Page 127 of Black and White, Twice the Might

I look at Kean. “Are there many people at the manor?”

Ernest hates fireworks and is hosting a non-fireworks party, which will be films and chocolate.

“More than I thought there would be. I never realised how many people didn’t like firework parties,” he replies.

“It’s the oo's and aw's that annoy people,” Sly says.

“And the loud bangs,” I point out.

“Okay, all sent,” Titus tells us, pocketing his phone and taking his drink back.

Kean sips his drink. “Did you leave the boys at home?”

I shake my head. “Nope, they happily walked off on their own and are around here somewhere.”

“That’s really good,” Titus says, before taking a drink.

“It shocked but pleased us,” Sly replies, before looking at Connie. “Didn’t it, Princess?”

Connie doesn’t reply, but holds out her arms to Sal.

“Come to daddy, Princess,” he says, taking his daughter, and she snuggles close, closing her eyes.

Sal kisses her cheek. “I’m off to find Jude and then put Connie to bed. See you all around.”

We watch as they walk away.

“I need a hot drink,” I announce.

“We’ll come with you. I’ve finished my hot chocolate. I want hot cider now,” Kean says.

Sly takes my hand. “Now I don’t know if I want hot chocolate or hot cider.”

We start walking towards the drink’s stations, Kean and Titus with us. “Start with hot chocolate and then move onto hot cider, and in between have your hot chestnuts.”

“I like your thinking, Ebby,” Kean says, taking Titus’ hand. “Hot chestnuts it is.”

CHAPTER 52

We have hot chestnuts with Titus and Kean, then get some drinks and have a wander around looking for the boys.

We find them with John, Temp and Ben, waving sparklers around and writing with them.

“No writing rude words,” I comment as we reach their sides.

Ben drops his arm and frowns. “I don’t know what to write now.”

We all burst out laughing at that.

Enoch holds his sparkler out. “Wanna hold my sparkler?”

“Not for me, thanks. Sly?” I look at him.

Sly shakes his head. “Nope, I’m happy drinking my hot chocolate.”

“When does the fireworks display start?” Xander asks generally.

“Eight, which is,” Temp looks at his phone, “two minutes.”