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Post by Felicity Hjort on Jul 17, 2007 4:21:45 GMT -5
Much as when she'd waited for Lucas, she sat at the bottom of the stairs that led into the living room from all of the living quarters up the flight. Only this time there was a lot more noise and no Harold as he had a job that afternoon. Her parents had insisted all of the children stay put at the house when her cousins had tried to get her a bit more peace by taking them out again, only this time there was no other reason for it, only to give her peace. Felicity's mum and dad had insisted this time she was going to take Freddy with her, whether she liked it or not, at least right up until the day before.
At her Grandmum's there had been a little accident, one concerning Felicity and her nephews, all of whom she was wasn't very fond of at the moment. They'd stolen a bit of gum from her room that morning and had taken it to her Grandmum's home, where they'd decided to chew it. And when they were asked what they had in their mouths, they quickly disposed of the evidence in a most inconvenient place, right into the blonde's long hair. As one might describe, all hell broke loose at that moment, when she'd realized what they'd done, and being her hair was completely down, the way her Grandmum liked it, it'd gotten tangled well into her long locks, too tangled to be able to get it out without damage. And therefore, damage rang supreme.
Disappointed, as she'd planned on getting her cousin Lindsay to curl her hair for her 'date', she instead had to endure watching the locks be trimmed right off. No, it didn't leave her with incredibly short hair, but for someone who couldn't remember her hair being shorter than her lower back, it was dreadfully short at that moment. To her shoulders, barely touching there, the corn-silk coloured strands sat.
Yes, her nephews apologized, and cried when they saw her own tears fall, but she still wasn't in the least bit happy with any one of them, though she had told them she'd forgiven them. On the other hand, because of the disappointment her dad had seen in her eyes, he'd spoken to her mum and they'd agreed, between the two of them, that she was old enough to go alone with this boy, though that didn't mean they trusted him any more than they had the other boy.
But when she'd asked permission to go with this one, she'd told them outright it was sort of a date, and that she really liked this particular boy. And when she'd admitted this information, she'd endured the 'talk' about boys she'd heard plenty of times, though she didn't tell them that she'd already kissed him, nor that they were already kind of dating, that information was best to be saved for another time when she'd be able to prove to them that she could get back on time again, with him.
So, in a long-sleeved white shirt, with a light blue tee-shirt layered over it, a pair of jeans she knew fit pretty well, comfortable tennis shoes, and a new sweater at her side, she waited. Staring out the window across from her, rather blankly. Maybe he'd arrive early, or he'd be right on time, or late, she shuddered at this thought, either way she knew her dad was waiting. He'd been practicing in the mirror again that morning, but he figured he'd better be rougher with this boy and then spring it on his youngest that she was allowed out by herself for the evening, though her curfew was still in place.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jul 17, 2007 20:59:02 GMT -5
If Mr. Jacob Hjort wanted to play rough, Drew was ready to play. The Ravenclaw prefect had spent all day making sure he was prepared for this confrontation and he was positive he'd end up the winner in the end.
And what a prize. A real date with Felicity. Not just the makeshift one he threw together at school but a real, honest to goodness, pick her up and meet her parents, planned out and paid for, night on the town date. Felicity had given him the impression that her parents were tough but Drew knew exactly what to do with tough:
Good evening, Mr. Hjort. Pleased to meet you Mrs. Hjort. I'm Andrew Thornton and I'm here for Felicity.
He had been practicing it all day determined not to blow the first impression, but now he was wondering if he really needed that last bit. Why else would he be there, right? Of course, he had seen his dad grill a few of Allegra's dates and every so often he threw that one in there: Well? What do you want?. Either Allegra or mom would tell him to cut it out, but still, Drew could tell that it threw the guys for a loop. Better to be ready for it, right?
