The Legacy of Hades

By Rhonda Grant Boles

For her one hundredth birthday, Makaria the daughter of Hades, also known as the Goddess of Blessed Death, expresses a desire to leave her home in the Underworld in an effort to research mortal life on the surface. Upon enrolling at the prestigious Princeton University, she befriends the grandson to the Duke of Wellington, Alexander Beckham III and his cousin Nicolette, her college roommate.
Alex has an instant attraction to Makaria, but she has her eyes set on a bad boy rocker named Mike. Through a series of unfortunate events, Alex, Nicolette and Makaria find it nearly impossible to maintain their family secrets. What will Makarias parents think of her new found mortal love? What will happen when Alex, Nicolette, Makaria and Mike learn the truth of each others LEGACY?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469151953

Rhonda Grant Boles

Rhonda Boles began her love of writing when her son at the tender age of 2 1/2 was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), a speech delay which causes a child to have difficulty executing phonetic sounds. During this time she began to journal children stories which they read every night because his book collection had become quite expensive. “Why Does the Sun Set, Mommy? is the first of six self-published manuscripts inspired by actual conversations with her son and his journey to overcome CAS. She has always had a love of Greek Mythology and turned her focus to a science fiction manuscript. Her debut science fiction manuscript is entitled The Legacy of Hades.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Hades

Glowing thousands of feet beneath the earth’s surface in the twilight hours of morning stands the majestic palatial home of Hades, God of the Underworld. The peace and tranquility of the multilevel golden palace is suddenly awakened by the sounds of sirens. Suddenly, two creatures with multiple heads, one from the west and one from the east, emerge from the shadows of the dark misty forest. With lightning speed they race across the one-hundred-foot titanium bridge, which triggers the surrounding forest to light the underground sky. The mist immediately turns from a gloomy fog to that of bright minuscule leaves of gold, orange, and cranberry color. The leaves continue to fall delicately from the branches of the forest trees as both creatures join a very well-defined bare-chested Hades with a Spartan warrior wrap around his waist, covered in gold and bronze accessories, and another statuesque gentleman at the palace entrance. The escaped prisoner is King Syros, my lord, the gentleman points out.

How could you let him of all people, escape from your island, Thanatos? Hades demands as the palace attendants prepare the royal chariot, as if the God of the Underworld were going into battle. I had a moment of weakness with a twenty-year resident, he admits. A cunning scheme no doubt devised by Syros himself. I will not let it happen again, my lord, he pleads. I should not have to keep watch over you as well, so you better make sure of it! As Thanatos conveys his sentiments, he asks if he could join the God of the Underworld in his capture of King Syros. Capturing escaped prisoners is my responsibility, even though it could have been avoided if the duties assigned of my royal guards were actually fulfilled. As the attendants garnish the God of the Underworld with golden armor and 24 carat gold boots, Thanatos conveys his apologies once again for his lack in judgment and pledges his allegiance to his Commander in Chief. Regaining his composure, Thanatos reminds the Underworld God of the swiftness their residents possess during the first week of eternal death, and if permitted, his assistance could possibly ensure the capture of the prisoner at a faster rate. You made one accurate statement—it was your fault, but I am still capable of capturing this once-renowned conniving king of the surface. Thanatos bows his head in reverence as the attendants secure two majestic black horses to the royal gold chariot (the Bentley of all cars). Go back to your island and let me show you why this three-thousand-year-old god still has what it takes, Hades boasts while breaking into a maniacal laugh. As the Underworld god steps into the chariot, he programs a code into the collars of Cerberus I and II, the two three-headed dogs, before taking to the forest to capture the escaped prisoner.

Placing his helmet upon his head, he secures the reins of the horses and, with a quick glance back, shouts in a kingly voice, Never doubt my ability! I will always have what it takes! Hades and the dogs take off into the gloomy forest as the glow of the palace fade into the background. As the three-headed dogs lead the way deep into the forest, the trees divide to make way for the underground king’s cavalry. He’s close by! I can smell his fear! Hades and his guard dogs travel over hills and through murky tunnels to capture the prisoner. You may have been able to elude Thanatos, but I assure you this will never happen again, Hades declares as he recalls the order from Zeus to condemn Syros to the Underworld three days prior to his escape.

