John's Family

John descended from the carriage first, holding the door open for Helen and Alan. As they stepped out of the carriage, both wearing smiles. Turning towards a group of people by the mansion, Alan admired the grand building with awe.

"Welcome home Helen". A woman's voice welcomed them, and Alan looked to see an old, elegant lady smiling. Helen embraced her, addressing her as Elizabeth. Alan, heard the warm exchange between them.

It's so nice meeting you again Elizabeth. How are you feeling now? Helen asked her scrutinizing.

I am perfectly alright thanks to you Helen. I have never had any discomfort or pain after the treatment I received 10 years ago.

Alan observed Elizabeth's tearful gratitude for the medical care Helen had provided a decade ago.

Helen, downplaying the gratitude, reassured Elizabeth, "You're like my sister dear and it is my responsibility to look after you. There is no need to thank me for it."

Elizabeth nodded happily and then turned her attention to Alan.

You must be Alan, it's so good to see you dear. I had only heard about you from John when he came back last time. Elizabeth beamed looking at Alan and expressing her joy at meeting him.

Suddenly she looked thoughtful,

Alan..... Alan....

"Helen, did you named him combining Alec and your name ?

Helen noded her head and confirmed, " Yes dear, we had actually decided the name for our child a long back itself."

Alen was pleasently surprised and was touched by this gesture of his grandmother's.

Elizabeth beamed, glancing at Alan. "It's delightful to meet you, my dear," she said affectionately.

Alan respectfully bowed and replied, "Thank you, Great Aunt Elizabeth. I am honored to make your acquaintance."

Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised by the child's refined manners.

John chuckled, positioning himself beside Elizabeth, placing a hand on her shoulder. "So, how's our Alan? Quite the gentleman, isn't he?" he said, grinning at his wife.

"He truly is," she smiled in return.

"Alan, meet my wife Elizabeth," John gestured, "Now, let me introduce you to my son and daughter-in-law." He nodded toward a man in his late 30s and a beautiful woman in her mid-30s.

They approached with smiles, bowing to Helen. "Aunt Helen, I hope you're doing well," the man said sincerely. The lady added, "Lady Helen, it's an honor meeting you again."

Dear James... dear Jane. So good to see you both. Helen smiled.

And Jane don't be so formal, call me Aunt Helen. Besides your shameless father here is getting himself addressed as Uncle from my grandson. She glared at John with a mick anger.

The whole courtyard burst into laughter. Elizabeth felt embarrassed and swatted at John's arm and shook her head in exasperation, "you are unbelievable ".

Once the laughter died down, both James and Jane turned towards Alan with smiles. James stepped forward, patting Alan's shoulder. "Alan, welcome home. I am your real uncle, unlike a certain grandpa who wanted to be an uncle here."

Laughter erupted once again.

"Hey, I am not so old, you rascal. Come, let's have a duel and see who is the grandpa here," John shot a glare at his son with playful anger.

Jane chimed in, "Alright, alright, now I see two children here, and dear Alan doesn't seem to be one of them, is he?" She smiled in a motherly fashion, approached Alan, and gave him a hug.

"Welcome home, my dear," Jane said, embracing him. Alan tensed; he had never experienced the sensation of being hugged by a mother.

Observing his rigid posture, Jane released him and noticed tears in his eyes. "What happened, dear?" she asked, concerned.

Helen, understanding Alan's emotions, approached with a warm smile. "Don't worry, dear. He's a bit emotional right now. The love and acceptance he received from everyone overwhelmed him." She ruffled Alan's head and spoke fondly.

Jane comprehended and smiled warmly. "Let's go inside. It's almost getting dark, and we can talk after both of you relax for some time. I bet it has been a long and arduous journey."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Helen and Alan expressed gratitude to the guards, who inturn bowed their heads respectfully. John then instructed Captain Kevin to grant two days' rest for everyone there, including himself. Kevin bowed but appeared hesitant.

"Is there anything else, Captain?" John asked.

"Sir, John, there is this matter about the valuable parts of the Wolves that we have collected," Kevin spoke hesitantly.

John realized and said, "It's Alan's belongings," and both turned towards Alan.

Alan shook his head. "It's not mine, Captain Kevin. Let Uncle John here handle it."

"Call him Grandpa John, my dear," Elizabeth corrected him. "Eli..." John groaned in frustration, but everyone else smirked.

"Fine, you can call me Grandpa, and my wife Elizabeth Grandma if Helen is okay with it," John conceded.

Helen smiled, saying, "I am more than happy to call you Grandpa, John."

This time the laughter was the loudest and continued for almost a minute. Even the guards had a hard time hiding their smiles.