What to Say to You, Theodosia?

Part 1: The Story of July Fourth

Since when did Theodosia like boys? As long as she could remember, boys just weren't her cup of tea. Now, she was working with one. Even best friends. How long has it been now? 3 months? But she couldn't think about that now, she was late to the law firm. Carrying her books and rushing to the meeting, she pushed her way through the crowd.

"Uh," she stammered as she walked in, late. "Sorry I'm late, Philip." Theodosia set her books on the table and sat down. "Again." she murmured.

Waving his hands, the boy sitting across from her smiled knowingly. "It's alright. Now, let's get to work, shall we?"

"Of course," she answered. "By the way, did you hear what that Mr. Eacker said today?"

"What was it?" Philip asked, shuffling through papers.

"Something about Alexander Hamilton being a 'scoundrel'. Such an immature guy. I hated it." She handed the paper to him.

Scanning the pages, Philip put his head down for a second. Suddenly, he looked up and Theodosia gasped. She as never seen him so angry. His expression was a mix of pure rage and murderous wrath. He stared at her and opened his mouth, but quickly shut it and looked down.

"What's wrong, Philip?" Theodosia reached out a hand.

"Do you know where he is?" Philip stood up. "When I get to that little prick..."

"Calm down, why are you so angry?"

"When someone sullies the Hamilton name like that-"

"Philip! I didn't know you cared so much about Hamilton. He's just a politician!"

"Just a politician?" he turned around. "That's my father you're talking about."

Theodosia covered her mouth in surprise. "You're a Hamilton?"

"Of course. Did you not know?"

"No! Do you know who I am?"

"Theodosia-"

"Theodosia Burr. Theodosia Bartow Burr." she interrupted.

Philip looked at her hesitantly. He softened his expression and sat back down in shock. "Well, I'm dead meat now, aren't I? When my dad finds out I'm working with a Burr..."

"You're dead meat? My father hates the Hamilton family with a passion."

They glanced at each other and Philip chuckled.

"What's so funny?" she said, annoyed.

"Isn't it a bit funny, though?" Philip put his head into his hands. "My dad once said he and Burr keep meeting."

"Really? My father said that too," she responded, with a smile curling up on the ends of her mouth. "I guess it must be true."

They both stopped and laughed, maybe in relief, maybe in nervousness. Theodosia started to tear up, and so did Philip at the sight of her. They eventually stopped and just stared at each other. Theodosia just couldn't stop smiling.

"We don't have to work today. I mean, it's July 4, right?" Theodosia said to stop the silence.

Philip nodded. "Why don't we head out somewhere?"

Theodosia stood up and gathered her books. "Where to?"

"Wait, this sounds awfully like a date.." Philip joked. "If it is, then there is a certain procedure, isn't there?"

Philip got up and bowed. Theodosia giggled and held out her hand and curtsied. Philip knelt and held her hand. Bursting out with laughter, together they went out the building and walked around the crowded streets of New York.

"My dad says that that was how he met my mother," Philip said suddenly when they decided to sit down in the park.

"How?"

"He held out his hand and she took it. He bowed, and so did she. Then he kissed her hand, but I guess we didn't do that."

"Imagine if we did."

They both tried to avoid looking at each other while pretending to laugh. Theodosia shifted in her seat. Why did she say that? Now things will be like this forever, won't it? Awkward. Looking at him, she realized that he would smile whenever he would look back.

"Why don't we?" Philip laughed after a moment of staring.

"I hope that was a joke."

"Now that you've said that, so do I."

Theodosia stood up from the bench. She turned around.

Also standing up, Philip begged, "Wait, don't go! I didn't mean-" He stopped talking immediately when she curtsied in front of him. Now understanding, he bowed.

"My name is Philip Hamilton."

"How nice to meet you, Philip. My name is Theodosia Bartow Burr."

Philip grinned and kneeled, taking her hand. He kissed it quickly and stood up once again to see her red face. Theodosia stood still while Philip nervously looked back.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Theodosia quickly grabbed him and sat him down on the bench. She whispered, "Have you met my father before?"

Philip nodded. Theodosia motioned him to stay there and Philip looked at her quizzingly.

"HI DAD." Theodosia turned and said quickly. She walked towards him and waved.

Philip sweated and gulped. How did he not notice Aaron Burr walking on the same path? Quickly he turned around so Aaron couldn't see his face. He tried to stay perfectly still and anxiously waited to hear more.

"Theodosia, who was that?" Aaron Burr said as he got closer.

"NOONE," Theodosia answered nervously.

Aaron got a little closer. "Now, now. I'd like to meet the boy. He's right here, right?" Aaron Burr trailed off when he saw Philip sitting there quietly. "We've... uh, met before, Philip."

Theodosia looked as if she was waiting for death. Philip stared off to the horizon, as if expecting death, too. Everyone stayed silent, avoiding each other's glances.

"W-well, it was nice to see you, son," Aaron Burr's eyes darted from Philip. "Theodosia, may we talk?"

Philip watched as Mr. Burr led his daughter away. He got up for a second, but her father looked at him in a homicidal rage. Shit. Well, it was fun while it lasted, wasn't it? Life, that is. Sitting back down, he bobbed his knee up and down while waiting for them to come back. Eventually, Theodosia joined him again, looking defeated.

"I hope you have a nice day. She won't be working at that law firm now." Aaron Burr told him seriously.

"Sir, I swear it was just a joke. It won't happen aga-" Philip started, but he put a hand up and stopped him.

"Goodbye, Philip," Theodosia sighed as she was led away. She turned back and mouthed, 'I'll pray my father won't kill you.' Philip smiled and pretended not to be let down, but he knew that she saw right through him. Standing up slowly, he waved and walked away. He would have to pray, too, if he wanted to get Theodosia back. Maybe there'll be a miracle. He could only hope.