One of the high officials of King Syros court delivers pertinent information that is certain to bring the king great joy. How did you come across this information? King Syros demands. My brother was seduced by one of the Olympian goddesses, the official reveals after bowing in reverence to his superior. Olympian goddesses always have an ulterior motive for trying to bring Zeus to his knees, King Syros concludes as the official agrees. While calling for his royal chest, which contains bags of gold, King Syros ponders with much enthusiasm, how this information could possibly create the alliance he so desires with the river god, for access to Aphrodite’s sacred river. I thought you might be pleased with the information, the official boasts. As he taunts the official by twirling a bag of gold in his hands, the king inquires of the Olympian goddess who so cleverly divulged this most useful information. She did not give her name, but my brother believes Demeter, the first wife of Zeus, was his temptress, he boldly proclaims.

The king is pleased to hear that the goddess in question is Demeter. Her desire to bring the almighty Zeus to his knees for taking part in the abduction of their daughter Persephone, by their brother Hades, proves that she will be a great ally, King Syros says making every attempt to conceal his joy. The official confirms the location and hour of the abduction to King Syros as his loyalty is rewarded with a bag of gold. Thank you, my king, says the official as he bows before turning to leave. Please summon the river god, King Syros commands as the official exits the majestic courts.

The doors open to the grand courtroom of King Syros, as the river god enters unenthused. It is my understanding that you have information in which to share with me, the river god declares in an acidic manner. An official hands the river god a treaty, which will allow King Syros access to the river in exchange for valuable information. This is a waste of my time! You will never have control over my most prized possession, the river god declares after viewing the document. After taking a sip of wine from a most impressive goblet, King Syros insists that it is not his intention to claim total control of the river. I am very aware of the allegiance you have with Zeus in regards to this river, King Syros adds. Then what terms and conditions are you proposing? The river god questions immediately firing back. The king reveals that he only requests the use of the river for special occasions. "Why this river and why the sense of urgency? The river god demands. The king explains how fortunate it is for some to be blessed with immortality while others like him are limited to a specific length of life thread.

May I assume you believe this river is the key to immortality? The river god states with a chuckle. I am no fool! For I know the river will not grant mortals immortality, but it may cause a certain Princess to fall hopelessly in love with me, he confesses. If you are referring to Princess Genève, then yes a love spell is your best bet in gaining her affections, the river god says with a snicker. What I lack in looks, I make up for in wealth, the king proudly states while walking over to a window to view his kingdom. The river god confirms the myth of Aphrodite’s river as an old wives’ tale. If it is indeed a myth, then why is the river restricted to only the gods? The king acknowledges. Reasons beyond your comprehension, he replies. But I am a king! A king, not a god! Know your place! the river god immediately replies in an angered voice.

King Syros demands to know the true identity of the river god’s paternal father and the status of his immortality as a demigod. My birthright is none of your concern! Shouts the river god as he walks over to join the king at the window. That river is at the edge of my kingdom so you will disclose the identity of your father! King Syros demands. The river god turns to leave but not before wishing the king good luck in guessing his birth father. Well, let’s just see if you still have the same high regard for your almighty father Zeus after you learn of his plans for your daughter, King Syros says in rebuttal. As the river god turns to inquire of the king’s last attempt to negotiate a stake in the river, he chuckles at the thought of Zeus having an interest in his daughter. King Syros indulges the river god a little more before promising to share the plans of Zeus. Why should I believe you? You would say or do anything to gain access to my river, the river says with contemplation.

The king in his last attempt calls for the high official’s return, so that he could prove the validity of this information! The river god ponders the decision he has to make just as the official confirms the Olympian goddess who divulged the coveted information. Zeus appointed me guardian of that river because he knew I would preserve the natural beauty and order of its element. So why should I believe false information from a goddess who obviously has it in for Zeus, the river god declares while handing the official treaty back to one of the guards. The king reminds the river god of his familiarity with the pettiness and deceptive nature of the gods as he takes his seat on his throne. And how can I be certain that you will not defile the river if granted access? The king, in all his arrogance senses a compromise, so he dismisses all of his court officials then gives his word to the river god by signing a revised treaty which allows him access once per week.

