The Life of Viscount Downton [Book 1]

LVI

A few hours has passed by. The families and friends have gathered in the Grand Hall, while the servants are already having their own celebrations downstairs at the Servant's Hall

The children were running around, followed by the dogs who were barking happily as they played along with their young masters

And all the while, Alex was in the his mother's study, finishing up on the last page of Beowulf, which was the last of the books he's reading that he borrowed from Jo

Speaking of Jo, he then wondered on where she currently is, having not seen her earlier before heading to the study. Panicking a little, he then quickly wears his suit again and quietly leaves the House, not wanting to disturb his family's celebrations

Fortunately for him, she wasn't far away from the House itself. Alex saw her standing on the snowy driveway, admiring the beautiful night sky above

He then slowly stood beside her as he looks at her lovingly. Her sweet smile displayed on her face as she looks up in the sky to watch the snow fall to the ground

It was one of the most beautiful sights he ever saw in his life

As Jo then looks back down, she then finally saw him, making her a bit surprised and him chuckling softly at her reaction

"How long have you been standing there?" she asks, still processing how he manages to sneak quietly by her side

"I've just arrived, don't worry" he smiles "Besides, I don't want to interrupt you admiring the snow"

Jo then finally chuckles, and smile back at him "Sorry, I thought I might get some fresh air before midnight" she then explained

"Oh, it's alright" Alex replied "I did also retreat in the library...because I did promise myself to finish Beowulf before the year changes"

"And have you finished it?"

"Last few sentences, really. But then I remembered you," he paused for moment, then realizing to continue to avoid the awkwardness "that is...I remembered you not being there after the dance, and was wondering where were you"

"So you were worried about me?" she looks at him, grinning a little

"Well, I–I...uhm, yes. Yes, I was a bit worried about you for a moment" he looks back at her "But you're here, safe and sound. And that's...alright in my book"

They both chuckled softly, and look up the snowy night sky

"What a year, isn't it?" he then spoke again, "I can't believe it's 1928 in just a few minutes"

"It sure is," Alex smiles "And I am thankful for this year...because I met you"

Jo slowly smiles, and looks at him again "I am very glad to have met you too this year Alex," she said "You are a very good friend to me"

Alex was a bit surprised, slowly smiling back in return just to hide the ounce of pain he felt after she said those words "Y-You are a very good friend to me too, Jo. Truly"

She then suddenly hugs him, making him stumble a bit as he catches her in his arms. He then slowly smiles, and gently rubs her back

"Thank you for being part of my life," Jo said softly "I couldn't ask for anything better than you"

Alex blushes a bit "And thank you for being part of mine" he replied, "You too, are the best that has happened to me"

As they pulled away, Alex gazed at her lips once again, fighting the urge to kiss her. It's inappropriate! he said to himself, You're too young...and you haven't confessed yet, you fool!