The Love Debate // Jamilton

Peggy's Secret

"I know your secret..."

Alex and Thomas stood hand in hand as they entered the wedding venue.
Alex whispered as the music began, "Can you believe that Angelica, Eliza, and Maria are getting married?"
Thomas laughed at Alex's excitement. "It feels like yesterday we turned around and caught them kissing in the back of debate class."
They both thought back to that day, causing them both to look at each other and lovingly smile. That day was also the anniversary of their first kiss and the day they had finally decided to make it official. Angelica was standing at the front of the venue next to her groomsmen.
"Hey, Tommy," Alex whispered.
"Yes, dear?" Thomas turned his head to allow Alex to whisper in his ear since the music had begun.
Alex continued, "I heard that Herc is the flower girl."
Thomas tried so hard not to laugh really loud, but failed. He earned a few rude looks from the other guests. Turns out Alex was right, and soon enough came Herc in a flower crown throwing flowers everywhere, giddy like a little kid. The bridesmaids came down the aisle. We watched as Lafayette whispered something in Peggy's ear. Her eyes bulged out of her head, and her face went red. Thomas turned to Alex and whispered, "Did you see that?" Alex whispered back, "Yeah, wonder what it was about." He shrugged and turned back to see the ceremony.

*flashback*
Peggy stood in the hall, shaking, sweaty and nervous. She had always knew what she did was wrong, and she needed to stop, but she couldn't. She had a deep dark secret that no one knew but her. She was in too deep, and she couldn't help it. Peggy paced back in forth until she was yanked into a small side closet. The flashlight turned on to reveal a smiling Maria wearing red. Her hair was pinned up, and her dress was blinding. Peggy thought she was the most beautiful person in the world. She started tearing up again and Maria hugged her. "Peg, I'm so so sorry. Just know that I love you very much. I am sorry that you have to see this, but after the ceremony is over, I am going to tell them before the wedding certificates are signed." Just then, the door opened and shut quickly. They heard a small "oops" from someone outside. Peggy could care less. She looked up and saw that Maria was tearing up. "Maria, you are the most beautiful person I have ever met, and I can't wait to run away with you." Peggy whispered. They hugged for a moment before stepping away quickly when the doors opened. It was Laurens. "I thought I heard you in here! Maria, Peggy, it's your guy's turn to go down. Peggy you go in five, and Maria you follow. Good luck." With that he shut the door. Peggy gave Maria one last look before standing in front of the doors to the room that would break her heart and tear her sisters away from her. She tried not to think of it that way. She loved Maria too much to cry. Peggy knew that in a few short hours, they could finally be together after fourteen long months of sneaking around. She found Lafayette and he narrowed his eyes at her before quickly locking arms. She smiled up at the ravishing Frenchman before the doors opened. Peggy and Lafayette moved slowly down the aisle. Peggy wasn't as nervous when she saw her sister at the end. She was so happy for her, but terrified for what she would say when she found out about her and Maria's secret.

As they got closer to the end of the long aisle, Peggy noticed that Lafayette was leaning in to tell her something. Maybe her skirt was ruffled or her hair was messy or something. He put his lips to her ear and whispered, "I know your secret, Peggy." Her eyes were wide and burst out of her head and she gasped. Her face was red for the rest of the walk down the aisle. She was relieved to see her spot next to Angelica. Peggy quickly let go of Lafayette's arm and stood in her place, trying to catch her breath, but attempting to look as normal as possible.
Angelica knew Peggy too well. She knew something was wrong. She looked at her sister and whispered, "Peggy, what is bothering you?"
Peggy blushed and said, "Oh nothing, I'm just so excited for you!"

Peggy cried again as she watched Eliza walk down the aisle with her father; both of them sporting huge smiles. She couldn't believe that she was about to ruin all of it. The tall oak doors opened for the last time to reveal Maria. Peggy cried even harder. If anyone asked, she would just say it was because everything was so beautiful. I mean, technically, she was right. Her and Maria kept eye contact as she walked down the aisle. Maria finally reached the end and gave Angelica and Eliza a hug. The ceremony continued, with them all exchanging vows and rings. Peggy got nervous when she heard Maria's vows. They sounded very sincere, but she knew deep down that she wasn't in love with them, she was in love with Peggy.

The ceremony ended, and everyone walked into the dining hall for the reception. Peggy knew that Maria was telling them the news right at that very moment. So, when Angelica and Eliza walked into the room elated, and hollering, she was confused. Suddenly, Peggy was tugged into another room off the side. She looked up to her captor, and it was her love. Maria had the biggest grin on her face. "Peggy, they said they knew the entire time, and that if this is what I really wanted, I didn't have to marry them." Peggy was shocked. She didn't expect her sisters to be so understanding. "So... what did you do?" Maria smiled even wider, "I told them that I want to be with you." Peggy pulled Maria in and put her lips against hers. They separated and walked back into the dining hall. She saw that the newly weds were dancing and everyone was laughing and having fun. "Maria, would you like to dance?" Peggy beamed. "Of course, my love." Peggy led her to the dance floor, and they swayed to the music.

Thomas and Alexander stood to the side. "See, Alex I knew something was up." Alex just beamed up to Thomas with dreamy eyes. "I love you." Thomas chuckled. "I love you too, Lex." They sat down, and Alex fell asleep against Thomas' chest. "Goodnight, darling."