Neither Alexander nor I slept last night. We didn't say anything to each other, just lay there with our backs to each other.
The next day was job searching. Alexander would search around and I'd look around to get a layout of the new town, searching for markets and what not.
I tried avoiding the stares I got because of my unusual red dress. Everyone was used to it in Albany, but women normally wear quieter, lighter colors like my sisters. But there was no way I was giving up my color, especially with Miss Reynolds trying to wear it too.
Maria Reynolds. I didn't trust her, not for a second. Why Alexander did, I have no clue. She was pretty, yes. Almost too pretty.
Something caught my eye and I stopped walking, glancing over. A small shop stood there, no one walking in or out. A sign was nailed above the door. Reading and Writing for the Youth.
I shrugged and walked over, opening the aged door. A little bell rang and I looked around.
Shelves lined every wall, books upon books. Books in the shelves, on desks and chairs. It was about the size of our room at the inn, yet the books gave it larger dimensions.
On the other side of the room lay a circular table with eight chairs around it, empty books and quills scattered throughout. The writing section!
In the center of the room was a clerk desk and a giant navy blue rug, the only new thing in here.
"Hello?" I said cautiously. A man and a woman popped up from under the desk, very close in appearances. "Hi!"
They walked over to me and smiled. The women spoke first, smoothing her large, thick dark curls. "I'm Jemima, but you can call me Jem!" She shook my hand enthusiastically as the man spoke next. "And I'm Josiah, Jem's brother!"
I laughed at their energy and said, "I'm Y/N!" They smiled and finally let go of my hand. What was most unusual about them wasn't how energetic they were, but because they weren't white.
Was that why no one came here? It wasn't like this in Albany. Plenty of people let their servants own businesses. Maybe here was different.
"So, Jem, Josiah, how long have you owned this little shop?" I asked, walking around with them.
"Oh we inherited it! After we were freed by our former 'owner'" Josiah paused and looked bleak at the word before resuming, "his son gave us this shop!"
Free? Thats possible! I have to tell father in a letter! "And you teach people to write?" They nodded and Jem added, "Read too! Not too many people, especially women, can read in Charleston. Can you?" I nodded and they smiled even more.
"I was lucky to be taught young. I can write too! I just can't form stories or anything, I just know how." Josiah clicked his tongue and said, "We shall teach you! Jem is great with helping form original ideas and I can help with grammar!"
I angled my head at the last word. "Grammar?" He blinked and realized I was confused. "Oh, grammar is the right way to speak! You wouldn't say 'a dogs,' you'd say 'a dog' or 'the dogs.' Thats grammar!"
I nodded in understanding. "How do you know all this?" Jem gestured to the shelves. "Books! We taught ourselves to read and we learned from them!"
This place was wonderful! "I love this place! How much is it?" They both laughed and shook their heads. "Its free! Why pay for knowledge?" I blinked in surprise. Free?
"We're open three days a week. We work the other four. Gotta make a living." I could hear the sad tones in her voice, but she quickly masked them by adding, "We're open thursday, friday, and saturday. Sun up to sun down!"
I smiled and looked outside. It was noon already?! I had to keep looking around town! I looked to the siblings and said, "I have to go, but I'll be back tomorrow!" They gave me skeptical looks for a moment before nodding. "Goodbye, Y/N, it was a pleasure meeting you!"
I waved goodbye and headed outside, getting more looks.
I walked down the street calmly, occasionally buying fruits and things and putting them in my basket. By sun down, my basket was full with food and trinkets I collected. I turned to head back before bumping into someone, staggering back and dropping some oranges.
I gasped and started to apologize before I saw who I ran into.
"Oh I'm sorry! Let me- oh, its you." Maria said, her tone getting a little sour.
I picked up the fruit on my own and she watched. "Me and Alexander have no interest in you and your husbands business, thank you for the offer." I started walking away, stopping when she said, "Then why did I just see him talking to my husband?"
I bristled and snapped, "What?"
She nodded and walked to me. I turned and faced her. "They were talking while I was walking around town. I advise talking to your fellow soldier about business deals before talking to me." I glared at her and scowled. "Keep you and your husband away from Alexander and I."
I walked away, ignoring her next snide comment.

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The World Is Our Stage - Alexander Hamilton x reader - SEQUEL
FanfictionTHIS IS THE SEQUEL TO "Shy From The Spotlight - Alexander Hamilton x reader" SO PLEASE READ THAT FIRST! Thank you. * * After going on the run with Alexander, Y/N finds that there's more to the world, and the...