You Know My Name, Not My Story

Something Old XXXIII: Too Much

Philip's POV

It was almost midnight and I've took Alice with me to their backyard.

"It's 1801 in a few seconds." I said.

"I know. Time flies, right?" she joked.

"Right." I mumbled.

"Why did you take me here?" she asked in confusion.

"It is said that whatever you do right on the first second of the new year, you'll always be doing it for that whole year." I said as I got closer to Alice and now our foreheads were touching.

"Why is it always you who's got the most romantic ideas and not me?" asked Alice in a quiet voice.

"Because I'm a Hamilton." I replied.

I glanced at my pocket watch.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2...1

I hugged Alice as tight as I could.

She gasped.

"Happy new year, Alice Williams." I said.

She hugged me back and smiled.

"May this year be the best." she replied.

* * *

It's been about four months since 1801 began.

My birthday was in February and Alice came to visit me in my school!

It was perhaps the best birthday I've ever had.

Sadly, Alice and I were seeing each other a bit more less because we were both incredibly busy with school.

You see, I might only be 19 but this year, I will graduate. Yes, already. That's why I'm loaded with work.

The same goes for Alice. I'm not sure if she'll graduate this year but I do feel like she's been getting more and more involved in her work.

She's having extra classes, as I read from her letters, she passes an intense amount of time in the library.

She writes me a lot about all the new things she learns every day, about the constellations and stars she observes every night with her telescope.

She is very passionate about sciences and mathematics—it's something so unusual for a women, when I see Alice, I see such a strong personality. I am incredibly proud of her.

But I am quite concerned about her health. Since I'm not around her all the time, I can't be sure if she has eaten, if she gets enough sleep or if she is okay.

She doesn't really write about how's she's doing but more about what she discovers. She always ends her letters with 'I love you and miss you even more every second that passes by, sincerely, Alice P. Williams.'

We're in April and the spring break is very soon so I'll get to see my dearest again.

Alice's POV

I might be going completely mad, insane, crazy, whatever you call it.

I've been studying day and night.

Barely getting any sleep.

Barely having time to eat.