Chapter 28

Christmas Eve

Alex POV

I looked around at the table in John and I's small dorm. Lafayette was holding Herc's hand while engulfed in a conversation with Angelica. They were talking about foreign affairs. Being from France, Laf always had a lot to say about that. Angelica was always very opinionated and strong. She would fight for anyone and anything she cared about. Hercules was watching the two's conversation intently. Eliza was talking about how hard college is, and that Peggy needs to 'stay on the right path' if she wants to succeed. I felt bad for Peggy. I knew how it felt to be young and underestimated. I still am sometimes. Often I wish I could just lie about my birthday or something to make myself older. (😏) My eyes then traveled to the kitchen. More precisely, the man cooking in the kitchen. I loved that man. I would do absolutely anything for him. Finally, a Christmas where I feel safe. "Alright," John spoke as he carried trays and serving bowls over to the table. "We have southern style mashed potatoes and gravy. We have Lasagna and rolls, curtesy of Lafayette. And to to top it all of, we have some spaghetti and meatballs, thanks to the sisters, and Ms. Margarita's amazing recipe. Eat up!" After placing down all the food, John took a seat next to me, and held my hand. "Merry Christmas love." "Merry Christmas Lex." Smiling, I looked around, one last time before eating, at my beautiful friends. Scratch that. My beautiful family. "Bon Appetite mes amis!" We all laughed at the frenchman's remark, but listened to him nonetheless.

Today's time skip is brought to you by Todd Kraines! Let's jump to an hour later.

With stomachs full, we all sat at the table, talking. Hercules was in the middle of telling a story about when John fell into the pond, when there was a knock at the door. Immediately knowing who it was, I bolted up out of my seat. "I'll get it!!" The conversation continued as I practically skipped to the door. I opened the door and was filled with excitement. "You showed up!" Smiling, I pulled Maria into a hug and welcomed her inside. "Let me introduce everyone." When we got to the table, everyone was already looking in our direction. "Hey! I remember you!" John immediately blurted, recognizing Maria from the diner. "You're John right?" "Yeah! That's right. And you are?" "Oh yeah! Sorry! I'm Maria Lewis." As if rehearsed, everyone said, "Hey Maria!" "Hey," she replied, giggling. "Maria," I spoke up, "meet everyone!"As I escorted her to her chair at the table, everyone went around in a circle and introduced themselves, starting with John. "Well, I'm John Laurens, as you know already. Glad you could make it. Alex was really excited about inviting you." She nodded and smiled in my direction as a thank you, I'm guessing, for the invite.

Maria's POV

"My name is Angelica Schuyler, and may I add, I love your dress. That red is perfect for the holidays." "Thanks! That's really sweet! Nice to meet you Angelica." I made sure to take note that she seemed very outgoing."I'm Hercules Mulligan. You can call me Herc or Mulligan or whatever really." I smiled. "Nice to meet you Hercules!" The man next to him spoke up. "He forgot to mention that he is also the boyfriend of a handsome gentleman. C'est moi!" I couldn't help but laugh. This group already has so much personality. Add a French man to the group also adds 10x more fun. "Marquis de Lafayette, but you can call me Lafayette or Laf.""Nice to meet you Laf, and don't worry. No offense Hercules, but you're not exactly my type."Angelica immediately jumped back into the conversation. "You know, I had a feeling about you."Slightly confused. "What are you talking about?""You're either gay or bi." There was an awkward pause. "Sorry. That was really blunt and straight forward. It's a little soon to see if someone isn't your type unless they aren't your type for a reason that corresponds with something direct, like gender. Again, my bad." I looked around the table to see everyone looking at me. Everyone except the quiet girl sitting next to me. Strange. Anyway..."Don't worry about it. You're right though. I am gay." "Honestly it's nothing to hide," the girl sitting two seats away chimed in. "Herc and Laf are obviously gay. John also, and Alex is bi. You're not alone." She's really really sweet and caring. I'm surprised at the compassionate coming from the total stranger. "And you are," I added. "Oh yeah right! Sorry. I'm Eliza. I'm Angelica's younger sister and Peg's big sister."  By the way she aimed her voice, I figured the quiet girl next to me was Peg's. "Guessing you are Peg's." Finally looking at me, the beautiful girl spoke up. "Actually it's Peggy. Well it's really Margarita. But who names their kid after alcohol? Oh but if Pegs is what you want to call me, them by all means." Well that was fast and kind of awkward. Kind of cute though. "It's nice to meet you Peggy." She smiled, then quickly returned her gaze to the table. Alexander spoke up again. "Well that's everyone! I'm so glad you could come Maria. Did you want anything to eat?" I smiled at the kind gesture. "No I'm good. Thank you though. I'd rather get to know everyone more." "Alright then! Does anyone want to start?" Everyone exchanged a look at each other. I couldn't tell what it meant. So, I volunteered. "Why don't I start?" Angelica smiled and fixed her position in her chair, as if she was suddenly intrigued. "Go for it," she added. I like these people already.

Peggy POV

Huh. So that's what it feels like to fall madly in love with someone who literally just walked through the door. Merry Christmas.

A/N: it's been too long and I apologize. I really do. Holidays are busy for me. Okay so quick story change quickly. I think I made Peggy 16, but she is now 18. Maria is 19, almost 20. I ship it so hard, but it's kind of illegal for them to be a thing if Pegs is 16. Anyway, hope your holidays were swell! I love you and thanks for 700 reads!! 💛💛