Meet Alexander

A Chapter by GenevaCnwy

Everyone has his or her own personal dark story.

The room brightens up when he enters the room. Alexander always has a way to bring out the warmth and exhilaration from people. He was extremely popular with everyone. Alexander is not only beautiful on the inside but he is also very beautiful on the outside as well.

Alexander walks down the dusty road laughing with his best friend Bartholomew. The two men together seemed like heaven on earth. Every good thing about Alexander was only matched with Bartholomew. The two of them together was almost hauntingly beautiful.

They pass a small group of young girls. They are smiling and giggling amongst each other. Bartholomew notices their eyes following him and Alexander. He turns to the girls, smiles and bows. The girls’ giggles grow louder and Alexander smirks and grabs Bartholomew and pushes him away. “What was the purpose of that?” asked Alexander. Bartholomew turns and walks backwards-facing Alexander. “It was just a bit of fun.” He looks over to the girls who are still watching from a distance. “Besides, it wouldn’t hurt if you took more notice of them.”

Alexander turns his head. “They are just children.” He says. The road is no longer dusty but now moist. Bartholomew speaks, “Well, if not them, then who? Every woman of eligible age and under and even over.” He laughs. “Would do anything for a simple glance of interest from you. It’s like you’re not even interested in women at all.” Alexander glares at him. “I told you once and I’ll tell you again. My lady love doesn’t exist in this time.” Alexander quickens his pace up the road with Bartholomew following close behind. “I know, I know. She is a modern woman. A woman of independence and etc, etc. Did you ever think that maybe for one moment that what you saw that day by the river was a moment of insanity due to the fact you were malnourished at the time due to being lost on one of your expeditions in the woods?” says Bartholomew.

Alexander continues walking steadily up the road. Bartholomew speaks, “Alexander…” “What Bartholomew?” Alexander asks firmly. “I’m sorry about what I said. It’s just, I don’t want to see you chasing after a vision that may or may not even be possible. You’re a good man and I’d hate to see you end up alone.” Says Bartholomew. Alexander stops and looks at Bartholomew. “You don’t have to worry about me Bartholomew. If I remember correctly, you have a wedding to be preparing for.” Alexander looked above the rim of his glasses.

Bartholomew smiles. “Which is exactly why I need you to come with me to persuade her dear father to let her out of the house.” Alexander laughs. “I’m afraid you are going to have to retrieve Majori on your own. I have some things to care of at my own house.” He walks off down a smaller path off the road. Bartholomew calls out to him, “You will come over for a visit tomorrow won’t you? My mother has been nagging me constantly.” Alexander laughs. “Of course. I can’t leave my lady love waiting.” Bartholomew growls. “That is not funny Alexander.” Still laughing Alexander replies, “Yes, I will be there tomorrow. You don’t have to worry.”

Alexander’s walk home was a long and quiet one. His house was a little cottage hidden in the woods. The sight of all the different shades of green was picturesque. It looked like something that came out of one of the tall tales. He walked up the steps and into the warm house. The only thing Alexander saw before he hit the ground was black hair flip across his face. His two younger sisters tackled him down to the floor. Everyone in his family was extremely stunning.

Soon his mother and father walked into the room. Everyone still laughing, their father comes forward. “All right you two. Let’s give Alexander some air.” He pulls the two little girls off of Alexander. His mother comes forward and kisses his forehead. Alexander picks himself off the floor and washes up. He walks into the kitchen and starts to prepare the nights dinner. After dinner is done he puts his sisters to bed and tells them wonderful tales and adventures of some far off prince.

He walks out to his room and he watches his mother help his father into bed. She sees him at the door and after she covers her husband she walks over to her son. “He’s not getting better is he?” said Alexander. His mother looks at her husband. “He was doing well today. It’s just now all his efforts are starting fall.” Alexander holds his mother in his arms.

The next morning after Alexander made the breakfast he started to clean the dishes. His mother walks in. “Don’t you have to go with Bartholomew?” she smiled. “I don’t have to go. Not if you need me here.” Alexander looked over at his father. His mother pulled his face to hers. “I will not have you sit around here instead of living your life. I can handle your father. Have a fun weekend with Bartholomew.” Alexander gave his mother a kiss and walked out the door.

