Lewis is part of the family. He has worked for us for as long as I can remember. Who knows how things will have changed at home? I haven't been back for 10 years. When I finished military college, they sent me to training and then on a mission. This is the first real vacation I’ve had in years. Not that there's really anything worth going back to. I’m just doing it for nanny Alice, the only one who really loved me in that house. Mom and Dad were too busy living the worldly life and traveling to bother with me. I've always been too much for them. Too lively, too serious, too talkative. When they saw that they could not solve anything by punishing me, they left me with the nanny and the professors.
The only moments I saw my parents were during meals and often not even then. I don't know whether or not I should be grateful to them for sending me to the military academy. There I met my brothers, the ones who are now part of my team. The people I trust blindly and for whom I would give my life. I know they would do the same. And while this was good, I often felt alone and abandoned.
When I arrive at the manor, my mother is waiting for me on the threshold of the door.
"Nathan." She hugs me gently. "How nice to have you at home. Look at you. You’ve changed."
Yeah, the years have gone by.
"How are you, Mum?"
"Very well, thank you. Come on, let's go into the house. Your father will be delighted to see you."
Sure, he'll jump for joy.
"Where are you coming from?" she asks as we go into the living room.
"From the airport, Mum."
She smiles. "Yes, I know, silly. I meant...”
"I know, Mum. I'm on my way back from Melbourne."
"Oh, that's interesting."
Dad is reading the newspaper in his favorite armchair. When he sees me, he puts it down and gets up.
"You're finally back home. How are you?"
Do you really care?
"I'm fine, Dad, thanks. Just a little tired. And you?"
"The usual. You'd better go and rest. We have guests tonight, and you'll have to join us."
"That’s what I wanted to do. See you later," I say, waving goodbye to them as I leave the living room.Things haven’t changed at all. He’s still the same.
"Nate? Is that really you?" I’m asked as soon as I climb a few steps to go upstairs.
"Alice? You haven't changed at all," I say as I hug her.
"Oh, nonsense. I've grown old, and it shows. How nice to have you back. Come, come with me,” she says, pulling me toward the kitchen.
She sits me down and brings me a slice of lemon pie on a saucer.
"You’re already spoiling me, Alice."
"As always. Where have you been?"
"A little everywhere. I'm on leave, but I came only because Dad had to talk to me. I’d like to go to Spain to relax afterward."
"I don't think you can do that."
"And why on earth not?" I say as I chuckle.
"You'll find out tonight. The Barlows are coming to dinner."
"Prime Minister Barlow?"
