Chapter 5: Embark on a Journey

New York is a fascinating place. Manhattan, with its towering buildings, stands out distinctly when viewed from above, as the surrounding districts are noticeably lower in height. If you take the subway from Manhattan and head southeast, crossing the East River, you'll find yourself in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn contrasts sharply with Manhattan's commercial streets. Here, six-story buildings seem out of place among the more common two-story structures. The neighborhood features an array of architectural styles: large standalone houses shaded by trees, fairy-tale style homes with pointed roofs, practical duplexes or townhouses, colonial homes with open corridors and arches, Victorian houses with bay windows and slender columns, and the robust, luxurious brownstones. These colorful, well-maintained homes, around a century old, exude a kind of mature beauty. Strolling through Brooklyn's streets and alleys, one can appreciate the serene atmosphere, the blooming flowers and greenery in front yards, and the charming decorative items that seem casually placed.

Evan Bell's home is in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn, known for its immigrant communities. After getting off the train at Sunset Park Station, Evan Bell pulled his coat tighter against the chill of the early morning. Despite it being midsummer, the temperature at four in the morning was still cold. The homeless man sleeping in the station muttered a few curses as Evan Bell's footsteps echoed in the corridor, disturbing his slumber.

Walking through the grid-like streets of Brooklyn, Evan Bell soon reached the intersection marked "18th Avenue." Although it's not as famous as Bensonhurst's Eighth Avenue Chinatown, 18th Avenue has a significant Chinese population, along with a large number of Italians. According to Evan Bell, his father might have had Italian and French ancestry. His mother, Catherine Bell, could speak some Italian, but neither Evan Bell nor his brother had picked up the language.

Even though it was just after four o'clock, 18th Avenue was already bustling. This area hosts a small wholesale market, popular with Brooklyn merchants who come to buy goods in bulk. From four to six in the morning, wholesale suppliers offer everything from brand-name products to discounted goods, vegetables, fruits, fashion clothing, shoes, hats, glasses, jewelry, flowers, gifts, furniture, lighting, and medicines. Vendors arrive early to secure the best deals, some even carrying their purchases back themselves.

As Evan Bell walked through the alleys, he greeted familiar vendors and soon found himself in front of his home—a small shop called "Eleven Dry Cleaners," still lit by an incandescent bulb. Inside, his brother, Teddy Bell, greeted him with a goofy smile. "Evan, you're back."

Evan Bell quietly closed the door, looking up at the attic above, concerned about disturbing someone. Teddy understood and whispered that their mother, Catherine, had gone home to sleep. Relieved, Evan Bell relaxed.

Teddy Bell, two years and ten days older than Evan Bell, looked more rugged with his buzz cut and chiseled features, yet his blue eyes revealed their familial connection. At 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds, Teddy was muscular and earned the nickname "Bear." In contrast, Evan Bell inherited their mother's elegant and noble demeanor, while Teddy took after their father, whom they had never met.

Catherine Bell, originally from Savile Row in London, had started this dry cleaning business from scratch after moving to New York with her sons. Named "Eleven" because both sons' birthdays fall on the first and eleventh of November, the shop earned a good reputation for its 24-hour service. Catherine's tailoring skills, honed from childhood, were not wasted; she also did repair work, which added to the shop's success. Five years ago, they managed to rent a small 50-square-meter house next door, improving their living conditions.

Savile Row, famous for its bespoke suits, catered to an elite clientele, including royalty. Catherine Bell's background on this prestigious street hinted at a sophisticated upbringing, though she never spoke of her family. Evan Bell had only learned of this from a neighbor when he was young.

Since "Eleven Dry Cleaners" operated around the clock, someone was always on duty. Today, it was Teddy Bell. He handed his brother a glass of water and asked, "Did the performance go well today?" Evan Bell excitedly recounted the day's events, including how director Trevor Nunn had tried to keep him on Broadway. Teddy, anticipating this, laughed.

"What are you laughing at?" Evan Bell asked, taking a sip of water and playfully kicking his brother.

"I knew your director would try to keep you," Teddy replied confidently. "But I also knew you'd refuse."

Evan Bell didn't catch the depth of Teddy's thoughts. He set the cup down and said, "I was ready to leave for Los Angeles last week. Now, because of Trevor, my road trip has been postponed for a whole week."

At 18, Evan Bell was determined not to miss out on life's adventures—joining clubs, playing in bands, going on road trips, and partying. This road trip, planned to coincide with the Eagle Rock Music Festival in Los Angeles, was his way of ensuring he didn't miss out on anything this time around. Catherine had agreed to it as an 18th birthday present.

"Ted, are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Evan Bell felt sorry that Teddy had to miss the trip.

"I have to report to school two weeks early," Teddy reminded him. As a junior in college, Teddy had been selected by his professor to assist with research, a valuable opportunity. Additionally, he had an internship interview in Boston next week.

"Evan, are you sure you want to leave today? You haven't slept all night," Teddy said, concerned.

"If I don't leave today, I'll miss the Eagle Rock Music Festival," Evan Bell replied, patting Teddy on the shoulder.

At 18, life was about seizing every opportunity, and Evan Bell was determined not to let this one slip by.