Shadow Wood

Chapter Nine

"Those are just rumors, dad." Did his voice sound a little tight? "I was just giving my new friend, Alex, a loose version of our family history while we wait for dinner to be ready."

The man who was now confirmed to be Benjamin's father, looked so much like his son, it was almost frightening. He was impeccably tailored in a three-piece suit, and although he had perfect posture, there was nothing elitist about the way he carried himself. He was very much like his son. . . or his son was very much like him?

Very simply and with respect, as if I was an equal, he gave me his full attention. "Pleased to meet you, Alex."

Not, pleased to meet you, son.

I think I liked this man instantly, although I wondered how a man as likeable as this, could marry someone who reminded me of Maleficent. Then again, it's been said opposites attract. From what I could see, these two couldn't have been more opposite. The man had kinder eyes, that were currently shimmering with an unspoken pride and happiness.

"You know the... woo, woo," his fingered danced in the air at the last bit indicating magic. "You believe in that kind of thing, don't you?"

I wasn't sure there was a right answer for that. After all, we did just meet. Instead of asking things like what I planned to do with myself in the future, or if I worked. Maybe asked about my parents and what they did. If I had siblings and how old they all were. We skipped straight past all that, and we weren't even at the dinner table yet!

Here we were, talking about whether or not I believed in something called magic. So I went with the truth, consequences be damned. I may never be invited back over ever again; but at least I knew I could live with that. I may be a little sad about it for a few days, to a few weeks, but I would get over it like I got over every other problem in my life.

"I can't say that I do, but I can't say that I don't, either." I had to fight the temptation to clasp my hands behind my back and stand as if someone were yanking me up by the hairs on the top of my head.

Mr. Lockhart didn't seem to miss a beat. "Agnostic then?"

I thought about it carefully before answering, but it didn't take long to answer. "Maybe. You could say I'm undecided in that department. I do believe there are forces at work in the world that most will never understand. It's better to be open to it, as opposed to being ignorant. That way the shock won't be nearly as extreme, if you know what I mean."

"Indeed, I do!" At first, I was watching Mr. Lockhart's face for any sign of distaste or disproval at what I had said. It wasn't until he finally replied with those three simple words, that I saw his eyes twinkle with approval. I guess we were bound to get along just fine!

"Now, I came here to retrieve you boys for dinner. Angelica couldn't seem to hold back to the usual six o'clock dinner." Mr. Lockwood said, then added while turning to face me again, "We usually eat dinner about six. It's not often that I come early, or rather, that any of us come home early. It's usually Benny boy who comes home first. We always make sure he's got something to nibble on until my wife and I return." I certainly was feeling more inclined to like this man the more comfortable he made this for me.

Then turning back to face his son. "And we have another guest, Petr stopped by."

Expecting the unexpected, I was getting close to mastering that. Now all I needed to do next was to get through dinner.

The way to the dining room was long and confusing. I stopped paying attention to every room we passed. Mr. Lockhart led the way, and I had to refrain myself from clasping my hands in plain view in front of me, as we walked. It was like I was back in elementary school on a field trip, with my old first grade teacher Miss Chapman. She was the go to teacher whenever an accident took place on the playground. I was usually always careful, so I only had minor accidents, nothing I could simply brush off and walk away from.