And So They Move Uptown: A Theodosia/Philip Story

Three: Twilight

Theodosia woke up in a cold sweat, her heart racing. She had another dream about her mother's death. She shivered, pulling herself out of bed. Her ballgown lay on a heap in the ground. Staring at the crumpled dress sent memories flooding through her head. Philip. 

Tearing her eyes away from the dress, she stood up and left her room, stopping to lean against the wall. Pain shot through Theo's foot, and she cringed. Sighing, she sat down at her desk, staring at the parchment and ink bottles scattered across the tabletop. She could try writing her a letter, but he was leading her on the whole time, so what was the point?

A knock sounded at the door, and a handmaid poked her head in the door. "There's a letter for you," she said quietly, handing her an envelope and quickly disappearing.

Theo glanced at the handwriting on the envelope. There was no return address, and handwriting was too rushed to be any of her tutors. Giving up on trying to guess the handwriting, Theodosia carefully tore the envelope and pulled the folded letter out, reading the messily enshrined message.

Dear Theodosia,

I'm sorry about what happened last night. Please consider giving me a second chance. Meet at twilight tonight in the alleyway by the church. I want to see you again.

Philip

Theo sighed, reading and re reading the message, her mind racing. Was he really messing with her? Was it worth the risk? Might as well see what he wants to say.

                                                                 *********

The sun was beginning to set, and Theodosia grew anxious. So many things could go wrong, and if her father caught her... Who knows what would happen.

The lights in her house had all gone out, and Theo began to sneak away. She carefully opened her door, praying it wouldn't squeak. It was silent. Turning the corner to her staircase, Theo could make out a shadowy figure standing in th dark. Abandoning her escape plan, she retreated into her room and tried to find a way out.

Limping around her room, Theodosia desperately tried to find a way out. The room felt hotter as she became more anxious, and she finally had to open her bedroom window to let some air in.

Leaning out the window into the chilly air, Theo inhaled, trying to calm her nerves. She glanced down, staring at the snow patches scattered around the city. 

An idea blossomed, and Theodosia rushed inside and wrapped her cloak tight around her shoulders. Going back to the window, she pushed it open the rest of the way, and stood on the sill. Staring down at the patch of snow below her, two stories suddenly seemed more like ten. Taking a deep breath, Theodosia leapt from the window, choking back a sob when she landed hard in the icy patch. Her foot took the impact, making it feel like her bone was being smashed with a sledgehammer.

Pushing her thoughts aside, she carefully stood up on her uninjured foot, and hobbled towards the church.

Jumping through a window was probably the last thing you expected, but I thought it sounded kind of cool.

Hope you enjoyed,

< Jella >