You Know My Name, Not My Story

Something Old XXXI: Secret Out

Alice's POV

I was utterly shocked.

Philip was smiling and waiting for me to say something but I just couldn't seem to.

Why? Well let me tell you.

The room was not too big but it had a large window on the ceiling.

The walls were in beautiful oak planks and the floor was in marble.

In the center of the room, there were nice looking chairs, an average size matching table.

There was also a little navy blue carpet and white laced pillows.

And the best part is that there was the telescope my father got my for my birthday, a huge constellation globe.

On the table, there was a few rolled up world maps, instruction maps and all sorts of things.

A few parchment papers, some compasses, pens, quills and all sorts of things.

There was also lots of books about anything I could need from the starts to the universe.

There was a human size statue of Galilei made out of marble just like the floor.

"Ph- Philip? Wh-What i...is all of t-this?" I barely could speak.

"Happy birthday to my favourite astronomer." he said and hugged me.

I hugged back trying to hold my tears.

"What now? Are you crying?" he asked teasing me a little.

"N-No..." I said wiping my tears away.

"Philip, I don't care how close we are or how important I am to you, I could never accept this...present! Now even if it came from my father...or anyone as dear as you all are to me...It's too much for a little person like me- I-" I started but Philip smiled and his cheeks were pink,  not because he blushed but because he was feeling sympathy and he seemed very happy.

"Listen, I love you more than anything else and I'd do anything for you. I want you to pursue your dream. I'll always be there for you and I'll always protect you. That's the promise I made for my whole life." he said and kissed my nose.

"I love you." I barely could say before crying my eyes out.

"Plus everyone kinda helped me with all of this, my family and yours, they were all very happy to help with this place." he said.

I was still crying so I nodded.

"I will have to thank them as soon as possible." I muttered.

"Aye." he said and hugged me tightly.

After a couple of minutes, I calmed down and then the hype hit me suddenly.

I was running all over the place, checking and admiring everything like a toddler, I couldn't be more excited.

And then I calmed down again. I sat on a chair and took a deep breath.

"Wow." Philip said.

I looked at him confused.

"What did you have for breakfast to be this energetic?" he asked me joking.

I frowned.

"The same thing as you idiot." I said teasing him.

He looked at me and chuckled.

"Philip. Let's go to my place. I want to thank my family again and we can invite them to your house for the afternoon tea and well to tell them the big not-so-news." I said determined by myself.