If your information proves invalid, Zeus will have both of our heads! Tick tock, tick tock, the king reminds him as he points out the increase in visits by Zeus to the river valley and the extra attention he shows toward the river god’s daughter! The wheels in the river god’s head begin to spin as he recalls Zeus spending more time with his youngest daughter, Bianca, in the flower garden. My daughter, Bianca and Zeus’ daughter, Persephone both share a love for gardening and this is the only reason Zeus has found favor with my daughter, the river god declares. And did he not allow the abduction of his own daughter by his brother Hades? King Syros adds to aid in speeding up the river god’s decision.

Are you implying that Zeus has plans to abduct my daughter? The river god demands as he rolls up the scroll given to him without signing it. King Syros, realizing that he has said too much, arrogantly states, Not implying! He will! Now do we have a deal or not because if we do, the specific details of when and where shall be granted unto you, but only after you agree to share the river with me. As the river god continues to question whether the king’s information is accurate, a cloud of smoke suddenly appears to only him with an image of the beautiful Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest. She assures the river god that she will aid in foiling Zeus’s abduction plans of his daughter. As the image of Demeter disappears, the river god says in a confident tone, No deal, but thank you for the information. As the river god turns to exit the courtroom, the king yells out, You fool; I am still privy to the day, time, and place of your daughter’s abduction! Alleged abduction, he says, turning to face the king! Then prepare to live the remainder of your days without your precious Bianca, King Syros says with a cynical laugh. The river god kindly thanks the king for the information as he exits through the grand doors of the court. Upon the closing of the doors, a loud crash is heard, as if the king threw something in a fit of rage. A huge grin is seen on the face of the river god as he walks down the grandeur halls of King Syros’s court, all lined with gorgeous stone columns.

What a beautiful day, Bianca says as she lay in the arms of Zeus while looking up at the clear blue sky. Not as beautiful as the goddess lying beside me, Zeus says while stroking Bianca’s strawberry-red tresses. Bianca blushes as she insists that she is not even close to the beauty of a goddess. Zeus admits that her angelic face has an effervescent glow that the current goddesses will never possess, because they harbor malice and bitterness in their hearts, which makes it very difficult to see their beauty. You should not speak ill of your family, Bianca exclaims. Zeus apologizes for his misinterpreted words in order to maintain Bianca’s overwhelming feeling of reverence for him. I find all the goddesses very beautiful, she insists. And I find you the most beautiful, Zeus says with embellishment as he stares into the eyes of Bianca before leaning in to kiss her. As the passion of Zeus and Bianca begin to ignite, a beautiful array of tulips of colors red, yellow, and purple seem to almost sing as their petals open a little wider.

A beautiful waterfall, approximately one hundred yards south of the couple, divides as the river god emerges to witness his daughter and Zeus in the process of making love. A beautiful wooded valley surrounds the field of flowers, where Zeus and Bianca lay. That conniving self-indulgent king was actually correct this time, the river god says to himself as he carefully tiptoes behind an island of trees located on the river until he reaches the shore undetected. A vision of Demeter appears as he peeks from behind a Donar oak tree. Demeter encourages the river god to eat three berries from the tree under which he is standing while she retrieves the thunderbolts of Zeus. The river god regretfully questions the goddess as to the reason why he should eat the berries. You dare question an Olympian goddess? she furiously states. As the river god apologizes, he reveals his anger for turning a blind eye to Zeus’s apparent intentions with his daughter and why he thought the Olympian god would never betray him in this manner.

Are you kidding me? For I am his sister and his ex-wife! What makes you think that you or any other person, mortal or immortal, is off limits when it comes to the desires of Zeus? she blatantly declares. The river god is aloof to Demeter’s absence as he contemplates the turn of events. Demeter in stealth mode stands above the couple’s head as they continue to engage in the art of passionate kissing. As she leans over to retrieve the thunderbolts, she hears Zeus recite a familiar stanza. You bastard! Demeter secretly says as she nearly drops a bolt in a fit of anger upon hearing a poem once thought reserved as an expression of praise for only her. Every facet of you is beautiful, Zeus begins as he slowly removes the spaghetti straps of Bianca’s silhouette dress. A beauty so rare that I never want to live without, Zeus continues as he showers her with longer more intense kisses.

