Discordiae - Jackson's Story

Chapter 4 - Tea for Two... or more.

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Morganstern Estate - May 19th

Jackson and his family approached the oaken doors of Sandra's home, one of the largest in town. No sooner had his grandfather straightened his tie and pressed the doorbell did they open, as if by magick; The real kind as opposed to staged trickery.

Jackson loved the majesty of the Morganstern Estate, a mansion of castle-like proportions that was even larger inside than it appeared to be from the outside, almost as much as he loved the simplicity of Pádraig's family home. The aptly-named, Finnegan's Landing, a simple cottage by the lake with an incredible view.

However, the view now offered to him by the opening doors was no less incredible. A sandalwood walkway greeted them outlined by tones of silver with white marble slabs which extended up to an embossed, albion bifurcated staircase that curved up. The many floors which stood above them were supported by large Tuscan columns. The center of each floor was ringed by glass-paneled railings and carved out in oblong fashion so that light could come in through the crowning glory; A specially treated ceiling that allowed the day to be witnessed, but did not blind or bake the onlooker.

Jackson thought of it as a doughnut solarium, but his suggestion to refer to it as such lost in the naming ceremony. The final vote being cast by Sandra, who slowly came out from behind the large opened doors.

"Well, that's excellent timing, young lady." Mr. Collingswood Sr. said as he reached out to shake Sandra's hand. He was, however, almost immediately struck dumb upon doing so and simply walked past her and into the entryway. "Yes, this is how it's done..." he said approvingly. "I've always enjoyed your father's taste in things. Herringbone, I trust." 

"The design is really my mother's influence, as I've told you before, Mr. Collingswood. Only the opulence is from my father. "

"What?" he said as he snapped out of the dream-like daze that seemed to have found him. "Oh, yes... So, you have. My apologies, dear child... It's been quite a while since I've been enjoyed the refinement of your... castle."

"Nice duds. Feeling better yet?" Sandra asked as she hugged her best friend.

Jackson did a fashionable twirl. "Meh... Not so bad yourself, but why the jacket? It's pretty warm outside and it usually is in here." he asked as he felt the material of the jacket.

"I look cute in it. Besides, I wanted it for tonight." she smirked

"Why do you say that?" he asked, curious as to how a warm day and a stuffed arena would translate to cold weather.

"I just have that feeling it might be useful..." she replied smiling.

Jackson couldn't help, but to smile in return. There was always something about his friend, one had to smile in her presence. She was so sure of most of what she said and did that her smile was infectious. He didn't understand why she wasn't courted by every available suitor, but for some reason, she only had eyes for Sam who rarely seemed to notice her.

"Where's the rest of the family?"

"Dad is off somewhere, as usual... A business trip, I think. Mom's getting the tea ready, but should be out soon and the staff aren't here on weekends. You know th-"

She fixed her eyes on Jackson's parents as though just realizing they were here. "Hi, Mr & Mrs. C!" She embraced his mother. "Thanks for giving me my best friend!" she knew the line, as well as Jackson, but in her case, she meant it.