Alexander walks straight to Majori’s home because knowing his friend Bartholomew, he never left. He walks up to her window and lightly taps on it. Majori greets him. Majori was a whole different level of beauty. Her eyes were warm and her smile was always wide. Her long bronzed hair shined in the sunlight. “Good morning Alexander.” She whispered. “Morning Majori. Is Bartholomew ready?” said Alexander and he looked inside her room. She laughed. “He’s not inside Alexander.” She looked up in the tree in front of her window. Alexander looked up to find Bartholomew sleeping on a branch. “Are your parents home?” he asks. “No, they left early today.” She smiled.

Alexander’s smile grew wider and he raised his leg and slammed it against the tree and shouted. “Top of the morning Bartholomew!” The whole tree shook and Bartholomew awoke and lost his balance. He landed on back and lay there in slight pain. He looked up and glared at Alexander who is now laughing hysterically. “Morning Alexander.” Alexander put out his hand for Bartholomew. Once Bartholomew was on his feet his walked over to Majori’s window, shoving Alexander on his way. He and Majori shared a light kiss and a long lingering stare. They way they looked into each other’s eyes it was if they were having their own conversation without anyone else hearing.

“You know. You didn’t have to sleep in the tree Bartholomew. I am sure your bed is much more comfortable.” Major smirked. Bartholomew smiled. “Yes. It would have been much, much, much more comfortable than that branch. But…” he paused kissed her forehead. “That would mean I wouldn’t get to watch you fall asleep.” He continued. Majori ran her fingers through his hair and started to mess it up. “Well, you two have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for stopping by Alexander!” She reached over and gave him a big hug. Bartholomew and Majori shared one last kiss. Alexander had all ready started his walk to the main road.

Bartholomew chased after him and they walked for quite a while in silence. Bartholomew was all smiles until he looked over to Alexander whose face was glum. “How’s your father doing?” Bartholomew asked. “He’s not getting better.” Alexander sighed. Bartholomew stopped walking as well as Alexander. “It’s fine Bartholomew. Let’s just keep walking.” Bartholomew stayed put. “No.” He shook his head. “If you need to be with your father Alexander I am not so heartless to understand that you can’t come this time around. I know how much your family means to you and I don’t want you feeling guilty if something should happen this weekend. So if you truly believe that you need to be with them then I suggest you go back home.” Alexander smiled. “It’s fine Bartholomew.” He continued to walk. He turned around and laughed, “I think my mother kicked me out for the weekend anyway.” Bartholomew smiled and caught up with his friend.

The walk was long to Bartholomew’s home. It was through the deepest parts of the woods. Alexander didn’t mind the walk because he always loved looking at the beautiful scenery on the trip. They reached the familiar courtyard where the sun shown. Every time Alexander saw the enormous house it took his breath away. It was the very definition of a castle. Bartholomew was laughing when he noticed that Alexander was no longer walking with him. He rolled his eyes and shouted. “You’ve seen this place a million times. You’d think you would have gotten over staring at it.” Alexander laughed. “Sorry.” He was now blushing and Bartholomew laughed.

The two of them walked through the dark castle halls with their laughter echoing all around them. The air got colder and the halls got darker. Bartholomew was no longer laughing. Alexander knew who was coming when Bartholomew got that look of disgust on his face. They continued to walk in silence when a voice came from the shadows. “Aren’t you going to say hello to your dear father Bartholomew?” He walked out to greet the two men. Alexander started first. “It’s nice to see you again Darcio. Sir.” And he did a sheepish smile. Darcio’s eyes were always a dark black. Any color he once had seemed to be sucked away into the pit of black. His hair was long and the same dark black color. He was very handsome and Bartholomew shared a lot of the same features as his father. Darcio smiled widely and looked over to Bartholomew. “It is nice to see you again Alexander. It’s nice to see your manners have not changed.” Bartholomew hissed. “Forgive me father. I didn’t see you in all this black. Perhaps if you let a little light in here I would have seen you.”

