Philip Lives...?

Chapter 8

After everyone finished their sweets, Alexander, John, Lafayette, and Hercules finally returned. Alex subtly nodded to Philip, who knew exactly what that meant-it's all set. The men greeted Angelica and Peggy and was caught up on the wild events of today. Alexander immediately feels guilty, since he was the one who texted Philip. Not wanting to start another argument, he keeps that to himself, listening to the rest of the women's recollections of the day.

"Actually, now that you all are back, where did you guys go? I was dead asleep when you left, so you must have been gone a while." Theo tilts her head, giving Alexander a puzzling look.

He doesn't hesitate with his answer. Alexander thrives when put on the spot, and was able to whip up an acceptable excuse without seeming too suspicious. "We went to pick up food for everyone, but because of the fair, the roads to the restaurants were closed (which wasn't a lie, the roads were closed), and we were all the way across town from the grocery store, which was close to closing itself (also true, it was past 8, which is about the time the store closes on Sundays). We contemplated getting food from the fair, but it was getting late, and the children haven't had a decent meal today, so I was not going to give them sweets without a hearty supper." His expression doesn't change throughout the ruse, and that seemed to satisfy Theodosia. The rest of the children's eyes grew wide, forgetting they did have sweets before supper, not minding their father's number one rule. Of course, Eliza had given them permission, but to be safe, they didn't say anything and kept their heads down. The rest of the men nodded in agreement, but Laurens shifted nervously. He hated lying. Especially to the children. Lizzy must have picked up on this, for she walked over and pulled the bottom of his coat. "Are you ok Uncle Laurens?" He gives the toddler a nervous smile and sits and pulls her on his lap.

"O-of course, Lizzy. I-I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be..." John starts to sweat. It should be noted that John Laurens was a terrible secret keeper, and was close to spilling everything. He sets down Lizzy gently and excuses himself, rushing out of the room for some fresh air.

Everyone glances at each other wondering what the heck just happened. Hercules quickly changes the subject by offering to take the children to the fair while the adults discuss dinner plans. Hospital food was driving them crazy, since that's what they have been having for the past week already. Angelica offers to take Peggy to the Hamilton residence so they can prepare a nice, homemade dinner, something no one has had in a while. Eliza chimes in, joining them. It would be nice for the Schuyler sisters to cook again. They loved cooking with their father when they were young. Alexander and Lafayette go to Aaron's room, where they will take shifts and report back anything that happens. They bring John with them, so he doesn't reveal the whereabouts of today. Alexander explains the plan to the three sisters as well, who were beaming with excitement. Theodosia announces that she wants to stay behind with Philip, not being fair that everyone else has fun while the poor boy is stuck in bed. Philip smiled. He loved how considerate his girlfriend was.

Soon after, everyone left, leaving the couple alone in their thoughts until Philip spoke up. "So now that we're alone...wanna talk about earlier?" Theo's face fell as she shifted uncomfortably. "Want to or should?" Philip pulls her closer. "Should. You were really upset love. I think we should talk about what's been going on, how long, and who said what so I can beat them into the ground." He said innocently. Theo rolled her eyes and half-heartedly smiled.

"It's just...all the girls have been teasing me about my appearance. They say my hair's too frizzy, my clothes are too childish, I'm the wrong body size..." Theo took a shaky breath and continued "And the popular boys have been messing with me when I walk the hallways. They whistle, block my locker, and follow me to class. I had to go the girl's restroom just to get them away from me. It was so scary Pippy..." Philip clenched his jaw. He couldn't hear the rest of what she had to say with all the blood roaring in his ears. "Names" he demanded. He was friends with most of the popular boys a school, and if it was them...Theo faltered. She's never seen Philip so angry. Not even during the fight. "C-curt, Elijah, Tommy, Ross, George, Matt, Jamiee, Hunter, Isaiah, and Jay, and their girlfriends and their friends." Curt, Jay, and Eli were his best friends. How could they? Philip throws off the blanket and tries to leave his hospital bed for the first time in a week, but his legs fail and he falls back down on the bed, growling in frustration and anger. Theo immediately rushes to the other side of the bed to check on him. "Oh my God Philip are you ok?" Philip exhales harshly. "I'm fine love. Just wanna get my hands on the dirty, filthy, slimy sons of Satan" Philip was really angry. He lays there for a minute and regains his composure, taking a deep breath and exhaling. He positioned himself in the bed and Theo crawled back over to her spot. Philip pulled her in close while she layed her head on his shoulder and fiddled with her hair. "Theodosia, you are the most beautiful girl I know. You're serious and stern, and quirky and funny. There will never be anyone out there close to you. You're my freckled, frizzy hair, fun loving, curvy baby girl, and I'll always want you by my side, no matter what. I love you, my sweet." Philip leans down and kisses her. Theo giggled and sighed in content, pulling close to his side. He can be such a romantic, and she loved that about him. She wants to spend the rest of her life with this boy. He completes her.

**sorry for the short chapter and lack of posting. Between school, chores, and other life happenings, I've fallen behind on my posting schedule. Hopefuly, I will start posting on the weekends and whenever I can during the week. Christmas break is coming up soon, so expect a lot of updates! xoxo**