. Lewis’ girlfriend was a bit shorter than me, yet very pretty. Her blond hair was tied up neatly in a ponytail. Right before we left the lobby to follow Lola, I learnt that she was called Hannah.

Lola Hollows guided us through the twisting maze of corridors until we almost reached the dining room. There was a loud echoing of people behind me and I hoped they weren’t going to barge past us like monkeys.

“Oh great, it’s like having another ten Dans.”I muttered and rolled my eyes and Georgia eyed me at my stubbornness.

“Don’t be mean Pippa,” Georgia said.

I replied, “I’m not being mean, I’m being honest at their behaviour.” Sighing Georgia quietly walked beside me before we entered the beautiful room, just for dining.

The ceiling stretched high with beautiful chandeliers and patterns of marble. In the far end was a wall of glass Georgian style panes, viewing a large field landscape of trees, gardens and a nearby swimming pool. My brother had a swimming pool?!?

In the middle of the room was a long table: with a white and red velvet sheet covering the table surface. There were at least 18 chairs limited, each having a set of luxurious dining platter and cutlery. One problem to my understanding to having lunch is: why do you need that much spoons, forks and knives?

Lola had walked up forward to talk to the small crowd – which I was included – and explained.

“Many of you here have just arrived, so I may explain some information to make your stay very eloquent.” She started. “The estate is quite a huge part of our county: Essex. Most of the facilities may be access but must be allowed when one of our staff is there. After we have lunch, I will lead you to your rooms before you can explore the mansion during the afternoon.”