He stood at the top of the street, a few minutes before the hour and took a long deep breath, not even noticing as it puffed out in front of him. His freshly cut hair, still damp from his last shower (the third that day), was parted to the side and combed down in a style he usually reserved for evenings at Grandmother's or for special occasions. He had shaved even though he really didn't need to, having just shaved for Christmas (it usually took him a good week and a half to work up a decent five o'clock shadow), and he had put on a clean blue shirt and his brand new wool sweater, also in blue. Though he had no intention of anyone seeing them, he was wearing his glow in the dark snitch boxers under his jeans and two pairs of warm socks inside his very large shoes. His winter coat, a warm hat, gloves and a scarf completed his attire and with a small potted poinsetta in one arm and a wrapped Christmas box in the other, he felt he was ready.
Good evening, Mr. Hjort. Good evening, Mrs. Hjort. I'm Andrew Thornton. It's a pleasure to meet you.
He gave it a final once over as he walked down the street and up the walkway to her house, taking one last deep breath as he faced her front door.
Here goes nothing... he thought, shifting the Christmas plant to knock on the door.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Jul 18, 2007 2:23:17 GMT -5
Immediately, the blonde's ears perked when she heard the knock. He was there, or at least she hoped it was him and not one of the neighbors, as mean as that might have sounded, she didn't feel like having to 'show him off' to anyone else, it was bad enough the majority of her family was present at the home at that moment.
Making to stand, she froze, the look on her dad's face telling her not to be so excited to get out, it wasn't as though she were locked up there all of the time. And although she didn't shift any more, she stared at her dad, silently urging him to get up and answer the door before she beat him to it. Then he shifted, took his time climbing up out of his favorite chair, and gave another pointed stare at his youngest. "Sit down."
His tone was commanding, but not negative, just telling her he was still in charge. Slowly moving back down on the stairs, she kept up furtive glances between the door and her dad, waiting for him to answer. However, her dad on the other hand thought it amusing. "If he really wants to take you out, he'll be patient and wait."
Wait? Wait for what? For him to think he was at the wrong house, for him to think she was standing him up, for him to think she was playing a game with him again? Although she never had understood why he thought she'd been playing a game, she was sure he'd conclude to that thought if her dad didn't hurry up and answer.
"Who's at the door?" came a melodic question from the doorway leading to the kitchen. Cherry, her cousin, had known about the entire date, actually everyone did, and she couldn't wait to see what boy Felicity wanted to go out with. She was a bit on the boy-crazy side, and knowing her cousin hadn't ever had a crush before, she was more than intrigued, and ready to make fun of the creaton she wanted to date.
"You just never mind and go back into the kitchen, we'll all get a chance to meet him if he sticks around after I'm done." Waiting for the red head to re-enter, he finally turned toward the door, putting on his most determined look, one ready to scare the cutest kitten from the cardboard box.
Slowly, or so it seemed, he turned the handle on the door and blocked all view from outside the door. Without a word he just stared at the boy in front of him. His eyes went slightly wide in a bit of shock, he hadn't expected someone so tall. He considered himself a tall man, standing at six foot one, but this boy even beat him in height. No matter, he was still a kid.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jul 18, 2007 3:03:23 GMT -5
Sixteen... seventeen... eighteen... It was a long time to wait and Drew was starting to think that he had gotten the wrong time, the wrong day, the wrong house, something. He could hear voices inside, saw a little movement through the windows, and he did his best not to fidget.
The door opened and Drew gulped, jumping slightly at the surprise. Both of his offerings were held by his left arm and he held his right hand out to the rather large man in front of him. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not, but when his nerves kicked in like this, the formal behaviors he had learned growing up seemed to slip out naturally. "Good evening, Mr. Hjort. My name's Andrew Thornton. I'm here for Felicity," he announced, looking her father as much in the eye as he dared.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Jul 18, 2007 3:19:43 GMT -5
Letting the hardened expression resurface, Ib stared at the young man in front of him, maybe he wasn't so much of a kid, he seemed to be saying just the right things. But then again, who assumes that just because someone answers the door, they are who the person believes them to be? Maybe Felicity had shown this, Andrew, photos, he wouldn't put it past her. But if she had it wouldn't have been for any reason other than to show her family off, he knew that good bit about her, she loved all of them unconditionally.
