Chapter 10: Late Night Talks
The muted rumble of distant traffic provided a gentle backdrop as Alexander, Alice, and Sakura made their way through the familiar streets of New York City. The city lights cast a gentle glow upon the trio's faces. The echoes of their open mic performance lingered, a resonance in their hearts that blended seamlessly with the rhythm of the metropolis.
Alexander walked with hands shoved casually in his jeans pockets his guitar case hung on his back. His tousled white hair fluttered in the breeze, and he had to pause occasionally to brush wayward strands from his eyes. Beside him strolled Alice, her golden waves pulled back in a casual ponytail that bounced with each lively step. She appeared deep in thought, though a small contented smile played on her lips. On Alexander's other side was Sakura, her dark raven hair cut in a fashionable chin-length bob that framed her keen espresso-colored eyes. While her companions seemed lost in their own musings, Sakura's gaze darted around inquisitively, eagerly drinking in their surroundings.
"Can you believe it? We just got our first gig," Alice's voice carried a sense of wonder. "Just a while ago, we were kids hanging out at the arcade, and now we're sharing our music with the world."
Alexander nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "It's incredible how music can connect people," he replied, his voice filled with wonder.
As they walked, the city lights illuminated their path, casting a gentle glow on their faces. The exhilaration of the night's performance mingled with the friendship they had developed over the years.
"You know," Sakura began, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "we've come a long way from those arcade battles, haven't we?"
Alexander chuckled, recalling their competitive showdowns. "Indeed, we have. From arcade rivals to creative collaborators, it's been quite the journey."
Alice joined in with a grin. "And we've still got more adventures ahead. Who knows what's waiting for us?"
As they spoke, they reached a park bench bathed in soft lamplight. They took a seat, the three of them sharing a moment of reflection amidst the city's bustling energy.
"Speaking of adventures," Sakura said, her tone turning more serious, "I've been thinking about school. It's a bit strange not being in the same place as you two."
Alexander nodded, understanding the sentiment. "Yeah, I get that. It's different not having you around."
Sakura sighed. "I miss our daily banter and inside jokes. Who's going to keep me on my toes now?"
"Well, it's only a year plus it's not like we don't see each other outside of school," Alice added.
The afternoon sun had completely descended by the time the trio passed by Eastview Elementary, the school they had all attended what now felt like a lifetime ago. The familiar brick facade sparked a shared nostalgia among them as memories of classroom adventures, schoolyard games, and lifelong friendships kindled came rushing back.
"Wow, it's so weird to see our old elementary school again," remarked Alice, her eyes glimmering with recollection. "It feels like we grew up here. I can still picture us playing four square during recess."
Alexander nodded, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, and trying to avoid that grouchy hall monitor who was always yelling at us in the halls."
"Ugh, Mr. Benson was the worst!" Sakura chimed in with an exaggerated eye roll. "I'm pretty sure he had it out for me since day one."
Laughter rippled between them at the mention of the notoriously stern faculty member who had seemed to exist only to ruin their childhood fun. As their shared mirth slowly subsided, a contemplative silence gradually fell over the group. The sounds of the city continued to bustle around them, but the three friends were temporarily lost in old memories.
Eventually, it was Sakura who broke the silence, nudging Alexander playfully. "You know, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that you're like, a legit famous author now. You're only 13! How does that even happen?"
Alexander just shrugged nonchalantly, glancing down at his worn sneakers scuffing along the pavement. "What can I say, inspiration struck early I guess. I've been writing stories since I could hold a pencil."
Alice chimed in, linking her arm through Alexander's in a show of affection. "I always knew you had something special in you, Alex."
Alexander accepted the praise with his usual composure. "Couldn't have done it without you," he said, giving her hand a grateful squeeze.
Sakura made a theatrical retching noise, though her dark eyes glimmered with amusement. "Ugh, you two are so sappy sweet you're gonna make me hurl."
"Oh shush, just because you have the emotional range of a teaspoon," Alice shot back in feigned offense, nose in the air.