Returning to the tree with fire-breathing dragon nostrils, the river god inquires of her change in demeanor as Demeter attempts to gather her composure. Please just hurry and eat the berries because my current emotional state just might blow our cover. The river god agrees to eat the berries just as soon as the logistics of Demeter’s plan is revealed. She hands the river god a silver mace she designed for the attack of Zeus. Are you kidding me? That’s the plan? You want me to sneak up on them and whack Zeus on the head! What if I hit my daughter? he declares with a deep sigh. Then don’t hit your daughter! Now you better hurry because the berries will render your body invisible for only three minutes before it wears off. The river god inquires of consuming more berries just in case he needs additional time. Your body is incapable of digesting more than three berries since you are the son of a god. Now try to hit Zeus in the center of his head. It will paralyze him for five minutes and then I will handle the rest! Now go! she insists. The river god does as instructed and immediately walks out into the open field, invisible to the human eye, as the flowers continue to sing a beautiful melody for Zeus and Bianca.

The all-powerful Zeus, although very engaged in his seduction, is suddenly distracted by a flash of light caused by the sun’s rays reflecting off the silver mace. Zeus is able to view the floating mace just as it descends to club him. What the! Zeus exclaims as he turns himself into a rock just as the club lands where his head once lay. The river god makes a complete 360-degree turn, wondering how Zeus was able to predict the surprise attack, as his body slowly becomes visible to his daughter’s eyes. Father, what are you doing? Bianca yells as she quickly tries to cover her exposed breast. In an attempt to explain the abduction plans to his daughter, the river god shouts a few choice words to Zeus! Demeter views Hera, her sister and current wife of Zeus, in one of three cumulus clouds lingering above as she telepathically relays her assistance to keep her husband from being clubbed. Demeter conveys that Zeus’s constant lack of respect for his wife warrants a special punishment as they both take notice of Zeus hiding in a nearby tree. Hera reminds her sister that Zeus is her husband now and that she will deal with him on her own terms. Demeter’s immortality allows her to camouflage herself with the tree just as the thunderbolts of Zeus vanish from her side. Both Demeter and Hera witness the bolts float in midair toward the tree in which Zeus is sitting with an outstretched arm. Demeter, convinced that the plan is foiled, disappears into the sunlight as Zeus continues to watch the river god shout obscenities toward him while trying to comfort his daughter.

Father, you cannot treat me like a little girl forever. When are you going to start trusting me? Bianca demands of her father. The river god assures his daughter that it is his overzealous uncle with plans to kidnap her that he mistrusts. Then trust me to make the right decisions for me, she says, while beginning to weep. Asking for forgiveness as he comforts her, the river god shares the difficulty that all fathers fear as they watch their little girls’ blossom to womanhood. But, Father, tomorrow is my one hundredth birthday. I am practically an adult, she declares while drying the remaining tears from her eyes.

Removing a lock of hair from her eyes, the river god shares with his daughter how her age will never matter to him and that she will always be his little princess. Was he really going to kidnap me? Bianca sheepishly laughs as she looks into the eyes of her father. The river god confirms how his overprotective spirit will continue to overshadow his daughter’s clueless nature to life’s past, present, and future occurrences.

Come out and fight like a man, you coward! Show yourself! King Syros informed me of your abduction plans, and I am here to warn you that I will never allow it, the river god shouts as he stands holding the mace in a fighting position, turning at every angle in search of Zeus. Bianca warns her father that Zeus is a powerful god. Reminding his daughter that he is too a god by birthright, she boldly adds that Zeus is the supreme god. So what, my father will not allow him to hurt me, the river god declares. Hearing an earful, Zeus immediately disappears into the clouds without knowledge of Demeter’s attempt to incapacitate him for making her relive a tragic event in history or his wife Hera’s assistance in sparing him from being clubbed by the river god.

In the meantime, Cerberus I and II are running side by side with Hades to capture King Syros. Do not let him escape, Cerberus! Hades shouts as King Syros continues to run as the sound of barking dogs are heard in the distance and closing in on him quickly. There it is! Syros exclaims as a glimpse of the River Acheron is in sight. King Syros searches his pockets for the gold coins for the ferryman Charon as he enters the final tunnel. Finding only one coin, thinking that the other must have dropped during his escape, he comes to the realization that he will have to transfer boats. King Syros was informed by one of the nymphs that Charon, the ferryman, would carry him across both rivers for double pay. With only one coin in hand, Syros would have to switch boats at the intersecting rivers of Acheron and Styx in order to continue his journey to the surface. This change in boats means that he will ride to the surface with the Underworld’s first and original ferryman who is slower in his row of the gondola. We’re closing in on him, Cerberus, Hades declares as they cross Lethe, the river of Forgetfulness at full speed. Every river underground is designed to allow Hades and his cavalry the ability to walk, run, or ride atop without sinking.