Gruffly looking at the boy's hand for a moment, he decided it was best to take it. Though he was having second thoughts about his youngest going anywhere with someone who looked a bit more like a man than a kid, alone. Nodding curtly, he finally accepted the hand and gave it one good, firm shake. That was all that was needed.
"It's nice to meet you...what'd you say your name was again?" The last one had been Lucas, and really, he knew this one's name, but he could still have a little bit of fun.
"Dad, stop playing," Felicity pleaded with the older man. He knew what his name was, she'd only been telling him for the last week. He'd scared Lucas a bit, she really didn't want him scaring Drew. Standing, as the door had already been answered, she swiftly made her way to the kitchen, knowing her mum would want in on it.
Motioning to Drew, Ib 'welcomed' him into the Hjort home, small, but quaint and cozy all the same. Pointing to where he could leave his jacket, Ib re-entered the living area, just in time to greet his wife with a gentle smile and kiss placed on her cheek. But as soon as he'd turned around, the same expression as had been before, was back.
"Take a seat," he told the boy, wondering if he'd be the type to sit in his chair, or be smart enough to take up a spot on the sofa beside his chair.
Felicity, having walked in behind her mum, gave a huge smile to Drew, and quickly started pointing in the direction of the sofa, knowing this game too well. After all, she'd played her part in it when she was younger.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jul 18, 2007 3:36:29 GMT -5
"Andrew. Andrew Thornton," he answered the man and he couldn't help but smile a little at the sound of Felicity's voice. He caught a quick glimpse of her as she ran to the other room, but kept his focus on Mr. Hjort, stepping inside quickly to keep the cold out. He pulled his coat off and placed it in the designated spot before following Felicity's father into the living room.
The man had offered him a seat, but instead of taking it, Drew stepped forward to the woman in the room. "Mrs. Hjort? Pleasure to meet you. Happy Christmas," he said, offering her the potted plant. Allegra had assured him that it was the best thing to bring to the house during the holiday season.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Jul 18, 2007 3:52:32 GMT -5
Strike one. It hadn't been an offer, he'd been ordering the boy to take a seat. And while yes, the gesture of a house gift was kind, it wasn't what the elderly man had planned on quite yet. Usually the boys listened to him and took their seat as told, but this one had crossed the line. Maybe not a strike, he'd fouled, but in the end it was a strike all the same.
Burying her face in her hands, waiting for her dad's response, she did just that, waited. Nothing came from her dad, no words at all. Daring to take a peek, sure it'd been so quick, the removement of Drew, she'd missed it, she was surprised to see him still standing there with the plant held out to her mum.
"Please, call me Meadow," she smiled kindly at the blue-eyed boy. The glare she got from her husband was ignored, if this boy was willing to branch out from those her other daughters had dated, better for Felicity perhaps. Accepting the plant, she thought it was a lovely gesture, and just the thing she needed to help liven up the already lively home. "Happy Christmas to you, too Andrew. And thank you, it's absolutely lovely."
Turning around, she saw not only Felicity behind her, but Cherry, Lindsay, Freddy, and Jacob as well. How were they supposed to get to know people alone when no one would listen about leaving them all alone? No matter, she'd speak to them afterwards. Handing the plant over to the youngest of the group, Cherry, she noticed the glare Jacob was giving, the starry-eyed look from Lindsay, and the huge-eyed shocking look from Freddy. He was sure the boy Felicity wanted to go somewhere with was a giant and was going to step on her as soon as they were out of the house.
Holding a hand up, making a silent count with it, the all vanished, as if by magic. However, they'd all just gone back into the kitchen, aside from Felicity, who remained standing there waiting for permission to sit with the Ravenclaw. With a quick glance from her mum, she stepped forward and smiled hesitently at the boy before tugging at him slightly to take a seat on the sofa next to her.
Her dad, giving her another glare, knowing he should've changed his game plan, took his seat, her mum sitting on the arm of his chair. With the swiftest movement, he placed an arm around her and pulled him closer to her, hoping she would let him have his fun now.
