The Edwards Family's Herfordshire Estate Part 1

Alexis: Why do I get the feeling that will be part of my initiation?

Alex: It's just an old family saying.... words of motivation on the door to the dungeon.... don't even worry about it.

...come on.... I'll show you to my room.

Carrying both of their bags, Alex lstarts to lead Alexis up the grand staircase.

As the two walk up the stairs, coming out of the upstairs master bedroom is Jillian De Silva. She smiles at the two of them and gives Alex a big hug...

Jillian: Alex...welcome home, son.

She looks over and hugs Alexis...Yes...HUGS Alexis...

Jillian: Alexis, you're looking well too. I trust the flight over was alright?

Pleasantly surprised, Alexis grins.

Alexis: The flight was fine, thank you. Uneventful.

Alex looks at his mother suspiciously.

Alex: You seem very... cheerful today mother

Jillian: Of course, why wouldn't I be? My son has come home. Look, you two get comfortable. Alex, the cleaning crew has dusted and cleaned your room and it is prime condition. I actually need to be off, I just got an emergency call in London. I'll be gone most of the day. However...dinner will be served promptly at 7:30.

She gives both of them kisses on the cheek...

Jillian: I really should be going. It's a long drive. I'll see you all later tonight.

Alexis looks after Jillian, confused.

Alexis: I'm missing something, aren't I?

Alex shrugs.

Alex: Well... whatever it is you're missing.... I'm missing it too.

Alexis: So, I take it this isn't normal....

Alex laughs.

Alex: Kinda screwed up that I'm suspicious because my parents are being nice to my fiance lol

Alexis eyes Alex.

Alexis: They're supposed to not be?

Alex: Just reckoned they'd be trying to freak you out the moment you stepped through the door.... I've never actually seen one of these initiation things....I don't know if this is normal or not.

Alexis: You just have an idea of what it is....

Alex looks sad.

Alex: I know exactly what is involved.... I just don't know if how they're acting is part of it.

The look on Alex's face makes Alexis nervous again.

Alexis: This feels like I'm the butt of a joke or something....

Alex hugs her.

Alex: As soon as this is out the way we can move on to the fun stuff....

He sighs

....Like.... eugh.... baby pictures.

Outside the estate, a beautiful 2011 Nissan GT-R pulls up in the roundabout driveway. Getting out of the car is a man about 6'5 weighing in at about 240 pounds. He has long brownish black hair and is in great shape. He has on slacks and a black button down shirt. He sees Alex in the window on the staircase and yells up towards him...

Man: HEY AL, YOU FUCKIN' OVERACHEVIER! GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE AND SAY HI TO YOUR COUSIN!

Alex's head suddenly snaps towards the door...

Alex: No fucking way....

He runs outside dragging Alexis with him. He runs up and hugs his cousin.

Alex: Gabe.... what the hell are you doing here man?

Alexis rubs her sore shoulder, glaring at Alex slightly, then noticing Gabriel looks familiar.

Alexis: You're in MMA, aren't you?

Gabriel Cortez takes his sunglasses off and gives Alex a hug...

Gabe: Oh, you know how Uncle Ewan is. If it's tradition...we ALL have to be here. I...

GODDAMN!

He looks Alexis up and down and smiles...that smile Alexis has seen a million times before. He is Shawn's son...

Gabe: Damn, I knew my eye for women would rub off on you, Cousin! How are you doing...Gabriel Cortez...not just a name, it's an attitude...

He hears her question and nods with a smile...

Gabe: Yes, yes I am. Just beat Shane Carwin to become the number one contender to the UFC Heavyweight Championship. With a record of 23 and zero I might add...

Alex laughs.

Alex: Yup.... you can tell he's Shawn's kid right? Alexis this is my cousin Gabriel Cortez.... Gabe this is my fiancee.... Alexis O'Ryan.

Alexis stares at Gabriel for a moment, her eyebrows shooting up.

Alexis: Yeah, I can tell. Nice to meet you, I think....

Gabe shakes her hand...

Gabe: Damn fine to meet you too. Congrats Alex. Man, I would have called you as soon as I found out...but I was like...in between rounds with Cro Cop...w..wait..

...did you say her last name was...?

Gabe whistles loudly...

Gabe: Still playing dangerous games like when we were kids, eh? Alexis, did this guy tell you he almost broke both of our necks trying a C4 on the concrete dungeon floor? Crazy fucker....I love this cat.

Oh, by the way...Jayden is going to be a little late...he's meeting with the Rhodes Scolar board out at Oxford to accept thier scolarship.

Alexis looks both sad and indignant.

Alexis: Excuse me for being an O'Ryan... I guess some scars cross generations huh?

Gabe laughs out loud...

Gabe: Damn, this one is firey, Alex. With that attitude...bet she's a demon in the sack, isn't she?