The Hamilsquad™

Chapter Two

Angelica's P.O.V

I scrolled through Instagram on my phone endlessly, double tapping every post that came my way. My notifications were blowing up at the moment, there was an argument on my page. Again. A classic 'it's a sin to be gay' debate. When will The Heterosexuals™ stop?

I shut off my phone for a little and closed my eyes gently, letting the melodic purrs of my wonderful cat fill my ears. I was lying down on top of my bed, and I could faintly hear the excited squeals as Eliza and Maria were revising basic commands with Princess. Maria would be staying over for a while for dinner. She literally lives next door to us but likes to hang out with us. I reopened my eyes to gaze at my cat, Bear, sleeping next to me and snuggling into my side.

Bear had sleek black fur and dazzling green eyes which were now shut in his little doze, but he was beautiful inside and out. However, he only had three legs because he got hit by a car as a kitten and had to have his right hind limb amputated. However, Bear still purrs constantly and is an amazing companion - also astoundingly tolerant of the eager Princess.

I let out my ponytail and my dark, poofy hair cascaded over my shoulders. I kissed Bear on the forehead before getting up, about to leave my room for a snack. That's when I heard from Peggy's room,

"Fuck, fuck, fuck..."

What ever could have gotten her into that mood? Was she on the phone to someone? Was she okay? I leaned in a little closer to the wall to hear more clearly.

"What am I going to do?"

Well, Big Sister™ is here to the rescue, I thought.

The secret knock. The secret knock the three of us have used for years. I tapped my knuckles against my younger sister's bedroom door three times, and there was silence. Some hesitation, I presume. After a short while two knocks came back in reply. I opened the door and slid into Peggy's room.

"Pegs, what's up?" I asked, noticing how dishevelled she looked.

"Angie," she grabbed my shoulders and stared at me dead in the eye, "I need some serious help. But whatever you do, absolutely do not tell Laf, Maria, or... Eliza."

That's when I knew something was wrong. The three of us never kept secrets from one another.

"Okay. Go on," I said hesitantly.

"Angie, I'm like the worst person ever. I'm... I'm... I think I have a crush on Maria." Peggy said in a rush, a blur.

What? It took me a few moments for her words to sink in.

"Don't hate me, please!" Peggy shrieked. "I hate myself for it!"

"I could never hate you, Pegs!" I exclaimed. She looked close to tears. "First of all, why do you think you may like Maria?"

"Well... actually... uh..." Peggy went in deep thought for a moment. "She's... beautiful! How could you not be physically attracted to her? I don't know her as well as the others in the squad, but she seems sweet and kind. I just really wish I could punch her. Softly. In the mouth. With my mouth."

Peggy only said the "punching softly with my mouth on their mouth" when she really wanted to kiss or cuddle someone.

"Pegs, I hate to say this, but those feelings are more... lust. Not quite love." I pointed out, carefully crafting my words.

"But, she's... ugh."

"How do you feel about Lafayette?"

"I love him, he's a great guy. He's very kind to me and loving and caring... I also think he's pretty cute... but then there's Maria..."

"Who do you like more?"

"Ugh... I hate to say this... but while I do like Laf a lot, these feelings for Maria are overpowering just a little bit."

"Who would you rather be with; Maria, or Laf?"

"In all honesty, Laf. If I got with Maria, Eliza would hate me."

"Well..." I said, holding my breath. "I honestly don't know. I'm sorry, Pegs. I've never dealt with this kind of situation before, but I'm always here to talk, okay?"

"Okay. Thanks, Angie."

"Anytime."

Eliza's P.O.V

Maria and I were cuddling on the couch, watching a movie. Princess curled up between us, as well as Bear. My hand lazily stroked their feather-soft coats as my eyes were glued to the screen. I wasn't actually watching the show anymore. Something was on my mind.

I squirmed in my seat and a soft hand placed over mine. "'Liza? Are you okay?" Maria's voice sounded. Her chocolate brown eyes stared into mine.

"Something's been on my mind lately," I whispered.

Maria shuffled in a little closer. "Do you mind venting to me about it? I'd be happy to listen to you. I'm all ears."

"Well..." I scooted in closer, and the puppy and cat shifted positions slightly. Princess rested her head on my knee, that sweet, innocent little face. Bear cuddled into Maria's leg like the little sweetheart he is. "I've noticed Peggy has been acting very strange around me and you lately. I've been asking her what's wrong but she won't tell. She seems uncomfortable and won't look at us directly in the eye anymore... I'm worried, 'Ria, she's hiding something from me, I just know it!" my voice rose an octave at the last sentence.

"I have been noticing that lately too. And Angelica, too. She's still comfortable around us but she's still being acting different lately." Maria added in thoughtfully.

"They're both hiding something from us, I can feel it," I mumbled. "But... why? We've always been close. We never keep secrets from one another... so why?"

Maria leant in for a tight hug, and when she let go, she confessed, "Don't tell anyone, this is just between you and me, but have you noticed Peggy acting abnormal around Laf? Because I have. It's like she's hiding something from him, too."

I considered it for a moment then nodded my head. "Yes, you're right. Should we go talk to him about it and see if he's noticed as well?"

"Sure - let's make a group chat tomorrow in the morning. I'm tired and need to get back to my apartment." Maria agreed.

"That's okay. Good night, love." I kissed my girlfriend on the lips quickly and she kissed back. With one last hug, and after saying her farewells to Princess and Bear, she left and I shut the door behind her.

What would Peggy and Angelica hide from me?