"You'll constantly ask yourself this question, my son, throughout this story I tell you. How does a child born out of wedlock, an orphan, son of an unclean woman and a scotsman who was dropped in the middle of a spot in the caribbean- how does he, through providence impoverished in squalor, how does this child grow up to be a hero and a scholar? The founding father who grew up without a father. He got a lot farther by working a lot harder and being a self starter. When he was ten, his father left. His mother died. A hurricane destroyed his town. But Alexander managed to survive. A group of people took up a collection to get him to the mainland. 'Get your education, don't forget from where you came-'.
When he came to the mainland, he went to Princeton seeking an accelerated course of study. He punched the bursar, and then he came to find someone else- the only other person he knew of who had graduated the same course- Aaron Burr."
"That's you, Papa!" his son said excitedly.
"Yes, that's me, my son," Aaron said, the memories once again claiming him. Only this time, they took hold of him and it was no longer Aaron telling the story- it was something else entirely. Something like a god.
Alexander looked around, eyes wide. He had just come from Princeton after being thrown out for punching the bursar. Not all was lost, though. He managed to hear the name "Aaron Burr"- a person who had graduated from the college. He graduated so fast that Alexander was curious how he did it. Seeing a sturdy man holding a book, he decided to try his odds and approach him.
"Pardon me, are you Aaron Burr, sir?" he asked.
The man looked up, a smile washing over his face. "Well, that depends. Who's asking for him?"
Alexander laughed. "Sure, sir. My name is Alexander Hamilton, and I was looking for you-"
"I'm getting nervous."
"Sir? I was at Princeton when I heard your name. I was seeking an accelerated course of study, when I found myself in a little bit of trouble with a friend of yours. He handles the financials-"
"You punched the bursar?" Burr asked incredulously. Alexander nodded.
"Yes. I wanted to graduate from college in two years then join the revolution to fight, sir. But he looked at me like I was stupid- and I can assure you, I'm not stupid. But I have a question- How'd you do it? How'd you graduate so fast?" Alexander asked, curiosity prying out of his body like it was the thing he needed to survive and all he had to do was ask a question.
"It was my parents' dying wish before they passed," Burr said swiftly, a shadow coming across his face only momentarily before it flitted away and back was the composed Aaron Burr.
"You're an orphan! Oh, so am I. I wish that there was a war that we could prove ourselves to everyone! This is why I want to join the revolution- to prove my worth. But I recognize the importance of education- which is why I want to take the accelerated course of study," Alexander said, trying to appeal to Burr to get him to open up.
"I'll give you a few free tips," Burr said, smiling just a hint as they sat down. "Talk less, smile more. Don't let them know what you're against or what you're for."
"But-" Alexander said, frowning. "You can't be serious."
"You want to get ahead?" He nodded. "Fools who run their mouths off wind up dead," Burr said as he motioned to the three men having drinks a couple of tables behind them.
One of the young men started shouting, "For the revolution!" as they all raised their glasses in a toast. Alexander felt drawn over there with people who shared his same beliefs, unlike Burr's idea of standing for nothing. Burr followed.
"Aaron Burr!" one of the men, the one with french accent said. "Drop some knowledge!"
Burr smiled as he played along. "Good luck with that, you're taking a stand. You spit, I'm going to sit, we'll see where we land." The men booed as Burr only looked amused.
"Heard the revolution's coming, what do you stall for?" another, whom Alexander heard someone call John Laurens, said.
Alexander chimed in, "If you stand for nothing, Burr, then what will you fall for?"
The others grinned at him while cheering, and Alexander knew he found some like minded people he might call friends.
So? What do you guys think? I know, short chapter, but I'm going to update soon since I'm still on break. The next chapter is going to jump forward- more details later. Review review review!