Programming his remote to direct Cerberus I to run through the tunnel, Hades allows Cerberus II to continue his path along the river. Both dogs bark in agreement as the God of the underworld places his helmet of invisibility upon his head. We shall capture him on the other side. Let’s fly! Hades shouts as the three now separate in an effort to capture Syros. The chariot begins to lift from the water’s surface as it flies over the tunnel in rocket speed, invisible to the naked eye. The chariot lands atop the tunnel in stealth mode. I must remind Thanatos never to doubt my ability, as I have reached Acheron before Syros. Hades says confirming his first place status with a resounding chuckle that echoes throughout the forest. Syros, unaware of Hades presence above him, believes the echoes are coming from a distance behind him according to the sound waves bouncing off the tunnel walls. There it is, the end to this dreadful tunnel, Syros says with a view of the River Acheron in sight. Running at full speed as he exits the tunnel to catch the ferryman waiting at the dock, he tramples over the invisible chariot. Wondering what in the world caused his fall, the presence of Hades is unveiled as the Underworld god removes his helmet. Cerberus I and II emerge from the murky shadows and circle Syros to prohibit a possible escape.

Forgive me, Lord Hades, Syros cries holding his leg in agony as he stumbles to stand but is pushed back down to the ground by Cerberus I. Thought you could escape my dominion? Hades declares as he interrogates his prisoner. Syros pleads with the Underworld God to allow him to leave without consequence as he promises never to divulge the plans of the gods to any living soul ever again. As Cerberus I applies a deep press on the chest of King Syros, Hades questions why he should believe the king’s apologetic plea now. Because of love, Syros reveals. Because of what? Do my ears deceive me? Mortals use that term so loosely, for you only love yourself, Hades replies in a threatening tone as he steps out of the chariot to lift Syros up by the neck with his bare hand. Would you rather try my case in court today or spend your final hours with your one true love, Queen Persephone, before her journey to Mount Olympus, Syros utters as he begins to gag from the choking. Do not pretend to show concern for the welfare of my marriage when you were warned by the queen herself to return to our realm, Hades declares as he drops Syros to the ground.

King Syros fearfully affirms that everyone is worthy of a second chance as Cerberus II growls in his face. You were given a second chance on your initial entry to the Underworld. You were allowed to return to the surface only to secure your successor, and on the third day you swore to return. You mocked my judgment and what’s worse, you mocked my queen. Massaging his throat, Syros denies the claims and shares his respect for all gods. Hades reminds Syros of the video monitors sanctioned throughout the Underworld, which caught the prior king’s entire trip back to the surface. We witnessed your mockery of our court proceedings and your vow never to return, Hades conveys as he lifts Syros up by the throat and dumps him in the back of the chariot. Wishful thinking, Syros says with an apprehensive chuckle as shackles bind him to the floor of the chariot. When you always take the road most travelled, you usually get burned, and trust me; you will wish every day that you would have kept your mouth shut concerning the plans of my brother, Hades declares while reprogramming the dogs journey back to the palace. Syros, in his last effort, begs to plead his case before Queen Persephone. You lied to my wife, and for that you are sentenced to live forever in my kingdom. Now that’s irony for you, Hades says with a chuckle as the glow of the golden chariot lights the way back to the palace as Cerberus I and II run alongside.

Syros is brought to trial in the Supreme Court of Hades and Persephone. The court official assigned to bring the now dethroned king to court, shares with him that most trials are heard by the Underworld judges before they are heard by the king and queen of the Underworld, but an exception was made in his honor. Bring the prisoner forward, Hades commands as the gigantic gold doors open to the cathedral-style courtroom. Hades and Persephone are seated on the most impressive thrones made of ebony and gold. To distinguish the royal thrones apart, an Omega symbol etched in platinum and diamonds is displayed above the chair of Hades and a beautiful rose etched in rubies and emeralds is displayed above the chair of Queen Persephone.

As Syros enters the courtroom, Hades thanks the dethroned king for reminding him of love and the urgency of these proceedings. As requested, I shall allow my lovely queen to administer your punishment, he proclaims as he kisses the hand of his wife. Queen Persephone turns to her husband with loving eyes and then turns to Syros and delivers her judgment. Syros, you are sentenced to the deepest valley in Tartarus. You shall serve an eternity chained to a boulder with the imprint of my father’s face etched in its stone. The guards will drop you into one of our most famous mountain valleys for it is said that no man can find his way out. If you are able to reach the top of the mountain with the boulder still attached then you are free to leave this world, she confirms.

