Good Fortune

December 20, 1922

"Dennis, you absolute madman!"

I motioned for him to get down from his seat, but he refused to budge. He knocked over Lawrence's egg drop soup, which set him furious. But Dennis didn't care- he was like that. He had this routine of delivering deadpan jokes in a Transatlantic accent if only to annoy everyone surrounding him. He lasted 88 seconds before the waiter started berating and ordering him to step down to his chair.

"Let's get on to the festivities now, eh?" I announced, before turning to Dennis. "Don't mess anything up, now."

"Why should I? I'm paying for everything, anyway." Ever since his parents left Halifax for the western provinces, Dennis' pockets were always full of inherited cash. I don't think he even cried when they got on the train.

I toasted, "Hear all, hear all! I, Mark Shaggen O'Donnell the Third, of the Clan O'Donnell, by the powers invested in me-"

"Get on with it! We's a hungry bunch."

"Shut up, James. Now, by the powers invested in me by the Monarch, the King of Canada, George the Fifth, bless his heart, I do ordain the Club of Charles Tupper Intermediate School and Adam Hemmeon Advanced Elementary Academy in the Fine Establishment of the Good Fortune Restaurant." This received a few claps from the small group of six, although two were missing.

"Where's the Goughs now? Lawrence, I thought you said they were coming!" I wasn't much to wait for guests.

"Felly told me they'd be coming. Patience, mate."

"They had better be. Now, Grace, how're you doing? Any news for us?"

Grace was the only girl present then. She had a stare that could pierce any man in the heart, whether it be the strongest of boxers or the weakest of servants, and a wit to match. She didn't really like anyone there, but enjoyed the company nonetheless.

"No news. P'raps you should get an interesting life."

I sighed, then asked for the waiter. "Now, all, Mr. Leung makes wonderful food from Canton. You all best get what you want, it's on Dennis!"

...

Ten minutes passed before two shadowy figures came in from the snowstorm outside. Lawrence rose from his seat and walked up to them.

"Felly! Leonard! What took you so long?"

"Well, if only Felly wouldn't tale so long in the powder room."

"Now's not the time for arguing, Leonard! We missed the toast."

As the three walked up to the table, James muttered, "I don't even know who those two are."

I scoffed, "You don't? Felicity and Leonard Gough? You went to Hemmeon with them!"

"Ah, yes! I know them... yeah, no, I don't. It doesn't matter."

"Never mind, James. Let's welcome them," I said, before turning to the trio at the table and telling them to get a seat. Mr. Leung's dim sum was coming up, and I didn't want us to look unprepared.

As the waiter distributed our dumplings, Dennis turned to him and had a quick query with him before turning to us. "Hey all, Mr. Leung's let me know we've full access to his temperance cellars," he whispered. "He's got good drink, whiskey, rum, anything of your heart's desire. Just ask the waiter and he'll get it for you. He has special consideration for us students, you know?"

"Thank you for that, Dennis," Lawrence responded. There was a bit of silent talk and eating before the next person spoke up, and it was Grace.

"I've got news for you, actually."

"What's it?" I asked.

"I've heard about a new family from Alberta, the western provinces, come here to Halifax. They've got a girl, Alexandria, and she's coming to Tupper. The Whittons, I hear."

James rebutted, "Well, it's not like you've followed them around, have you?"

Grace responded, "I have, you goose. I introduced myself, and I'd think she'd be a wonderful new member of our club. She's quite enthusiastic about a new life."

Dennis chuckled. "We've just started, and now you want to bring new people in? Nothing wrong with that, but I'm just tickled by your suggestion."

"Well, there really isn't anything wrong with that, Dennis. It's alright, and no one's got anything to prove it's not. Just a new person from far away. Perhaps she needs friends," Felicity chimed in, before continuing, "as long as it's okay with Mark."

"It's okay with me, but perhaps let's hold it to a vote," I responded. "All in favor, raise your hands!" Everyone but Dennis raised them, before he too succumbed. "A good unanimity. Thank you, Grace, Dennis, Felicity."

"Welcome," Grace responded.

...

"Oh yeah! Felicity and Leonard Gough! I know them! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Oy vey, James," Lawrence sighed,