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

Chapter XI: Odd Happenings

Alex had asked his adopted father to drop him and Maria off at the arraigned restaurant that evening. It was a nice place, with good food and all that, but not overly expensive or fancy.

They picked Maria up at her house before heading down to the restaurant. She was dressed in a pretty deep red dress that came down almost to her knees and a pair of black sandals, her wavy hair falling over her shoulders.

Alex's adopted father dropped them off with a promise to be back when Alex called to say they were done, and the young couple settled themselves across a table from each other, picking up their menus.

There was little talk as they considered what to eat, and Alex found it was an uncomfortable silence. Shifting uneasily in his seat, he began to speak.

"So. . . How was your day?"

"Oh, it was alright," Maria answered carelessly, her eyes scanning the menu. "School."

Having decided on his order, Alex put down his menu. "I enjoy school. The challenge in enthralling."

Maria shrugged, setting down her menu as well. "Can't say I feel the same."

They ordered and Alex found himself babbling on about his school assignments, and projects. Maria didn't say much, just listened. When the food came they ate in silence, Alex occasionally making a comment on the food.

After they finished eating Alex found that he couldn't wait to get out of there, and called his adopted father to pick them up.

Alex walked Maria up to her door, and, before she went inside she gave him a peck on the cheek, leaving sticky traces of lipstick behind.

Slightly dazed, Alex walked back to the car.

°°°

The next day was. . . Odd to say the least.

The class presented the persuasive essays they had been working on, and Alex was confident he would get the best grade. He had carefully planned his paper out, and was very proud of how it had gone.

He was second to last in presenting, and most of the other students' presentations blurred together. They were all what was expected.

Burr's drifted around, never seeming to get have any specific point; Madison's sounded rambling and idiotic; and Washington's was incredibly convincing.

To his surprise, Jefferson's paper, even though he had had to write it quickly to get it in on time, was fiery and almost convinced Alex of the point being argued.

Almost.

When it was his turn to go up, he was sure he would blow the rest of the class away. But, to his surprise, the teacher didn't seem quiet as enthusiastic in praising his as she usually did. Most of the praise went to Jefferson.

No, he told himself, that couldn't be. He must've just imagined it.

°°°
   
Later that day, Alex saw Burr talking to Angelica, who was laughing.

He frowned.

Burr? Making someone laugh? What was that about?

Lafayette joined him on the way to their next class, and they chatted as they walked. But then, all of a sudden, a bright grin came over the other boy's face. Brighter than usual, that is.

"Would you look at that! Looks like John won't have to worry about that Schuyler girl anymore!"

Alex followed Lafayette's gaze and saw Peggy hanging on someone's leg.

But it wasn't just anyone.

"Maria?"

He blinked.

Then blinked again.

But it was. And she didn't even seem to mind.

"Looks like your girl has found a new friend!" Lafayette laughed.

Shaking his head, Alex kept walking down the hall.

°°°

"Alright everyone," Washington's voice carried easily through the classroom, "I have an important announcement to make."

It took a moment, but finally everyone quieted down enough for him to continue.

"I'm sorry to say that I will be stepping down from my position of class president."

A shocked murmur ran through the class. Washington held up his hand for silence.

"There has been a lot going on recently, especially at home, and I felt that it would be better that I step down so that someone who will be more engaged in the job can take over. Good luck to everyone."

"Thank you Mr. Washington," The teacher said, standing as the boy made his way back to his seat, "we will be allowing new parties to form and run again for the position of class president. . ."

The teacher continued to talk, but Alex had stopped listening. Washington was stepping down? Who in the world could replace him?

But then again, maybe this was good. Maybe it was Alex's chance to become class vice-president!

But as Alex looked around the room, he realized that he wouldn't want to be vice-president to anyone but Washington. And now that that chance was gone, he needed to do whatever he could to make sure the right person took over power.

Alex's eyes met Burr's across the room, and narrowed.

This was no time for pacifism.

A/N: Vote and comment if you think it's funny that my little brother is trying to arrest me at nerf gun-point as I write this author's note.