So remember that school I mentioned last chapter? Well, here's another part set around that setting! This time with the son of Alexander Hamilton, Philip, and the daughter of Aaron Burr, Theodosia or Theo for short. Happy reading!
It wasn't easy attending a school away from home and familiarity. Mom and Dad weren't there to wake you up in the cold mornings, friends weren't there to make you laugh and forget about your problems, and then there was home. No matter how many times one could try, no one could recreate home.
Home was where cherished memories were born. Home was where loved ones lived. Home was safe and happy. Being home after a long time was a wonderful feeling. Suddenly the scent of home you subconsciously memorized fills your nostrils as a warm and fluttery feeling takes over your senses. Truly, there's nothing like coming home.
Which was why Theo couldn't wait to call her dad.
Theo barreled into her dorm room as soon as her final class of the day was dismissed, flinging her book bag onto her desk chair and throwing herself onto her bed. She quickly tapped her desired number and waited anxiously for the call to be answered. A wide smile spread across the teenager's face when a greeting was heard on the other end. "Hey Dad!" Theo greeted enthusiastically. The man on the other end grinned.
"Hey pumpkin, how's it going? I miss you." Theo felt pressure build up behind her eyes, but ignored it.
"It's going good, I miss you too. But guess what?"
"Hm?"
"I'm gonna come home this Friday, Dad! We'll be on break and Pip said I could carpool over with him!" For a moment, there was silence on the other end. Theo checked to make sure the call didn't cut out before bringing the phone back to her ear. "You there Dad?"
"Yeah, I'm here," Aaron said softly. He sighed. "I'm not gonna be home this week, pumpkin. I've got a business trip planned in New Jersey. I'm sorry." Theo felt her heart drop and the pressure behind her eyes became stronger.
"But, I haven't seen you for three months. I miss you."
"I know, I'm so sorry and I miss you too honey. So, so much. If I knew sooner then I wouldn't have taken the trip, wouldn't have even given it a thought, but now I can't back out. My boss is counting on me. You understand, don't you?" Theo couldn't help but think selfishly, but what about me? Theo curled her fist in her lap.
"I understand," she replied curtly. "I've gotta go Dad, I think my dorm mate needs me."
"Alright pumpkin. I lo-" Theo hung up before Aaron couldn't even finish. She threw her phone to the side and finally released the built up tears. She let out a scream of frustration before collapsing onto her pillow, shoulders shaking with silent sobs. She wasn't angry at her father, she was angry at his job, this school, and the world for putting her and her dad in a difficult position. After a few minutes, a boy with short brown curly hair let himself into the room.
"Hey love, did you call- Theo? Are you okay?" Philip quickly grew concerned at the sight of his crying girlfriend and rushed to her side. He kept a couple inches between them incase she was particularly upset. "What's wrong Theo?" For a moment, she didn't answer, just sat up to have Philip take her into his arms.
"My dad," she answered, sniffling gently. "He's gonna be out of town, so why go home? I miss him so much Pip, I want to see him." Philip's heart broke when he saw just how distraught she was.
"I'm so sorry love, is there anything I can do?" Theo smiled weakly.
"Unless you can bring my dad home, I don't think so, but thanks for trying." Philip pecked her head and held her for a few more minutes.
"You know, you can still come back to New York." Theo looked up, red eyes hopeful and eyebrows furrowed. "You can stay at my dads' house with me. We can catch up with some friends and even my grandpa." The girl smiled slightly at the idea of catching up with friends and her old elementary teacher, but her smile passed as soon as it came. She gently detangled herself from her boyfriend, but let their hands lay on her lap intertwined.
"I don't know Philip, I really don't want to cause your parents any trouble."
"And you won't! They absolutely love you, they'd love to have you as a guest!" Philip grinned. "As long as we have separate rooms because, you know, parents." The pair giggled softly with flushed cheeks. Theo's laugh made Philip feel lighter. It was relieving to see she was at least smiling.
"Well, it would be really nice to be back home, even if my dad isn't there."
"So...?" Philip looked at her hopefully. She rolled her eyes playfully with a grin.
"Alright alright, I'll go home with you. Just stop looking at me like I'm deciding your fate in life or death," Theo said with a small laugh. Philip grinned and gently kissed Theo's knuckles, suppressing a smirk when her cheeks lit up.
"In some cases you do though, I couldn't live without my Theo by my side." Theo snorted and shoved the boy jokingly.
Though she couldn't go home to her father, she could still go home with the boy who managed to steal her heart. A fair trade, isn't it?
~Alyssa