Alexander just chuckled good-naturedly at their familiar antics. As the conversation flowed, he found himself reflecting on how much had changed so quickly. It was sometimes hard to reconcile the worldwide success he had achieved through "The Chronicles of Everwyn" series with his own sense of self. In many ways, he still felt like the imaginative boy dreaming up stories in his backyard treehouse, not some famous author.
As they spoke, they reached a park bench bathed in soft lamplight. They took a seat, the three of them sharing a moment of reflection amidst the city's bustling energy. They began to discuss the latest developments in their lives. The topic of Alexander's game, "Strike Force," naturally emerged.
"So, Alex, how's 'Strike Force 2' doing?" Alice inquired, genuine curiosity in her eyes.
Alexander leaned back, contemplating his response. "It's been a whirlwind. The game's been coming along well, but we're still refining the PvP mode, addressing bugs, and expanding customization options."
Sakura nodded. "Yeah, I'm still finding some bugs here and there."
Alice chimed in. "Oh yeah, I heard some guys at school talking about it. You're supposed to be able to fight against other players, right?"
"Yep," Alexander confirmed. "That's the PvP I was talking about. It's got a few different modes in addition to the zombie game mode. Seems players are eager to dive into the competition. I'm just glad I hired people to work on the sequel so we don't have to do everything ourselves."
"Yeah, thank god. I still have nightmares about the time you had us do customer support."
"Dealing with some of those inquiries was a real test of patience."
Alexander chuckled. "Oh, believe me, some of those interactions left me questioning humanity."
"I mean I knew people were assholes but damn..." Sakura continued. They exchanged knowing glances, and soon laughter filled the air.
As they continued to talk, they delved into other topics that had become integral to their friendship. The discussion turned to music.
"Remember when you used to practice guitar in my garage, Alex?" Alice's voice held a note of nostalgia.
Alexander nodded, his eyes distant with recollection. "Those late nights spent honing our skills, dreaming of the day we'd perform on a bigger stage."
"I still can't believe you wrote both of those songs by yourself," Sakura said.
"Well, I've basically been writing since I could walk," Alex replied scratching his cheek.
"And here I am still struggling to play the bass," Alice said.
"Well, if it makes you feel better, I was struggling to stay on beat the whole time," Sakura said, causing the three to laugh.
" Hahaha well you two have only been playing for a couple of years, give it time and you'll definitely start to feel more comfortable." Alex encouraged.
"That's easy for you to say when you're good at so many things." Sakura shot back.
"But Sakura you're really good at playing video games. Didn't you win that fighting game tournament you entered?" Alice said.
Sakura grinned, pride evident in her voice. "Not a single round lost. I was in the zone."
"See we all have things we are good at," Alex added.
"Hey, Alex," Alice broke the silence, her voice gentle. "You remember that time Sakura showed up unexpectedly at your doorstep?"
Alexander chuckled. "Of course, I do. It was like a plot twist straight out of a story."
Sakura grinned. "I just wanted a rematch, okay?" Her cheeks heated up in slight embarrassment.
Their reminiscing flowed seamlessly, intertwining with the stories they had shared earlier. The park bench became a sanctuary of shared memories, a place where laughter echoed and friendship thrived.
The night grew late, and they eventually stood up and walked toward Sakura's house to part ways for the time being. But their farewells held a promise of future gatherings and shared adventures.
"Talk to you later," Sakura said as she headed into her house.
Alice waved playfully. "See you soon!"
Alexander offered a warm smile. "Goodnight."
Leaving those words, they continued to walk until they reached Alice's house where, after a quick hug, she quickly went inside. As Alexander walked alone toward his house, he couldn't help looking back on his new life with a smile on his face. Each of his steps carried him forward he knew this was only the start of his journey.
As Alexander entered his home, he felt a sense of gratitude for the journey that had led him to this moment. With each passing day, he was determined to continue crafting his own story, one filled with melodies that would echo through time, inspiring and connecting people in ways he could only imagine.
As he closed the door behind him, the city's symphony of life faded into the background. In the quiet of his room, surrounded by the books, instruments, and memories that shaped his world, Alexander Evergreen knew that his journey was just beginning.
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