Who: Alexander and Open When: About 8:15 p.m. Where: Homer's Study
... and while on such an extravagant cruise. On one hand, it was the perfect place to help get his mind off running into a certain good-for-nothing, honourless whelp. It was bound to happen sooner or later, and although he wanted to give his sister around-the-clock protection from Micah, he had been forced to pull himself away. She could take care of herself, he knew, and it wasn't like she was out there looking for the man. Of course, he planned on returning to his family's side soon, especially when the New Years' festivities got underway. That had potential for being the opportune time for another accidental run-in.
On the other hand, he was being somewhat anti-social. It was not likely he was going to be mingling with tons of passengers in the library. But he figured he'd be forced into being much more social when he attended one of the concerts. He wasn't sure which yet, but he planned on checking at least one out, perhaps with his father. Maybe go see how close to midnight Levon makes it this year. Which turned his thoughts to the worsening weather outside. It hadn't brought cause for concern yet, but he'd probably return to his family soon if it got too bad. Over-protective to the last and, well, he wanted to help out if it became a little too much for his nephew.
He hadn't been looking for any book in particular, but his hands, as if they'd had a mind of their own, had picked up a copy of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It had been Erika's favorite. He had indeed attempted to read it on a number of occasions, thanks to her prodding, but had never succeeded in getting past the first chapter. It had been the subject of many debates that usually ended in teasing, kissing, and sometimes making love. It would always turn out well in the end for both, then, and Alex had always been pleased at his ability to distract her thus. Flipping through the book now made him smile slightly, although he wasn't really reading it. He'd read it countless times since her death. But now, he was lost in such thoughts and memories that he did not notice the presence of another in the library with him.