The pregnant Theodosia Burr Lafayette sat in the sitting room, reading one of the various novels that her mother-in-law, Athenodora lent her. Collin walked in a smile on his face. "How are my two favorite girls?" He asked, kissing his wife.

Theo smiled up at her husband. "We're fine darling." She said. Her brown eyes stared into her husbands. "Is something wrong?" She asked, setting down the novel. Collin didn't want to worry his wife about his problems, but not being able to say no to her eyes, he told her anyways.

"My mother hasn't come by this week. I'm starting to get worried." He confessed. Theo smiled, and waddled over to her husband. "It's nothing to worry about darling. I'm sure she's just busy."

Collin smiled at his wife. "I still can't help but feel as if something's wrong." He said.

At that moment, there was a knock on the front door. Theo smiled at her husband and went to answer. "Daddy!" The woman said, throwing her arms around her father. Aaron hesitated in hugging his pregnant daughter.

Theo pulled back from the hug, and looked her father in the eyes. "Is something wrong?" She asked. Aaron caressed his daughter's cheek. "Come with me." He said. Theo looked at her father worriedly. "Is something a matter?" She questioned as her father led her towards Collin.

"Mr. Burr!" Collin said, walking over to greet his father-in-law. Aaron didn't even muster a smile. "I think it's best if you both sit down." He said, not daring to meet the eyes of Collin Lafayette.

The married couple looked at the man with worried eyes. "Father, what's going on?" Theodosia asked as Collin helped her sit down. Aaron looked out the window into the garden that was much like his own.

"I have some grave news." He started. "Just tell us father, please! I'm starting to worry." Theodosia said, gripping Collin's hand. "Earlier today, Alexander and I were set to have our duel. During this, we lost two very good people." He started off.

Theodosia narrowed her eyes. "What happened father?" Aaron didn't say anything. He couldn't. It would break his daughter's heart. "It all happened so fast. Nobody could stop it." He said. "Just tell us!" Theodosia said, raising her voice.

"I shot her. I shot both of them." Aaron whispered. "Shot who?" Collin asked. It felt like he already knew the answer. "Desiree Laurens." Aaron whispered. Collin's eyes widened. His aunt was dead. "I didn't mean to. She pushed Alexander out of the way." Aaron said, tears building up in his eyes.

"When I realized I shot her, I dropped the gun. It all happened so fast. The gun hit the ground and fired a second a shot. It went right for her. I watched as it embedded itself into her head. I watched her dye. I could've saved her." Aaron said.

"Who was it?" Theodosia asked, her arms wrapped around her bump. "Athenodora." Aaron finally said, a tear slipping out of his eye.

Collin and Theodosia sat there in shock. Nobody made any noise. Nobody moved. "I need some time." Collin said. He got up and walked out the house. It was the last time Theodosia would ever see him. She was left alone to raise her daughter who she rightfully named Athenodora Desiree Lafayette.

"Those we love

don't go away,

they walk beside us

every day...

unseen, unheard,

but always near,

still loved,

still missed

and very dear."