Eliza, Alexander, and the Great Commotion of Jefferson's Rude Invasion

Chapter IX: Say No

Alex stalked proudly through school all day. He held his head up high and stared straight in front of him every time he had to pass Jefferson. He couldn't help smirking at the bruise that had formed on the other boy's cheek, and had been triumphant when John informed him that Jefferson had had to go to the nurse for ice.

Now, Alex, John, Lafayette, and Mulligan sat at their normal table as they ate their lunch. Mulligan, who had lived in that area for the longest, was telling them what he knew of Jefferson.

"He was always really pompous; thought he was better than all he rest of us." Mulligan leaned against the table, his face showing his obvious disgust for the other boy. "He was especially close with Madison and Angelica, but Adams and Washington were also on his side. The rest of us didn't like him much. He was a jerk. Moved away years ago. Can't say I was sad to see him go."

"And now he's back," John finished for him.

"Madison was his friend?" Alex asked, and Mulligan nodded.

"They were really close. Spent all their time together."

"Can't say I'm surprised," Alex snorted. "Birds of a feather, after all."

"So he's come back now?" Lafayette asked. "Why?"

"Visiting his Grandparents apparently. Said the school let him in. Can't say I support the idea." Alex sighed. "I really despise that boy."

"Did you guys hear what happened to Philip the other day?" John asked, changing the subject.

Alex groaned. "I honestly don't care."

"What happened?" Mulligan asked.

"Got into a fight. Apparently one of the older boys was insulting Alex."

That got Alex's attention. "What?"

John nodded. "Yeah, the punk said something about you overreacting, and little Philip called him out on it. Got himself punched in the jaw."

Alex gasped.

"Apparently he was really brave about it, barely made a peep. But they got Angelica and Eliza anyway, had to take him home."

"Wow. Didn't think that little guy had it in him." Alex was amazed.

"We should go visit him," Mulligan said.

"Totally," Alex agreed.

"Ha! For once Alex wants to see him!" Lafayette grinned.

That's when Maria Reynolds walked over to their table.

"Hey. . ." She seemed smug. "Hamilton, can I talk to you?"

"Of course." Alex followed her out of the cafeteria.

She leaned up against the wall. "I was wondering. . . Will you go out with me?"

Alex paused. "Are you asking to be my girlfriend?"

She smiled slightly, her red lips curling upwards. "You catch on fast."

He smiled back. "Wanna go out for dinner tomorrow night?"

She laughed. "Is that a yes?"

"Uh. . ." He hesitated. Did he really want this? But then again, how could he say no to her? "Yes."

"Good." She smirked. "So. . . Where will we be going for dinner?"

°°°

As Alex left the school that day Angelica Schuyler stalked up to him.

"Hamilton, I need to talk to you."

Alex rolled his eyes. What was it with people always wanting to talk to him?

They stood off to the side, and Alex shoved his hands in his pockets. "What is it?"

"Well first of all, my brother got himself into a fight because of you. But that was partially on him for not realizing you weren't worth it." She set her hands on her hips. "But then this morning my little sister comes up to me sobbing because of something you said."

Alex rolled his eyes again. "She's overreacting."

"That's not the way it sounded to me! Eliza is the sweetest, most innocent girl in the world. She was always shy about spending time with you, but she loved it. She would come home glowing, telling me stories about how much fun she had with you and your friends. And then you have to go and tell her she's worthless and a burden! And of course she believes you! Because she values other people and what they think, and isn't confident in who she is yet!"

Alex felt a flash of guilt. He hadn't meant to hurt her. And he didn't really mean what he'd said. He'd just been angry and taken it out on her.

But he pushed those thoughts down. He couldn't admit he was wrong. Word would get around that he'd backed down, and he couldn't afford that. Especially with this Jefferson kid around.

"She should've left me alone," he growled. "It was her own fault." But his heart wasn't in his words.

"No. It was your fault. She's a beautiful, innocent, sweet girl, and deserves better than a jerk like you. So you leave her alone! I don't want to see you anywhere near her, and if I do. . ." she glared at him long and hard, "things won't be pretty.

Alex glared back. "I'll do what I want, with who I want. You can't stop me."

Angelica laughed dryly. "Oh you have no idea Hamilton. You have no idea."

And with that, she stalked away, leaving a guilty Alex behind her.

A/N: Go Angelica!!

Thanks to everyone who voted and commented on this and the last chapter! :)

I'm so sorry I didn't update yesterday! I forgot until it was too late!