Chapter 1: Engagement
"Is everything alright?" W.D asked.
"Yes, everything's fine," Philip told him.
"Then why did you pull me off to the side?" W.D asked.
"There's something I need to ask you," Philip said. W.D raised his eyebrows.
"Is it Anne related?" W.D asked. Philip nodded.
"Yes, but it's not what you think it is," Philip said. "She's fine."
"Then what is it?" W.D asked.
"May I have your blessing?" Philip asked.
"What for... Oh!" W.D chuckled. "I see."
"I would have asked your parents but since neither of you two know where they are I figured I should ask you instead," Philip said.
"I don't know exactly how this works, but okay," W.D said. "You have my blessing. Now you'd better get going. I'm pretty sure you've got somewhere to be. " Philip checked his watch and his eyes widened. He was going to be late if he didn't get going.
"Right, thanks," Philip responded. He ran towards the door but before he left W.D called back to him.
"Carlyle!" Philip whipped around to face him. "You take care of her. You may be my boss but you hurt or ditch her, you answer to me. Got it? " Philip nodded. "Great, now get out of here." He did.
He barely managed to make it on time to his date but he did. Anne was wearing a simple dark blue gown and her hair was in a bun. Suddenly Philip felt nervous and excited at the same time. The reason was because of the ring in his pocket. He decided to take her out to the theater since they had been interrupted last time.
"I was beginning to think that you weren't coming," Anne said. "Or at least not on time."
"Sorry I just got held up," Philip said. He held out his arm to her. "Shall we?" Anne took his arm hesitantly. They began walking up the stairs and Philip noticed Anne's frown and stopped. "You okay?"
"Remember last time?" Anne said. Philip walked in front of her and held her hand.
"Anne, don't worry about it," Philip responded. "And don't think about it. This is our night. Don't let them ruin it. Besides, we agreed to rewrite the stars. Together. So shall we?" Philip held out his hand and Anne took it with a smile. Once they reached the top of the stairs, Anne had retaken his arm and they walked into the theater. Silently they took their seats. Philip glanced at a beaming Anne and smiled. He then looked back at the stage as the lights dimmed.
"Thanks Philip," Anne said. "I had fun."
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Philip responded. "That play is one of my favorites." They were in the park walking hand-in-hand to Anne's place. "Anne, have you ever thought about the future? Marriage, kids?"
"A little," Anne admitted. "Why?"
"I was just wondering if you would share that future with me, " Philip said. They stopped walking. Philip took out the ring, knelt down, and showed it to her. Anne was speechless. "Anne, I may not have much to give you but I can promise that I will be there for you no matter what. That together we will rewrite the stars. Make our dreams come true. So, Anne Wheeler, will you marry me?" Anne's face light up.
"Yes, yes!" Anne exclaimed. Philip placed the ring on her hand, picked her up, and swung her around. They both laughed even after Philip had put her down. They kissed under the moonlight and they were smiling like idiots. Philip walked Anne home and then went to his place. He was still smiling as he went inside. It fell once he saw a letter from his parents in his mail. He opened and read it.
Dear Philip,
I demand that you return home immediately. Those circus freaks are no good for your reputation and they will only lead to your demise. Your mother and I miss you so please come home. Or there will be consequences.
Sincerely,
Your Father,
Benjamin Carlyle
Philip threw it away once he had read it. He had been getting letters like that from his parents for last several months. This one, compared to the others, was very mild in the threatening. He had been threatened to be disinherited, ruined, and occasionally with physical harm. So far they had been easy to ignore since he no longer cared about his parents' money and he loved where he was. So Philip slept without a worry in the world.