Professor Layton and the Angel's Prophecy

Stumbling

"Calm yourself, Luke. This frustration is very unbecoming of a gentleman."

Luke bit his tongue and shoved his hat further over his eyes.

"I've failed you, Professor."

A look of sorrow crossed Hershel's face then.

"Oh, Luke, do not say that. You have stumbled, that is all. Everyone does, even I."

Luke glanced up at the Professor, tears stinging his eyes.

"You do?"

"Indeed. I neglected to share this information with you whilst I told you about my last adventure, but during that time, my feelings for Claire got the better of me. I... I stumbled, just as you have done these past few months.

Luke's eyes grew in shock then.

"Your parents told me about what has been happening with you." Before Luke could protest, he quietened him with a wave. "Do not blame them; they have been very concerned, as any normal parents would be. They asked me to help because they knew of the bond you and I share."

Luke had a flood of emotions wash over him. Hershel could see he was struggling to make sense of them, and Hershel pulled Luke into a hug. Sometimes, he knew, actions would do what words could not.

After a minute, he spoke, his voice very faint.

"You are a dear friend, Luke, and I care deeply for you. Your parents and I are ever so worried about the path you have found yourself on. I want you to be strong, Luke. To be the gentleman that I know you are. You are a wonderful young man, and you can do anything."

"You mean it?" Luke asked, his voice cracking.

"Sincerely. I just don't want to get you hurt, and the way you've been acting of late, the manner your parents spoke of, it troubles me. Can you promise to be better than that, Luke?"

"I promise, Professor."

"Good. We shall try again tomorrow. For now, let us be thankful for the kindness we've witnessed today, rest, and tell your parents that we are on to a promising lead, shall we?"

Luke's smile stretched to the edges of his face almost. He nodded profusely.

****

"Luke, it's tea time!"

Brenda moved over to the dining table, placing her plate down, followed by Luke's. As she took a seat, the three seated at the table – with Theodore happily rested at the Professor's feet – looked upon their lovely roast and smiled.

"It looks divine," Clark commented, and he kissed his wife then.

"A classic Sunday roast," Hershel beamed. "It smells exceptional, Brenda."

"Thank you, Hershel," Brenda grinned. The three sat awaiting their fourth and final member, but after a minute, he still did now show. "Luke! Hurry up, dear! You're keeping us waiting!"

Another few seconds of silence, and she stood up.

"Come now, Luke. This is terribly rude!" She sighed in exasperation and then shook her head. "I apolgise for this. I'll go see what's keeping him."

As Brenda moved from the room, Hershel looked to Clark in concern.

"It is rather strange," Clark said, scratching at his beard. "Well, it is tonight. Not for the past few weeks, but I would think with his mood so much improved now, he'd be the first one at the table, making sure he got the seat next to you."

Hershel absorbed that information, and excused himself. Clark let out a small sigh and excused himself.

The two men found Brenda walking hurriedly from one room to the next, calling out for her son.