"It's a letter. From your father." He sighed taking a seat on the couch. "You know he never meant to hurt you. It was all a mistake. He was protecting your mother."
"Yeah, yeah. I hate them both. I never want to see my mother again. My father I can bear, but my mother, the one I was named after, if I ever see her again, I will kill her." I said calmly. Phillip nodded and sat me down.
"Already been done...." He covered his face so I couldn't see his tears.
"Wait...." I started. "Read the letter to me. Please."
He nodded again and I sighed.
"Dear Theodosia," he read. I nodded signaling him to keep going. "How to say to you. Sometime last night, your mother breathed your name, and like a flame that flickered out too soon, she died. She's gone." Phillip sobbed, and I joined him. How.... I didn't mean it.... This is all my fault. "She dedicated every day to you, she changed my life, she made my life worthwhile. And when you smile, I know a part of her lives on. I know I can go on." Phillip drew a sharp breath before continuing. "You have come of age with our young nation. We bleed and fight for you. Sometimes it seems that's all we do. And you and I will build a strong foundation. And I'll be here for you. The way is clear for you to blow us all away. Someday. Your loving father, Aaron Burr."
I jumped up and ran. Phillip chased after me, but I slipped into the bathroom before he could reach me.
"Theo! Open this door! I need to talk to you!"
I shook my head and grabbed a razor that was sitting in the drawer.
"NO! LEAVE ME ALONE! PLEASE! I HAVE TO DO THIS!"
I slid the razor down my arm and watched the blood pour out. I sobbed. Loudly, and Phillip tried to knock the door down.
"Stop! Please!"
"Open this door! Please...."
I complied. I loved him very much, and couldn't help but fall into him, my arm seeping blood into his shirt. He didn't notice.
"Phillip, I-"
"Shhh...." he shushed me softly, rubbing my back and resting his chin on my head. "Come on. You need some sleep."
I nodded and he picked me up. We were both 22, so I was light. Light for my age at least.
He walked us into the main bedroom, and laid me down on the bed. He helped me take my clothes off and get under the covers. He climbed in behind me, and wrapped his arm around my waist.
"This isn't your fault, you know." I sniffled and nodded.
"I know... but I feel like it is." he brushed hair behind my ear.
"No. It isn't. You've been here with me. Now stop blaming yourself, you're driving me wild with your clothing choice." That made me laugh, as I had no clothes on.
"Sorry..."
"For what?"
"For this..." And I pressed my lips to his.
