My Dear Theodosia (Philidosia)

Chapter 10: Hello

   Philip sighed and stepped out of the carriage, helping his sister out as well.   He remained quiet, and walked up the steps leading to the Van Reasselar manor. Angelica kept trying to read her brother's face, but all she could see was heart break. She stayed behind him now, her steps following his. The doors were open as they reached the top, a familiar face greeting them.

"Stephan!" Angelica squealed hugging her cousin. The hug knocked his glasses askew, but he quickly fixed them hugging her back.

"Welcome to the party!" He exclaimed, pulling away and holding an arm out like the true host he was. Angelica giddly pranced into the mansion, Music from the band blaring music. Philip started to follow, but a hand was placed on his shoulder. He turned and saw Stephan smiling.

"Hey! Ready to bring out the inner Hamilton in you?" He asked Philip, grinning.

Philip forced a smile. "Of course!" He exclaimed, then stepping into the party.

   Well, Stephan and Peggy really did know how to host. There were young bachelors and bachelorettes everywhere. Some dancing, some talking, some remaining against the wall watching onward. Philip casually walked up to the food table grabbing some ordervs, seeing his sister already sparking conversation with a few girls and making friends. He smiled to himself, then popped a piece of cheese into his mouth. Once he turned, there stood a girl maybe his age and height.

   She was pale, covered in freckles, and her eyes were as Green as his. Her mask just covered half of her face and was white to match her Ball gown. She smiled sweetly and curtsied. Philip recognized her almost immediately.

"Frances!?" Philip asked smiling.

Frances nodded and hugged Philip tightly. "Haven't seen you since I moved Pip Squeak!" She exclaimed plicking him up. He laughed and she set him down gently.

"I missed you tons France." Philip said shaking her hand.

"All the same Philly." She said smiling.

   Frances Laurens was daughter of John Laurens, Alexander's best friend in the whole world. Yet sadly, he was shot in South Carolina before he had known the war had ended. Their parents always joked they would end up together, but Frances and Philip disagreed. They were just friends, and only that.

   "So.... how many number you got now?" She asked, elbowing his side.

Philip let out a soft laugh. "None yet."

"You looking tonight? Many ladies looking for a Hamilton to take everything off except their socks." Frances said, winking. Philip rolled his eyes as she laughed.

   "Haha very funny." He said still paying attention to the dance floor. Maybe looking for a girl wasn't bad for his healing heart. Luckily, Frances had no idea about Theodosia because she le't town before he met the other.

  Frances tapped her foot to the rhythm. "I would dance with you, but you can't dance well at all."

"I was 5!" He exclaimed laughing. He remembered when they were 5 they pretended they were a King and Queen and when they would dance Philip would always end up either falling, tripping, or stepping on Frances's foot.

   Frances giggled, a faint blush growing on her cheeks. She lightly punched his arm. "Never change Philip Hamilton. Never change."

   Pip rolled his eyes chuckling. Yet, as he rolled his eyes, a lady caught his eye.

   She wore a bunny mask and her hair was long, swooping over her shoulders. She didn't wear a wig, but let her dark curly Brown hair down. The dress she wore was a pale green ballgown, with white accents and ruffles. She also had long white gloves covering her skin, her lips a vibrant red shade. Philip stared at her and she glanced his way.

Their eyes soon met.

They were a dark almond Brown.... almost like-

Philip's thoughts were interrupted as Frances took his hand. He turned to her and their faces were centimeters apart.

"I missed you Philip." She said, sincerely, but also had a seductive flair.

Philip tried to move but couldn't. "Y-you too."

Next thing he knew, Frances dragged him on the dance floor.