If you've read the prequel, you will understand what George is on about... 😅
Sophia's POV
Why do I have to make it worse for myself? Always. I sidle into the dining room where everyone enjoys a tasty-looking meal.
"Sebastian forgot to pack my food," I say awkwardly.
"Oh no, but we have plenty of food for you, darling," Eleanor says endearingly, pulling out the chair to her left.
"Thanks.'' I tread hurriedly around the table to the chair. When I realise Archie and Sebastian are sitting straight across the table, I consider faking an allergic reaction to get out of here... but I don't. It wasn't that bad. Like, I've been through worse. Zander likely set the bar really low, too. "The guest rooms were nicer than most hotels I've been to. Is it haunted, though?"
"Your brother scared away all the ghosts," Archie replies wittily.
"Yeah, sorry about him. He's a bit unpredictable," I mumble. "I'm very nice, though. I inherited Michael's good traits."
''Truth be told, Debbie was a proper little madam and would've been a nightmare to plan a wedding with, but I truly enjoyed hanging out with Michael. He was a good friend with many good stories to tell,'' George says honestly, passing me a bottle of sparkling water.
''Speaking of the Corbyns, will we get an update?'' I look at Alexander seated beside his brother.
''When the kid has gone home,'' Alexander whispers, glancing at Archie's son munching on chicken nuggets down the table. "You seem to tolerate the chicken well,'' he adds teasingly.
"It's turkey I can't eat!'' I reply hastily, blushing. ''I mixed them up."
"Until then, I have to speak on another person,'' George looks intently at Sebastian. ''If I didn't know better, I'd think you were Mr Haston's grandson. You are so alike. Right, Arch?''
''I had him as Headmaster for a year until he retired, and if he were alive today, he would have a diagnosis. At least one,'' Archie says. ''He summoned me to his office on my first day and asked me if I was going to cause trouble like you and my brothers, and then he showed me some old books—with all the Brinkleys—before me—recorded punishments. He said it was up to me to see it as a challenge to be worse or a deterrent.''
''I never liked how harshly treated the boys were. They were a lot kinder at the sister school,'' Eleanor says.
''Mr Haston was eccentric, frank and old-school, and he always told the truth without sweetening his words. At times, he was a bit of a prick, but he was a good teacher and got along with the eccentric boys...'' George carries on talking fondly of him for a good few minutes.
Eventually, Archie cuts in, ''I believe we have video recordings from when Oscar, Colin and I went to school. You should be able to get a peek of Mr Haston on one of those.'' He leaves the table, walking around us to pick up his yawning son. ''We are heading home now.''
George's eyes gleam with excitement. ''Sebastian, you and I are going to have a long, interesting night.''
Sebastian's expression does not match George's, and it makes me laugh. ''I'm quite tired, actually...''
We were all persuaded to settle in the living room and partake in the nostalgic movie night. I'm not sure if there will be any of it, though, as George is going through hundreds of unorganised, unmarked video tapes. ''...It's all bloody horse shows,'' he mutters. ''Alex, you tell your story while I figure this out.''
''Well, to summarise it simply...'' Alexander starts.
YOU ARE READING
Stay-At-Home Brat
RomansaSophia never had a plan for what to do after graduating from school like everyone else---she doubted she'd even finish school after falling several years behind. After an anxious spring, burdened with worries about her future, Sophia left school fo...
