Morristown, New Jersey. January, 1780: Aspen

My carriage pulls up to the charming white house on Chapel Street in Morristown, New Jersey. I'm staying with my uncle Elias Ball II and his wife in their home just outside the American winter encampment. I look around. The town is small and quiet with very few pedestrians out and about, but many soldiers patrolling the streets.

The front door of the house swings open and I look up to see my cousin, Molly, hurrying out to greet me. She pulls me into a warm embrace, making me smile as I hug her back.

"Hello, Molly, it's good to see you!" I say, smiling at her.

"It's good too see you as well, Aspen!" She says, happily. "It's been far to long."

"It really has." I say as she pulls me inside.

I soon get myself settled into the bedroom they have set up from me. I set up some of the things I brought with me, mostly just some books and some things from home. 

Once I'm happy with my set up, I turn and look out the window, sighing softly. The town is blanketed in snow and looks so peaceful. If not for the soldiers walking around, you'd never know there's a war going on.

A young soldier catches my eye suddenly. His raven hair and dark eyelashes make his icy blue eyes look as bright as the sky. He has the slightest bit of scruff lining his jaw. He's very handsome, I have to admit.

Just my luck, he happens to look up at the window. I blush in embarrassment as I realize I was staring at the young officer. He give a kind smile and waves at me slightly. I smile and wave back, before slowly backing away from the window. I let out a soft breath and smile to myself, shaking my head.

Those brilliant blue eyes are stuck in my mind the rest of the day. 

After a few days of settling in, I get to work. I start making warmer uniforms and going up to the camp once a week to pass out food to the soldiers.

One day when I'm out passing out food, I bump into a very zoned out Alexander, causing me to drop a couple apples.

"Careful, colonel Hamilton." I say, leaning down to pick up the apples. "I don't think the soldiers want bruised fruit."

"My apologies, Ms. Laurens." Alexander says, helping me pick up the apples. "And I don't think the soldiers will mind a few bruises. As long as they are getting food in their stomachs, I think its just fine."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Are you alright? Seems like something's on you're mind." I say, Looking up at him.

"Have you ever been in love, Ms. Laurens?" He asks.

For some reason, my mind is drawn to the blue eyed soldier that caught my eye a couple weeks ago. I shake my head. "I can't say that I have, no." I say.

"Oh it's wonderful, Aspen. Truly wonderful." He says, smiling to himself.

"Did something happen, Alexander?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

I've never seen him like this. He's normally such a smooth talker and his looks alone can make any young belle swoon. Right now, instead of the smooth flirt I've come to know, he seems more like a love struck puppy.

"In fact, yes." He says. "The Miss Elizabeth Schuyler is in town and I'm in love, Aspen."

The esteemed Elizabeth Schuyler. I've never had the pleasure of meeting her, but from what I've heard, she's kind and like myself, wants to help the soldiers in any way possible. She's also daughter of the wealthy General Philip Schuyler, who has ties to all of the most esteemed families in New York and New Jersey, including the Van Cordlants, Van Rensselers, and the Livingstons. 

"Why don't you walk with me and tell me all about it." I say smiling.

He nods and proceeds to tell me about Ms. Schuyler. I swear, he could write an entire novel about her. by the time he's finished ranting, the basket full of food I was carrying is now empty. He starts walking me home and I spot the same blue eyed soldier that I saw from my window.

"Alexander?" I ask. "Who is that?"

He looks over to the dark haired soldier. "Oh. That's Colonel Daniel Williams. He's and aide under General Lafayette." He says. "Why do you ask?"

"He just... caught my eye, I suppose." I say softly.

The rest of the walk is silent.

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I want to say again, that much of this story isn't true and Aspen Laurens, her cousin Molly and Daniel Williams never existed. However, the things that are true in this story have been research profusely. Love y'all!

-Your favorite weirdo <3 <3 <3