Hurts Like Hell | John Laurens

Vingt Trois

I wake up before dawn the next morning, and quickly get dressed. Same black gown I've been wearing for so long. The pain hasn't lessened and I'm afraid I might never wear another color after today. 

November 24th, 1801 

The day Philip planned to duel Eacker. I quickly write a note to my parents. 

-Philip is going to duel George Eacker. I love him, I can't loose him. I have to stop him. I will be back. I love you mom and dad. 

Love, Frances Laurens

I place the letter somewhere my parents will find it and begin my journey to Weehawken. I put on a cloak before I leave the house. I put the hood over my head and quickly walk through the quiet streets. I make it to where I'm meeting an old friend who is going to take me across the Hudson. 

"Hello George." I curtsy to my old friend. 

"Good morning, Miss Laurens," George smiles, "Let's hurry. Sun's about to rise." 

George takes me across the Hudson, and we arrive just in time as Philip, George, and their seconds are going over the Ten Duel Commandments. 

"Miss Laurens.." George grabs my wrist before I begin to leave.

"Yes?" 

"Don't interfere with the duel unless absolutely necessary. If it doesn't look like they're going to stop then interfere. And avoid both pistol aims at all times. We can't have you gettin' shot." 

I nod, "Thank you again." 

"No problem. Stay safe." George kisses my knuckles and I walk away. I hide behind a tree, where I am not in sight but still close enough to rush to Philip if needed. My heart feels like it's beating out of my chest as I watch them. Philip has fear in his eyes, Eacker has a determined grin on his face. 

"Look him in the eye, aim no higher. Summon all the courage you require." 

Both Eacker and Philip take their positions, and I get ready to jump out from behind the tree. 

They begin to count, "One, Two, Three,"

"Un, deux, trois," 

"Four, five, six, seven," 

"Quatre, cinq, six, sept," 

"Eight, nine," 

"Huit, neuf"

"Number ten paces fire!" 

I expect to hear a gun shot, however I hear nothing. Eacker and Philip look at each other. Neither of them fire. Philip goes to raise his pistol to the sky, his hand shaky as he points it at the sky. Eacker looks at Philip, the at his own trigger and grins. Eacker's finger now rests on the trigger. My eyes widen and I shoot out from behind the tree and run in front of Philip just as Eacker pulls the trigger, and sends a bullet straight into my skin. My eyelids grow heavy and pain shoots throughout my body. The last thing I see before blacking out is Philip, hovering over my shouting my name with tears in his eyes.