Syros, a king who thrives on a challenge, thanks the god and goddess for their decision and is lead away by the guards. The guards, following Lord Hades instructions, attach a short unbreakable metal chain, created by the Furies, to the right ankle of Syros. He is then dropped into the designated valley along the highest mountain in Tartarus to serve out his eternal sentence. Syros screams the entire way down as he grips the falling boulder to the bottom of the valley. As soon as the boulder crash lands, Syros begins his assent to the top of the mountain. After the first five hundred attempts, he comes to the realization as to why no man has ever reached the top. I cannot and will not give up, Syros cries out as the image of Zeus appears to laugh at his failure with every attempt.

Alexander Beckham

Alexander Beckham III breathes a sigh of relief as he completes his final exam of his freshman year of college. Walking down the stairs of his theatre-size classroom to turn in his final paper, he glances down toward his watch and believes he has just enough time to dash over to the registrar’s office to hand in his application. Everything appears in order, the woman behind the counter confirms as she reviews the paperwork. She wishes Alex a great summer and asks that he pass on her condolences to his father about the passing of his grandmother. Will do, and thanks for your sentiment, Alex says as he rushes out of the office, nearly crashing into a female student in the same haste. I truly apologize. Are you okay? Alex exclaims. The student assures him of her ability to walk upright again as they both bend down to collect the fallen papers from the floor. Survived a category 5 hurricane last fall, so your whirlwind was a breeze compared to that storm! she jokes as she continues to arrange the fallen papers in a neat pile. I guess the taste of summer break has us both in a hurry, Alex teases as he shows off his pearly whites.

Then I guess we better hurry so that we don’t miss one minute of it, she laughs while accepting papers from Alex. Alex wishes her good luck with her application as he hands her the last document he compiled from the floor. Thanks and have a great summer, Mr. I Spy, she teases while waving good-bye with papers in hand. I just turned in my application as well, so luck to both of us, he declares while opening the door to exit the registrar’s office. Good luck! she shouts, not knowing if Alexander heard her.

Unlocking the door to his dorm room, Alex finds his friends anxiously awaiting his arrival. What took you so long, chap? Your exam ended over an hour ago, Christopher, a childhood friend and roommate, says with concern. Belt up, and stop acting like such a chick, says his best friend Les. Well, I am not the one with the girl name Les… lie, Chris says in a teasing manner while emphasizing each syllable. I think that women’s study class has softened you, Les immediately announces. That may be, but I also gained valuable information on the female psyche—something totally beyond your comprehension—and five cell numbers from five beautiful ladies, who wish for me to remain in contact with them over the summer break, Chris boasts as he holds up five pieces of paper as proof of his declaration.

Alex gives Chris a high five for this major accomplishment. Not blooming likely, Nancy boy. By chance, did you pay any of them off? Les says firing back. What? Afraid you may become a bender if you show a little sensitivity, Mr. Pretty Boy, Chris says toying with his friend. Les announces that his friend should grow some bollocks and stop raining on his parade just because he was blessed with good looks. I don’t have to worry about that area with the ladies, Chris confidently states as Les, unconvinced, utters the words in your dreams, while throwing a pillow at him. You guys should celebrate my good looks and not hate! Les boasts of his great genes. I don’t hate, I motivate, Chris explains quoting a popular hip-hop slogan.

"Your reference of the hip-hop lingo is unequivocally horrible. Do us all a huge favor and leave hip-hop to me, because I’m cool, and you’re not, and what’s worse you just got got, Les says rhyming his words in his charming European accent to show off his hip-hop talent. What does that mean? Chris exclaims as he and Alex both laugh. It means I am cool and you’re not, Les replies. I mean the got got part, he replies with witticism. I don’t know but it rhymed, Les says joshing his friends. Well, do the world a favor and admit what an arse you are? Chris says patting himself on the shoulder as if to say he is the proclaimed winner of this round. Alex insists that his friends are in need of a time out. He asks that they put their gloves down, and move to their opposite corners just as in a boxing match to cool down. You two are behaving like a couple of jacks at the present moment," Alex admits while laughing hysterically out loud. Les conveys that Chris began this silly nonsense but that he was going to finish it.

