Philip Lives...?

Chapter 2

"Uncle Laurens, Uncle Laf, Uncle Herc!" Philip smiles for the first time all day. Everyone else seems to cheer up as well; just seeing some more familiar faces is comforting. Lafayette started with a joke-and a snack."Did someone order three fav'rite uncles and a baguette?" He then pulls the French pastry out of a bag filled with other goodies, get well cards, and entertainment. The rest of the children rushed to show affection to their uncles. Alexander's features brightened at the sight of his best friends, Eliza relieved that there are more adults to distract from what's going on. She goes to the door, greeting the men and excused herself to go freshen up a bit in the restroom. John Laurens set a bouquet of flowers in a vase beside Philips hospital bed, and the card along with it he gave to Philip. Hercules brought another, smaller bag filled with decorations to brighten up the room: small paper banners, miniature lanterns, a variety of different sized candles, and a "Get Well Philip" banner signed by the uncles and the other children while Alexander and Eliza watched Philip the first two nights."Not that I'm not grateful or anything, I really am, but what are you guys doing here?" Philip gave a questioning look upon the three men."Can't we just visit our favorite nephew in the hospital? Ouch, man." Laurens teased. He smiled at Philip and gently pat his shoulder. The other boys exclaimed in protest as Laurens laughed and explained that he had no favorites, while subtly winking at Philip, who smiles, because obviously he does."We were actually on our way over here when we ran into Lizzy-er, more like she ran into us, quite literally. AJ was right behind her, panting and sweaty while she was just beaming a huge grin." Everyone laughed except for AJ, whose face turned bright red and hid under his fathers military hat given to him by George Washington. "I was 'fraid I hurted Philip again, so I ran away, thinking he woulda hated me..." Tears rolled down Lizzy's face as she explained why she ran away. Philip motioned for her to come over with his finger."Lizzy, don't you ever think that I would hate you. I love you so much, and besides, if I'm gone, who's gonna watch after you and Angie?" He snuck a wicked grin at Angelica, who was holding William."If anything, I would be watching you, in your condition. Besides, you're only a year older, so I wouldn't hold your breath" She teased, and stuck her tongue out at Philip, laughing."Real mature Angie" Philip laughed too. Everyone got quite...that was the first time in a while they heard Philip laugh. Tears of joy fell down the face of everyone in the room, including the men, who tried to play it off as allergies-no one was buying it. Philip smiled. He felt so lucky to be a part of such a loving family.Just then, a flustered girl came rushing through the door with flowers, a card, and some of Philips personal belongings spilling out of her hand. The girl was Theodosia Jr, Philips girlfriend."Ohmygosh Philip I am so so soso sorry! I wanted to get here sooner, but you know my father and..." She stopped, noticing Philip cocked his head to the side and grinned at her. "What's so funny...?""Oh nothing...you're so cute when you freak out." This earned him a small swat on the knee. She realized then that everyone around them was "awww"ing at the cute couple."Theo, you guys are the cutest!" Angelica said. She walks over and hugs her best friend. Lizzy almost knocks Theodosia down when she hugs the girl."THEOOOOOO!!" Lizzy tackles her and giggles. "Lizzy! Hi hun!" She picks up the girl and twirls her around, causing them both to laugh. Eliza shuffles over, embracing her."Oh, Theodosia, I'm so glad you're here..." Theo looks up to meet the tired woman's eyes. "Of course...I've been planning to come up, but Father..." She faltered, turning away, a stray tear falling from her cheek. Eliza looks over to Alexander, extremely worried. They both new what she meant. Burr hasn't been the same since Theodosia Sr, passed, leaving him empty. Aaron has episodes where he blanks out for days, not capable of doing anything himself. Alex nods somberly, wishing they could help. Eliza wipes the poor girls tears, hugging her tighter. Theo mouths a "thank you" and goes over to lay with Philip, curling at his side, softly sobbing. Philip rubs her back, pulling her close. Eventually they both fall asleep. Alexander whispers to Eliza and leaves, leaving the rest confused. Lafayette, Laurens, and Hercules follow him. The children look at each other, wondering what's going on. Eliza takes a nap, poor thing hasn't slept in days. The older children look after Lizzy and William, keeping them quiet so the exhausted couple and their even more exhausted mother could rest.