Chereads / The Legendary Artist / Chapter 2 - A Promise by the Window

Chapter 2 - A Promise by the Window

In a quaint suburb in London, the seasons slowly changed and the young Alexander began to grow. His parents quickly realized he exhibited intellect and abilities far beyond his years. By age two he was sounding out simple words, and by three he was scribbling his first rhyming poems and short stories in hand-bound books, filling page after page with his untidy childish scrawl. By then Alex had already come to understand that the earth he was on was different than the one he had known. While most aspects were the same all forms of entertainment that he knew from his previous life were nonexistent. This made him determined to learn everything he could. 

Katherine and Thomas looked on in awe as Alexander devoured new information at a stunning pace. His quest for knowledge seemed unquenchable, and he would spend hours happily absorbed in library books about science, language, literature, and any other topic that captured his curiosity. The shelves in his bedroom steadily filled with a dizzying array of subjects. 

At age four, Alexander's parents signed him up for piano lessons to nurture his budding musical aptitude. To their shock, their son took to the instrument like a bird taking to flight. After just a few lessons, he was practicing for hours each day, his small fingers dancing gracefully across the ivory keys. Lush classical sonatas soon poured from his hands as if conjured by magic. Katherine and Thomas exchanged amazed looks as Alexander rapidly mastered pieces meant for students years older. Clearly, his talent exceeded even their own high expectations. 

As Alexander's fifth birthday approached, the Evergreen household was abuzz with anticipation and activity. Katherine and Thomas spent weeks planning a celebration worthy of their remarkable son. On the morning of his birthday, they put the finishing touches on the colorful decorations now adorning each room. Vibrant emerald green streamers – Alexander's favorite color – crisscrossed the ceiling, interspersed with brightly colored balloons emblazoned with the number "5". 

The aroma of vanilla and sugar permeated the air from the decadent two-tier cake Katherine had baked, covered in rich buttercream frosting and decorated with Alexander's name piped in green frosting. Four brightly burning candles stood at the ready to commemorate his big day. 

When Alexander bounded down the stairs that morning, his intelligent green eyes shone with enthusiasm and impatience. Gone was any trace of the toddling child from years past. In his place stood a small boy brimming with knowledge and eager to conquer each new horizon before him. 

Dressed in casual clothes his emerald eyes sparkled like gems, capturing the radiance of the day. His slightly messy snow-white hair looked somehow perfectly suited him. He was a child whose curiosity knew no bounds 

"There he is, the birthday boy!" Katherine swept her son into a warm hug, joy emanating from her very soul. "Happy Birthday Alex! I can't believe you're already five years old. You astonish us more each day." 

"Thanks, Mom!" Alexander replied, his voice filled with an infectious enthusiasm as he returned his mother's embrace. "Is it time for presents now?" His gaze was already fixed longingly on the colorfully wrapped gift waiting nearby, a perfect blend of childish excitement and uncanny maturity. 

Thomas chuckled at his son's transparent eagerness. "Soon, Alex, soon. Let's get some food in you first so you have the energy for unwrapping all those gifts." 

After indulging in Alexander's favorite chocolate chip pancakes, Alexander was finally given the green light to open his present. Opening the box Alexander wasn't surprised to find a guitar small enough for a kid to hold. For his last birthday, he had asked for a keyboard which he spent the year learning and now he had decided to expand his horizons to the guitar. Alexander couldn't help it as a smile crept on his face when he saw his gift. 

"Thanks Mom, Dad it's just what I wanted!" he exclaimed. 

Charlie, Alexander's older brother, approached with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Another instrument, little bro? Planning to start your own band soon?" 

Alexander shot him a playful look, clutching the guitar. "Only if you promise to be my first fan, Charlie." 

Charlie laughed, ruffling Alexander's hair. "Always, buddy. But only if you promise to play 'Happy Birthday' for me on that guitar next month." 

Alexander nodded enthusiastically. "Deal. But you have to sing along." 

Charlie let out a groan but eventually relented. "Alright, alright, but only because it's you." 

As the day progressed, friends and family arrived, their laughter and cheerful chatter filling the air. Among the guests was the Montgomery family along with their daughter, the two had known each other since they were infants and they went to the same preschool together, their parents' close bond extending to their children. Alice, an angelic young girl Alexander's age with wavy golden hair. Though unrelated, she and Alexander shared an unusually deep bond that had been evident since infancy. Alice's blue eyes gleamed with anticipation as she held a brightly wrapped gift in her hands. 

"Happy birthday, Alex!" Alice immediately threw her arms around Alexander in an enthusiastic hug. Though they saw each other frequently, each reunion felt special. 

