The Edwards Family's Herfordshire Estate Part 1

Alexis stares wide-eyed at the large house.

Alexis: You grew up here?

Alex looks embarrassed.

Alex: Yeah.... it's a little... elaborate huh? You know how I'm the seventh generation? Well the first generation Nicholas Edwards... well he was kinda.... SIR Nicholas Edwards.... the house was a gift from the King.

Alexis turns her stare to Alex.

Alexis: Wow... no pressure at all for a Canadian commoner like me.

Alex smiles and puts his arms around her.

Alex: Don't talk like that... you've always been a Queen to me.

Alexis: I just hope I can measure up to the Edwards standard....

He kisses her sweetly.

Alex: You already do.... we just need to prove it to my family.

Alexis laughs nervously.

Alexis: Well, we're here, which I assume is the easy part... so now what?

Walking across the courtyard is Ewan.... he approaches the happy couple and catches the end of their conversation. He smiles at them, specifically Alexis.

Ewan: Now you come inside and make yourself at home Alexis.

Alexis stares at Ewan too.

Alexis: Thank... thank you for inviting me....

She starts walking then stops and looks at Ewan again. She swallows nervously, but looks determined.

Alexis: Ah, if you don't mind, I'm going to need to ask you a favor.... It doesn't have anything to do with the initiation.

Ewan looks at Alexis curiously. Alex pinches the bridge of his nose.... hoping his fiance isn't thinking what he thinks she's thinking.

Ewan: Oh? What is it?

Alexis tests the waters before asking anything outright, getting increasingly nervous.

Alexis: It's... it's about my father....

Despite trying his best to remain pleasant... Ewan can't help but look at Lexi as if she just farted at a funeral.

Ewan: I see....

Alexis shrinks from the look, glancing at Alex uncertainly.

Alexis: He...ah....

Visibly trembling she weighs between helping a father she barely knows and risking the alienation of her future father in law.

Alexis: He... ah... wanted me to let you know that he wants to talk to you....

Not waiting for an answer, and almost in tears from nervousness, she starts walking toward the house again.

Still tense from the mention of Ashley, Ewan calls out to Alexis with enough force to stop her in her tracks.

Ewan: Alexis! I know you wish that your father and I could let bygones be bygones.... but I assure you.... that is not going to happen. I'm sure to a certain extent you think you know why... but you don't have the first idea.... perhaps by the time you leave here..... you'll understand.

Alex steps in wrapping his arms around a trembling Lexi.

Alex: That's enough dad.

Ewan switches his pleasant tone back on.

Ewan Of course.... now Alexis.... I assumed you would want to stay with Alexander in his old room for the duration of your stay..... but I could arrange for separate accomodation if you would prefer.

Still a little shaken, Alexis blushes.

Alexis: You were right, staying with Alex is fine.

Ewan smiles and nods.

Ewan: Alex, I trust you remember the way. You two get settled in... relax. The ceremony is not something anyone should endure while jetlagged. If you need anything, please let me know.

All three enter the majestic house. Ewan walks into another room and slams the door. On the door is a plaque that reads....

"Poena est sensus of infirmitas profugus somes"

Moments later comes a series of loud "thuds" the unmistakeable sound of a punching bag being kicked almost off of it's chains.

Alexis winces at the sounds, guessing the reason. She looks apologetically at Alex.

Alexis: I had to try....

Alex sighs.

Alex: I know my love... I know.

Alexis sighs herself, thinking over what Ewan said.

Alexis: Wait... ceremony? What ceremony?

Alex: The reason you're here.... the initiation ceremony.

Alexis looks extremely startled.

Alexis: It's a ceremony now?

Alex laughs a little.

Alex: Love.... in my family there's a ceremony for everything. It's not like you'll have an audience or anything... just the family.

Alexis nods. Looking around she notices the plaque.

Alexis: It's Latin, right? What does it mean?

Alex: "Pain is the feeling of Weakness fleeing the Body."