"I want to learn to play the cello," my little sister said to me.
"Are you sure, Alex?" I asked, seeking confirmation.
"Of course. It will look good on my college application," she replied, her eyes expectant when thinking of college.
"What makes you so sure that I know someone who can play the cello?" I asked curiously. She was right; I did know someone who could play.
"Please," she said, rolling her eyes.
"You're at Caltech. You must know at least one person who can play the cello," she added shortly after.
"Well, you're right. I'll ask him if he can teach you," I said to little Alex.
"Thanks, Gabe," she said, hugging me tightly.
I immediately took out my phone and called a number.
"Hey, do you still play the cello?" I asked the person on the other end.
"Yes. Why?" the other person asked curiously.
"Could you teach my little sister?" I asked him, a hint of pleading in my voice.
"Of course. I can teach her once a week on Tuesdays," the voice responded.
"Thanks, that works," I said gratefully, hanging up with relief.
After that, I walked downstairs to share the good news with Alex and inform Mom. Dad wasn't home yet.
"Did that person agree?" Mom asked curiously from downstairs.
"Yes. Did Alex already tell you? Do you want more info about him?" I asked, knowing she could be very overprotective with her kids.
"No need. I know you wouldn't send your sister to a shady person," she said with a smile.
"When will the first lesson be?" Alex appeared from the corner, asking excitedly.
"Tomorrow. Every Tuesday. I'll take a taxi and go with you," I told her about the schedule.
Time passed quickly, and soon it was already Tuesday afternoon.
"Are you ready?" I asked Alex, who was standing beside me.
We were already at the door of her teacher's house.
I knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" I heard an impatient voice from the other side.
It was like this every time someone came to this house.
"It's me, Sheldon. Gabe," I said loudly through the door.
Alex looked at me curiously.
"How do I know it's you?" Sheldon asked, sounding a bit paranoid.
"Should I call Mary, Sheldon?" I teased lightly. His mother liked me due to my age and both of us being Christians.
"You win," he said, opening the door immediately.
"Where's Leonard?" I asked Sheldon, realizing I hadn't seen him yet.
"I'm coming," Leonard's voice came from inside as he entered the living room.
"Hi, Leonard. This is my sister, the one I told you about who wants to learn cello," I introduced Alex to him.
We chatted for a bit, and then I left Alex in his capable hands.
I was optimistic about Alex's progress with the cello. She was smart, and Leonard was a skilled cellist and a good teacher.
The best musicians in the room though were Sheldon and I, as we were both excellent pianists.
While Alex and Leonard were playing the cello, I put the finishing touches on the taxi app I had created.
It was almost finished and would be the first app among many in my software lineup.
The app would be called BlueWaves Ride, abbreviated as BWR.
Drivers could sign up to transport people, who could rate their experience and more, like a Play Store for rides.
After about an hour and a half, Leonard and Alex finished their practice. Though it didn't sound perfect, it was still enjoyable.
I took a taxi with Alex, and we drove home.
"How was the lesson?" I asked her, curious about her experience.
"It was amazing. The teacher you found knows so many interesting things. Like how the type of wood used in making a cello affects its sound. That's fascinating!" Alex enthused, clearly excited about what she had learned.
I was relieved when we finally arrived home.
"WE'RE BACK!" I shouted, but there was no response.
No one seemed to be at home.
Dad was reviewing real estate, and Mom and Haley had gone shopping for jeans, probably dragging Luke along so he wouldn't be home alone.
I was alone at home with Alex now.
I immediately started a video chat with Paige.
This was a way of communication I often used with her. We could easily talk if she was in her dorm and I was at home.
It was a huge advancement from the earlier years when people only texted or even sent letters. Communication was clearer and more real-time now.
For example, if Paige and I wanted to make plans, we could easily do so right now.
I marveled at modern technology every time I used it.
It is a wonder in itself.