"So, Andrew..." he sighed gravely, allowing his ancient lines to sink into his well-worn face. "Tell me a bit about yourself."
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jul 18, 2007 4:17:59 GMT -5
"Thank you," Drew answered the woman with a smile. Of course, he'd still be calling her Mrs. Hjort, but it wasn't necessary to argue it. He hadn't noticed the look Mr. Hjort had given his wife, but the boy had noticed her response as well as Felicity's. He wasn't exactly sure what he had done wrong, but he tried his best not to let it unnerve him. And of course, even with Felicity tugging on his sleeve, he wouldn't sit down until both she and her mother had settled. Thankfully they both did quickly, relieving him of the anxiety he would have felt with having to ignore the father's request.
The first question was easy, one he had actually been expecting. "I grew up in the United States for the most part and came over here at 11 to start at Hogwarts. I'm a sixth year now, Ravenclaw. I'm one of my house's prefects and I'm a beater on the house team. Next year I'm hoping to be either team captain or Head Boy. Both would be great honors. I'm at the top in my class and when I leave Hogwarts I plan on entering the Auror Academy, eventually working at the Ministry in that department."
Wow, when he rattled it all off at once like that, he sounded pretty responsible, even to himself. He hadn't actually admitted the Head Boy bit to many people, but figured it showed that he did have some goals and wasn't just a goof off kid trying to date their daughter. He just hoped they agreed.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Jul 18, 2007 4:34:38 GMT -5
Not sure whether to be amused or angry, he turned to look at his wife. What was a beater? What was a Prefect? What did it mean to be Head Boy? And what in the world was an Auror? A befuddled expression was what he finally decided on, not having a clue as to what the boy had just told him. Yes, it sounded responsible, but maybe like a bit of an over-achiever? Or was he pulling his chain? His wife would know about this stuff, he was sure of it. She had gone to Hogwarts after all.
Meadow tried to hide the small smile. He did sound like an over-achiever, but better an over one than an under one. Of course, she knew her husband wouldn't know what any of that meant, so it was her turn to take the reigns for a moment. Dropping her head to make a rushed explanation to her husband, she sat back up and smiled at the boy more broadly. Indeed, the sixty year old woman was quite pleased with her daughter's choice.
"That sounds fantastic," she rewarded him with her words. "Top of your class, goals for the future, and I am sure you're working to achieve those goals." Glancing at her daughter, her warm brown eyes gave what they could in encouragement. She really had chosen a good person, or so far it seemed. "I attended Hogwarts myself," she ventured. "Hufflepuff House. I didn't get a chance to finish, but I did enjoy my time there."
Unfortunately, she'd had to leave in order to take care of her parents and youngest siblings, but she had completed as much as she could of the schooling.
Felicity felt a sigh of relief sweep through her, it was good that her mum liked him. Now she had to wait for her dad's response. Shifting her gaze, she watched the man's piercing blue eyes, and waited for the next part of conversation. Usually it was followed up by something concerning the daughter, and most likely it wouldn't be different this time. As much as she would've like, she didn't dare grab Drew's hand, she'd have to settle with just sitting next to him for now. Nervously, she reached up to tug at her hair, and remembered just too late that her hiar was no longer there to be tugged at. Instead, she settled for biting her lip.
"I suppose that sounds good, my wife would know better than I," Ib moved the conversation along. Next question. "What do you know about my daughter? You have two minutes to tell me what you can about her."
It was time to see how well he knew Felicity.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jul 18, 2007 5:03:34 GMT -5
There seemed to be a short discussion over his first answer which worried Drew a little. Maybe he had sounded too responsible, so much so that they thought he was lying? Shees, why did he have to be such a dork? He gave a small smile and answered with a "Yes, ma'am," when her mother spoke. At least Mrs. Hjort seemed to be encouraging.
The next question was actually harder and not sure how he was expected to answer it. He could rattle off a list of some of her favorite things, or did they want general observations? And two minutes? To go for that long, he'd have to include how she thought his boxers were adorable and what a great kisser she was, something he most defintely wasn't about to divulge to them.