"Thanks, Alice," Alexander replied happily, returning her embrace. His curious gaze landed on the brightly wrapped gift in her hands. "Is that for me?" 

Alice nodded, handing him the present with a dimpled smile. "Sure is." 

Carefully he removed the paper to reveal a beginner book on guitar skills. His eyes lit up, clearly touched by her meaningful gift. 

"Guitar lessons. This is perfect, thank you, Alice!" Alexander exclaimed. Music was a realm he had been longing to explore deeper. 

Alice beamed, always happy to feed his endless craving for knowledge of all kinds. "I know how much you've wanted to learn. Now you can start practicing right away!" 

As the birthday celebrations continued, Alexander could barely contain his excitement to retreat to his room with his new guitar. But he stayed present, playing games with the other children. Normal childhood joys still held a place in his heart, despite his advanced development. 

Later in the evening, Katherine found Alexander and Alice seated in their favorite spot – the window seat overlooking the quiet backyard. Orange and fuchsia sunset colored the darkening sky. 

"Have you started learning the guitar yet?" Alice asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. 

"Not yet, I've been practicing the piano for a while now, and I just thought it would be cool to learn the guitar too," Alexander replied. 

"You're so lucky you have so many talents," Alice said, a mixture of admiration and slight envy in her voice. 

Alexander laughed lightly, shaking his head. "It's not about luck, Alice. It's about passion you just have to find something you're passionate about and pursue it with all your heart. You're a good singer that's a talent too" 

Alice blushed, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, I do love singing." 

"See? And you're passionate about it. That's what matters," Alexander said, his words carrying a wisdom beyond his years. 

"I see... maybe we can take lessons together?" Her voice was a whisper but Alex's ears picked it up. 

"Sure." his response was quick without any hesitation. 

In this beautiful stillness, Alice spoke in a gentle but serious tone. "Alex, promise me something." 

Alexander turned to face her, quickly reading the solemnity in her expression. "Hmm?" 

She hesitated a moment, seeming to gather her thoughts and words. "No matter how big your dreams become or how much you achieve, please don't forget little moments like this." Her voice dropped to a near-whisper. "Don't forget us." 

Alexander's eyes softened, reflecting a wisdom far beyond his four years. He reached over and took Alice's hand, meeting her earnest gaze with equal gravity. "I promise I won't forget, Alice. No matter where life takes me, I will be dragging you along for the ride." 

Satisfied by his sincerity, Alice leaned into his shoulder once more as they both gazed pensively out at the darkening sky the dying sunset's glow reflected off the glass. 

... 

Time passed swiftly in the Evergreen household, and as each day unfolded, Alexander's insatiable curiosity and boundless enthusiasm for learning only grew stronger. It was evident that he possessed an innate genius that extended far beyond his tender years. His parents, Charlie, and even Alice, watched in awe as he absorbed knowledge like a sponge. 

As Alexander's sixth birthday approached, his parents decided to nurture his burgeoning musical talent further. A small, well-loved piano graced a corner of their living room, and it was on this piano that Alexander's fingers danced, creating melodies that echoed through the walls of their home. The piano, gifted to him by his grandfather, held a special place in his heart. It was his refuge, a canvas upon which he painted emotions, dreams, and aspirations. 

One evening, the soft chords of a gentle melody flowed from the piano, filling the room with a sense of tranquility. Charlie sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes fixed on his younger brother's fingers as they moved deftly across the keys. Alice sat nearby, her voice joining in harmony as she softly hummed to the song that Alexander had composed. 

Their impromptu musical session was a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared. Their friendship was a refuge, a safe haven where they could be themselves without fear of judgment. 

"Alex, that was beautiful," Alice said with a smile, her eyes glistening with genuine admiration. 

"Thanks, Alice," Alexander replied, a modest grin tugging at his lips. 

As the evening sun painted the sky orange and pink, Alexander and Alice found themselves sitting by the window once more. It had become a ritual of sorts – a sacred space where they shared their thoughts, hopes, and dreams. 

"Do you ever wonder what the future holds?" Alexander asked, his gaze fixed on the horizon. 

Alice's eyes followed his, a thoughtful expression on her face. "All the time. There's so much out there, so much to explore and discover." 

"Yeah, exactly," Alexander agreed. "I want to see the world, experience different cultures, and learn from every corner of the globe." 

Alice nodded, her expression contemplative. "And what about your music? Do you think you'll become a famous musician?" 

Alexander's fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on the windowsill. "I don't know about famous, but I want to create music that touches people's hearts. Music that makes them feel something."