Une Nouvelle Ère [Book 2]

I

February 1928

"Finally, the February break! Can you believe it?"

Alfred McGregor said as he and his four other friends descended down the stairs outside of their school, Hampton School.

"One week break? More like, one week of homework, Alfie!"

Vincent Kingston argued, rolling his eyes in slight annoyance.

"At least we can chea–!"

Richard Dorchester said, before he was cut off and his mouth was covered.

"Shush your mouth, Richie! You'll get yourself expelled!"

Alexander Crawley warned, looking around them as the other students rush down the halls to their respective cars, where their chauffeurs and parents waiting for them.

"I am just saying we could cheat at least just a little, with the break and all!" Richie then said in a whisper.

"Yes, I know. But you don't have to announce it to the whole school!"

"Alex," Alfie then said "Is it just me...or did your father just jump out the driver's seat of your new car?"

Alex looks at him, confused "What? We don't have new car, and Papa can't drive–"

But as looks at the line of cars in front of their school, he finally saw the seventh Earl of Grantham checking the back of his new Studebaker President Eight Roadster before walking down the pathway that leads to the school entrance.

"Golly gumdrops..." Alex muttered under his breath.

"You didn't know that your father can drive?" Vince questioned.

"I wouldn't be surprised if I knew about it! Of course, I am! Not only because he can now drive, but he also bought a new car!!"

"But have you thought about it...maybe it's a present from someone?" Richie suggested.

"Papa's birthday is a few months away! Who would give him a very early birthday present–"

Alex then stops himself, now having an idea on who could've probably given his father their shiny new car.

"Speaking of presents, have you had a Valentine's Day present for Miss Josephine?" Richie then asks him "Because you know...it's tomorrow."

Alex sighs softly, only realizing it just now "I...I have nothing for her yet."

"A boyfriend who has nothing give his sweetheart on Valentine's?" Richie teased "That is a big no-no!"

"First of all I still have a whole day today," Alex countered "And secondly, she and I are not sweethearts!"

"Oh, so you're still denying it then?" Alfie added "As if you two are not so bloody obvious."

"I am not denying anything! Besides, you don't have enough evidence to support it."

As The Fellowship shake their heads in disappointment, Robert Crawley then saw his son and his friends, and waves up high to get his attention.

"Alex!!"

"I got to go," he then said to them "See you all in a week?"

"Not if you invite us to the House, though!" Vince shouted.

Alex chuckles, and shakes his head
"We'll have to see about that!"

After hugging and waving his friends goodbye, he then quickly rushes down the stairs and saw his father smiling happily at the sight of him.