"I know her family is really important to her," he said, figuring he'd better go with the most important things. "I know she's compassionate and watches out for others and she has high standards for herself and the people she chooses to be around."
"I know some of the things she likes and dislikes, but really sir, I don't know very much about her," he admitted, feeling like he had just blown it. "But I do know that I'd like to learn more."
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Jul 18, 2007 5:24:15 GMT -5
Nodding with each of his responses, Ib couldn't really do more at that point. He freely admitted that he didn't know Felicity well, but he also said he'd like to get to know her better. What better response could he have asked for? Perhaps there could've been a few better responses, but that one was good enough.
Meadow, from her perch, smiled softly, she had already taken a liking to him for the moment. Time would tell of course if she really did like him or not, but for now she found him to be a likeable person. Ib would be the one to need the push, it was best to impress him over her. And the boy already had, he'd brought a gift, he'd shown up on time, and he was giving good answers, or at least the ones he understood were good ones.
Felicity, fidgeted slightly, wondering if she hadn't been expressive enough about herself. Maybe she should've been a bit more outright about herself. He was right about the things she found important, but she wondered if maybe she should've told him more about herself. True, she adored her family, but she hadn't ever talked about them with him, maybe small bits and pieces here and there, but never a good talking, but it wasn't as though he'd done that either. It'd just been bits and pieces at a time, and she had no problems with going bit by bit.
Ib, pulling his wife closer, whispered in her ear, at which point she stood and motioned for Felicity to follow her into the kitchen. Unwillingly, she did as was told. She knew this one too, and this one was the one she never understood why her dad did. Sometimes it made sense, but other times it boggled her mind.
Alone in the room, Ib sat back comfortably in his chair, eyeing Drew. After a few moment, he sat back up right, leaning slightly forward, level with him. "Why do you want to take my daughter out? And don't go giving me fancy words and good mannered descriptions, I want the exact truth, even if it's she asking you out. Tell me."
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jul 18, 2007 5:57:56 GMT -5
It seemed as if he had dodged that particular bullet, noticing Mrs. Hjort's smile again. Felicity was fidgeting nervously though and Drew resisted the urge to take her hand in his. He just didn't think Mr. Hjort would like it very much.
The ladies stood to leave and Drew got to his feet quickly, having a feeling that things were about to get worse for him. He tried to offer Felicity a small smile, but he wasn't sure she caught it. When they had exited the room he took his seat once more and faced Felicity's father.
It was another tough one, but not a question he hadn't been ready for. What bothered him more than the question was the clarification the man gave. Fancy words? Good mannered? Great. Her dad thought his daughter was dating a snob putting on airs. Drew would make sure to thank his grandmother later for ruining his life.
"Sir? I already said," Drew answered, finding it impossible to break the formality. "I like your daughter very much and... I'd like the chance to get to know her better. She's a nice girl... a girl I think my mom... and my grandmother... would like if they ever met." Of course, Drew's mother reacted to girls pretty much the same way Felicity's father reacted to boys, so Drew wasn't too sure how that would go.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Jul 18, 2007 13:15:09 GMT -5
In the kitchen, Felicity was threatening to walk right back into the living area grab Drew and storm out of the house. This was the game she'd loved the most growing up, but now that she was being forced through it from another angle, she wasn't sure she liked it too much. If the conversation went on much longer, she knew what her dad would be going into. Why he liked her, what his intentions were, what made him think he was particularily worthy of having her presence in his company.
It was old, and she was already nervous enough that he was there, was there really reason to make him endure what she was sure her dad would put him through if given the chance? Muttering to herself as she watched her mum finish off her apple pies, she didn't have much other choice if she wanted to go out that day.
Turning around, watching Jacob lean against the swinging door as much as he dared, she wondered if he was supposed to be one of the agents in her dad's game. Doubtful, her dad usually chose the younger ones to help him out, mostly because he could get them to help without too much trouble.
"Jacob," she hissed at him. "Why are you so interested?" Usually he was out with his own girlfriend, not bothering with sticking around the house if there wasn't need to.
