(Henry was relaxing with Skylar when Christopher returned. They both turned to stare at him, wordless)
CHRISTOPHER: (froze) what are we staring at?
HENRY: (cleared his throat) was it really you?
CHRISTOPHER: (taken aback) who what?
HENRY: (thought aloud) you were so closed off, I didn't expect it. (Christopher is confused)
SKYLAR: let me help you dear bro. we're saying here, you have a high society girlfriend when you look like you couldn't approach anyone.
HENRY: I must be the one who's late in knowing this, that you are no longer the same now. If I think well of it, you have grown stronger over the years. More mature too. Hardworking. And don't think it hasn't occurred to me that you meditate early, which must be the reason you join your brother and I late every morning. God! where has my head been? how come I didn't notice.... I've been too caught up in the boy I brought home that night...
CHRISTOPHER: (shook his head. to Skylar) this was you, wasn't it?
SKYLAR: (peered) I don't know what you mean.
CHRISTOPHER: (sat by Henry. tapped his leg) I don't have a girlfriend dad. if I did, would I not have told you?
HENRY: I also didn't expect it. it's been Josie who always got women hovering around him. And I was shook when I saw that beautiful lady ask of him. but never in my wildest dreams would I imagine twas you she meant. Tell me the truth, is she....
CHRISTOPHER: no you're overthinking. she needed my service. I couldn't even refuse.
HENRY: (nodded) I had to know. I don't want you being casual, my son. Though there was nothing casual about her.
CHRISTOPHER: I understand. I will not mess around with her.
SKYLAR:(Blared) so there is something? (chocked his neck) let it out or you pay with your life!
CHRISTOPHER: (twisted her arms gently. laughed) you should pick your battles wisely.
HENRY:(Stood up) Amma take a break now(they watched him leave)
CHRISTOPHER:(to Skylar) Did you tell Dad I had a girlfriend?
SKYLAR: what did you expect? she did come for you. not to mention you've been gone out with her all afternoon.
CHRISTOPHER: we're servants to them. she might have needed a hand for something.
SKYLAR: you went to the forest dude. (he is surprised) Dad said so.
CHRISTOPHER: and I reckon it's the best place for a date?
SKYLAR: How would I know? see, what I wanna know is, how was it possible? I need tips bro, I also have dreams.
CHRISTOPHER: There is nothing... (she is curious) yet.
SKYLAR: (exclaimed) so there will be?? you love her already?
CHRISTOPHER: I don't know her enough to, but she is special. There's just something about her that drives me wanting more.
SKYLAR: That's how it begins. love that transcends time.
CHRISTOPHER: (sighed) That's not what I'm keen on right now though.
JOSIE:(strutted in, interrupting their discussion) if it isn't the man of the day!
SKYLAR: (irritated) you're drunk at this time of day?
JOSIE: what do you know? Christoph! you got a wifey now?! and not just any, it's those high society selfish aristocrats! tell me all about it, did she seduce you and make you fall in love? promise to marry you and make life better for you? ain't it?
CHRISTOPHER: you aren't thinking clearly right now.
JOSIE: I'll tell you one thing that's real. she doesn't like you. those girls never take anyone beneath them serious. and if she happens to, she still wouldn't be able to have you because she would eventually be married off to some higher person. so my advice, get outta the way.
SKYLAR: (frowned) why don't you take your own advice?
JOSIE:(faced her) Skylar! how's it going? didn't see you there talking with this bastard.
SKYLAR: (aghast) you can't say that to my brother!
JOSIE: (yelled) I'm your brother! You.. foolish... foolish girl. how many times do I have to tell you? he is not the legitimate son of father. he was birthed by a common maid. right when mother conceived you!
SKYLAR: And you're the son of some noble woman yourself? (Christopher held her back)
JOSIE: Our mother died because of him! have you no Common sense? he's been the enemy since day one!
SKYLAR: do you hear yourself? he is the enemy? he has taken more care of me than you have and he's my enemy?
JOSIE: (groaned) you won't learn until he hurts you. not all enemies come in Grand attire. some come as brothers you idiot!
SKYLAR: (Snapped) I don't care! I'll take that anyday (Josie shook his head and stalked off)
CHRISTOPHER: you got yourself worked up for no reason.
SKYLAR: (heaving) I don't care what you are. he can't just talk as he likes.
CHRISTOPHER: you should have grown immune to him Skylar. hasn't he been always like this? there are certain things we cannot change. it would be best to focus on what we can.
SKYLAR:(chuckled) look at you pulling quotes. love does change people doesn't it?
CHRISTOPHER: who told you I was in love with her?
SKYLAR: (cleared her throat) ahem. I never said it was her! you confirmed it yourself!! (teased) You have at least a little crush.....
CHRISTOPHER: (thought) you won't rest till you hear it would you?
SKYLAR: I just wanna know how you got her talking to you. that's a life skill by the way.
CHRISTOPHER: (laughed) what life skill? (she continued probing him)