1991 - The Nursery
Alexander was elated when he found out his mother was pregnant again, and his excitement escalated to a peak when he found out he was going to have a brother. He insisted on helping the painters and contractors with the baby's nursery, even though he was really getting in their way more often than not, and he babbled on and on to Pamela about all of the things he was going to do. Unfortunately, he also tended to completely ignore his meals once he got on the subject.
"I'm going to teach him how to ride a bike," he said. "When he gets old enough, of course. And I'm going to fence with him, and play board games with him, and teach him how to read—"
"And how to eat properly?" Pamela asked.
Even her chiding couldn't break through his good mood. He laughed and looked back down at his lunch.
The boy's excitement was infectious. Pamela didn't have heart to remind him he wouldn't be around to take care of his little brother much, since he was going to be at boarding school most of the time. As for her, she was as excited as he was, although she contained it much better. As much as she loved Alexander, she couldn't wait to be a caretaker for a baby.
Alexander took a couple of bites of his sandwich, then he looked back up at her. "Do you think Father would let me use some of my allowance on toys for him?"
She smiled sadly. Despite having top-of-the-line supplies growing up—car seat, stroller, clothes, school supplies—Alexander hadn't had many toys in his early childhood, as far as Pamela had seen. But she couldn't bear to crush his enthusiasm. "I'm sure he wouldn't object to some educational toys," she said.
Alexander grinned. "I'm going to be the best big brother ever," he said.
She reached across and squeezed his shoulder. "Yes, you are," she said.