Turning around, he didn't even smile at his cousin, but instead sighed heavily. "Felicity, isn't this the same guy that made you cry? Why would you want to go anywhere with someone that can make you cry like that?"
Fortunately her mum had busied herself with the top crust for the pies and wasn't paying attention to the conversation, but Felicity felt her anger flare up inside. True, he had made her cry, but she'd also sent other letters to Jacob explaining it all as well as she could. He hadn't meant to make her cry, she knew that. And they'd talked a lot since then, and she was more than sure he did like her, at least a little bit. But before she could say anything back, Freddy pushed his way past them and right into the room the two were in. She should've known he was a part of it.
Raising an eyebrow, Ib at back in his chair again, mulling over what Drew had just told him. He liked Ib's daughter, but he didn't know her very well. How was that one managed? And wasn't he thinking a bit too much into this? Talking about Felicity meeting his mother...and his grandmother. What made this boy think that just because he was going to allow one date between them that he'd allow for another? Or for the chance for her to meet this boy's own parents? It was only due to circumstances that he and Meadow were meeting him.
But, before he had the chance to reply, a little face appeared. The boy's big blue eyes remained on the other boy as he nervously walked up to his granddad and yanked on his shirt to whisper in his ear. His job was to be himself and see how the other boy reacted.
Ib nodded and stood, looking in the direction of the stairs. His job was to walk up those stairs and back down to the other side, re-entering by the kitchen. "If you'll excuse me, I have something I have to attend to, I'll be right back."
Freddy took up the man's chair, eyes still wide with fright as he gazed at the older, gigantic boy. He was sure first chance he got he'd be stepping on the boy's favorite aunt, and then Freddy would have to figure out a way to hurt him. No one was going to hurt Felicity, at least they weren't going to hurt her and get away with it.
"Where you going with Lissy?" the five year old asked, trying to conquer his shyness in order to complete his job. Even he was surprised that the giant hadn't tried stepping on him yet, maybe he was more frightening than he thought.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Jul 18, 2007 14:02:33 GMT -5
What ever confidence he had had at the start of the evening was slowly slipping away and Drew was starting to get the distinct impression that nothing he did would be alright with this man. Get it together. You can do this. Eye on the prize. And that was it for sure, he was willing to stick this out, endure whatever Mr. Hjort wanted him to endure, as long as he could exit that door with Felicity that evening.
The small boy came in eying Drew catiously and Drew suspected this was only round two. Or was it three? Drew jumped to his feet again as Mr. Hjort excused himself but sat back down on the sofa quickly more than a little relieved at the change of interrogators.
"I want to take her to the Yule festival downtown," Drew answered, giving a sigh and relaxing into a smile. The kid was cute, espcially with the way he called Felicity 'Lissy'.
"My name's Drew. What's yours?" he asked the little boy, sure the kid had to be a nephew or a cousin or something.
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Post by Felicity Hjort on Jul 19, 2007 2:30:30 GMT -5
"Freddy," he replied, his big blue eyes still wide. What kind of a name was that for a giant? He'd expected something scarier, not something boring. Fidgeting in the chair, trying to remember what it was he was supposed to ask next, he looked at the box (assuming he still has it near him) by the giant.
And as curiosity reigned supreme, he suddenly remembered the question. "What are you going to do at the Yew Fesiful?" He'd heard of that word before, it was a party, and he knew Felicity liked parties, she was always dancing and playing games and making sure everyone had something to eat and drink. And even though curiosity was getting at him, he tried to stay on track, until he decided he'd better make sure the giant wasn't going to hurt his aunt. "You aren't going to step on her, are you?"
Still in the kitchen, Felicity was now pleading with her mum to get her dad to cut the game short. If it went on much longer they'd hardly be able to do anything, especially as it was winding down. And it wasn't as though Freddy wouldn't get a chance to talk to him while they were there, as she still didn't know her parents were going to let her go alone with him. And besides, she still had to give him his gifts, one for Christmas, the other for his birthday, she did owe him one.
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