Revolution (Hamilton)

Falling star

1775

I put on a corset, pulling the strings as tight as I can. Mother told me to look my best today, so I am basically strangling myself to fit into todays beauty standards. I pull a velvety green dress over my head, braiding my brown hair into an elegant bun. Richard is going to be here any minute, there are all kinds of people coming to our engagement party. Some of fathers highest ranked soldiers and commanders and a few of my mothers friends with their husbands. Tonight, my plan goes in action, all of fathers men will be busy drinking and partying. Creating the perfect opportunities for us to sneak off. I hope this plan works, cross my heart and hope to die. I take one last look in the mirror, my cool blue eyes staring back at me. ''You got this'' I whisper to myself.

''Deborah, my love. Good to see you again'' Richard says, walking into the sitting room. I get up from the couch and walk over to him ''It is good to see you to Richard'' I reply politely, forcing a smile on my face. We walk over to the couch and talk about boring topics, while the guests slowly trickle in. We go around the room, making conversations and introductions. ''Excuse me for a few minutes'' I softly say to Richard and the people we were talking to. I walk into the kitchen, buzzing with servants. ''Hi Ann, how are you?'' I happily ask, moving to stand across the woman. ''Good miss. How are you?'' she returns the question, not looking up from the food she was fixing on the elegant silver plates. ''I am just wonderful Ann. I think my father is going to make a speech any minute now, after that the real celebrations begin'' I wink, giving her the same look from a few days ago.

''I will get everything in order for the celebrations miss. ''she states, her eyes still fixed on the food. ''Good'' I simply state, walking out of the room. When I arrive in the hall, I notice something from the corner of my eye. Richard and Stephen seem to be in a lively discussion. Stephen is making various gestures with his hands, indicating annoyance? Or is it worry? I decide to make my way over to the corner where they are talking. Curiosity flooding my brain. I get closer, Richard notices me and abruptly stops the conversation. ''Hi, my love, let's get back to the party'' he rather strongly suggested, taking me by the hand. ''What were you and Stephen talking about?'' I cannot help but ask. ''The weather'' he lies. I squint my eyes in suspicion, there is no way that discussion was about the weather.

''Are you sure that was what it was ab-'' I am abruptly cut off by Richard pushing his lips on mine. I almost want to push him off but refrain myself from doing so. He puts his hand under my chin pushing my face up just a bit. He holds his lips on mine for what seems to be hours, they're wet and slimy and I resist the urge to cringe. The force with which he is pushing is quite overkill and my lips start slightly aching. When he finally lets my lips go, I open my lips letting the air reach deep into my lungs. We walk into the room, elbow in elbow, I turn my head back to the hall using my free hand to wipe my mouth. 'That was disgusting' I think to myself turning my head back to the sitting room. We do the dance of acquaintances once again.

My father hobbles into the room using a cane to keep him from falling down. The conversation dies down a bit as a lot of people look at the man. His posture perfectly aligned, despite his ailment. Some soldiers salute, stopping in the middle of the conversation they were having. He walks towards the middle of the room, his cane ticking on the floor. ''I would like to make an announcement'' He states, his voice slightly raised so everyone stops talking. ''I am proud to announce my daughters engagement to Richard Hampton''. He turns to me and Richard, Richard gives me a kiss on the cheek and smiles. I look into his eyes and see a look full of warning. Carefully saying to me, and only me, that I better not do anything to mess this up.

''May you have a long and happy live together''. He cheers, grabbing a glass that is nearby him and raising it to us ''Cheers'' He states. The people in the room copy him ''Cheers'' everybody echoes, taking a sip of their drink. My father starts to play the piano ''Would you like to dance?'' Richard asks, extending his hand. ''That would be nice'' I lie, taking his hand. We start to waltz to the music. My green dress, flying against his black suit every so often. I accelerate my breathing and stop dancing. ''Are you alright Deborah, you look pained'' Richard remarks, stepping closer to me. I pull my face in an even more pained look ''I think I put my corset on too tight'' I whisper, my chest quickly rising and falling, I make myself blush to make it even more convincing. ''Go fix it, my love'' he worriedly replies. I quickly scurry off. I run up the stairs two steps at a time. When I get to the top of the stairs, I look around to see if anybody is looking in my direction. The coast is clear, so I quickly and quietly make my way over to my father's office.