Apology Not Accepted

Chapter 23: Reconciliation?

"Angelica!"

Philip shot up from bed and looked at his bedroom door. Oh.

"Eliza!"

Oh no.

"The Schuyler sisters."

Philip didn't move from his spot when he heard several doors slam open in the house. He completely forgot 

"Aunt Angelica!"

Junior burst into his big brother's room with a look of panic on his face. "Let me hide in here with you," he said. Philip shook his head and stood up.

"Aunt Angie came all this way to see us. We're going to go down there and speak." No matter how much this is going to pain him.

Junior frowned. "She's going to ask about Eacker."

"I know."

"She knows you as well as Mama, Philip. She'll know if you lie and if you tell her the truth, Aunt Ange is going to slaughter you," Junior explained further, coming inside to close the door behind him.

Philip rolled his eyes and stuck his foot in the door, fixing the last button of his shirt. "You just want to get out of performing for her."

"I haven't been writing as much as I used to, Pip. I have only have three completed works out of fifteen. What am I supposed to do with that?"

Philip started down the stairs and shrugged. "Maybe read her the completed stuff and ask her to help with the others. You know she loves spending time with us," he offered. While his mother taught him the basics of piano, Aunt Angelica had pushed him onto the harder things and managed to teach him many complicated pieces before he was twelve.

The second the boys got downstairs, their aunt was seated and handing out gifts. Eliza Jr had gotten a designer dress and a pair of dolls. William got new shoes, green waistcoat, and a small box that was tied shut. John has a specially engraved bow string for his cello and a watch. James has a black painted case full hand-forged rings and Angel had a sewing kit and jewelry box that Philip immediately recognized as Grandma Catherine's. 

Angelica lit up at the sight of her oldest nephews and rushed over to them, hugging them both tightly. Pulling away, she held Philip's cheeks in her hand. "I am so glad you're okay, Philip. I heard about the duel and I actually couldn't believe your mother when she said you survived," She kissed his forehead and let go, her eyes dark. "I'm going to murder him." 

"No, no, there's no need for that Auntie. George and I are on better terms," Philip reassured. Not as good as I want them to be. 

"That's cute," Angelica cooed. "You think I'll change my mind."

Both Alexander and Eliza made it a point to over-exaggerate their next moves, successfully switching the topic and grabbing her attention. Alexander put his hand on his wife's stomach and gasped loudly. "The baby's kicking!" He exclaimed. Eliza shook her head so hard her ponytail loosened a little. "He's a strong one, alright. Oh, he did it again," she said, just as loud as her husband. Angelica twisted around and strode over to them.

John looked confused and blinked, putting his watch in his pocket. "I didn't see it kick."

Eliza Jr whispered in his ear as everyone, excluding the distracted aunt, gave him a sharp and pointed look. He leaned away and nodded slowly in realization, winking at Philip with a thumbs up. 

"Ben, where are we going?" Eacker groaned, rubbing his eyes and letting the shorter drag him down the streets. Benjamin had came into his room early this morning and rushed him into getting dressed, talking about urgent matters and some shit. George should get lock for his door.