Ten Years

Ten years, it's been ten years to the date since I let the love of my life slip away. As I sit in the same coffee shop I regret not running away with him. I knew I loved him but, the love for my wife and daughter was greater. Once I realized he was the love of my life, it was too late.

"Dad are you listening to me?"

"What? Oh yes Frankie, sorry sweetie."

"If you were listening to me what did I say?"

"You were going on and on about Georges this and Georges that." Frances started to blush furiously.

"I think he's the one Dad. I don't know I can just feel it. What was it like when you fell in love with Mom?"

"Frankie when I—" I looked up and couldn't believe my eyes."

"Dad? Dad are you alright?"

"Laurens, is it really you?"

"Alex, it's been too long."

"Ten years to be exact Laurens."

"What are you doing here Alex?"

"I was picking up some cupcakes next door and decided to get some coffee. I thought you were still in London."

"I moved back about five years ago. Why are in New York? I thought you were living in DC?"

"I have a townhouse in DC but the family's here."

As we gazed into each other's eyes it was almost like we were the only ones in to room. That is until, my daughter pulled us out of our trance when she cleared her throat.

"Oh sorry, Alex, this is my daughter Frances. Frances, this is an old friend of mine, Alexander Hamilton. We grew up together."

"I know who is he Dad. I know I live in England but I don't live under a rock. It's a pleasure to meet you Secretary Hamilton."

"Hello Frances, nice to meet you. Oh, and please, call me Alex." Alex flashed his smile and I swear my heart skipped a beat.

"Laurens, Frances looks just like you, all the way down to the freckles."

"Thanks Alex." I blushed

"How's your wife? I haven't seen Martha since high school." My daughter and I shared the same solemn look on our face

"She left. It's been the two of us for about ten years."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't know."

"It's ok, how would you?"

"So, what are you up to now Laurens?"

"I have a non-profit up in Bushwick."

"Really?" I almost blushed when I saw the way Alexander lit up but regained my composure

"Yeah, it's a tutoring center and there's also a mentoring portion. We're doing pretty good, we're in our fifth year now. I'm in the works of planning a benefit gala to raise more funds."

"That's truly amazing Laurens."

"Thank you Alexander. How's Phillip?"

"He's great he's in Columbia finishing up his sophomore year."

"Time flies."

"It does, Frances you said you're in England. Are you doing study abroad over there?"

"I actually went to Cambridge, I graduated early last year and decided to stay there."

"Wow that's amazing!" Alexander glanced at the time on his iPhone and cursed under his breath.

"Damnit, I gotta get back home to the wife." My heart broke in two when I heard that fateful word.

"Oh, I've seen pictures of her at events with you. She's gorgeous." Frances said

"That's my Betsey, it's all thanks to your dad that I met her in the first place."

"Were you guys all friends Dad?"

"Yeah, we, uh, I convinced him to come to a party with me and she was there." John said. Frances noticed my lack of interest but Alexander just kept talking…as always.

"Hey, you outta collab with Eliza, Laurens. She works at Head Start down in the Bronx. Maybe she can pull some strings and help out with your gala."

"Yeah, that sounds nice."

"Well I should be on my way. Phillip won't believe me when I tell him I ran into to you. Hopefully we can get together sometime Laurens." Alexander was about to turn around when my daughter grabbed his attention.

"You have other children right? I've only seen Phillip and your oldest daughter at events."

"Yeah, we have seven."

"Seven?"

"Yeah, lucky number seven. It's actually about to be eight in June."

"Congratulations!" Frances beamed I smiled softly and was starting to wish Alex didn't see us in the first place.

"What are their names?" Frances asked

"Well of course there's Phillip, and then there's Angelica, AJ, James, John, William, and Eliza." Alex proudly showed Frances and I a hoard of photos on his phone.

"Phillip's probably around your age Frances. Your Dad and I should introduce you two."

"I would like that. That would be nice. You have a lovely family." Frances gushed she handed the phone to me. The picture was a family picture at Disney Land. All the members of the Hamilton family where wearing Mickey Mouse ear hats and of course Mickey Mouse himself was in the picture. As soon as I saw the picture it was almost as if all the air in my lungs had been sucked out. I forced a smile and handed Alexander back his phone.

"Thank you Frances."

"Eliza is still just as beautiful as ever." I said half-heartedly

"Thanks man, look I really gotta jet. Today's AJ's birthday party and Angie'll kill me if I'm late for, as she would say it, her favorite nephew's birthday. Hey, if you guys have time you should swing by. We've moved from our little brownstone in Harlem a few years back. You know what, I'll write down the address."

"You don't have to—"

"Nonsense." Alexander pulled out a pen and used a napkin to write down his address and phone number. "There, now you have it." Alexander slid the napkin to me, I smiled weakly and picked up the napkin. When I saw the address, I raised my eyebrow.

"Albany? What happened to staying in the city?"

"Children," Alexander laughed, "we needed more space and we had the funds. So, why not." Alexander shrugged "Anyways, everyone's going to be there Herc, Laf, the Washingtons. the Schulyer Sisters will be present even Ms. Peggy. I could introduce the two of you Laurens." I smiled weakly and shook my head

"We'll try, but, I'm having lunch with my daughter's boyfriend today, and you'll never guess who his father is."

"Please don't tell me Burr had a son. Phillip is already dating his daughter." I laughed softly

"No, he's Laf's son."

"No shit!"

"Yeah,but really, little Theodosia and Phillip?"

"She's grown into a nice young lady, Burr did at least one thing right. Well, I better get going, you should call me sometime Laurens."

"I will."

"It was nice meeting you Frances."

"You too Alex."

"Bye now." Alex was out the door once again. I contemplated if I should run after him or just let him be.

"Dad, are you still in love with him?"

"Hm? Who are you talking about Frankie?"

"Mr. Hamilton?"

"No, I'm not." I don't know who I was trying to convince Frances or me. The only thing I do know is that Alexander and I would never be together.

AN: I'm thinking about turning this into a multi chapter fic. I'm not entirely sure but I hoped you enjoyed this.