Well, can someone please tell me how my bed came to be the chosen ring for this match? Alex says in jest as he pulls a suitcase down from the closet. Chris explains how they used Alex’s bed to play a friendly game of chess because his bed was covered with travel bags. Well it appears that your friendly game quickly turned my bed into hostile territory, Alex says in a comical voice. Chris admits how childish things had turned, but maybe it was because the stress of final exams was finally over. He suggests that they order their summer holiday tickets today in an effort to get a great airline rate since Les’s father was loaning his beach house to them for the last month of summer. Have you cleared it with your parents yet? Les inquires of his friend. Alex explains why his stay at the renowned bachelor pad will be brief due to his sister’s wedding and his new summer employment as a result of totaling his father’s Bentley. Crikey Moses, that’s right! I still cannot believe you walked away from that accident without a scratch, Les declares.

How bloody plastered were you, chap? That car was a classic! Chris exclaims. Apparently too plastered to realize that I crashed my father’s precious automobile! Alex hesitantly admits. Les shares with his friends how his father fancied the one of a kind Bentley. I cannot believe your father waited four years before he purchased a model, Alex declares. And have the snobs of Wellington reference my father as a copycat? He simply would not hear of it, Les admits. Chris joshes his friends by mimicking the voice of Les’s father: Because David Leslie Whitman II is too proud to wear the label of copycat. The three friends all laugh at the accuracy of Chris’s imitation of Les’s father’s voice. Les confirms his father’s position of not wanting to purchase the same model Bentley, especially when all of Wellington knew that Alex’s grandfather, the Grand Duke of Wellington, purchased it as a birthday gift for his son.

And if that was not enough, the Bentley Corporation only manufactured twenty-five models of that particular edition with a price tag to ensure that only the elite of the elite could afford it, Les recalls. You actually read something, Chris says in shock. What! I read, Les proclaims while a look of shock is seen on the face of his friends. The friends discuss how the queen of England, Oprah Winfrey, Carlos Slim Helu of Mexico, and, of course, Alex’s grandfather were among the royalty who purchased the special edition. But your father could also afford the purchase price! Alex declares as fact. Could, but would not, because your father was the first in Wellington to lay claim to it, and believe me he was so glad he did wait because now this new model has everything and more, Les says with a chuckle. Alex poses a question to his friends as to why it is still frowned upon for two chaps to purchase the same automobile. Are you that naïve, Mr. Brainiac? I think everyone in Wellington could lay claim to that phobia, Les relays to his friends. The whole world! Chris adds.

Alex tries to rationalize this generational gap and why they should try to rise above the jealousy and envy that obviously still reigns present in their fathers’ generation, as to not pass it on to the next generation. Having prestige and money only increases the threshold of jealousy. I say if you have the remedy to solve that problem then I suggest you bottle it and sell it right away, Les articulates to his friend. But I still don’t understand why your father would have the slightest ounce of jealousy when he is a headliner in the press multiple times a year. The only time the media takes an interest in my father is when my grandfather’s health is failing or on the brink of death, Alex says confirming his family’s media coverage. Well, that’s the twisted mind of media for you, Chris affirms.

While my father is a brilliant attorney with offices on two continents and, Chris, your father the prime minister, not all media is good media, Les proclaims. Are you referring to the media’s portrayal of your father’s nomination for playboy of the decade? Chris suggests before bursting into laughter. Of the century, according to my mother! Les confirms of his father’s extra-curricular activities. And with the purchase of his sleek new Bentley, that no one else in Wellington can claim, your mother may definitely have a point, Alex declares of the playboy status of his best friend’s father. One that I still have yet to drive, Les willfully admits. Chris suggests they take the Bentley out for a spin before they leave for their summer holiday trip. And end up crashing one of my father’s prize possessions like Sir Crash-A-Lot over here? I think not! Les says, pointing to Alex. Whatever! We would not dare mess up that pretty face, Alex says with a smile. I knew we were friends for a reason, Les teases. Chris redirects the conversation back to their summer holiday plans. Why don’t you just promise your father that you will purchase the next gotta-have Bentley that becomes available for sale with your first paycheck, for I am sure it will include a huge signing bonus, Chris teases as he is interrupted by Les. "I totally