Hello Stranger

Chapter 6

Philip could here John's feet against the floor as he ran for the door. Philip smiled slightly and prepared himself to have the 10 year old attacking him with a hug.

"Philip!" John cried as he threw open the door. Just as Philip had predicted, john leapt into his brother's arms, knocking Philip back a step.

"Hey, John," Philip laughed.

"It's Christmas!" John yelled.

"Not quite," Angelica said from the doorway. Her arms were crossed over her chest, and she raised an eyebrow at Philip.

"Almost," Philip said, setting his brother down. "How many days is it now? 4?"

"3!" John corrected.

"Of course!" Philip slapped his own forehead. "How could I forget?"

John laughed, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"You know we have a maid to open the door, right?" Angelica asked.

"Oh, stop being such a stick in the mud, Angie," Philip said, pushing past his sister into the house. "Is the rest of the family home?"

"Father's out," Angelica said. "The women went out to stock up on food for Christmas dinner. John and Alex are at school."

"Why aren't you at school?" Philip said, looking to John.

"I'm sick," John insisted, still beaming. Angelica rolled her eyes.

"You don't look very sick to me..." Philip said.

John nodded. "I am very sick. I have a fever."

Philip raised an eyebrow.

John looked around as if there was someone around to eavesdrop. When he was sure there was no one, he ushered his brother closer. Philip crouched down so he was eye level with John.

"I don't actually have a fever," John whispered behind cupped hands.

Philip gasped in fake shock. "No!"

John nodded. "But don't tell mother. She'd be mad at me."

"Mother knows you don't have a fever, John," Angelica said. "She's just letting you stay home."

"Oh, I don't think so," Philip said. "I bet John really tricked her. He is an excellent actor."

John beamed with pride. "See, Angie? I told you Philip would agree with me."

Philip smiled. "Well, I just wanted to drop by quickly to let you know I'm here. I have to head over to the library."

John's smile dropped. Angelica sighed. "Of course you do. Can't even spend 5 minutes around us."

Philip rolled his eyes. "I'll return in half an hour. 20 minutes, more likely. I need books for school."

"Aren't you supposed to have a library at school for this?"

"It's not nearly as large as the town library and the books I need are always checked out."

"You promise to be back soon?" John asked.

"I promise. I'll be back before you know I'm gone." Philip turned, opening the door. "Tell Mother I came by if she returns before I do."

"I will," Angelica said, her voice full of aggravation.

Philip ignored it, closing the door and heading for his carriage.

- - - - -

Philip absolutely adored his town's library. It took up half the block, and looked like it belonged in ancient Greece. Each room was packed with more books than Philip could count, and filled with the familiar scent of parchment. Philip used to spend half his time at the library, studying, pouring over poetry, trying to write a poem or two of his own. He missed it horribly while at school- there school's library was half the size and always full of people who didn't understand the importance of quiet in a library.