Darcio’s eyes grew with fury and he started toward his son. Alexander stood in front of Bartholomew. He looked straight into Darcio’s eyes. “We’ll be on our way Darcio.” Alexander stood taller and his eyes never left Darcio’s. Darcio laughed and disappeared into the darkness. Alexander was always like a big brother to Bartholomew. They were the same age but you wouldn’t be able to tell because he looked older than Bartholomew.

Bartholomew stormed off ahead down the corridor. Alexander chased after him. They reached Bartholomew’s room. Bartholomew rams the doors open and knocks down the coat rack. He is standing completely still taking in each breath as slowly and as deeply as he can. Alexander walks in slowly and bends over to pick up the coat rack. Bartholomew shouts. “Just leave it!” Alexander stands straight and watches his friend. Bartholomew unclenches his fists. The blood rushes back and his hands regain their color. He whispers, “I hate that man Alexander. I really hate him.” Alexander walks to his friend’s side. “I’m sure you two can work some-“ Bartholomew interrupts. “No, Alexander. No we can’t. It has always been this way and it will always be this way.”

Bartholomew picks up the coat rack and walks out of the room with Alexander close behind. They walked to the study and found Bartholomew’s mother Acilia sitting on her usual chair reading. Her presence always found a way to take away any worries one would have. Her smile was infectious. She rushed to greet her son. She held him tightly and said, “Oh Bartholomew! It is always a joy to see you.” He laughs. “I was only gone for a night mother.” She released him and laughs. “Yes, but to me it feels like an eternity.” She turns to Alexander and holds out her arms. “It always a pleasure to see you too Alexander.”

They finished their hug and Acilia went back to her seat. “What adventures will you two be up to today?” she asks. Bartholomew smiles widely. “Oh nothing that would be worth troubling you.” The two men walk to the door. Acilia calls out. “Don’t get into too much trouble!” and they laugh.

They walk out to a familiar spot in the garden. Alexander looked at all the flora in amazement. “Remember the day we first met?” asked Bartholomew picking a flower. Alexander smiled. “I remember it like it was yesterday. We were five at the time.” He laughs. “I had gotten lost in the woods and I managed to venture into your garden.” Bartholomew walks closer. “Yes, and that’s when I scared the living day lights out of you.” He laughs. “Oh, what was it that I said?” Alexander laughs. “I believe it was hello. I wasn’t expecting anyone to come out” Bartholomew stops laughing and looks at the flower. “I’m glad you came that day. You were the first person I had met that wasn’t older than I was.” He pauses, sheepishly smiles and says, “Now no one could tell we are the same age.” A rock flies past Bartholomew and he laughs.

Later that night after dinner Alexander took a tour around the castle. After what seemed like hours he returned to Bartholomew’s room. Bartholomew was at the window. His face looked frightened. Alexander rushes inside. “What’s wrong?” Bartholomew’s eyes never leave the window. “I see things. Things that I fear and I can’t get them out of my mind. I see really horrible things that involve Me, Majori, you and your family.” His voice cracks. “I think I’m going mad.” Alexander looks at him. “It was probably just a really bad nightmare. Everything is going to be fine.” Bartholomew’s fists clench together tightly. “I wish I could believe you Alexander. But, this isn’t just a one-time thing. These thoughts, image or whatever they are. They have been coming to be every night now for the past month. Each night they get darker and darker.” He gasps for air and puts his face in his hands.

Alexander now worried rushes to him. “What is it that you see?” he asks. The tears fall from Bartholomew’s eyes. “I see death. Many deaths of people I love more than life itself.” Alexander asks, “Whose death? How did they die?” “I see your family lying in pools of blood.” His lips quiver. “I see Majori frozen and lifeless. I see myself as a wolf and I’m in the woods covered in blood and I…” he pauses. “I don’t want to talk about anymore!”

Alexander whispers. “You’re not evil Bartholomew. You would never do anything to hurt my family or Majori. You are a good man. I can’t explain why these thoughts or images are coming to you. But, I will do everything I can to make sure they don’t come true. You’re going to be fine.” He looked deeply into Bartholomew’s eyes. He calmed down and Alexander helped him back to his bed. When he finally fell asleep Alexander took a seat on a large chair in the room and closed his eyes.