Knightly in Shining Armor

Lourdes

           

Lukas and I gathered our things and got off the plane. I was bouncing on the balls of my feet as we stood outside to call a cab. I couldn't believe I was back in my hometown. It had been so long, and I didn't realize how much I had missed it. It was cloudy and cool outside, making me glad I decided to wear my sweatshirt. Or rather, Bennett's sweatshirt.

          "You're bouncing like a crazy person," Lukas remarked as he stuck his hand out for the cab. "I don't want people to think I'm associated with you." I scoffed, adjusting the bag on my shoulder.

          "I have every right to be excited. I haven't been home in almost 7 years!" I pushed Lukas aside and hailed a cab on my first try. "Leave it to the city girl, rich boy," I teased, patting him on the cheek. I tossed my bag into the seat and made myself comfortable. Lukas sat beside me and gave directions to the estate. "What, no chauffer?" I teased.

          "Of course not, I'm cut off, remember? Why do you think we had to fly commercial?" His voice took on an irritated tone.

          "It's alright, Lukas," I told him. "I was just teasing. It's all the same to me."

          "Whatever," he huffed, turning to the window. I shook my head and rested it on his back. "What are you doing?"

          "Don't be a sad-sack, we're home," I said, with hopes to cheer him up. "You get to see your brothers, too."

          "Remind me to punch Phil in the face for being an ass to Louis," He grunted, turning back forward.

          "Consider it done."

          About 40 minutes had passed and we had finally made it to the estate. It was starting to rain a bit, much to my excitement. I absolutely loved the rain. It was definitely my favorite weather. Lukas paid the cabby and we grabbed our bags.

          "Sorry in advance," Lukas said as we walked up to the door. "My brothers are a little... overwhelming."

          I ignored him of course because I was too busy marveling at the architectural masterpiece of a home. It was bigger than any house I'd ever seen, bordering on a small castle. But without the towers. The front was absolutely beautiful, with marble pillars covered in ivy. The yard itself was a masterpiece, with the hedges and the plants and the manicured lawn.

          "You live here?" I asked wide-eyed.

          "No, I'm just knocking on some random person's door. Of course, I bloody live here!" He slammed the knocker into the door and stepped back. The door was flung open by a small boy, who immediately raced towards Lukas. Lukas shoved his bag in my arms and scooped up his brother.

          "You're home!" The boy exclaimed. Ah, so this was Louis.

          "In the flesh, Louie," Lukas laughed. I had never seen him so... happy. He turned to me with a big smile on his face. "Ready to meet the rest?" He led me inside.

          The foyer was massive, painted white and opened up to the rest of the house. I slipped off my wet sneakers and set them on the mat. The floor was a gorgeous hardwood, and I couldn't resist sliding around on my socks. Lukas knocked me on the back of my head with a grin.

          We walked out into the sitting room. It was full of white couches and chairs in a semi-circle around a coffee table. There was a fireplace in front of that with a flat-screen television mounted above. My jaw was practically on the floor.

          Lukas pulled me through another room into what looked like a rec room. There were about 8 other boys in there, not including Louis and Lukas of course. They all lined up, oldest to youngest.